"Well what in Hades is she doing in Pine Valley of all places?"

"I don't know, but she better pray that Bianca doesn't see her."

"That red devil has some nerve showing her face around these parts after what she tried to do to that sweet girl. I have to call my best gal pal about this!"

"Opal, you sure calling Erica is a good idea? That's probably worse than Bianca seeing her."

The boisterous woman looked at her counterpart incredulously, "Well that right there is the point, Krystal!"

"Oh hell— you might want to hold off on calling Mama Kane." Krystal titled her head towards the doors of her restaurant and they both watched as Kendall and Greenlee entered. "I may be wrong, but I think the two them will probably do more damage than Erica could at the moment."

Opal nodded, "You're right about that. Them two don't play fair at all when it comes to the baby of the bunch. We bests be prepared to call the police just in case they try to take her head off— literally!"

"Well I don't have time for my place to become a crime scene, so be ready."

Across the restaurant, Kendall and Greenlee both stopped in their tracks upon seeing the blonde haired woman seated at the center table. She stared at them momentarily while they stared at her then got up to approach the pair. Before any words could be exchanged, however, Bianca and Marissa entered. It was in that moment that the tension grew to be palpable.

They all stood in silence for what seemed like forever until the blonde finally spoke, "Bianca, it's really good to ..."

"What the hell are you doing here", Kendall interrupted in an almost vicious snarl.

"And what gives you the right to think you can address Bianca at all", Greenlee chimed with just as much attitude.

"Excuse you, but what I'm doing here is none of your business and it's a free country so I can speak to whomever I want."

"Correction, but when you pop up out of the blue and come over to my little sister all smiles as if you never broke her heart or tried to screw her over, what you're doing here is my business."

"Same old Kendall, I see! Always butting in where you don't belong. God, must you always speak for Bianca and dictate her life ..."

"She dictates nothing", Bianca finally spoke as she stepped between the two women. "Kendall simply asked the same question I was wondering myself. So, Reese, why are you here?"

"Well, I'm at Krystal's to grab some dinner but before now I had a business meeting in Philly", the blonde answered honestly, "And I thought I'd come to Pine Valley for a few days in hopes to see you. I want us to work things out. I want you and our girls back ..."

"That ship sailed a while ago, so you wasted a trip", Greenlee cut-in. "Do yourself a favor and head on back to Paris before you embarrass yourself any further."

Reese rolled her eyes then looked to Bianca, "Can we talk— in private?"

Just as the younger woman was about to answer, Marissa decided to step in. She saw the conflicted look on her girlfriend's face and knew where it stemmed from. No matter how much she may have been hurt by the woman before them, the brunette's heart was too big sometimes to not hear someone out— even if she would ultimately turn her down. The redhead knew it was a bad idea. If for no other reason than the way the other woman was eyeing Bianca like she was ready to guilt her into something. So she put on her 'invisible lawyer hat', cleared her throat then stepped beside her partner, "Bianca, I don't want to over step my bounds here but I'd advise against any private conversations with ..."

"Who the hell are you to tell her she can't speak to her wife?"

Marissa put on a fake smile and pushed down the growing desire to slap her, "I'm the woman who made sure an 'ex' prefixes that title you just used. Otherwise known as Bianca's lawyer— even better known now as her girlfriend. And, just to be clear, I didn't tell her what to do. I merely advised that you two not speak in private because you being in Pine Valley looking to reconcile doesn't seem right to me. Not after you've had absolutely no form communication for five months and you haven't seen each other in over a year. Not to mention the lengths you went to in order to make your divorce a nightmare and suddenly, now, you want to play nice. That's very suspicious behavior, Ms. Williams, and I for one will not stand by idly when I see something wrong. Especially when it comes to Bianca."

"Sleeping with your divorce attorney— how cliché", Reese chuckled incredulously. "Isn't that a conflict of interest or something?"

"I'll conflict your interest bitch!"

"Kendall, no!" Bianca blocked the eldest Kane from advancing her ex. She was well aware that all eyes were on them in the restaurant. It was a normal occurrence even when there wasn't drama going on. Now, since there was minor drama, she didn't want to give any reason for either of them to be put on the front page of some trashy tabloid from having a physical altercation. "This isn't the time or the place. Plus, she's not even worth it." Bianca sighed, "Let's just go. My appetite is gone anyway." Without another word or glance in Reese's direction, the brunette left with a reluctant Kendall and Greenlee following close behind.

Marissa had turned to leave as well but stopped when she heard the blonde address her once more, "Just so you know, Bianca and I may be divorced but we aren't over by a long shot. We have way too much history and I will get her and my girls back. I'll let you enjoy one more night with her, because tomorrow she'll be right back in my bed and screaming my name. Just like she was the last time I saw her. Oh, and FYI, it wasn't a year ago. It was last month when she came to Paris 'for business' on the 12th. God, it was so much fun having her back in the home I built for her and making love to her again. She tasted even better than I remem ..."

"That's enough!" Marissa took a deep breath to keep her composure then continued, "Ms. Williams, if I have learned anything about possessive exes, it's that they will lie about and manipulate situations just to remove any barriers from getting to the person they want. So I believe nothing you just said. And if you try anything with Bianca— or my daughters, you will regret not taking heed to this warning: I promise you, Hell will seem like a five star resort in comparison to where I will take you for trying to break my family. Do not cross me or it will be the last thing you ever do in your miserable lonely life."

The ride home was quiet and tense. Marissa sat in the passenger seat of Bianca's car and stared out the window as she thought about the parting words she and Reese had. Bianca, on the other hand, looked straight ahead as she drove and tried to silently figure out what Reese said to her girlfriend when she had walked away. The brunette wanted to ask, but part of her was scared of how she'd react upon hearing it. She was furious that they even had an encounter at all, and confused by the fact that Reese was in Pine Valley for one specific reason— her. After the ugly divorce and custody battle, Bianca never thought they'd cross paths again. Now Reese wanted her back? Everything was a mess and the brunette felt like it was only going to get worse.

Whatever she said must have been extremely bad. Or maybe it wasn't that bad at all ... but then again, Marissa wouldn't be so quiet right now if it didn't make her feel some type of way, right? Ugh! As if dealing with her ex hasn't been enough, now we have to deal with mine too? Bianca brought herself out of her thoughts as she pulled up to the valet in front of their apartment building and glanced at Marissa. The redhead jumped out the car and headed inside before the doorman could even walk over to assist them. With an apologetic smile, Bianca spoke to him softly, "Good evening John, we have shopping bags in the trunk but can you just have them brought up in the morning? It's been a— rough night. We need to rest and not be disturbed."

"Of course, Ms. Montgomery. Are your children already home?"

"No, actually they're spending the night with my brother. He's home from the military on a two week leave, but he couldn't wait to spend time with them. They'll be back tomorrow afternoon."

"Ah, well that is a wonderful thing. The building manager informed me earlier that a delivery from the Disney Store arrived this morning for you after you all had already left. I can have that brought up with your bags tomorrow morning as well."

"I completely forgot about that. Yes, I'd appreciate if you could have them bring it as well. Thank you."

"No problem at all, ma'am. Have a good night!"

She made her way into the lobby of the building and wasn't surprised to find that Marissa had already headed up to their penthouse without her. Shaking her head, Bianca walked over to the elevator and scanned the key fob that allowed access to their private floor. When the doors opened up to their foyer, she looked around the open living area to see if Marissa was waiting for her there— she wasn't.

The brunette sighed and walked towards the stairs, dropping her purse and keys on the coffee table as she passed it along the way. When she reached the second level of the apartment, Bianca quickly made her way to their room. She found Marissa was already laying in bed with her back facing her. The brunette quietly removed her work clothes and replaced them with a simple camisole and boy shorts then laid down as well. She draped her arm over Marissa's waist and kissed her shoulder, "Honey, talk to me."

"About what?"

"You know what", she sighed as she pulled Marissa closer to her. "Did Reese say something to you?" At the mention of her ex, Bianca felt her girlfriend tense in her arms. There was no need to wonder any more if something bad had actually been said. The brunette just hoped that whatever it was wouldn't cause a rift between them now. She sat up slightly and looked down at her partner with concern, "Marissa, look at me."

Slowly and reluctantly the redhead turned to face her with tears in her eyes. "Why does this have to be so hard? Why can't we just be happy without someone trying to break us up and cause havoc in our lives?"

"Honey, what did she say to you?"

Marissa shook her head as she wiped her eyes, "It doesn't matter. I know it was lie."

"Lie or not, I know it still hurts you. Tell me what she said."

"Bianca, please, I don't want to talk about it. Can we just go to sleep? I just ... I just want to go to sleep."

The younger women let out an exasperated sigh as she nodded, "Okay, go ahead and sleep."

She moved to get up but stopped as Marissa grabbed her arm and asked, "Where are you going?"

"I'm not tired. I was just going to go downstairs and ..."

"I need you."

The desperation in her tone made Bianca pull the other woman back in her arms and kiss her temple. "Then I'll stay right here while you sleep."

Marissa kissed her in thanks then draped herself on top of Bianca's body as they both laid back down. She closed her eyes and tried to get herself to relax under the brunette's soothing embrace, but then an image popped in her head. One she never wanted to see. And with it came a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach. She sat up again with her legs on either side of Bianca's hips and trailed her fingertips across the exposed area of her upper chest. Looking down into her girlfriend's eyes she asked, "When you went to meet with Chloé last month in Paris, what happened?"

Bianca's brow raised in comfusion, "You already know what happened."

"Tell me again, please."

"Okay. I met with Chloé and the architect to see the final stages coming together on the Center expansion. Then I personally interviewed about 50 staffing candidates and had a meeting with the board at the University Hospital of Bordeaux to sign our deal for partnership. All of that took up my two days there besides when I had dinner with my friend, Jacques. That's it, why?"

"So you didn't see Reese there at all?"

"Why would I have seen ... hold on, is that what she said to you? That she saw me in Paris?"

Marissa nodded, "Something like that and I'm trying to figure out how she would have known you were there without you telling her you were or you two running into each other."

"What does 'something like that' mean? What exactly did she say?"

"I know she was lying when she said what she said to me, but she was dead on with the date that you were there and I know all expansion and partner meetings for the Center are made private until you do an official press release. You haven't done one yet, so how did she know when you were there? Is it possible your friend told her that he had dinner with you?"

"Jacques was never a fan of Reese when we were together. He only spoke to her to be cordial when he and I hung out around her. I know he certainly wouldn't speak to her now that we've gotten a divorce. And you never answered my question."

"What question?"

Bianca cleared her throat as she propped herself up in her elbows, "I need to know the exact words that Reese said to you."

"It's a lie not worth repeating."

"Oh but it's worth you fixating on how she knew I was in Paris last month?"

"It's just ... she was so specific and arrogant about it. If I wasn't married to a manipulative liar before, I probably wouldn't have noticed the untruth written in her eyes and I probably would have believed that you slept with her."

"What?!"

"Baby, calm down ..."

Bianca's jaw clenched and her nose flared as she processed the words 'you slept with her'. She wanted so badly to get up and go track down Reese just to deck her for telling Marrisa that lie. "I cannot believe she would say that to you."

"Really? She's your ex-wife who wants you back. I'm not surprised at all. I mean, JR said something similar to ... Oh no."

"What is it?"

Marissa shook her head and then chuckled, "It was JR!"

"Okay, you lost me. What was JR?"

"JR told Reese when you were in Paris!"

Bianca looked at her in sheer confusion. "Um, how did you come up with that?"

"It's so obvious! I mean, who else in our lives has any communication with her? Reese works for Chandler Enterprises! It would be so easy for him to pass along the information and tell her to come here just to stir up trouble since he hasn't succeeded."

"But how would JR know about my trip? You already stated the facts, those meetings are kept private."

"Don't you remember I told you about the run-in I had with him the day you left and then you had a run-in after you came back? That afternoon, the kids and I took you to the airport and then I took them to Krystal's for lunch ..."

"And JR came stumbling in drunk while you were eating? I remember. You told him to leave because of the restraining order but he still tried to talk to AJ. So you sent the kids in the back with Krystal and he made a comment about you needing to watch your back without your 'protector' around."

"Yeah, but before I could respond, AJ heard him and told him to leave me alone. That until you got back from Paris, he was the one protecting me and that he didn't want JR anywhere near me or his sisters or him."

"Right, then you said that JR was so thrown off at how our son stood up to him that he just left ... I see where this is going now. JR knew I was gone because AJ let it slip and when he saw me a couple days later he tried to persuade me into believing that you came crawling back to his bed while I was gone. I knew it was a lie because, well, it was JR who said it and I don't believe a word that comes from him these days. Plus, he made up some crap about what you said about what we do in the bedroom but, little did he know, we still haven't gone there yet."

"Mmhmm, and I bet he thought he could try to pull Reese in to start drama since he knew she was privy to your weaknesses. They have to be in on this together. I mean, all of a sudden she just shows up in Pine Valley and wants you back? And you cannot tell me you didn't think the same thing I did when she acted like she didn't know who I am. I'm pretty sure she already did and was just testing me. Our faces are all over social media as 'the new it couple', with her face following after as 'the one who lost it all'. Which, by the way, do you ever get used to this paparazzi thing? And what makes us an 'it couple'? What is the it? And how ...", she paused when she realized she was getting off topic. "Sorry."

"It's okay", the younger woman smiled at her amused, "I believe you were making a point about how not so random it is that Reese is actually here and how likely it is that JR is behind this."

"Exactly! So when she told me the two of you slept together it was almost exactly the same words JR said to you. The whole 'we may be divorced but we're not over by a long shot' and the 'she'll be right back in my bed, screaming my name' ..."

Suddenly Bianca burst out laughing, "Wait. Wait. Wait! She said I was screaming her name?"

Marissa couldn't help but laugh as well when she thought about how she must have sounded as she had just tried to do her best Reese impersonation. "It sounds silly right? But she did say it."

"Well that in itself is a lie! I have never screamed her name. I do not scream."

"So I recall you saying when we had out little snowball fight", the older woman chuckled then got serious again, "Baby, I really think those two are working together. We need to figure out what it is they're planning. I told Reese that if she tried to come between me and our family that I would hurt her, but I'd rather not waste my freedom on her. If I ever go to jail for protecting my family, I want it to be because I took out an actual credible threat. Not some indecisive, insecure, manipulative, lying bitch— no offense."

Bianca shrugged, "Hey, I divorced her so none taken."

"So", Marissa leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly, "What do we do about our exes teaming up together?"

"Well, first off let me say that I think it is totally sexy how you want to defend and protect our life together and our family." This time, she initiated the kiss and they both got lost in it for a while until oxygen became a necessity. "Mmm, God I love those lips."

"I'm pretty sure I already told you I'm addicted to yours." Marissa smiled as she traced her girlfriend's lips with her thumb then gave her another kiss that gradually grew in passion. Soon, she was kissing her way down Bianca's neck and sucking on her pulse point. The action eliciting a low throaty moan that made the redhead's sudden desire come even more alive.

Bianca's was as well as her hands started to move up Marrisa's thighs and then gripped her waist. She pulled the older woman's center closer to her own and started to wind her hips. With their clothes still on, it created a friction that had them both wanting more. Before the last bit of her cognitive function went away, the brunette tried to make sure they were on the same page, "I could of sworn we were talking about something important ..."

"We were", Marissa panted in interruption, "But this is way more important. I want you— now."

She didn't need to hear another word. It was all the assurance Bianca needed as she flipped them over so she was on top. Making quick work of removing Marissa's pajama bottoms, she lowered herself and inhaled the intoxicating aroma that was her partner's core. Lightly, she kissed her way up Marissa's inner thigh then teased her through the lace fabric of her panties by grazing the shorter woman's already throbbing clit with her teeth.

Marissa's breath hitched at the contact and she couldn't help the way her body reacted. With each slow movement Bianca made, she felt herself losing control. The teasing was becoming too much. She needed to feel direct contact— and she knew her new lover did too as they both reached to pull the obstructing garment off at the same time.

But just when Bianca was finally getting ready to taste the love of her life for the first time— their room door swung open. "Bianca, are you ... oh God! Oh God, I am so sorry!"

"Mom! Get out!"

Marissa stared at the door after it slammed shut like a deer caught in headlights. Inwardly, she thanked God she wasn't completely naked and that Bianca had reacted quickly to cover her exposed lower half. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn't find the words. The mixed look of anger and dread that plaqued Bianca's face was one she had never seen.

Neither one moved for a moment but eventually Bianca did when she heard her mother call to them from the other side of the door. "Girls, I am so sorry. I swear I saw nothing!"

"I swear I am going to murder my own mother", Bianca shouted as she jumped out of the bed and stalked to the door. She opened it to see an embarrassed Erica Kane standing there and spoke forcefully, "Downstairs, now!" Without a word, she nodded and made her way to the steps while Bianca looked back in the room to address Marissa. "I'll get rid of her, just give me a few minutes", she sighed then closed the door.

When she reached the living room, Erica immediately tried to apologize again but was cut off, "Mother, what the hell are you doing in my house?"

"Bianca, sweetheart, I was worried! Opal called to tell me that you ran into Reese at Krystal's restaurant and then I called Kendall and she said that Reese wants to get back together and I then tried calling you but you weren't answering either one of your phones— now I see why, and I am so sorry for barging in on you two. I had no idea that you were being— intimate with Marissa but, like I said, I was worried so I drove over here and used my emergency key and I swear I saw nothing and ..."

"Just stop, okay?" Bianca sighed in defeat as she sat on the couch, "This is the second time today we were interrupted ... I'm starting to think I need to take my girlfriend to a private island just to make love to her."

"That sounds like a good idea." The two Kane women looked over to see Marissa descending the stairs. Her pajama pants right back on and a sweatshirt added on for good measure. "Hello Erica", she greated respectfully despite her urge to curse the woman for her horrible and intrusive timing.

"Marissa, I'm really sorry that I ..."

"It's alright. I heard everything you said to Bianca. I know you were worried after being told what happened earlier, just maybe knock next time."

"There won't be a next time because I want that emergency key back", Bianca said in all seriousness.

"Sweetheart ..."

"Mom, you can't just come bursting through the door unannounced because I failed to answer my phone. It's not like I'm in grave danger. So Reese wants me back? Big deal!"

"Yes, it is a very big deal! That's why I'm here to make sure you're alright. Why didn't you call to tell me yourself?"

"Because there was nothing to tell! I'm not concerned about Reese and neither should you be. And, by the way, I was fine until you let yourself into my house and invaded my privacy."

"Sweetheart, I know that you're— frustrated ..."

"Oh, I am beyond frustrated!"

Marissa couldn't help but laugh at the double meaning. She received a partial glare from Bianca and only laughed more, "Baby, I'm sorry, but you have to admit that this is kind of funny! With the kids at your brother's, we finally have the house to ourselves only to be busted in on by your mother like some horny high school kids! It's hilarious!"

"I'm going to bed." Bianca stood and rolled her eyes, "Goodnight!"

"Aw, baby, don't be like that", Marissa chuckled as she watched the brunette go back up to their bedroom. She knew Bianca wasn't actually mad at her and would find the humor in the situation eventually, so she let her go then turned to address Erica. "She'll be fine and she'll get over this soon enough. Keep your key, just give us a warning the next time you come over and our bedroom door is closed."

Erica smiled graciously, "Thank you, Marissa."

"For?"

"Just being a wonderful woman to my sweet baby girl, and for not making things more awkward."

"It's no problem. I love Bianca with everything in me and I see myself spending forever with her, so I know that means learning how to roll with all the different types of 'Kane situations'."

"There are many", Erica partially joked as she stood, "I should get back home to Jack now. You have a good night."

"You as well."

"Oh, before I leave, have you two spoken about the Reese issue?"

Marissa nodded, "We have and I think JR is at the root of her suddenly showing up to win Bianca back. I'm not worried though. We'll figure out how to deal with her just like we've gotten close to figuring out how to deal with him. I don't think she'll be as hard pressed anyway."

"And what makes you sound so sure", Erica asked with peaked curiosity.

"Because I made it very clear to Reese that if she tries to cross the line, I will do everything in my power to protect my wife and our daughters. She will wish going to Hell was an option when I'm through with her."

Erica looked at the young woman with a sense of pride and further intrigue. "Wife? It seems, my dear, that you really do have plans for forever with my daughter", she chuckled at the look on Marissa's face, "Don't worry, the little slip up is our secret. Just know, when the time comes to ask, you have my blessing." She hugged the redhead and winked, then exited in true Erica Kane fashion. Leaving a very surprised Marissa standing there to process her unexpected revelation.

I want to marry Bianca ...