Part 27:

Alexis Carrington couldn't shake the feeling that this was a really bad idea.

And as the limousine pulled onto the long drive that led to the Dexter homestead that feeling only grew in intensity. Why had she given in and agreed to come after all? All it had taken was one sentence from Blake about needing her and she had caved, what was it Katherine Hepburn had said about a woman having no defence against being needed?

Well right now Alexis wished the was no truth in that statement because it was a somewhat bitter pill to swallow, realising that all her resolve and determination to only do what was right for herself seemed to vanish in the light of Blake needing her. If it had been anyone else Alexis would herself have scoffed at how weak and pathetic they were.

It was only of slight consolation that Blake now at least knew her fears about being trapped in this house with a pervert like Sam Dexter. He had promised repeatedly not to leave her alone with the man, a promise that had been echoed by Cecil who fortunately was also attending the party. So with both men looking after her it was highly unlikely that Sam would even have the opportunity to make her so much as uncomfortable let alone feel threatened in some way?

Yet whilst she knew that logically she was in little danger she only wished someone would explain that to her gut which seemed to be twisting itself into knots.

"It will be alright Alexis I promise." Blake's words were spoken softly yet with such confidence and certainty Alexis found herself believing him.

Sighing Alexis tried to relax yet even without Sam's unwanted attentions they were still about to spend the weekend under the microscope; it would be their greatest test to date because this time they would be playing Mr & Mrs Blake Carrington for forty-eight hours straight with no timeouts or space to regroup.

No space…

Alexis couldn't help but wonder if that thought had yet to occur to Blake?

True they weren't married but they had been and everyone thought they were in a relationship so it was more than likely given the space restraints of hosting so many guests that they would be expected to share a bedroom. Alexis had considered mentioning it just so that they could talk it over but something had stopped her.

Perhaps it was just a perverse sense of humour, after all Blake's face would be picture worthy when the penny finally dropped. Or perhaps it was something else, the fact that Alexis knew she would sleep easier in that house with the reassuring presence of Blake beside her in bed.

"This won't be easy, everyone will be watching us."

"I know." Blake answered his dark eyes lingering on her face. "Together we can do this Alexis."

Together...They were unstoppable, they always had been.

Clearing his throat as the ranch house came into view Blake realised it was now or never. He had already put this moment off; ever since the idea had come to him the other morning whilst he was watching Alexis get the children through their routine. She was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and for better or worse she would be his wife once more. Alexis was the rightful owner and it seemed petty when he thought back to how he had once acted.

He had been punishing her back then, and as he had come to realise since many of his actions had been overreactions due to the very real pain he had been feeling. He had sought to hurt her back in any way he could, banishing her from Denver from her children and denying her place his life, in many ways seeking to erase her memory. Yet despite his efforts to blot out her association with his family all of that was in vain when he couldn't even look at the damn thing and not think of her. He could never bring himself to use it for anyone else and it would pass to Fallon in any case, whether it sat and gathered dust in his safe or was put to use once more.

It was a small gesture, something of the apology that he could never bring himself to actually say…But this would say far more than words and Alexis knew him well enough not to misunderstand him.

"I do have one small request Alexis." Blake added wincing as his voice cracked slightly as he reached into his pocket. "We both agreed this weekend would be a good opportunity to let people know we are engaged…"

"You want me to wear a ring?" Alexis finished for him, her sense of foreboding now coalescing into something tangible and she distracted herself by staring out of the window. "I agree it makes sense…"

Relieved that they were of one mind about this Blake reached for her hand, slipping the diamond out of his pocket he slid it onto to her ring finger. There was no need to make a big production out of this; in fact an emotional scene was the last thing he wanted right now as the car finally came to a halt. Yet he admitted if only to himself there was something satisfying about seeing his ring on her finger, as though a wrong he had once committed had now been made right somehow.

Alexis could feel the ring on her finger yet she couldn't bring herself to even glance at it, her only feeling was one of relief that it didn't feel as heavy as that vile monstrosity Blake had first brought home. It seemed that he had at least tried to tailor this choice to her and at least this one fit. Yet as Blake got out of the car and offered his hand out to help her Alexis couldn't help but glance down at her left hand as she reached out to accept his and her breath caught in her throat.

There twinkling in the morning light as though it had never left her finger was her antique canary diamond.

Part 27:

Blake's face had indeed been a picture on catching sight of the normal sized double bed and Alexis could only do her best to fix that moment in her memory since she hadn't the foresight to bring a camera. However the rest of the day had been far from memorable as the other guests had arrived and they had been forced to endure a rather uninspired lunch where Sam Dexter had been playing the gushing family man.

How his poor wife and his clearly resentful teenage daughter put up with his theatrics Alexis didn't even want to speculate and so she had done her best to avoid exchanging more than a few words with the man. Yet Alexis had to confess more than a little curiosity about the house, it was old plantation style and yet had been maintained well throughout the years so clearly there had been money in the Dexter family long before Sam had come along. His late father had been something of a mining giant; a local legend yet rumour had it father and son had not been close.

Farnsworth Dexter had been a staunch Christian and devotee of the Episcopalian church; he had worked hard to build the family business up into an empire and yet he did not forget about the little people. Alexis had spent a good few minutes avoiding anyone with the name Dexter by conversing with the local reverend, as it seems a man of the cloth was an effective deterrent when dealing with Sam the letch.

Plus what people tended to forget was clergymen normally had the best gossip; after all they were involved in families from cradle to grave so to speak and Sam Dexter was not Reverend Parker's favourite person either. Oh he was full of praise for the late Dexter Snr a man of the community whose personal donations had practically rebuilt the local church after a particularly bad storm. He even had a few praiseworthy comments for the youngest Dexter son, a brave young man who had been his grandfather's good right arm and who it seemed Farnsworth Dexter had been training as his successor.

Yet Farnsworth Dexter's sudden heart attack had changed things and Sam had taken the reins of the family business leaving his twenty-one year old son out in the cold. There had been some sort of argument and young Dexter had taken up a career in the army rather than stay and play second fiddle to his father. Now four years later Farnsworth Jnr had climbed the ranks and had made a name for himself, and the Reverend assured her the congregation still prayed every Sunday for his continued safety.

"I understand he might even make an appearance this evening at the celebration, after all it is a celebration of his grandfather's life's work."

Sipping on her tea Alexis could only hide her smirk behind her cup, not suppress it entirely. If the young Dexter was such a hot head as to sign up rather than work with his father then that evening's entertainment was almost assured, if he deigned to make an appearance.

"Now what is that enigmatic smile about?" A knowing voice stage whispered and Alexis had to laugh turning to greet Cecil who had somehow managed to creep up on her.

"Don't you know it is rather rude to eavesdrop on other peoples conversations Cecil?"

"It is?" Cecil countered feign shock and horror. "Well clap me in irons and exile me from polite society I am all come over with woe and regret…"

"And dramatics, have you been re-reading Noel Coward again darling?"

Laughing at her little jibe Cecil held his hands up in a gesture of surrender. "Guilty as charged."

"Good afternoon Cecil." Blake's polite yet clipped greeting cut through their light banter and Alexis practically dropped her cup in surprise when Blake slid a possessive arm around her waist letting his hand drop low on her hip.

"Blake." Cecil's reply was equally polite yet Alexis could have sworn the temperature had suddenly dropped.

"Well isn't this nice all the old gang together again." The boisterous and somewhat oily voice of Sam Dexter added as he joined their little group and Alexis inwardly recoiled when his beady dark eyes slid over to her and she could tell he was mentally undressing her. "Alexis you look as beautiful as ever, and hardly a day older you really must share your secret with my Muriel."

"But if I shared then it wouldn't be a secret Sam." Alexis retorted perhaps a little too sharply as she felt Blake's hand tighten infinitesimally on her hip, either in warning or reassurance she wasn't sure but Alexis refused to back down.

"I hear we may have the pleasure of your son's company this evening? The Reverend couldn't heap enough praise on the boy, college graduate, a distinguished military career and his grandfather's protégé, I am only surprised you haven't chosen to take early retirement?"

Blake's fingers were definitely tightening now but Alexis refused to be collared by him, besides the red choked face Sam was currently sporting was well worth a little discomfort. Cecil by contrast clearly found her little digs highly entertaining as he could barely suppress the twitching of his lips and his bright blue eyes glinted mischievously at her over the rim of his glass.

"Farnsworth may attend he hasn't seen fit to either confirm or deny his attendance." Sam retorted bitterly his dark eyes narrowing his annoyance as he glared at Alexis. "It will be a surprise, almost as surprising as your return to Denver society Alexis after all these years."

Now the gloves were quite clearly off and for once Alexis couldn't bring herself to care.

"A most welcome return and the best of surprises." Cecil cut in before Alexis could form her retort and for once she couldn't help but smile at his attempts to fire fight. Perhaps he was right, this wasn't the time or the place and there were far too many witnesses.

"Why thank you Cecil, charming to a fault as always."

"Well when there is such beauty as inspiration what man can fail to be charming?" Cecil added causing Alexis to chuckle at his rapier wit and the insult to Sam dressed up prettily in a compliment to her.

"Oh some seem to manage well enough." Alexis bantered feeling the tension positively rolling off of Blake now and for a moment Alexis almost worried he might have a heart attack if she carried on.

"Alexis you haven't seen the grounds yet, Muriel has the most wonderful rose garden…A post lunch stroll amidst the flowers…" Cecil began offering her his arm, it was a tempting offer and it would get her out of this damn room before Blake could berate her and yet if she ran away now she would only be compounding the problem. Besides her reputation would only be sullied further if on the weekend their engagement was leaked she were also seen arm in arm on a romantic stroll through the roses with Cecil Colby.

So softening the blow with a sad smile Alexis deliberately leant back against Blake's chest feeling him momentarily stiffen before he relaxed and rested his cheek against the top of her head. "That's a lovely idea…What do you think Darling?" Alexis added twisting her head to meet Blake's gaze and lifting her diamond-clad finger to play with the lapels of his casual jacket.

"Perhaps if Cecil would be so kind as to point us in the right direction…" Blake added unable to resist twisting the knife further, relishing the flash of barely masked pain and anger that flickered about Colby's face as he caught sight of Alexis's engagement ring.

"I am sure there are plenty who would be only too happy to assist you." Cecil grunted out and Alexis couldn't suppress a flinch at his coldness. "If you two lovebirds will excuse me…"

Yet he didn't wait for either's permission stalking off through the crowd and Alexis angrily lifted her gaze to meet Blake's. "That was cruel Blake."

"No it was honest." Blake added his dark eyes boring down into her emeralds. "He was going to find out sooner or later, I chose sooner…Now you wanted to walk?" He added and Alexis slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow allowing Blake to lead her out into the fresh air.

Yet it wasn't the beauty of the day or the flowers that held her attention. Instead Alexis simply couldn't stop wondering one thing, just why the hell had Blake taken such genuine delight in sending Cecil packing; this jealous fiancé performance was surely only an act?

Wasn't it?

Part 28:

Awkward didn't even to begin to cover it.

Alexis had thought the tense atmosphere in their bedroom had been difficult enough. Of course she had exacerbated the situation a little by insisting on doing her makeup at the dressing table whilst only wearing her slip and then getting changed in the bedroom, not withdrawing to their bathroom like Blake had. But honestly the en-suite wasn't large enough to swing a cat around in, let alone change into formal evening wear so it wasn't like she was deliberately prodding Blake just to get some sort of reaction.

Honestly that thought hadn't even crossed her innocent little mind, she just wanted to look her best and not crease or spill makeup on the cream silk dress.

Besides it wasn't like it had worked Blake had barely so much as glanced at the flesh she had put on display and so that had put paid to that theory. Clearly Blake's interest in this weekend was purely business and not pleasure and she must have misinterpreted his jealous behaviour. After all as soon as he was dressed Blake had hightailed it out of there, muttering some rubbish about meeting Sam for a drink and trying to mend the fences Alexis had torn down.

Well at least she hadn't let him get away with that.

"I told you I had no interest in coming, you insisted and I am not going to stand there and simper whilst that pig leers all over me."

"I don't recall anything of the kind!" Blake had retorted hotly his dark eyes blazing. "All I remember is you laying into our host before he had barely spoken two words to you. You are supposed to be proving you are an asset Alexis but right now you are looking more and more like a liability; if you don't learn to keep that sharp tongue of yours in check…"

"Then what you'll change your mind? Call off the engagement, kick me out, try to exile me again?" Alexis snapped unable to keep the fears that lingered under the surface from bubbling up as she strode towards him her hands gesturing wildly.

"You may think you hold all the cards in this Blake but you don't; you called me back to Denver and under the terms of our agreement I know I don't have to go anywhere."

"Agreements can be changed." Blake growled warningly unable to keep his gaze from lingering as Alexis glared at him, her hands moving to her hips as she glared right back; and he tried valiantly to keep his eyes locked on her face and not letting them drop lower. Yet that was proving damn difficult when Alexis's posture was pulling the fabric of her thin slip tight across her breasts.

"Now I expect my fiancée to be the picture of charm and elegance tonight and if you think that might be beyond your acting abilities might I suggest you feign a headache instead." Blake had added disappearing downstairs before Alexis could explode.

If they had been at home Alexis would have chucked her perfume bottle at his smug arrogant head instead she had settled for smothering a scream in her pillow.

Of course as uncomfortable as that exchange had been it couldn't possibly compare to the current torture, and Alexis could only roll her eye at the irony of the situation. Being seated opposite Sam Dexter had been bad enough, but clearly someone somewhere really had a bone to pick with her; what the hell else could explain being sandwiched between Blake and Cecil for the evening.

Alexis could only imagine God was laughing his arse off on a cloud somewhere. Then at least someone would be enjoying this, even if it was at her expense.

Blake Carrington had to admit that he had spent more pleasant evenings doing paperwork.

Sam had clearly spent a great deal of money on this evening. The champagne was flowing, there was a five course formal dinner, a soft jazz band played in the background and yet it felt…cheap…and more than a little tacky.

Blake had expected to see the Dexter International logo prominently displayed, but the large blown up pictures of a beaming Sam as he posed for the corporate photograph in his opulent office was taking things to far and it didn't take a genius to realise Alexis agreed with him; her barely concealed lip curl was confirmation enough.

It lacked class. And in his ex-wife's eyes that in itself was a capital offence, and for once Blake almost wished they weren't being honoured by being seated at the top table. Alexis's muttered sarcastic comments might have just made this evening bearable. Yet she wasn't talking at all, and Blake felt awkward about initiating a conversation after their almost spat earlier.

He honestly hadn't meant to threaten her, strangely since accepting the idea of re-marrying her Blake hadn't once seriously considered changing his mind. Yet Alexis knew better than anyone what buttons to press to make him mad and he couldn't help that his earlier fears came back to haunt him at the wrong time.

Why did Alexis want to marry him, really what was she getting out of this other than the children? It had become annoyingly apparent that she clearly didn't need him for his money as she had the far wealthier Cecil Colby waiting in the wings. Alexis had herself stressed that this was purely business, so it couldn't be any lingering affection for him after all these years.

She barely needed him, she didn't want him…Just what was her angle in all of this, not knowing was slowly driving him out of his mind…

Well that and the terrifying thought that tonight he would have to sleep next to her in bed. What if he had one of his dreams…What if he called out her name?

He would never live down the mortification. It was hard enough to swallow the knowledge that Alexis didn't need him the way he needed her but on top of that to have her realise the power she still held over him; that he still lusted after her…

It was thoughts like this that preoccupied his thoughts and he could barely risk more than a glance at a time at the strangely quiet woman sat to his right. Blake knew he should be the one to speak first, after all he had been the one to throw personal insults, Alexis had for once not allowed the fight to degenerate into a personal slanging match. Yet the idea of bringing anything up in public offended him, better to wait until later and they were alone; he could try to mend fences then, after all they were going to be married the rest of their lives so it wasn't like he didn't have plenty of time.

Part 29:

Alexis knew she had made a mistake when she reached for her glass of champagne that she had left balancing on the terrace way whilst she enjoyed a chance to escape from that dreadful party to enjoy a cigarette, and another hand beat her to it catching her wrist and holding it firm. Really she should have known better, her day had already gone from bad to worse and now it was about to hit rock bottom.

"Well lookey what has Sam the man caught in his net today…Hmm a prize winner looks like this one is a keeper."

Rolling her eyes in disgust Alexis stamped down her immediate instinct that caused her stomach to retch, settling instead on cool sarcasm. "May I have my arm back please, if you continue to touch me any longer I am afraid I might catch something."

"Still all sweetness and light aren't you Alexis." Sam sneered his dark eyes narrowing in on her face, a slight drunken flush to his cheeks as Alexis continued to stare at him in disgust. "You know I opened a bottle of champagne the day I found out Blake had kicked you out, yet it seems he really didn't learn his lesson well enough; you fuck whores you don't marry them."

"And you would know all about that wouldn't you Sam?" Alexis taunted, despite Sam's size and obvious intoxication she was really in little real danger the party was only going on a few feet away, albeit inside, if she screamed loudly enough someone was bound to hear.

"Whores or fucking them?" Sam snapped back. "I know enough to recognise one when I see one, and considering you only screwed around with rich men I think that makes you one, I am sure you made Blake play for his pleasure...I can only wonder what you got out of Colby…"

"Oh I was wondering how it would be before you brought that up." Alexis sneered. "You really are so terribly predictable, next you'll be trying to blackmail me with it to get me to sleep with you…Honestly Sam you would have thought after five years you might at least have refreshed your act!"

"I can still tell Blake…"

"What that years ago during our first marriage I had an affair with Cecil Colby amongst the many others that he already knows about?" Alexis scoffed. "Please you don't think that all came out during our divorce? Well if Blake can forgive me for cheating on him during our first marriage enough to ask me to enter into a second…" Alexis trailed off a smug smile pulling at her lips as wiggled the diamond on her finger.

"He's a fool. You're nothing but a common tramp…"

"Oh my this is classic Sam Dexter is lecturing me on fidelity." Alexis barked with laughter so wrapped up in her own joke that she missed the way Sam seemed to be shaking with barely restrained rage.

"Tell me does poor Muriel even realise the number of women you have cheated on her with, or doesn't it count if it is the man doing the, excuse my French, fucking around? Tell me Sam do you get a group discount from all the sexual health clinics you have to visit… "

The slap across the face took Alexis completely by surprise; it knocked the smirk and the words right out of her lips.

"You are a fucking bitch and I am going to show you what happens to fucking bitches, they get fucked over!" Sam added his next blow meeting her stomach knowing the breath right out of her so Alexis could only wheeze for breath as he grabbed her arm and tried to drag her away from the party onto the darkened driveway.

She couldn't scream, she could barely breath but she could claw and kick and Alexis was satisfied to notice she had drawn blood even if that earned her another slap and it barely slowed Sam's momentum as he dragged her and flung her up against the bonnet of one of the parked cars. As his hands gripped at Alexis's flailing wrists Sam pressed his weight down on top of her ignoring Alexis's gasps and thwarting her attempts to escape.

"Oh I am going to enjoy this lady you have had it coming for years…"

Yet a moment later Sam was being dragged off of her, tripping over his own feet as he landed heavily on the damp grass and a deep baritone demanded angrily. "What the hell is going on here?"

Turning her head Alexis squinted in the darkness trying to make out her rescuer but she was still dizzy and feeling nauseous from the blow to her stomach and she could only cling to the car for support.

"It was nothing just a joke…Farnsworth I'm your father you have to believe me…"

"I believe what I just saw with my own eyes, my own father manhandling a lady, I can only imagine just how that joke was going to play out." Farnsworth Dexter Jnr retorted finally stepping into the light and Alexis was surprised to realise the youngest Dexter clearly took nothing from his father. Tall and muscular, he more than filled out the dress uniform he was wearing.

"She's no lady, believe me." Sam sneered his beady eyes flickering over to a still shaking Alexis. "Look she led me on, one moment all over me the next protesting like a born again virgin, it was just a bit of fun…"

"Liar." Alexis managed to gasp even though forcing the words out made her stomach heave yet it caused both men to look at her, Sam's accusing gaze pierced her but it was Farnsworth's concerned eyes that drew her in, they were kind and concerned and for some reason Alexis had to fight the urge to burst into tears.

"Farnsworth…"

"Sorry Father." Farnsworth Jnr spat his contempt for his parent all too clear. "But your word long ago ceased to carry any weight with me. Now get the hell out of here before I finally break my word to grandfather and decide to take you apart one piece at a time."

Getting shakily to his feet Sam brushed down his tuxedo, now the threat of violence was at an end he seemed to regain some of his swagger. "You could try…Besides I have been neglecting my guests long enough…"

"Oh no you are not going back to the party, I am not going to stand there and watch you continue to soil my grandfather's life's work, to associate anything good of his with scum like you."

"You can't kick me out this is my house….this is my party!" Sam exclaimed outraged his annoyance only growing when his son tossed some car keys at him.

"Get out of here, go head into town, I am sure your usual whore would be happy to give you a bed for the night." Farnsworth scoffed. "Because if I see your face once more tonight then I will have no compunction about heading into that party, getting up at the microphone and telling everyone of your 'friends' just what the noble Sam Dexter likes to do to defenceless women when their backs are turned."

Back peddling Sam gripped the keys his angry gaze shifting from his son to glare at Alexis. "This is not over…"

"Don't you so much as look at her again!" Farnsworth barked lifting his fist warningly as he advanced on his suddenly fearful father. "Get lost!"

Finally when she heard the sound of a car screeching out of the driveway Alexis allowed the tears to come. She was shaking and crying and probably being genuinely pathetic but she couldn't stop herself.

"Shush it's alright…it'll be alright I promise." A hesitant voice whispered low to her ear as a tentative hand came to rest lightly on her shoulder. "You're safe now I promise, I won't leave you now lets get back inside…" He added as he gently coaxed Alexis back towards the house.

"Is there anything you need, a brandy, a cigarette perhaps?" Farnsworth Dexter asked patting down his pocket before withdrawing a monogrammed silver case and offering her a cigarette that Alexis shakily accepted yet it she needed help to get it lit her hand was shaking so much.

"Are you here with someone…Is there anyone I can get you?" He added and Alexis managed to force a small smile, it was almost ironic she had hoped the see a family ruckus between father and son; of course she hadn't expected to be in the middle of it.

However right now there was only one person she wanted to see, to feel his strong arms wrap around her and keep her safe and as reassuring as young Mr Dexter was he was still a virtual stranger. "Blake…Blake Carrington…I need Blake."

Part 30:

Sitting back against the headboard Blake Carrington couldn't sleep so instead he sat and watched Alexis. His mind was in too much turmoil for him to sleep and there was no else to blame but himself. He had promised her…promised her that he wouldn't leave her alone for one moment this weekend and he had broken that promise.

He had let her go off for a cigarette alone preferring to stay inside and discuss a potential deal with some Texan oil magnate. He had dismissed her fears about Sam as being mostly fantasy on her part, a lie she had made up because she hadn't wanted to come this weekend or perhaps just because she disliked Sam.

So when that waiter had weaved his way across the room to his table and asked for Mr Blake Carrington he hadn't been concerned, annoyed, he had been irritated that Alexis's drama was pulling him away from a conversation he was actually interested in.

"I am in the middle of…"

"Sir Mr Farnsworth Dexter insists that you come he says you are needed."

Needed…That had been the word that made the hairs on the back of Blake's neck stand on end. Not wanted or suggested but needed…needed was more urgent and Blake hadn't objected further, following the sombre looking young man back into the main house without further delay.

Alexis had been a mess, she had been shaking and crying all whilst trying to smoke a cigarette yet the moment she saw him she all she seemed to want was him and Blake had little choice but to hold her when her arms were tugging him to her like her life depended on it. Not that he objected to holding her, it was just everything was so confusing; the only time Blake had seen Alexis fall apart like this was after Adam's kidnapping and so Blake adopted the same tactics now as then.

"Shush sweetheart it's alright." Blake muttered soothingly, gathering her shaking form into his arms; stroking her hair as Alexis buried further into his embrace.

"I'm here everything will be alright I promise." He added yet his stomach churned as he caught sight of the nasty looking red mark on her cheek and on her arms that looked suspiciously like finger marks.

Glancing up from the sobbing woman in his arms Blake caught sight of their silent audience, his eyes narrowing as a rather handsome young man continued to stare attentively at Alexis. Although his build was powerful and he didn't seem to be any threat, there was something about the way his dark eyes were transfixed on Alexis that unsettled Blake and he couldn't keep his suspicion completely from his voice, as he demanded, "What happened?"

"My father happened." The young man replied his tone dripping with contempt as he finally dragged his eyes away from Alexis to meet Blake's accusing gaze.

"And you are?"

"You'd know me as Farnsworth Dexter but I haven't gone by that for years, my friends know me as Dex."

"And you are saying Sam did this to her?" Blake asked unable to keep the horror and guilt from his voice as his mind jumped to worst possible conclusion. "Did he…"

"No, but if I hadn't arrived at the party when I did, I had only just parked my car. I damn near didn't come at all but I figured I owed my grandfather. I am only glad I listened to my conscience when I did, if I hadn't…"

The youngest Dexter trailed off unable to put his fears into words but he didn't need to draw Blake a picture.

"You needn't worry about him coming back tonight, he's running scared but I think it might be best if you leave early tomorrow just in case. I can have a car here whenever you need one just let me know and I can organise it."

"Thank you." Blake whispered and he meant it with every fibre in his being, it was clear Dex had taken after his grandfather in the gentleman stakes and Blake only wished he could do more to make it up to the young man for being there when Blake should have been.

"I think it's best if I take her upstairs she wouldn't want anyone to see her like this."

Nodding Dex moved to the door as if to check the coast was clear and he held it open as Blake scooped Alexis up into his arms and carried her towards the staircase.

"If there is anything you both need…a doctor…the name of a reputable hit man…anything…"

"We'll be fine but thank you." Blake added sincerely and both men were surprised when a third voice suddenly joined them.

"Dex?"

That Alexis had calmed down enough to speak startled them both and Blake could only watch as Alexis lifted her head from his shoulder to meet the concerned gaze of the young man who had rescued her.

"Thank you Dex."

Smiling softly at her words something in Dex's eyes seemed to melt as their gazes locked and for a moment Blake almost felt like an outsider. Yet he had no right to feel jealous not now. He had failed to protect Alexis like he had promised and another had succeeded where he had failed so there would always been that bond between the two of them. It was now Blake's job to pick up the pieces

"You are more than welcome milady." Dex answered softly and Blake could tell the young man stood guard watching them until they had vanished upstairs.

It had been easier than Blake expected to get Alexis into bed; she had barely reacted when he unzipped her dress or slid off her heels. She hadn't bothered taking off her makeup or changing into her nightgown, burrowing under the covers dressed only in her slip. Lying in their bed she clutched her pillow with one hand and watched him potter about the room trying to keep busy.

Lining up her heels with the others that she had unpacked…Putting her clutch bag on the dressing table…

Anything so that he didn't have to confront the glaring truth that this was all his fault, he had made her come here, he had promised not to leave her alone and he broke that promise, and he had deliberately alienated the only other person whom he could have trusted to look after her. Anyway you looked at it this was all his fault. Was it any wonder Alexis didn't need him for anything considering the only times she might actually need him he failed her at every turn?

Of course Alexis wouldn't have been Alexis if she hadn't been able to read that self-loathing on his face, the guilt that was etched as deeply as any wrinkles.

"Blake…"

Glancing up as he tried to get her evening dress back on the hanger Blake was surprised when Alexis reached out for him and he immediately obliged; letting the damn dress fall to the floor he moved to sit on top of the covers beside her, stroking her hair as she rested her cheek against his chest.

"Alexis I am so sorry I should have…"

"It wasn't you fault." Alexis's soft answer cut Blake off dead and he stared down at her in shock.

"Of course it was I should never have let you go out there on your own…"

"Blake I chose to go outside, I didn't have to I could have stayed near you."

Aghast Blake couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Darling none of this is your fault you can't blame yourself?"

"I don't. I blame Sam, he's the one who did…tried…he wanted to hurt me Blake." Alexis replied her voice breaking slightly as more tears brimmed up and slipped down her cheeks. "I was scared, I was really scared."

"I should have been there." Blake began again yet Alexis refused to allow him to wallow in guilt and her next words contained some of her usual bite, her sarcasm allowing Blake to breathe that little bit easier.

"You're not superman Blake, and Dex stopped him. I'm alright or I will be and besides you're here now, that means a lot. Just don't leave."

"I won't leave." Blake answered softly leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead, cuddling her close and listening as her breaths finally slowed before evening out as she fell asleep in his arms.

Yet Blake didn't sleep, he couldn't.

He had failed her once but that didn't mean he would ever do so again. He would stay awake all night and watch over to make sure nothing else could harm her. Besides it gave him the perfect opportunity to plan his revenge on Sam Dexter because if his old friend so much as thought he had gotten away with this then he had another thought coming.

Nobody hurt the people Blake loved, nobody hurt his family and walked away from it unscathed. Sam Dexter was about to learn the hard way what a man who clawed his way up from the gutter by his fingernails was really capable of doing when pushed to the edge. He might even learn a valuable lesson, if he survived the experience; however Blake wasn't bothered either way.