Stefan sighed heavily as he twirled a strand of Barbara's fiery red hair
around his fingers. He lay on his back with Barbara curled against his
side. She toyed with his Cassadine medallion and said, her voice ringing
with disgust, "You're thinking about her, aren't you?"
He hesitated before answering. "She has been on my mind since our lunch."
"Look, she will get over this little temper tantrum. It's about time she
realizes that she can't control your life." Barbara snapped. "That
*child* thinks that she must be the most important thing in your life and
to hell with anyone else who tries to stand in her way."
"Sheath your claws, Barbara." Stefan smirked and softly kissed her hand.
Barbara ignored him and sat up. "I'm tired of her coming between us. You
are an *adult*, you are *her* father. She has to learn that you can do what
you want and she is not to question you."
"I fear that I have disappointed her again." Stefan said over her tirade.
"Disappointed her? You've given her the world, Stefan, and because of that
she's become a selfish brat." Barbara threw back the covers and got out of
the bed. Her long red slinky negligee flapped around her as she marched
back and forth. "I thought that maybe this time our relationship would be
different but it's obvious to me that you will always put Carly first.
Before me and before yourself."
"Barbara, come back to this bed right now." Stefan demanded softly. He
wasn't going to indulge her little jealous rant.
"No." She said simply and folded her arms. She tapped her bare foot
angrily.
"Barbara…" Stefan growled lowly.
She pretended to think it over. "Um…no. She'll always come between us if
you let her and I won't tolerate this any longer. Especially not when we're
in bed."
"And I won't tolerate *this* any longer." Stefan got out of the bed also,
revealing his black silk pajama bottoms. He walked over to Barbara and
without any indication of what he was about to do he swept her up in his
arms.
"Stefan!" Her tone was anything but admonishing. She hid a smile.
"I do believe this is what you've been after?" He murmured.
She traced her finger along the line of his jaw. "Maybe…"
"Your jealousy is tiring." He scolded her lightly.
"Stefan…" She pouted.
"Enough. I will speak with her tomorrow." He said firmly. He walked back
over to the bed and gently laid her out. He covered her body with his. He
framed her face with his arms.
"Stefan." She purred.
He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I say enough?"
To shut her up for good he kissed her hard. She twined her arms around his
neck and pulled him closer. She giggled and kissed him back. He rolled her
over so that she was on top. She pushed herself up and straddled him. She
took his hands and placed them on her more than ample chest. She looked at
him with a cocked eyebrow.
He nodded and squeezed the two handfuls. He moved his hands down her body
and slid them under her gown. Once he touched her warm flesh he said, "Now
you may speak."
"Mmmm, Stefan…"
~*~*~
The next morning, Carly stifled a yawn as she read through the newspaper
and sipped a cup of coffee. It was her habit to have breakfast in her
office. Usually it was just the newspaper and black coffee though on some
days she added a croissant to that. Right now she was on her second cup.
She needed a little pick-me-up after last night. She told that Sonny she
had an early day and she couldn't stay up too late. Did that stop him? It
was practically dawn before she was to get a little sleep. A small smile
appeared on her face. It wasn't as if she complained much last night. She
enjoyed it as much as he did.
The sound of her secretary buzzing her brought her out of her little
daydream. She sighed and pressed the speaker button. "What is it
Elizabeth?"
"Your law—" Elizabeth was cut off.
"It's me."
"Right on time, Al." Carly checked her watch. "Come on in."
The double doors to Carly's office pushed were pushed open and Carly's
advisor/lawyer/aunt Natasha Alexis Cassadine Collins strode in. She went by
the name of Alexis Collins for business purposes and was fondly called Al
by her favorite niece. Alexis had been raised the youngest and unwanted
daughter of Mikkos and Helena Cassadine. All her life the only thing that
shielded her from her mother's fury was Stefan. He protected her when she
was younger and she adored him for that.
"Carly." Alexis nodded at her as she settled into the soft brown leather
chair facing Carly's desk.
"Elizabeth, get Al some coffee." Carly ordered. She'd been hovering behind
the doors.
"You know I'm not supposed to have caffeine." Alexis chided. She turned to
Elizabeth and said gently. "An herbal tea and…a jelly donut. I've been
craving it all morning."
Elizabeth nodded and went to fetch Alexis's breakfast. Carly shook her
head. "I forgot about the caffeine."
"How could you forget?" Alexis rested her hand on her visibly rounded
stomach. She was six months pregnant.
"I'm trying desperately to forget." Carly muttered as she shot a glance at
Alexis's stomach.
"Be civil, Carly. Your Uncle Kevin and I are very happy about this
pregnancy."
"Kevin Collins is *not* my uncle." Carly said hotly. They always disagreed
over Alexis's choice of husband. Carly felt that she could do much better
than that shrink.
"We are not going to get into it this morning." Alexis waved her hand in
the air dismissing the subject. "What is this I hear about you and J&J
Jacks of Alaska?"
Carly shrugged. "I was thinking it was ripe for the plucky."
Alexis narrowed her eyes. "You want to take over a company that was formed
from takeovers?"
"Ironic, isn't it?" Carly smirked. "It'll be easy. Jerry Jacks is too busy
playing adventure man. John Jacks has been on semi-retirement since his
heart attack six months ago. He's going to step down permanently any day
now. And Jasper Jacks…he's nothing but an empty-headed playboy. I've met
him a few times and he didn't impress me."
"What are you going to do with it?" Alexis asked out of curiosity. "Leave
it as is?"
Carly picked up her cup and leaned back in her chair. "Maybe. This idea
isn't set in stone, Al. I could just as easily decide to start up a," she
paused and took a sip, "coffee importing business."
Alexis leaned forward. "What is the real reason behind this, Carly?"
"Jasper Jacks has been sniffing around a few of our subsidiaries. He must
be a fool if he thinks he'll get away with that." Carly's eyes glinted with
determination. "He wants to play these games? Go play them with Ned Ashton
and ELQ, *not* with me."
"Have you talked this over with your father at least?" Alexis raised an
eyebrow.
Carly's expression turned stormy. "I was going to mention it at lunch
yesterday but something came up."
"I was about to ask how lunch went. Your mother didn't start a fight with
him did she? They didn't destroy the Back Room?"
"Oh how I wish." Carly grumbled. "You know, when I was young all my friends
with divorced parents were always hoping they'd get back together. I was
the weird one who wanted my parents to stay divorced."
"What are you talking about, Carly?"
"Al," Carly took a deep breath, "Wyndemere just got another inhabitant.
Mother is moving in."
"What?" Alexis's mouth dropped open. "They're getting married? Again?"
"No, no, no, according to *Mother*, marriage gets them in trouble." Carly
said in disgust.
"I can't believe Stefan would do such a thing. Again." Alexis frowned.
"You'd think he'd learn by now."
"You want me to talk to him?"
"Like he'd listen."
The doors were suddenly opened and Stefan came striding in. "Speak of the
devil." Alexis muttered.
Elizabeth scurried in behind him. "Ms. Cassadine, Mr. Cassadine is here."
"I can see that, Elizabeth." Carly said in a bored tone.
"He wouldn't let me buzz him in." Elizabeth said in a faintly accusatory
voice. She was about take the blame for this one.
"Where is Al's tea and donut?" Carly demanded.
"Right here, I was going to bring it in and then Mr. Cassadine—" She
stumbled over her words as she rushed forward to hand the items to Alexis.
Alexis took them and smiled graciously. She always thought that Carly was
too hard on the girl. Carly said it was her way of toughening her up.
"Father, would you like some coffee?" Carly asked. "Elizabeth could fetch
it for you."
"I don't need anything Miss Webber." Stefan told her.
"You may go." Carly dismissed her.
"Mrs. Lansbury said that you didn't come home last night." Stefan said
without preamble.
"I stayed at the hotel." Carly said. It was partly the truth. After leaving
Sonny she went to the hotel for a shower and a change of clothes. On the
way to Sonny's place she made a call to Wyndemere and had a few things sent
over.
"Mind if I ask why?" Stefan said.
She shrugged. "I thought it was better that I get out of you and Mother's
way. I know how you young lovers are. You'll want your privacy. I'll stay
at the hotel until the wedding."
"Caroline…" Stefan sighed and shook his head. "I wish you would
reconsider."
"I've made up my mind just as you have. I hope you and Mother will be
very…happy." She smirked.
"Carly, you're being a brat." Alexis said as she nibbled on her donut. She
was the only one with the balls to call her on it and the only one Carly
would take it from.
"I don't have to explain my actions to you, Caroline."
"Of course not."
"I asked for your blessing, you declined, so as far as I'm concerned this
matter will no longer be discussed."
"Not until I put my two cents in. Stefan, really." Alexis shook her head
disapprovingly.
"Not you also." He closed his eyes.
"Isn't about time you start thinking with your head and not your…" Alexis
trailed off delicately.
"This time I was thinking with my heart and my head." Stefan swore. Carly
snorted loudly.
The phone rang interrupting them. Carly looked at it suspiciously. It was
her private line and half the people who had that number was in the room
with her. She picked up. "Jason?"
There was a long silence before Sonny said softly. "No, it's not doctor
boy."
Carly glanced at her father and aunt who were still going back and forth.
"This is an important client. You two…continue without me."
She turned her chair around so that she faced the wall. "I hadn't expected
you to call."
"Client?" He repeated. "Ah, is someone there?"
"I suppose there was a particular reason you called me?"
"You left me before I woke." He murmured.
"That is correct, I did get any early start today."
"You ruined my plans for this morning. I was going to wake you nice and
slow." His low tone was suggestive and Carly could only imagine what he
meant.
"I apologize for that. However—"
"Baby, you don't know what you're missing out on. Ask me what I'm wearing."
"Sir, I don't think that's appropriate at this time." She said primly.
"You sound like you got a stick up your butt." He noticed. "Daddy's there,
huh? Ask me what I'm wearing now, Caroline."
She rolled her eyes. God, he was making this hard. She lowered her voice
and hoped Stefan and Alexis couldn't hear her. "What are you wearing?"
"Nothing but the smile you left me with." He chuckled. "And a hard-on like
you wouldn't believe!"
"You are so vulgar." She hissed, forgetting about the others. She loved it
when he talked that way but now was not the time.
"Caroline?" Stefan said questioningly.
She looked over her shoulder. "In a minute, Father."
"Does *father* know you forgot your panties at my place?" Sonny said
softly.
Carly closed her eyes. It wasn't until she got the hotel did she realize
that she left them behind. "Of course not."
"I want to see you." He said suddenly.
"Not possible sir."
"Make it possible." He demanded. "Dinner."
"Unfortunately I have a prior appointment." She told him.
"Break it." He ordered.
"I cannot." She gritted out. His tone was starting to bother her.
"It's with doctor boy then? Fine, you let me know what you want to do but
let me warn you, I won't be waiting for too long."
"I understand completely. Don't let me keep you." Carly said coolly before
disconnecting the line.
~*~*~
Later that afternoon Lucky made his way into the Spencer homestead. He
called out for his mother, "Mom? Emily and I are here."
He walked into the kitchen to see Laura sitting at the table looking
forlorn. He sat down quietly next to her and took her hand. "Mom? Are you
okay?"
"What? Oh Lucky." Laura smiled softly as she realized that her son was
sitting across from her. "When did you get here? Is Emily with you?"
"She's outside with Dad and Lulu, but Mom, are you alright? I came in and
you were just sitting here, in a daze." He said in concern.
"I'm…I'm okay." She pushed a strand of hair back. "I was about to do
something and then I sat down…oh yes, I was going to make lunch. That's why
you and Emily came over, right? I can't believe I forgot. Be a dear, go
outside and tell your father that lunch will be a little late."
She started to rise but Lucky held onto her hand. She sat back down. Lucky
stared intently at her. "You are *not* fine. What is going on?"
"It's nothing, Lucky." She insisted.
Lucky narrowed his eyes. "I know what it is. It's him, isn't it?"
She sighed. "Lucky…"
"Mom…" He said determined.
"Okay, okay." Laura looked at the table. "I'll admit it, I started to think
about him a little bit. I got a little sad, that's all."
Lucky shook his head. All his life he lived in the shadow of his mother's
first son. Neither his mother nor his father hid the truth about Laura's
kidnapping before he was born. He was told about the baby that died at
childbirth. The child she named Nikolas. He hated it whenever she thought
about him. She became a melancholic person. When he was young she would
move around the house like a ghost, barely able to do anything. It killed
him and his dad to see her like that. Over the years her spells occurred
less and less but occasionally they would come up again. They all thought
she was getting better.
"Mom, you have got to stop this. Really. It's only hurting you."
"I'll be okay, Lucky. Don't you worry over me." She patted his hand.
"Remember, I am the parent here." She stood up and went over to the stove.
"Dad's not going to like this."
She spun around. "Luke doesn't have to know. Lucky, don't say a word to him
about this."
He stood slowly. "You've been hiding this from him, haven't you? All this
time he's been thinking your better and you've been hiding it from him.
Does Lulu know? Is she keeping this a secret for you? She's only a child.
She doesn't need this kind of pressure."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't you dare talk to me like that, Lucas
Lorenzo Spencer Jr.! This is *my* problem and I'll handle it *my* way.
There's no need to bring your father into this at all. I'd rather have him
happy then worrying about me."
"He'll *know* there's something wrong. You know he knows you that well."
Lucky pointed out.
"He won't notice anything. He hasn't so far and I'm going to keep it like
that." She said fiercely. She softened her tone and looked at him with a
small smile. "Lucky, just do me this one favor."
He stared at the floor. "I don't like keeping things from Dad. This effects
him too."
"And I know how it will effect him so that's why I asking you to do this."
Laura said softly.
Lucky clenched his fist as he thought about it. He reluctantly said,
"Okay…I'll give you a week to tell him *yourself* after that, all bets are
off."
"Thank you, Lucky." She said. "Now go out there and be with Emily. And
don't forget, lunch will be a little late."
She turned to putter around the kitchen as if their whole conversation
hadn't happen. Lucky watched her with worried eyes.
~*~*~
Across the street from the Spencer house Nikolas hid behind a tree. He was
fortunate to get a flight to Port Charles just that morning. He had no way
of knowing it was because of Helena Cassadine. He'd been waiting all day
for the right moment. But she never came out and she was never alone.
People streamed in and out of that house all day. He watched as a little
dark-haired girl tied a rope to the fence and handed the end to a tall
young woman who began to turn it for her. According to the files the old
woman gave him that girl was Leslie Lu…his sister. God, she looked just
like him. It was amazing.
The joy on her face as she jumped rope took his breath away. A simple thing
like jumping rope could make her that happy. He smiled a little. He
couldn't help it, it was contagious. She jumped out of the rope with a
flourish and gave the young woman a big hug. They laughed together. Then
Leslie Lu gave onto the porch and grabbed the hand of a tall lanky man
who'd been watching them play. She pulled him down the stairs.
Nikolas narrowed his eyes as the man came into clearer view. This was Luke
Spencer. The files painted him out to be a cold, unfeeling man who uprooted
his family at any time to travel the world. According to his files this was
the man who took his mother from him. He clenched his jaw as Leslie Lu
talked her father into jumping rope with her. She and the young woman
dissolved into giggles as Luke tried his best to jump. He faked a glare at
them that only cause them to laugh harder. He swept up Leslie Lu and
tickled her. She squirmed in his arms.
The front door opened and Nikolas held his breath. Would it be her this
time? Unfortunately it wasn't. But he recognized the young man from his
files. Lucky Spencer, the golden son, the boy who took his place. *He* was
living the life Nikolas should have had. Sure, he had a lot of advantages
but he always felt apart from his adopted family. Something was missing and
this boy had it.
Lucky jogged down the steps. "What happened here?"
Luke put Leslie Lu down and she ran over to Lucky. "Lucky, daddy and I
jumped rope. But daddy can't do it right."
"Is that right, Lulu?" Lucky grinned at Luke. He tousled her dark hair.
"Want to show us how it's down, cowboy?" Luke gestured towards the rope.
Lucky laughed and held up his hand. "I'll pass."
He walked over to Emily and kissed her softly. Emily pulled back and looked
at him curiously. "Are you alright? You went inside happy and you came
out…sad? What happened in there?"
"Nothing." He assured her. "I've been to ask you the same thing?"
"Why?" She frowned.
"Yesterday at lunch, you were very distant. Emily," He said urgently, "if
there was something wrong you know you can tell me, right? I'll understand,
you know that?"
"I know that. But if there's nothing wrong with you, then there's nothing
wrong with me." Emily smiled.
Luke went up the steps and yelled through the door. "Hey, woman! When's the
grub coming?"
Across the street Nikolas growled. The man was a boar.
Lucky said. "Oh, Mom said that lunch will be late?"
"Something happen?" He asked.
Lucky shrugged. "She just got a late start."
"I'd offer to go in and help but…" Luke grinned.
"Believe me Luke, we'll all be thankful if you don't." Emily laughed.
"Why you…" Luke grumbled with a smile on his face. He said to Lucky,
"Control your woman, cowboy."
"Sorry, Dad, she walks right over me." Lucky wrapped his arm around her
waist.
"And he likes it." Emily said.
"You bellowed?" Laura stuck her head out and smiled. Only Lucky realized
that her eyes were too bright and her smile was too big.
The force of that smile hit Nikolas hard. For the longest time he had only
the pictures of her being sad and it wasn't until the other day that he
finally got a picture of her happy and smiling. But there was a big
difference between seeing it in a photo and seeing it in real life. It hurt
to realize that that smile was never directed at him. He never got to grow
up with the amount of love he saw in that one smile. He gritted his teeth
when he saw Luke pull her into his arms. He couldn't stay and watch this.
He slammed his hand against the tree and turned and walked away.
"What was that?" Laura asked.
"What was what?" Luke said.
"Across the street." She pointed. "I thought I heard something…Never mind."
"So where's my lunch?" Luke slapped her on the butt and grinned.
"In that kitchen." She nodded towards it. "But I was thinking…barbecue? I
already have some steaks marinating and Lulu's been asking for hot dogs.
What do you say?"
"You're just trying to get out of making lunch."
"It's the only thing you can't ruin…" Laura cajoled.
"I remember that time he burned the corn!" Lucky called out.
"That was an accident due to…faulty corn." Luke glared at him.
"So we're barbecuing then?" Emily asked. "Do you need anything, Laura?
Lucky and I can go to the store for supplies."
"Did I ask to go on a supply run?" Lucky smirked.
"I'd appreciate it, Emily." Laura said. "Come inside and I'll give you a
list." She and Emily walked into the house.
Luke laughed at Lucky. "Ha! You got toped into going to the store."
"Ha!" Lucky laughed back. "At least I won't have to hose down the grill."
"Damn." Luke grumbled. He'd forgotten about that. "Lulu, darling, princess,
want to help daddy with the grill?"
"Nope." Lulu giggled and ran into the house.
Lucky clapped him on the shoulder. "Looks like you're on your own, pops."
Lucky's laughter followed Luke as he bitched and went to retrieve the
grill.
~*~*~
Later that evening at the Quartermaine mansion Carly was having a hard time
keeping her eyes open. When they weren't fighting the Qs could be so
boring. To think she passed on an evening with Sonny for this. But she
couldn't cancel on Jason again. She sipped her drink and listened to Brenda
Ashton babble on. Jason sat next to her, his arm thrown over the back of
the couch.
Brenda was perched on the arm of Ned's chair. "Does anybody want a Nurses
Ball update?"
Monica controlled the impulse to roll her eyes and said, "Why don't you
tell us Brenda?"
"It's going great! Over half of the tables have been sold already and
that's a record for this time of the year. The skits are working out great.
You're going to be so proud of Emily this year!"
"We're always proud of Emily." Alan said blandly.
Brenda hesitated. "Right. Oh, Carly, there's still space if you want to do
something."
"I've told you before Brenda, I don't perform." Carly stared at her. "Be
happy with my donation and leave it at that."
The silence that followed was long. Alan broke it by clearing his throat
and saying, "Speaking of the Nurses Ball, Carly, were you and Jason
planning on sitting at our table this year?"
Jason started to answer. "We were—"
Carly wanted to sit at the Cassadine table but after yesterday the last
thing she wanted to do was sit across from her mother. But sitting with the
Qs was out of the question. "Actually I was thinking about getting a table
of my own."
"You didn't say anything to me." Jason frowned.
"I forgot." She shrugged and handed him her empty glass. "Could I get a
refill dear? Thank you."
"Of course." Jason stood up to fix her a fresh drink.
"I was hoping that your parents could join us for tonight." Monica said.
Carly said. "They were both busy, sorry."
"Perhaps we could get together another time?" Monica continued.
"Perhaps." Carly turned to Ned. "So Ned, how are things at ELQ."
"Quiet, now that Grandfather's gotten off my back." Ned smiled.
"Edward's finally stepping down?" Carly sat forward. This could be
information she and her father could use. Edward Quartermaine was a pain in
their ass and Ned was much easier to deal with.
"To be truthful I have no idea what the old man is doing. He hasn't shown
up at the office for the past two days." Ned told her.
Jason frowned. He handed Carly her drink and she smiled her thanks. "You
know, Reginald told me that he hasn't been home either."
"I wonder where Father could be." Alan said worriedly.
"Oh, he's all right." Monica waved off their concern. "He's just messing
with our heads."
"This isn't like Father. He's been lost ever since Mother died."
"Maybe he found something to do with his time." Monica shrugged. "Ask Emily
to speak with him. Lately she's the only one who can reach him."
"Where is Emily?" Alan looked around. "I'd hoped she would join us for
dinner."
"She called earlier. She's at the Spencers. They're *barbecuing*." Monica
grumbled. She forgot that Carly herself was a part of that clan. She may
have trouble with her mother but she embraced her extended family.
Carly crossed her legs and said. "Maybe I should stop by on my way home.
For some reason I feel like a hot dog."
"So are you excited about the wedding?" Brenda asked suddenly to lessen the
tension. She sighed. "I remember mine like it was yesterday. I felt and
looked like a princess didn't I, honey?"
Ned took her hand and kissed the back of it. "You were beautiful. Of course
I can't share my favorite memory with everyone."
Brenda giggled and hit his arm. "Ned! You know, we haven't been back to
that villa since our honeymoon. We should go soon. Carly, have you guys
decided on a honeymoon destination yet?"
Jason looked at Carly before answering. "We haven't but it's still soon.
Though I'm leaning towards Italy."
"I was thinking the South of France." Carly told him.
"That's good too. Let's discuss it some other time?"
"I've been to ask if you looked at any dresses yet? I'm told that Chloe
Morgan designs wonderful wedding gowns."
Carly made a face. "No, Vera Wang is going to do a few sketches for me.
I'll choose from those."
Monica fought for patience. Every suggestion she threw at this woman was
knocked down. She wanted to like Carly. She was important to Jason so
Monica knew that they should be friends or at least not enemies. Monica
didn't want to be one of those annoying mother-in-laws.
Jason's beeper went off. "I'm sorry, I've got to take this. It's the
hospital."
He walked into the hall to call in. Carly checked her watch. "Will we be
sitting down to dinner anytime soon?"
"Soon." Alan nodded.
A few minutes later Jason came in with an apologetic look on his face. "I
have to go."
"What?" Carly looked at him.
"One of my patients…I really have to go." He pressed a kiss to her
forehead.
"But what about dinner?" Carly frowned.
"Rain check?" He shrugged. "I can't stay, Carly, I have to go."
"Then I might as well leave also." Carly started to get up. "Walk me to my
car?"
"But I thought we were going to go over the wedding preparations?" Monica
asked.
Carly reached into her purse and pulled out a card. "This is our wedding
coordinator. Any questions, suggestions, take to her please. I've had a
long, tiring day."
She took Jason's arm and he walked her out. Outside the house he murmured.
"I think you upset my mother."
"Too bad." She shrugged. She ran her up his chest and around his neck. She
gently pulled his face towards hers. "After you finish up at the hospital,
come over to the hotel."
He shook his head. "I can't, Carly, I might be over there all night and
after all I'll be too tired…"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay." Her expression darkened.
He gently brushed his lips across hers. "I'm sorry. I'll call you
tomorrow?"
"Of course." She sighed. She said sarcastically, "I'll spend all day
waiting by the phone."
He cupped her face and kissed her, a little harder this time. He slipped
his tongue between her lips. She leaned into him and felt a little of the
intense attraction she had for him the first time they met. He pulled away
slightly and rested his forehead against hers. "Now I really have to go."
He kissed the tip of her nose and walked away. Carly folded her arms and
glared after him frustration.
~*~*~
It took Carly three hours to talk herself into it. The first two she spent
eating dinner and staring at the walls of her penthouse. The last hour she
spent deliberating on her wardrobe. She ended up changing into tight black
leather pants topped with a dark green wrap around shirt. She freshened her
make-up, making sure she applied a layer of her favorite dark red lipstick.
She liked to leave a mark on him when she was done.
She strolled through the dark club. She turned up her nose at the sight of
the men making fools of themselves over the scanctily women taking it off
on the stage. Men. Show them a pair of boobs and they become mindless
idiots. She walked up to the bulky man guard the office door. "Is he in?"
"Yeah, but the boss is busy."
"He'll see me." Carly said with assurance. She opened the door to see a
curly haired blonde leaning over Sonny's desk. Sonny sat behind the desk
and smiled at her as she played with his tie. Carly cleared her throat and
they both looked up.
Sonny grinned at her. "You came after all."
"Put those dimples away." Carly ordered. "I see you don't waste time. Get
out."
The blonde looked at Sonny first. Carly narrowed her eyes. "Don't look at
him. I said, *get* out."
"I think you better." Sonny advised her. The blonde pouted and slinked out
of the room. When she passed Carly, she tossed her an evil look. "Close the
door behind you. Please."
The door slammed behind her. Sonny chuckled. "I don't think she likes you."
"Do I give a damn what one of your whores thinks about me?" Carly walked
around her desk and removed his tie. She tossed it over her shoulder.
"Tammy's one of my best dancers." He moved back so that Carly could hoist
herself up on the desk. She kicked off her shoes and placed her bare feet
on the arms of the chair. He rolled himself back between her legs.
Carly snorted. "I *know* what kind of dancing she does."
"I didn't think I'd see you tonight." He undid her shirt to reveal her
matching green bra. "Aw…do you ever wear simple black underwear?"
"I like to surprise you." She murmured. "And I finished up early so I
thought I'd come see what you were doing…or *who*."
"You knew I was bluffing." He said as he unfastened her bra. He filled his
hands with her and fondled her, gently at first and then harder.
"I knew no such thing. You want to screw around with whores, alright with
me, just not on my time." Carly caught her breath as he leaned forward and
traced the outline of her navel with his tongue. She threaded her fingers
through his hair and moaned. "Are we going to finish this here or are we
going upstairs?"
"I'm not going anywhere, are you?" He reached behind her to push aside the
things on his desk. He laid her back and she smiled up at him.
"Guess I'm not going anywhere either."
~*~*~
The next day Emily was hurrying on her way to the PCU campus. She was
meeting Lucky at the library. That fall she was going to PCU and Lucky was
helping her schedule classes. She'd just turned the corner when she walked
right into a tall longhaired man. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't see you."
Nikolas looked over his shoulder than grabbed Emily. "Kiss me."
"What?" Emily gasped.
"Kiss me." He said urgently. With another look over his shoulder he lowered
his head and kissed Emily.
around his fingers. He lay on his back with Barbara curled against his
side. She toyed with his Cassadine medallion and said, her voice ringing
with disgust, "You're thinking about her, aren't you?"
He hesitated before answering. "She has been on my mind since our lunch."
"Look, she will get over this little temper tantrum. It's about time she
realizes that she can't control your life." Barbara snapped. "That
*child* thinks that she must be the most important thing in your life and
to hell with anyone else who tries to stand in her way."
"Sheath your claws, Barbara." Stefan smirked and softly kissed her hand.
Barbara ignored him and sat up. "I'm tired of her coming between us. You
are an *adult*, you are *her* father. She has to learn that you can do what
you want and she is not to question you."
"I fear that I have disappointed her again." Stefan said over her tirade.
"Disappointed her? You've given her the world, Stefan, and because of that
she's become a selfish brat." Barbara threw back the covers and got out of
the bed. Her long red slinky negligee flapped around her as she marched
back and forth. "I thought that maybe this time our relationship would be
different but it's obvious to me that you will always put Carly first.
Before me and before yourself."
"Barbara, come back to this bed right now." Stefan demanded softly. He
wasn't going to indulge her little jealous rant.
"No." She said simply and folded her arms. She tapped her bare foot
angrily.
"Barbara…" Stefan growled lowly.
She pretended to think it over. "Um…no. She'll always come between us if
you let her and I won't tolerate this any longer. Especially not when we're
in bed."
"And I won't tolerate *this* any longer." Stefan got out of the bed also,
revealing his black silk pajama bottoms. He walked over to Barbara and
without any indication of what he was about to do he swept her up in his
arms.
"Stefan!" Her tone was anything but admonishing. She hid a smile.
"I do believe this is what you've been after?" He murmured.
She traced her finger along the line of his jaw. "Maybe…"
"Your jealousy is tiring." He scolded her lightly.
"Stefan…" She pouted.
"Enough. I will speak with her tomorrow." He said firmly. He walked back
over to the bed and gently laid her out. He covered her body with his. He
framed her face with his arms.
"Stefan." She purred.
He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I say enough?"
To shut her up for good he kissed her hard. She twined her arms around his
neck and pulled him closer. She giggled and kissed him back. He rolled her
over so that she was on top. She pushed herself up and straddled him. She
took his hands and placed them on her more than ample chest. She looked at
him with a cocked eyebrow.
He nodded and squeezed the two handfuls. He moved his hands down her body
and slid them under her gown. Once he touched her warm flesh he said, "Now
you may speak."
"Mmmm, Stefan…"
~*~*~
The next morning, Carly stifled a yawn as she read through the newspaper
and sipped a cup of coffee. It was her habit to have breakfast in her
office. Usually it was just the newspaper and black coffee though on some
days she added a croissant to that. Right now she was on her second cup.
She needed a little pick-me-up after last night. She told that Sonny she
had an early day and she couldn't stay up too late. Did that stop him? It
was practically dawn before she was to get a little sleep. A small smile
appeared on her face. It wasn't as if she complained much last night. She
enjoyed it as much as he did.
The sound of her secretary buzzing her brought her out of her little
daydream. She sighed and pressed the speaker button. "What is it
Elizabeth?"
"Your law—" Elizabeth was cut off.
"It's me."
"Right on time, Al." Carly checked her watch. "Come on in."
The double doors to Carly's office pushed were pushed open and Carly's
advisor/lawyer/aunt Natasha Alexis Cassadine Collins strode in. She went by
the name of Alexis Collins for business purposes and was fondly called Al
by her favorite niece. Alexis had been raised the youngest and unwanted
daughter of Mikkos and Helena Cassadine. All her life the only thing that
shielded her from her mother's fury was Stefan. He protected her when she
was younger and she adored him for that.
"Carly." Alexis nodded at her as she settled into the soft brown leather
chair facing Carly's desk.
"Elizabeth, get Al some coffee." Carly ordered. She'd been hovering behind
the doors.
"You know I'm not supposed to have caffeine." Alexis chided. She turned to
Elizabeth and said gently. "An herbal tea and…a jelly donut. I've been
craving it all morning."
Elizabeth nodded and went to fetch Alexis's breakfast. Carly shook her
head. "I forgot about the caffeine."
"How could you forget?" Alexis rested her hand on her visibly rounded
stomach. She was six months pregnant.
"I'm trying desperately to forget." Carly muttered as she shot a glance at
Alexis's stomach.
"Be civil, Carly. Your Uncle Kevin and I are very happy about this
pregnancy."
"Kevin Collins is *not* my uncle." Carly said hotly. They always disagreed
over Alexis's choice of husband. Carly felt that she could do much better
than that shrink.
"We are not going to get into it this morning." Alexis waved her hand in
the air dismissing the subject. "What is this I hear about you and J&J
Jacks of Alaska?"
Carly shrugged. "I was thinking it was ripe for the plucky."
Alexis narrowed her eyes. "You want to take over a company that was formed
from takeovers?"
"Ironic, isn't it?" Carly smirked. "It'll be easy. Jerry Jacks is too busy
playing adventure man. John Jacks has been on semi-retirement since his
heart attack six months ago. He's going to step down permanently any day
now. And Jasper Jacks…he's nothing but an empty-headed playboy. I've met
him a few times and he didn't impress me."
"What are you going to do with it?" Alexis asked out of curiosity. "Leave
it as is?"
Carly picked up her cup and leaned back in her chair. "Maybe. This idea
isn't set in stone, Al. I could just as easily decide to start up a," she
paused and took a sip, "coffee importing business."
Alexis leaned forward. "What is the real reason behind this, Carly?"
"Jasper Jacks has been sniffing around a few of our subsidiaries. He must
be a fool if he thinks he'll get away with that." Carly's eyes glinted with
determination. "He wants to play these games? Go play them with Ned Ashton
and ELQ, *not* with me."
"Have you talked this over with your father at least?" Alexis raised an
eyebrow.
Carly's expression turned stormy. "I was going to mention it at lunch
yesterday but something came up."
"I was about to ask how lunch went. Your mother didn't start a fight with
him did she? They didn't destroy the Back Room?"
"Oh how I wish." Carly grumbled. "You know, when I was young all my friends
with divorced parents were always hoping they'd get back together. I was
the weird one who wanted my parents to stay divorced."
"What are you talking about, Carly?"
"Al," Carly took a deep breath, "Wyndemere just got another inhabitant.
Mother is moving in."
"What?" Alexis's mouth dropped open. "They're getting married? Again?"
"No, no, no, according to *Mother*, marriage gets them in trouble." Carly
said in disgust.
"I can't believe Stefan would do such a thing. Again." Alexis frowned.
"You'd think he'd learn by now."
"You want me to talk to him?"
"Like he'd listen."
The doors were suddenly opened and Stefan came striding in. "Speak of the
devil." Alexis muttered.
Elizabeth scurried in behind him. "Ms. Cassadine, Mr. Cassadine is here."
"I can see that, Elizabeth." Carly said in a bored tone.
"He wouldn't let me buzz him in." Elizabeth said in a faintly accusatory
voice. She was about take the blame for this one.
"Where is Al's tea and donut?" Carly demanded.
"Right here, I was going to bring it in and then Mr. Cassadine—" She
stumbled over her words as she rushed forward to hand the items to Alexis.
Alexis took them and smiled graciously. She always thought that Carly was
too hard on the girl. Carly said it was her way of toughening her up.
"Father, would you like some coffee?" Carly asked. "Elizabeth could fetch
it for you."
"I don't need anything Miss Webber." Stefan told her.
"You may go." Carly dismissed her.
"Mrs. Lansbury said that you didn't come home last night." Stefan said
without preamble.
"I stayed at the hotel." Carly said. It was partly the truth. After leaving
Sonny she went to the hotel for a shower and a change of clothes. On the
way to Sonny's place she made a call to Wyndemere and had a few things sent
over.
"Mind if I ask why?" Stefan said.
She shrugged. "I thought it was better that I get out of you and Mother's
way. I know how you young lovers are. You'll want your privacy. I'll stay
at the hotel until the wedding."
"Caroline…" Stefan sighed and shook his head. "I wish you would
reconsider."
"I've made up my mind just as you have. I hope you and Mother will be
very…happy." She smirked.
"Carly, you're being a brat." Alexis said as she nibbled on her donut. She
was the only one with the balls to call her on it and the only one Carly
would take it from.
"I don't have to explain my actions to you, Caroline."
"Of course not."
"I asked for your blessing, you declined, so as far as I'm concerned this
matter will no longer be discussed."
"Not until I put my two cents in. Stefan, really." Alexis shook her head
disapprovingly.
"Not you also." He closed his eyes.
"Isn't about time you start thinking with your head and not your…" Alexis
trailed off delicately.
"This time I was thinking with my heart and my head." Stefan swore. Carly
snorted loudly.
The phone rang interrupting them. Carly looked at it suspiciously. It was
her private line and half the people who had that number was in the room
with her. She picked up. "Jason?"
There was a long silence before Sonny said softly. "No, it's not doctor
boy."
Carly glanced at her father and aunt who were still going back and forth.
"This is an important client. You two…continue without me."
She turned her chair around so that she faced the wall. "I hadn't expected
you to call."
"Client?" He repeated. "Ah, is someone there?"
"I suppose there was a particular reason you called me?"
"You left me before I woke." He murmured.
"That is correct, I did get any early start today."
"You ruined my plans for this morning. I was going to wake you nice and
slow." His low tone was suggestive and Carly could only imagine what he
meant.
"I apologize for that. However—"
"Baby, you don't know what you're missing out on. Ask me what I'm wearing."
"Sir, I don't think that's appropriate at this time." She said primly.
"You sound like you got a stick up your butt." He noticed. "Daddy's there,
huh? Ask me what I'm wearing now, Caroline."
She rolled her eyes. God, he was making this hard. She lowered her voice
and hoped Stefan and Alexis couldn't hear her. "What are you wearing?"
"Nothing but the smile you left me with." He chuckled. "And a hard-on like
you wouldn't believe!"
"You are so vulgar." She hissed, forgetting about the others. She loved it
when he talked that way but now was not the time.
"Caroline?" Stefan said questioningly.
She looked over her shoulder. "In a minute, Father."
"Does *father* know you forgot your panties at my place?" Sonny said
softly.
Carly closed her eyes. It wasn't until she got the hotel did she realize
that she left them behind. "Of course not."
"I want to see you." He said suddenly.
"Not possible sir."
"Make it possible." He demanded. "Dinner."
"Unfortunately I have a prior appointment." She told him.
"Break it." He ordered.
"I cannot." She gritted out. His tone was starting to bother her.
"It's with doctor boy then? Fine, you let me know what you want to do but
let me warn you, I won't be waiting for too long."
"I understand completely. Don't let me keep you." Carly said coolly before
disconnecting the line.
~*~*~
Later that afternoon Lucky made his way into the Spencer homestead. He
called out for his mother, "Mom? Emily and I are here."
He walked into the kitchen to see Laura sitting at the table looking
forlorn. He sat down quietly next to her and took her hand. "Mom? Are you
okay?"
"What? Oh Lucky." Laura smiled softly as she realized that her son was
sitting across from her. "When did you get here? Is Emily with you?"
"She's outside with Dad and Lulu, but Mom, are you alright? I came in and
you were just sitting here, in a daze." He said in concern.
"I'm…I'm okay." She pushed a strand of hair back. "I was about to do
something and then I sat down…oh yes, I was going to make lunch. That's why
you and Emily came over, right? I can't believe I forgot. Be a dear, go
outside and tell your father that lunch will be a little late."
She started to rise but Lucky held onto her hand. She sat back down. Lucky
stared intently at her. "You are *not* fine. What is going on?"
"It's nothing, Lucky." She insisted.
Lucky narrowed his eyes. "I know what it is. It's him, isn't it?"
She sighed. "Lucky…"
"Mom…" He said determined.
"Okay, okay." Laura looked at the table. "I'll admit it, I started to think
about him a little bit. I got a little sad, that's all."
Lucky shook his head. All his life he lived in the shadow of his mother's
first son. Neither his mother nor his father hid the truth about Laura's
kidnapping before he was born. He was told about the baby that died at
childbirth. The child she named Nikolas. He hated it whenever she thought
about him. She became a melancholic person. When he was young she would
move around the house like a ghost, barely able to do anything. It killed
him and his dad to see her like that. Over the years her spells occurred
less and less but occasionally they would come up again. They all thought
she was getting better.
"Mom, you have got to stop this. Really. It's only hurting you."
"I'll be okay, Lucky. Don't you worry over me." She patted his hand.
"Remember, I am the parent here." She stood up and went over to the stove.
"Dad's not going to like this."
She spun around. "Luke doesn't have to know. Lucky, don't say a word to him
about this."
He stood slowly. "You've been hiding this from him, haven't you? All this
time he's been thinking your better and you've been hiding it from him.
Does Lulu know? Is she keeping this a secret for you? She's only a child.
She doesn't need this kind of pressure."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't you dare talk to me like that, Lucas
Lorenzo Spencer Jr.! This is *my* problem and I'll handle it *my* way.
There's no need to bring your father into this at all. I'd rather have him
happy then worrying about me."
"He'll *know* there's something wrong. You know he knows you that well."
Lucky pointed out.
"He won't notice anything. He hasn't so far and I'm going to keep it like
that." She said fiercely. She softened her tone and looked at him with a
small smile. "Lucky, just do me this one favor."
He stared at the floor. "I don't like keeping things from Dad. This effects
him too."
"And I know how it will effect him so that's why I asking you to do this."
Laura said softly.
Lucky clenched his fist as he thought about it. He reluctantly said,
"Okay…I'll give you a week to tell him *yourself* after that, all bets are
off."
"Thank you, Lucky." She said. "Now go out there and be with Emily. And
don't forget, lunch will be a little late."
She turned to putter around the kitchen as if their whole conversation
hadn't happen. Lucky watched her with worried eyes.
~*~*~
Across the street from the Spencer house Nikolas hid behind a tree. He was
fortunate to get a flight to Port Charles just that morning. He had no way
of knowing it was because of Helena Cassadine. He'd been waiting all day
for the right moment. But she never came out and she was never alone.
People streamed in and out of that house all day. He watched as a little
dark-haired girl tied a rope to the fence and handed the end to a tall
young woman who began to turn it for her. According to the files the old
woman gave him that girl was Leslie Lu…his sister. God, she looked just
like him. It was amazing.
The joy on her face as she jumped rope took his breath away. A simple thing
like jumping rope could make her that happy. He smiled a little. He
couldn't help it, it was contagious. She jumped out of the rope with a
flourish and gave the young woman a big hug. They laughed together. Then
Leslie Lu gave onto the porch and grabbed the hand of a tall lanky man
who'd been watching them play. She pulled him down the stairs.
Nikolas narrowed his eyes as the man came into clearer view. This was Luke
Spencer. The files painted him out to be a cold, unfeeling man who uprooted
his family at any time to travel the world. According to his files this was
the man who took his mother from him. He clenched his jaw as Leslie Lu
talked her father into jumping rope with her. She and the young woman
dissolved into giggles as Luke tried his best to jump. He faked a glare at
them that only cause them to laugh harder. He swept up Leslie Lu and
tickled her. She squirmed in his arms.
The front door opened and Nikolas held his breath. Would it be her this
time? Unfortunately it wasn't. But he recognized the young man from his
files. Lucky Spencer, the golden son, the boy who took his place. *He* was
living the life Nikolas should have had. Sure, he had a lot of advantages
but he always felt apart from his adopted family. Something was missing and
this boy had it.
Lucky jogged down the steps. "What happened here?"
Luke put Leslie Lu down and she ran over to Lucky. "Lucky, daddy and I
jumped rope. But daddy can't do it right."
"Is that right, Lulu?" Lucky grinned at Luke. He tousled her dark hair.
"Want to show us how it's down, cowboy?" Luke gestured towards the rope.
Lucky laughed and held up his hand. "I'll pass."
He walked over to Emily and kissed her softly. Emily pulled back and looked
at him curiously. "Are you alright? You went inside happy and you came
out…sad? What happened in there?"
"Nothing." He assured her. "I've been to ask you the same thing?"
"Why?" She frowned.
"Yesterday at lunch, you were very distant. Emily," He said urgently, "if
there was something wrong you know you can tell me, right? I'll understand,
you know that?"
"I know that. But if there's nothing wrong with you, then there's nothing
wrong with me." Emily smiled.
Luke went up the steps and yelled through the door. "Hey, woman! When's the
grub coming?"
Across the street Nikolas growled. The man was a boar.
Lucky said. "Oh, Mom said that lunch will be late?"
"Something happen?" He asked.
Lucky shrugged. "She just got a late start."
"I'd offer to go in and help but…" Luke grinned.
"Believe me Luke, we'll all be thankful if you don't." Emily laughed.
"Why you…" Luke grumbled with a smile on his face. He said to Lucky,
"Control your woman, cowboy."
"Sorry, Dad, she walks right over me." Lucky wrapped his arm around her
waist.
"And he likes it." Emily said.
"You bellowed?" Laura stuck her head out and smiled. Only Lucky realized
that her eyes were too bright and her smile was too big.
The force of that smile hit Nikolas hard. For the longest time he had only
the pictures of her being sad and it wasn't until the other day that he
finally got a picture of her happy and smiling. But there was a big
difference between seeing it in a photo and seeing it in real life. It hurt
to realize that that smile was never directed at him. He never got to grow
up with the amount of love he saw in that one smile. He gritted his teeth
when he saw Luke pull her into his arms. He couldn't stay and watch this.
He slammed his hand against the tree and turned and walked away.
"What was that?" Laura asked.
"What was what?" Luke said.
"Across the street." She pointed. "I thought I heard something…Never mind."
"So where's my lunch?" Luke slapped her on the butt and grinned.
"In that kitchen." She nodded towards it. "But I was thinking…barbecue? I
already have some steaks marinating and Lulu's been asking for hot dogs.
What do you say?"
"You're just trying to get out of making lunch."
"It's the only thing you can't ruin…" Laura cajoled.
"I remember that time he burned the corn!" Lucky called out.
"That was an accident due to…faulty corn." Luke glared at him.
"So we're barbecuing then?" Emily asked. "Do you need anything, Laura?
Lucky and I can go to the store for supplies."
"Did I ask to go on a supply run?" Lucky smirked.
"I'd appreciate it, Emily." Laura said. "Come inside and I'll give you a
list." She and Emily walked into the house.
Luke laughed at Lucky. "Ha! You got toped into going to the store."
"Ha!" Lucky laughed back. "At least I won't have to hose down the grill."
"Damn." Luke grumbled. He'd forgotten about that. "Lulu, darling, princess,
want to help daddy with the grill?"
"Nope." Lulu giggled and ran into the house.
Lucky clapped him on the shoulder. "Looks like you're on your own, pops."
Lucky's laughter followed Luke as he bitched and went to retrieve the
grill.
~*~*~
Later that evening at the Quartermaine mansion Carly was having a hard time
keeping her eyes open. When they weren't fighting the Qs could be so
boring. To think she passed on an evening with Sonny for this. But she
couldn't cancel on Jason again. She sipped her drink and listened to Brenda
Ashton babble on. Jason sat next to her, his arm thrown over the back of
the couch.
Brenda was perched on the arm of Ned's chair. "Does anybody want a Nurses
Ball update?"
Monica controlled the impulse to roll her eyes and said, "Why don't you
tell us Brenda?"
"It's going great! Over half of the tables have been sold already and
that's a record for this time of the year. The skits are working out great.
You're going to be so proud of Emily this year!"
"We're always proud of Emily." Alan said blandly.
Brenda hesitated. "Right. Oh, Carly, there's still space if you want to do
something."
"I've told you before Brenda, I don't perform." Carly stared at her. "Be
happy with my donation and leave it at that."
The silence that followed was long. Alan broke it by clearing his throat
and saying, "Speaking of the Nurses Ball, Carly, were you and Jason
planning on sitting at our table this year?"
Jason started to answer. "We were—"
Carly wanted to sit at the Cassadine table but after yesterday the last
thing she wanted to do was sit across from her mother. But sitting with the
Qs was out of the question. "Actually I was thinking about getting a table
of my own."
"You didn't say anything to me." Jason frowned.
"I forgot." She shrugged and handed him her empty glass. "Could I get a
refill dear? Thank you."
"Of course." Jason stood up to fix her a fresh drink.
"I was hoping that your parents could join us for tonight." Monica said.
Carly said. "They were both busy, sorry."
"Perhaps we could get together another time?" Monica continued.
"Perhaps." Carly turned to Ned. "So Ned, how are things at ELQ."
"Quiet, now that Grandfather's gotten off my back." Ned smiled.
"Edward's finally stepping down?" Carly sat forward. This could be
information she and her father could use. Edward Quartermaine was a pain in
their ass and Ned was much easier to deal with.
"To be truthful I have no idea what the old man is doing. He hasn't shown
up at the office for the past two days." Ned told her.
Jason frowned. He handed Carly her drink and she smiled her thanks. "You
know, Reginald told me that he hasn't been home either."
"I wonder where Father could be." Alan said worriedly.
"Oh, he's all right." Monica waved off their concern. "He's just messing
with our heads."
"This isn't like Father. He's been lost ever since Mother died."
"Maybe he found something to do with his time." Monica shrugged. "Ask Emily
to speak with him. Lately she's the only one who can reach him."
"Where is Emily?" Alan looked around. "I'd hoped she would join us for
dinner."
"She called earlier. She's at the Spencers. They're *barbecuing*." Monica
grumbled. She forgot that Carly herself was a part of that clan. She may
have trouble with her mother but she embraced her extended family.
Carly crossed her legs and said. "Maybe I should stop by on my way home.
For some reason I feel like a hot dog."
"So are you excited about the wedding?" Brenda asked suddenly to lessen the
tension. She sighed. "I remember mine like it was yesterday. I felt and
looked like a princess didn't I, honey?"
Ned took her hand and kissed the back of it. "You were beautiful. Of course
I can't share my favorite memory with everyone."
Brenda giggled and hit his arm. "Ned! You know, we haven't been back to
that villa since our honeymoon. We should go soon. Carly, have you guys
decided on a honeymoon destination yet?"
Jason looked at Carly before answering. "We haven't but it's still soon.
Though I'm leaning towards Italy."
"I was thinking the South of France." Carly told him.
"That's good too. Let's discuss it some other time?"
"I've been to ask if you looked at any dresses yet? I'm told that Chloe
Morgan designs wonderful wedding gowns."
Carly made a face. "No, Vera Wang is going to do a few sketches for me.
I'll choose from those."
Monica fought for patience. Every suggestion she threw at this woman was
knocked down. She wanted to like Carly. She was important to Jason so
Monica knew that they should be friends or at least not enemies. Monica
didn't want to be one of those annoying mother-in-laws.
Jason's beeper went off. "I'm sorry, I've got to take this. It's the
hospital."
He walked into the hall to call in. Carly checked her watch. "Will we be
sitting down to dinner anytime soon?"
"Soon." Alan nodded.
A few minutes later Jason came in with an apologetic look on his face. "I
have to go."
"What?" Carly looked at him.
"One of my patients…I really have to go." He pressed a kiss to her
forehead.
"But what about dinner?" Carly frowned.
"Rain check?" He shrugged. "I can't stay, Carly, I have to go."
"Then I might as well leave also." Carly started to get up. "Walk me to my
car?"
"But I thought we were going to go over the wedding preparations?" Monica
asked.
Carly reached into her purse and pulled out a card. "This is our wedding
coordinator. Any questions, suggestions, take to her please. I've had a
long, tiring day."
She took Jason's arm and he walked her out. Outside the house he murmured.
"I think you upset my mother."
"Too bad." She shrugged. She ran her up his chest and around his neck. She
gently pulled his face towards hers. "After you finish up at the hospital,
come over to the hotel."
He shook his head. "I can't, Carly, I might be over there all night and
after all I'll be too tired…"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay." Her expression darkened.
He gently brushed his lips across hers. "I'm sorry. I'll call you
tomorrow?"
"Of course." She sighed. She said sarcastically, "I'll spend all day
waiting by the phone."
He cupped her face and kissed her, a little harder this time. He slipped
his tongue between her lips. She leaned into him and felt a little of the
intense attraction she had for him the first time they met. He pulled away
slightly and rested his forehead against hers. "Now I really have to go."
He kissed the tip of her nose and walked away. Carly folded her arms and
glared after him frustration.
~*~*~
It took Carly three hours to talk herself into it. The first two she spent
eating dinner and staring at the walls of her penthouse. The last hour she
spent deliberating on her wardrobe. She ended up changing into tight black
leather pants topped with a dark green wrap around shirt. She freshened her
make-up, making sure she applied a layer of her favorite dark red lipstick.
She liked to leave a mark on him when she was done.
She strolled through the dark club. She turned up her nose at the sight of
the men making fools of themselves over the scanctily women taking it off
on the stage. Men. Show them a pair of boobs and they become mindless
idiots. She walked up to the bulky man guard the office door. "Is he in?"
"Yeah, but the boss is busy."
"He'll see me." Carly said with assurance. She opened the door to see a
curly haired blonde leaning over Sonny's desk. Sonny sat behind the desk
and smiled at her as she played with his tie. Carly cleared her throat and
they both looked up.
Sonny grinned at her. "You came after all."
"Put those dimples away." Carly ordered. "I see you don't waste time. Get
out."
The blonde looked at Sonny first. Carly narrowed her eyes. "Don't look at
him. I said, *get* out."
"I think you better." Sonny advised her. The blonde pouted and slinked out
of the room. When she passed Carly, she tossed her an evil look. "Close the
door behind you. Please."
The door slammed behind her. Sonny chuckled. "I don't think she likes you."
"Do I give a damn what one of your whores thinks about me?" Carly walked
around her desk and removed his tie. She tossed it over her shoulder.
"Tammy's one of my best dancers." He moved back so that Carly could hoist
herself up on the desk. She kicked off her shoes and placed her bare feet
on the arms of the chair. He rolled himself back between her legs.
Carly snorted. "I *know* what kind of dancing she does."
"I didn't think I'd see you tonight." He undid her shirt to reveal her
matching green bra. "Aw…do you ever wear simple black underwear?"
"I like to surprise you." She murmured. "And I finished up early so I
thought I'd come see what you were doing…or *who*."
"You knew I was bluffing." He said as he unfastened her bra. He filled his
hands with her and fondled her, gently at first and then harder.
"I knew no such thing. You want to screw around with whores, alright with
me, just not on my time." Carly caught her breath as he leaned forward and
traced the outline of her navel with his tongue. She threaded her fingers
through his hair and moaned. "Are we going to finish this here or are we
going upstairs?"
"I'm not going anywhere, are you?" He reached behind her to push aside the
things on his desk. He laid her back and she smiled up at him.
"Guess I'm not going anywhere either."
~*~*~
The next day Emily was hurrying on her way to the PCU campus. She was
meeting Lucky at the library. That fall she was going to PCU and Lucky was
helping her schedule classes. She'd just turned the corner when she walked
right into a tall longhaired man. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't see you."
Nikolas looked over his shoulder than grabbed Emily. "Kiss me."
"What?" Emily gasped.
"Kiss me." He said urgently. With another look over his shoulder he lowered
his head and kissed Emily.