Chapter 2
It was late but Robert wasn't asleep, he sat on his bed thinking. He had to admit it was very odd to be staying at the Quartermains but if staying here and working at the Hunted Star gave him a reason to stay in Port Charles that's what he would do. If he was going to prove to Robin how important she is and that he really wants a relationship with her, Robert knew he has to stay around and not walk out on her.
It had been a couple weeks since he had returned from the Markum Islands and the inevitable meeting with Anna. He knew it could have gone a lot worse then it did. Anna was still going to be mad Robert was sure, but she had come and talked to him and given him a chance to tell her why he had to stay away. Robert had told her the truth, now she'll have the time she needs to think. Oh, how he had missed that woman. He had held her, breathed in her scent, Anna had really been there with him. Hopefully, they will get another chance to talk soon. Robert smiles to himself because he's sure it won't be that long before Anna comes to visit Robin. He couldn't keep himself from thinking about her, sometimes he worried she may not forgive him. Other times he would be happy just thinking about their much too brief reunion, seeing her again had awoken his imagination. The wonderfully dirty thoughts about her were his favorite, he wanted to hold her close, kiss her and oh so much more.
In the Markum Islands for a short time, Robert had felt true happiness. Anna and Robin had both been there, yes, neither of them had forgiven him, but he believed they didn't hate him either. They'd all been together, they'd talked and had a few laughs. For years Robert had believed that would never happen again
For now, Robin was the one he needed to concentrate on, he needed to figure out how to reconnect with her. She is still his little girl and he has missed her for too long. They had talked a few times in the last two weeks, Robert knew he had pissed her off a couple times but he hoped not too badly. Robert was sure that with enough time he will be able to prove he loves her and just wants to be a part of her life. Robert put his head back on his pillow, he never would have dreamed he'd be back in Port Charles working on a relationship with his daughter. He had always dreamed about Anna, but now she seemed less like a fantasy.
...
Anna's latest assignment will take her back to Port Charles, there's a man there, Lorenzo Alcazar the agency needs information on. The fact her daughter is there will work as a perfect cover. The best part of the assignment will be the time she gets to spend with Robin, in fact, that was the main reason Anna had taken this assignment. Apparently Robert is in Port Charles now as well, Anna isn't sure how she was going handle that, he'll see through her so easily and know she's on assignment. Anna was actually looking forwards to see him though, they needed to talk some more she still needed more answers. She could feel an excitement in her body, what was going on? She felt a pull to be near him, to know he's close by. Since she had seen him, Robert had been on her mind a lot. It was so clear on the islands that they are still very in tune with each other, and Anna knows he can still read her like a book. Anna would deal with that later though, now she just wants to get there and see Robin, it had been almost a month and a half since they'd seen each other and she missed her so much. It had been so nice seeing her even if it was only a quick visit. This time they will have time for some much-needed mother-daughter chats, especially about this Patrick Drake. Was he really as much like Robert as it sounds? Anna will be the judge of that. She had done some research on him and it was all very impressive, and he's good looking as well. If they could have the love she and Robert have but make it work, Robin will be a very lucky girl and that would make Anna so happy.
On the plane, Anna went over the dossier about Lorenzo Alcazar he's an illegal arms dealer who had apparently gotten out of the business but was believed to recently have gotten reinvolved. While she read her mind keeps wondering back to Robin. When she finally finishes reading, she could let herself feel excited about the time she will get to spend with her daughter. Since Robin left Paris they don't get to spend nearly enough time together. From the few phone calls they've had since they saw each other she can tell this Patrick is having quite an effect on her little girl. Before she knew it they were landing in Port Charles.
First a walk down on the docks, it was always so nice to go down there and clear her head. As she walks she hears two voices she would know anywhere, Robert and Robin are just a little ways away from her and it sounds like he's annoying her. Anna comes around the corner and sure enough there they both were, it's so good to see them. If Anna was honest with herself she has to admit she was happy to see Robert this soon. Once they're greeted each other, Anna found out that Patrick and Robin had ended whatever had been going on between them. Robert had never been great at these kinds of problems, but Anna had to admit he was trying. Once Anna knew what was going on they both tried to help Robin even if they were being a little snarky with each other. A part of Anna was really enjoying the little back and forth they seem to be using to communicate a little mean but a little flirty. Anna was surprised he left when she told him to make Patrick pay for breaking up with Robin. She wondered if he had he really gone off to do what she asked? There's no time to wonder about that Robin needs her mom and they should go talk. They made their way to Kelly's so they could sit and talk.
It couldn't have worked out better when they got to Kelly's, Alcazar walked right into Anna. The first contact was made he is definitely in Port Charles. Anna quickly checks in with her boss, then joined Robin so they could have a talk about what's going on with her and Patrick. If she's not mistaken Robin is falling for him no matter how much she denies it. Just listening to her talk about Patrick her feelings were clear no matter how many times she says it was just about sex. Oh, Robin, you need to go after this don't let him slip through your fingers, Anna thought.
Robert was just coming back to Kelly's when Robin and Anna were leaving. He had gone to talk to Patrick after all. He didn't kick his ass but Anna was still impressed that he did what she wanted no questions asked. When it comes to Robin they still make a good team. After Anna and Robin turn down the offer of dinner, Robin left leaving Robert and Anna to talk. Robert told her it was clear to him that Patrick was falling in love with Robin as well. When Robert suggests that Anna was there to reconnect with him she was a little thrown, he had been the one flirting with her. Then he followed that up with asking why she was really in town. Of course, he knows there's more to her visit then what she says is going on. It's infuriating how well he knows her. As they walk and talk about Robin and Patrick it all felt so normal, the two of them walking together down by the docks, like they had done countless times before. Then Robert turned to her, "Anna I hope you've had time to think about what I told you."
Anna looked over at him, "I've thought about it, yeah."
"I don't really know what to expect to happen by you knowing, but I needed you to know the truth," Robert told her. "I made a huge mistake not contacting you sooner and for that, I'm truly sorry."
"Why wouldn't you want to see me? Why wouldn't you tell me you were alive?" Anna asked, she still didn't fully understand why he'd stayed away from her.
"It had nothing to do with me not wanting to see you believe me I wanted to see you, to talk to you. A few years before I was let go, I started drinking a lot. To help me sleep, to block the shame of what I had become, and so I wouldn't think about what I had lost." Robert hated talking about this but knew he had to tell her it all if she was ever going to forgive him. "You'd moved on, and I had no right to bother you or complicate your life. I wasn't the man you and Robin remembered. I didn't think you need a mess like me interfering with what you had built for yourself."
Anna started walking again, she was sure he was being honest with her. "Robert, I deserved to know."
"Yes you did, and I'm sorry Anna." They walked a little longer talking about Robin some more.
Anna was glad she had a little more time to talk to Robert, he's given her more to think about now. She was glad he was in Port Charles when he leaned in and kissed her cheek nothing could seem more natural. As he walked away from her Anna wanted to call out to him but what would she have said. Besides she was here on assignment she can't let herself get distracted.
Once Anna got to the Metro Court it didn't take long to spot Alcazar. Thinking quickly Anna has to figure out the best way to make contact. Anna walks right into him, what better way to make a lasting impression, then bumping into each other twice in the same day. It was also the easiest way to pick his pocket and get his phone. A little flirting always helps too, Anna wants to make sure the next time they see each other he remembers who she is. Sometimes these things can be almost too easy. Satisfied with herself Anna decides to take that walk along the docks she meant to do earlier.
Robert showing up again wasn't what she was expecting, although he used to spend just as much time down here as she did. She had just called in an update when she saw him. That smug know it all grin proves he thinks he knows what Anna's up to, and who she must have been talking to. Had he overheard her conversation? A few little white lies about the phone call might help shut him up but it is Robert and once he gets something into his head he doesn't let it go easily. When the conversation quickly turns into an argument about who the worse parent was, Anna wasn't surprised. Arguing was just one of the ways they communicated some time the most effective way it seemed, neither of them was actually mad, they just wanted their point heard. Anna had to admit it was a little amusing when Robin found them arguing about who had messed her up more. Anna didn't think either of them expected to hear what she told them though. Even with everything Robin went through and losing them for all those years she still thought they were really good parents that made sure she knew she was loved. Anna's heart swelled, Robin had grown up to be an amazing woman.
When Anna got to her hotel room she kept replaying that scene in her head. Robin is fine, she doesn't blame either of them for anything. She doesn't think they messed her up in any way because of the chooses they made. Robin told them she had learned two very important lessons from them, to be self-sufficient and that when happily ever after falls apart pick yourself up keep on going. She is so much their daughter, and it makes her so proud. A lot had happened since she got there today, every time she started thinking about it all, she was amused that when she thought about Robert she would find herself smiling. She had to admit he still looked good and the flirty way he would tease her is very cute. A few times she found it working a little too well and would say something kind of mean to change the direction of the conversation. Since they had seen each other Anna had found herself thinking about Robert more and more, she had even enjoyed a few risque dreams about him. After all this time he still got her blood flowing. Damn it, Anna, you can't let him get to you, you're here on an assignment not to hook up with your ex, she tells herself as she gets ready for bed.
...
After Robin and Anna had left the docks Robert stayed just staring out at the water. He had always found this a great place to think. So Robin didn't really hate him after all, and she thinks they were good parents even though he knew he had made so many mistakes where she was concerned. He couldn't be more proud of the woman she has grown into. So much like her mother, it was scary but there was still a part that is very him in her as well. Patrick is an idiot if he walks away from her, although he will have to be a strong man to keep her as well. Hopefully, Patrick's the right man for the challenge that is his daughter, they both clearly have feelings for each other. It had only been a short time but he felt like he was making some real strides in rebuilding his relationship with Robin now. Anna being here makes it seem more complete. Earlier when he'd held them both in his arms like he had so many times before their world was torn apart he felt like the man he had once been. Anna only looked in his eyes for a moment but he knew he could still get lost in those eyes. She will always have his heart, no one would ever change that. Although he's sure he will have to settle for just being friends and flirting with her, no matter how they feel. If he has to be, he can be happy with just that little part of Anna, his trusted friend.
...
Anna hoped to find Alcazar at the Metro Court again, maybe even looking for his phone. She wanted to get it back to him as quickly as possible, she had all the information she could get from it and she didn't want to make him suspicious. Sure enough there he is at the bar, time to get to work. Anna gets the phone back to him, but she isn't completely sure he believes her story about picking it up by mistake. They have a drink together and talk, Anna needed to find her way in if she's going to get information about him. At least he didn't say anything that would suggest he thinks she's working him.
Robert had watched Anna talking to Alcazar, does she know just what kind of man he is? There was an anger bubbling just under the surface, why is Anna putting herself in danger by being around him. For a time Robert had struggled with his controlling temper but it had been a couple years since it had been a real problem. Robert told himself it was just his concern for her that was getting him worked up. If she isn't here on assignment what is she doing talking to him? Robert has to get some answers so he went over to talk to her after Alcazar left.
It quickly becomes clear she isn't going to tell him the real reason she had been talking to Alcazar. Robert just wants to grab her by the arms and make her listen to him. It's obvious she isn't about to open up to him so maybe he should let it go for now. Smooth this over a little for now, maybe he could just flirt with her a little, she hasn't gotten upset yet when he does and at least he can have a little fun with her this way. Even though Anna is acting less than impressed by his advances Robert is sure she's enjoying it, he's seen the little smiles. By the time she leaves Robert is thoroughly amused, he had missed her and the friendship they had shared even when they weren't together. After Anna had left Skye came and talked to Robert, and he doesn't like what she has to tell him. She actually told him that yes Alcazar was back in the illegal arms trade and she is scared for her unborn child. Skye is worried about her future, she never wants anything to happen to the child just because of what its father does.
A few days late Skye contacted Robert again to meet her away from the Quatermain's mansion. When they talked this time he could really tell she was worried for the safety of herself and their unborn child. Skye asked him if he could help her get away from Alcazar. Now that he was back in the business the thought of having him in their child's life terrified her.
...
Since hearing how Skye felt about Alcazar, Robert found himself worrying about Anna more. If this wasn't an assignment Robert had to make sure Anna understood what kind of man Alcazar was. He had seen her a few time since that day at the Metro Court, but Robert still hadn't been able to work out just what Anna was up to. He knew if he kept telling her to stay away from Alcazar she will start to resent him.
Robert was at work at the Haunted Star when he really started wondering what Anna was really doing in Port Charles and what her interest in Alcazar truly was. It has to be a case and Alcazar had to be the mark, that's really the only thing that makes sense. Robert knows she can take care of herself but that didn't stop him from worrying about her. As luck would have it she wondered into the Haunted Star that night, when he first saw her walk in Robert couldn't look away. Bloody hell she is still gorgeous, he watches her walk across the room towards the bar. He stood back and watched her for a while then made his way over to her, "Breathtaking as always," he says with a charming grin.
"Hello Robert, thank you," she smiles back. "You still look good in a tux I see."
"Thanks, so what brings you here this evening, just looking for some fun or are you looking for someone?" Robert asks.
"I just wanted to check this place out, I didn't realize you'd be here if that's what you're asking," she answered sounding a little annoyed.
"I wasn't talking about myself, I actually thought you might be looking for Alcazar. I'm worried.."
"Robert, just leave it alone," she interrupted. "What does it matter to you who I spend my time with?" Anna snaps.
"I'm sorry Anna. I just don't want anything to happen to you. I'm sorry to have bothered you." Then Robert turned and walked away.
As he walks away Anna realizes he was being genuine, he hadn't come over to fight. He had come over to talk to her because he was concerned about her. She knows no matter what he loves her and this was just his way of looking out for her. How can he think he isn't still the man she fell in love with, every time they talk lately she sees that man. Maybe she's the only one that does though. As she watches him greet people and work the room she notices he is just going through the motions, none of it means anything to him, so why is he here doing this job? She sips her champagne cocktail and watched the room, Robert didn't come over again. She hadn't meant to snap at him earlier, but it's not like Robert to walk away from the chance to get into it with her either. Anna kept looking over at Robert, she smiled as she wondered what would it take to have him leave with her tonight? If she walked over, ran her hand up his back, moved in close and whisper a little something in his ear, would he take her home? A little embarrassed by what she's thinking about Anna realized she should get out of there, or she might just find herself trying that.
Robert didn't want to fight with Anna tonight, after talking with Skye he was more worried than ever about her spending time with Alcazar. With Alcazar back in the business Anna could end up in the line of fire whether she's working a case or not, just by being around that man. All he wanted to do was warn her, more than anything he felt he owed her that much. This isn't the place for one of their arguments though. As Robert worked the room he could sense her watching him, just her being in the same room was driving him crazy tonight, he wanted her in his arms. Was it just because he had noticed how tight her dress was and how it hugged her in all the right places. Places he would love to touch again. While he was talking to one of the customers he realized she was leaving. He looked up to watch her leave, maybe now he can concentrate again, probably not, it didn't matter anyway his night was almost over.
When Robert was done for the night instead of staying for a drink he decided a walk was in order, to try and get Anna off his mind. He didn't get very far though, maybe Anna hadn't left, after all, a part of him knew she was close by. He stopped and looked around, sure enough there she was walking around one of the parked cars coming towards him. Robert couldn't move, he just watched her get closer and closer.
"Hi," was all she said. Anna wasn't sure why she had hung around, but when she saw him walk out of the Hunter Star, she knew she wanted to know what he had tried to say to her earlier.
"Can we go somewhere private to talk?" he asked.
Anna looked around, "There doesn't seem to be anyone else around Robert,"
Robert never took his eyes off her, "I wouldn't notice them if there was," he said without thinking. She didn't seem to mind though. "Anna I want to talk to you and I get the feeling we shouldn't be seen talking, you know the gut feeling."
She understood what he meant, "OK let's get out of here you drive, take me where ever you think is a good place." They went to his car, Anna and Robert had just driven away when Alcazar entered the parking lot talking to another well-dressed man, with serious looks they shook hands and parted ways.
When he started driving, Robert wasn't sure where he was heading, then he turned onto the old lake road. No one would be looking for them out here and there was a nice place to sit and look out at the lake not far from the cottage he had once lived in. They drove in silence, in an odd way he found it comforting just being alone with her. When he parked the car he looked over at her, Anna was watching him through partly closed eyes and it reminded him of how she looked in the morning, she is so beautiful. He got out and walked around the car to open the door for her. Anna smiled at him when he opened it then took his offered hand to help herself get out. Still holding her hand he leads her over to the bench. Once they were sitting they watched the small waves roll onto the shore. "Anna I know I wanted to talk to you but for the life of me I can't think of what it was about at this moment." He gave her a charming little smile. "I've been distracted all night."
"I'm enjoying the view and I'm in no rush to get back to town," Anna told him. Was that what it was, so what had been distracting him she wondered? Then she remembered the first thing he had said to her this evening. "I guess it's a good thing this dress isn't red," she joked.
"Red," he smiled, "What are you trying to drive me out of my mind?" he said as he put his arm behind her on the bench.
"Not at all," she answered in a low voice then leaned into him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder holding her close to him. It felt so natural for them to sit like this.
They sat together watching the water, the moon was reflecting back at them. Anna's head resting on his shoulder Robert finally remembered what he had wanted to tell her. "I don't expect you to tell me if you are here on assignment or not. I just need you to know that I talked to Skye Quartermain a few times about this and she's scared for her own safety. She confirmed that Alcazar is back in the illegal arms trade, so Anna if you have to be around him, be careful."
"OK I will be, thank you," she told him. "Is that the only reason you brought me out here?"
"To be honest I didn't even know where I was heading when I started driving, but something told me we needed to get out of there. I did want to be alone with you again though," he admitted.
It was her turn to speak without thinking. "Oh really, so you took me somewhere secluded, a nice little romantic hideaway?" she asked in the same low voice as before.
"Is that what I did?" Robert said with that mischievous little grin of his. "I think I just needed to spend some time with you. We haven't really been alone since you've been back here."
"No we haven't, this is nice." Anna couldn't believe how great she felt being alone with him here.
"Why don't you tell me about your twin sister, you said it was a story for another night?"
Anna looked up into his eyes, "I did," Robert looked back into her eyes, "but I don't think this is that night," slowly he lowered his lips to hers, and gently kissed her. She returned his kisses and placed her hand on the back of his neck holding him close to her.
When Robert pulled back from the kiss he stared into her eyes. "I think we should talk a little more tonight."
"You're probably right" she answered and snuggled into him, wanting to be closer to him. "You're right, I am on assignment, but no one else can know that, and no one should know about this."
"What is this Anna?"
"I'm not sure but it sure feels nice."
"Yes it does," he answered and kissed her cheek.
"You can still read me like a book, I knew you would know I was here on assignment," she admitted.
"I won't get in your way while you finish this off, but if you need me just ask."
"Thank you, I appreciate that," Anna smiled at him. As much as he could annoy her at this moment there was nowhere else Anna wanted to be than right here with Robert. "I don't think anyone should see us getting along like this like you said I still have a job to finish. Besides I'm not ready to answer any questions yet and there will be questions."
"It won't be a problem. I can be that condescending arrogant ass you love so much when we see each other then. You can be annoyed by my presence, we do slip into those roles so easily," Robert said trying to contain his laughter.
"Do you really put effort into being condescending? I would think it's second nature by now," Anna joked.
"Well I have practiced," he grinned, "I do have other skills as well."
"Good, then kiss me. Who knows when we'll be alone again?" Robert kisses her, there was more passion this time. He could feel the desire in her kiss, she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Their hands were all over each other. Anna was the one to pull back from their embrace this time. "I think we should be getting back before this goes too far, I'm not having sex on this bench or in the back seat of your car," she told him with a big smile.
"Where's your sense of adventure?" Robert asks jokingly then kisses her on the nose. "You're right we should get out of here." Robert took her by the hand as he stands up and then they walk back to the car. He opens the door for her, then went around to his side. Before he starts to drive away he looked over at Anna. "Did I tell you how stunning you look tonight? You are still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
Anna blushed a little at his compliment, "Thank you."
"Anna once we're back, in reality, please don't shut me out. I don't know what this is either, but I'm not willing to just walk away from you. Something is starting here again and I want to see it through," he told her.
"I won't, I feel the same way. As much as I want to strangle you sometimes, I still love you."
He reached up and touched her cheek, "And I love you, Anna."
