Chapter ONE HUNDRED & NINETY TWOMake Mine a Double

Love comforteth like sunshine after rain, But lust's effect is tempest after sun; Love's gentle spring doth always fresh remain, Lust's winter comes ere summer half be done; Love surfeit's not, Lust like a glutton dies, Love is all truth, Lust full of forged lies.

William Shakespeare

(English Dramatist, Playwright and Poet, 1564-1616)

Kate sat at the bar and finished off her gin and tonic, indicating to the barman for another.

"Keep 'em coming sweet cheeks," she told him with a grim smile, "I've got a horrible taste in my mouth that needs washing out."

"Yes ma'am," said the bartender politely, taking away her glass, "Tough day?"

"Let's see," she said flatly, "I've just delivered my vulnerable son over to a poisonous snake because that is what he thinks he wants so yeah, I guess you could call it a tough day."

The bartender paused, clearly uncertain what to say to that.

"I'll make this a double," he said rather sensibly.

"That's my boy," said Kate with a nod, thinking it was nice to meet a good looking man with a brain for a change.

"Ky," the man informed her, seeing her give him a second look, "My name is Ky."

Kate arched an eyebrow at the young man's volunteering of his name. She saw the flash of interest there even though he could have been no more than about twenty six or so – younger than her own son. It felt very nice to know she still had it as she eyed the blonde haired, brown eyed well built man speculatively. After today Kate felt like she deserved a bit of fun.

"So Ky," said Kate calmly, "What time do you get off work?"

"One," he told her with a cheeky smile, "Is that too late for you?"

"Oh honey," said Kate with a wry grimace, "Ask anyone in town and they'll tell you it is too late for me – I'm a lost cause."

"I don't believe that," said Ky with a smile.

"That's because you are very young," said Kate knowingly, "And you think you have a chance of getting into my pants tonight."

"Well do I?" he asked with only the boldness of youth could have.

"Get me that drink and I'll think about it," said Kate coolly, "And it had better be the best god damn gin and tonic I've ever had."

"Don't worry," he said confidently, flirting with her shamelessly, "I'm an expert at giving women what they want."

"Darling in my vast experience men who feel the need to tell women that rarely do," said Kate dismissively.

"Well darling," said Ky, leaning in towards her so that their faces were close now, "Perhaps I'm the exception to the rule."

"Or maybe you're just a cocky wannabe thinking he can pick up any woman who catches his eye?" suggested Kate coolly.

"Maybe you should just take me home and I can show you exactly how cocky I can be," said Ky with a knowing smile, "I've been told by more than one woman that my... cockiness... is impressively big."

"Size isn't important," said Kate dismissively.

"Oh I think we both know that is a complete and utter lie," said Ky with a smirk.

"Youth comes but once in a lifetime," said Kate with a wry shake of her head at the young man's confidence.

Ky looked at her quizzically at that comment.

"Henry Wadsworth Longfellow," she informed him, giving the nineteenth century American poet his dues.

"Never heard of him," said Ky blithely which earned him a roll of Kate's eyes.

He leant over the bar and smiled sexily back at Kate.

"But I can tell you that old Henry was wrong," he informed Kate throatily, "This youth definitely comes more than once in a lifetime."

Kate's lips quirked in amusement despite herself but more so because she was picturing the esteemed poet spinning in his grave right then at having his poignantly penned words being used as a crude pick up line then any perceived cleverness on Ky's part at turning the words around. She eyed him speculatively, knowing that she should really be getting on over to Stefano's and convincing him that she was the woman for him and that they should be married as soon as possible. Still, it was getting late and the ailing king pin was probably in bed already with Rolf tucking him in Kate reasoned. Perhaps she should give herself the night off from her machinations and have a little down time. Ky was looking at her with eager expectation, waiting for Kate to reply and she gave him a half smile, letting him wait.

oooOOOOooo

Sami stepped out of her shower and dried herself off before pulling on some panties and then wrapping the towel around her body. She walked out of the bathroom into EJ's bedroom and went to the closet where a few of her clothes were still hanging. Most of her clothes were back at her apartment and it looked like it was going to stay that way for a bit. Sami gave an unhappy sigh at that thought but then determinedly pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. EJ had wanted to take her out to dinner tonight, just the two of them in some secluded little restaurant and that was all Sami wanted to think about – spending time with the man she loved and not what tomorrow might bring. She wrinkled her nose at the limited selection of clothing before her.

"Where are you taking me EJ?" she called out to him, leafing through her dresses on their hangers, "How dressed up should I get?"

"You look perfect how are you are now," said EJ's voice behind her, making her jump.

Sami turned around and saw EJ lounging against the bedroom doorway, eyeing her up and down appreciatively.

"You don't think there might be a dress code?" asked Sami in amusement.

"If there is I'm sure they'll drop it just for you once they see how fetching you look in this little get up," said EJ throatily.

Sami didn't know if it was all women were like this or just her but she couldn't get enough of EJ telling her how sexy she was and she gave a pleased smile at his admiration. He straightened up and walked over to her in that cat like way of his, all of his movements so fluid and Sami suddenly found it hard to take her next breath. He was so painfully beautiful she decided weakly, still hardly able to believe that he was hers. EJ came to stand directly in front of her, so close that Sami took a step back because he wasn't stopping and then her back was up against the door of the wardrobe.

"There is one little adjustment I'd make though," he said softly, "If you'd allow me-"

EJ didn't wait for Sami's permission, not that she wouldn't have given it of course but instead he reached up and tugged at the top of the towel that she'd tucked in to secure it. The damp material came away and fell to Sami's feet, leaving her naked except for her panties. EJ's eyes roamed admiringly all over her body and gave an approving nod.

"That's better," he said, his voice sounding a little hoarse all of a sudden.

Sami couldn't help but give a little shudder at the way EJ was looking at her so hungrily.

"Are you cold sweetheart?" he asked her huskily, noticing her shivering.

Sami mutely shook her head, finding it hard to talk all of a sudden, her vocal chords constricting with how much she needed him right then. EJ reached out a long finger and dragged it between her naked breasts, her nipples hardening shamelessly at the light touch.

"You look cold," EJ informed her throatily, his eyes lingering over her pouting breasts.

Sami felt the burst of moisture between her legs at the way he was looking at her, talking to her. She felt helpless and trapped, suddenly unable to move a single muscle in her body as EJ scrutinised her closely, taking in every dip and curve exposed to him until he was at her face, his eyes searing the flesh that they touched. He was all around her, the heavenly smell of his maleness rolling off him and enveloping her as he leaned in ever closer, the heat of his body a tangible request.

He held her gaze unblinkingly, mesmerising her as he leant on one arm above her head, his only touch the finger that still rested between her breasts. She watched entranced as he slowly licked his lips, hungry for the taste of that tongue in her own mouth and didn't notice him moving his hand. Sami made a helpless gasping noise when she felt his hand on her inner thigh, moving oh so slowly higher. He was taking forever and Sami had to swallow her moan of impatience, knowing EJ would only make her wait longer if he heard it.

The ripping of the delicate scrap of fabric of her panties from her body was at direct odds to his gentle touches so far and Sami couldn't help the strangled gasp of shock when he did that so abruptly. There was the barest smile on EJ's lips at her reaction but then Sami had forgotten all about it when his hand returned to between her legs, now with no barrier between her and his touches. EJ gave a quietly approving grunt when he found out how wet Sami was already for him, his fingers delving into her slick folds and Sami knew that they wouldn't be going out for dinner that night and didn't care in the least as EJ found her nub and began to massage it for her.

He wouldn't let her look away as he pleasured her, his face so close to hers that their noses occasional touched as Sami made uncontrolled little movements. EJ was watching every little play of emotion on her face so intently, every little muscle twitch and breathy sigh, as though he was committing her face in that moment to his memory, so he could have perfect recall later. Sami gave a gasp as the tension deep inside of her finally exploded and she bucked helplessly against EJ's fingers with him still watching her intently, dark eyes flaring. She could feel her legs beginning to shake uncontrollably but EJ was there, picking her up as she clung weakly to him, still trying to recover as he walked them to the bed, Sami with her legs wrapped around his waist.

EJ deposited her gently on the bed and Sami lay back longways across it, legs dangling over the edge. She watched through hooded eyes as EJ quickly shed his clothing, as naked as she was now as he came to stand between her legs. Sami watched him as he knelt between her legs, pushing them wider to make a place for himself. A stray trickle of water from her shower ran down Sami's inner thigh to her knee and EJ saw it. He bent his head and captured the little droplet, licking the little bit of moisture from her body and following its trail back up her leg. EJ's hands were on her knees, pushing them further apart as he sort out proof of what his handiwork had done to her.

Sami groaned loudly when she felt EJ's tongue beginning to lap at her core and twitched helplessly under him. She was finding it hard to remain still under EJ's skilful touch, her body too sensitised to really stand what he was doing to her. Sami squirmed a little, trying to get away but EJ was having none of that. He tightened his hold on her, his tongue flicking into Sami and tasting her deeply. Sami could feel the tension building in her body again, could feel the need for her next release rising up inside of her. To her disappointment EJ stopped then, straightening up and looking down at her with a satisfied expression on his face at seeing her need of him.

"More?" he asked her thickly, his breathing almost as uneven as hers were.

EJ's hand moved between her legs and began to casually massage her nub again, making Sami arch her back as he deliberately kept it too slow for her to climax from.

"Yes," she said impatiently, moving against his hand.

"Haven't you had enough?" he pushed her, delaying the inevitable, knowing it would only add to Sami's pleasure, "I've taken you so many times today sweetheart."

Sami groaned at the memory. It was true, they'd made love many times that day but Sami was insatiable when it came to EJ, just as he was for her.

"But you want more don't you?" he asked her hoarsely, seeing how ready she was for him.

"Always," Sami moaned, moving against his fingers, "EJ please, I need-"

"I know what you need sweetheart," he interrupted her, pressing harder against her nub, his circling of the delicate flesh picking up speed, "You need me."

EJ was still stimulating her as he pulled Sami to the edge of the bed, leaving her lying back on her back but with her feet now on the floor. He mounted her in that position and the sudden intrusion of his rock hard member made Sami's wall flutter like crazy in a near climax.

"God yes!" he growled in appreciation of her involuntary reaction to his invasion, "That feels so good sweetheart – don't stop!"

Sami had absolutely no control over what her body was doing but the way EJ unconsciously began to ride her nub harder with his fingers guaranteed that she could last no longer. Sami cried out as she came around him and EJ threw his head back, enjoying the sensation of her walls clamping down on him so hard.

"God but you're so tight," he said weakly when she was almost done as he tried to hold himself still inside of her.

Sami couldn't answer him beyond a few unintelligible moans as she was still coming down from her last high. She felt EJ's hands go to her hips as he began to move in and out of her. Sami's body instinctively responded, her hips lifting and rolling to allow EJ to drill himself as deeply as he could into her. They both had control and worked in perfect harmony to excite the other to a new frenzy. Sami cupped her breasts as they moved up and down with each of his strokes, pulling on her own nipples as EJ watched her with rapt attention. She saw how he was looking at her and knew he'd love a show so Sami lifted her head from the bed and pushed one of her breasts up so she could find her nipple, drawing it into her mouth and beginning to suckle. EJ made a strangled groaning sound at seeing that and immediately began to pump her harder.

Sami licked and sucked at her own nipple, noisily enjoying it for both of their benefits and feeling how urgently he was riding her now. Sami released her breast from her mouth then, letting him see how flushed and swollen the little nub was and wordlessly offered it to him. EJ immediately bent down and latched onto it excitedly and Sami felt him push his swollen length into her particularly hard and then there was the gratifying sensation of his maleness flooding her depths as EJ made choked sounds around her breast. Sami held onto him tightly as he shuddered against her almost violently.

"Oh that feels so good EJ," she told him throatily, "I love when you come inside of me, I never want you to stop."

"Samantha!" he said raggedly at her words, jerking against her again as he delivered yet more of himself into her.

"More," she whispered into his ear, "Give me more EJ."

EJ groaned loudly, his body somehow complying with her command and Sami gave a satisfied purr as she felt him spasm again. She loved the fact that she could give EJ multiple climaxes and wanted him to never stop. EJ was still kneeling between her legs but now his upper body was draped over the top of hers.

"Nice," she sighed happily.

EJ lifted his head from her breast and caught Sami's mouth up in a languorous kiss. Sami meanwhile began to massage his temporarily spent manhood that was still inside her, knowing both of them wanted more. She lifted her feet up onto EJ's buttocks, pushing him a little deeper inside of her as she tilted and rolled her hips, giving him a very intimate massage. EJ was moaning into their kisses, clearly appreciative of her efforts. Sami could feel him hardening again inside of her and renewed her efforts.

"I want babies with you," Sami groaned, breaking their kiss and looking up at him breathlessly, "As soon as we are married, I want to have your baby EJ."

"You do?" he asked of her in amazement, the thought making him drive his renewed member a little more deeply into her.

"I want our love to make a baby," said Sami unevenly, as she cupped his face and looked into his eyes intently, "I want to feel your child growing inside of me EJ – I don't want to wait."

"I want that too Samantha," EJ groaned, "So much, right from the beginning."

"I know," said Sami, amazed by the thought, "On the island, when we first made love-"

"I was trying to manipulate you," said EJ, looking suddenly pained at the memory, "Your birth control-"

"EJ," she interrupted him, looking up at him with the eyes of a determined seductress, "When I think of what you did on Ara Caman-"

Sami closed her eyes and made a little approving noise before opening them again.

"How you wanted me," she said throatily, "How desperate you were to have me over and over again, all so I would leave that island pregnant with your child."

"That wasn't the only reason," said EJ hoarsely, "I loved you Samantha and wanted you so damned much I couldn't see straight. I would never have left your body if you hadn't made me."

"I know," she said with feminine satisfaction, "I've never had a man want me that way."

"And I didn't want that child for my father," he told her, almost urgently, "I tried to tell myself that was the main reason because the truth scared me. I'd never been with a woman that I wanted to bear my children and I was terrified at how much I wanted that but I couldn't stop myself."

"I know," said Sami with a soft smile, "This, us – it was never about your father."

"No," agreed EJ raggedly, "It never was."

Other people might have questioned EJ's motives at the time but Sami knew him better than anyone else now, even himself and she knew that whatever he'd told himself what had happened on Ara Caman was only ever about loving her. It had been the same for Sami, even though she'd told herself that she had done it all for Lucas nothing could have been further from the truth. She'd wanted to go away with EJ but couldn't bear to face that fact at the time but thank god EJ had seen through her deceptions and claimed what was his from the beginning anyway.

EJ moved then, straightening up and going back to kneeling by the bed but this time he moved Sami's legs so they were both on one side of his body. Still inside of her he turned Sami onto her side, before pulling her back more fully onto him. Sami gave a shudder, recognising the position as the one he'd chosen for them the first time they'd made love. She propped herself up on one elbow, looking up at him, the flash of memory passing between them as EJ rested his one hand on her knee and the other on her thigh. Just the re-enactment of their first time intensified the emotion between them in an instant. EJ held her gaze, not moving inside of her for a long moment, the tension between them intensifying once again.

"EJ," Sami breathed reaching out a hand to him.

EJ gave a tender smile, moving a hand to take hers and bending down to kiss the back of it lovingly.

"I love you," he told her throatily, beginning to move himself inside of her now, "I love you Samantha."

"I know," said Sami looking up at him adoringly, "I know EJ."

oooOOOOooo

Kate sat up in bed abruptly, a nightmare waking her unpleasantly. Even now it was fading quickly but it had been dark and twisted with the feelings of death and pain lingering even as the images were disappearing from her mind. Lucas, Stefano, EJ and Sami – they'd all been there, in her dream, stealing her rest.

She leant back against the bed head and made an unhappy noise. Going to Sami yesterday had been incredibly hard for Kate but it had needed to be done. For one wild moment when she'd walked in on them arguing yesterday Kate had hoped that Lucas had seen the light and realised what a complete waste of space Sami really was. It was with a resigned despair that talking to him later made her realise that nothing could be further from the truth. He still believed that he needed her desperately but was trying to be noble. Kate always despised the sentimentality that supposed nobility implied.

It seemed so self indulgent in a poor me way and she had little time for it. The trouble was that clearly Lucas felt differently. She'd hoped to talk him out of this but now it was obvious that he was utterly convinced that Sami was the only thing that would make him happy and of course, Lucas being Lucas, he made sure to get her out of his life. God forbid that child of hers should ever find a way to be happy thought Kate dourly – it was like he had a pathological need to be suffering all the time. Well be that as it may she wasn't about to sit around and let that happen, not when she had a say in it.

It was obvious for Lucas to fight this thing that Sami had to be a part of the equation and that was what Kate had made sure would happen. She'd hated every minute of it but that was why she'd gone to Sami and convinced her that her place was by Lucas' side. Of course Lucas would never expect his mother to be the one pushing Sami towards him because she'd done nothing but the opposite since Sami first came onto the scene and Kate had been careful to maintain that illusion when they'd spoken at the hotel. If she'd shown any softening towards Sami at all then Lucas would be immediately suspicious when Sami showed up at his door which Kate was confident would happen after she was done talking to the young woman.

Lucas had to believe it was all Sami's idea, that she couldn't live without him and Kate had made sure to play her part in that little fantasy. For Kate to suddenly change sides on this matter would never do and Lucas wouldn't buy what Sami would no doubt be selling very soon. Kate was confident that Sami could get Lucas to change his mind – she was very convincing when she wanted to be and besides, Lucas, deep down wanted to be convinced which always made the job easier. Kate looked over at the sleeping man and nudged him, having a lot to do that day and no time to waste.

"Hey," she said, "Wake up – this isn't a bed and breakfast – time to go."

Ky stirred, sleepily blinking up at her.

"What time is it?" he asked her groggily.

"About six," she told him casually, "Time for you to go."

Ky rubbed his eyes and sat up on one elbow, looking at Kate up and down.

"Are you sure about the breakfast part?" he asked throatily, his voice still thick with sleep but his eyes telling her that he was quickly waking up and with more than a few ideas.

He looked down at his body and the rather impressive tenting situation that was going on beneath the sheets.

"I'm kinda hungry," he purred, a seductive smile coming to his lips.

For all their faults Kate had to give it to younger men – they certainly were enthusiastic.

"I've got things to do," she said shortly.

"But it's early," the young man protested, throwing an arm over her waist and pulling Kate towards him, "Whatever you have to do can wait."

"Can it now?" asked Kate with an arched eyebrow, "Glad you're so sure now."

"What's your name?" he asked her curiously.

"It's not important," said Kate dismissively.

"Can I see you again?" he asked her, his brown eyes flaring with eagerness.

"No," said Kate simply.

Ky looked disappointed by that answer but wasn't giving up.

"Then I suppose I'd better make this count and see if I can't change your mind," he said with a cheeky smile, as he moved over the top of her, beginning to kiss down Kate's neck and between her breasts.

"You've got your work cut out for you," she warned him.

"Don't worry doll," said Ky with a confident smile, rubbing his hard on against her thigh, "I think you can tell I'm more than up for it."

"You talk a lot," Kate commented calmly, not giving him the satisfaction of knowing that she was aroused as well – he'd find out that soon enough on his own.

Sex was about power, Kate learnt that from a very young age and she wasn't about to hand over any kind of power to any man and certainly not this impudent puppy. Still, Kate mused as she lay back against the pillows as Ky showed her that he could use his tongue for more than just talking, he was an amusing enough distraction so what did a few more minutes hurt anyway?

oooOOOOooo

"Toast is burning," Sami mumbled against EJ's lips.

"Don't care," said EJ distractedly, claiming her mouth again and stealing Sami's breath away.

They'd been making out in the kitchen that morning for Sami didn't know exactly how long – all she knew for sure was that they were no closer to making breakfast then they were ten minutes ago. Kissing EJ was like nothing else on earth and she just couldn't seem to get enough, a complaint he seemed to share. She felt his hands go to her hips and then EJ was lifting her up on the kitchen counter, not breaking the kiss but no longer having to stoop to kiss her. He pushed apart her legs, settling between them comfortably and continued the assault on her lips.

"I'm never going to be able to get another meal while your around am I?" asked Sami, trying to make that sound like a complaint but it had a too breathy quality to the statement to make it convincing.

"No," said EJ simply, beginning kissing her again and Sami offered up no other resistance.

Today was going to be a horrible day for them both and any happy memories they could make right now were surely going to help them get through it. Being with EJ like this, simply being in his arms made Sami certain that everything was going to be alright and she never wanted to leave them again.

oooOOOOooo

Ky was in the shower after having sung for his supper as it were an impressive three times in quick succession. What they lacked in endurance they more than made up for in quantity thought Kate smugly. She was already showered and dressed, making herself up carefully. She was on the way over to see her future fiancé – whether he knew that or not. Kate needed the protection of Stefano against no doubt would be the ire of EJ if he ever found out her hand in keeping Sami and Lucas together and as pleasant as this little diversion had been the likes of Ky was no use to her beyond the most basic of needs.

She had to have the power and might of Stefano DiMera to stand behind when EJ found out how she'd coerced Sami to go back to Lucas. Kate was counting on EJ's sentimentality towards his father as well to make him think twice about exacting any kind of revenge against his father's new wife. Stefano would understand why she'd done what she'd done and support her, Kate was sure of it. Besides, Kate had other uses for Stefano in the future and being his wife would make it all that much easier. Kate wasn't leaving anything to chance and had a contingency plan to ensure that no matter what happened, Sami and EJ were finished, one way or the other. Her son was the one enduring this nightmare of cancer and for Kate all she cared about was making it right for him so that when he beat this thing which Kate just knew he would, he'd have a happy life at the end of it. She wasn't going to accept any other outcome – it was as simple as that.

Kate had learnt the value of always having a plan B, C and even D over the years and she had no intention of not covering her bases now. She wasn't sure that she'd convinced Sami to go back to Lucas, knowing the pull EJ had over her but Kate wasn't going to give up. She'd make Sami go back to Lucas, whatever it took. A knock at the door had Kate quickly finishing her mascara before hurrying over to answer it. It was barely eight in the morning and she couldn't imagine who it would be. She opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise at her uninvited guest.

"What are you doing here?" she asked in surprise at her uninvited visitor, instantly on guard.

And today had started so well...