A/N: There is a little drama coming up…so hold on, it may be a bumpy ride!

Light breaks through the sheers over the windows and his arms encircle her while his face in buried in the crook of her neck as if he could breathe in her even more. She is a part of him, in his heart, running through his veins. It seems ridiculous to him; the mere thought of leaving her after coming to this point. There is no going back…ever.

Her rambles have been quieted and she lies as still as she can because she knows once she realizes this is real it's bound to all go to hell. Before him, Stefan was the person she let get closest to her…the person who could rip out her heart with one look, a word, a passing glance. Now he is the one that crawls under her skin; losing him once nearly broke her…losing him again would probably begin the Cassadine descent into madness.

"What are you thinking?" he whispers the hot breath causing bumps to burst onto her skin.

As she turns to him she tries to get her words together...but one look in chocolate brown eyes makes her lose exactly what she wanted to say. She hates the power he holds over her; the ability to make her feel so unlike herself...unsure, self conscious.

Pulling her to him he holds a hand in her hair while the other makes long strokes down her naked back, "I know you're scared, but please trust me" he murmurs.

She does...implicitly and maybe stupidly. She has always trusted him; even when she said she hated him...what she doesn't trust is the world around them. There are too many variables; too many things just waiting to tear them apart. She tries to forget to let this be enough to sustain.

When they hear the door slam open and shut she jumps out of the bed and looks at the clock, "Damn it, that's Kristina"

He just sat admiring her; dimples etched into cheeks, "Get dressed" she seethes through her teeth as she grabs his clothes off the floor and throws them at him.

"MAMA!" they hear and her face contorts into panic.

Laughing he begins to get dressed as she runs around the room making herself look presentable. As she smoothes her shirt she opens the door, "Kristina" she calls as she walks out.

Tucking in his shirt he follows her; as they walk into the living room Sam and Kristina turn around, "Mama....DADDDY!" she cries running and jumping into his arms.

Sam's eyes bore deep holes into both of them and he can see a familiar flush come to Alexis' face, "Hey Princess" she says averting her eyes from her daughter's.

Jason told him about Sam, and even thinking about it makes him want to book a trip to Jerry Springer. He wishes there was some recollection…some way to apologize, to feel their daughter.

"So" she starts out but the words fail her.

If he had a knife he could cut the tension in the room and he watches as Sam and Alexis are engaged in some sort of battle of the stares. Putting down Kristina he smiled, "You know, I should be getting going"

"NO DADDY!" Kristina interrupted.

Leaning down, "I know, I'm going to miss you too…but if your mama says it's okay maybe I can come back and make you dinner"

Alexis scowled at him before Kristina turned to her, "Mommy, PLEEEASE!" she begged.

Across the room Sam arched her eyebrow, "Come on Mommy" she teased.

"Okay"

Walking him to the door she opened it, "See you later then"

It was her business tone…and she knew how to hide behind it so well. Quickly he pushed a piece of hair out of her face, "I love you Alexis" he told her looking deeply into her eyes.

A blush came to her face, "I'll see you later" she repeated softer, like she wasn't afraid as soon as she closed the door that the sky wasn't going to crumble around them.

OoO

She busied herself with getting Kristina started on her homework and when she walked into the living room Sam sat on her couch a grin on her face, "So young lady, what were we interrupting" she teased.

Busying herself with straightening files she ignored it and Sam walked up next to her grabbing some papers too, "Are you okay?" she asked noting that instead of being happy, Alexis seemed to be a bit stoic.

Dropping the papers she looked at her daughter, "I love him, just like I did all those years ago, hell just like I never stopped…but what happens when he remembers the life he had and I'm once again left alone"

OoO

"Knock, knock" he said entering the small casino.

A blond head popped up, "Well if it isn't the Dimpled Don, risen from the ashes" he said before pulling out a bottle, "Now let's celebrate"

Shaking his head, "Mineral water, lithium doesn't mix with alcohol"

"You're no fun" he complained before pouring him a glass of water.

Sitting a stool he looked around, "Yeah well alcohol and lithium don't mix too well"

"So, I've heard, so what do I owe this little visit to?" Luke asked downing a shot.

Shrugging, "I was coming from Alexis' house…"

Luke grinned and Sonny rolled his eyes and smiled, "Aren't you going to warn me away from those Cassadines?" he asked joking.

Pouring another drink Luke picked up a dart and tossed it at the painting of Helena, "You know the rules, stab first, ask questions later. I am gonna warn you though; the Princess has had her share of pain these last couple of years…don't make any promises you don't intend to keep"

Fingering his glass he looked at the man, "I don't intend to"

OoO

As Viola took the girls in the playroom she tried to focus. Instead she found herself wandering to the back bedroom. The sheets were still in disarray, and she could feel his fingertips upon her skin. How did she let herself get to this place again?

OoO

Opening his cupboards he filled up a paper bag full of ingredients….if he knew Alexis' her cupboards were filled with coffee filters and microwave popcorn. Whistling he finished getting ready. Max poked his head inside the door, "Boss"

"Yeah"

"Miss Howard is here to see you"

Knitting his brows he nodded, "Tell her to come in"

When she walked in he watched her eyes glance around, "Well this is every nice" she said politely.

"It feels like home" he tried to explain.

Pointing to the bag he looked back at her, "I was on my way out, is everything okay?"

The cool façade she had been wearing seemed to fall apart, "No, it's not" she told him.

There was something about the look on her face that caused him the greatest concern. Looking at the time he figured he could call Alexis and tell her he was running a little late. Reaching out he placed a hand on her arm, "What can I do to help" he asked.

Opening her eyes she looked at him, "I think I'm pregnant" she burst out with.

It was as if everything started to spin in slow motion…looking at her face, the terror he felt written on perfect skin. This wasn't suppose to be happening….not now…not when he was so close to getting everything right.