Episode 4: The Ultimatum
Part 1:
It was barely light when Alexis found herself waking. Groaning she threw an arm over her eyes.
"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you." Blake whispered in the half-light as he fumbled for his dressing gown.
Resisting the urge to curse him and his forefathers Alexis turned onto her side. "Blake for God's sake get back into bed, this is getting ridiculous."
"I can't Alexis we've discussed this…" Blake began surprised when Alexis cut him off by lobbing a pillow at him.
"That is what I think of your reasons." Alexis mumbled burrowing her head into her other pillow to hide her smile as he continued to stand there dumbfounded.
"Why you little minx." Blake laughed, grasping the pillow and crawling back into the bed, where he bashed her playfully.
"Honestly Blake grow up." Alexis giggled rolling out of the way of Blake's weapon, her fingers gripping her own pillow which she swung at him the moment he dropped his guard.
"This is war!" Blake growled, lunging for her pillow, his smile growing smug as he was able to wrest it from her grasp. Catching her wrists as she tried to escape, he pinned a wriggling Alexis firmly beneath him.
"Now how to punish you properly?" Blake mused, enjoying every moment that she writhed in his grasp.
"Let me go…Blake you're heavy…you're crushing me." Alexis grasped dramatically yet she was secretly pleased when Blake ignored her request; there was something incredibly arousing about being at his mercy.
"You've been a bad girl and bad girls need to be punished." Blake pronounced with a devilish glint in his eye.
"What are you going to go?" Alexis needled. "Put me over your knee and spank me?"
"Maybe later." Blake deadpanned before leaning in for kiss. "Right now I'll settle for you showing me just how sorry you are."
An hour or so later an extremely apologetic Alexis lay draped over Blake's bare chest, stroking it gently. "Still planning on spanking me?"
"Hmmm." Blake mused, reluctantly opening his eyes. "Right now I don't seem to have the energy."
"That's a relief." Alexis quipped snuggling deeper into his arms.
"I really should be going." Blake groaned yet he made no effort to move.
"It's still early…Besides if anyone catches you later you can always say you popped in to talk about Adam." Alexis replied sensibly leaning up to kiss his cheek, wrapping her leg over his possessively.
"Adam." Blake repeated as he stroked her back. "We do need to sort that out." He added with a sigh turning to return Alexis's kisses, softly caressing her mouth as she ran her fingers though his hair, raking her nails across his scalp.
"Trying to distract me?" Blake teased when they pulled apart breathing heavily.
Smiling playfully Alexis whispered. "Is it working?"
Instead of answering her Blake rolled them over, resting on his arms so he didn't crush her. "You are asking a lot Alexis…And I really need to be going."
"Right now?" Alexis pouted; threading her fingers through Blake's bringing them to her lips.
Wavering as he weighed the possibilities Blake finally caved when he felt Alexis's foot travelling up his calf. "Well perhaps not right now."
---
"Get out of my way." Alexis's shrill demand echoed in the courtroom causing all eyes to turn to the door to watch this petite woman in a wheelchair practically barge passed the security on the door.
"I'm sorry Ma'am but this is a closed hearing."
"Closed my arse!" Alexis swore causing Blake to roll his eyes before shooting an amused Andrew Laird an apologetic look.
"We are here to represent Mr Adam Carrington."
"Mr Carrington already has representation." The guard grunted rubbing his shin, warily eyeing Alexis in her wheelchair, afraid she might try for another run.
"I'm Robert Travers…Mrs Carrington appointed me." Adam's lawyer explained as he crossed the courtroom, nodding towards a pale faced Dana who guilty couldn't meet Alexis's eyes.
"I am Blake Carrington, Adam's father." Blake explained shaking the lawyer's hand. "This is his mother Alexis; we are here to post bail."
"Well in that case." Mr Travers said nodding to the Guard who reluctantly moved aside.
Standing as they approached Dana wrung her hands nervously. "Blake…Alexis…I'm so sorry."
"That doesn't matter now." Blake cut her off, pulling the trembling Dana into a one armed hug. "What matters is that you are here for Adam."
"I didn't want to lie to you both…"
"Dana don't." Alexis insisted. "Blake is right, it doesn't matter anymore." She added her eyes locked on the far door, waiting for the first glimpse of her son.
Eventually the door opened, and escorted by two burly prison guards Adam appeared. The moment he caught sight of his parents he stopped dead, and only moved when the guard behind him gave him a shove. Walking over to the defence table Adam paused a few feet away, his eyes flickering over Dana and Blake before coming to rest on his mother.
And the wheelchair.
"Adam." Alexis gasped smiling, reaching out her hands to her traumatised son.
"Mother." Adam whispered, his eyes brimming with tears. "Mother I am so sorry."
"Darling it's alright, I forgive you." Alexis insisted ignoring the tear that escaped and ran down her cheek as she gripped Adam's hands tightly.
"All rise." The court official suddenly announced as the Bail Judge appeared.
Glancing at the paperwork in front of him the Judge turned his attention to those gathered in front of him, a frown gracing his features as his eyes lighted on Blake.
Leaning back in his seat Blake whispered aside to Andrew. "That didn't look good."
"Its old Judge Perkins, I'm afraid he's something of a socialist, never been too fond of the very wealthy, but he's a fair man." Andrew replied quietly as the DA's office representative stepped forward.
"Mr Peterson, I see from the paperwork you submitted that the DA's office is petitioning that Bail be refused."
"Yes Your Honour." Mr Peterson replied.
"On what grounds?"
"Mr Carrington presents a substantial flight risk. He has been hiding from police for over six weeks and we feel that if it had not been for the recent media interest he would have remained at large permanently. Due to the seriousness of the charge and the substantial flight risk, we ask that bail be refused."
Nodding the silver haired judge turned to the defence. "Mr Travers."
"Your Honour, whilst we acknowledge the seriousness of both the charge and the time Mr Carrington remained at large we would also like it to be taken into account that Mr Carrington turned himself into police custody. He did this for the explicit purpose of clearing his name."
"Your Honour." Mr Peterson interjected. "If I may?" He waited until the Judge waved him to continue.
"Although Mr Carrington did indeed turn himself in it cannot be denied he was able to hide successfully for six weeks. We would also like to have Mr Carrington's family situation to be taken into account. Even a multi-million dollar bail would be little more than pocket-change to the Carrington family. They may even consider it an acceptable loss if it appears their son faces a jail sentence."
"How dare you!" Blake exclaimed jumping to his feet, waving his fist at the upstart young lawyer.
"Mr Carrington please." Mr Travers insisted.
"Blake." Andrew cautioned.
And Blake allowed Alexis to pull him back into his seat gripping his hand tightly.
Rubbing his forehead Judge Perkins stared at Adam for a moment. "I tend to agree with Mr Peterson. Mr Carrington presents too great a risk of absconding. Bail denied!" He added bringing his gavel down.
"No…NO!" Alexis cried out. "Blake no, do something." She added desperate as the two prison wardens headed over.
"There is nothing I can do." Blake muttered sadly. "I am sorry son." Blake said catching Adam's eye.
"It's alright Father." Adam reassured Blake with a weak smile, catching Alexis's hand, squeezing her fingers. "I'll be fine Mother."
"Darling…My Baby, we'll come to see you as soon as we can, I swear!"
Nodding Adam allowed the guard to pull him away, but he held his mother's gaze until he disappeared from view.
---
Part 2:
It was with a heavy heart that Blake arrived at the Denver Carrington offices Andrew Laird in tow.
Nodding in response to his secretary's cheerful good morning Blake was relieved when he could shut the door behind them and he could drop the pretence of being alright. Dropping into his chair he shut his eyes rubbing his forehead in an effort to dispel the headache that threatened.
"Tough morning?" Andrew quipped sarcastically causing Blake to snort in amusement.
"Oh you could say that…What do you think his chances are Andrew?"
"Of avoiding jail?" Andrew added, waiting until Blake nodded before continuing. "Not good. I don't know how Travers intends to present his defence, I imagine he'll try to plea bargain, get the DA to drop the attempted murder charge for something less serious, affray or even grievous bodily harm. That is what I would do."
Thoughtful Blake played with the pens on his desk. "And this Mr Travers what about him?"
"I don't know every criminal lawyer in the country personally Blake." Andrew retorted with a wry smile. "But if you want I can check him out?"
"Yes thank you."
"Blake…" Andrew began awkwardly crossing over to the window clearly unsure how what he was about to say would be received.
"Andrew we've known each other for many years if you have something to say just come out and say it!"
"Alright," Andrew replied turning to face his old friend his expression deadly serious. "I understand that you are concerned for your son, but don't you think you should be concentrating on your own defence. This business with Captain Handler is not going to go away just because you ignore it."
"I have a team of people working on it…"
"Yes I know, I am supervising them remember." Andrew retorted sharply causing Blake to look up at him in surprise.
"It is not going well is it?"
"No it is not." Andrew replied honestly. "This needs your full attention now, there has to be something we have overlooked, some way to prove Handler's corruption."
"And if we can't?" Blake asked reluctantly.
"Then with your history…The Dinard conviction…Even with the evidence that he shot at you first…"
"Give it to me straight Andrew."
Screwing his face up in distaste for what he was about to say Andrew replied, "I think there is a very high likelihood that you may end up joining Adam in jail!"
---
Across the hall Jeff Colby was not having a much better morning, his in-tray had been flooded with problems, the share price had taken a sharp nosedive after Adam's arrest; regardless of the fact he hadn't worked at Denver Carrington for ages, any bad press associated with the name Carrington affected the share price.
So when his secretary buzzed him and told him Mrs Colby was waiting to see him he could only anticipate things getting worse.
"Send her in." Jeff growled spinning his chair round to face the large window, cutting to the chase when he heard the door open. "I'm a busy man Sable so why don't you just get to the point…"
"I see you're still as fond of your former Step-mother." Fallon's voice called out teasingly.
"Fallon!" Jeff exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
"Visiting you obviously." Fallon countered, perching herself on the edge of his desk. "Or would you prefer if it was actually Sable?"
"God no." Jeff replied with an emphatic shake of the head. "I am half certain that woman has taken to stalking the Denver Carrington building in the hope she can talk to Blake."
"Stalking Daddy, why?"
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully Jeff answered. "Let's just say I don't think she is too happy with the current situation."
"You mean Mummy living at the mansion?"
"Amongst other things." Jeff muttered and Fallon leapt on his words eagerly.
"I knew there was more going on what they were saying! Spill it Jeff."
Holding his hands up in mock surrender Jeff backed carefully away from that ticking bomb. "Oh no Fallon I am not going to sit here and gossip like an old woman. Whatever is going on between Blake and Alexis, and I am not suggesting or confirming there is anything really going on, it is their business."
Rolling her eyes at his holier than thou act Fallon shrugged.
"Why are you here Fallon?"
"I'm taking you to lunch." Fallon replied ignoring Jeff's snort of surprise.
Waving his hands at his full desk Jeff turned to stare at Fallon incredulously. "With all this work I don't have time for lunch!"
"Jeff." Fallon began condescendingly. "You can sit here and argue until you give in, and we both know you will give in eventually. Or you can save all the time you'd waste arguing with me and we can go have a nice lunch?" She added smugly getting to her feet and tucking her purse under her arm.
"Besides we do need to talk...I want to apologise for the way I've been behaving since getting back from California. That whole business with Grimes really unsettled me but I don't have the right to take it out on you."
Sighing in defeat Jeff got to his feet picking up his jacket leading Fallon towards the door. "So where are we going?"
"I have a table booked at the St Dennis." Fallon retorted smiling broadly.
"Am I that predictable?" Jeff asked opening the door for her.
"Only to me." Fallon retorted taking his arm. "And while we're there you can tell me all about what happened whilst I was away. Starting with Mummy and Daddy!"
Rolling his eyes Jeff wondered just how long he could hold out before Fallon was able to crack him?
---
It took the prospect of a potential buyer to force Sable back to The Carlton, but even she was unable to suppress a shiver as she walked through the lobby her eyes flickering up to the balcony expecting to still see the gaping hole and the falling bodies just as she did in her dreams. Yet when she looked the balustrade was whole and the balcony empty.
Forcing her most charming smile onto her face as she approached the prospective buyer from the Hilton chain Sable practically gushed enthusiasm as she shook his hand., "Good Morning Mr Peterson...I'm Mrs Sable Colby, shall we start our tour?"
An hour later Sable had surreptitiously crossed her fingers. The tour had been a success and now sat in her office Mr Peterson was doing his best to feign disinterest trying to chip down the price. Yet Sable was sticking to her guns, and she was sure they were coming to a settlement when the door to her office swung open and there in the doorway, smiling sadistically, dressed to kill in a fur trimmed white coat, was Alexis Colby.
"I do hope I am not interrupting." Alexis cooed sweetly relishing the shocked expression on Sable's face.
"Sable darling do close your mouth I don't need to see what you had for breakfast. Honestly, haven't you heard of flossing?" Alexis added wheeling her chair into the room nodding politely at Mr Peterson who smiled appreciatively at the attractive new arrival.
"Alexis you can't just barge in here, I'm in the middle of a meeting…I'm calling security." Sable hissed reaching for the phone when Alexis slapped a folded newspaper down on the desk. "What's that?"
"A present." Alexis answered sweetly, "An advanced copy of tonight's special edition of The Denver Chronicle."
"Why would that interest me?"
"Oh Sable there is no need to be so coy with me cousin, I understand you've had a recent foray into the journalistic field." Alexis teased her emerald eyes turning to flint as they met Sable's. "So I thought I'd bring along a copy for you to sign…It should be quite valuable one day."
Unable to restrain herself in the face of Alexis's deliberate baiting Sable asked, "And why is that?"
"Take a look for yourself…" Alexis retorted smugly waving at the paper before turning and offering her hand to a bemused Mr Peterson. "Alexis Colby."
"John Peterson." The Hilton executive answered with a smile gamely taking her hand. "And I would know you anywhere Mrs Colby you've become quite the national figure."
Smiling away any irritation Alexis asked, "And what brings you to Denver Mr Peterson?"
Yet his reply was cut off as Sable all but exploded. "You're suing me?"
Turning back to her cousin Alexis couldn't restrain her grin. "What else did you expect Sable dear, the Police have confirmed that the balustrade was rotten through with wormwood. It was an accident waiting to happen."
"But Adam pushed you, if you should be suing anyone it should be him!" Sable growled.
"Yes he did but if the wood wasn't rotten would we have fallen from the balcony? I don't think so and neither do my lawyers. Such a shame…And what terrible press for The Carlton." Alexis added smugly and in that moment Sable realised just how completely she had been had.
Alexis wasn't here just to goad her, she was here to ruin any chance Sable had of selling the hotel for a fair price, and by the time any civil case got to court even if she won she would be lucky to offload The Carlton for a fraction of its real value. And the timing, arriving just when Sable had a buyer lined up…
"Well if you two ladies will excuse me…" John Peterson muttered retrieving his briefcase and getting to his feet. Offering his hand to Alexis he added, "Mrs Colby it has been enlightening."
"Yes I am sure it has." Alexis all but purred shaking his hand, enjoying watching Sable's face fall.
Waiting until the door closed behind Mr Peterson Sable all but screamed her frustration. "You vindictive bitch."
"Temper temper." Alexis chided wheeling her chair towards the door. "What did you expect Sable? You tried to destroy my reputation, and failed miserably, but I won't be making the same mistake dear cousin, I will ruin you…Of course there is always another option."
"Which is?" Sable hissed between gritted teeth.
"You sell to me at my price." Alexis retorted watching Sable flush angrily. "And then you turn tail and run back to California where you belong, and make no attempt to interfere in my life or those of people close to me."
"Blake, this is all about Blake. Are you so insecure Alexis, so uncertain in his affection that you need to banish your rivals?" Sable goaded smiling inwardly when Alexis tensed, knowing she had struck a nerve.
"I was wondering why I hadn't seen pictures of the two of you splashed all over the papers. At first I thought you were just trying to keep a low profile because of all the bad press but now I wonder…Can it be that dear Blake is not prepared to be seen with you?"
"What happens between Blake and myself is none of your business Sable." Alexis insisted yet she was unable to lie to herself, Sable's snide comment had struck a chord. "Now I am here to talk business not discuss my love life!"
"Let me make one thing clear Alexis I will torch this place to the ground before I sell to you."
Cocking an eyebrow Alexis met Sable's furious gaze. "You know darling I actually believe you mean that!" She said then with one last derisive glance she left Sable alone to fume.
"I'll get you Alexis. If it's the last thing I do. I will make you wish you'd never been born!"
---
Part 3:
---
"Hello Gerard could you put me through to Mrs Colby?" Waiting until the phone connected Blake toyed with the pen on his desk. His day had been a series of one long boring meeting after another and right now he was in the mood for a pleasant distraction.
"Blake." Alexis's pleased voice jolted him out of his musing. "This is a nice surprise, but why the call, you don't need business advice do you?"
Chuckling at her cheek Blake reclined in his chair. "No but thank you for offering, I doubt I could afford your consultancy fee."
"Oh I don't know, I am sure there would be a discount for such a good friend." Alexis retorted, panting slightly as she lowered herself down onto the sofa.
"Am I interrupting something?" Blake asked concerned by her heavier breathing.
"No I just finished physio. I managed to make it down the entire parallel bars today."
"Congratulations." Blake cheered. "We should do something to celebrate."
"I could meet you in town for dinner?"
Pausing for a moment, Blake countered "best if we eat at home tonight, it was Krystina's first day at school." Then he added in his most charming tone "Besides there are things I want to do to you that would get us kicked out and banned from most of Denver's restaurants."
"Really Mr Carrington and just what might those things be?"
Pausing for a moment as he mentally went through his diary for the afternoon Blake smiled as he realised he had at least half an hour free before asking, "Are you alone?"
"Now that is an interesting question...No I'm not."
"That is a shame...I was hoping to discuss this in a little more detail."
"Blake!" Alexis exclaimed in mock horror trying to keep the playful giggle out of her voice and failing miserably. "Next you'll be asking what I'm wearing!"
"Why what are you wearing?" Blake teased. "I hope since you are not alone it is something appropriate, or are you shocking my staff?"
Giggling out loud as she dismissed her nurse with a gesture Alexis reclined on the couch before answering. "Well actually I'm parading around the house in my underwear poor Gerard needed to be revived with smelling salts."
"Alexis if Gerard saw you in your underwear it wouldn't be smelling salts he'd be needing."
"Oh really Mr Carrington, and just what would he need?"
"Well that would depend on the underwear..." Blake retorted leaning back in his chair. "Why don't you describe them so I can accurately assess the damage?"
"You are incorrigible." Alexis muttered. "Don't you have work to do?"
"Yes but none that interests me at the moment...Now don't try changing the subject--Don't think I didn't notice."
"Well..." Alexis began and Blake felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise at the purr in her voice, shifting awkwardly in his seat when the door to his office was suddenly flung open and in stormed the last person he wanted to see at that moment.
"Sable." Blake all but squeaked causing Alexis to stop her description mid flow.
Frowning at the bizarre twist Alexis all but spluttered, "Not funny Blake, I thought you wanted to create a mood not destroy it."
"Sable what are you doing here?" Blake asked as much for Alexis's benefit as his own.
"Blake I need to talk to you now!"
"Oh she's there?" Alexis replied understanding dawning. "Well it's a good job she didn't turn up five minutes later."
Rolling his eyes at that less than helpful comment Blake tried his hardest to keep a professional front up, something not made any easier by the seeming litany of insults that Alexis was spewing in his ear.
"I am more than a little busy Sable." Blake retorted pointing to the receiver in his hand. "I am trying to get hold of my geologist; perhaps another time would be better." He added ignoring Alexis scoff of amusement and her muttered, "Well that is a first."
"No we need to talk now."
"Tell her to take a short walk out of the nearest open window!" Alexis added bitterly. "She's only come to complain about me!"
"Why?"
"Because I want to talk now!" Sable retorted angrily causing Blake to curse at the difficulties of having two conversations at once. "I am here to talk to you about Alexis."
"Told you so." Alexis retorted smugly. "Just tell her to keep her overly large nose out of our affairs."
Resisting the urge to tell Alexis to keep her own delicate nose out of his conversation Blake asked, "What has Alexis done now?"
"I don't like your tone Blake, why do you always assume I'm the one who's done something wrong?" Alexis all but growled in his ear.
"Experience." Blake muttered to himself causing both women to reply one in confusion the other in outrage.
Setting her purse down on the table Sable added, "That woman, barged into my office, interrupted my meeting and drove away my buyer!"
"The concept of irony is clearly lost on this woman." Alexis retorted sharply and Blake had to smother his laughter, covering it with a poorly timed cough.
"Blake are you even listening to a word I said?"
"Of course I am Sable, you lost your buyer?"
"It was a mercy mission." Alexis quipped. "I was doing the poor man a favour."
"Yes then she had the nerve to threaten me with legal action, utter rubbish about blaming me for the accident just because the balustrade was rotten, like any of that would have mattered if it hadn't been for that vile son of hers."
"Ours." Blake corrected.
"Really are you sure of that Blake?" Sable retorted. "Personally I never saw any of you in him..."
"Why that jumped up little witch!" Alexis all but screamed causing Blake to wince and pull the receiver away from his ear.
"Blake are you even listening to me…Put the damn phone down." Sable exclaimed reaching across and snatching the receiver from his hand and slamming it down into the cradle much to Blake's dismay. He wasn't looking forward to explaining that to Alexis this evening.
"Alright Sable you have my undivided attention, now apart from barging in here and insulting my son and ex-wife what exactly do you want from me?" Blake demanded tersely.
Pursing her lips Sable retorted. "I want you to keep Alexis on a tighter leash."
Shaking his head at her demand Blake snorted in amusement. "I do believe you are grossly overestimating my influence."
"I don't think so." Sable replied, "I think we both know that Alexis will go to just about any lengths to please you."
"Perhaps." Blake hedged uncomfortable by the direction this conversation was turning. "But why should I exert that influence, whatever influence that is, in your favour?"
"I know we haven't seen eye to eye in the last few weeks Blake but surely our friendship is worth more than this disagreement over Alexis? And I have been a good friend to you Blake, I kept the treasure a secret at your request, I befriended Krystina…Blake I need to sell the Carlton and I can't do that with Alexis threatening lawsuits and chasing away my every buyer."
Nodding Blake considered what she said, unable to dismiss the idea completely. Yet he realised what Alexis was up to, and although he didn't approve of her tactics, he couldn't dismiss their effectiveness. And he would have been foolish if he hadn't at least tried to take advantage of that.
"What if I could help in another way?" Blake asked. "I have been considering returning to the hotel business. Fallon is settling back in Denver and could use a new challenge…"
"You want to buy the Carlton?" Sable gasped in surprise.
"I might be interested at the right price." Blake replied coolly. "Why don't you think about it and get back to me."
Picking up her purse Sable ran her manicured nails over the patent material, clearly deep in thought. "Alright I'll consider it perhaps we could discuss it further…Over dinner perhaps?"
Shaking his head at her persistence Blake reached for his phone quickly tapping in a familiar number. "I'm afraid I already have plans."
"Of course you do." Sable muttered bitterly heading towards the door. "I'll call you when I've made up my mind."
"Thank you…But don't wait too long, there are other properties out there." Blake cautioned waiting until Sable left before speaking into the phone. "Mr Jergens it's Blake Carrington here I was hoping you had two dozen English roses available? You do wonderful…Yes lavender… Can I get them delivered…"
---
Part 4:
---
Sitting in her car outside the school gates Fallon scanned the sea of bobbing heads for two in particular, her face breaking into a broad smile as her son came running over to her, motley crew in tow.
"Hello LB did you have a good day?"
"Yeah it was the best...Tommy Priestly brought in his new tarantula to show and tell it was so cool and I scored more hoops at break than anyone else!" LB recounted proudly. "Mom is it ok if Robert and Peter come to tea tomorrow...I sort of promised them they could?"
"I don't see why not?" Fallon replied before asking. "Have you seen Krystina?"
"Not since first break." LB replied. "She wanted to play but we had too many for the teams besides everyone knows girls can't shoot hoops!" LB pronounced with a snigger.
"Oh really young man!" Fallon retorted in mock outrage ruffling her son's hair.
"Apart from you Mom." LB corrected with a broad smile before pointing to a lone blond walking across the playground. "There she is." LB added waving goodbye to his friends.
Smiling at her little sister Fallon was disappointed when Krystina didn't smile back, instead getting into the car with barely a muttered hello.
"Did you enjoy your first day Krystina?" Fallon asked as she pulled the car back onto the road.
"It was Ok I guess." Krystina quietly replied fiddling with the edge of her school bag.
"Did you make some new friends?" Fallon asked concerned when the girl simply shrugged yet before she asked any further questions LB filled the car with his excited chatter, and although Fallon listened to and answered her son, her eyes couldn't help drifting over to the silent Krystina.
She would have to talk to Daddy about this.
---
Blake managed to contain his question until after dinner, until Fallon was putting the children to bed and Jeff was off making phone calls.
"You still haven't said anything about my present."
Smiling as she trace the rim of her sherry glass with her fingertips Alexis answered teasingly, "Well this is the first moment we've had alone...I was just trying to be—Oh what is the word—Circumspect."
Rolling his eyes Blake inwardly cursed that word had ever been invented, or that he had been foolish enough to use it; if Alexis had one characteristic in common with an elephant it was that she never forgot such annoying little details and she never let other people forget them either. "You are never going to let that go..."
Reaching over, Alexis covered Blake's hand with her own, threading their fingers together, "Blake I loved them thank you. It was really sweet of you."
"Good."Blake replied gruffly. "I thought some token was in order...It was quite an achievement in your physio after all." He added fussing with his glass in order to hide his embarrassment and the other memories that those particular roses evoked.
Yet Alexis was not to be deterred, "Do you remember the first time your brought me lavender roses?"
Tugging at his collar Blake shook his head.
"You big fibber!" Alexis laughed calling his bluff, and Blake felt his embarrassment evaporate with her tinkling laughter.
"I remember." Blake answered softly catching her eye, holding her gaze and marvelling at the way her eyes glittered with so much affection, just as they had a night almost a lifetime ago. "It was the night we first met."
"Technically I think it was early morning the day after." Alexis teased. "My mother wanted to call the police...Anything to stop the noise, it sounded like a cat wailing she said."
Feigning affront Blake sullenly retorted. "You seemed to enjoy it at the time."
"I did Blake it was a very romantic gesture...Even if you were cribbing lines from the latest Carey Grant movie."
"I'll have you know Miss Morell they were Blake Carrington original lyrics." Blake retorted. "And that is the last time I stand underneath your balcony and serenade you." He added tartly causing Alexis to laugh out loud.
"But the roses were beautiful--and the sentiment behind them even more so." Alexis whispered softly, "I've never been able to look at lavender roses since without remembering that night...Although I did sometimes wonder what your mother must have thought the next morning when she came down to tend her precious flowers?"
"What makes you think I stole them from her garden?" Blake demanded playfully.
"Blake where else would a man get lavender roses at three o'clock in the morning?"
"Oh a man never gives up his sources." Blake replied tapping his nose. "I'm glad you liked them Alexis."
"I loved them...I love you Blake." Alexis replied reverently her emerald eyes sparkling with emotion.
Lifting their joined hands Blake brought hers up to his lips, kissing her knuckles in a wonderfully courtly manner.
"I love you to." He added softly leaning in to catch her lips, brushing them lightly with his own before drawing her into his arms oblivious to their stunned audience.
Stepping back silently into the hallway Fallon smiled and resisted the urge to smugly declare I told you so out loud. Peeking around the doorframe she watched her parents for a moment, unable to suppress long buried memories surging forward, of other times, other nights when she and Steven had spied on their parents, giggling behind their hands at the mushy sentiment.
Looking at her parents together back then it had been impossible to imagine their marriage could ever have ended in divorce, yet their relationship clearly had been fragile. Now of course Fallon knew why, the loss of their firstborn had driven an impassable wedge between her parents, something that even her birth and Steven's had not overcome.
But Adam was back, and perhaps now her parents could close that distance between them?
If that was the only reason for tolerating her big brother, it was good enough.
Smiling as she watched them for a moment Fallon was struck by a strong protective urge. This relationship was clearly so new and so fragile that they felt uncomfortable about declaring it publically. So for the first time Fallon felt the urge to support that rather than expose them. If they wanted to pretend a little longer, she could play along, wait until they were ready. And if necessary she would protect them from outside influences, oh Jeff could be trusted to keep this to himself but the children wouldn't be so tactful and if others found out...
Why she dreaded to think what they might do?
Stepping back she cleared her throat and spotting the butler in the lobby called out in a loud voice "Gerard have you seen Daddy?"
"I think he is in the library Miss Fallon?"
"Thank you Gerard." Fallon replied giving her parents long enough to separate if they chose to before entering.
Pausing in the doorway Fallon saw her father busying himself with pouring himself another drink whilst her mother stayed on the sofa rolling her eyes in amusement. "Oh Mummy I didn't realise you were here to?"
"Didn't you Fallon?" Alexis replied and Fallon realised in that moment her mother knew exactly what she was doing, that was hardly surprising, even as a child whilst she had been able to twist Blake round her little finger, her mother had always seen right through any story she had concocted.
"I do hope I am not interrupting anything?" Fallon asked shooting her mother an apologetic look which Alexis answered with a smile and a less than cryptic muttered, "Not anymore you're not."
"Did you need to talk to me Fallon?" Blake asked when he felt sure he had himself back under control.
"Yes it's about Krystina." Fallon answered awkwardly, realising that such a topic would naturally exclude her mother and wishing she had thought of something else to say.
Nodding Blake turned to Alexis his dark eyes begging her indulgence. "If you wouldn't mind excusing us Alexis...We can finish our business later?"
Smiling enigmatically Alexis shrugged her shoulders, wheeling her chair towards the door, squeezing Fallon's arm as she passed and feeling her daughter relax. "Perhaps...You know where to find me."
Pushing her chair out into the hallway Alexis tried to fight the feeling of frustration that bubbled up inside of her. It was now quite clear to her that at least Fallon and probably Jeff as well were perfectly aware of the true nature of her and Blake's relationship. In fact the only person deluded by their play acting was probably Blake himself.
Just how long did he expect her to perpetuate this farce?
Alexis was so caught up in her fuming that she didn't see Gerard until he was virtually in front of her, jumping out of her skin when he suddenly addressed her.
"Mrs Colby...There is a phone call for you. Shall I have it put through to the living room?"
"Yes thank you Gerard." Alexis replied pushing her chair down the hallway to the living room. Picking up the telephone she was surprised by the warm baritone that caressed her ears.
"Zack Powers what on earth are you calling for?"
"Alexis can I not phone an old friend without you being suspicious?" Zack's rumbling voice demanded a chuckle bubbling in his throat. "I only wanted to check you were alright after your accident but you are difficult woman to track down"
"And now that you have." Alexis countered. "You can tell me what you really called for!"
"So suspicious Mrs Colby." Zach retorted. "But since you asked there was something I have been meaning to mention to you...Does the subject of South Korean Oil leases ring any bells?"
"Bells are ringing Zach but I'm not sure if they aren't alarm bells? The last I heard BP held the exclusive rights to those leases?"
"Ahhhh." Zach gloated. "So you have been left out of the loop. The contract is due to expire next year and let's just say a few other governments have been playing court to the Koreans."
"I can imagine, but how is this of any interest to me?"
"Well what if I were to tell you that a certain South Korean energy minister is due to make a state visit to Washington next week. Superficially it would appear to be a glad-handing exercise but a reliable source tells me the minister is here to negotiate with the American government, something about a development partnership, new untapped oil fields..."
"Keep talking." Alexis said retrieving a cigarette from her pocket and lighting it as she quickly thought through the possibilities.
"Well I imagine a joint project will only look favourably on American based oil companies, especially ones that already have experience in the Asian fields..."
"And the oil will naturally need shipping." Alexis finished for him.
"And such a dear old friend would not forget just who put them onto to this little gold mine in the first place..." Zach trailed off, yet Alexis could hear the smirk in his voice. "I understand the minister and a few select senators will be attending an environmental benefit during his stay, naturally such an event will be well attended and positions on their table hard to come by but..."
"You've just managed to finagle a space." Alexis finished for him.
"For myself and my charming escort for the evening." Zach countered. "It would be a wonderful opportunity to catch up..." He added suggestively.
"Strictly business." Alexis insisted coyly.
Sighing in disappointment Zach replied. "If you insist, it vexes me Alexis that even now you continue to refuse me, but I am not a man to hang on my pride; if that is what you want then business it shall be. But..."
"But what?" Alexis asked genuinely intrigued by his playful tone.
"I reserve the right to try and change your mind!" Zach retorted. "I'll see you in Washington then?"
"In Washington." Alexis agreed setting the phone down.
Only then realising the position she had placed herself in. What on earth was she going to tell Blake? The truth and risk him snatching the contract out from under her nose, or fabricate a reason to leave town and risk him drawing the wrong conclusion?
For the first time since taking over Colby Co Alexis Colby was unsure what to do?
---
Part 5:
---
"You are very quiet this morning." Blake commented watching Alexis as she sipped her coffee, her bright eyes skimming over her paper.
In truth she had been rather quiet the last few mornings and this was so unlike her that Blake couldn't help but feel nervous; during their marriage Alexis had only been this quiet, when she was mad or worse she was plotting something? He had hoped to talk to her the night before, yet when he had snuck along to her room he found the room dark and Alexis asleep.
True it had been late.
Krystina had had a bad dream and insisted her father stay with her until she had fallen back to sleep, so it had been gone midnight when he arrived at Alexis's door. Yet normally Alexis would have waited up for him, spending the night in his own bed had been disconcerting. It had felt too large and empty. Lying there alone Blake had come to a revelation and it had been a shock; how quickly he had grown used to holding Alexis close as he fell asleep. With that disclosure weighing heavily on his mind Blake had tossed and turned half the night before falling into a fitful sleep.
He had hoped that by rising early this morning they might be able to snatch some time together before the others appeared but he seemed destined to remain disappointed. Apart from the polite 'Good Morning' and a small smile Alexis had barely glanced at him again. Preferring to devote her attention to her paper and the notepad in which she was writing furiously, jumping between it and her diary like a woman possessed.
Intrigued over what could possibly have her so fascinated Blake chanced a peek as he leant forward to refill his coffee cup, topping hers up out of habit. His eyes catching the word 'Leases' before Alexis caught him and shut the pad with a glare, returning to her paper.
"Perhaps I should ban all paperwork from the breakfast table." Blake mused his tolerance of her silence coming to an end. "Or is the prospect of actually talking to me repellent?"
Rolling her eyes behind her paper at his over the top reaction Alexis shrugged off his complaint, buttering a wedge of toast which she bit into hungrily before answering. "If you did that Blake, you would just end up dining alone most mornings…I am a busy woman and I have precious little time to catch up on the papers. Besides since you banned business discussions, oh and any less circumspect topics." Alexis added catching Blake's gaze over the top of her paper, a smirk tugging at her lips as Blake all but groaned at hearing his choice of word fired back at him.
"What should we talk about--The Weather?" Alexis added sarcastically.
"You could start by telling me what has you so preoccupied." Blake retorted, pleased when Alexis folded her paper and laid it to the side, her attention finally focused on him.
"Alright…Actually there was something I have been meaning to mention." Alexis began, relieved that he had finally given her the opening she needed. Yet she was unsure just how to broach the subject.
"Good Morning Daddy." Krystina's greeting interrupted them.
"Good Morning sweetheart." Blake gushed leaning down to kiss his daughter's cheek. "Ready for another day?"
"Nodding Krystina forced a smile heading over to the buffet in the hope that Mrs Gunnersun had prepared pancakes.
Watching his daughter pick her breakfast out of the corner of his eye Blake turned his attention back to Alexis. "You were saying…"
Fiddling with her coffee cup Alexis paused before speaking. "I had an interesting phone call a few nights ago…From Zach Powers."
"Zach Powers!" Blake all but exploded, unable to contain the note of panic in his voice. Alexis had been involved with Powers once before and the man was still attractive and definitely rich and powerful; which made him in Blake's eyes, dangerous.
"What on earth did Powers want? He's not a man I would trust…"
"Honestly Blake I am not a child." Alexis snapped her pleasant mood evaporating in the light of Blake's pontificating. "I am well aware what Zach is like and I can handle him."
Biting back his desire to caution her further Blake realised the warning signs when he saw them choosing instead to simply ask. "What did he want?"
"He…" Alexis began her confession on the tip of her tongue when a glass of orange juice went flying.
"Oops." Krystina muttered.
Yelping in surprise Alexis pushed her chair back from the table but she was not quick enough to stop the juice from spilling onto her cream Chanel skirt. Grabbing the nearest napkin Alexis mopped futilely at the stain, gritting her teeth to stop herself swearing.
Yet it was much harder to contain her temper when she looked back at that table and spotted her soaked notebook and diary.
Picking up the pad by the corner she watched in disgust as orange juice dribbled down the spine and landed in fat drops on the tablecloth. The pages were already sticking together but worst of all some of the ink had run leaving her notes unintelligible.
"I'm sorry." Krystina squeaked, gulping as Alexis's glare was transferred to her; true she had spilt the juice on purpose but Alexis surely couldn't know that, unless…Unless mind reading was one of her special powers?
Dropping her gaze to the tablecloth Krystina wondered what it would feel like to be turned into a frog?
"I am sure you are darling." Blake mollified, trying to play peacemaker.
Yet to his surprise Alexis did not erupt as expected. Instead she dried her pad with the edge of the tablecloth, doing the same with her diary. Then with a grim expression she wheeled her chair out of the dining room.
Flinging his napkin down on the table Blake followed her. "Alexis…"
"No Blake." Alexis stopped him with a look. "I don't have the time I have an appointment to visit Adam and I have to change."
"But what about what you wanted to tell me?" Blake asked following her for a few steps unable to quell the sick feeling that everything was unraveling in front of his eyes.
Meeting his concerned gaze Alexis felt her resolution waver for a moment, but when Gerard interrupted with a 'Phone call for you Mr Carrington' and Blake's attention was immediately diverted once more it hardened her resolve. "It doesn't matter…Its nothing to do with you."
---
Blake was fuming by the time he reached the telephone in his study. Something was going on, Alexis was pulling away from him, Krystina was withdrawn and somehow Zach Powers was involved. All of that congealed to give Blake an ulcer.
Picking up the receiver Blake all but barked down the phone. "Blake Carrington."
"Dad." Steven's voice echoed down the phone. "Are you alright, is this a good time?"
"Steven." Blake felt himself relax slightly on hearing his son's voice. "It is wonderful to hear from you."
"It's good to talk to you as well…And I wish I had time to talk longer but this is more business than just a chance to catch up."
Intrigued Blake asked. "What do you mean?"
"How soon can you get to Washington?" Steven asked.
Frowning Blake paused before answering. "Washington, why on earth should I go there?"
---
Sitting in the waiting room Alexis tapped her manicured nails against the polished wooden top. Glancing at the Cartier watch that adorned her right wrist she realised it had only been two minutes since she had last checked. It didn't matter Adam was still late.
Finally the door opened and in walked her son casting a look back at the guard before turning to face his mother.
Gasping horror as she caught sight of her son Alexis wished she could jump to her feet and draw him into a hug. Instead she settled for holding out her hands drawing him into the seat beside her.
"Oh Adam what happened?" She asked attentively cupping her son's bruised jaw.
His handsome face was marred by ugly purple bruises and he winced even under his mother's gentle touch.
"Oh just a few problems settling in." Adam tried to joke.
"Adam don't joke this is serious…What happened?"
Sighing Adam ran his fingers through his dark hair. "Dana visited." Adam began awkwardly. "Let's just say one of the other inmates saw her and made a few unsavoury comments."
"And you retaliated." Alexis filled in the blanks an indulgent smile on her face. "Oh my poor boy. But didn't the guards do something?"
Snorting in derision Adam hissed sarcastically. "Oh they did something alright; they put me in solitary for 48hrs and suspended my visitor rights."
"So that's why I couldn't visit until now?" Alexis gasped as the pieces fell into place. "Darling you have to be more careful, no matter what anyone says you have to ignore it."
"I know." Adam agreed meeting his mother's gaze a hint of a smile tugging at his lips even though it pained him. "You don't know how wonderful it is to see you mother."
"Oh don't I?" Alexis teased returning his tentative smile with a broad one of her own. "I miss you too Adam. Colby Co is not the same without you and the house seems empty even with your sister and Jeff and the children."
"The house?" Adam asked confused. "Mother are you living at the Mansion?"
"Yes." Alexis replied with a coy smile.
Raising an eyebrow an intrigued Adam asked. "With Blake?"
"Now that would be telling darling." Alexis replied but her broad smile was all the answer Adam needed.
"That is something of a surprise." Adam added after a long pause. "I just wish I could come home with you…To live with both you and father, to be a family." He broke off unable to continue.
Gripping his hand tightly Alexis added softly. "You and me both darling, but you will come home eventually that I promise you. And then we'll have the biggest party Denver has ever seen. Champagne will flow like the fountains at Versailles and"
"And?"
"The family will be there to celebrate. All the family!" Alexis insisted her emerald eyes glinting with determination. There was nothing that would stand in their way, not a jury, not little Miss Krystina and certainly not Blake's reserve. Somehow she would do whatever it took to make that happen; somehow she was going to get back everything that had once belonged to her.
---
---
Part 6:
---
Dinner had a pleasant if quiet affair. The conversation polite but careful with Fallon encouraging LB to fill the tense silences with more stories from school. She didn't need a crystal ball to predict a brewing argument between her parents. Ever since she had seen her mother fleeing breakfast with a stubborn expression and a ruined Chanel suit and then had bumped into her stony faced father emerging from the library with the look of a man perplexed she had been expecting fireworks.
Yet she was doing her best to lighten the mood and at least with her mother it seemed to be working. Alexis had relaxed slightly and was occasionally shooting Blake interested glances, if only her stubborn father would relent slightly and allow himself to be charmed out of his bad mood everything might be resolved.
"So the hospital benefit is in three weeks" Fallon clarified, excitement bubbling up in her voice. "Is that enough time to organise costumes?"
"I would say so." Alexis replied, her eyes flickering over to Blake who seemed intent on his dessert. "It would be amusing if we all co-ordinated don't you think...I could contact my couturier in the morning..."
Nodding Fallon ignored Jeff's groan and muttered 'not tights anything but tights' replying, "What theme should we have?"
Smiling at the silent Blake Alexis teasingly added, "Personally I always thought your father would make a dashing buccaneer."
Clearing his throat Blake finally retorted, "Fancy dress balls have never been my thing. Perhaps you should ask someone else to accompany you? Zach Powers for example." He added shooting Alexis a loaded glance.
Biting her lip Alexis refused to rise to his baiting returning his warning glare with a steely gaze of her own. She knew what he was doing; Blake had always been an expert at emotional blackmail, dangling something he knew she wanted in front of her in an effort to make her cave over something else. Well it wasn't going to work this time, she wasn't a naive twenty something anymore and she had learnt how to play this game to. If he wanted to find out what Zach had called about he was going the wrong way about it!
"Perhaps I should." She countered coolly watching as the muscle in his jaw clenched.
"Perhaps you should ask him next time he calls?" Blake countered unable to stop needling her; there was just something about the way her eyes flashed when she was angry, the tense way she held herself and the slight flush to her cheeks that spurred him on. That and the fact that she knew exactly what she was doing, winding him up, and trying to force his hand.
Well Blake Carrington had never been brought to his knees by anyone and he sure as hell wasn't about to capitulate on this. He had his weapons and she had hers, and from the way she was dressed this evening Alexis had come prepared to do battle and he wasn't about to disappoint her.
"Perhaps I will." Alexis all but hissed oblivious to the way Fallon shifted uncomfortably in her seat or Jeff''s concerned glance. "I have a mind of my own after all."
"Well if you are sure." Blake snapped. "I wouldn't dare to presume to offer the great Alexis Colby advice."
"I'm delighted to hear it!"
"Even if my opinion is based on years of actual experience." Blake added his voice rising in pitch.
"Heaven forefend." Alexis countered icily. "Is the mighty Blake Carrington feeling unappreciated? Well forgive me if I prefer not to stay around for your latest sermon." She added flinging her napkin down on the table. "If you will excuse me?"
Then with a pointed glare in Blake's direction she quit the battlefield, fuming when he shot her a smug half smile, his dark eyes glinting with superiority that set fire to her ire, this was not a defeat but a strategic withdrawal. Blake may have won the first round but she was sure he wouldn't win the battle and she was heading upstairs to set the stage for the next bout.
---
"You have a nerve." Alexis all but growled when an hour or so later a self-satisfied Blake slinked through her door brandy glass in hand.
She had settled herself on the chaise, dressed in her best weapon in clothes, a sheer nightgown covered by a frustratingly snug but complicated red velvet dressing gown. Book in hand she feigned disinterest when Blake approached setting his drink down on the table sliding beside her onto the seat.
When he went to take her into his arms, his hands warm on the soft velvet she pushed them away. "I'm reading Blake."
Yet Blake was not to be fobbed off, he had her on the back foot and was determined to press his advantage. Their little tiff earlier had stirred more than his temper, their verbal fencing the most complex form of foreplay and now he wanted to claim his prize; his lips found the exposed slope of her neck nuzzling until Alexis couldn't restrain a soft moan and his hands returned to wander across her body.
"Did I tell you how sexy you looked at dinner tonight..." Blake murmured fumbling with the many buttons of her velvet dressing gown as he scattered kisses over her newly exposed shoulder.
"That dress you had on...I could barely concentrate on Mrs Gunnerson's excellent dessert without imagining just what I could do alone with you and an extra helping."
Frustrated by his lack of progress in getting her undressed Blake simply slipped his hand down under the edge of her dressing gown, cupping her breast in his palm; stroking her gently through the almost transparent silk of her nightgown.
"Blake stop." Alexis insisted pulling his hand out from under her clothes. Frustrated by her own lack of control where he was concerned, for a moment there she had been so close to caving in.
"I am not in the mood." She added picking up her book.
Snorting in amusement as he plucked it from her hands, tossing it to the floor ignoring the warning flash of temper in her eyes, Blake placed his hands on her waist pulling her body against his, muttering. "Don't tell me you have a headache." As he leaned in for a kiss.
Twisting her face away so that his lips fell on her cheek Alexis wriggled out of his arms retorting "No it's more like heartache."
Confused and distressed by her comments Blake asked "What's wrong?"
Snorting in distinct unamusement Alexis answered sarcastically. "What's wrong he says?"
"Did that business at actually dinner upset you?" Blake queried relieved when Alexis tensed, certain he had the answer.
Pulling her resisting form back into his arms he placed a kiss on her forehead, relieved when she finally relaxed against him. "I'm sorry, I should have realised how much you wanted to go."
"Why can't we?" Alexis muttered into his shoulder. "The whole family it would be such fun Blake."
"Oh Darling I am just being careful when you think it through calmly you'll agree with me; it would be far too couplely a thing to do after all." He replied astonished when Alexis suddenly shoved him off of the chaise.
Landing heavily on the floor Blake gazed up at her. "Alexis what the hell is wrong with you tonight?"
At first Alexis seemed ready to bite his head off, her eyes flashing with temper but then she suddenly seemed to deflate as if all the fight had been drained out of her.
"What more do you want from me Blake?" Alexis asked sadly. "I've tried so hard to do everything you asked, bent over backwards trying to fit into this mould of your perfect woman."
"I never asked you to change?" Blake answered as he heaved himself off the floor rubbing his sore backside.
"Didn't you!" Alexis snapped back. "Perhaps not directly but it was there in every chastisement, every rebuke. Blake Carrington does not approve of who I am, or the way I do things."
"Just because we quarrel..."
"Not just because we fight, Dammit Blake you won't even be seen in public with me." Alexis cut in. "The children all know we are together, it's obvious, but we keep up this pretence of being just friends even in front of them."
"Alexis you know why."
"Krystina yes I know, it is quite clear even to me that your daughter doesn't like me especially after this morning."
"She just needs more time."
"How much time Blake, a few weeks, months...years even?"
"I don't know!"
"Well I think this isn't just about Krystina." Alexis retorted causing Blake to look up at her in surprise. "I think you are using her as an excuse, a very convenient excuse, I might add."
"Alexis what the hell are you talking about?"
"You're embarrassed."
"What are you..."
"You are, admit it!" Alexis snapped. "You are embarrassed to be seen with me, to have the world know we are together, if that's what you could call our relationship. What a joke we don't even have a relationship we have a sordid little affair going on."
"You are being ridiculous."
"Am I? I don't think so Blake. When we are alone you are a completely different person, relaxed, light hearted, passionate." Alexis added. "But then when other people are around you clam up, it's like you're terrified of what they might say or how they will react. Or as if word of our little liaison will somehow get back to your wife?"
"That's quite enough." Blake rounded on her angrily. "I've heard you say some pretty rotten things in your time but that really takes the biscuit."
"The truth sometimes hurts." Alexis replied softly.
"Well then with the amount of vile comments that have come out of your mouth over the years you must be an oracle."
"Well I'm sorry to break your little bubble darling but Krystle is not going to find out, she is not going to come storming back here to demand why you would soil yourself with me; she is gone and you need to let it go. And as for the rest of Denver yes there will be some people who don't approve but to hell with them."
"Some of those people are my friends."
"If they are really your friends it will be enough that you are happy and not wasting the rest of your life moping." Alexis countered.
"I need more time..."
"Time's up Blake." Alexis retorted. "I've done everything I can to help you get past this, even tried changing my own behaviour to get you to realise I am capable of restraint and thinking before I act. That I wouldn't embarrass you by those overt public displays that you loath. But even that's not enough for you. Well I am through checking my behaviour to sooth your ego. And I am through being your secret bed warmer."
Stunned by what she had said and the vehemence with which she said it Blake could only gasped horrified. "What are you saying that it's over between us?"
Shaking her head at his over the top assumption Alexis replied. "What I am saying Darling is that you'd better start thinking of a way to deal with this problem of yours and it is your problem Blake. I love you, I freely admit that and I'd shout it off the top Colby Co if you needed me to. Now I am not asking you to reciprocate I am not foolish enough to ask for a miracle but you need to find a way to let us be together properly."
Sighing in relief as he realised she hadn't just ended things Blake scrabbled for something anything which might appease her. "Alexis what you are demanding takes time..."
"What the right to able to be honest with my children, not to have to hide what I am feeling, how being with you, most of the time, makes me feel so happy. Not to have to spend our nights sneaking around, treating our relationship as something sordid to be hidden. Well I am not ashamed of us Blake and I wish to heaven you weren't."
"So you're giving me an Ultimatum?" Blake retorted. "I don't appreciate being backed into a corner Alexis."
"If you're feeling cornered then it's your own fault Blake. The choice is very simple; you find some way to deal with this problem of yours..."
"Or what we're through, now I know you are bluffing, you have waited too long to be back in my arms."
"Oh the ego speaks!" Alexis bit back testily. "Well it may surprise you Blake but I can live without you, God knows I had enough practice over the years. You on the other hand have never had to do without me whilst you still wanted me, personally I don't think you'll be able to stay away!"
"So in the meantime you're what, suspending my conjugal rights?"
"You have to be married to have conjugal rights Darling!" Alexis replied smugly. "Personally I don't think you can last a week."
"Now whose ego is doing the talking?" Blake retorted. "You're good Alexis but not that good!"
"Take that back!" She hissed her cheeks flushed with anger, emerald eyes twinkling dangerously.
Alexis truly riled up was a sight to behold, it seemed to accentuate her beauty and Blake wasn't sure where to look first, her glittering eyes or other pointed signs of arousal. Unable to resist taunting her further he growled, "No I won't."
Drawing herself up Alexis balanced unsteadily on her feet grabbing the back of the chaise for support, stunning Blake as she flew at him. Surprising them both as she managed two steps before collapsing against him.
"You complete and utter bast..." Alexis began, only to have her rant cut off by Blake's mouth on hers, his hands on her body stroking and squeezing as he backed them both over to the chaise. Pressing her down beneath him, this time making quick work of her clothing before taking time to satisfy both their appetites.
---
"Nice to know I already won my bet."
"You didn't win Alexis you started it." Blake retorted not even opening his eyes as he melted into the pillows, the tension of the past few days slowly slipping away. "You goaded me all through dinner; you simply got what was coming to you."
"You reciprocated." Alexis countered smugly her fingers trailing across his chest.
"Well it would have been rude not to." Blake muttered earning himself a playful smack for his cheek. "If you don't respect your better's young lady I will have no choice but to put you over my knee."
"Oh the ego speaks."
Cracking one eye open Blake studied her in the half light, with her hair dishevelled and sheet tucked around her naked body she had never looked better. "Don't make me come over there." He muttered teasingly.
"You don't intimidate me Blake." Alexis retorted shifting against her own pillow reaching for her new notepad.
Raising an eyebrow in astonishment, Blake watched as Alexis put on her bedside light. "You're going to work...Now?"
Shrugging Alexis retorted, "Why ever not, it's still early and I have a lot to work through."
"With Zach Powers?" Blake growled feeling his earlier frustration bubble once more.
"If I choose to." Alexis answered glibly swallowing a smile.
"And if I said no."
"I would do it anyway." Alexis countered her eyes flashing dangerously. "You run Denver Carrington and I run Colby Co Blake. We are going to clash in business, it is inevitable, and I have no intention of running my deals or business partners passed you for approval."
"Business partners or bed partners?" Blake retorted. "I will not be cuckolded by you Alexis not again!"
"Oh now we have it!" Alexis hissed slamming her pad down. "I wondered how long it would be before you threw that back in my face...Funny how it didn't seem to be so important to you five minutes ago when you were fucking me?"
Flinging back the cover Blake groped for his dressing gown not caring about retrieving his pyjamas. "You are an obstinate woman, well fine deal with Powers, but don't come crying to me when it boomerangs on you!"
"Oh don't worry the last person I would come crawling to is you. Believe it or not Blake I can take care of my own interests. I am not a pretty little toy you can keep out of sight, there when you want me, silent when you don't."
"Like Krystle you mean?" Blake sneered. "Well there are quite a few different qualities between the two of you, she had the sense to listen to me, she never betrayed me and she sure as hell never tried to force me into a relationship!"
"Oh yes the sterling Krystle. Well if my company is so repugnant by contrast why don't you sidle off to that cold empty bed of yours? I hope the memories help to keep you warm because as of this moment I won't." Alexis screeched her righteous anger lasting just long enough for Blake to storm out of the room slamming the door.
Falling back against her pillows Alexis slammed her fists against the mattress, angry hot tears pressing her eyelids. She knew she was right to stand her ground, to demand more than Blake was offering but she hadn't expected it to hurt this much. It felt like she was being ripped into two. He was just so stubborn, couldn't he bend a little?
Wasn't she worth it?
Lying alone in her bed Alexis shivered, what if Blake didn't think she was? Had she just blown the only chance she ever had of getting him back?
"Whatever it takes Blake...We will make this work." Alexis promised, she had given Adam her word, they would be a family again and Alexis Colby never went back on her word.
---
---