Chapter THREE

"It's so hot," complained Sami with a groan, "I feel like I'm melting."

"Mm," mumbled EJ, still awash in endorphins from his climax.

Sami went to move off him then, still lying on her back, draped partially over the top of him but he stopped her.

"Where do you think you're going missy?" he growled in her ear and Sami giggled as he put a possessive arm around her waist, keeping her put.

"It's too hot EJ," she informed him, "How can you bear to have me all over you like this - you must be dying."

"The only thing I can't bear is not to be touching you," he whispered huskily in her ear and Sami bit her lip at how his confession made her feel but somewhere in the back of her head Esme's unwanted warning whispered to her.

"I think about you day and night," he continued on, his hand moving to stroke her flat stomach now, "I can't eat, I can't sleep - all I want is you."

"I feel the same way EJ," Sami said unevenly, wishing it wasn't true but unable to help herself, "But I feel so guilty for saying that, for feeling that way. Lucas…"

"No," he said abruptly, moving her then so that she was on the bed again and he moved himself over the top of her, supporting his weight with his hands either side of her and looking down at her intensely, "We don't talk about him when we're together… remember our deal. Nothing else matters when we're together, no one else exists except for the two of us."

Sami looked up at him and swallowed hard at seeing how fiercely he was looking down at her. She so wished it was that simple but as this affair continued on and slowly took over every aspect of her life so couldn't stop the guilt that came with it. This was so wrong but when EJ touched her it was like he said, nothing else mattered.

It drove EJ crazy to hear the other man's name on her lips, making him almost shake with jealousy. He'd never experienced that before with a woman, it was always the other way round, like with Nicole. She was suspicious of his every move although to be fair, she had good reason to be nowadays. EJ didn't like how out of control it made him feel, as though he could just hunt down the man that Sami shared her bed with every night and kill him with his bare hands and not think twice about it. It was crazy because it wasn't like his bed was empty of a night time either but it was like knife in his stomach to think of anyone other than him touching her, having her like this.

He was too frightened to ask if she was still sleeping with her husband, feeling like the answer might rip out his heart. Somewhere the sensible part of his brain told him she must be. He after all still had to 'perform' for Nicole just to ease her suspicions but it was getting harder and harder for him to maintain his act. The last couple of times he'd had to close his eyes and imagine Sami's softness underneath him just to be able to come up with the goods so to speak. The last time he'd been so close to screaming out Samantha's name at his end that he'd had to bite down so hard on his tongue that he tasted blood.

This situation was becoming hopeless and EJ knew it couldn't go on much longer like this. He'd never excelled at monogamy before but with Sami he found himself hating himself for even going anywhere near Nicole, as though Sami was the woman he was cheating on and not the other way round. Somehow these stolen moments alone with this woman had become the real relationship and his marriage just an annoyance to be manoeuvred around. EJ wanted more than an hour or two snatched here and there from Sami but he wasn't sure what she wanted. He could see in her eyes how the guilt was eating her up inside but he just was uncertain what her reaction would be if he told her of his growing need for more. She wasn't the sort of girl to have married lightly and he didn't know if she would be prepared to give up her marriage for him like he now realised he wanted to do for her.

"Tell me you want me Samantha," he ordered her, his voice suddenly urgent and demanding.

"I do," she said softly, looking up at him in confusion at how intently he was looking down at her suddenly, "You know I do EJ."

She put her hands to his chest and felt the way his heart was beating erratically against her palm.

"More than him?" he asked her through gritted teeth, holding himself tensely above her as he held her gaze fiercely.

"I… I thought we weren't allowed to talk about them," said Sami breathlessly, feeling the power in EJ's tightly coiled muscles, knowing perhaps she should be more frightened of this man but instead finding herself becoming excited by his suddenly forceful neediness.

Her body responded to the rampant maleness he was exuding, new wetness between her legs causing the ache in her core to reignite, needing him again. EJ scowled as she didn't answer his question, his jealousy overtaking him and he bent his head, crushing her lips in an almost brutal kiss but she met it hungrily, becoming pliant under him and letting him plunder her mouth as much as he wanted, acquiescing to his every demand.

Sami arched her back, rubbing her hardening nipples against his chest, the roughness of his chest hair making them bud even more tightly, making them both groan. His hand sought out her core and he made a guttural sound at finding her absolutely soaking wet for him which only made her body produce more of the juices that he found so pleasing.

"My… my lunch break is almost up," she warned him breathlessly, some part of her desire addled brain still functioning… just.

"You're going to be late," he growled at her and Sami revelled in the way he would take charge like this.

He pushed her legs apart and plunged his renewed hardness into her without any further warning making her cry out. Hearing her scream like that only excited EJ more and the way she was looking up at him in awe, EJ just knew that her husband never gave it to her as good as he did. EJ wanted to mark her, claim her as his so that she could never go back to that husband of hers and let him so much as lay a finger on her. Sami gasped as he began to thrust into her almost roughly. Usually after their first frantic coming together EJ would take his time with her, pleasuring them both for a long time but there was an neediness, an urgent desperation to his thrusts that told her that this coupling wasn't going to be that. EJ kissed her again, hungrily, his tongue mimicking the actions of his lower body and making Sami's head swim.

Sami's breath started to come in helpless pants, her hips meeting his and EJ could feel that she wanted to climax again. He knew as soon as she did he wouldn't be able to stop himself from following her and didn't want it to end yet because as soon as he climaxed he knew she'd be having to leave him and EJ couldn't endure letting her go anymore. He felt her nails digging into his back as her arousal grew and Sami began to lose control of herself, knowing they'd be leaving marks that he'd have to explain but simply didn't care.

"Hold on for me sweetheart," he begged her, his own voice little more than a rasp now, his breathing so laboured that every breath was painful but he didn't care.

"Oh EJ!" she gasped weakly and then screamed out as he moved, penetrating her at a slightly different angle and hitting a spot deep inside of her that just made her whole body go rigid, "OH GOD!"

"Like that!" he encouraged her excitedly, anchoring himself more firmly and finding that magical spot inside of Sami again and again, each thrust hitting it perfectly, "Scream for me sweetheart - show me how much you love having me inside you!"

"OH MY GOD!"

Sami arched her back at the unbelievable sensation, unable to do anything but scream her head off.

"GOD YES… YES… OHHHH… EJ… EJ… EJ… DON'T STOP… DON'T EVER STOP… PLEASE GOD!"

Sami groaned and moaned helplessly, delirious with pleasure almost certain that she was going to die from what he was doing to her. The way she was responding to him and the feel of her slick heat enveloping him over and over again caused the painful throbbing of his member to only intensify and swell even more, causing them both to cry out. Both of their bodies were so slick with sweat, their own and each others that their bodies slide over one another's easily. EJ went down on his elbows now, desperate to feel every inch of her against him, not wanting to miss out on touching even the smallest part of her.

"Can't!" she gasped, beginning to shake her head wildly, "Can't stop EJ… OH GOD… I CAN'T!"

"SAMANTHA!" EJ cried out her name as he felt her begin to orgasm, her walls bearing down so hard on him that it made him whimper mindlessly from the pleasure she was causing him.

A final hard thrust and he was emptying himself into her, amazed that after his last climax that his body could manage anything more for her but he was insatiable when it came to her and always seemed to find more of himself to give her in these last intensely pleasurable moments of their union. Sami's throat was hoarse from sobbing out her delight for him even as she wrung the same ecstatic cries from his own lips, her body convulsing around his still rigid manhood, milking every last drop of goodness from him. Finally they were done with each other but their bodies still throbbed and resonated with the intense gratification of furious lovemaking.

"EJ!" gasped Sami, her breathing already laboured from her exertions; she pushed on his shoulders, slippery from his sweat, "Can't… can't breathe."

EJ groaned, forcing himself to withdraw from her loveliness and roll to one side, an exhausted, sweaty mess.

"Oh wow," sighed Sami dazedly, looking up at the ceiling and waiting for her body to calm down some more, "How do you make me feel that good EJ? I swear - it's gotta be illegal."

EJ gave a tired little laugh, looking up at the ceiling as well, not caring if they never got out of this bed again.

"Well in that case lock me up sweetheart," he told her with a grin, turning his head and looking at her beautiful, glowing face beside him on the bed, "Because I'm not planning on stopping any time soon."

Sami grinned at that but his light hearted words suddenly hit a chord in her. Just how long exactly did he see this going on for Sami wondered? If Esme was to be believed this was about the time EJ DiMera would cut and run and Sami had been doing her best to prepare for it despite telling her friend that it was different with her. The truth was she'd fallen for this man… utterly. It was madness and an immortal sin but she couldn't stop herself. She was helpless to resist him. The way he was with her, the things he said and the way they made love it seemed impossible to Sami that he didn't feel the same way.

Going home to Lucas after each of these passionate trysts was becoming harder and harder and she could barely look him in the eye these days. Lucas didn't deserve this and it made her so angry at herself sometimes for being so weak. Every day she told herself that today was the day she'd do the right thing and end this before anyone got hurt… except for herself of course. It was going to kill her when he ended this which common sense told her he would and moreover that he should. They both should.

"When can I see you again?" he asked her, a hand going to her face and the back of his knuckle grazing her cheek ever so softly, "When are you working at the Club next?"

"You've done this before haven't you EJ?" asked Sami, avoiding the question.

EJ didn't answer immediately and Sami regretted breaking the moment but she couldn't help herself.

"Had affairs I mean," she pushed him.

EJ sighed heavily and then nodded.

"Yes," he said truthfully.

"I haven't," she said quietly, "Lu… my husband is the only man I've ever been with… until now."

EJ rolled on his side, propping his head up with one hand and looked at her steadily..

"I know that Samantha," he told her softly, forcing himself to remain calm at the mention of the other man's name again - calling him her husband really didn't soften the blow any somehow, "Look at me Samantha."

Sami hesitated but then gave in, feeling his steady gaze boring into the side of her face. She turned her head and met his gaze nervously.

"Samantha I…" EJ began but didn't get to finish as there was the sound of a door slamming down stairs.

"Your wife!" exclaimed Sami in horror, "Oh my god EJ!"

"It's alright," he told her, quickly sitting up and jumping out of bed.

He looked back to see Sami frozen to the spot, too horrified to move.

"Up sweetheart," he told her, going over to her side of the bed and grabbing her slip as he did, handing it to her, "You'll have to hide and I'll get rid of her."

"EJ," said Sami, with real fear in her eyes.

This had never happened before and it made the reality of what they were doing home to Sami in rather forcefully. EJ quickly pulled her off the bed, scooping up the rest of Sami's clothes as she pulled her slip over her head and he in turn pulled his boxers on. He then bundled her into the large walk in wardrobe.

"Don't panic Samantha," he told her urgently, seeing the stricken look on her face, "It will be fine - just get dressed and I'll get you out of here - okay?"

Sami nodded mutely, clutching her clothes to her chest as EJ closed the door to the wardrobe leaving Sami standing half naked in the dim light of some other woman's closet. She closed her eyes and wondered how she'd ever managed to let something like this happen. EJ for his part was trying to remain as calm as he'd sounded for Sami. Whatever was going to happen when it came to Samantha and himself this was not how he wanted things to come to a head between himself and Nicole. EJ liked to be in control and this had the potential to be very messy it he didn't handle it just right. He turned around, rubbing his nose as he thought quickly.

He walked over to the French doors that led out onto the balcony and flung them wide open, intent on trying to air the room a little so there would be no trace of Samantha or what they'd been doing for the last hour left. Her scent still clung to EJ though, he could smell it in his nostrils and despite the seriousness of the situation he breathed it in deeply, revelling in having it on his skin. EJ pulled on his robe and took a calming breath, preparing himself to face the music as he heard Nicole's footsteps up the stairs.

Sami scrambled to get dressed, feeling like she might not be so frightened if she was at least fully clothed. She heard his wife enter the room, them greet each other as she dressed. She'd only ever seen Nicole DiMera from afar. Tall, thin, rich and beautiful… all the things Sami knew she wasn't and couldn't help the flash of jealousy towards the other woman.

"… of course there is no other woman Nicole… you're my wife… I pledged you my fidelity in our vows remember…"

Sami clutched her purse tightly to her chest, suddenly anguished to hear how well EJ could lie when he wanted to. He was lying to his wife's face, the other woman - her - stashed away in a closet like the dirty secret she was. Suddenly all those wonderful things he'd said to her came flooding back to Sami as she listened in on their conversation.

"Nicole sweetheart… of course I love you… you're the only woman for me… you know that… so please, no more of this foolish jealousy eh?"

Sami shook her head at how convincing he sounded and realised that he'd just been toying with her this whole time. She'd let herself believe that he actually might have been falling for her as much as she was him and the thought made her feel unbelievably foolish now as she listened to him declare his undying love for his wife. She was nothing to him but a bit of fun - Esme had been right all along. Sami had almost destroyed her whole life, hurt someone she loved in Lucas and all for what? So a bored playboy could point her out to his poker buddies and tell her how he 'banged' that one.

She felt the tears well up in her eyes but she determinedly fought them back. She'd created this mess by being so weak and stupid but she could fix it now once and for all. EJ and Nicole's voices became a bit fainter and she realised that they'd walked into the bathroom for some reason and Sami seized her opportunity. She bolted from the closet and the bedroom door like the devil himself was on her heels and made good her escape just before EJ and Nicole walked out of the bathroom together.

"I just don't know what else you want me to say Nicole," bit out EJ in annoyance, his patience starting to slip, "There is no other woman and I just can't see why you won't take my word for it?"

"Just remember if there ever is then I'm going to make you regret it big time mister," she said snippily, "I made you what you are today and I can just as easily take away all of your toys with a snap of my fingers if you don't make me happy."

"Have I ever told me how attractive you are to me when you threaten me?" asked EJ with thinly veiled sarcasm.

"Just play by the rules Junior," said Nicole sweetly, "And no one gets hurt."

Husband and wife sized each other up then before EJ smiled charmingly at her.

"How would you like to go out for dinner tonight sweetheart?" he asked her, changing the subject, "Give you a chance to show off your new hairdo?"

"You noticed," smiled Nicole, primping ever so slightly before shrugging, "Yeah sure… why not."

"I'm just going to get dressed and I'll meet you downstairs for some pre-dinner drinks eh?" he suggested.

"Take a shower," she advised him, wrinkling her nose at him a little, "You're all sweaty."

"That's an excellent idea darling," said EJ smoothly, "I think I'll do just that."

EJ watched as Nicole left the room and gave her a couple of seconds to be on her way before hurrying over to the walk in closet.

"She's gone," he told Sami as he opened the doors but stopped short when he saw that he was talking to thin air, "… as you seem to be."

EJ frowned and looked around, wondering how she'd managed to get out without him noticing. He walked over to the bed room door and opened it, sticking his head out and looking around. Seeing no one he closed it again and leant heavily back on it, grabbing himself a cigarette from the bed stand and lighting up, taking a calming drag, inhaling the smoke deeply.

Well that could have been a lot worse EJ decided. He'd go and check on Sami later, make sure she was alright. She'd looked pretty shaken by it all but for EJ it was not exactly the first close call he'd had. But it was the first time he was worried about the woman involved. He just needed to give Nicole the slip at some point and then he'd be able to check on Sami somehow. There was always the option of taking Nicole to Club Marlowe - two birds, one stone - but EJ knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate knowing Sami was just outside the room. Even though he was famous for his poker face he doubted nowadays that he could pull off uninterested around the young woman. He had been telling her the truth when he said he thought of nothing else but being with her and he was already longing for their next meeting, for her to look at him, smile and say his name. It was all he lived for these days.

oooOOOOooo

EJ blew out a frustrated breath and glowered down at Esme, even though it wasn't her fault.

"What do you mean she's not here?" asked EJ in annoyance.

"She called in sick… sir," said Esme, clearly unimpressed with the man in front of her.

Unlike her young friend she'd been around the block enough times to know that something had happened between these two and could plainly see it wasn't good.

"This is the third day in a row that I've called in and Samantha hasn't been here," said EJ in aggravation.

EJ hadn't seen hide nor hair of Samantha since that afternoon Nicole had nearly walked in on them. It was like she'd gone into that cupboard and disappeared off the face of the earth. He'd tried calling her and leaving messages in their usual place but every time he returned it was only to find his own unopened notes. She hadn't returned to work in all that time and EJ was beginning to become nervous, suddenly worried that he might never see Sami again and the thought made him want to be physically ill.

"I guess she's real sick sir," said Esme, giving nothing away and holding his gaze steadily.

EJ ground his teeth in frustration, seeing that the woman on the other side of the counter was not going to be any use to him if she could help it.

"EJ."

EJ turned his head to see Philip standing there, looking at him thoughtfully.

"A minute of your time?" he asked the other man but it wasn't so much a question as an order.

EJ scowled, not in the mood for being friendly with any one right now as his concerns for Samantha began to grow by the minute but then he thought Philip might know something he didn't so he nodded and followed him into the club, carelessly shrugging out of his coat and handing it distractedly to Esme. Esme shook her head and tutted.

She'd just known this was going to end badly…