If Only...

Chapter 11

"Johnny, be careful with that, please."

"Yes, Ms. Benson." Johnny concentrated on keeping the piece of furniture he and Francis were hauling off his toes and wondered for the fiftieth time that day how he got talked into this. He glanced at Carly, then at the man standing behind her in the doorway. Stupid question, O'Brien, stupid question...

"Carly..."

"Give me a minute, Corinthos. Francis, you sure you can handle that? I don't want it to break."

She's worried about the furniture. Francis rolled his eyes. What about me breaking? "It's okay, Ms. Benson."

"Um... Carly..."

"Hold on, Sonny," Carly called over her shoulder without turning around. "Johnny, can you move that a little to the left?", she instructed the bodyguard, pointing to the spot where she wanted it.

"Carly..."

"Be with ya in a minute, Son. Francis, just put that down right next to - "

"Caroline!"

"Oh, for Pete's sake. Michael!" Carly mocked, swirling around to face Sonny and subsequently getting her first good look at him. She paused, realizing why he had been trying to get her attention. Sonny stood in the doorway with a very heavy-looking box, while behind him were a disgruntled-looking Joseph and Adam. They were holding another huge box between the two of them.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your decorating party here, but can you tell us where to put these damn things before our arms fall off?" Sonny asked through gritted teeth, sweat visible on his forehead.

That would be a shame because they are some good-looking arms, Carly thought, admiringly studying Sonny's sinewy muscles, which were in clear view thanks to his muscle shirt. She needed to move more often.

"I swear to God, Benson, I'll drop this thing right here."

Carly's gaze flew to his face, and she smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. That goes in the den, Sonny. Adam, Joey, that box is for the bedroom. Thanks."

Sonny would have laughed at the "Nazi Blondes" and "Chicks and Their Crap" being muttered by Adam and Joseph if he hadn't actually been having visions of killing Carly himself. The two bodyguards moved past him to the stairs. He followed closely, veering off into his den. He set the box down among dozens of others, still baffled at how Carly could have accumulated all this stuff, and then headed back out into the living room. He stopped just short of the sofa.

"Do you really think we need that thing?" he asked, nodding at the ottoman that Johnny and Francis were still hauling around, per Carly's instructions.

Carly stopped to study the deep burgundy and gold ottoman closely. She'd been sure it would suit the room and compliment the color of the sofa. She'd thought it would brighten up the place, which was in bad need of a woman's touch, and she'd been right. "I think it looks good," Carly replied, turning to look at him. "I mean, God knows, you need some color in your life, Son."

"Oh yeah?" Sonny responded, his eyebrow arched.

Johnny and Francis exchanged a glance over the ottoman and smiled. They had been discussing the couple with Benny, and he'd made the same comment. Johnny could still hear the older man's laughter when they'd told him that Carly was moving in.

"Boss doesn't have a clue what he's in for, does he?"

Then, he'd walked away, shaking his head with a bemused expression on his face.

Sonny circled the ottoman. "It's so... you." He looked up at Carly.

She frowned. "Is that a bad thing?"

"Did I say that?"

"So you like it?"

Johnny glanced at Adam and Joseph as they joined them. They stared, fascinated by Sonny and Carly.

"I didn't say that either."

"You know, Sonny, you can be a real pain sometimes."

Sonny stared at her. "Well, sweetheart, if that's the case, maybe it'd be better if I helped find you a different place. I'm sure the men wouldn't mind helping out again." He ignored the choking sound Adam made. He watched from the corner of his eye as Joseph practically dragged the young bodyguard away before he made a scene.

"Oh. So that's what this is all about," Carly stated, walking towards the couch and sitting down.

"I have no idea what you mean," Sonny replied innocently. "I'm just thinking of your comfort here, Benson. If I annoy you so much..." He ducked, avoiding the pillow flying toward his head. "Hey!"

Johnny exchanged another glance with Francis. He knew what the other guard was thinking. It was a good thing Jason had to leave on an "emergency" trip to Puerto Rico for a week. He would have ruined Sonny and Carly moving in together. Not on purpose, mind you, but Jason could be... dense. Johnny made a mental note to thank Benny for "discovering" the "emergency." You gotta love Benny...

Johnny observed in amusement as Carly and Sonny continued to argue. He'd never seen the Boss look so...

Happy.

He halted in his tracks, the thought taking him by surprise. Francis, not having seen him stop, rammed into his back.

"What's the deal?" Francis asked, irritated.

"Sorry," Johnny apologized, then he turned to Carly. "Ms. Benson?"

Carly paused in her explanation to Sonny about what was wrong with his attitude and turned to the bodyguard. "Johnny, Carly, please. What's up?"

"Just wanted to know if this is okay here." He pointed at the ottoman, ignoring the furious look Sonny sent him.

Carly walked to the ottoman, studied it from all angles, adjusted the throw, studied it once more, and bent down to smooth out the fabric. Johnny nudged Francis, nodding his head toward Sonny who was admiring the view - his head tilted slightly, a smile playing on his lips. He caught his men grinning at him and jerked around quickly, heading to the bar, forcing his mind and eyes elsewhere.

At this rate, he'd be a drunk by the end of the week. He poured a healthy dose of scotch into his glass, clanking it loudly so that Carly would hear it.

"I thought you were cutting down."

"Well, if you don't like it..." He hid a smile at her frustrated sigh.

"You're impossible, you know that?"

"But that's what you love about me, baby," Sonny drawled, sipping his drink and grinning at her over the rim.

Carly started to tell him, in explicit detail, what part of her anatomy he could kiss when the door opened and Michael dashed in, followed by Leticia.

"Mommy! Uncle Sonny!" He ran to his mother, giving her a kiss, then he turned and ran to Sonny, jumping into his arms.

"Hey there, buddy." Sonny hugged the little boy tightly. "You excited to be moving in with Uncle Sonny?"

Michael nodded, grinning at him. "Mommy's really happy too!"

Carly narrowed her eyes, making a mental note to have a talk with her son about family loyalty.

"Well, you know, so am I, buddy," Sonny admitted, meeting Carly's gaze. They stared at each other for a long moment. An almost palpatable current of electricity flowed between them.

Sonny felt his heart begin to beat faster and he reminded himself to breath. His eyes fell to her lips, biting back a groan when they parted slightly, her tongue peeking out to moisten them. You're screwed Corinthos...

An image of Carly wrapped in his stain sheets flashed through his mind...

Bad choice of words Sonny...

Carly's eyes widened and she drew in a sharp intake of breath when Sonny's eyes grew dark with desire. They met hers once more and she had dig her nails sharply into her skin to keep from walking to him. Her breathing was shallow suddenly. Damn, who turned on the heat...

Johnny, Leticia, and Francis looked from Sonny to Carly and back again, then glanced at each other. When it was apparent that Sonny and Carly had forgotten their visitors, they began to shuffle their feet, clear their throats repeatedly, and look around the room for a distraction.

Carly broke away from the moment. "Leticia, how about you take Mr. Man to his room." She heard how breathless she sounded and blushed.

"No problem. Let's go, kiddo." Leticia hauled Mikey into her arms and headed up the stairs, glancing slyly at Johnny. She jerked her head to the door. Johnny shrugged his shoulders, staring at her in confusion. Leticia rolled her eyes, jerked her head to Sonny and Carly, then to Johnny and Francis, and finally to the door.

"Oh! Um, sir..." Johnny began, his gaze following Leticia until she disappeared from his view. "If you don't need us anymore..."

Sonny turned to Carly. She shook her head, unable to form any coherent thoughts. She felt overwhelmed by what had just passed between them and needed a few moments to collect herself.

"Go home. Thanks guys." Sonny waved them off. When the door closed behind them, he turned back to Carly. "So how's it feel to be stuck with - what is it you call me? Oh, right, the control freak?" Sonny asked, trying to lighten the mood. He could see she was feeling a little thrown by their earlier exchange.

Carly laughed out loud, shaking her head at him. He was going to give her a break and ignore what had happened because she was uncomfortable. That was Sonny for you. Always thinking of her first. She felt like... oh, don't go there, Benson. "I could ask you the same, huh?" She smiled, following his lead. "How's it feel to be living with the certifiably crazy town nympho?"

Sonny gave her a once over. "Nympho, huh? This could be a good thing after all." He wiggled his eyebrows comically.

Carly threw another pillow at him, laughing. "Shudyap. I figured nympho was nicer than tramp."

"Carly..."

"Sonny, it's okay. I'm used to it."

"That doesn't make it right. You are NOT a slut, okay?"

Carly looked at her lap. "You thought I was."

Sonny suppressed the urge to kick himself. "I never really - I - I was wrong. You are a beautiful, intelligent, funny woman - a great mother to Michael and one of the best friends I've ever had." He watched her eyes tear up, and, before he could say anything, she was walking towards him.

Carly hugged him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Watch it, Corinthos. You're going to give me a big head."

"You mean bigger." He chuckled when she hit him gently on the back. He inhaled deeply. Roses... always roses. Carly pulled back, looking into his eyes. "Tell you what? How about I take you out to celebrate?"

"Out?" Sonny asked.

"Yeah, Son. Out. You know." She pointed to the window. "Out. Where the other people are."

Sonny sent her a the type of withering glance which would have made most men's knees knock, but Carly only grinned at him.

"Where exactly would you like to go?"

"How about Luke's?"

"I'm not Luke's favorite person, and neither are you."

"Oh, he hates me, but the feeling's mutual. He doesn't take kindly to me hanging out at his club."

"More reason to do it, right?"

"Hehe. I mean, I want to go out with you. You know, outside." She laughed when he made a face at her. "Have some fun. Annoying Uncle Luke is just a bonus." She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and shook him gently. Sonny's hand fell to her waist automatically. "What do you say?"

Sonny brushed some stray tendrils off her forehead. "You got a date."

"Good." She kissed his cheek, wiping the lipstick away immediately.

"I have a meeting to go to, but how about I pick you up around 7?" Sonny glanced at his watch. Benny was probably having a coronary by now, seeing as he was an hour late.

Carly looked at him, concerned. "Everything okay?"

"Carly, you know..."

"I don't want to know what exactly is going on, Mr. Don't-Ask-Won't-Tell. I just want to know that you'll be okay."

Sonny caressed her cheek. "I'll be fine."

"Good. You know what? Let's make this easier. How about I meet you at Luke's - 7 tonight?"

"Sounds good."

She walked him to the door, closing it only after he'd gotten into the elevator.

"So… going out tonight?"

Carly yelped, jumping at Leticia's voice. "Don't do that. I hate it when you do that." She avoided her friend's gaze. "Aren't you supposed to be helping Michael unpack?"

"Michael's taking a nap."

"Oh. Hey, I think Johnny may like you a little bit. Did you notice the way he was staring at you tonight?" Carly asked, walking around the room, randomly picking up things.

"How many times do I have to say that Johnny doesn't - oh no. Wait a sec. You're not going to avoid my question. What is this about a date?"

Carly sighed. "Sonny and I are just going to hang out at Luke's to celebrate that we managed to move me in here without us killing each other." She crossed her arms, her body in a defensive stance. "What's with the questions anyway, Lettie? Since when do I answer to you?"

Leticia grinned at her. "Man, you are gone."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You and Mr. Corinthos. You've got the hots for him, Car. Admit it."

Carly tensed. "I do not."

"Oh, come on. I've seen you two. The little flirting you do. The jokes you share. How you can get him to do almost anything. The way you check him out."

"I DO NOT have the hots for Sonny."

"And the way he looks at you. Mama mia!" Lettie fanned herself, turning her back to Carly. She knew her friend well enough to know her curiosity was peaked. One, two, three.

"How does he look at me?"

Leticia walked towards Carly. "Like when you walk in a room, everyone else fades away. He can't keep his eyes off of you. I know you don't think it's possible, but I'm telling you, you and Mr. Corinthos, you got something special, girl. Something most people would sell their souls for. " She held Carly's shoulders and stared at her intently. "Take a chance, Car." Without saying anything more, Leticia walked into the kitchen, leaving a very confused and hopeful Carly alone with her thoughts.

"I want that bitch dead," Hannah seethed.

Larkin came up behind her, his warm breath on the back of her head, making her shiver in disgust and need. "Are you angry 'cause Corinthos replaced you so quickly?" He leaned in, kissing her neck. "Or because he replaced you with her?"

Hannah pulled away, glaring at him. "What the hell did you want to see me for?"

Larkin smirked. "It's been set up."

"When?"

"Two weeks."

"Why that long?" Hannah whined.

"Patience is a virtue, Hannah, dear. You need to learn that."

"Fuck patience. I want that woman taken care of."

"And she will be… when I'm ready." Hannah started to turn but yelped when Larkin wrapped his hand in her hair and pulled it hard. "You listen to me. Don't do a damn thing before I give you the say-so or, I swear, I will make you sorry." He turned her around, smashing his lips into hers. Hannah gave in for a moment and then suddenly pushed away.

"You're a sick bastard", Hannah hissed, stomping away.

"And, yet, you still fuck me!" Larkin yelled at Hannah's retreating back. He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket, looking around the docks.

"Sir," he spoke into the phone. "We're ready."

Luke's

Sonny entered the club, scanning the room for Carly. It was a Friday night, and Luke's was full of the usual students and residents - the blue collars who'd been paid that day, plus the regulars. Sonny weaved his way through the crowd, keeping his eyes open for his new roommate. He smiled at the thought. He caught a glimpse of blonde hair at the bar and turned to see Carly in a flowing red dress. Slits on both sides gave an ample view of her crossed legs. Her hair was pinned to her head in a French twist except for a few stray tendrils that fell on the back of her neck. Sonny swallowed hard, forcing his pulse to return to normal.

Claude caught sight of him and pointed in his direction. Carly turned and grinned. The room seemed to get brighter suddenly, and Sonny found himself smiling back. He took his time reaching her so as not to appear too eager or too happy to see her.

"Hey."

"Hey yourself." Carly smiled again. "Everything go okay at the meeting?"

"Well, Benny was rude the entire time because I hadn't called to tell him I was gonna be late. Sometimes, I swear, he forgets who the boss is."

"Big Bad Mobster Man Sonny, that's who," Carly joked, winking at Claude.

"Are you making fun of me?" Sonny grinned, leaning over her. His eyes fell to her lips briefly before returning to meet her gaze.

"Why? Does that turn you on?"

Carly's eyes widened slightly when Sonny closed the distance between them. He pulled her off the stool, bringing their bodies together.

"And if I said yes?" Sonny's gaze fell to her supple lips again. He licked his own quickly, the anticipation of what he was about to do making it hard to think. The room around them disappeared and all he saw was her face. He brought his hand to her cheek, caressing it softly.

Carly shut her eyes, choking down the desire he was igniting. "Sonny, people can see us..."

He leaned his forehead against hers. " I don't give a damn who sees." His face rubbed against her skin lightly. He felt her tremble against him. "Tell me to stop and I will." Sonny saw the shake of her head. "Is that a yes or a no?" He grinned, sure of the answer.

"Don't stop." Carly whispered, her hands coming up to his shoulders.

"Ask me what I want." Sonny demanded. He pulled back to look at her face.

"Is that a question or an order?" Carly asked, enjoying the feel of his warm fingers as they traced patterns in her skin.

"It's whatever you want it to be."

Carly opened her eyes. His face was inches from hers. She found the courage to meet his gaze. "What do you want Sonny?"

He was about to answer when he heard a slurred voice behind him.

"Well, if it isn't my tramp of a wife and her newest target."

Carly froze, her eyes on AJ.

Sonny slowly turned around.

AJ wobbled in place, holding a glass in one hand and pointing at Carly with the other one. "So, how much money is she screwing you for, Sonny?"