Chapter 77 Extortion

Elizabeth could see Lucas's veins pulsating in his neck and could sense he was about to come unhinged on this woman. She stepped in front of him. "Lucas look at me!" She said cupping his chin. He was pacing back and forth. She had never seen him look so out of sorts. His emotions were clearly taking over.

"What Elizabeth?" He said in a very irritated voice.

"You need to forget about her. We know you and know you would not have done that. Your family and friends will stand by you. I need you to calm down; do not give into her games darling." She said now pulling him in for a kiss.

"I can't believe this is happening right now. All I want to do is be home with you and our children." He said with so much built up adrenaline that tears were beginning to fall down his cheeks. It was the first time in his life he ever wanted to hit a woman and he felt ashamed of himself for it.

"Stacey what exactly are you trying to gain. If it is money I am more than happy to give it for you to disappear, but what exactly do you want from me that you would be willing to spread vicious rumors that would devastate my life and my family? I don't understand how anyone could do that." He said now swallowing trying to pull his emotions together.

"Money is nice, but you are what I want. I want us to be together and have a family." She moved closer.

"Stop right there." He said holding up his hand for her to not come any closer afraid he might hit her. "You and I are never going to happen. You could pierce my heart with a dagger and I would still not be with you. I have my life and my family and nothing you could ever do to me or say about me will change the way I feel about them. You are clearly insane." He nodded for security to come over. About the time security got over there, Nathan and Bill came walking in with William.

"Lucas what is the problem here?" Bill asked.

"This woman is trying to blackmail me, but she doesn't want money. Well not all money anyway."

"Well what does she want?" Nathan asked.

"Me." Lucas said.

Nathan chuckled. "I fail to see any humor in this situation Nathan." Lucas replied.

"Ma'am extortion is a federal offense and you will do several years for that." Bill said.

"Lucas, you would really let them take me to jail?" She asked sympathetically.

"Without a doubt in my mind. There is no place in my life for you or people like you." He said pulling Elizabeth to his side.

"I suppose I will just have to make friends with the judge then." She chuckled.

"I am the judge!" Bill replied as Nathan put her in cuffs and took her off to the jail.

Let's take dinner home to our family he said. "Lucas, what about Derrick?" Elizabeth asked. "Do you trust him?"

"I don't know Elizabeth, but have you ever heard the saying? Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." He said. "We will soon find out if he can be trusted. I am so sorry love that this has affected us. I promise I will make it up to you."

"Darling, it is I who am sorry. You should never be punished for being the perfect gentleman that you are always trying to help people and see the good in them." She said lovingly running her thumbs through his hair.

"I was so wrong about her. I can't believe it. I hope Derrick doesn't disappoint me. I always thought he was a good friend. Let's go home." He told her kissing her softly.

They packed up dinner and Lucas explained to Gustave what was going on. He scolded him about the free food and advised him what a dangerous game he played by doing that. Then he patted his friend on the back and they headed back home. Lucas was emotionally exhausted and it was getting late. They brought the food in and everyone sat down to eat except Lucas was not hungry. He kissed his children and headed off to bed, knowing in a short time he would be up all night with them anyway.

Elizabeth's heart was breaking for him. She could sense how much he must have cared about Stacey and felt that it was deeper than he let on. She ate a quick meal and retreated upstairs where Lucas had already turned in.

She snuggled up beside him. "Darling are you alright?" She asked rubbing her hands through his hair and gazing into his eyes where they were glossy and she could see the emotion in them. "Is it because you really loved her?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh Dear God no. Elizabeth I was not that upset when I left Stacey in San Francisco with Derrick. I realized tonight that the thought of something happening to cause you and me to drift apart or hurt my family would kill me. I could not go on living without you. When you are beside me I know everything will be fine, but I don't think I could ever face life without you beside me." Pulling her in clearly his emotions working on him as he kissed her deeply and wished he could make love to her. "I want to have you right now." He whispered. "I really wish we had the physical connection I am longing to have back and can not wait until you are better."

"I know what you mean and hopefully soon." She responded with her own built up desire.

She laid her head on his chest and began to gently caress it, while he stroked his hands through her beautiful hair. "Lucas do you think we are safe with Derrick in the house?"

"Yes, love." He said reassuring her it would be okay, but not certain of that at all. He was trained to handle bad men. Bad women were out of his comfort zone.

They laid there for only a few more minutes before falling asleep knowing that they would soon be up with the kids.