Authors Note: I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your supportive feedback. I enjoy writing this for all the fans out there and I hope that you all enjoy it just as much.

Disclaimer: All characters are owned by ABC and AMC

Chapter 6

The musty smell of the court room was making Kendall dizzy. It also didn't help that she was a nervous wreck either. Her head was pounding with worry as she sat in that courtroom waiting for the judge to decide the fate of her sister and niece. Kendall wished she could hold Miranda in her arms right now but Bianca left her with Maggie to visit Myrtle. Bianca didn't want to subject her to any of the procedures. Kendall was seated between her mother Erica and stepfather Jackson wringing her handkerchief uneasily while Zach and Bianca sat in front of them with Livia discussing some last minute strategies. Ethan was seated in the other side of the courtroom talking to his lawyer Raymond Hill whom Kendall had met on several occasions. Ethan feels Kendall looking at him and stares at her with so much anger mixed with hatred and something that bordered on possessive that she could feel her skin crawling. She shuddered and looked away. Kendall's mind flashed of all the happy times that they had together but then were quickly replaced by the memories of Ethan's betrayals. Kendall at one point always believed that Ethan was the love of her life the one who would change her perception of love and bring her the hope of a beautiful life that she always wished for but realized that she was sadly mistaken. He was just as screwed up as she was and that only made it worse. Her insecurities returned with a vengeance. She decided trusting any man or love would be the beginning of her demise and devised a solid plan to avoid that by avoiding love so she married the one person that she thought would keep her safe from ever getting hurt again. Zach Slater. But things were changing, the rules were shifting and she didn't expect that. She didn't anticipate that she would start to care for Zach and she certainly did not expect to trust him.

Their mutual dislike turned into friendship but after last night it evolved into something else. Something that she did not prepare herself for. Something that she never expected. She was so confused that she didn't know if she was coming or going. The world was spinning in all kinds of crazy directions and the only thing that kept her grounded was to be close to him. Close enough to feel his strength to fortify her for the war that Ethan waged. Kendall organized her thoughts and decided now was not the time to try to define her feelings for Zach now was the time to give Ethan the beat down of a lifetime which he sorely deserved. Bianca sensed that Kendall was anxious and turned around to give her a reassuring smile. Bianca seemed so confident that Kendall was sure they were up to something but did not mention it.

Zach turned around as well and caught Kendall's eye but she quickly turned to her mother and took her hand into hers. Erica patted Kendall's hand to comfort her and noticed that Zach was staring at Kendall with a glint in his eyes trying to make her daughter look at him. Instead Erica gave him a nasty look which caused Zach to chuckle and face forward again. Zach noticed that Kendall was avoiding him and kept quiet most of the time that she was in his company. No matter how many times he tried to get her alone and talk to her she always found a way to evade the inevitable conversation. The cold words of last night still hurt and Zach could see that when Kendall would not even look at him. Sitting in this stuffy courtroom preparing to face down his son was the last thing on his mind. Zach could think of only one thing. Kendall. The memories of her touch were haunting him. Every now and then when he closed his eyes he could almost feel her holding him close. He could feel her breathing, her heart beating slowly at first but then the staccato of her quickening heartbeat rivaled his own, taste the sweetness of her skin, her body underneath him urging him to go on, the heat of their passion could set the world on fire. Zach was racking his brain trying to figure out a way to make it up to her also how to show her that the time that they spent together meant a lot to him. Kendall was there for him when Maria left. Maria. The pain he felt was becoming only a distant memory to be replaced with these new feelings for his wife. Zach knew a long time ago that the love that he and Maria shared was meant for the desert only and it would forever be there in a special part of his heart. Kendall was becoming something that he did not quite know what to do with. Yes, he thought of the other things that he could do to Kendall that would further inflame her desire for him but it was something genuine that was overpowering his lust for her. He wasn't expecting that.

Before he could even further contemplate his feelings for her the bailiff was announcing the judge. "All rise for the honorable Judge Richmond." They all stood up and sat back down again. The judge examined the papers before her looks up and says "Ok here's the deal we all know this is a high profile case that is why I turned this into a private proceeding to avoid a media circus but that doesn't mean that the members of the family that I have permitted to be present out of sheer courtesy can cause a ruckus in my courtroom without being rewarded with a severe consequence is that clear. No one will speak in my courtroom unless instructed to by me. We will have a civilized proceeding is that comprehensible to the ladies and gentleman present in my courtroom? Good let's proceed. Mr. Slater after reviewing your background I do have a couple of questions for you." Zach answers "Of course your honor I expected that you would." "For starters" Judge Richmond begins "it states here that at the age of 17 you faked your own death to escape your family. Now why is that?" Ethan's lawyer Raymond Hill speaks up "That is why your honor we feel that his sudden need for his part of the inheritance is unreasonable since he….." Judge Richmond interrupts and says "I'm sorry Zach I didn't know that you could throw your voice like that. You need to teach me that trick. Now Mr. Hill I do recall that in the beginning of these proceedings I instructed everyone to talk in turn so we may have an adult and civil conversation. I will not have you interrupting Mr. Slater because if you are interrupting him than you are interrupting me and I don't like to be interrupted do I make myself clear Mr. Hill." Raymond Hill swallows hard and says "I'm sorry your honor" and sheepishly sits back down. Ethan gives him a hard look and Raymond hurriedly whispers something to Ethan to cover his ass.

"Now if there are no more interruptions maybe we can carry on Mr. Slater please continue." Zach continues "For 17 years of my life I saw my father the man that I love and admired turn into a despicable human being who would ruin anybody who got in his way business or family. My father verbally abused my mother and tried to instill immoral and unethical behaviors in my brother and I. My mother always tried to undermine his teachings but he proved to be to strong for her so my mother came to me one night and told me that she found a way out for me. She cried and told me "This is the only way that I can stand up to him and free you." My mother arranged for my fake death and made it possible for me to escape my father. She died before she can do the same for my brother Michael. It became too late for him." Judge Richmond replied "There's no need to go into detail about that I am fully aware of Michael Cambia's' track record. So why do you feel the need to gain an inheritance from the man you have come to hate?" Zach quickly says "No you honor I think you misunderstood me. Yes I hated my father as I was growing up but that hate disappeared and now I only feel pity for a man that let his greed corrupt him. I feel grief for the man who used to be my father. I don't want his money for personal wealth I have my own. I need to do what my father should have done before power corrupted him and make use of his accumulated wealth. As you can see in my proposals I would like to use the money to do good in the world and" Ethan stands up and screams "That's a load of shit Zach you and I both know that you only want to use it to get back at me!" Judge Richmond pounds her gavel and turns to Ethan "Mr. Hill I would instruct your client not say one more word. I do not tolerate profanity in this courtroom. You will be fined $10,000. One more word out of you young man and you will be facing some jail time and believe me your little checkbook will not get you out of it. I will hear your testimony later. Now sit your ass back down in that chair and be quiet!"

Zach looks at the judge and continues "With my share of Cambias Inc. I plan to expand the Miranda center and hopefully continue to build more centers to help those in need. I admit my family has wounded a lot of people who I care about mainly my wife and her family. I'm only looking for the opportunity to prove that I'm different from my father and try to make up for what my brother had done. Thank you." Kendall and Bianca are both amazed and surprised at Zach's testimony. Bianca reaches over to Zach and squeezes his hand. Erica is touched by his testimony and for the first time sees the same man that her daughters and Myrtle sees. Kendall wishes that she was sitting next to him at this moment comforting him but just catches his gaze and smiles at him tears in her eyes. Ethan notices the way that Zach and Kendall are looking at each other which only enrages him more. Ethan balls his hand into a fist and digs his nails into his hand causing blood.

Judge Richmond turns to Ethan and his lawyer and says "Now Mr. Hill it is your turn to talk. Mr. Hill clears his throat and begins "Well your honor Mr. Slater or Alex Cambias Jr. has at the age of 17 relinquished all his rights to the inheritance since he faked his own death. Therefore he has no right to attempt to get his piece of the pie after he threw it out and spat on it. Outlined in the proposals that we have turned to the court as evidence A and B are the future plans that Mr. Ethan Cambias has for Cambias Incorporated. Now we are fully aware that Miranda Montgomery shares the inheritance with Mr. Ethan Cambias and do not object to that however what we do object to is Bianca Montgomery, Miranda's mother, making any outstanding decisions regarding the future of this great company. Ethan Cambias is a college educated young man with the determination and drive to ensure that all decisions made are well in the best interests of the company. Turning over the holding trust to him guarantees that Miranda's future is well into hand. Mr. Slater has refused to even acknowledge his family name. His main source of income is in casinos. We are shaken with his ability to run even a third of his corporation. His immoral view of life is a direct reflection of his business ethics." Livia interrupts and says "Your honor I object. Mr. Hill is insinuating my client runs an illegal business when gambling was legalized here in Pine Valley and therefore he is slandering my client's reputation."

Judge Richmond holds out her hand and says "Easy counselor let's just get to the bottom of this first." She turns to Mr. Hill and says "I hope that you have evidence that can support your theory because you are skating on thin ice here Mr. Hill." Mr. Hill then states "Your honor I was about to introduce some evidence before I was interrupted" Judge Richmond scowls at him and he continues swiftly "Zach Slater is so bent on revenge against my client that he has gone through great lengths to make is life as difficult as possible. This is evidence labeled C that I am introducing which is a copy of a similar lawsuit that he has filed but then retracted clearly only to make it difficult for my client to live his life. Last and certainly not least Zach Slater even has the audacity to marry his own son's girlfriend as the deal breaker" "Objection your honor", Livia interjects, "What is the relevance of who my client's wife is?" Mr. Hill says "Evidence labeled D your client Zach Slater had his casinos closed by Ethan Cambias who was only doing his duty to protect the interests of our community by shutting down an immoral business as the Seasons Casinos. So in turn your honor as a sheer act of retribution Zach Slater marries his son's girlfriend, a Kendall Hart, I'm sorry now a Kendall Hart Slater had her regain his gaming license naming Mr. Zach Slater as a silent partner. I believe that this is too much of a coincidence."

Livia exclaims "Your honor counsel is reaching." "That may very well be counselor but I would prefer to hear from Mrs. Kendall Slater is she present here?" states Judge Richmond. Livia looks at Kendall, Jackson, and Erica apparently taken aback by this direction of the lawsuit. Zach speaks up "Your honor I would prefer if my wife was not subjected to any of these proceedings she has been through a great deal already and I am afraid that this would further resurface any bad memories and invoke stress." Kendall stands up and says "Zach its ok. Your honor I'm willing to answer any questions that you might have for me." Judge Richmond replies "Are you sure Mrs. Slater I would not like to be the one to conjure up any stress that might affect your health." Kendall looks at Zach's worried face takes a deep breath and says "It's quite alright." Judge Richmond looks at Kendall and says "Ok Mrs. Slater I would like to hear your side of the story."

Kendall becomes quiet for a moment and places her hand on the barrister. Bianca reaches over squeezes her hand and gives her a supportive smile. Kendall begins "It's true your honor I was involved with Ethan for a short period of time. I did love him but was devastated when he betrayed me. Ethan confided in me that he saw Zach Slater kill Edmund Grey the husband of Zach's former lover Maria Santos Grey. I told him to inform the police which he did and got Zach arrested. The real killer was Jonathan Lavery. Because of Ethan's lie and constant disruption in the police investigation of Edmund Grey's murder and keeping them from finding the true killer my stepsisters, Lily and Greenlee, and I were held hostage by Jonathan Lavery. After that traumatizing day I learned of his lie I immediately ended our relationship. Over time Zach and I became friends and consoled each other during a trying time in both of our lives when he asked me to marry him I said yes because I wanted to not because I was forced."

Ethan whispers something into Raymond's ear. Raymond stands up and says "Your honor this witness is lying we can all plainly see that she only married her former lover's father in retaliation of Mr. Cambias' supposed betrayal. No charges were ever brought against my client and for all we know he speaks the truth. Come now, Mrs. Slater you only married Zach because you wanted to hurt Ethan admit it" Judge Richmond bangs her gavel and says "That's enough Mr. Hill" "That's not true," Kendall states. "That's right Mrs. Slater you only hurt him because you believed he hurt you. Look at your track record every man that you come in contact with suffers some abuse that you have dished out" Livia stands up and exclaims "Your honor this is out of line" Judge Richmond pounds her gavel and says "I said that is enough!" Raymond heatedly continues "Why should my client be any different? He only cared for you and you stabbed him in the back. The only thing that you are concerned with is revenge and hurting those who hurt you. You don't care about anybody but yourself and your pain and how it affects you. The world revolves around you doesn't it Mrs. Slater! You don't care about Zach at all do you!" Kendall's head is spinning. Raymond's words are repeating in her head at random. Her thoughts were getting jumbled and she couldn't think of anything to say in her defense. Zach sees Kendall losing control and exclaims to Livia "Do something!" Kendall screams "You don't know anything about me." Raymond continues "I know this Mrs. Slater you live only for the pain you cause and will stop at nothing to make others feel your pain as well!" The judge continues to pound on her gavel. Livia cries out "You honor this is cruel!" Kendall hold her ears to shut out Raymond's words and screams "Stop it I love my husband!"

The whole courtroom quiets down. Everyone is looking at Kendall with shock. Zach turns to look at his wife. He now knows how he feels about her. Zach loves her and now he can finally see it. Zach can see love in her eyes and everything becomes as clear as day. She loves me. She loves me. Kendall and Zach's eyes lock their souls reaching out to each other. Everything stands still. The courtroom becomes dark and only Kendall and Zach can see each other. Kendall is shocked at her own revelation and feels her knees weakening. She starts shaking and leans on Jackson for support. Jackson slowly sits her back down and Erica holds her shaking daughter. Jackson yells out to Raymond "You son of a bitch you're going to pay for that!" Zach stands up but is interrupted by Judge Richmond "Mr. Slater please sit down. Mr. Hill for that stunt I am holding you in contempt. You are to be fined $50,000 dollars and you will be glad to know that the Board of Ethics will hear about this inconceivable behavior!" Judge Richmond turns to Kendall and softly says "Mrs. Slater are you alright should I have the bailiff contact a doctor?" Kendall still shaking looks at the Judge and says "No I'm fine. Are we finished?" Judge Richmond says softly "Yes Mrs. Slater we are finished here" she looks at both counselors and says "I've heard enough to render a verdict we will reconvene in one hour." She pounds her gavel and walks off the bench.

Bianca comes around and hugs Kendall. Zach can't move. His feet feel as if they are cemented to the ground. I love my husband! The words are swimming in his mind. I love her too. Everyone is talking at once but Kendall and Zach don't hear them their voices become muffled noises. They can only stare at each other dazed by Kendall's revelation and oblivious to Ethan's obsessive gaze. Ethan walks over to Kendall but is Jackson puts his hand on Ethan's chest and says "Don't you go near my daughters or anyone in my family because if you do you won't even live to regret the day you stepped into Pine Valley." Ethan pushes Jackson aside and pulls Kendall to her feet. Zach steps over the barrister and shoves Ethan away from Kendall pulling her behind him. "Stay away from my wife Ethan because you will have Jackson and me to worry about. Not even 100 miles you hear me." Ethan's eyes turns small and says "Kendall we are not through not by a long shot you belong to me you hear me! You're mine and only mine!" He tries to reach for her but Jackson grabs his arm and shoves him into his lawyer causing them both to trip over each other and fall to the ground. "You heard the man not even 100 miles you piece of shit!" exclaims Jackson.

Erica steps in and says "Ethan why don't you do the whole planet no wait the whole universe a favor and drop out of sight forever! Because it will be cold day in hell when Kendall even looks at you so take your slimy lawyer and go bother someone else because you will not go anywhere near my family again!" Bianca turns to Ethan and asks "What happened to you Ethan?" Ethan gets up brushes off his suit and looks at all of them "Yes gloat now but we shall see won't we. Kendall perhaps we should continue this conversation another time." Zach looks at Ethan and says with a calm voice "Never again Ethan." Ethan just smiles and walks away his lawyer trailing after him.

Zach turns to Kendall stroking her arms and asks "Are you ok?" Kendall avoids his eyes and says "I'm fine. Really everybody I'm fine why we don't just grab a bite to eat and just forget this ever happened. I saw a restaurant down the block from the park." Erica turns to her daughter and says "I don't think we can ever forget this one darling. Are you sure you're alright because if not I can take you home." Kendall takes her mother's hand and says "No mother I want to be hear when we bury Ethan into the ground." Erica smiles at her daughter and replies "That we will do. Come on everybody let's grab a bite to eat." Kendall turns to Zach and says "Can you hold on for a minute Zach? Go on ahead everybody we'll meet you there."

Kendall waits for everybody to leave before she begins "Listen Zach I…I really don't know why I said that I was just confused and I understand if you want to ignore me for the rest of your life….uhhhmmm I know just because we spent one great night together that doesn't mean your stuck with me and…." Kendall would have continued to ramble of but Zach pulled her close and kisses her tenderly. Kendall wraps her arms around his waist and loses herself in his kiss. Zach stares into her eyes while he strokes her cheek and says "Kendall last night I didn't mean to say what I did." Kendall interrupts and says "Zach it's ok I…." Zach chuckles and says "Will you ever let me finish my sentence before you interrupt and probably storm off." Kendall laughs softly and says "Maybe if you're lucky." Zach looks into those crystal eyes that can bear into his soul and makes all his defenses disappear and replies "I was the day you barged into my Vegas casino and changed me forever. I knew that you were trouble wearing Versace the day I met you." Kendall pulls him into a passionate kiss her mouth exploring his mouth awakening all of his desire for her. His arms tightened around her and Zach knew he was never going to let her go.

Kendall and Zach continue to kiss unaware that Ethan was watching them from a distance calculating his next move.