Episode 7: The Fallout
Part 1:
Staring at the figures in front of her Alexis Colby tried to concentrate, these accounts needed to be signed off today yet despite their importance Alexis found her eyes drifting back to the innocent newspaper that lay folded at the edge of her desk. She had already read the article twice, could probably recite the importance passages from memory yet the urge was strong to pick it up and scan it through once more just make sure she hadn't missed anything.
Realising when she found herself scanning the same column of figures for the fourth time that she wasn't getting anywhere like this, Alexis shut the heavy account book with a huff.
Damn Blake Carrington…
Damn her own preoccupation with him.
Damn her traitorous heart that had immediately leapt in her chest at seeing an ashen-faced Blake on the front page of the paper that morning. He looked old and worn and deeply in trouble.
Double damn that her own immediate response was to try and help, even if Blake in no way deserved it.
Blake's personal reputation had never really recovered after the shooting of Captain Handler; the papers had been suspicious and rightly so of the DA's sudden decision to drop the case against him. They hadn't been able to print those suspicions knowing Carrington would slap them with a libel case so fast they couldn't blink, but that hadn't stopped the subtle insinuations from making their way into certain financial and gossip columns.
The Carrington Empire had responded by taking the high road and hoping that time and the continued prosperity of Denver Carrington would silence Blake's critics far more effectively than any law suit and it had seemed to be working. Newspapers were owned by the rich, not the little people and the wealthy of Denver preferred to be invited to the glittering events that Alexis and Blake as a couple had thrown. Yet journalists could wait patiently and their memories were long and now the gloves were off.
Speculation & accusation were the theme of the day.
Had Blake Carrington paid off Captain Charles Terence to take unauthorised routes to cut his shipping times and therefore the costs of transporting his precious oil?
Had Blake Carrington been behind the mysterious disappearance and later murder of his Captain in order to ensure the man would never reveal Carrington's secrets to the Investigators?
Either way it now seemed certain that the senate oversight committee for corporate malpractice would now have to hand over to the FBI for a criminal investigation.
In this Blake's past record did not speak for him, he had been linked to too many incidents over the years were the other party ended up permanently silenced, both personally and professionally, Ted Dinard, Captain Handler, Rashid Ahmed and now Captain Terence. The media seemed determined to paint him as Colorado's answer to the Godfather and the Carrington family the local mafia.
Alexis could only imagine the reaction over in South Korea; she was only surprised that she hadn't already received a phone call informing her that the government were in the process of rescinding her leases. They wouldn't wait until Blake was cleared of wrong doing, and Alexis had no doubt that he would. Blake may have been a bastard in his personal life but in business he was scrupulously above board, the idea of bribing his captain to skim a few days off of his shipping timetable would never even have occurred to him.
That only left one course of action open to her if she didn't want to let Blake drag her down with him was to get in first; to contact the Koreans and try and find the cash for all the leases from somewhere.
Leaning back in his chair Steven tried to stifle the feeling of guilt that was surging up in his stomach, any moment now it would be too late, any moment now and his plan for revenge against his father moved from just being small acts of sabotage to deliberate misinformation; misinformation that could lead to the ruin of the company. Yet he held his tongue as his father moved onto the last item on the agenda the acquisition of new leases.
Digging his fingernails into his palms Steven tried to focus on why he was doing this. Someone needed to make Blake pay for what he had done, even if he never knew the real reason himself behind his children's disgust that didn't absolve him of guilt or responsibility. Fallon had chosen to run away rather than deal with it, Adam seemed content to stake out the middle ground too afraid to risk his position with either parent by taking a stand; that only left Steven to avenge their mother.
Every time he felt his conviction wavering he forced himself to remember standing in Dex's hotel room staring down at his mother sedated on the bed, sedated for her own protection to stop her from trying to harm herself. Alexis Carrington Colby was one of the strongest women Steven had ever known yet Blake Carrington had succeeded in breaking her again.
It hadn't been enough to ruin their childhood by exiling their mother from them an act that Alexis had once confessed to her son, after his own miraculous return from the dead, that had pushed her almost to the brink once before; it had only been the fact that she had been carrying Amanda that had kept her from doing something foolish. Steven had been too young to fight back then, too alone and too frightened that if he spoke out of turn he might loose his father as well.
This time there was no baby to protect, this time Alexis had tried to kill herself rather than live without a man who in Steven's eyes had treated her like a mere possession, jealous and covetous one moment, tossing her aside when a new toy became available. Blake hadn't a care for his children's feelings or Alexis's when he cast her out of the mansion for Krystle so why should Steven care about his father's now?
Carefully schooling his features as the board enthusiastically leapt on the doctored geologics and report Steven had compiled, finally a piece of good news for the company in all the bad press and uncertainty about the Korean leases. So he was almost surprised when one of the members raised an objection jarring Steven out of his thoughts.
"Developing these new fields will be expensive Blake. Can Denver Carrington really afford this on top of all the money you've sunk into the Korean fields?" Dex Dexter's voice was the sole cautionary one and Steven figuratively held his breath as his father paused to consider Dex's advice.
Steven should have known the moment Dex had turned up to the board meeting instead of his slightly more gullible father, who was stuck in Wyoming recovering from a bout of flu, that his mother's ex might not be so easily fooled. As unlike the other board members he probably had a greater insight via Alexis of just how far Blake had already stretched himself financially.
"It will be expensive." Blake admitted, the young Dexter had a point even though he would rather Dex was far from this meeting in the first place, there was just something about the younger man that irritated him and always had.
Denver Carrington had already stretched itself to invest in the South Korean development, the up front payment for securing the leases had taken up much of their current cash flow and Blake had had to liquidate a few assets to try and keep up with the payments. He was even considering selling his second refinery to cover his shortfall in the second quarter, providing he got a decent offer.
"Dad this opportunity will not come around again. It's thanks to Jeff that we are getting an exclusive first crack at these fields, if we don't take the prime sites you can bet your bottom dollar our competitors will!" And by competitors Steven knew Blake would automatically think of Alexis and Colby Co.
Predictably Blake's face-hardened at that suggestion, his open expression of a few moments before vanishing as less logical motivations took over. "Steven's right we can't afford to let this opportunity slip by, besides there are already producing fields in this package with new land waiting to be developed, we can use the existing wells as collateral to borrow for the development of the new rigs."
"And how do you plan to pay for the land in the first place, this little lot won't come cheap?" Dex persisted sighing, as he had to contend with Carrington's stubbornness. In some ways Blake was just as pig headed as Alexis, just a lot less attractive to look at; not to mention his tricks for getting round her certainly wouldn't work on Carrington.
"Let me worry about that Dex, I'll raise the money personally if I have to." Blake countered bristling under the younger man's scrutiny, who was Dexter to question him, a second rate oil man chairing a second rate company.
Sighing in relief as the talk turned to pulling together a competitive bid for the wells and land that Denver Carrington was interested in. Land that was practically swamp with little oil or gas reserves and developed fields that Steven knew to be almost exhausted. He had been very careful to switch the geologics disguising the truly rich fields before passing off the information to Dobson to benefit Colby Co.
It would only serve Blake right if in his own arrogance Alexis benefited and even as Blake shot him a look of fatherly pride Steven refused to be swayed.
He deserves this Steven repeated as a mantra squashing down the guilt that welled up at the thought of the employees he might be putting at risk. It only had to be enough damage so the board would support a vote of no confidence in Blake, to see him thrown out of the company he had built with his own sweat and tears.
Then perhaps when Blake had learnt just what it feels like to loose the most important thing in the world to him then perhaps it would be enough.
It was approaching lunchtime when Frank Dobson finally made it into the Colby Co offices. Running errands for his primary employer had kept him more than busy, even if Frank couldn't understand what on earth Mr Davenport intended to use his new acquisitions for, he was just relieved that they had been able to complete the takeover of Halesworth Oil with little fuss or publicity.
True it was a respected old Australian company with good ties to the oriental trade, and from what the little Frank had been able to find out he couldn't see why an antiquated old company would be an asset to the Davenport Inc portfolio but then again despite his recent immersion in the world of business Frank Dobson was smart enough to realise he was merely a rookie in international business and high finance. He let Mr Davenport worry about the value of his investments, Frank's job was more helping to smooth the transfer of funds from some dubious accounts in the Cayman islands through some dummy corporations and back onto the international market following Davenport's instructions to the letter.
Yet despite his relative newness to the oil business Frank was an expert at reading and dealing with people and the moment he stepped out onto the executive floor at Colby Co he knew something was going on. The atmosphere was energised, the junior executives rushing from office to office not stopping to chat, large official looking folders under their arms as they rushed off to important meetings their expressions preoccupied.
None more so than the young man leaving their CEO's office that very moment. Adam was so serious and deep in thought that he didn't even notice a silent Frank approaching until he practically bumped into him.
"Dear god Dobson start wearing a bell will you!" Adam spat as he practically jumped out of his skin.
"And miss out on opportunities to surprise you Carrington?" Frank drawled his grey eyes narrowing as he studied Adam like a frog he was about to dissect. "Speaking of surprises do you have an answer for our mutual friend, generous offers such as you were extended don't lie around forever you know."
Blushing under Frank's knowing gaze Adam stifled the instinct to squirm uncomfortably falling back on his own sarcastic nature as he sneered his reply. "I've been a little too busy or don't disgraced police officers bother to read the newspapers?"
"Denver Carrington and their botched attempt at a cover up."
"That is the rumour." Adam corrected Dobson. "PR have had their hands full trying to distance Colby Co from this whole mess and Alexis has the rest of us trying salvage what we can..."
"With the Korean leases?" Dobson guessed and from the way Adam's mouth pinched into two thin lines Frank knew he had guessed correct and knowing Alexis she wouldn't back down without a fight which means that…
"She's going to go after them all isn't she?" Frank gasped his eyes widening and Adam grabbed his arm pulling him out of the main lobby and back towards the relative seclusion of Alexis's office shooting her secretary Mark a look that told him to make himself scarce.
"Keep your speculations to yourself Dobson." Adam hissed glancing around to make sure they couldn't be overheard. "The situation is delicate, we can't have Denver Carrington hearing about this before the Korean's rescind the leases or else they can accuse us of undermining the partnership and therefore the contract and I for one have no desire to spend the next five years dragging the case through the courts."
"I understand." Frank nodded and he did understand Adam's point, this needed to be handled carefully. If Colby Co pushed too soon then Denver Carrington could sue them; if they left it too late without approaching the Korean government then they risked loosing out altogether.
"Either way Denver Carrington won't be an albatross around our necks much longer." Frank muttered surprised and impressed by Alexis's guts and ability to emotionlessly go for the jugular and he had thought her feelings for Blake had made her soft. No matter how it turned out for Colby Co this was information that his real employer would definitely be interested in; if only he could find out a few more details.
"So how can I help?"
Scoffing at Dobson's offer Adam shook his head. "We don't need your 'help' on this one Dobson, Alexis is handling this personally and less people know the better, especially people with dubious loyalty like yourself."
Feigning a hurt expression Frank shook his head. "You wound me Carrington when it comes to Colby Co Alexis has my full support."
"Alexis Colby has enough loyal employees to give her support Dobson she doesn't need some double agent worming his way into her confidence and if you don't keep your nose out of this then I'll..."
"You'll what, tell Mummy on me?" Frank sneered. "You still owe me Carrington and as for revealing the contents of your chat with our mutual friend well I think you have a little more liking for your health and that of your charming lady friend the way it is don't you?"
Blanching at such a blatant threat Adam clenched his fists watching in impotent fury as Frank pushed passed him. "No run back to your accounts and law books Adam and leave my relationship with Alexis to me."
Part 2:
Unable to squash his smirk completely having gotten one over on a fuming Adam Frank was in what was for him a buoyant mood as he rapped on Alexis office door, pausing for a invitation to enter that surprisingly didn't come. Intrigued Frank simply pushed the door open stopping in the doorway as he caught sight of the lady in question; the sight of her causing the breath to catch in the back his throat.
Instead of slaving away at her desk Alexis was standing by the large window that dominated the far end of her office, the bright sunshine made her porcelain skin seem to glow and it caught the diamonds at her throat and ears making the air around her seem to sparkle. Frank would never have described himself as a passionate man; he had never felt the stirring of feelings strong enough for great poetry or art. In truth he had often thought such people as foolishly deluding themselves but standing in the presence of Alexis Colby even he was not immune to her appeal.
Yet she was like Titania herself, illusive and unreachable by such mortals as him especially since she was still clearly in love with Blake Carrington.
The very thought of Blake Carrington caused Frank's good mood to sour which was in itself a surprise to him. Before they had met Frank had had no personal axe to grind with Carrington, he was simply following his employer's instructions yet there was something about the man's personality that provoked a strong dislike. Perhaps it was the fact that whilst Frank knew Carrington was just as flawed and guilty as the rest of them Blake acted as though he held himself to a higher moral code, that he was somehow better than the rest of them; this from a man who used to have his own private goons beat up anyone who crossed him, who would set dogs on trespassers.
It was this double standard that irritated Frank more than anything that and the fact that despite his success in business Carrington was clearly an idiot, throwing aside a woman like Alexis Colby from some silly blonde. If he didn't realise the true value of his possessions then in Frank's opinion he didn't deserve to keep them, which he considered with a smirk was just what was going to happen if Mr Davenport had his way.
"Frank how long have you been there?" Alexis's sharp tone quickly jarred Frank from his musing and his eyes flickered up to her slightly flushed expression, unsure whether her blush was from embarrassment at being stared at or temper that he had disturbed her private moment.
"Well?" Alexis added when Frank continued to stare at her dumbfounded, unable to completely dispel her discomfort after turning round to find herself being watched.
"Just a moment forgive me, I didn't want to disturb you but I have something I think you might like." Frank replied smiling one of his rare smiles before handing her his folder as a peace offering.
Accepting the file Alexis opened it, her quick eyes scanning swiftly down the covering sheet expecting nothing more than the latest update from the rescue teams before her brain caught up with her eyes forcing her to take a second glance. One thing was immediately recognisable that this was not a Colby Co file and one glance at the fax header confirmed it, it was a Denver Carrington file.
"How on earth did you get this?" Alexis asked bewildered, glancing up to catch Frank's smug grin. "This is confidential information."
"Is it now…Well how did that get in there?" Frank feigned his innocence enjoying Alexis's momentary look of confusion. "And if I have that here well I wonder what made it back into a Denver Carrington file, not the wrong information…Wouldn't that be terrible?"
Skimming the file once more Alexis raised an eyebrow as the full implication of what was contained became clear. "I need to know if Blake is going for these fields."
"Carrington thinks these fields are worthless, let's just say my friend was able to mix up the files a little…" Frank hedged his gray eyes glinting maliciously at the thought of Carrington wasting his cash on worthless land.
"Forgive me if I want to make certain of that for myself, what if it is a double bluff; I want the name of your informant." Alexis insisted closing the file and setting it down on her desk as if continuing to touch the folder might contaminate her.
"You know I can't do that Alexis."
"Well I can't take a gamble that size without reassurance." Alexis insisted her emerald eyes narrowing as she stared down at Dobson. "Colby Co is going to be stretched financially as it is."
Sighing as Alexis continued to be surprisingly resistant Frank wondered when the woman had become so suspicious of him. Or perhaps it wasn't just him, perhaps having been burned by Carrington she refused to trust anyone? Normally Frank would have approved wholeheartedly of the attitude but not when it was an obstruction to his own plans.
"If it's reassurance you need then I can get it, besides Blake has first crack at these fields, why don't you wait and see which ones he buys; then you can swoop in and pick up the real prime sites."
Biting her lip softly Alexis turned to stare out of the window. It was one thing to try and protect her own company's interests by cutting Blake out of the Korean deal; he had brought it on himself after all but to take advantage of a traitor in his midst.
"I don't know…It doesn't…" Alexis paused unable to believe she was actually saying this; perhaps taking the high road in her personal life was really making her soft. "It just doesn't feel right."
Startled by her words Frank stood unable to believe it at first, but then he remembered despite her many excellent qualities Alexis did have one glaring weakness, her continuing affection for Carrington. It was something they would have to cure her off if she was to remain an asset and not a liability; and Frank had personal experience of how Mr Davenport chose to deal with liabilities.
He considered his words carefully before finally answering his gray eyes glacial as he locked their gazes. "In the end it is your choice Alexis, but are you honestly considering letting this advantage go? Of telling Blake Carrington he has a spy in his midst?"
He was late.
Well later than he had said he would be and Dex hated breaking his word especially when he was still more than a little uncomfortable with his current houseguest; even if her presence had turned out to be a godsend that morning when his new nanny had failed turn up before he needed to leave for the Denver Carrington board meeting. Monica had been happy to stand in; eager to spend time alone with her baby brother yet Dex couldn't help feeling on edge. He wasn't concerned that Monica would snatch Jack; perhaps it was more the idea of his son bonding with her and not with the lady he had hoped would fill that role.
He wouldn't have been so late if he hadn't swung past Colby Co hoping to catch sight of Alexis and extend an invitation in person to come and inspect his new apartment. Instead he had been forced to leave his offer with an apologetic Mark who had teasingly offered to come and provide decorating advice himself if his boss was too busy. Laughing off the offer Dex had been in a good mood even if he hadn't spoken to Alexis, happy until he got caught in the midtown traffic.
It was gone one when his driver dropped him off outside of his apartment complex and Dex waved him off for the afternoon before hurrying inside taking the stairs two at a time as he couldn't be bother to wait for the lift. Dex was in such a hurry that he didn't notice the elevator opening on his floor as he rushed along, practically bowling over the sole occupant as she stepped out into the corridor.
"Oh I'm sorry I…Well hello again." Dex immediate apology died half spoken as he recognised his victim, his flame haired neighbour who scowled playfully at him as she bent to try and retrieve her spilt possessions.
Sinking to his knees Dex tried to be a gentleman and help her yet he only seemed to make things worse. "I don't think I properly introduced myself last time I'm Dex…"
"So you said last time, I'm Angela remember?"
"Yes I offered you coffee and you promised me a rain check, I do plan on holding you to that neighbour." Dex replied cheekily flashing her his legendary dimples pleased when as expected her fair skin flushed red. "Do you have time now or are you dashing off somewhere again?"
His teasing seemed to send her a brighter red if that were possible and Angela glanced at her watch. "Actually this is just a flying visit I need to drop off my things from my morning class and pick up my portfolio for my afternoon meeting. I'm a designer, I teach days at the university but I work freelance and if I don't hustle I might end up missing my meeting."
"Well never be said Dex Dexter kept a lady from her appointments." Dex insisted with a gallant bow as he walked Angela towards her door, glancing at his own as he passed unable to stop wondering just what was waiting for him behind that door.
He was so preoccupied that Angela's next question came as something as a surprise.
"Well if you really want that coffee how about you and your handsome son come over for dinner one night this week…I make a mean chicken parmesan?"
"Urhhh."
"Don't you like Italian food?"
"No I do I just…" Dex muttered wondering how he could extract himself from this one however he paused taking in Angela's hopeful expression and he couldn't help but wonder how long it had been since a warm genuine person had risked embarrassment and possible ridicule by asking him out.
"Sure that sounds good let me know what night you're cooking and Jack and I would be happy to be experimented on…cooked for." He corrected teasingly.
The bright smile that lit up Angela's face both pleased and worried Dex in equal measure, it did his ego good to bask in the admiration of a pretty young woman but he couldn't help but wonder if accepting was fair to her. His heart had decided long ago to whom it belonged and no matter the years that passed or the distance between them Dex hadn't been able to shake his love for Alexis.
Yet it was just dinner how much harm could it do?
Nodding his farewell Dex beat a hasty retreat to his door surprised when it was already slightly ajar. Stepping inside his apartment he was confronted by Monica Jack balanced on her hip, her blue eyes narrowed speculatively.
"So who's the new lady friend, I do hope she's not the reason you're over an hour late?"
Gulping under her scrutiny Dex couldn't help but wonder just what hot water he had gotten himself into.
Blake Carrington was in a surprisingly buoyant mood considering he had an FBI investigation hanging over his head and a media out to see him publicly flogged. Yet he refused to allow such things to keep him down. He knew he was innocent of bribing Captain Terence or having him silenced and Jeff was over in Hong Kong determined to dig up the evidence to prove it and so far he seemed to be on the right track.
Already he had been able to determine that Terence had been acting suspiciously in the few weeks before the ship set out, and the police were busy trying to track back the large deposits that had appeared in his bank account. Blake and Jeff were certain that if they followed the money and backtracked the captain's last known movements that they would find the person truly responsible for all of this and Denver Carrington would be cleared of all wrong doing.
His only concern was that it wouldn't happen fast enough to salvage the situation with the Koreans as Denver Carrington had already sank too much investment into developing those fields to pull out now. Yet despite their differences Blake felt that he could trust Alexis to sweet talk the Korean ministers into holding off cancelling the contracts after all it would impact on Colby Co as well and even Alexis wouldn't be foolish enough to try and take on those leases all by herself.
She still needed him for that, even if she apparently didn't need him anywhere else. Turning his children against him, closing ranks to keep him out, teaching them to keep secrets from their own father.
Adam was still withdrawn after their argument that day in his office and Blake was determined to find a way to reach out to his oldest son, to prove to him that he still considered him a Carrington heir, that he trusted him. Fallon and the grandchildren's absence was even harder to live with, his daughter had always held a special place in his heart, they had a bond that Blake had never felt with any of his other children and now that special bond seemed frayed and Fallon grew much closer to her mother as a result.
The only two lights in his world were his darling Krystina and Steven, the surprising rock in all of this turbulent swirl. His son was turning into quite the oilman and his continued loyalty to his father despite all the ups and downs between them gave Blake something to smile about.
And then there was Krystle, his sweet understanding Krystle who finally seemed to be warming to him once more. They had been on a few more 'dates' a quaint if not slightly antiquated idea of hers to allow them to get to know each other anew and since it seemed to have the desired effect Blake was content to indulge her. Although it was getting harder and harder when at the end of each night out Krystle sent him on his way with a brief kiss, back to his own empty bed were memories and dreams of another still plagued him.
He needed her there beside him, not just to ease his growing frustration; it was about much more than sex. Blake needed the reassurance of her body beside him, the knowledge that if he woke it wouldn't be to this crushing sense of loneliness. Perhaps then he wouldn't wake in a cold sweat grasping for a woman that wasn't there and would never be there again. Perhaps then he could be content, could finally be happy and not torn, constantly conflicted, constantly vacillating between determination and despair.
Blake needed things to get back to normal.
Glancing at the clock Blake wondered just how early he could leave the office tonight. His clever mind formulating a plan that would melt even Krystle's resolve as he reached for the phone. After all no woman could resist Blake Carrington forever.
Part 3:
It hadn't worked.
His plan had been foolproof and it hadn't worked, well it had and then again it hadn't. It had failed in the most important way; it hadn't achieved what Blake hope it would, he still felt on edge, restless, as if something important was missing.
Or someone yet Blake flatly refused to give that thought room.
Perhaps if he went over the evening in his mind he could figure out where things went wrong and he could find a way to fix things, find a means to exorcise this feeling from his chest, this pain that seemed to linger no matter what he did.
Things had been going so well…
Laughing at his joke Krystle leaned her head against Blake's shoulder her blue eyes twinkling with merriment as Blake continued to tease 'Princess' Krystina who was not as amused by her father's teasing sitting on the other side of the limousine from her parent's scowling.
"I'm going to be Belle Daddy not Chip, Chip was a boy and I'm a girl!"
"But Belle had brown hair darling and you have such pretty blonde hair wouldn't you rather be Cinderella instead?"
"No Daddy Cinderella is boring Belle is much more fun, she plays jokes and is much braver than Cinderella."
"Personally I can see Mrs Gunnerson as a wonderful Mrs Pots." Krystle insisted trying to calm the atmosphere and the small family turned their attention to drawing links between the rest of the household staff and characters from the film until they arrived home.
As Krystina practically bounded happily out of the limousine informing a startled Gerard that he was definitely more of a Lumiere than a Cogsworth, Krystle tugged on Blake's arm causing him to pause.
"What?"
Smiling softly at him Krystle leaned forward and placed a loving kiss on his cheek. "Thank you for taking us to see that film Blake, it was wonderful to spend time just the three of us."
Returning her gentle smile Blake nodded and followed her into the house, trying to suppress those nagging thoughts that popped up at the most irritating moments, taunting him that this cinema trip was not half as much fun as his last.
As they both put Krystina to bed Blake had almost resigned himself to another lonely night yet as they closed their daughter's bedroom door he was surprised when Krystle leant up and kissed him. It was soft, sweet and full of warmth and love and Blake felt like a fake as he returned it, cursing his own mind to shut the hell up as he pulled her closer running his hands down the toned slope of her back.
Pulling away both struggled to catch their breath, Krystle's cheeks stained an adorable pink as Blake reached up and stroked it before threading his fingers into her hair to pull their mouths back together. This time he succeeded in quietening his thoughts, allowing her warmth and the gentle caress of her perfume to ensnare him. It hadn't taken long for them to make their way down the hall, snatching kisses that grew more passionate as they headed for the master suite.
It was dark as Blake opened the door into the bedroom holding a hand for Krystle willing her with his eyes to accept even as she stood hesitating on the threshold.
"Please Krystle…I need you." Blake whispered his voice even husker and the obvious desire in his voice kindled a matching fire in her and so with a shy smile Krystle slipped her hand into Blake's allowing him to draw her over to the bed.
Turning on his side Blake studied Krystle's serene profile in the dim moonlight that managed to snake its way into the bedroom through a tiny gap in the drawn curtains. She was just as beautiful as ever, still as warm, as supportive and as loving. Their lovemaking had been just as pleasurable as always, he couldn't continue to blame this disquiet on lingering sexual frustration.
So if Krystle hadn't changed why had the feeling of complete contentment he used to feel simply being in her presence vanished?
He had put his discomfort down originally to his own guilt, when she had first been home and he was keeping the truth about Alexis from her it had consumed him as had his fear that she would discover his duplicity and leave him. Then she had found out and her coldness and distance caused him real distress, that had only served to reinforce his belief that it was Krystle he needed.
He had thought finally winning her back that rebuilding his little family would bring him peace that the dreams would cease to plague him that he wouldn't continue to wake in the middle of the night with this ache of loneliness crushing him.
What was it going to take? Dammit, Blake cursed to himself clenching his fists and pounding the mattress in impotent fury.
"Blake?" Krystle's sleepy enquiry startled Blake and he turned guilty to face the woman he had inadvertently woken.
"I'm sorry darling I didn't mean to wake you, go back to sleep."
Yet Krystle didn't simply go back to sleep she rolled over her beautiful face creased in concern. "Blake what is it, what's wrong?"
"Nothing Krystle…I am just finding it a little difficult to sleep that's all, I have a lot on my mind these days." Blake hedged covering his awkward fudging of the truth with an even more awkward smile that judging from her frown Krystle hadn't bought for a second.
"Blake if we are truly going to make this work then you need to trust me…talk to me maybe that will help. Keeping everything bottled up like this isn't healthy." Krystle pleaded reaching out and laying a hand on his chest hoping that reaching out to him physically would enable him to open up to her emotionally.
"I just have a lot of pressure from work…"
"This is more than that Blake I've seen you under pressure before and this is different, I know you remember." Krystle insisted surprised when her simple reply caused Blake to bite her head off, his anger seeming to come out of nowhere but focused solely at her.
"Krystle you know that I have a lot going on right now, the FBI are investigating every little nook and we were damn lucky they didn't force us to cease trading whilst they investigate The Carolina. I am being publically tried by Media; I am at risk of loosing these Korean leases, and all of the money I have invested in them until I can be repaid from the first profits. I spend my days having to answer people's questions I would rather not face an interrogation at home as well." Blake answered hotly cursing his own temper when Krystle pulled back as if burned.
"Krystle I'm…"
Rolling over Krystle presented her back Blake's attempt to placate her. "No you're not sorry, not really Blake. You're just saying it so I won't leave."
"I still shouldn't have snapped." Blake insisted sliding his hand round her waist. "I just haven't slept well for a while now, I know I should have told you that I was feeling under siege, I just wanted to enjoy our time together and not let anything spoil it."
Sighing and melting slightly under Blake's charming reply Krystle turned in his arms resting her cheek against his chest, tucking her fair head under his chin. "I just wish you wouldn't keep me at arms length Blake, why didn't you tell me you haven't been sleeping well?"
"Well you know now…it's not like I could keep it from you now that you've moved back in." Blake teased pleased when Krystle's reply was equally playful.
"So I've moved permanently have I?"
Tightening his grip on her Blake pressed a kiss to her forehead forcing down his uncertainty, dismissing his thoughts before of being from a lack of sleep and too much stress. "You bet your bottom dollar you have."
Groaning as the morning light invaded her sense Dana turned and buried her face in her downy pillows her hand automatically reaching out for Adam who should have been laying beside her. It was only when her hand closed on cold empty sheets that she opened one eye blinking as her eyes adjusted.
Adam wasn't beside her.
Glancing across at the alarm clock to check she hadn't really overslept Dana was amazed when the electric display showed it was only half past five.
For a moment she closed her eyes expecting to hear the flush of the toilet or perhaps the whirl of the shower but instead there was only silence and it didn't take long for her to realise she was alone in the room.
Adam was gone, he had left her alone in bed and this wasn't the first time but it would be the last time if Dana had her way. For the past few weeks Adam seemed to be drifting away from her, true he had at least confided the truth to her about Alexis and that counted for something but Dana could help but wonder, a nagging thought that refused to leave her alone on those nights when she lay in bed waiting for him; if she hadn't walked in on a shell shocked Adam who had already had more than enough brandy to loosen his tongue would he had chosen to confide in her?
Swinging her feet out of bed Dana pulled on her robe not bothering with slippers as she slipped out of the bedroom and headed downstairs. There was no one about this early, not even a servant as Dana drifted from the library to the living room, poking her head around the door to the dining room before finally she approached the weight room.
Standing in the doorway as her search finally bore fruit Dana watched as Adam pushed himself beyond endurance, his toned body sleek with sweat yet it was his face that really drew her attention; his eyes looked haunted.
Finally panting Adam released the press bar doubling over as he struggled to catch his breath before finally catching sight of his silent audience.
"Dana what are you doing up?" Adam demanded as he grabbed a towel his sharp blue eyes taking in her strained expression.
"I could say the same about you, do you know how early it is?"
Shrugging Adam grabbed his water bottle taking a deep sip before moving to the rowing machine, "I woke up early I didn't see the point of laying there trying to sleep so…" He trailed off shooting a covert glance over his shoulder.
Sighing at his defensiveness Dana drifted into the room shutting the door behind her crossing over to him quickly and laying a hand on his shoulder to draw his attention. "I wish you'd tell me what was wrong, Adam I love you we've already been through so much together and this distance is killing me…"
"It's nothing!" Adam snapped shrugging off her hand. "I just have lots of work to do and the pressure is getting to me a little."
"Then take some time off Alexis will understand she is your mother and since the two of you are so close I am sure she would be worried about her precious boy if he wasn't sleeping!" Dana snapped back unable to keep all the bitterness and sarcasm from her voice, regretting it when Adam turned a cold glare back to her. "Look I didn't mean that quite how it…"
"Yes you did Dana, look I know you and Alexis haven't always gotten along as well as you and Krystle and Blake but she is still my mother. She at least trusts and appreciates me which is more than Blake has ever done so why don't you back off, she's my mother and I love her."
"Even if she interferes so completely in your life. Dear god Adam you are clearly working your self into the ground trying to prove yourself worthy…At least when you were at Denver Carrington Blake let…"
"This has nothing to do with Alexis, I've been offered another position running a company and I don't know what to do about it!" Adam spat back. "Now will you lay off the insults until a more civilised hour?"
Stunned by Adam's reply Dana could only stand there dumbfounded as Adam pushed passed her. "Adam I…"
"Don't bother, I might as well get to the office, I can' imagine today is going to going to be much easier than yesterday and you can thank your precious Blake for that!"
To say Dex had been surprised to receive such an early morning phone call would have been understatement. It had barely been after six when he had been woken by the shrill ringing of his bedside telephone and considering he had only gotten to bed after three when Jack had finally settled back down he was barely able to grunt more than a hello.
Yet the recognisable voice on the other end had woken him faster than ten cups of coffee, and if it had been anyone else he would have told them where to stick their breakfast meeting. So surprisingly after having handed off Jack into the more than capable hands of Fallon's children's nanny Dex found himself on horseback riding side by side out with his early caller in the crisp Denver morning air.
Turning to study his companion Dex frowned when he caught sight of the tension in her face, that clearly despite her determination to enjoy the morning Alexis's mind was far from the rolling fields of her estate.
"Ok Alexis spill you didn't just ring me up at the crack of dawn, invite me and Jack over for a ride and breakfast just because you suddenly missed my company. Something is up…You want something, what is it?" Dex barked bluntly causing Alexis to jump in the saddle as if suddenly jarred back to reality unused to him using that tone with her.
"Why do you think I want something?"
"Experience." Dex grunted without a hint of humour. "Now fess up woman or I am turning this nag home."
Sighing Alexis reined in her own horse, surprising Dex by swinging herself down from the saddle before turning her large emerald eyes pleadingly up to him and Dex knew then he was lost to whatever she asked of him. "Walk with me?"
Grunting as his cowboy boots made heavy contact with the ground Dex switched sides so he could walk beside her, in her own boots Alexis seemed tiny beside him and it only nurtured his protective instincts.
"I am going to lose the Korean leases." Alexis finally confided coming to a standstill and pulling Dex up short her small hand suddenly clutching the sleeve of his checked shirt.
Raising an eyebrow in surprise Dex paused before answering, whatever he had been expecting this conversation to be about that was not it and he couldn't keep the bitterness of his disappointment from his voice. "You asked me here to talk about business? If you want my advice why didn't you just schedule an appointment at the office?"
"No I can't have this conversation in the office Dex the chance of a leak is too high." Alexis replied unable to keep the exhaustion from her voice. "This has to appear to be social, I'm sorry if the hour is inconvenient but I need to know your answer before I go into the office."
"My answer to what?" Dex asked completely confused by all the cloak and dagger secrecy. "Alexis what the hell is going on?"
"It's quite simple Dex. My partnership with Denver Carrington is going to cost me my share of these leases, and I have put in too much time, effort and money to allow that to happen."
"So buy Blake out."
Smothering a humourless chuckle Alexis rolled her eyes. "He made it quite clear a week ago that he would rather see us both lose out then sell out to me."
Nodding as he absorbed that new information Dex could see her dilemma, Blake wouldn't sell so Alexis was trapped into their partnership, the Korean's didn't want to be tied to a company under investigation so….
"So you approached the Korean's directly?" He added glancing down at her, not surprised when a small smile appeared on Alexis's lips. "Couldn't you get in trouble with Denver Carrington for that, Blake could sue if he finds out?"
"If he finds out!" Alexis repeated. "The 'If' being the salient point, but no I wasn't so indiscrete as to approach Minister Lin directly."
"But you have spoken to them?"
"Through a circulatory route." Alexis confirmed her beautiful face tightening as she recalled the details of that conversation.
"And?" Dex prompted soaking in her pained expression. "I take it things did proceed exactly the way you had hoped?"
"Not exactly." Alexis hedged. "They were angry at being duped by us both, and it took all of my persuasive powers to convince them I had no knowledge or involvement in this Carolina debacle and certainly nothing to do with that shipping captain turning up dead."
"So what's the problem?" Dex added this conversation already too much like pulling teeth for his taste. "Come on Alexis you asked me here for a reason so spill, you have my word it will stay between us."
Sighing Alexis nodded accepting the truth in his words. "The Korean's are prepared to sell me all the leases but the price is a little rich for my tastes, let's just say they think they are entitled to be compensated for all the associated bad press."
"Yes well I can't say that I blame them." Dex muttered earning him a sharp glance that he chose to ignore. "But still how does this impact on me?"
"I need a new partner, I need your company Dex."
Stunned was precisely the word. Of all the things Alexis might have needed him for that had never occurred to him. "You want me to bring Dexter International in on this?"
"Yes I do."
"Alexis…You know Sam would never agree to working with Colby Co." Dex insisted unable to believe what she was proposing.
"You still have the power of attorney don't you?"
"Yes but…"
"Just think of the opportunity. This could be the making Dexter International." Alexis insisted her emerald eyes glowing with conviction.
"Or break it just as easily." Dex muttered trying not to be swayed by the seductive idea of working alongside her once more, of private meetings, business trips, long hours spent almost exclusively in his company.
"Dex you know we can make this work." Alexis pleaded her hand tightening on his arm. "You and I, we'd be an unbeatable team."
God it was tempting, the prospect of taking Dexter International into the big league with the likes of Colby Co, Denver Carrington, Colby Enterprises. Yet he had to stay grounded, many a fool had been washed away because his eyes were bigger than his belly as his grandfather used to say and Dex was no fool. Besides there was still the problem of Sam Dexter, the old goat may be on his last legs but he was still capable of making trouble and about this he would make trouble.
"And what about my father? Where would he fit into all this?"
"Why would he need to fit into it?" Alexis scoffed. "You run Dexter International Dex, it's your company now, your legacy from your grandfather. Sam was nothing more than a mediocre caretaker you've said so yourself, he's not half the man you are or your grandfather was."
"I wouldn't do something this big without his approval Alexis despite our disagreements Dexter International legally is still his company." Dex argued hating to see the look of disappointment on her face, hated himself for being the one to put it there but he wouldn't turn his world upside down to please her anymore. He had other priorities.
"But…"
"Besides I have a son to think of now, I want Dexter International to still be there for him and that won't happen if Sam decides to disinherit me in a fit of pique over my working with you."
"So you're turning me down, you're turning down the deal of a lifetime because you're afraid Daddy will take your toys away if you don't." Alexis snapped petulantly unable to believe he was really turning her down, Dex had never said no to her, it just wasn't in his genetic make up.
"Alexis I would help if I could but this is a little too big for a company the size of Dexter International. I'm sorry but there is nothing I can do."
For a moment Dex couldn't decide whether Alexis would yell, stamp her foot or burst into tears yet in the end she did neither. Instead she turned her back to him, sighing deeply, muttering so softly he could barely grasp it. "I understand."
"I would help if I could." Dex added closing the remaining distance between them and resting his hands on her slender shoulders.
"I said I understand." Alexis snapped yet there was little venom in her words and Dex could hear tears in her voice. "You are right to think of Jack's future, I'll just have to find another partner that's all."
"Darling I'm sorry." The words were out of Dex's mouth before he could stop them and he could feel Alexis tense underneath his hands. "I mean…I…I really am sorry for everything I…"
"It's alright Dex." Alexis insisted before he could make an even bigger fool of himself, turning back to her horse. "Shall we go make the most of the rest of the beautiful morning, might as well enjoy the peace whilst it lasts."
Reluctantly Dex let her go watching her closely as she swung herself up into the saddle and turned her horse back towards the house, geeing him up before Dex could even remount his own steed. Leaving him to watch as she sped away from him, unable to shake the feeling that this time he really was loosing her.
Part 4:
Well that was that, it was almost noon and she precisely six hours left to try and find another partner or she could kiss those leases goodbye forever. Normally six hours would have been enough time for Alexis Colby to arrange a small coup but after her last brief conversation with Jason proved fruitless Alexis was close to simply throwing in the towel.
Damn Blake and damn his bloody company. If she had gone in on those leases alone like she had originally planned none of this would have been necessary. But at the time it had seemed like the right thing, the next step. They were finally moving forward with their relationship, they had managed to put Sable and Zach behind them, the children had been made aware of their reunion even if Denver hadn't. Aligning their companies' interests more closely together had seemed logical, after all if they were partners they were less likely to be in direct competition all the time.
Well Blake had thrown that plan out with the window the moment he had thrown her out of the mansion. The old Alexis would have made him pay dearly for that, yet she was so far from that woman at the time, still so shattered by his betrayal that getting out of bed in the morning was hard enough and plotting revenge had never gotten her anywhere.
So she had decided to be the bigger person and it seemed to work, she kept her children's support and her dignity, well what was left of it after Blake had humiliated her. She focused on building a wall between her and Blake, to keep him out and to keep herself from giving in to this almost constant ache to be near him. She had even gritted her teeth and used her own company's resources to help him when he needed it, putting up with his presence as they tried to salvage the situation with the Koreans.
Well enough was enough. She was through with being Blake Carrington's doormat. Through being the bigger person, it may have earned her bonus points with her children but it also made her feel weak, questioning her own motivations and actions. It had made her soft and now Colby Co was paying the price. It was time Denver Carrington paid it's dues and she had just to the plan in mind.
Reaching for her phone Alexis buzzed Mark her secretary who like always jumped at the sound of his boss's voice.
"Yes Your Majesty." Mark drawled his irreverent sarcasm causing Alexis's mouth to twitch, she was sure that was the only reason she kept him around so long without firing him, that and the fact he made a mean cocktail.
"Mark find me Frank Dobson, turn over every rock in Denver if you have to but I want him in my office in one hour, tell him I've changed my mind and am interested in hearing what he has to say. That should get him scampering back here."
"Yes Ma'am. Anything else while you wait for you loyal subject to arrive?"
"Yes Drop the attitude, cancel any plans you had for the evening I am going to be working late which means so are you; oh and get me some more coffee it is going to be a long day!"
Leaning back against the plush leather seats in the back of his limousine Blake Carrington watched the world go by, his dark eyes scanning over the passing world with barely a flicker of interest. It was Blake's thoughts that had him so preoccupied. It wasn't even the prospect of his next destination or though it probably should have been.
He had just come from a meeting downtown with his bankers.
They had been hesitant, that had been the polite word for it, about lending him the money he needed to go after this new land. In normal circumstances Blake knew they wouldn't have blinked but what with all the bad press surrounding Denver Carrington and the distant possibility of prosecution for negligence having over him; well they were somewhat cautious about lending him the fifty million he needed to buy the land and get the rigs operational. In the end it had taken him putting up his own assets as collateral and Blake had felt a shudder of revulsion as placed his shares, house and football team down on paper.
This shouldn't be happening to him.
He used to own this town and now people were doubting his word and checking the value of is money. Well he would show them all, it might take some time but he would climb back on top by his fingernails if he had to and then he would reward the loyalty of those who stuck by him and those who didn't, well they had better start running now.
In the meantime he needed to consolidate his support and that meant starting at home.
He had support in Steven and Jeff and the office and Krystle and Krystina at the house, even if Krystle's belief in him still needed reinforcing after his early morning blunder, well his plans for the evening should solve that.
Before Blake had left for the bank he had asked Marsha to invite or summon depending on their viewpoint his children and grandchildren for a Carrington family dinner at the mansion. It had initially been Krystle's idea, she had gushed over breakfast about how it was time to try and mend some fences and Blake had quietly agreed. It was time the Carrington family was rebuilt and that meant trying to reach out to both Fallon and Adam who had been hurt by their parents' separation more than their other siblings.
Perhaps it had been Steven's initial wariness about their reconciliation that made him the more pragmatic about it. Fallon who had always been hesitant to accept Alexis back completely had finally lowered those remaining barriers when Alexis had moved back in to the mansion, so it was understandable that being already sensitive on the matter she would be doubly hurt when her mother left once more. Adam who had never experienced his whole family together before, who had always felt torn between his parents trying to earn their love and respect, he had finally seemed to be turning into the type of man Blake could respect but now he was a living shell.
What the family needed now was the familiar, the steadying hand at the tiller. They needed him to make it better.
So Blake knew he was making the right decision for them all, for his family and for himself in the long term. He would forget her; he had once before after all. It had taken years of refusing to think of her, of ignoring her name in the newspapers relying on Joseph to screen any mention of his first wife from entering his sacred halls. Well he couldn't use that method this time, Joseph was long gone and Alexis was once more a part of their lives.
Yet he could make a stand, he could refuse to waver any longer. He needed to finally close the door on his relationship with Alexis for his own peace of mind if nothing else. Despite the feelings that Blake reluctantly admitted still bubbled away under lock and key, desire and confusion, love and bitterness; Blake knew he had hurt Alexis too deeply that she could ever forgive him. Besides hadn't she made her contempt of him clear enough? At first by refusing to see him then palming him off on Dobson, whilst she swanned about LA and Denver with Dexter and then this Jackson fellow.
Not that he was taking an interest in her current lovers; Alexis had always taken refuge in other men's bed when she felt slighted by him why should this time be any different.
However he did owe her…he did owe himself a proper goodbye.
Not the bitter lingering memory of their last fight in the mansion, nor the clashes over the Korean leases. Yet Blake had to admit he wasn't strong enough to march up into Colby Co, to be in the same room and admit he had been wrong to hurt her the way he had. And it seemed too cold to inform her of his decision over the phone like he was simply passing on a message even if he still thought he had done the right thing.
It was still the right thing. Krystle needed him, Krystina needed her mother and the family needed the stability that their marriage had provided and Blake…Well what Blake wanted, even if he could only admit that to himself in the depths of the night when he was alone in the darks with his treacherous thoughts and hearts. Well what he wanted and what he needed were two very different things and he needed the support of his wife and family to enable him to climb back on top.
There had to be another way…
Suddenly Blake's eyes widened as he recognised a passing building. Telling his driver to pull over Blake got quickly out of the car not waiting for the door to be opened for him. Perhaps there was another way after all."
Taking a sip of her almost cold coffee Alexis stared at the phone willing it to ring through sheer force of will. This waiting had her on a knife-edge; was it going to be Yes or No?
Grimacing as she realised just what slop she had been drinking Alexis picked up the phone to call in Mark before realising she had finally sent him home an hour ago. It wasn't through any charitable notion it was more she couldn't stand dealing with his sullen face and interruptions every five minutes as he sarcastically asked if she had anything for him to do or if she needed anything or should he just go back to his desk and continue to stare pointlessly at the wall.
It might have been easier to bear the wait if Adam was here with her yet her son had received Blake's summons and apologetically had been forced to beg off early in order to scamper back to his father's side like a good little puppy. She could have waited at home but she would have been as alone there as at the office, as despite her differences with her father Fallon would still go to the family dinner.
A family dinner yet again without her. However considering what she expected to occur tonight Alexis was practically relieved she wasn't attending, not that Blake would be that crass as to have invited her; even he wasn't that much of a bastard.
Yet it was growing harder to ignore the long package that sat on her sideboard; she had opened the note of course. Had read it with increasingly shaking hands; fighting back tears as she got the message Blake intended to send. The apology he couldn't give in person, the regret things had turned out this way and the fact that he hadn't wanted her to hear this from anyone else first. He had at least shown her that much respect.
Standing up from her desk Alexis forced herself to confront what she had been avoiding. Reaching out she slid the lid off of the white box her breath catching in her throat as she caught sight of the single perfect lavender rose entwined with a white tulip and a blue hydrangea blossom. It was a goodbye present, an offering of heartfelt apology, the final nail in the coffin of their relationship. Picking up the rose Alexis brought it to her nose, inhaling the scent before putting it back in the box and replacing the lid. He wasn't hers any longer, that's if he ever truly was hers to begin with.
It was over, they were over and now the gloves could come off. She was strong enough to stand up to Blake now. Let him go off and have his perfect little life with his perfectly dull blonde, play happy families with his pretty little daughter in their perfect home, her home. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his message the coward, thinking some flowers and some pretty words could make up for what he had done to her.
Well Alexis didn't need him anymore…
Glancing at her clock Alexis noted it was now a good hour past the deadline and still she waited for an answer, would the Korean's go for it? After all even she hadn't heard of that company until Frank had mentioned it earlier…
"I can't tell you how delighted I am you've changed your mind Alexis." Frank insisted and surprisingly enough he actually looked pleased, his face more animated than Alexis had ever seen it or was it relief she was entirely sure.
"Well I guess I realised you had a point, however I want my own geologists to conduct surveys before we buy, I don't trust anything that comes out of Denver Carrington these days smuggled out or not!"
Nodding as he conceded that point Frank's grey eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Alexis's less than delighted expression. "Something is still bothering you, I wish you would confide in me Alexis I only want to help you no matter what other people may insinuate."
Scoffing at his remark Alexis bit back a scathing retort when she looked up and caught Frank's gaze, he appeared to be earnest but these days she found it difficult to trust people, well people who hadn't earned that trust through blood sweat and tears.
"Well it won't make much difference who knows now it will be all over the papers tomorrow…I am going to lose the Korean leases. They gave me until close of business tonight to either come up with all the money for them, an exorbitantly inflated sum I assure you, or to find a new partner to shoulder the cost."
"And you haven't found either?"
Reaching for a cigarette Alexis lit one quickly trying to hide the way her hands shook with repressed anger. Blowing out a lungful of smoke she scowled her answer.
"If you don't mind me asking who did you approach?"
"I don't mind, Dexter International, Colby Enterprises and a few smaller companies but no one is prepared to make such a large gamble on such short notice and honestly I can't say that I blame them." Alexis confessed distractedly playing with the tip of her cigarette. "Not that it helps me any."
Pausing as he considered his idea Frank couldn't help the smile on his face, this might be just the thing to interest him and I would certainly increase Alexis's trust in them.
"What is it?"
Glancing up Frank couldn't contain his smirk. "I think I might have the answer to your problem, tell me Alexis have you ever heard of an Australian oil company by the name of Halesworth Oil?"
Part 5:
Standing in front of the mirror Krystle admired the cut of her new dress. It was a flattering long length gown in a silvery fabric with beading over the bodice that would shimmer in the candlelight over dinner. Tonight's dinner had to be perfect, the whole family together again, well apart from Jeff who was still in Hong Kong. Krystle hoped that it might rekindle other happier times and it might begin the thaw in the relationships between Blake and his two eldest children.
In truth Krystle had been surprised that Blake had so readily agreed to her idea. As despite his desire to reconcile with Fallon and to a lesser extent Adam before Blake had given her the impression that he expected them to make the first move. Surely this backing down on his part was yet another sign that Blake was becoming more and more the man she remembered. The wonderful man she had married and not this stranger that occasionally she found herself confronted with.
Like in the middle of the night….
Pushing that single unhappy thought aside Krystle fixed a smile on her face and headed down to join the rest of the family in the library. Blake had left the moment Gerard had rung up to announce Fallon and the children's arrival. Krystle hadn't been quite ready and besides it was important to give father and daughter a moment alone to clear the air.
Entering the library it quickly became clear that not as much air had been cleared as Krystle had hoped. Fallon greeted her politely and LB and Lauren were just as darling as always but from the tense way Fallon sat and the tight grip on her glass Krystle could see she was far from completely comfortable. Fortunately Steven was seated next to her trying to engage his sister in banter to relax her for which Krystle shot him a grateful smile.
"Hello Darling." Blake's greeting was far warmer as he crossed the room and pressed a kiss to her cheek, a gesture of affection that whilst welcomed by Krystle she couldn't help but notice how the children averted their gaze and for a moment it made her feel as if they were doing something truly taboo.
"So we are just waiting for Dana and Adam." Steven noted turning his blonde head towards the door as if summoned the couple in question walked in the door.
"I didn't realise we were on a meter." Adam muttered sullenly his comment earning him a sharp nudge in the ribs from Dana. "Ouch I was only saying…"
"Nothing like that son." Blake stepped in before the argument could escalate. "I am just so delighted you could all join us for dinner…My wonderful family." Blake smiled gazing around the room taking in his four children and three grandchildren. "I can't tell you how wonderful it is all to have you here…"
"Is it time to go through yet?" Fallon asked yet her question was more addressed to Steven than her father, as it was clear his speech was making her uncomfortable.
"Perhaps we should." Krystle cut in when Blake scowled slightly at being interrupted. "The children will be falling asleep on their plates if we wait much longer."
Fortunately Blake seemed to see the logic in her words because he lost his scowl favouring her with a bright smile as he offered her his arm to escort her into dinner. Seating her at her customary place at the end of the table Blake returned to his end surprised when all of his children seemed to awkwardly avoid taking the seat to his left…Their mother's favourite place…Alexis's place.
In the end it was a slightly red-faced Dana who slipped into that seat.
As everyone settled and champagne was poured for the grown ups Blake stood and proposed a toast his left hand slipping unconsciously into his pocket to nervously finger the box that lay there. He had to do this now. If he didn't he doubted he would be able to eat a bite of Mrs Gunnerson's dinner and if he left it till then end then he might loose his nerve altogether.
"My family. You don't know how it warms my heart to see you all here with us tonight. A special night for all of us…" Blake paused his throat suddenly dry as his eyes skimmed along the faces of his children his nerves only increasing as it seemed only Dana and Krystina could meet his gaze.
"Yes well as I was saying a special night because we get to celebrate the return of a very special woman to our home and family and to my life. To Krystle." Blake added raising his glass downing a large sip as everyone echoed his toast some with more enthusiasm than others and Krystle blushed at the sudden attention.
Yet instead of Blake sitting back down like she expected to allow the hovering staff to serve the appetisers he began to walk back round the table his dark eyes locked nervously on her face and for a moment she caught a hint of panic in them before the emotion was locked down once more and he was suddenly all smiles.
"This is a special night." Blake added as he came to stand beside her and Krystle gazed up at him in confusion, her confusion quickly turning to shock as Blake suddenly dropped to one knee and pulled out a velvet box from his tuxedo pocket. "A very special night, the night I ask my beautiful Krystle, the woman who gave me my beautiful daughter and who brought meaning back into my life all those years ago to once again do me the honour of being my wife."
Then he opened the box and Krystle was confronted with an enormous diamond it's pear cut gem glinting wildly in the light as if it had been polished madly for just an occasion.
For what seemed like an eternity Krystle stared at the ring in dumb surprise. Of all the things this was not what she had expected, Blake to propose now, here, with all his children present, with her child present. Wrenching her eyes up from the ring Krystle stared into Blake's eyes yet unusually she couldn't find the answer she sought in them and for the first time after Blake had asked her this question she wasn't certain of her answer.
"I…I need to…I need to think about this…Blake I'm sorry." Krystle blurted out surprising herself and the assembled family who were all on the edges of their seats.
"That's alright, take all the time you need."
Of everyone Blake seemed the most and at the same time the least surprised, closing the ring box with a sharp click he rose from the floor as if he had been doing it everyday before stiffly making his way to the head of the table and signally his poor dumb staff to start serving the first course.
As she stared down into the delicate seasoned quail Krystle couldn't help but note that causal conversation over dinner was going to be more problematic than even she had thought.
"You wanted to speak to me father?"
"Yes…Shut the door will you Adam?"
For a moment father and son regarded each other warily, an uneasy silence settling between them before unable to take the suspense a moment longer Adam drawled in a bored tone that didn't quite cover his nervousness; the irrational fear that somehow Blake had found about Davenports offer.
"You summoned me Father?"
"No I asked to speak to you Adam the two are very different…Son please sit down what I have to say isn't easy on me and you could help an old man out by not standing there as if you were in front of a firing squad."
Wrong footed by Blake's conciliatory tone Adam hesitantly moved to take a seat on one of the sofas. "What was if you needed to talk about?"
Sighing Blake paused before answering running his hands through his gray hair before resting an arm on the mantelpiece, glancing up at a confused Adam under his knitted brow. "I feel I owe you an apology son, the other week you offered your help to me and I rather callously threw your generous offer back in your face."
"You had Jeff and Steven…" Adam began unable to keep the bitterness completely from his voice.
"Yes but they aren't you." Blake insisted cutting him off. "Adam we've been through a lot and I know that there are times when you haven't felt as secure of you place in this family as you had a right to. Some of that…No I have to be honest most of that is my fault." Blake added with a self depreciating chuckle.
"I am a man of exacting standards, a difficult man to live with, work with and undoubtedly a bad father. I understand why you feel more comfortable working with your mother, she has never found it difficult to express her emotions, her pride and gratitude in her children's achievements and you more than the others need to know you are loved, need to be told it."
"Father please I know you love me…" Adam cut in unable to keep the flush of embarrassment from his cheeks. "Just as I also know I haven't always made you proud, I do not have the same strength of character as you or Jeff or even Steven…I know my past actions have embarrassed you and this family."
"Adam what is past is past; none of us can change that we can only accept it and move on." Blake added sagely moving to sit beside his eldest son. "Besides since your return you have impressed me by facing your responsibilities head on, I can't imagine it has been easy with the conviction hanging about your neck, dear god knows I know how that feels."
Hanging his head Adam accepted that modest praise. "Thank you father."
"I also appreciate the way you stepped up to look after your mother after…well after you know…I will admit I didn't handle things the way I should have, but things were happening so fast…" Blake paused swallowing down the emotions that surged up just at the thought of Alexis. "It is reassuring to know that you were looking after her."
Biting his bottom lip Adam nodded unable to quell his own surge of guilt and the urge to confess that really it had been Dexter who had done most of the work but since his father knew nothing of Alexis's real reaction to their breakup, he couldn't begin to understand why his children had rallied round her the way they had.
"She's my mother." Adam replied simply and that seemed to be enough for Blake as he nodded his understanding. "But you are my father and I hate being torn between you." He confessed hanging his head. "I just wish things didn't have to be this complicated."
"So do I son…But there is little we can do about that but there are something's we can change and well I was hoping that your offer to assist me still stood…With finding out who is buying up my stock?"
Excited by the prospect Adam nodded. "Of course father I will get right on it in the morning do you have anything for me to start on?"
"Jeff left his files for me before he flew to Hong Kong and I have to admit I haven't paid them the attention they deserve. He has managed to get copies of some the stock purchases, don't ask me how he got them but they are all different brokerage houses. There doesn't seem to be any discernable pattern and if wasn't for the timing and the fact that each time the amount remained exactly the same just under the 5% level at which they would need to declare their holdings…"
Blake paused as he retrieved the folder, opening it and pulling out copies of the stock purchase orders which he handed to Adam.
Scanning through the documents Adam could see why Blake was perplexed over and over again there were purchase orders for Denver Carrington stock the only common factor the number of shares purchased. Yet there was something else that struck Adam as being familiar if only he had long enough to study the papers. "Can I borrow these father? There is something here…If I can just figure out what it is…"
"Of course I asked you for help, just let me know if you need any more information." Blake answered with a smile, a smile that Adam returned and Blke was relieved that at least one of his plans for the evening had worked out like he had expected. One fence was being mended, now he only had to work on the other two.
Leaning back against his sofa Dex took another deep sip from his beer. It wasn't the first of the night by any stretch of the imagination and considering how he was feeling right about now it wouldn't be his last either.
"You shouldn't let her get to you."
"I don't recall asking for your opinion." Dex grunted in reply lifting his eyes to briefly glare at his houseguest who much to his annoyance looked sincerely sorry for him.
"To bad for you that you're going to get it anyway." Monica retorted crossing the room to take the seat beside him.
"Monica…" Dex began his voice a deep growl yet that didn't scare her off.
"No Dex when are you going to stop being a doormat where Alexis is concerned, I heard you earlier…Look I didn't mean to listen in." Monica added when Dex's face clouded angrily. "I didn't realise you were on the line when I picked it up, I was going to phone Jason and…"
"And you could have put it down!" Dex snapped finishing his beer in two swigs before getting up and striding to the fridge for another.
"Fine I could have." Monica replied placatingly following him into the kitchen and snatching the beer out of his hands before he could open it. "This isn't going to help you any either. You have a son Dex if I wasn't here to help look after him would you still let Alexis drive you into drinking yourself into a stupor? I thought you were a better father than that?"
"Don't you dare bring Jack into this." Dex spat reaching out to try and grab the bottle from her hands. "You don't understand…"
"Oh I understand, Alexis screwed you over again, I heard it all Dex it was pathetic to hear a grown man begging like a dog for scraps from his master's table." Monica taunted him stepping back to keep the bottle out of his reach. "I think my favourite part was her telling you to get off the line she was waiting for an important call."
"You bitch…" Dex hissed trying to push aside the truth in Monica's taunt yet it would have hurt half so badly if there wasn't a grain of truth in what she was saying, even if she had warped and twisted the conversation.
His earlier conversation with Alexis hadn't gone as he had hoped and it had only served to heighten the feeling of rejection that had been with him since their morning ride….
"Alexis?"
"Oh it's you…Sorry Dex but I'm expecting an important call…" Alexis's voice sounded testy and distracted and Dex didn't need to be a psychic to guess what it was about.
"Look Alexis I just wanted to say again that I'm sorry, I know how much keeping those leases meant to you."
"Dex…"
"I know I don't need to apologise but I hate to think of you sitting in that office waiting for the bad news all by yourself, do you want me to come over…Or better yet get one of your damn lackey's to take the call and come over to my apartment for dinner. I won't even to offer to cook, we can order in…"
"Dex will you please get off the line."
"But…"
"Look I don't have time to explain, let's just say I found a way to make things work and now I really do have to be going."
"But Alexis…"
"Goodnight Dex!"
The long drawn out tone droned in his ear for a good few moments it took for Dex to realise Alexis had actually hung up on him. She had found somebody else to help her; she didn't need him for anything anymore.
"Don't tell me I hit a nerve Dex?" Monica's mocking voice drew Dex back to the presence and we wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug little smirk off of her pretty face.
"Shut up and give me back my beer." Dex growled.
"No."
"Monica." Dex muttered warningly as he stalked her across the apartment before lunging for the bottle.
Yet Monica was light on her feet and Dex ended up grasping thin air. Not one to be outfoxed Dex tried again and this time he caught hold of her arm. Reeling her in Dex pulled her against him his free hand reaching for the bottle surprised as Monica used the momentum to trip them both and they ended up rolling to the floor a mess of limbs.
For a moment they lay panting their eyes inches apart. Then Dex wasn't sure who moved first, one moment they were scowling the next their lips were meshing and Monica's hands were fisted in his hair pulling him close, an action later mirrored by her long legs as they wrapped around his hips.
It was wrong, so very wrong but right now Dex Dexter didn't give much of a damn for right and wrong.
Part 6:
Squinting as the shrill ring of the phone woke him Blake groaned rubbing his sore neck, wondering for a god awful moment where he was before he spotted the paperwork open on his desk and the large glass of brandy that hadn't been the first of the evening as Blake's still fuzzy head could attest.
He had been avoiding going upstairs of having to face Krystle after she had for all intents and purposes turned down his proposal in front of his entire family. So after his conversation with Adam Blake had begged off retiring just yet, claiming he needed to catch up on some reading; when in fact he had caught up with emptying half the decanter, before nodding off over his desk like some drunken hobo and it wasn't even eleven yet.
Perhaps he should have a strong cup of coffee…No that would only stop him from sleeping.
Reaching blindly for the still screeching phone Blake grunted. "Yes."
"Blake thank god I caught you, have you heard…"
"Jeff it is late what can be so important?"
"Sorry Blake I forgot about the time difference there. The Korean Oil ministry just made a press release and it is all over the news stations over here."
"What Statement…What?" Blake spluttered trying to force his drink addled brain to function when it was hard enough just listening to Jeff along the crackling line.
"The oil leases they have rescinded the contract with Denver Carrington and Colby Co…" Jeff replied before the line crackled badly again and Blake pulled the phone away from his ear.
They had lost the leases…Alexis was going to kill him.
"Blake…Blake can you hear me god this line is awful…The…new leases have been to ...by Co and Halesworth Oil, have you heard of it?"
"Who?"
"Colby Co and Halesworth Oil."
This time Jeff's answer was all too clear and Blake felt a rage the like of which he had rarely felt swarm up over him from his toes, inflaming his whole body before setting his mind on fire.
That double crossing bitch.
How long had she been planning this, after she had convinced Blake they could still work together to keep these leases. Or had this been a longer project, after all people didn't suddenly find new partners for this size of project over night. Perhaps despite her protestations that she had no interest in revenge Alexis was once again out to ruin him.
Ignoring Jeff calling his name Blake set the phone back down, reaching for his glass he poured another large brandy downing it in one to steady his nerve; his mind bent on one purpose finding Alexis and then making her answer for this any way he could.
Dirty…Dirty and disgusted with himself.
Resisting the urge to heave Dex dragged himself into the shower, wishing he could purge the memory of what had just happened as easily as he could wash the evidence of it from his body.
What had he been thinking? Correction he hadn't been thinking and that was precisely what had gotten him into this mess in the first place. He had been drinking feeling sorry for himself, he had been vulnerable and Monica had taken advantage of that but he had let her.
It hadn't taken long for the reality of the situation to sober him right up…
Laying in bed Dex gazed up at the ceiling forcing himself not to react as a slender foot wrapped over his leg and rubbed it provocatively, its owner languishing next to him as she trailed her fingers lazily across his chest. He wished he could close eyes and fall asleep perhaps then he would wake up to find out this had all just been a dream. If he just ignored her maybe she would go away and he could forget.
It was only when her caresses grew bolder that Dex had to take action reaching down and grasping her wrist as Monica's hand drifted under the covers.
"No."
"Come on Dex surely you can manage once more, a man of your obvious talent in bed…at least now I understand why Alexis kept taking you back."
Balking at that Dex pushed her away practically jumping out of bed and pulling on his jeans.
"Oh come back to bed I was only teasing." Monica giggled stretching out across his bed and sighing contentedly. "That really was amazing."
Resisting the urge to comment sarcastically he was glad he met her expectations Dex instead muttered about checking on Jack, hoping that Monica might get the hint that their romp was over, and not just for the evening. Yet Dex's hope died when instead Monica reached down and scooped up his shirt pulling it on before following him through into his son's nursery.
Fortunately or unfortunately from Dex's point of view Jack was fast asleep and so there was nothing to stop Monica from wrapping her arm around his waist as she leaned down to admire her little brother.
"He's such a handsome little man." Monica cooed. "Hey Dex since its Saturday tomorrow how about we take him to the park, may be the zoo…"
"Monica this is not going to work." Dex managed to interject between her plans. "This was a mistake surely you can see that?"
Drawing back as Dex had slapped her Monica stared at him dumbly. "What are you talking about?"
"This…You and Me and Jack…We aren't a family, we aren't even friends." Dex tried to explain.
"But….but we just made love and you both need someone to look after you Dex…I love Jack and I think if we tried we could make this work. We could be a proper family, Jack deserves that, a mother and a father who love him…We could be that Dex!"
"We had sex and it was a mistake." Dex repeated trying to get through the clearly unstable woman in front of him. "I'm sorry if I ever gave you the impression that we could be anything more…"
"You bet you're arse you're sorry or you will be Dexter!" Monica spat turning and fleeing the room like a scolded cat. Waiting in the nursery Dex heard Monica rummaging about the other room and then after a few more minutes the front door slammed loudly waking Jack who began to wail loudly.
Picking up his crying son Dex tried to sooth him deciding it was best if he moved his son's crib into his room for the night just to be sure. "It's alright Jack she's gone, I won't let her near you again."
Standing under the now frigid water Dex relished the cold. He deserved it. True technically this time he hadn't cheated on anyone, yet it still felt like a betrayal and somehow Dex doubted Alexis would look favourably on him sleeping with Sable's daughter. Not that he had any chance of her taking him back, but if he had done this would surely have ended that.
Perhaps that was what Monica meant by making sure he was sorry.
However Dex wasn't going to take any chances on that.
Mentally he made the decision to ring a locksmith first thing in the morning before dumping his sheets at the laundrette to be laundered. Decision made Dex grabbed a towel and strode back into his bedroom taking note of the carnage Monica had made. Grabbing anything she might of touched Dex bundled them up with the soiled sheets stuffing it all in a dustbin bag. Forget laundering the sheets he would just dump the whole lot and start afresh.
In the end his bedroom looked practically bare and Dex only had the energy to throw a spare sheet on the bed before crawling back under the duvet his eyes locked on his son's crib. After all there were far more important things in life than possessions and with Jack Dex wasn't about to take any chances.
God it was late and normally Alexis would have been home hours ago and just because she finally had something to celebrate it didn't mean she could relax just yet. The story had broken in the Far East, the Korean Mistry making the announcement only moments after phoning her personally to confirm it. So already the few people she had working just as late as her in the PR department had had to draft a press release. A release that she had only just approved, and which could go out in the morning papers; with that done Alexis could finally consider going home.
She was just locking up her files when her office door burst open and a red faced Blake Carrington bore down on her. For a moment the pair simply stared at each other, Alexis in genuine surprise and Blake as if he was catching his breath.
"What are you doing here Blake?" Alexis's surprise wasn't forced, surely Blake couldn't have found about the leases already but that was the only thing that would drag him here tonight of all nights, shouldn't he be at home celebrating his new engagement with the sterling Krystle.
Alexis's question jarred Blake out of his momentary lapse and he enjoyed the sound of the door slamming shut behind him and the way the sudden violent move startled Alexis. "You damn well know why I am here Alexis."
"Really Blake I have many talents but clairvoyance has never been among them, it's very late I was just about to leave so if you are here to play more games…" Alexis paused reaching for the phone on her desk, intent on calling security and having Blake removed.
Yet Blake darted forward faster than she expected and grabbed her wrist as her hand fell on the receiver, gripping it tightly until Alexis gasped in pain and surprise. "You know damn well why I am here, so do not continue this innocent charade. How could you Alexis, after you swore to my face that this time you had no interest in revenge?"
Wrenching her hand free and massaging her sore wrist Alexis scowled at him. "I don't know what you are talking about Blake."
"Stop insulting my intelligence Alexis, this business with the Koreans oh you managed that very nicely, making me believe you were on my side when all the time you were actually undermining me. Well you had better have covered your tracks because if, no when I find proof that you were negotiating behind my back I will bury you! I will have this company tied up in the courts so tightly that not even Houdini could get you free!"
"Your paranoia is showing again Darling." Alexis sneered her velvet tone drawling out the endearment like a curse. "You brought this on yourself Blake, the Korean government decided you weren't a good risk and I was not going to let you take Colby Co down with the sinking ship that is Denver Carrington. But I did nothing illegal, I was approached and offered a new partner and I chose to take that deal, blame the Koreans but mostly blame yourself and your own incompetence!"
"So you don't even deny it, how long…How long have you been dealing with the Korean's behind my back, days…weeks?"
"You would choose not to believe me even if I told you the truth but frankly Blake considering you were happy to take me and Colby Co down with you I don't think I owe you damn thing!"
"You owe me!" Blake screeched clenching his hands into fists so that he could try and resist the urge to shake her. "You owe me an explanation."
"Well tough because you are not getting one now if that is all…"
"It is not all." Blake growled. "I may not be able to prove that you double dealed me with these leases but you know damn well I will try and I may not be able to prove your hand in this but I can track everything else to you."
Shaking her head as Blake continued to rant like a mad man Alexis eyed the door hungrily; she really didn't need this scene right now. "You're delusional Blake and I am leaving."
Blocking her move towards the door Blake growled his reply. "Someone has been buying up my stock, in less than 5% chunks so they don't need to declare it."
"And of course yet again you accuse me?"
"Because we both know this has your fingerprints all over it…Who do you have doing the purchasing for you Alexis, dummy corporations or Frank Dobson?" Blake demanded not convinced in the slightest by her innocent charade.
"If and I mean If I was buying up your stock Blake I wouldn't try and hide the fact, besides why the hell would I buy Denver Carrington stock right now I would end up loosing money?"
"For revenge…So you can take my company away from me Alexis."
"I don't want your damn company, right now Denver Carrington is the albatross of the oil community. Everyone knows something is rotten Blake so why don't you head back over to your own office and start a witch hunt; Colby Co is not involved."
"You'd like me to believe that wouldn't' you Alexis."
Rolling her eyes at his determination to blame her for all his ills Alexis sank back into her leather chair surveying him with her emerald eyes. He was clearly beyond reasoning with, nothing she said would do any good judging by the wild look in his eyes; a look that sent a slight chill through Alexis's body as she replied softly and calmly. "Believe what you want Blake but it happens to be the truth."
"The truth, do you even know the meaning of the word?"
"That's rather rich coming from you Blake. But I will repeat myself one more time; nice and slowly so even that dumb Stepford Blonde of yours could understand me. I nor my company have bought any Denver Carrington stock. I have no interest in anything that belongs to you…except perhaps your refinery if you're interested in selling. I'd give you a fair price Blake." Alexis added smiling smugly unable to resist baiting him even as his face grew redder.
"I'd sooner see it burn to the ground than sell to you."
"Fine be that way. Try and sell it on the open market and see your stock drop further."
"Oh I won't be selling anything." Blake pontificated. "And when I find the proof that you are behind this…"
"You'll what, try and blackmail me again?" Alexis snapped getting to her feet, hands on her hips as she stalked around the desk. "After all that is how you have kept hold of Denver Carrington in the past. The merger was called off because you used that trumped up evidence behind Jeff's poisoning, then you used Emily Fallmont's letter …What's left Blake?"
"Oh I'll find something, there is always some rotten deed waiting to be uncovered." Blake added shaking his head as he ignored her lie and her innocent looks; all of his bad luck had happened since their break up and despite her protestations of innocence Alexis's track record spoke against her.
"The Carolina was that you to? How much did it cost to buy Terence Alexis? Did he threaten to expose you is that why you had him silenced or was that perhaps that the idea of your latest stooge?"
"Don't be ridiculous…"
"I don't think I am, there was something that stank about the whole set up and it positive reeks of you…"
"Not this time Blake." Alexis hissed shaking her head emerald eyes flashing as she poked at his chest. "This time someone else is out for your blood, I'm not involved, but that doesn't mean I can't sit back and enjoy the show."
"You actually expect me to believe that?"
"I don't care what you believe Blake; I know I am not involved. Now instead of standing here accusing me, why don't you try and find out who is really behind all this? Or is that too taxing for you? Of course it's much easier just to blame me, like you always do. Oh someone is being mean to poor old Blake it must be Alexis, which considering just how many enemies you've made over the years I guess I should be flattered."
"You really are a bitch."
"Perhaps but you are just as bad Blake…No you're worse, at least I don't go around claiming to care about the people I hurt!"
Refusing the listen to any more of her lies to let her argument sway him even slightly Blake focused on his anger, on his feelings of betrayal. On how a woman who claimed to love him once could ever have done this to him. "No you just take away all that they care about, dripping poison in their children's ears, taking their grandchildren away…"
"They are just as much mine as yours Blake…And it is Fallon's decision where she and her children live. Perhaps if you thought about what is best for them instead of what is best for yourself you'd see that!"
"And when you're not busy stealing peoples families and destroying their companies, you're swanning about Denver with Dexter…Flaunting your affair…A woman your age…"
"What affair? I am not having an affair with anyone not that it is any of your damned business. And what the hell does My Age have to do with it?"
"You're in your fifties Alexis you're not twenty five any more, you should show more decorum." Blake sneered.
"Like your saintly sterling Krystle?" Alexis mocked. "Personally I am amazed you even left the house tonight, wasn't it the night of the big announcement?" Alexis taunted her eyes narrowing as Blake avoided her gaze and she laughed mockingly. "What's the matter Darling don't tell me she turned you down, oh that is precious…"
"She is twice the lady you will ever be. I thank god I remembered what a viper you really were before I found myself tied in matrimony to such a snake." Blake practically bellowed blood pounding in his ears as he stared into her mocking face, the urge to wipe that smirk from her beautiful face never stronger.
"If by lady you mean deadly dull, then yes she is." Alexis sneered back rolling her eyes. "Now if that is all you have to say then you can get out, get out before I have you thrown out…" Alexis muttered turning her back on him so that he couldn't see the pain his words had caused.
Yet that was the last straw for Blake, she had turned her back on him. Dismissing him as if he was nothing. After all that she had done, all they had said, had meant to one another. Blake grabbed Alexis's arm, whirling her round shaking her roughly as he hissed angrily in her face. "Better than a common tramp, which let's face it is all you are."
Blinding rage clouding his judgement, he ignored her whimper of pain. He was immune to anything she had to say, his blood was pounding in his ears as his rage fuelled his actions.
"Tell me Alexis how long was it before you fell back into Dexter's bed… One day…two? Or did you start fornicating with him the moment he picked you up from the mansion? And what about that Jackson fellow, you moved him straight in didn't you. Tell me do the gentlemen form an orderly queue each night or do they flip a coin?"
Alexis's sharp backhand caught him by surprise and Blake saw red, grabbing her wrist so she couldn't repeat her attack twisting it until she called out in pain.
"Blake you're hurting me…"
"How long?" Blake repeated shaking her roughly, his grip on her tightening as she struggled to break free. "Hmmm were your tears even dry even you let one of them touch you…Kiss you…" He added pulling her close so he could stare into her wide eyes, yet he was blind to the tears in them, his eyes dropping from her eyes to her lips.
"Bl…"
Smothering Alexis's plea Blake pulled her against him, trapping her hands against his chest as he crushed their lips together. He wasn't gentle, this wasn't about pleasure; it was about dominance… ownership.
Blake kissed her roughly, his teeth biting her plump lips as his hands moved greedily down her body.
She was his, she had always been his.
Perhaps it was time Alexis finally realised that…
