Valentin Cassidine sat at the Metro Court bar contemplating life over a glass of 12 year old scotch.
Business was great, not that the Quartermaines cared. He was making them more money than anyone since Edward Quartermaine, himself, ran the company and still they hated him. Peter was going wild, untethered from trying to be a good man, becoming a menace to all of Port Charles. Nina was still keeping him at arm's length. Brook Lynn was, well… Brook Lynn... At least his friendship with Anna was flourishing.
He swirled the amber liquid, bringing the glass up to his lips when he felt the phone in his pocket buzz. Maybe it was Nina finally taking him up on his offer to help with her grandson or Anna needing help with Peter… but it wasn't.
A text from an unknown number.
"I need to see you."
"Who is this?" he typed, curious.
A photo appeared on his screen. The beautiful face that haunted him for decades.
"Anna?"
"No, love … try again."
He stared at the text in shock.
"You're dead."
"Yet here I am, texting you."
"What do you want, Alex?"
"You."
Minutes passed. His phone buzzed again. A phone call. Unknown.
"Good God! What do you want!?" he asked with almost violent annoyance.
"I already told you what I want. I want you. Meet me in Lisbon."
"Why the hell do you think I would do that!? I hate you. I want you dead!"
"No you don't." she cooed, "Meet me and I can answer your questions."
"I don't need answers from you. I LOATHE YOU!" he seethed.
"I'm sure you think that. But I'm the only woman who truly understands you, who's been with you before and wants you still."
"You tried to kill me!"
"An impetuous mistake… if it helps, I'm truly sorry, and happy you're alive. You know what it's like when you're scared, when your life's at risk. I wasn't thinking clearly."
"You drugged me and tried to kill me and your sister with an Instant Pot so you could take over her life!? That's not 'not thinking clearly,' that's psychotic!"
"I know… I'm sorry… I need help… I had a lot of time to think after Anna shot me… and I thought of you. Please, come to Lisbon…"
"Go to hell."
He disconnected the call and blocked the number.
Buzz. Unknown. Text.
"You blocked me. That won't do, Valentin.
Lisbon.
I truly need you to hear me out… please."
"Leave me alone, Alex, you're lucky I don't kill you!"
...
"It could save Anna's life."
...
"Where and when?"
"Friday.
There's a bar in Alfama,
Cafe Duarte, 6 o'clock?"
"Okay. Fine."
"Unarmed."
...
"Fine."
She sat at a cafe table in front of antique glass doors painted bright green, drinking a local red. The guitars and mournful vocals of fado music lilted in the air.
Why did she contact him? She'd asked herself this question since the first text. Like so many things in her life, she'd sent it on impulse and her ego followed through. Was he on her mind? Yes, he had been for years, but throughout her recovery he'd become a sort of a touchstone, a wrong that needed righting. She'd tried to kill him. One of the only people who might possibly ever understand her and she tried to kill him. Not once, but twice! She did it out of fear. She did out of anger. She longed for his forgiveness. For him to look at her as he did when he thought she was her sister.
Half an hour passed and he hadn't shown, the sun's golden light had turned a pinkish violet. Maybe he wasn't coming. She swirled the deep garnet liquid in her glass, wrapped in melancholy songs of lost love, musing on why she sent that text, made that call. Maybe this was better. Maybe she should move on. She finished her glass, preparing to go, almost thankful he'd denied her their reconnection, just about glad this didn't work out, and then, there he was, beautiful and strong, walking towards her.
"Valentin," she said, breathy, almost in shock, rising to her feet.
"Dr. Marick…" he replied dryly.
"Oh… So formal?" she smiled, worry cloaked in confidence, "I thought we were closer than that… I KNOW we're closer than that," she crossed to him a smile playing on her lips, "I hope you don't mind if I frisk you?"
"Of course not," he said as he raised his arms. She ran her hands deftly under his jacket, gently up his sides and across his back, caressing the strong muscles and straight lines, he shivered at her fingers' touch. She moved her hands down his chest to his waist where her nimble fingers dipped under his waistband. Her hands ran over his hips, his ass, and crotch, she felt him stir… good, she thought.
"Your turn," he growled.
"Have your way with me," she said, with mischief in her eyes.
He moved his hands across her body, her nerves tingling at every sweep, every caress, It took everything in her not to purr as his fingers grazed her back, her sides, and hips… as they danced down her inner thighs probing… how she wished they would probe further.
She took a stuttered breath, almost sighing at the intimacy.
"See… I'm safe."
"There's nothing safe about you, Alexandra."
"I like it when you say my name," she said with a blush, "I wasn't sure you'd come. It's cozier inside..."
He followed, waiting as she stopped at the bar.
"Olá Silvio," she cooed to the bartender with a bright smile, "dois vhino tinto, o Passadouro '14, por favor."
She turned to Valentin with the same intoxicating smile handing him a glass, "Please, sit. I hope you like the wine, it's one of my favorites."
He savored the aroma, then took a long slow drink, "It's wonderful." He took another sip, tasting the earth in its tannins, the sun in its edge.
"You're a regular here?"
"Yes… several years back I removed a tumor from Silvio's brain. After that, I sort of became a part of the family. They take care of me, I take care of them. They own a building nearby and are kind enough to allow me a pied-à-terre there. It's been my respite over the years, a wonderful place to hide when things get hot. So tranquil."
"I forget you're more than a doctor in name only. It's hard to imagine you would ever believe in 'first, do no harm.'"
Alex flinched, "I deserve that."
"Hell yes you do!" he said, eyes flashing with frustration.
His mind raced, why was he here? Did he travel all this way for Anna or for her? These were questions he wasn't ready to answer.
"I don't even know how to begin to apologize," she said, leaning into him across the small table, "You know, I've always been honest with you, Valentin."
He laughed loudly, attracting the attention of the other patrons, "You've pretended to be your sister for as long as I've known you!?"
She shrank, "Well… yes, okay… there's that, but everything I've ever said about how I feel about you... how I want you... that's true. We're connected, Valentin."
"You tried to kill me."
"I was scared and desperate. Cornered! I felt trapped. You of all people must understand, I mean, from what I've read, it's not safe to be on a parapet with you..."
"From what you've read?"
"I have a news alert on you… Congratulations on the new job, by the way…"
"She slipped."
"Oh, I'm certain," she said with a knowing glance.
"Why am I here?"
"I wanted to see you. I have things to tell you."
"And Anna?"
Her shoulders collapsed with a sigh, "Is she all you care about!?"
"You said she might be in danger,"
"Well… with the lives we lead, might we all?"
"Alex! Why the hell am I here!? You said Anna's life could be at risk so I dropped everything! And I don't even know why!? I can't believe I'd even take a moment to believe you, let alone fly here to listen to you muse on wine and Lisbon and God knows what else! Stop leading me on! There's nothing I'd rather do right now than kill you, so don't push me," he said, fire flashing in his eyes.
"For her? You'd kill me for her!?" Alex asked incredulously.
"In a heartbeat," he said, his steely eyes boring into her soul.
Alex sighed in exasperation as she gulped down her wine, tears welling in her eyes.
"What? She's now your best friend so you'd kill for her, die for her, Valentin?! I literally saved her life, I did! And then I faltered and she was ready to turn me over to the WSB bound for Steinmauer. I don't understand this devotion, when she would rather toss us both aside for not being good enough."
His face turned red with anger. Anger at her, at Anna... at himself. She was right, he'd tormented himself because of Anna, changed himself for her, and it didn't matter, he would never be good enough to win the love of Anna Devane, there were just too many obstacles. And if he thought about it, it wasn't ever only Anna, it was Alex too.
"Come on," he demanded as he roughly grabbed her wrist.
She gasped in surprise and threw money on the table, yielding to him, following him out of the bar.
Her heart raced with fear and lust as he pulled her along, her heels stumbling on ancient cobblestones.
"My flat is..."
"I don't care."
He spied a nearby alley and muscled her into it, throwing her against the colorful stucco.
She grunted upon impact. He kissed her, a hard, punishing kiss.
Pressing her against the wall, his eyes full of anger and lust, "Why are you here, Alex?! Why are you alive!?"
"Because I need you," she said plaintively, an ache in her voice, "you kept me alive."
"You drugged me, tried to kill me," he growled into her ear so close she could feel the vibration of his voice.
"Doesn't seem like trying to kill you upset you too much," she whispered as she ground herself against him, wrapping her leg around him, her hands sweeping down his chest.
His hand reached up, encircling her throat while the other pinned her against the wall with his forearm.
"I could kill you right here, Alex. I could kill you and no one would ever know."
"Where's the fun in that?" she choked as she reached down to unbuckle his belt and undo his pants.
"Why are you so awful?" he seethed.
"Oh god, where do I start?" she sighed.
His grip relaxed as she pulled him out and stroked him. His breath stuttered. He kissed her, a kiss that wanted to possess and silence her, and she gave back in kind. They devoured each other, her hand never stilled.
But that couldn't satiate the decades of frustration. He lifted her skirt. A quick yank and a puddle of french lace pooled on the cobbles. She gasped as he lifted her up and was inside her, relentless, a man who finally had the upper hand after so much longing. She gasped and sighed, unable to scream in this oh so public location. Anyone could pass by, but at this point she didn't care. He thrust hard and all she wanted was more. She rocked against him, pushing him further, to become one with him, wrapping both legs tight around his waist, her heels digging into him. She began to shake. It was all too much. She came, her body squeezing until he joined her. Breathing, panting, thrusting, then it was over… but they needed more.
This couldn't be the end.
He let her down, steadying her legs so she wouldn't fall. Kissing her almost tenderly, lovingly, as if what had happened in this narrow alley was enough to exorcise the million demons of the past. Their tongues caressed each other, dancing to the wistful strains of music filling the air.
"I want more. I need more," she pleaded.
"You're not alone," he said, a boyish blush sweeping his cheeks.
She smiled and took his hand, leading him to her flat.
They crossed the ancient street to climb narrow stairs. Valentin followed, watching her graceful hips sway. When they reached the fourth floor, she unlocked the door. He shifted her hair to kiss her neck, she whimpered, momentarily unable to complete her task. He reached around, opening it.
As soon as the door closed, Alex's back was against it, shaking the mirror on the wall, Valentin pressed into her, relentless in his passion.
"Ugh," she grunted, hitting the door hard.
"Are you okay?" he growled.
"Yes."
"Good," he worked his way down her neck.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" she moaned between sighs.
"No."
"Good," she flipped him, slamming him against the wall, biting his lower lip.
She backed away, holding his gaze, unbuttoning her blouse. He followed her eagerly.
Clothes fell to the ground.
She stood before him in a lace bra and heels.
"Oh, Alex…" he said in near reverence, admiring her beauty.
"Say it again," she cooed as she reached behind her, the bra falling to the ground.
"Alex," he moaned.
"Again," she said, placing his hand on her breast.
"Alex," he said as he stroked her.
"Yes," she breathed.
She moved to his buttons but impatience took over, ripping open his shirt in a hail of mother-of-pearl. He lifted her up, throwing her on the bed, quickly divested himself of any clothing hindering him.
She looked down, "Are you planning on using that thing on me?"
"Oh, yes," he said with a sly grin.
She laughed, "I'm talking about the knife."
Strapped to his calf was a 10 inch hunting knife.
"You didn't really expect me to show up totally unarmed," he said with a smile and a shrug.
"That's fair," she replied with a smolder, sliding off the bed and down to the floor in front of him, "it seems I'll just have to be more thorough the next time I frisk you," she said as she ran her hands down his inner leg.
Holding his gaze she unlatched the knife and threw it across the room, skittering across the tile floor.
"Just to be safe," she purred.
"Can you ever, really be safe with me?"
"No," she grinned, "that's why I like you."
Their eyes still locked, she moved up, running her hands along his thighs and behind, grasping hard, bringing him closer to her. She licked the tip of his head, rolling her tongue around, then flattening as she took the whole of him into her mouth. His hands moved to her, fingers combing through her hair as she moved. He sighed a stuttering breath, before grabbing her shoulders, this wasn't how he wanted it.
Pulling her up, he pressed her to the bed then was in her, thrusting hard, her body yielding under him. She gasped and moaned, writhing under his hands. He bent to kiss her breasts, teeth and tongue taking turns to torment and tease. He bit down hard. Her back arched with a gasp.
"More!" she cried.
He could only oblige.
Moving down her body, kissing, exploring, he lingered over the scars on her abdomen, kissing them, a reminder of their far too recent and violent past. He moved lower, his tongue and teeth on her inner thigh, licking, nipping, taking her in, enveloped in her scent. He moved his tongue between her legs, savouring her taste, his tongue flicking and flitting. She squirmed beneath him, halting breaths and aching moans. His fingers set to work inside her, stroking and caressing. She began to quake, her body shaking. He moved up, her leg hitched on his shoulder, inside her once more, her body squeezing him, holding him. They both cried out, the sensation too much to contain. He pushed harder. Legs and arms wrapping around bodies, kneading bare sweating flesh.
"Oh God, Valentin, my God!"
Grabbing the headboard for leverage, he pressed deeper.
"Harder," she cried, her passion accompanied by the music drifting up from the street below.
He was unrelenting, every whimper and cry encouraging him, driving him. He took her mouth, stifling a cry, as if taking her soul, and with that his release was complete as she pulsed against him.
"Alex... Oh Alex," he repeated like a mantra.
"Valentin, my beautiful Valentin…" she sighed, tears streaming down her lovely face.
Had he ever seen anything so magnificent? Felt anything so sublime?
They collapsed into each other, a tangle of limbs and linens, the room quiet, their hearts and breath accompanied by distant guitars.
She kissed his chest, tasting the salt of exertion, her fingers dancing through his hair in time with the music below, her leg curling her body further into his. He moaned, drunk on endorphins, fingers making small circles on her shoulder and back.
"Those knickers you destroyed cost €150."
"That shirt cost €500."
"Guess we'll have to go shopping," she said with a broad smile.
She looked up at him with big brown eyes. He caressed her exquisite face, his fingers resting under her chin, then kissed her sweetly, deeply.
"Thank you for not killing me," she sighed.
"Thank you for not letting me," he replied with a sly grin.
She smiled that brilliant Devane smile. A smile that extracted state secrets and moved men to destroy themselves.
She reached down, stroking him, coaxing him, "Again?"
He sighed.
"Not until you tell me why."
"Why, what?" she asked, her hand hard at work.
Begrudgingly he reached down, stopping her, "No, Alex. Not until you tell me why you tried to kill me… and Anna and Finn."
She rolled over, staring at shadows on the ceiling, "Oh, Finn, he's lovely, so nice... I didn't mean to hurt him, you know. There was a struggle… he was shot. I truly hope he's okay."
"He is."
"Oh, that's good."
"They broke up. The wedding was a bust."
"Oh?"
Alex was silent for a moment.
"That's too bad, I liked them together… I hope they work it out."
"Alex," he said with a warning tone.
"What?" she asked, a languid hand drifting down his body, "I'm serious."
"Alex… I'm not talking about your sister's romantic life, I'm talking about why you tried to kill us. You've been conniving but never murderous. What changed?"
She sighed.
"Desperation… It was all fallout from the Chimera debacle... I was able to avoid Steinmauer, at first, but the WSB went after my licence for holding Anna in a medically induced coma. The legal costs were immense... My clinic faltered... Dimitri had cut me off ages ago so I went to some very big Russians for a very big loan and that loan was coming due. Then there were my associates during the Chimera recovery mission… they were beyond unhappy with my failure. I'd danced around it for years, but they wanted retribution... And then Anna betrayed me after my eye surgery. I mean, It wasn't like I could just stay incarcerated!? So that's the WSB after me. And everything came to a head all at once... I was so overwhelmed. And I looked at Anna with her perfect life, and her perfect family, and her fiance… and the love of MY son… and all these men who would kill for her, and no matter what she did, the world respected her! Alexandra Devane Marick was marked for death but, Anna Devane, well, the world was her oyster. I just thought, if there were only one of us, maybe, just maybe, for once, I could be the one who prevailed."
"But what was your plan? You take over her life and then what?"
"I don't know!" she exclaimed with a laugh, "I never thought that far ahead. You're the strategy man, not me, maybe I should have called you…" she said, placing kisses on his chest.
"Anna's life is far from perfect."
"Oh, I'm sure, grass is greener and all that…" she said, still kissing.
"No Alex, seriously, she's suffered. She's suffering now."
"Aren't we all?" she asked, looking into tortured eyes, "And yet, it seems, she comes out golden while the rest of us rust."
"Alex…" he said warily, "why did you try to kill me?"
"Because if I didn't you would have killed me. Who knows, you might still. If it makes you feel better, I'm glad I failed… I'm glad you survived," she stroked his face, placing small kisses down his jaw, "I'm glad you're here… with me…"
Her hand reached down and started moving again, "I'm so sorry for what I did to you, for all the hurt over all these years, please…" she purred as she climbed on top of him, "let me make it better."
"I have so many questions," he said.
"I know. I have answers you might not like… can't we just have this moment?" she asked as she lowered herself onto him with a whimper and sigh.
She rocked to the rhythm of the music from the street.
"Valentin…" she moaned, one hand on his chest, the other on his thigh.
"Alex, this…"
"Shhhhh." she sighed, rocking against him.
"I still need answers," he stammered as passion took over. One hand grabbing her flesh, the other reaching to rub her as she rode him.
"I know… you'll get them…" she groaned, moving steadily against him, his fingers pressing, rubbing, "but first… oh… yes," she sighed, her head falling back in ecstasy.
"Alex," he moaned, thrusting beneath her.
She came hard against him as he rolled her over, pinning her to the bed. He pushed deep inside her, her body still quaking.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Alex?" he asked with steely resolve, pulling out, her body writhing beneath him, her orgasm about to cascade into another, thwarted by his removal.
"Yes… more… please..." she begged.
"Okay," he said, sinking himself into her and then out again, "here's the deal," another deep thrust then denial, "you answer my questions honestly and I make you come."
He punctuated his demand with three quick, hard pumps, his hands roughly grabbing the flesh of her breasts, then he pulled out.
She growled in lust and frustration, "Has anyone ever told you you can be exceedingly cruel?"
"Yes, often," he said with a sly chuckle, "I'll be kind with the first question, something easy..."
"What if I just take care of myself?" she asked with a smirk, spying a loophole.
"What if I just go back to my hotel and forget tonight ever happened?" he replied, getting up from the bed.
She moved quickly, grabbing his waist and pulling him back, "I know you, Valentin Cassadine, there is no way you're forgetting tonight!"
He peeled her arms from around him and moved to gather his scattered clothes.
"Fine!" she cried in desperation.
He sauntered back to the bed, cocky in his victory, fingers running down her body, barely touching her skin, sending electric waves to her fingers and toes.
"Mmmm, that's nice," she purred, pulling him towards her, wrapping him in her body.
"First question, are you ready?" his fingers still stroking, playing her flesh like a piano.
"Mmmmm, this isn't fair," she pleaded with lustful eyes.
"Just encouraging honesty," he said with a smirk, rolling her back, his fingers moving between her legs.
"Oh...oh...kay," she stammered, her head falling back.
He removed his hand, and looked her in the eye, "Why did your marriage fail?"
She looked at him flatly, "I don't know… why'd yours?"
"Fine… fine," he said, feeling the sting, "How about this… why did you join the DVX?"
"Money… and boredom," she said, bringing his hand back to her.
He removed his hand, "Not good enough."
She rolled to her side, staring into intense eyes and stroked his hair, her hand running along his jaw, feeling him shiver at her touch.
"Were you recruited, or did you seek them out?" He asked, a hand resting gently on her hip.
Alex took a deep breath, despite his claim, this question was far from easy. She looked at him with pleading eyes, hoping he'd let it drop, but his stare remained fixed. A long moment passed before she finally answered.
"Recruited. Though I always figured Charlotte sent them my way…"
"Charlotte?"
"Oh, yeah, you have a Charlotte too…
Mine was my mother, well, the woman who raised me, experimented on me really, Charlotte Devane. The person who made me the woman I am today," she said with a flourish and eye roll as she rolled onto her back, with a sigh, staring at shapes on the ceiling.
"I'm surprised you're not familiar with her, she was very big in the spy business back in the day… MI-6… Interpol… Eventually she decided there were no good guys or bad guys, just winners and losers, and that coming out on top by any means necessary was the only way, even if it meant stealing a child to make the perfect operative from scratch."
"Oh god…" he said as he reached for her, his eyes filled with concern, "What did she do to you?"
"I don't have many memories of that time, well, not real ones… I guess I'm lucky the memories she gave me were pleasant. I've read the files, though. Neurological experiments, drugs, memory implantation, brainwashing… She must have had an informant at the WSB Academy back then, that's how she found out about Anna, that's when she accelerated my training with the help of performance and mind enhancing drugs… Of course!" she said with a dry chuckle, "wouldn't be mum without the drugs…"
"Your mother and my mother sound like they'd get along," Valentin quipped as he pulled a blanket over their bare bodies, snuggling in close to her, stroking her hair, realizing the tone shift and just how hard these revelations were for her.
"So I was at university, studying pre-med, and they came to me, to be Anna. Initially to test Faison, then to seduce secrets out of you."
"And to sleep with me," he said flatly, the pang of an age old scar aching in his soul.
"No. I didn't sleep with you because they told me to, Valentin," rolling to face him, pressing close, "I slept with you because I wanted to. They didn't want it. I was reprimanded for doing so."
"You were?" he said incredulously.
"As far as they were concerned, me sleeping with you led to you stealing the Chimera. I was supposed to kill you in the church. Had the gun and silencer and all, but I couldn't do it. You just looked so sad and beautiful there in the candlelight," she said as she touched his face where once it was contorted.
"I was twisted and ugly, Alex, there's no need to lie about that. Not here and certainly not now."
"Just because my sister couldn't see your beauty doesn't mean it wasn't there," she whispered then gently kissed where her fingers once traced, "I wanted to give you a moment of happiness."
"And then you'd kill me…"
"But I couldn't," she said with a smile, "and look at what you've become, a glorious Phoenix rising from the ashes."
She kissed him long and slow, a kiss more tender than any they'd shared before.
"Can I receive my reward in the morning?" she asked quietly, coyly, "all this honesty is exhausting."
"Yes," he said, kissing her, "I plan to reward you very well..."
They settled in for the night, Alex nested into his curved body. He swept her hair aside, gently kissing her neck. She pressed closer to him feeling him harden in response. She sighed, resting her leg on his. They joined with ease, gently rocking like a boat on the tranquil sea, his fingers spread wide against her abdomen, as he hummed a sweet song in her ear.
"The music's growing on me."
"Mmm, it does that…" she moaned, "I thought we were sleeping...I... I hope you know this doesn't count."
"Call it a bonus for a job well done," he whispered gently before continuing his song.
Their release was easy, soft waves undulating through each of their bodies, sighs instead of screams. His arms wrapped tight around her.
"The music isn't the only thing growing on me," he rumbled in her ear.
"Oh?... Well, Lisbon is a very beautiful city…" she demurred.
"I wouldn't know…" he said running his fingers softly up and down her arm.
They curled into each other, the room silent. Their hands touched, fingers entwined.
"I think I should tell you something," Valentin said, "in this new spirit of honesty between us... what I said before was a lie."
"Oh?"
"There's no way I could forget tonight…" he turned her face towards him, staring deep into her eyes, "there's now way I could forget you, Alexandra Devane."
Morning sun filtered through gauzy curtains, waking Valentin with golden fingers. His eyes slowly opened, resting on the beautiful body beside him. He caressed her cheek, she smiled and sighed, still asleep, looking so harmless, wrapped in sheets and blankets.
He moved slowly, not to wake her, bare feet on an antique rug, finally taking in his surroundings. He had, until this moment, only focused on the bed and the woman in it, now he saw the casual luxury of Alex's sanctuary. It was small but spacious, two rooms with white stucco walls, divided by an archway, kitchen and living room up front, bedroom and bath in back. Windows and French doors dominated the western wall opening to a plant covered terrace and spectacular view of city and sea. He walked quietly to a living room filled with art and books, a perfectly worn leather sofa on another antique rug anchoring the space. The coffee table piled high with medical texts and art books competing for attention. Masters and unknowns shared the wall. A Gauguin hung next to an O'Keeffe, next to a pen and ink of a man astride a horse signed "Stewart." Crossing over to the green tiled kitchen, he poured himself a glass of water. He took a drink, taking in the cool liquid and the overall effect of the space, a chaotic symphony of art and objects, elegant anarchy, much like the woman asleep in the other room.
He was drawn back to her, watching her sleep from a red velvet chair. She was so unbelievably lovely… to think there were two of them… so similar, yet so very different. He fell in love with Anna, his English Rose, so long ago, but it was Alex who accepted him, Alex who was like him, Alex who wanted him. And if he was honest with himself, he wanted her too. Needed her. Ached for her.
She stirred, shifting, covers falling, like a painting in the sun's golden glow, pale bare skin reflecting the light, reacting to the cool spring air. He couldn't help but move closer. She shifted again, baring breasts sprinkled with a confetti of bruises and bites from the night before. He felt himself stir. He needed to touch her.
He returned to the bed, caressing her skin, pushing covers down, exposing her body. Lips and tongue enveloped one breast then the other, fingers moved between legs, caressing swollen flesh, dipping in. Her legs opened instinctively, a soft moan escaped her lips.
"Alex," he whispered.
"Mmmm, yes, say it again," she said with languid lustfulness.
"Alex…"
"Mmmm… I love my name when you say it," she sighed.
"Alex," he hummed as he took her tender breast once more into his mouth.
"Oh," she sighed, her eyes opening on the man worshiping her body, "Valentin," she whispered.
He moved his way down taking over for fingers that had been diligently ministering to her desires. Her hips lifted to his lips. He reached under her, legs resting on shoulders, his hands grasping her hips, her ass. Taking in her taste now infused with the coppery tinge of raw flesh, he moved gingerly, reverently, licking, sucking, probing. Her body began to quake, a movement beyond her control.
She called out, "Valentin."
He lifted himself, taking her legs as he plunged in, her body throbbing and squeezing the length of him. Pushing as her orgasm crested and folded into another like a wave crashing to the sea. She moaned deeply, hands reaching to grasp the headboard. He reached out, grabbing above her hands. Holding as he continued to thrust deeper and deeper, her body a throbbing mass of raw nerves, pure passion made manifest. Arms and legs wrapped around him, pushing him deeper still. She cried out his name. He'd never heard anything so beautiful.
"Good morning," she stammered.
"Morning, Alex," he said with a satisfied grin.
"You're better than caffeine," she said with a smile, "though I wouldn't mind a cuppa."
Valentin started to move and she held on tightly, her arms and legs holding him in place, "No. Not yet."
"Coffee doesn't make itself, Alex."
"I know, I just need a moment... a little longer. I need to feel you inside me."
"Oh, Alexandra…" Valentin sighed as he softly brushed her face.
She sighed, "I'll never tire of you saying my name. You make it sound so wonderful."
They lay there, tangled in one another, still connected. Then she began pulsing against the length of him. Her face calm, belying what was going on below.
"What was that?" he asked, confused.
"What?" she asked innocently as she did it again, a smile growing across her face.
"Where did you learn that?"
"Spy school," she replied with an arched brow.
"I didn't learn anything like this in spy school…"
"We went to vastly different spy schools," she said with a wink, still pulsing herself against him.
"Tell me… why did you come here?" she asked, her muscles throbbing, pressing against him.
"You said Anna was in danger…"
"You have a global array of informants, surely they could tell you if she was in harm's way…"
"They don't know you."
"Mmmm…" she smiled, rocking gently beneath him, still squeezing him, "try again."
"Maybe I wanted to finally kill you?" he said with a smirk, his hand moving to her neck.
"Doting father… CEO of a global conglomerate? If you wanted me dead you wouldn't sully these beautiful hands," she removed the hand from neck and kissed each knuckle, "I told you where I was, you could have sent someone."
She slid his pinky deep into her mouth, sucking hard, her tongue running along his palm and finger as she pulled it out. She felt him stir and stiffen.
"Why did you come?" she asked, rocking and grasping, her body still working the length of him.
"What do you want me to say?" he asked almost in desperation, an aching desire growing inside him.
"I want you to tell me the truth."
"Fine! I came because I wanted you."
She stopped with a small smile, staring deep into his tortured eyes, holding him inside her.
"You've invaded my thoughts. There's not a moment you're not there, somewhere, ever since I found out it was you I was with when I was still crooked and broken. Ever since you found me in that interrogation room. So close to me, practically purring, your legs so near, your smell so intoxicating… I just wanted to rip you open."
"Damn those handcuffs," she said, sighing, feeling him grow hard inside her.
"I wanted you and hated you for wanting you. I was finally getting a life to call my own, I'd finally won, and I couldn't shake you. I'd be with Nina and I'd think about you. I thought I might be able to move on with my life, not obsessed with Anna… and then you took over, like an intruder. I'd wonder if you still felt the same, tasted the same as when I thought you were her. That night, it's yesterday for me. It's been with me, all these years, so vivid, burning with love and hate. Finding out it was you just added fuel to that fire."
Tears streamed down his face as she rocked against him. She took his face in her hands and kissed his cheeks, the briny water collecting between her lips.
"Sssshhhh," she cooed, "you have me. You're with me. I burn for you too."
She gazed into his eyes and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him deeply. Her tongue dominating his mouth. Suddenly he pushed deep into her. She gasped at the urgency of his thrusts, fingers clawing into his back.
"Oh, God…" she moaned, her hips moving with him.
They never separated, and this feeling, the connection was too much. Her limbs twisted, her body quaked, her voice engaged in sounds without words. He pressed into her, relentless and fierce, coming hard.
"Valentin…" she whispered, reaching out to him with soft caresses.
He pulled away, rolling to his side, staring out through gauzy curtains to the sea beyond.
"I thought I could come here and see you and put out the flame for good. God I'm such a fool."
"You're not a fool," she said, reaching out to stroke his back, "If you are, then so am I. I gave myself to you. Exposed myself completely."
"Yeah you did," he remarked with a sly grin rolling towards her.
"Valentin," she replied with an eye roll and a playful slap.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it,' he smirked.
"You're the worst"
"I know. So are you."
"Yeah… You could destroy me. You know everything about me."
"But I won't."
"You say that, but what happens when the endorphins fade?" she asked with a concerned caress.
"I'll still be here."
"Easy to say."
He caressed her cheek, fingers trailing down her body.
"You're safe with me," he whispered.
She kissed him gently.
"It's so late, we've been in bed all morning," she said, seeing the clock for the first time.
"I should shower. Care to join me?" he asked eagerly.
"Don't know how clean you'll get with me there," she said with a knowing wink. "You shower, I'll make coffee," she cooed as she rolled out of bed, donning a floral robe, "towels are in the basket, a fresh toothbrush in the cabinet."
"Oh? You just keep an extra toothbrush? For overnight guests?"
"Or for when I might need a new toothbrush… Are you jealous?
"I'm jealous of any man you've had in this bed."
"I'll let him know…"
"Him?" Valentin looked at her quizzically.
"Dimitri. We tried reconciliation a few times, and this place... it always felt magical…"
"It is," he said as he rose from the bed crossing to her.
"Yeah, but the real world always comes back," she said, wistfully.
She walked to the other room, soft silk fluttering like butterfly wings around her body. Valentin ran his fingers through his hair watching her, it felt like a dream, this place, this woman. He yawned with a stretch then made his way to the bathroom. She leaned against the archway, watching him move.
"What?" he asked, feeling her eyes on him.
"Just admiring your form," she responded with a mischievous grin.
"Thoughts?"
"Fine," she said with a raised eyebrow, "very very fine," she winked, then continued to the kitchen.
He laughed one of the most beautiful unguarded laughs she'd ever heard as he strolled to the bathroom and turned on the shower.
The sound of running water filled the flat as she set the kettle to boil and ground the beans for coffee. Soon an unexpected sound filled the air… singing… a beautiful baritone, smooth and intoxicating like 100 year old cognac...
"I've got you… under my skin… I've got you… deep in the heart of me…'
She practically melted but composed herself with a little dance as she picked up clothes from last night's festivities, his voice still ringing.
"So deep in my heart, you're really a part of me"
Her clothes went in the hamper, his on the red velvet chair, trousers, boxer briefs, the knife in its holster, and a shirt with only 4 buttons remaining, she took in his scent before placing it on the arm of the chair. She crossed to the living room to find his jacket and found it buzzing.
His phone.
Buzzing.
Buzzing.
"I've got you under my skin."
She reached for the phone just as the kettle screamed its angry whistle. She ran back to the kitchen to set the coffee brewing, then rushed to Valentin's buzzing jacket. It was still there buzzing away, text after text. Her hand reached out just as she heard the water and the singing stop.
"Damn."
He emerged from a steamy fog wearing a black and white lotus blossom robe.
She turned to him.
"Look at you," she said with a smile, "so fresh and clean," she crossed to him taking in his scent, kissing him deeply.
"I borrowed a robe, hope you don't mind"
"No. It suits you. You look very pretty."
"Pretty? I don't think anyone has ever called me 'pretty' before."
"You spend your time around the wrong people," she said with a kiss, "coffee's ready, I'll be out in two shakes… oh… your phone keeps buzzing…." she said, nodding to the red chair.
"You didn't check it?"
"I would never!" she said incredulously.
He looked at her with a knowing look.
"Okay...so, yes, I WOULD… but I didn't… I swear!"
She kissed him long and deep, running her hands under his robe.
"Mmmm, hope you left me some hot water," she said with a smile as she turned and walked away, hips swaying, humming "I've Got You Under My Skin."
Valentin couldn't help but laugh. This woman! She was so beautiful, so beguiling, so off key, how was she so off key!? He chuckled his way to the kitchen for a much needed cup of coffee, then crossed to his still buzzing jacket.
What the hell was going on?! It just kept buzzing. It couldn't be ELQ at 6 in the morning on a Saturday. His mind automatically went to the worst case scenario, something had happened to Charlotte. He knew he shouldn't have left her with Danté! Frantically he dug out the phone only to see what was really going on… Nina… His shoulders fell and a little of the tightness in his heart subsided.
He hadn't thought about Nina since he left Port Charles. He just realized that. He hadn't thought about Nina since he left Port Charles.
20 texts… 10 calls… What could be so important? Wiley... He called her right away and she picked up before the first ring.
"Valentin! Thank God! I've been trying to reach you all night!"
"I see that… I'm sorry… I am, I was, uh… away from my phone," he said, his eyes drifting over the rumpled bed to the bathroom door left slightly ajar.
"I need to see you. It's important. It's about Wiley, they're trying to keep me from him!" she cried, distraught, "We need to meet to talk strategy, we need to stop them."
"What happened, Nina?" he asked, trying to calm her down.
"It was nothing!"
"Nina… what did you do?"
"I was at Kelly's and overheard Willow talking about how Wiley would be with a sitter all day, so I decided it would be a perfect time for Grandma Nia to go visit."
"Oh, Nina… you didn't…"
"It was fine! Everything was going great, we were playing and he called me Grandma… it was so wonderful, Valentin! I was in absolute heaven! It was everything I ever wanted. He's so smart, Valentin, so precious… but then Michael came home early and…"
"Nina…" he said, shaking his head, "What were you thinking!?"
"I don't know… I guess I wasn't… There's more. Can we meet for breakfast?"
"I can't. I'm not in town."
"Where are you!? Can you get back here?"
"I'm in Portugal."
"Wait… what!? What are you doing in Portugal? Valentin! I need you here! You're the only person who can help! They both got emergency restraining orders against me! Carly and Michael. They're keeping me away from my grandchild, Valentin!"
"Nina. You're not even 100% certain that Nell was your daughter."
"I have a right to see him. As for certainty, I AM certain. I don't need a DNA test to know he's a part of me and I won't let his mother's MURDERER keep me from him!"
"Look, I'll call Martin for you."
"I don't want Martin! I want you. I NEED YOU. I need you here to help me, Valentin. Isn't this what you wanted? Me needing you, wanting to take you back? Well, this is it, this is me doing that. Please… get on your jet and come back to me."
Had she said this to him 24 hours ago he would have come running without hesitation, but now there was Alex and he was in her thrall. The last thing he wanted to do was leave that beautiful woman in the shower, but Nina sounded beyond distraught, and he was truly worried for her. He was quiet for a moment. Taking a deep thoughtful breath.
"Valentin? Are you there?"
"Yes." he said with a resolute sigh, "I should be able to be there this evening."
"Oh! Thank you! Thank you so much, Valentin! Oh, I love you so much! We can meet at the Port Charles Grill and decide what we'll do to bring Carley and Michael down. I'm so happy I have you!"
"Yes… okay… well, um, I'd better go if I'm going to be in Port Charles before the end of the day."
"Yes! Yes of course! You go… I'll see you soon! I love you Valentin!"
"Yes... Well, goodbye, Nina. I'll call you when I land."
He put down the phone and began to solemnly dress. He'd have to change at the hotel before heading to the airport, his shirt only had 4 functioning buttons. He adjusted the fabric to cover his midsection and put on his jacket, buttoning it closed. That would have to do for now.
Alex exited the bathroom as he was putting on his shoes.
"Valentin, you're wearing far too many clothes… this just won't do."
She slinked towards him, an impish grin spreading across her face, fingers ready to undress. He stood to stop her, holding her hands still. He gazed into her eyes, a pained expression on his face.
"Valentin, please talk to me. Don't shut me out… not after last night… not after this morning…"
"I'm sorry. I have to go. There's something I have to take care of back in Port Charles… I really am sorry… this was magical… I'll never forget this time. I'll always treasure it…"
"Why are you talking like this, like it's over!? Surely whatever this is can wait 'til Monday!"
"It can't."
"Is it ELQ?... Oh God! Is it Charlotte!?"
"No. No, the company is fine, Charlotte is safe," he said, looking down and away unable to make eye contact with the now suspicious woman standing in front of him.
"Well, it couldn't be my perfectly capable, spy sister," she said with an edge to her voice, eyes narrowing, "oh, no… of course… Nina… What? Did she break a nail? Can't find her other shoe? Lost a diamond down the drain?"
"Alex…" he said with a warning tone.
"I don't get it Valentin, I truly don't! You're so extraordinary and you continually debase yourself for Nina Reeves!? A woman who divorced you the first time you faltered and left you at the altar TWICE! You're one of the most brilliant people I have ever met and you're cowed by a woman who's a Cosmo Quiz come to life! Why do you let her do this to you?!"
"You don't understand. She opened her heart to me, she accepted me for who I am with all my baggage and everything."
"Did she? Is that why you're married now… oh, no you're not, are you? And what did she open her heart to? A charming man of means? Oh the hardship! It's easy to accept a broken man when he's already fixed. You came to her handsome and rich, I doubt she would have been so open if she had found you the way I did."
"You don't want to go there Alex," he said, his jaw tightening, "She needs my help and I promised I'd be there for her."
"She doesn't deserve your love, Valentin! She doesn't deserve your loyalty! Goddamnit, Valentin, she doesn't deserve you! She uses and humiliates you and you crawl over broken glass for her every time! Is that your kink!? Jealous insecurity, with a touch of petty cruelty!? I don't get how you'd give yourself over to such a basic bitch!"
He grabbed her hard lifting her off the floor, pushing her to the wall.
"How dare a woman like you talk about Nina that way!?"
She quickly broke free in a flurry of limbs. It happened so fast. He didn't even realize he'd been slapped until he felt the sting on his cheek.
Regret surged through him instantly and he moved to comfort Alex, but she backed away.
"Go... Nina needs you."
She turned her back to hide the tears welling up in her eyes.
"Alex…" he said plaintively, so much pain and longing in one short name, but she didn't turn around until she heard the door close behind him.
Her words ran through his head as he rode the tram down the steep hills of Alfama.
"It's easy to accept a broken man when he's already fixed."
"A woman who divorced you the first time you faltered and left you at the altar TWICE!"
"She doesn't deserve your love, Valentin! She doesn't deserve your loyalty! Goddamnit, Valentin, she doesn't deserve you!"
They reverberated in canon, folding into one another, changing shape and meaning until they became a symphony of yearning. Words intercut with images of Alex; her smile, her eyes glistening with ecstatic tears, the way her body curved to his touch. A fugue of reckoning and regret. She was right, Nina used him from the very start. Used him to feel better after infidelities. Used him for access to his child. And when he needed her, truly needed her, she deserted him. She was as loyal as fair weather and he gave his all for her. And now here she was, once more, pledging love, but with stipulations. Their whole relationship was quid pro quo.
By the time he'd hailed a cab to his hotel he'd formulated a plan.
The keycard slid in the door as he dialed the first number.
"Martin."
"It's Saturday, Valentin, whatever you want will cost double."
"I'd expect nothing less."
"Go on, then…"
"First. Carly and Michael Corinthos have executed emergency restraining orders against Nina because of Wiley. I need you to get them lifted as soon as possible, today if you can, tomorrow morning at the latest. I'd also like to place you on retainer to consult with her regarding suing for visitation or joint custody if need be. Whatever she wants regarding the child."
"And second?"
"I need you to look into any possible charges against Alexandra Marick, both in Port Charles and abroad."
"Alexandra Marick… the same Alexandra Marick who tried to kill you with an Instant Pot? Isn't she dead?"
"Yes, and..not so much."
"So you want to press charges?"
"Not so much…"
"Oh?"
"We've come to an understanding."
"Oh."
"I'd like all charges lifted, if possible."
"If I remember correctly she tried to kill you, and Anna Devane and Dr. Hamilton Finn, she kidnapped you, and Anna Devane and Maxie Jones, blew up a building, and stole a boat… and that's just one night in Port Charles, and you want me to look into ALL of her crimes?"
"Yes. And I'd like her exonerated."
"What did she do to you? Do I want to know?"
"I wouldn't tell you even if you did…"
"Okay… well…"
"Look into the case. I can talk to Anna, Finn, and Maxie. I can compensate the warehouse owner… I'm sure we can work it all out. As for the international charges, most of them rest on my testimony and I'll exonerate her so, please, just let me know what needs to be done. She wants to travel freely and I would like her to be able to return to Port Charles. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Great. I'll be in town tomorrow afternoon, let's meet at the Metro Court for dinner, say, 7 and we can talk this through. I know I'm asking a lot but it's only because you're the best."
"I'll never be able to say my work for you isn't interesting... See you tomorrow."
Valentin disconnected from Martin and dialed Nina.
"Valentin! Are you on the plane? I made a reservation for us at the Port Charles Grill and asked them to reserve their two best bottles of Champagne. Hope you're not too jet lagged, I have plans for you tonight…"
"I won't be there. There are things keeping me here…"
"In Portugal?"
"Yes."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"Valentin…"
"Martin will be calling you shortly regarding the restraining orders and I've retained him if you want to pursue visitation or custody… I'll take care of any of the legal fees."
"I have my own lawyers, Valentin."
"None of them are as good as Martin. Let him help you."
"And you… what about you… will you help me?"
"I am helping you. I'm giving you Martin."
"But I need you."
"We can talk when I get back to town. Meet me at the Metro Court at 6. Okay?"
"But the restraining order…"
"Should be lifted by then. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay. I love you."
"Okay. See you tomorrow."
He sighed. Sloughing off the weight of a responsibility he no longer desired and texted Alex.
"I need to see you."
"Valentin… I thought you needed to go?"
...
"There's a bar in Alfama,
Cafe Duarte, 6 o'clock?"
…
"Okay. Fine"
"Unarmed."
"Ha… fine."
Valentin sat at a cafe table in front of antique glass doors painted bright green, drinking her favorite red, the strains of fado lilting through the air. He waited at least half an hour, day had turned to dusk. He'd kept her waiting before, and was certain this was payback. He looked up to her flat across the cobblestone street, golden light shining through her windows in the purple night, hoping to see her, then, there she was gliding across the ancient stones in a black slip dress and beguiling smile.
"Alexandra," he said, his heart in his throat as he stood to greet her.
"Mr. Cassidine…" she replied, her smile growing, aware of the game.
"So formal…" he said, moving closer to her, "I thought we were closer than that," he touched her arm sending a tingle to her fingers and toes, her breath catching, "I KNOW we're closer than that," he said with a smirk, using her own words against her. "I hope you don't mind if I frisk you?"
"Like I could hide anything under this dress?" she whispered, biting her bottom lip,her eyes burning with desire.
He stepped closer still, so close she could feel the heat coming off his body. His hands running slowly down her bare back to soft silk fabric, over her hips and ass. His eyes widened.
"You're not wearing…" he said, his voice rough with desire.
Mischief filled her eyes as she smiled in confirmation, "So... am I safe?"
"You're the most dangerous woman I've ever met, Alex."
"Thank you."
"My turn," she cooed dipping low, feeling up the calves of both his legs, "Can't be too careful," she said rising up, her hands running along his sides.
He smiled. His eyes burning into hers.
She took his wrist and led him away.
"Your flat is…"
"I don't care," she replied with a wink.
She found the alley easily and moved him into it, pinning him against rough stucco. Their lips quickly finding each other. Hungry, devouring. Her hand moved up, finding his neck, squeezing, eyes hooded with longing, voice a raspy whisper into his ear.
"I could kill you right here, I could kill you and no one would even know," she said with a calculating smile.
He used his weight and height to flip her, back to the wall, he kissed from her ear down her neck to the tender skin of her collar bone.
"Where's the fun in that?" he growled, pulling the delicate strap of her dress down, continuing his trail of kisses.
She sighed. Her head falling back against the wall, her eyes rolling up into her head, passion overcoming sense.
"Why are you so awful?" she sighed.
"Where do I start?" he hummed with a smirk into her longing flesh.
Her leg snaked around his as she moved her hands to the brass and leather of his belt. Their breath came in starts and stutters, the two cloaked desire.
Suddenly melodic guitars were replaced by a loud metallic clanging. An angry grey haired lady spewed Portuguese curse words as she banged on a large pot with a spoon. It was clear she didn't appreciate the lovers in her alley.
"Bonsori, madame," Valentin genuflected as Alex adjusted herself to preserve what little modesty she had remaining.
"That's French?" Alex whispered to him confused.
"I don't speak Portuguese," he shrugged.
Alex rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips.
"Desculpa, senhora. Boa noite, boa noite!" Alex exclaimed as she stifled a cascade of laughter.
She took Valentin's hand and with an apologetic bow quickly left the alley. Once on the main street, the two crumpled into each other's arms equal parts desire and laughter, the adrenaline pulsing through them from their interruption too much for either to contain.
"I can't believe you spoke French to that woman!" Alex said, her face aglow with laughter.
"It seemed better than English!" he said with a laugh, "Perhaps your flat was a better idea than this little game of ours?" He said with a kiss.
"Yes. perhaps." she smiled as she took his hand, weaving leisurely through the crowds of weekend revelers.
"Why are you here?"
"I realized Nina didn't need me for her problem, I was just familiar and easy to manipulate."
"I'm sorry."
"That you were right? Don't be."
"How long do I have you?" she asked plots and positions flickering in her eyes.
"Only 'til tomorrow. I have meetings."
"Nina?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes… to say goodbye, to tell her she was right, that we're over, that we've been over for a while."
"Oh…"
"I'm also meeting with my lawyer. I've asked him to look into all of the possible charges against you, if it turned out you weren't quite dead." he said with a smirk.
"Oh? You think you can get me off?"
"I know I can," he said with a knowing grin and an arched eyebrow "I also think we can clear your charges. But you have to stay out of trouble."
"That's a lot to ask," she said with narrowed eyes.
"But worth it, don't you think?"
She paused. Thinking.
"What if I promise to only get in trouble with you?"
He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply, a fixed point in a swirl of music and people. Kindred spirits. Modern souls in an ancient world, bound to each other with a kiss.