It was an unusually warm Wednesday evening in early October yet fewer than half the tables at the Floating Rib were occupied, which suited Anna just fine because it meant there was plenty of room on the dance floor for Robert and herself.

They'd already been at it for a couple of hours almost without pause, but although her feet were killing her she wouldn't dream of asking him to stop.

The last time she'd danced with him had been after their return from the Biscayne Islands a few months ago, when he'd taken her to dinner at the club. Their waltz together had carried her straight back to those blissful days when they were married, and she'd found herself enjoying the experience far too much while at the same time fighting the almost unbearable reminder of the happiness of a past she'd thought forever out of reach. And so although Robert had planned their outing as an enjoyable interlude in their search for Elena, on the whole the evening had unsettled her more than it cheered her.

But this time – this time felt different.

Because this time, for the first time in more years than she cared to remember, she felt a kindling of hope in her heart. A ray of hope like a seed sprouting from the earth that, one day, the feelings that for so long she had been forced to deny – to bury deep in her heart and to try to forget, though it was impossible to forget – might once more be requited.

For she knew the man dancing with her tonight better than anyone else in the world. Robert would never have kissed her the other night – even as an instinctive reaction to the near-death experience they'd just shared – if he didn't want her on some level, and he would never have revealed his hesitation about renewing their relationship if he hadn't at least contemplated the idea. Knowing him as well as she did, she was sure that opening up to her the way he had was one of the most difficult things he'd ever done. It seemed to her a clear sign that he wanted to let her in, not push her away, and the thought of it swelled her heart even as it ached for his distress.

After seeing first hand how lost he seemed after Holly died, and after knowing how much pain she herself had caused him by her betrayal, she understood his trepidation about falling in love again, heaven knew she did.

Yet they had come so far, and the mere fact they were here together tonight give her belief that Robert's heart was slowly opening to her once more. The thought of it made her happier than she could remember being in years, and just the prospect they might one day be able to rekindle their romance was so mouthwateringly tantalizing it was almost unbearable. But she wouldn't push him, or rush him into anything for which he wasn't ready. She knew that would be the surest means of driving him away.

Instead, she decided as they slowly swayed together in time to the music wafting around them, tonight she would simply accept the precious gift she had been given of being in his arms once more.

The slightest of his touches never failed to make her skin tingle, and here, now, the clasp of her hands in his and the light brush of his body against hers felt electric. She could feel the hum, the buzz of excitement just beneath her skin, and it was sparking deep within an overwhelming sense of euphoria that had been utterly foreign to her in all the years since their divorce.

Feeling the exhilaration of it fizzing through her veins she stopped dancing and leaned back, relaxing completely in his arms, knowing that he would keep her from falling. Smiling secretly as he rewarded her trust by tightening his hands around her waist, anchoring her to him as she arched and threw her head and arms back in a fierce abandon of joy.

As her head rose his blue eyes sparkled into hers and Anna felt her heart soar. She loved the way he made her feel whenever she was around him. Like she was invulnerable. Invincible. They were invincible.

She felt so alive when she was with him. Whether they were on a mission, or chasing criminals, or simply dancing like they were right now.

Everything was better when he was with her. She was better.

Robert always brought out the best in her. And these past months since he returned from Australia had been no exception.

And now they were dancing together as they had in the past, when she loved him and he loved her and it seemed as if the entire world lay at their feet.

The song ended and as the last note faded away Anna swayed into her partner, wrapping her arms around his neck, all at once clinging to him as if she was falling. And perhaps she was falling – falling even more deeply in love with him than she had before, if such a thing was even possible.

Anna felt his arms tighten once more around her waist, holding her close, and for the first time in nine long years everything in the world felt right.

For tonight, it was all she needed.

Duke stood alone by the bar, watching his fiancée dance in another man's arms. He downed the last of his vodka martini and straightened.

Staring at them swaying gracefully across the floor, smiling, laughing together, he felt anger hissing through his veins. He'd known it. He'd known Scorpio was trying to get her back ever since they'd returned from the hospital in New York City together. Since then the man had kept Anna from him at every turn, monopolizing her time and attention both at home and at work.

The bloody interfering Australian was trying to ruin everything. Everything he and Anna had worked for.

Well, he wouldn't allow that.

It was time he went and had it out once and for all.

At that moment the music ended and the pair strode off the dance floor hand in hand. They threaded their way through the tables, pausing only to collect his suit jacket and her purse before heading towards the exit.

Duke threw a handful of bills on the bar and started after them.

He had made it less than half way across the room when a sparkling blonde in a flowing pink dress stepped into his path. It was Felicia, with Bobbie in tow.

She greeted him with enthusiasm. "Duke!"

"Oh, hello, Felicia." His tone was pleasant but his gaze held more annoyance than pleasure.

"I saw you all alone over here," Felicia said sweetly, ignoring the look. "And I thought, why don't we ask you to join us?"

"I'd afraid I can't –" he replied distractedly, his eyes still on the doorway. But when he tried to move in that direction he found Felicia firmly planted in front of him.

"Please do," the girl insisted, taking his arm in both of hers. "We have a table right over there."

"No, really, I'm quite busy at the moment –"

Felicia shot Bobbie a look carrying an unspoken demand that she be helpful.

"Yes, do join us," Bobbie said gamely – in the dark about why Felicia wanted him to join them when they had already arranged to meet Terri and Jake here for a late round of drinks, but willing to play along. She pasted a smile on her face and fixed Duke with an earnest gaze.

Reluctantly Duke turned his full attention to the expectant faces of the two women standing before him. "Thank you," he replied with a polite, formal nod, "but I'm afraid I really have to go. Another time. Excuse me."

With that he extracted his arm from Felicia's grasp and strode quickly towards the entrance.

But when he opened the door and stepped outside Anna and Robert were already gone.

The stars were bright and seemed to twinkle with unusual vividness in the clear night sky as they slowly walked back through the park towards the house.

Anna's arm was threaded through Robert's and she leaned into his shoulder, feeling almost punch-drunk with happiness. "I never want this night to end."

He heard the warm notes of pleasure and serenity blending together in her voice and drew in a deep, contented breath. "Me neither."

She smile on her face was blissful and it lifted his heart to know that it was he – not Lavery, nor any other man – who put it there. His arm tightened over her hand. She looked so beautiful tonight in that low cut turquoise dress, with her hair shimmering around her like a sable cloak and her alluring eyes smoldering into his each time their gazes met. Anna Devane could be seductive even when she wasn't trying – and tonight she was definitely trying.

She'd danced with him this evening with an exuberance he hadn't seen in her in a long time. In fact, he hadn't seen her so happy since – well, since they'd been married.

Right from the beginning he'd loved that irrepressible side of her – strong and bold and fearless, the equal of any man and more than a match for most. He loved every one of those times when she was rescuing hostages or taking down bad guys or dancing like it was the last night on earth, when her vivacity burst across his senses like the uncorking of champagne. Yet there was no question that he loved this quieter side of her as well.

He found himself subtly leaning towards her as they walked, as captivated by her beauty as he had been when they first met. More so, even, as the passing of time had lent her a maturity and grace that only enhanced her loveliness.

She never failed to take his breath away…his beautiful, brilliant Anna.

His Anna.

How long it had been since he had thought of her as his. Nine years. And now as he looked down into her wide, dark eyes, gazing up into his with such unconditional love and trust, he knew in his bones that they could rekindle the romance they'd once had. Now that they had finally lain the past to rest he was certain they could find happiness together once more.

But at what cost? he wondered. He exhaled a low sigh, still unsure. It seemed he loved her too much to be with her and yet too much to let her go. He tamped down his growing frustration at the thought, unwilling to mar the perfection of the present moment by wrestling further with that bitter dilemma now. Instead he would put it out of his mind for the night and simply savor the pleasure of spending this time alone with his delectable companion.

Resolved, he drew Anna closer against his side and felt her tighten her grip on his arm in silent response.

Moments later they reached the house and strode slowly up onto the front stoop. Lingering, enjoying the last of the warmth in the air, neither wanting to break the magical spell that the evening had cast.

Sliding her arm from Robert's, Anna turned and placed her palm against his chest, over his heart, feeling it beat strong and steady under her hand. "Thank you for tonight, Robert." Her heart filled with contentment and gratitude, she stretched up and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

To her surprise he stiffened under her touch and she hastily drew back. "I'm sorry," she breathed, biting her lip in consternation. How many times over the past few years had she hugged him, given him a peck on the cheek, touched him in friendship, without even thinking about it? It hadn't occurred to her that the recent shift in their relationship might leave him misinterpreting those little gestures, which were practically second nature to her now. Trying to stop touching him now that she'd all but admitted to him that she still loved him was going to take some getting used to. How ironic, she thought with a sigh.

But Robert shook his head, wordlessly rejecting her apology. "No, I'm sorry," he said softly, "I didn't mean to –"

"No, it's ok, I know you're not ready for this yet, Robert," she interjected. Knowing she had to reassure him that she understood his need to put some space between them until he worked out his own feelings. "I understand. And I want you to know that I meant what I said: I'm willing to wait, as long as it takes."

Even if she died of frustration first. Waiting was never her strong suit. But she had waited nine years already, and as hard as continuing to be patient would be, there was no question in her mind that he was worth it.

Robert blinked a bit, pleasantly surprised by the renewed declaration from the ever impatient, impetuous, reckless woman standing before him, and then nodded with a slight, grateful smile.

The affection in his clear blue eyes was tangible and Anna was just barely able to stop herself from reaching for him again. Instead she ran her tongue lightly across her lips and said from the very depths of her soul, "I just need you to know that I do love you, and I always will."

The naked, honest truth in her expression touched a chord so deep within him that he felt his whole body thrum in response. "Anna," he murmured.

He always made her shiver when he said her name like that, warm and loving and as gentle as if he held her heart in his hands. But then, he always had. "Robert," she whispered back with a softness like down in her voice.

She swayed subtly towards him, their bodies now a hair's breath apart, and as she did so Robert sensed a shift in the atmosphere around them. The air suddenly felt charged, like the moment before a lightning strike – and it wasn't just his imagination.

Anna's scent wafted around him and his breath caught raggedly in his throat as his body began to react the way it did more and more frequently these days. His pulse ticked upward as every nerve ending seemed to come alive, exquisitely sensitized to her nearness and to the magnetic pull of attraction that was permeating the air between them, sending tension vibrating through his body.

Her dark eyes bored into his, hiding nothing from his gaze. He could see the longing there, the love and the desire that sat shimmering in their depths, and he felt an answering spark in his core like an ember smoldering, poised to burst into flame.

He shouldn't be standing so close to her, he thought as the seconds ticked past and neither one of them moved. He should be going inside and saying goodnight, or at the very least giving her the courtesy of telling her he would be moving out of the house again shortly. He should be removing himself from the path of temptation, before this turned into something it shouldn't.

Because he couldn't bear to love her and lose her again.

But instead of taking a step away he found himself leaning in even closer, his body temperature rising as Anna's eyes drifted down to his mouth and her lips began to part.

His head was saying one thing but his heart was saying another, he thought almost in a daze, as he bent towards her and her lips moved towards his –

"I knew it," a deep, masculine voice said from behind them.

Startled, they turned to see Duke Lavery standing on the sidewalk with his hands on his hips. His eyes were dark and angry as he glowered at the two of them.

Robert heard Anna's sharp intake of breath beside him and reached out unthinkingly to catch her hand in his and give it a reassuring squeeze. He would never let Lavery hurt her again.

"I knew this had to be about Robert," Duke said to Anna accusingly. His gaze shifted to Robert. "I knew it was only a matter of time before you tried to take her away from me."

"That's not true," Anna replied in swift defense of the man standing beside her. Robert had been nothing but a perfect gentleman since he'd returned to Port Charles, and she would let no one, not even Duke, question his motives. "He hasn't done anything."

Duke's eyebrows rose. "Oh, no? Then I suppose that wasn't the two of you I saw dancing the night away over at the Rib just now."

Robert felt his patience snap. "I think that's none of your business," he cut in with ice in his voice.

The Scot bristled, snarling, "It is my business when you're dancing with my fiancée."

"Your ex-fiancée, I think you'll find," Robert replied as he released Anna's hand and took a long stride forward, his muscles coiling into springs. If Lavery was looking for a rematch tonight then he would find more than he bargained for – this time it would be a fair fight.

"Because of you!" growled Duke belligerently as he started up the sidewalk with his hands bunched into fists.

"Robert! Duke!" Anna rebuked, swiftly interposing herself between them.

Suddenly the door behind them opened and a small figure with long dark hair burst out onto the stoop.

"Mommy, Daddy!" Robin cried with happy excitement.

Robert felt the atmosphere lighten perceptibly around them as he turned and lifted his daughter into his arms. "Hello, sweetheart," he greeted her with a grateful kiss on her cheek. Seeing Robin never failed to make him smile, no matter the circumstances.

"Hello, darling," Anna chimed in beside him. Breathing out a relieved sigh at the sudden, welcome release of tension.

"Uncle Duke!" Robin exclaimed as she caught sight of him over her father's shoulder. "I didn't know you were here." She leaned towards him and Robert let her down so she could run and hug the other man.

Duke swept Robin up into his arms. "Hello, Robin. It's so good to see you. I –"

"Uncle Duke just stopped by for a moment," Anna said over his words. "He's not staying." Her eyes flashed him a stark warning that left no room for argument.

"I have something of yours to return," he replied emphatically, as if none of the others were there.

She shook her head. "I don't want it."

"You have to –"

"No," she cut in as she felt Robert tense again beside her. She laid a lightly restraining hand on his arm, silently assuring him she could handle this herself. There was no hesitation in her heart as she stated unequivocally, "I'm sorry, Duke. I've made my choice." Wanting to say it aloud in front of Robert too just to make certain he had no doubts about where he stood.

"Anna –" Duke started, taking a step forward.

"Come on, little Robin," Philomena called from the doorway behind them. She reached out a beckoning hand to the child. "It's bedtime now, eh?"

Robert glanced sharply at the old woman as she stood waiting to collect his daughter. By his reckoning Robin should have been in bed some time ago.

"Say goodnight to Duke, eh?" Philomena urged Robin, and the girl turned back to wave at the tall man still standing on the sidewalk.

"Goodnight, Uncle Duke," she called.

"Goodnight, Robin," he replied with a note of wistfulness in his voice, and then looked over at Anna again, frowning, his dark eyes almost black. "This isn't over." With that he turned on his heel and strode away into the darkness.

Anna loosed a sigh and released her grip on Robert's arm.

"You ok?" he asked quietly, his lips a breath away from her ear.

"I'll be fine," she said as she stared in the direction in which Duke had disappeared. He was such a sensitive man, and he loved her so much… "It's just – it's hard, you know? I didn't want him to find out that way."

She felt him nod in response. "I know."

Anna exhaled heavily. She felt badly that Duke had found out about she and Robert before she'd had a chance to talk to him herself. Yet she had no regrets about the decision she'd made. As much as she loved Duke – and she assuredly did – it didn't begin to compare with the way she felt about the man standing beside her. And now that she had a chance with him again there was no question of turning back. She caught Robert's gaze and saw the concern shining in his eyes. "It's ok, Robert," she assured him quickly. "I'll be all right."

"Ok. Come on." With a gentle hand at her elbow he led them into the house and locked the door firmly behind them.

As Anna drifted ahead of him into the living room Robert paused for a moment and then went to the doorway to Robin's room. "Philomena," he called quietly.

"Yes, Roberto?"

"You and Robin are up awfully late tonight," he observed, his voice carefully neutral. "You didn't just happen to be keeping an eye on things from the front window, did you?"

"Ah, ah." She crumbled under his gaze, flustered, her hands fluttering helplessly in the air. "I no know what you mean."

He smiled slowly with warm affection in his eyes. "Philomena."

"Si, Roberto?"

"Thank you."

She met his eyes then, her own sparkling bright with pleasure. "You and Anna – you are most welcome."