Episode 5: Reawakenings
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Part 1:
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Rapping his knuckles on the polished oak door Zach Powers stepped back and checked his appearance in the mirrored elevator door. Tweaking his Oxford knot Zach smoothed an invisible crease from his suit and shifted the bouquet of roses into his left arm. Smiling charmingly at the door to the suite opened and an austere Butler greeted him with a polite, "Good Day Sir."
"Mr Zachery Powers to see Mrs Colby."
Following the butler into the suite Zach smiled as he heard Alexis's voice coming from the bedroom.
"No don't put that there, how on earth am I supposed to reach it…Put it on the dressing table…Oh and that is the dress I am wearing to the benefit tonight, can you make sure it is crease free?"
Gazing around the suite Zach admitted he was impressed. When he had booked at room, he had thought he had been lucky enough to get the last suite. The presidential suite had certainly not been available and yet here Alexis was.
"Zach." Alexis greeted him enthusiastically, wheeling her chair into the main room.
For a moment Zach stared open mouthed and Alexis's bright smile faltered.
"It's a wheelchair Zach, its not like I've grown a third eye. I was in an accident what where you expecting?" Alexis hissed.
Embarrassed by his gaff Zach shifted the roses awkwardly before crossing the room to place a chaste kiss on Alexis's cheek handing her the roses, "Forgive me Alexis, it was a surprise…"
"Obviously." Alexis retorted coolly, passing the roses off to the hovering maid, who curtseyed and vanished through a side door.
Wheeling her chair over to a side table Alexis selected and lit a cigarette. Exhaling the smoke she watched Zach, eyeing him like a cat would a mouse.
Tugging at his collar Zach waved his hands gesturing to the sumptuous surroundings. "The Presidential Suite Alexis I am impressed, you'll have to tell me how you managed it. I could have sworn some Saudi Prince had it booked through the week--Just who did you have to bribe to get him to move out?"
Smiling cryptically Alexis shrugged, pointing towards him with her cigarette. "That is for me to know and you to wonder."
"Ever the secretive Alexis. I swear if you could patent and manufacture that beguiling smile of yours you would be richest woman alive." Zach flattered relieved when Alexis's smile broadened.
"Well apart from the Queen I probably already am." Alexis retorted gesturing to the couch. "Can I offer you a drink?"
"No thank you." Zach declined politely but he took the seat, pleased when Alexis decided to sit beside him. "And you are here alone…No Blake Carrington?" He asked quirking an eyebrow.
"Blake? Why on earth would he be here?" Alexis retorted stubbing out her cigarette.
"Oh no reason." Zach hedged yet after one pointed look from Alexis he conceded. "Alright call me paranoid but when we talked on the phone I got the impression there was more going on between you and your ex-husband than him just providing you with a place to recuperate and…"
"And?"
"Well I must admit to being more than a little relieved that the sainted Blake is not here with us."
Laughing softly Alexis shrugged aside his unspoken question. "Blake is in LA visiting Jason Colby, something about the pipeline project. He doesn't even know I am here, not that I need to run my business past my ex-husband."
"And your luncheon companions?"
"Is that an invitation?"
"That depends, is that a Yes?"
Rolling her eyes Alexis nodded accepting Zach's hand to stand before lowering herself back into her chair. "It's a date Mr Powers."
---
Glancing at his watch Blake tried to keep his frustration off of his face. Jason seemed determined to drone on picking up every little fault with the pipeline project's progress and it wasn't hard for Blake's mind to wander.
Back to Denver, back to a certain lady, a lady who still refused to give him the time of day.
He had thought that once Alexis had time to sleep on it she would see reason but he had forgotten just how single minded she could be, but what was grating him more than anything was the fact she might have a tiny point. He had been putting off having to make a decision about them, about their future, letting sleeping dogs lie.
Not that either of them had been getting much sleep. Well at least he hadn't, his bed had been too cold and empty and it had been easier to throw himself into work.
Which was why he was here in LA cramming in a meeting with Jason Colby before flying to Washington to attend the environmental fundraiser.
"It has to be a woman."
"What?" Blake muttered lifting his eyes from the paperwork in front of him to the amused Jason.
"I must have called your name half a dozen times Blake." Jason explained. "So who is it? Anyone I know?"
Shuffling his papers Blake reached for his briefcase. "If that is all we have to discuss Jason…"
"Fine…Fine." Jason retorted holding up his hands. "Deny it all you want but I've seen that look too many times Blake, I've even seen it in my reflection, and it can only mean woman trouble."
Grudgingly Blake agreed. "Its definitely a woman but I don't want to talk about it."
"It's not Sable is it?" Jason asked laughing at Blake's stricken expression. "Definitely not, well that is a relief. I was not looking forward to giving you that talk."
"I think I am a little too old for advice Jason."
"Well judging from that hang dog expression I would have to disagree with you." Jason retorted. "Look Blake you can never win with women, you can either be right or you can be happy."
Snorting Blake had to admit he had a point. His life would be a lot easier, well more pleasurable if he just gave in but his pride was not easily set aside. Besides if he gave in now, he would be setting a precedent and all Alexis would think she had to do to bend him to her will would be to kick him out of her bed.
"I'll pass on your comments to Dexter International, I'm sure they will get right on them." Blake muttered turning the conversation back to business, holding his hand out for Jason to shake.
"Well good luck to Blake on both fronts, I think you're going to need it."
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"Sable what on earth are you doing here?" Blake stared at the smiling Sable, shielding his eyes against the bright LA sunshine.
"Trying to get back to Denver." Sable huffed flinging herself into the spare seat beside him. "But I stayed so long visiting Monica that I missed my connection and the only free space is on tomorrow's flight…I don't suppose…" Sable trailed off fixing her large chestnut eyes on Blake. "Would you find it terribly presumptuous if I asked you to give me a lift?"
Shifting awkwardly in his seat Blake automatically thought of Denver and Alexis, she would be waiting for him back at the mansion still furious he had no doubt and when she learnt of his trip to Washington he was sure her ire would only increase; did he really want to add fuel to the flames by giving Sable a free ride?
"Actually I am not flying to Denver tonight." Blake replied hoping that would dissuade her but Sable wouldn't have been Sable if she hadn't locked him with those large eyes of hers, curiosity shining in their depths. "I have to stop off in Washington to see Steven."
"Oh how wonderful a family reunion." Sable gushed and for a moment Blake was almost convinced he had gotten away with it, until she added knowingly.
"And Alexis didn't want to come along? To see her favourite how very unusual…Why are you really going to Washington Blake?"
"There is an environmental fundraiser." Blake began awkwardly. "There are some important contacts I need to meet…"
"And you haven't told Alexis." Sable cooed delighted by this turn of events. "Well business is business and you are competitors."
"Yes." Blake added curtly. "So it would probably be best…"
"If I came with you!" Sable finished for him, ignoring Blake's squirming. "Come on Blake how many years have I been doing this, I helped Jason get most of his big contracts by charming prospective partners and you simply cannot go to a benefit alone….Please let me help you…Unless of course you're intimidated by how Alexis will react?" She added knowingly, watching as his back seemed to straighten instantly.
Blake couldn't help it, Sable's taunt jarred already frayed nerves and before he really thought it through he found himself replying. "No of course not…Come if you want."
"Oh wonderful, we'll have such a fun time and it will give us time to talk about that other matter…If you're still interested in purchasing The Carlton."
Blake tuned out the rest of Sable's excited chatter as his steward arrived and informed them his plane was ready. Perhaps if he was really lucky they would arrive at the benefit too late to be captured by the waiting press, then Alexis wouldn't find out.
Shaking his head Blake wondered who he was trying to kid, with the way his luck was going lately it wouldn't surprise him if Alexis found a way to catch him red-handed.
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Part 2:
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The ballroom twinkled with the light from a thousand candles scattered across tables and supported by large silver candelabras. The candlelight reflected in the diamonds strung around Alexis's neck and wrist, and with the swages of red satin draped across her body she was simply dazzling and she knew it. Yet it took all her confidence to enter the room, patented Alexis Colby smile in place, she was used to turning heads, she had her entire life but now people were staring for an entirely different reason.
People were looking and from the exchanged glances and furtive whispers she could easily guess the topic, her back had been damaged not her brain. So despite the desire to crawl away and hide Alexis fronted it out, smiling charmingly at the acquaintances who rushed over to say hello, swallowing down their saccharine faux concern for her health. At least Zach seemed to have gotten over his initial reluctance and was dancing attendance on her.
But Alexis couldn't help but feel a pang, if Blake had been here things would have been different, somehow his presence always made her feel secure. It wasn't until she arrived in Washington alone that she realized how having him by her side, knowing that he wanted her in spite of her current condition, had bolstered her confidence.
If she could make Blake fall back in love with her even from a wheelchair…
But Blake wasn't here and instead she had to draw on her reserves, bringing to the fore the insult proof armor she had spent years crafting.
Even so she knew she would feel better, less exposed when they made to their table and everyone was at the same height.
She was so set on that that she almost didn't recognize the blond hair gentleman who stepped in front of her blocking her way, until he spoke and jarred her from her musing.
"Mother what…why…when did you get here?" Steven practically stumbled over his words.
"What am I doing here you mean?" Alexis retorted sharply knowing from the way her son's face flushed that she was spot on. "Is there some reason I shouldn't be here?"
"No." Steven stuttered. "I just…" He paused glancing at Zach who immediately made himself scarce with a mumbled 'I will see you at the table Alexis'. "Mother what are you doing with Zach Powers everyone knows that man is a shark?"
"Yes I am aware of that. I am also aware of what people call me behind my back, so don't worry about Mr Powers I can handle him!"
But Steven wasn't her son for nothing and he was not to be dissuaded so easily. "Does Dad know you're here?"
"Why should what I do matter to your Father?" Alexis all but hissed her smile vanishing as she felt herself growing angry.
She loved Steven and had always felt there was a special bond between them, and it had hurt more than she was prepared to admit to anyone, even Blake, when he hadn't come to see her in the hospital or in California. Who was he to lecture her now?
"And I can't believe this is what you want to ask me. I never thought I had raised my son to have such poor manners. You didn't even come to see me when I was incapacitated, just one lousy phone call and now you see me and what do you ask? Not how are you mother? I hope you're better? Not even it's wonderful to see you what a lovely surprise? No you ask about Blake…"
"Mother I'm sorry…"
"Well so am I." Alexis spat back not caring that she was giving quite the performance to those socialites listening in. " I'm sorry Steven if I don't feel inclined to include you in my plans, since you seem determined not to include me in your life." She added unable to keep her hurt from her voice.
"Mother I really am sorry." Steven pleaded catching her hand, but Alexis was in no mood to be fobbed off with false platitudes. "I do care about how you are doing; I've just been so busy putting this fundraiser together and…"
"Maybe you are but I am busy too Steven, too busy to listen to your excuses now. If you decide you still give a damn in the morning contact me at the Ritz, but don't expect me to be waiting around for the call." And with that parting shot Alexis wheeled her chair towards her table determined to find the South Korean Oil minister and undertake a charm offensive the likes of which Washington hadn't seen in years.
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It was already late into the evening when the limousine bearing Blake and Sable pulled up outside the benefit and Blake inwardly smiled at the lack of paparazzi. It appeared his gamble had paid off. So at least listening to Sable grumble for the last hour about missing dinner had been worth it; in the end.
Even if he had to lie a little to accomplish it.
True he did have a lot of phone calls to make but he could have postponed them. He knew it and so probably did Sable from the less than subtly insinuations she was making that he seemed to be going out of his way not to be seen with her. The irony had not been lost on Blake that was an accusation he was hearing all too often of late.
Of course the one phone call he had actually wanted to make he really had to postpone, somehow he didn't think trying to talk sense to Alexis whilst her cousin listened in was a sensible idea.
Getting quickly out when the valet opened the door Blake remembered his manners and offered Sable his hand to get out of the car which as she was now five months pregnant and donning evening gown was easier said than done. The lobby was all but deserted; the cloakroom attendant jarred from his nap by the sudden arrival of Sable's fur stole.
Offering Sable his arm Blake led them into the ballroom.
Scanning the room Blake smiled when he spotted Steven's fair head lurking by the bar. As if feeling the weight of his father's gaze Steven turned and met his eye, yet instead of smiling back Steven's face creased in a frown.
"Steven." Blake greeted his son. "What's the matter?"
"Father…Sable." Swallowing nervously Steven glanced at Sable and Blake immediately realized his son didn't feel comfortable talking in front of Sable.
"Sable would you mind finding our table?" Blake asked diplomatically waiting until she had left before turning back to his son. "What's wrong?"
"Mother's here!"
Stunned Blake managed to bite back an expletive. "How the hell…"
"I know it surprised me as well."
Alexis here—Blake closed his eyes, suddenly feeling every year of his age.
"I don't know how she found about this Dad, even my source stressed how hush hush this was and I trust him."
"Are you certain she is here for the leases, could it just be a coincidence?"
"She's sat right next to Minister Lin and she's on a charm offensive, I think by now he would offer her half of the country is she asked for it!" Steven deadpanned.
Scanning the room it didn't take Blake long to find Alexis.
Her tinkling laughter caught his ear first, his breath catching when he finally saw her. He had always loved her in red, and tonight she looked beautiful.
For a moment lost in watching her laugh and charm her dining companions Blake could almost forget why he was here and simply enjoy the sight of her, but then Zach Powers leant into his line of sight; leaning far too close to Alexis for Blake's liking.
"Powers." Blake growled through clenched teeth.
"I'm not happy about that either." Steven added intrigued as he studied Blake out of the corner of his eye.
His father seemed angrier about Powers than he was about competition for the leases. Standing there with his fists clenched Steven was almost concerned Blake would storm over and land a punch on Powers every time he whispered something in Alexis's ear that made her laugh.
"Dad what's going on?"
"Trouble that's what." Blake retorted his words practically prophetic when a moment later Zach Powers appeared to catch sight of Sable. Alerting Alexis—Blake could see her tense up even from this distance, her head turning so fast it was any wonder she didn't get whiplash.
Having found her cousin she began to search the crowd, her dark head moving back and forth until Blake felt the full force of her emerald gaze. Meeting her gaze Blake stared back, refusing to back down first; relishing the way her eyes glinted furiously.
She was surprised to see him; she hadn't expected to, he knew how that felt. She was pissed he was here with Sable and the feeling was more than mutual there. So far they were equal. The only edge Alexis had was that she had the Minister to herself most of the evening, no real competition.
Well that was about to change. Perhaps it was time he showed Alexis just how dangerous it was to leave him on the outside.
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"Evening Carrington…Hey guys if it isn't our favorite little rich boy? How was your time in solitary Carrington, enjoy it?"
"Poor little Prince back with the commoners."
Gritting his teeth Adam gripped his dinner tray tightly, moving down the line; determined not to let his tormenters get the better of him. Not again.
"What's the matter Carrington, we not good enough company for you?" Jimmy Stokes drawled lazily spinning his empty coffee mug but keeping his gray eyes locked on a silent Adam.
"Course not Jimmy…Carrington's too good for the likes of us remember…Got things to do—Gotta go back to his cell and cry into his pillow."
Taking a seat Adam tried to focus on his dinner, the watery lasagna and over boiled veg. Yet he was unable to block out the taunts to completely.
"Hey is it true Carrington we heard you kept waking up your cellmate calling out for Mummy in your sleep…You a real Momma's boy Carrington?" Jimmy added and the rest of the cons fell about laughing. Scowling as Adam continued to ignore him, no one ignored Jimmy Stokes.
"Course If I had a mother that looked like yours Carrington I might cry out in my sleep as well…" Jimmy trawled suggestively smiling as Adam tensed, before turning to his mate. "Bobby you still got that clipping?"
"Sure."
"Lend me it…I'll put her highness up on my wall tonight—Perhaps I'll get lucky and have some Alexis Colby inspired dreams tonight."
"SHUT UP!" Adam screamed slamming his cup down. "Don't talk about my mother—Scum like you are fit to speak her name!"
"Oh he speaks…Think we hit a nerve boys?" Jimmy sniggered before getting to his feet stretching out his back. "You wanna try and make me Carrington…I bet you mother is a right goer in the sack…She certainly likes her men, you ever seen her starkers Carrington I bet she's got a right nice pair of tits on her."
Closing his hand around his fork Adam imagined how satisfying it would be to stab the pronged instrument repeatedly into Jimmy's bloated stomach.
"What's the matter Carrington chicken?"
"Na he's just getting his rocks off picturing Mummy naked!" Jimmy retorted.
Coiled Adam was fuming all but poised to launch himself at the taunting men not caring that he was outnumbered when a calmer voice intervened.
"Back off Jimmy that's enough."
"Stay out of this Dobson…Keep that bent nose out of it." Jimmy spat at an older man who sat quietly in the corner, his graying hair sleeked back neatly.
Yet Dobson wasn't intimidated by the younger larger man. "You want to talk about Mother's then lets talk about yours…You seen her lately?"
"She visits." Jimmy grunted.
Leaning back confidently in his chair Frank Dobson narrowed his eyes as he stared down the squirming bully. "Yeah when?"
"She's busy…She works long hours." Jimmy hissed. "Not that you'd know anything about that, all you know about is how to take bribes to look the other way…God there is nothing worse than a bent copper."
"Oh I bet she works…I remember she was real popular down at Joe's Bar.""
"Why you…"
"Me what?" Frank asked with a deceptive smile, when Jimmy remained silent he added. "Fantasize all you want about Carrington's mother, that's all you'll ever have, but remember when he gets out he can try yours out for a mere twenty bucks."
Furious Jimmy went to launch himself at the older man, only held back by his friends who ushered him out of the dining room.
Surprised Adam watched as the slight Frank Dobson crossed over to his table holding out his hand. Shaking it Adam could barely contain his curiosity as Dobson lowered himself into the opposite chair.
"How...Why did you help me?" Adam finally asked, stumbling over his words.
Smiling Frank Dobson took a long sip from his coffee before answering. "You and I are going to be good friends Carrington…How does it go the enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Frowning in confusion Adam was unable to stop from blurting out the question. "Who?"
Glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one could overhear him Dobson leant forward answering in a whisper. "Have you ever heard the name Handler…Force Captain Handler?"
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Part 3:
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Alexis's eyes stayed on Blake as he followed Steven across the room. Tapping her manicured nails against the stem of her crystal champagne flute, she did her best to keep her temper under control.
"Blake." Zach hissed having spotted the new arrival. "I thought you said he was in LA?"
"Jeff told me he was." Alexis muttered in response covering her annoyance with a dazzling smile when Minister Lin turned to her with a question.
"Is something wrong?"
"Oh noting, what could possibly be wrong?" Alexis insisted gratefully accepting the re-fill the Minister offered, saluting him with her champagne; taking a deep sip as Blake and Steven arrived at their table.
"Minister Lin may I introduce my father Blake Carrington?"
Accepting the hand that Blake offered Minister Lin shook it asking, "Blake Carrington of Denver Carrington?"
Smiling enigmatically Blake replied modestly "Guilty as charged."
Retaking his seat Minister Lin waved Blake towards the empty seat to his left. "Mr Carrington may I introduce Mr Zach powers and this charming lady is Mrs Alexis Colby."
"Zach." Blake greeted Powers with barely a civil grunt, his eyes shifting to Alexis a half smile tugging at his lips as Alexis's faux pleasant expression slipped for a moment, creasing her beautiful face with a minute frown.
"Alexis." He added softly.
"Blake." Alexis countered taking another sip of champagne to cover the awkward silence.
"Oh you know each other." The Minister exclaimed.
Snorting in amusement Alexis couldn't help but return Blake's amused smile.
"As the father of my four children one could say we have a more than fleeting acquaintance." Alexis quipped, tearing her eyes away from Blake's twinkling dark eyes, forcing herself to remember that she wasn't speaking to Blake at the moment.
That became easier when a moment later a rather familiar face appeared at Blake's side, chestnut eyes flashing maliciously as they moved over Zach and Alexis.
Getting to his feet Blake offered Sable his chair. "Minister Lin may I introduce Mrs Sable Colby."
"Another lovely Mrs Colby, beauty must run in the family." Minister Lin gushed bowing over Sable's hand.
Taking her seat Sable smiled at Zach before turning her attention to a fuming Alexis. "Cousin."
"Sybil." Alexis retorted smirking as Sable twitched in annoyance.
"How nice to see you out and about Alexis, this is the first time since the accident isn't it? I hope it hasn't been too difficult for you, so brave of you to let people see you like this." Sable snapped her bright smile contrasting sharply with her curt tone. "Such a shame you have to miss out on the dancing the quartet are quite good."
Shrugging aside the barb Alexis smiled sweetly turning to Minister Lin. "The excellent company more than makes up for it."
"Yes well if I can be of any help." Sable cooed.
"I am sure I will manage thank you Sable." Alexis snapped her patience coming to an abrupt end. "It is something of a surprise to see you here, tagging along like a…"
"Do you enjoy dancing Minister?" Blake suddenly asked, the abrupt chance of subject cutting Alexis off mid flow.
"I do. Why are you asking me to accompany you Mr Carrington?" Minister Lin retorted laughing at Blake's flushed countenance.
Shaking his head Blake caught Alexis's accusing gaze as she realized just what he was up to, cunningly removing Minister Lin from his place beside her to somewhere she in her present condition couldn't follow. "You'll have to forgive me I'm suffering from a little jet lag…I was hoping that you would assist me."
"How?"
"I promised Sable at least two turns around the floor and I find myself too tired to deliver. Perhaps you…"
"I would consider it an honor Mr Carrington…If the lovely Sable doesn't mind." Minister Lin replied turning to a serenely smiling Sable.
Shooting a smug smile at Alexis Sable gracefully got to her feet offering the Oil Minister her hand. "I can't think of anything pleasanter."
"I can." Alexis muttered as the pair departed. "A glass of Hemlock sounds more appealing."
Retaking his seat Blake gratefully accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, taking a deep sip as he leant back against the chair, his eyes locked on Alexis's face. "Shall I ask the waiter for one?"
As if feeling the weight of Blake's scorn Alexis suddenly looked up her emerald eyes flashing as she took in the smugly secure Blake. "I know geography was never my best subject in school but I could have sworn LA was on the other side of the country."
"So is Denver." Blake countered his dark eyes narrowing. "It seems neither of us is where the other thought we were."
Raising an eyebrow at Blake's less than subtle accusation Alexis sneered. "What a coincidence."
"And what a surprise to see you as well Zach." Blake snapped turning his attention to the shipping magnate, his animosity no longer forced. "Always lurking around other people's women."
"Listen to yourself." Alexis scoffed. "Talking about people like they're possessions. Well I have always chosen where I go and who I spend my time with and I have no intention of stopping now!"
"Alexis…."
Setting down her glass Alexis held her hand up to fall stall Blake's objection. "If you gentlemen will excuse me…I need some fresh air…The atmosphere here has suddenly become rather stifling."
---
Enjoying the crisp night air Alexis drew deeply on her cigarette, holding the smoke in for a moment before exhaling slowly; watching the smoke circle lazily up into the sky.
If only she could breath out her discomfort so easily.
Blake was here—With Sable!
He was willing to be seen in public with Sable on his arm but not her.
Surely he must realize what people were muttering behind his back; what she herself might have thought if she hadn't known better…What other conclusion could naturally be drawn when the single and eligible Blake Carrington finally reappears in society with a woman on his arm, a noticeably pregnant woman. It wasn't as though Sable had ever taken pains to hide her affection for Blake.
How could he do it?
"So this is where you are hiding." Blake's rich baritone cut through the silence.
Glancing back over her shoulder Alexis's eyes narrowed as she spotted Blake relaxing against the wall, dark eyes glinting as they met hers.
Forcing an expression of disinterest onto her face Alexis turned from him taking another draw from her cigarette as she watched the garden lights, apparently fascinated by the way the light from them reflected off of the tricking waters of the fountain.
"Still giving me the cold shoulder." Blake added more in commentary than a question.
Taking one last drag Alexis stubbed the cigarette out on the stone balustrade before flicking the butt out into the darkness. Gripping the wheels of her chair Alexis turned and moved towards the door passing Blake without even acknowledging his presence relishing the way he tensed as she approached.
"Right that is enough." Blake's voice sounded close in her ear and Alexis exclaimed in surprise as her wheelchair was wrest from her control; Blake seizing the handles and pushing her in the opposite direction from the ballroom. "We are going to talk Alexis…No I am going to talk and you will listen."
"Blake are you mad? Let me go this instant!" Alexis demanded trying to grab the wheels of her chair and force them to a stop; drawing her hands back as she got friction burns on her palms.
Entering the lobby Blake stunned the pimple faced cloakroom attendant by throwing a few hundred dollar bills onto the counter.
"Take a break." Blake practically growled and the young man beat a hasty retreat, clutching the unexpected windfall to his chest.
"What the hell?" Alexis screeched as Blake pushed her into the open cloakroom, slamming the door shut behind them.
Feeling Blake finally release her wheelchair Alexis backed away from a strangely silent Blake until she could feel the caress of fur against her bare shoulder and she realized there was nowhere left to retreat.
"Have you finally lost what was left of your marbles?" Alexis demanded, covering her nerves with a thin veneer of bravado. "People will notice I'm missing…"
"If by people you mean Powers." Blake cut in derision dripping from his tone as he practically spat Zach's name. "When I left he seemed rather preoccupied dancing attendance on your cousin." Blake paused enjoying the way Alexis bristled at that less than subtle slight.
"He didn't seem in the least disturbed by your absence…Why I doubt he even noticed it."
"You Bast…"
"So I imagine we have at least ten minutes before Sable gets frustrated enough to send him away and he suddenly remembers you." Blake added spitefully. "Time enough."
"Enough for what?" Alexis asked her eyes widening in panic as she realized just how vulnerable she was. The Lobby was empty, at least it had been when they arrived, the attendant had fled and the only exit was shut and Blake stood between her and it.
If Blake realized her mounting concern he did nothing to sooth it scowling as he demanded. "To get some answers…How long have you been planning this… trip?" Blake demanded.
"Don't you mean how long have I known about the leases?" Alexis cut in a smirk tugging at her lips as Blake flinched. "You're not the only one with friends in high places Darling."
"Fine at least you're not trying to fob me off!" Blake retorted. "But I want to know is if I hadn't left to go to LA, what convenient little excuse were you going to come up with to explain this little trip?"
"None." Alexis answered honestly causing Blake to start in surprise. "Why should I need to lie? I would have told you the truth that I was coming here on business, which is exactly why I am here, no matter what your fertile imagination or my cousin Sybil might have implied otherwise."
"You expect me to believe you are here with Powers on business…Discussing contracts?"
"My business discussions, classified or otherwise are frankly none of yours. I am not one of your employees, not one of your board members who you can bully. I'm your competition Blake and I certainly don't owe you an explanation about my deals."
"If you're dealing with Powers you do…"
"No." Alexis answered emphatically crossing her arms and staring Blake down.
"The hell you do whilst you live under my roof…"
"But not in your bed. I am not one of our children Blake, and I am certainly no longer your wife so you can't tell me what to do anymore, or who to see and certainly not who I can associate with in business or…"
"Or what? In bed? isn't that what is really going on here Alexis?"
"Oh you hypocrite!" Alexis snapped back cutting Blake's angry tirade in half. "You're here for exactly the same reason as I am, you didn't see fit to tell me you'd be coming here, made up some cock and bull story about going to LA. I never lied…."
"For once!" Blake muttered grudgingly admitting to himself that Alexis had a point. "But what about Powers."
"What about Sable?" Alexis retorted. "It's funny how everyone including the loyal Jeff thought you were in LA, all except Sable who conveniently appears here at your side." Alexis added her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Tell me Blake were you hoping to slip in a little dirty weekend with my dear cousin whilst I was safely tucked away in Denver?"
Horrified by her accusation it took Blake a moment to realise Alexis wasn't just speculating, throwing anything out to attack him, she was serious, she honestly thought he was here with Sable. Taking a deep breath Blake tried to enthuse his voice with calm sincerity. "Alexis I told you there is nothing going on between Sable and me…There never has been and….£"
"Oh yes so you say." Alexis interrupted gesturing wildly. "And Blake Carrington's word is unimpeachable--How could I ever have doubted you." She added with a sarcastic eye roll.
"Tell me Blake truthfully, enquiring minds want to know and it is the hot topic of the evening. Is the child Sable is carrying a Dexter or a new Carrington?"
Aghast Blake stepped back in shock, she couldn't think…his peers surely didn't believe…But it didn't take Blake long to put together the looks and whispered nods, what had he done?
"Alexis you know damn well that Baby is not mine."
"Do I?" Alexis countered. "Do I really, well let's examine the facts, whose company was Sable seen in during her months in Denver…Yours…Whose word does Sable hand off…Who did she go to any lengths to protect, prepared to blackmail me for? And why was she so adamant that Dex was to have no part in 'his' child's life was it because she wasn't sure it was actually HIS to start with?"
Storming across the room Blake fought the urge to throttle her. Settling for dragging her out of her chair and shaking her roughly, as if he could shake some sense into her.
Struggling in his grip Alexis winced as Blake's fingers dug into the tender flesh of her upper arms, and she pushed futility against Blake's chest. "Blake let me go…You're hurting me!"
Loosening his tight grip on her slightly, Blake muttered. "You make me so mad." Drawing her into his arms, his hands now spanning her slender waist as he held her firmly against him. Catching and holding her gaze Blake spoke slowly and sternly, carefully enunciating each word so there could be no confusion about what he said next.
"There is nothing between Sable and me. There never has been and there never will be. You are the only woman in my life--God knows why when you drive me to distraction."
"And that's the truth?"
"Yes." Blake hissed tersely, leaning in so their noses almost touched his unblinking eyes boring into Alexis's. For a moment her emerald eyes softened.
"Alright I believe you." Alexis grudgingly admitted and Blake relaxed slightly, sighing with relief as she sank into his arms. So her next words came as something of a shock.
"But that doesn't change a damn thing. You're still as controlling as you always were Blake. Everything has to be on your terms and yours alone. Well sorry but I'm not a girl anymore, you want me then you have to be prepared to make some pretty big concessions."
"Oh it changes something." Blake muttered confidently. "It means I can do this with a clean conscience." And then he kissed her, ignoring her squeak of protest. His lips soft at first brushing his lips against hers, before teasing her mouth open, swallowing her moan of pleasure.
For a moment Alexis wavered, part of her furious that he thought he could simply kiss away her arguments, but the other part, the part that reminded her just how much she had missed him in the past few days won out. Sliding her hands up around his neck Alexis returned his kiss passionately, moulding her body against Blake's; consoling herself with the thought that at least she had won their bet…He hadn't managed to last a week.
Pressing her back against the fur coats Blake ran his hands down the satin material of her evening dress to cup her bottom pulling her hips towards him where another part of him seem intent on convincing Alexis of her unique place in his affections.
"Blake not here…" Alexis groaned as one of his hands fumbled with the top of her zip.
Nuzzling into her neck Blake whispered into her skin. "If not here than where?"
"I have a suite at the Ritz…The presidential…It has a rather large bed we could try out…"
"I'm not sure I can wait that long." Blake retorted glancing down at the sizeable bulge in his trousers.
Trailing her fingers down over his waistcoat and then the tentage in his trousers Alexis teased her bottom lip between her teeth. "Do you have a limo?"
Raising an eyebrow a curious Blake replied. "Of course."
Smiling naughtily Alexis asked. "Then care to join me in a little sightseeing tour of Washington Mr Carrington?"
Lowering Alexis back into her wheelchair Blake couldn't resist running his hands down her sides. "All the famous landmarks Mrs Colby? All points of interest?" He added skimming back up across her chest.
"Why not…I suddenly have a hankering to see just how big the Washington Monument really is?" Alexis retorted causing even Blake to blush slightly.
Laughing at Blake's bashfulness Alexis wheeled her chair into the lobby. "Coming lover?"
"Oh you are awful." Blake moaned trying to regain some semblance of control before following her, his playful suddenly evaporating as Alexis stopped dead and he caught sight of why.
"Blake there you are." Sable gushed on seeing him, her eyes flickering over Alexis as though she was barely worth bothering with. "We did it…Minister Lin invited you to a private luncheon at the South Korean Embassy tomorrow…Seems as though our little plan worked after all." She added sending a pointed look in Alexis's direction before dropping the final insult.
"So clever of you to arrange this little diversion."
"Diversion?" Alexis whispered her eyes swiveling to Blake who was staring at Sable in open mouthed shock. "Is that what this was, simply a way to get me out of the way so you could get your hands on those leases?"
"Alexis I swear…."
"No." Alexis retorted holding up her hand. "Not another word. Congratulations Blake, you got what you came for…The leases…You'll forgive me if I don't feel like celebrating with you. Now why don't the two of you slither back into whatever hole you came from, do what you like I don't care…"
"Alexis." Blake growled. "It is not how it sounds."
"Oh I think it is exactly how it sounds. I just can't believe I was almost dumb enough to fall for it. You've made your choice Blake, but remember two can play at this game." Alexis warned, emerald eyes flashing. "And I always play to win!"
---
Part 4:
---
Numb--That was how he felt, correction that was how he wanted to feel.
He would have given anything to feel the caress of cool oblivion, anything instead of this gut churning mix of despair, pain and guilt. The guilt was the worst. Even if he hadn't deliberately set Alexis up, which he hadn't, he was innocent of that accusation but the rest…
He had allowed Sable to accompany him knowing full well the conclusion Alexis would jump to if she found out about it. Who was he kidding it was never going to be a question of IF but WHEN with Alexis.
Part of him had even enjoyed her jealousy, it had reassured him that no matter how much distance she forced between them…separate bedroom…separate lives, she still loved him enough to get jealous just at the sight of him with another woman. He had played on it, depended on it to drive her from the room when he found her there.
And for what? Leases that he wasn't even sure Denver Carrington had the capacity or financing to bid for.
Waving at the barman Blake set his empty glass down on the table. "Another and make it a double…No damn it save time and make it a treble."
"Sir…" The young barman began hesitantly but one look from Blake silenced his objection and instead the young man returned with half a bottle of scotch, setting it down next to Blake's glass. "I normally wouldn't but you look like you need it."
Grunting his thanks Blake poured himself a large measure, several fingers worth, taking a large gulp that burned his throat on the way down before leaving a wonderful numbing feeling. Perhaps if he finished the bottle the numbness would extend to the rest of him.
"There you are!" Sable's voice cut through his haze. "I can't believe you ditched me at the Benefit."
Swirling the amber liquid round in the glass Blake muttered. "I left you the limo." Before taking another swig.
"Blake getting dunk never solved anything." Sable began soothingly leaning over to cover his hand with hers. "Why don't you come up to my room, I'll fix you a nice cup of tea and we can talk…"
Snorting Blake shook his head yet he didn't push her away, it felt nice that someone cared.
"Fine not tea bring the scotch if you want but don't sit here, what will people think?"
That at least made sense to Blake. Besides hadn't he given his peers enough to gossip about bringing a pregnant woman who wasn't his wife to a Ball, whilst he kept his liaison with another woman a tightly guarded secret because he feared people might scoff at him? If it wasn't true he would laugh.
Allowing Sable to pull him out of the bar he stumbled along to the elevator, his eyes locked on the floor and his fingers clasped around the neck of the bottle. So he didn't realize when Sable came to an abrupt stop and he practically barreled right into her, only his gentlemanly reflexes reaching out to catch her before she fell.
"Perhaps we should wait for the next." Sable muttered but it was the voice who spoke next that finally caught Blake's attention.
"Oh don't concern yourself on our account cousin dear. Unless you're worried Blake might embarrass you by throwing up all that booze."
Alexis was already in the elevator and Blake felt the automatic pull towards her, his feet moving before his brain had the time to protest. It was only as the door closed behind him and Sable that Blake realized Alexis was not alone, along with one or two other people who were obviously staying in the hotel, Zach Powers was present his arm draped possessively across Alexis's shoulder.
Smiling coquettishly up at Zach Alexis rubbed the hand that caressed her bare shoulder, feeling Blake's heavy gaze boring into her.
If Zach realized what she was really up to he gave no sign but responded to the invitation in her eyes, leaning down to kiss the exposed slope of her neck, causing Alexis to giggle and bat him away.
It was only as the elevator stopped and Sable practically strong armed Blake out that Alexis risked glancing at him, her playful smile evaporating instantly on catching sight of his expression until the doors closed once more cutting her off from him.
Now he truly was numb—He had lost her.
Not even waiting until Sable opened the door, Blake took a deep swig this time straight from the bottle.
"I can't believe the nerve of that woman." Sable fumed as she finally got the door to her room open her anger only increasing as she caught sight of the state Blake was in.
"It's all my fault." Blake muttered staggering in a collapsing on the couch cradling his bottle to his chest like an infant. "All she wanted was me to find a way for us to be together…I drove her away."
"Into Zach Powers' arms?" Sable scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous, Alexis is Alexis and she will never change. She always manages to twist everything so that you feel like the guilty one…"
"But this time it is my fault." Blake insisted, ignoring Sable's attempt to placate him.
Sitting down next to him Sable slid her arm around him gently, pulling his unresisting form into her arms. "Oh Blake I wish there was something I could say to make it go away…"
"What no gloating?" Blake murmured into Sable's shoulder. "I thought you would be crowing I told you so by now."
"I get no satisfaction from seeing you upset." Sable insisted running her fingers through his hair relishing the way Blake sighed and relaxed against her.
He knew he should be stopping her, should not enjoy taking comfort in her arms. But part of him, the hurt boy inside needed comforting, even if it was his own fault. So when Sable's caress moved from his hair to his shoulders he didn't object, nor when her hands moved inside his jacket, massaging his back through his thin dress shirt. He didn't even stop her when her lips found his own.
If he closed his eyes and kept them closed he could almost pretend it was Alexis in his arms…And perhaps that would be enough?
---
Internally Alexis was in conflict.
Part of her crowed at the expression on Blake's face as he had seen her with Zach. She had only seen him that torn once before and that memory left an altogether sourer taste in her mouth, accompanied as it was hand in hand by the memory of being thrown out of the house with only the clothes she stood up in and a small suitcase.
But another part of her felt sick just allowing Zach's hand on her shoulder, let alone allowing him to kiss her neck. If Blake had felt guilty over scheming with Sable before he certainly wouldn't now, she had practically pushed him into Sable's waiting eager arms. Perhaps it was just the prospect of losing anything to her cousin that was causing her heart to palpitate.
She doubted that.
It was almost on automatic that she moved out of the elevator into her suite, throwing down her fur on an available couch before wheeling her chair over to the nearest decanter pouring herself a large brandy, which she practically downed in one. How was she going to live without Blake? The long empty nights stretching in front of her terrified her enough to reach once more for the decanter.
"Easy Alexis I intend for this to be a long night." Zach murmured in her ear taking the glass from her hand, setting it down on the table before drawing her over to the couch; settling himself down beside her before drawing her into his arms.
For a moment Alexis allowed the kiss but even she was unable to continue feigning enthusiasm now that their audience was absent. In the past she would have leapt into Zach's bed, intent on venting her hurt feelings and getting some measure of her own back; yet each time she was the one left hurting.
Sex was a good distraction but it didn't solve her problems.
Pushing Zach away Alexis smiled sweetly in order to soften the blow. "Well it has been an enlightening evening Zach."
"And the night is not over yet." Zach purred leaning in capture her lips once more confident in his own exotic appeal.
Stopping him with a hand on his lips Alexis shook her head. "I'm afraid this night has to come to an end…it's been a long day and…"
"Are you telling me to leave?" Zach asked aghast as she nodded. "But why…WHY?"
Her smile fading faster than twilight Alexis was suddenly all sharp edges, bright eyes glinting maliciously.
"Really Zach you didn't honestly think that even after the way you fawned over Sable all night I am suddenly going to fall into your arms…God what is it with you men, you give us so little credit with being able to control our wants and desires." Alexis spat toying with a perplexed Zach who seemed unable to process her abrupt about face, jumping to his feet his temper showing clearly on his face.
"This was all an act…For what…Carrington's benefit?" Zach gasped. "You were using me? To make Carrington jealous"
"So what if I was?" Alexis retorted shrugging her elegant shoulder. "Oh don't look so shocked darling I didn't do anything to you that men haven't been doing to women for thousands of years."
"I'm nobody's puppet Alexis."
"Really then why were you so easy to play?" Alexis countered reaching for the telephone. "Now can you show yourself out or do I need to call for my butler?"
"Oh I am going." Zach retorted his tone icy as he recovered a measure of his former control. "I'm sorry to say I think you are going to regret this Alexis."
Shrugging Alexis didn't see fit to justify his poorly veiled threat with a reply, instead she punched a few numbers into the telephone, relieved when Zach finally left and she could set the handset back down.
Leaning forward her head in her hands Alexis tried to get her thoughts straight but they kept returning to Blake…Blake at the benefit…The two of them alone in the garden and then when he dragged off to the cloakroom…Had he really just been stringing her along, keeping her out the way so that Sable could charm Minister Lin. It was something she herself would have done no doubt about that but Blake?
As much as she was loath to admit it and despite the depths she knew Blake would plumb if pushed, somehow this seemed beneath him; as if his own vaunted ego would not permit him to stoop to such a low. Blake would use many things to get what he wanted, threats, blackmail, bribery, yes most definitely but sex?
It just didn't seem his style.
Rubbing her aching forehead Alexis got back into her wheelchair, cursing the contraption as she bashed her shin against the antique desk that just wasn't built to accommodate it. Picking up her notepad and phonebook she made her way through into the bedroom, perhaps a long soak in the tub would help to clear her thoughts.
And they certainly needed clearing, if she was to work out how to snatch those leases out from under Blake's nose…Then perhaps how to snatch back the man himself from Sable's clutches. Losing Blake was one thing but letting Sable have Blake, even if Alexis couldn't have him herself, well that was another thing entirely.
---
Part 5
---
Alexis was finally completely relaxed in the tub when the banging began. Grabbing a towel she tried to lift herself out of the bath, cursing when she slipped and fell hard on her rump. Then before she could try again she heard the butler open the door and an all too familiar voice demanding, "Where is she?"
"If you will wait sir, I will see if Mrs Colby is available she had retired for the evening."
"Oh I bet she has." Her visitor replied then from the muffled scuffle Alexis could only assume he had barged his way past the butler.
"Sir if you won't leave I will have to call security and have you forcibly removed."
"Like hell you will." He retorted not taking the threat seriously, demanding, "Alexis where the hell are you?" as he barged the door to her bedroom open and for a moment Alexis could see him reflected in the mirrored wardrobe door bottle in hand.
"Alexis." Blake called out again staggering further into the bedroom and out of her line of sight.
"Blake what the hell are you doing here?" Alexis shrilly demanded and after a few moments, a loud bang as something was knocked over, and a few muffled curse words he appeared.
Leaning against the doorframe Blake stared about the room in surprise. "Where's Powers?"
Resisting the urge to throw something Alexis shifted awkwardly in her bath, suddenly realizing just how exposed she was, sitting here wearing little more than bubble bath, so she retorted more sharply than intended. "Obviously not here!"
"No." Blake muttered shaking his head vigorously. "He's here somewhere…He's just hiding…I'll find him and I'll show him what happens…mess with Blake Carrington." And with that he was gone staggering back into the bedroom, clumsily knocking over furniture and throwing open wardrobe doors.
Wrapping the now sodden towel around herself Alexis tried once more to lift herself out the tub managing to balance on the marble surround scrabbling for her robe and wheelchair when the butler reappeared.
Hovering awkwardly in the doorway, holding a hand in front of his eyes, lest he might see anything untoward, the butler said. "I have called security Mrs Colby they will be here presently."
Growling as she retrieved her satin robe, wrapping it round her wet frame Alexis all but rounded on the stunned butler. "And who the hell told you to do that?"
"You…You don't want security?"
"If I wanted them would have called them myself." Alexis retorted, shooing him out before her as she got into her chair and wheeled herself back into the bedroom which by now resembled a war zone. Clothes and pillows were scattered over the floor as Blake conducted his equivalent of a search.
"Zach is not here Blake." Alexis tried to reason with him but Blake was beyond listening to reason; having exhausted all possible hiding places in the bedroom he made his way back into the sitting room. However this time he only made it as far as the couch, collapsing on top of it bottle in hand.
"I know he is here somewhere." Blake murmured taking another swig of the whisky, scowling when there was less than a mouthful left; his eyes finally lifting from the empty bottle to look at Alexis as she followed him into the room. His anger giving way to drunken confusion, "You're all wet."
"I was in the bath." Alexis replied astounded that he clearly hadn't registered that fact when he walked into the bathroom, just how much Scotch had he drunk, not the entire bottle surely.
"The bath…"
"Alone!" Alexis added when Blake made to rise a devilish glint in his eye. "Now what the hell do you think you are doing?" Alexis demanded. "You can't just go around bursting into people's hotel suites Blake."
"I just needed…to see…you." Blake drawled leaning back against the plush cushions of the couch. They were so comfortable and suddenly what had seemed so urgent before now wasn't. Powers wasn't here that was all that mattered…But perhaps he ought to stay here just in case he tried to come back?
"Oh no don't you dare." Alexis started when she saw Blake's eyes begin to droop, his grasp loosening on the empty bottle so that it fell to the floor with a thump.
"You are not sleeping here—Don't you have a room of your own in this hotel?"
"Don't remember." Blake grunted closing his eyes as he nuzzled into a cushion.
Huffing in frustration Alexis wheeled herself over to the phone, calling reception. "Hello can you tell me which room Blake Carrington is staying in?…306…No I don't need to be put through…Thank you."
Slamming down the receiver Alexis returned to the couch and the by now snoring Blake. Prodding him her frustration only increased when he slumbered on oblivious. Yet as she watched him sleep for a moment, pulling the cushion close, a familiar name on his lips she felt her anger melt.
It was her he called for, her not Sable.
He was here, drunk out of his mind, foolishly trying to confront Zach and not warming Sable's bed like she had thought. That had to count for something…It had to means something.
Retrieving a blanket Alexis draped it over him before heading back into her bedroom to set it back into some semblance of order.
She wasn't about to let him off the hook, not by any stretch of the imagination but perhaps tomorrow morning she could give him a chance, one last chance, to explain himself.
---
Groaning as he made the sluggish transition from sleep into wakefulness Blake was immediately struck by the terrible banging noise, wondering how anyone could sleep through such a racket it took him a moment to realize that the noise was coming from the inside of his skull. Yawning as he stretched out the terrible kink in his back it didn't take long for new unpleasant sensations to make themselves known.
His mouth tasted like something had crawled into whilst he slept and died. His stomach seemed to protest his every movement just like his head did, pitching and rolling as if he were aboard a yacht in a force nine-gale, yet move he had to as his full bladder made itself known.
Staggering to his feet Blake squinted against the taunting daylight heading through a door that he assumed led to the bathroom. Here at least it was nice and dark with only a dull illumination from what turned out to be the bathroom through another doorway.
Taking care of his pressing ablutions first Blake paused when he caught sight of his refection in the above sink mirror. He looked haggard, older than he had ever looked. There were deep dark bags under his eyes, which were themselves bloodshot, there was thick stubble on his chin and unattractive trail of drool down across his cheek.
As vile as all that was first he had to remove the rotting taste from his mouth, so grabbing the toothbrush and paste on offer he spent a good few minutes scrubbing every crevice of his mouth clean. It was only as he sat it down he realized it wasn't his…In fact none of his toiletries were there.
Panicking he glanced around and spotted the uniquely feminine products, body lotion...perfume… This wasn't his room at all.
Wracking his memory of the previous night Blake winced as he remembered the Benefit…Leaving it alone…going to prop up the bar…leaving with Sable.
Sable…Oh god…He remembered going to her room…He remembered…
Suddenly his stomach reasserted its presence and Blake barely made it to the toilet before the mainly liquid contents of the previous night came back to haunt him.
Panting Blake leaned his head against the porcelain bowl, trying to control any further retching. When he thought he had himself back under control he stood once more pouring himself a glass of mineral water from the standing bottle, swilling his mouth out before taking a deep gulp.
Staring at his reflection once more Blake tried to remember…Sable in her room…Sable's arms around him…Her lips on his…Touching until…
Gasping Blake suddenly remembered as if it had just happened.
Returning her kisses clumsily Blake allowed Sable to push him back against the couch, her lips moving from his to the curve of his jaw, down his neck, fumbling with the buttons of his shirt, opening them her lips following down…down until.
Groaning Blake closed his eyes fingers finding the nape of her neck, caressing the skin softly before burrowing in her hair, arching against her talented lips a name spilling from his own…Oh Alexis…
Things had gone downhill after that.
Sable had been less than pleased, pulling away from him so fast he might have been a leper, her chestnut eyes wide in horror. Blake had been so embarrassed he had simply grabbed his bottle, fastening his clothing as he made his way to the door. Yet as embarrassing as it had been the overwhelming feeling had been one of relief.
It was only when he was slumped in the corridor that he realized he had left his jacket…the jacket with his room key behind. Yet with each passing swig he had cared less about that, and more about finding Alexis.
She had told him her suite…The presidential…And he had been determined to find her…Then fight Powers for her if necessary. But after that there was nothing.
Running his hands over his stubble chin Blake finally looked properly at his surroundings. This was definitely a suite, it could be hers but there was only one way to be sure he thought glancing back to the darkened bedroom part of him dreading what he might find.
Would Alexis have taken pity on him and let him sleep off his drunkenness on her couch, whilst she entertained Powers in the bedroom. Somehow that hardly seemed likely.
One thing was certain he didn't think he could face Alexis in this state. So slipping off his rumpled clothes Blake walked over to the large shower, turning the water on and the temperature up until it was almost scolding. Then grabbing the soap and a scrubbing brush Blake scoured his skin, paying special attention to everywhere Sable had touched him, by the end his skin was red raw but it was a good pain unlike that pounding in his head.
Slipping on one of the fluffy robes provided by the hotel Blake rummaged around in the cabinet pleased when his eyes alighted on the complimentary toiletries that Alexis had of course put away untouched.
Snorting in amusement as that triggered a memory, of many years before not long after they were first married and Alexis had joined him on a business trip. Where he as a foolish young husband had inquired why his new wife needed an entire vanity case for her beauty products…The hotel provided the essentials.
Back then his young bride had smiled sweetly but remarked pointedly, hotel toiletries were all very well if he wanted her to look and smell like one of the cleaning staff. The next morning they had laughed when Blake caught housekeeping pocketing the products they hadn't used.
However if Alexis was picky about using them Blake himself had no qualms, of course there was a notable difference in quality between the products stocked in those roadside motels he had once visited and the presidential suite at the Ritz.
Lathering up his chin Blake picked up the razor and made short work of his stubble. Glancing at is reflection Blake was forced to admit it was a slight improvement, at least now he didn't look like he had just escaped from an institution of some kind, but with the bloodshot eyes and bags he did still resemble a health warning for alcoholics anonymous.
Realising he had put off the inevitable long enough Blake crept out of the bathroom, waiting until his eyes adjusted to the darkness before picking his way over to the bed.
Alexis was there, and alone Blake was relieved to see.
Surprised that the noise from his shower hadn't woken her Blake paused, standing by the bed unsure just what to do now. Alexis hated to be woken up, it always put her in a bad mood, and considering the fact that he must have barged in here drunk after that fiasco at the Benefit, she was already predisposed to be mad at him.
Eventually his body made the decision for him, as Blake struggled to suppress a yawn. Lowering himself gingerly down on to the bed, Blake convinced himself he was just going to wait here until she woke up naturally. Yet as his head touched the pillow, and his hand crept of its own accord around Alexis's waist prompting her to turn and snuggle up against him; Blake allowed his eyes to close and her gentle rhythmic breathing to lull him back to sleep.
He would have a hard enough time convincing her of his innocence he might as well do it properly rested.
---
Part 6:
Warmth and safety that was what Alexis woke to.
Dozily burrowing her face into the slope of Blake's chest, she sighed content as Blake moved against her, tightening his hold on her, resting his chin against her forehead pressing a kiss to it. For a moment everything was perfect and then she remembered.
Scrunching her eyes tightly closed Alexis wished she could return to the previous blissful ignorance. Yet the memories refused to go away and so reluctantly she opened her eyes, tilting her head up so she could study her sleeping companion.
He looked tired.
With those vital dark eyes of his closed Blake looked every year of his age; the deep lines that creased his face seemed more pronounced this morning than they ever had before.
As if instinctively aware of her scrutiny Blake's eyes drifted open, dark eyes meeting her emerald ones. At first soft from sleep and full of affection it wasn't long before they clouded with fear but there lingered a hint of hope. For a moment the silence hung tense over them. Blake afraid to speak, to move lest it break the spell and Alexis drew away from him in disgust.
Instead she surprised him by moving, not away, but leaning up and brushing her lips against Blake's own.
Relief the like of which he had rarely felt flooded his body and Blake felt himself relax, muscles that had been tensed painfully melted under her kiss. Responding hesitantly, then with increasing passion and tenderness, Blake pulled her tightly against him wanting his body in complete contact with hers; afraid that the moment would end and she would vanish as easily as a dream.
Eventually they pulled apart breathing heavily. Running his hands up and down her back, into her hair then across to cup her face, Blake struggled to find the words, in the end blurting them out with none of his usual finesse. "I'm sorry…God Alexis last night…I'm so sorry."
Running her fingers across his cheek, tracing the outline of his lips Alexis dropped her gaze, unable to bear the raw emotion in his eyes. "Just last night?"
Sighing deeply Blake caught her chin, lifting her eyes back to his own, "No not just last night. I asked too much of you, I know that now, I was wrong about everything—Can you forgive me?"
For a moment Alexis didn't answer and Blake felt his heart drop to his stomach. When she did speak her tone was strained, "Do you mean it…Do you really want this to work?"
"Yes." Blake answered heartily. "More than anything I want this to work."
"Then you need to let me in Blake…You need to trust me Blake, let go of the past." Alexis added sternly unwilling to take him at this first apology.
Shaking his head Blake realised the sense in her words, if they had any future he needed to trust her completely but to let go of all their history, to let his guard down would eave him vulnerable. "What you ask isn't easy…You…We hurt each other very badly and…"
"The past is the past Blake." Alexis insisted her emerald eyes wide. "Nothing can change it but people can chance. Are you the same man I met thirty years ago?"
"No." Blake answered honestly.
"Then how can you think I am? I am not going to make the same mistake again." Alexis insisted her cheeks flushing with repressed anger, as she struggled to keep a hold on her temper.
Smiling ruefully Blake met her earnest gaze. Stroking Alexis's pink cheek he grudgingly admitted. "You may have a point."
"I know I do." Alexis retorted primly causing Blake to laugh and with that she felt her remaining anger vanish. Laughing along with him Alexis buried her head into Blake's shoulder running her fingers along the edge of Blake's all too familiar bathrobe.
Catching her fingers Blake brought them to his lips kissing them gently. "I do love you Alexis."
"Then prove it." Alexis added provocatively, raising a teasing eyebrow. Running her fingers across the exposed slope of his chest.
"Alright." Blake replied accepting her invitation and turning them both over so that he had her pinned beneath him but instead of immediately ravishing her Blake surprised her. "Those leases."
Wiggling beneath him Alexis asked in frustration. "What about them?"
"I didn't plan last night." Blake said tightening his hold on her, as Alexis immediately tried to push him away. "No hear me out…But the only way I can prove that is by not profiting from it."
"I don't understand…" Alexis muttered her brows drawn together in confusion.
Pausing before replying Blake made sure he had her full attention before adding seriously. "I am not going to attend that lunch at the embassy."
"Blake you can't." Alexis exclaimed but Blake was resolute.
"You wanted proof Alexis, now you have it."
Rolling her eyes Alexis retorted. "Blake you are certifiable."
"No I'm perfectly sane." Blake insisted, his dark eyes serious. "Once I lost you because I put business first."
"Blake." Alexis sighed reaching up to stroke his face, her fingers sliding into the hair at the nape of his neck.
"No let me say this." Blake cut her off leaning close he pressed his forehead against hers determined that this time she would listen because it was not something he would repeat. "I am not making the same mistake twice." He swore sealing that promise with a kiss.
And then another…And another.
---
Back in Denver another Carrington Colby couple were sitting down to breakfast.
Shaking out her napkin Fallon was just pouring herself a cup of coffee when Jeff entered and so she poured him a cup as well, watching as he energetically moved around the room assembling his breakfast.
Picking up Blake's paper Jeff settled into his seat surprised when he picked up the coffee pot and went to fill his cup to find it already full. Glancing over the edge of his paper Jeff caught Fallon's amused smirk even though she tried to hide it behind her cup. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Fallon replied and a comfortable silence followed.
Jeff tried to concentrate on his paper but his eyes kept wandering to watching Fallon toy with her breakfast, a far away look on her face which then morphed into the most devious expression. Intrigued Jeff folded his paper, "Ok Spill it."
Looking up Fallon feigned an innocent expression which if he hadn't seen the devilish one a moment before might have convinced him. "Spill what?"
"You've got that look about you…You're plotting something I can tell."
"Moi?" Fallon gasped lifting a hand to her chest in mock outrage.
"Yes you. I've known you most of your life Fallon…I saw that look before you roped me and Steven into raiding Mrs Gunnerson's pantry and laying the blame on poor Mr Kensington your mother's much maligned Collie. I just hope it's not something to do with your parents because I warned you before, stay out of it Fallon."
"No I am innocent of all charges Mr Colby." Fallon exclaimed yet she was unable to completely restrain her smirk and at Jeff's raised eyebrow she caved. "Alright maybe just a little meddling." Then at Jeff's questioning glance she added. "The hospital Gala, I booked us a table…You and me…Mother and Father and…a few mutual friends."
"Mutual friends?" Jeff queried. "People who might be sympathetic to them getting back together?"
Toying with her scrambled eggs Fallon wilted under Jeff's heavy gaze.
"Well its not the worst idea you ever had." Jeff grudgingly admitted casing Fallon to perk up. "But I don't know how you are going to get Blake to agree to it."
Suddenly energized by his unexpected support Fallon leaned forward blue eyes glinting mischievously and for a moment Jeff was sharply reminded of their young son. "Do you really want to know?"
"You mean do you have my support and cooperation." Jeff retorted, pausing for a moment before caving to the inevitable. "Alright I'm in, come on Sherlock what's the plot?"
Smiling now she had achieved her primary objective Jeff had always been too easy to reel in, Fallon relaxed against her chair. "Slowly slowly…First we get them used to doing things as a family. Which is why when they get back from their business trip we are going out the movies together."
Snorting Jeff shook his head. "Blake and Alexis at the movies with the common folk?"
"Just picture it, we arrange it that they sit together, we put the kids the other side of us…We go see something romantic…It's nice and dark in the…"
Rolling his eyes as Fallon got carried away Jeff held up his hands. "Spare me the nitty gritty details. All this still doesn't tell me how you are even going to get them to agree in the first place."
"Oh that's the easiest part." Fallon said waving her hand dismissively. "I'll just use my secret weapon."
"Mind altering drugs in the champagne?" Jeff quipped.
"No LB." Fallon retorted smugly. "Neither Grandpa Blake nor Grandma Alexis can resist those baby blues."
Shaking his head Jeff had to take his hat off to her, using LB was devious and sure to work, and he was about to admit as much when Gerard interrupted.
"Mr Colby. Mr Adam is on the phone. He asked to speak with Mr Carrington but I explained he wasn't here. He insisted this was urgent…Would you?"
Sighing Jeff threw his napkin down on the table, the prospect of talking to Adam removing what was left of his appetite. "Alright Gerard." Jeff replied, smiling at Fallon's commiserating glance as he went to answer the phone.
"Adam." Jeff grunted. "What is so urgent? Run out of pocket money already?"
"Jeff." Adam's voice showed that he felt exactly the same way as Jeff about this conversation. "It is important but since I relish talking to you just as much as you do me I'll be brief. There is a man Father needs to talk to, he's called Frank Dobson."
"Adam Blake is a busy man he doesn't have time…" Jeff began only to be cut off.
"Listen Jeff I don't have time to listen to your pontificating." Adam hissed. "But somehow I think Father will want to know. Frank Dobson, a former policeman, and the man who has information on a certain Captain Handler. Now do you think you can pass on that message?"
---
Sipping her coffee Alexis watched Blake practically inhale his breakfast. "Hungry?"
Smiling ruefully Blake took a dip sip of his juice, reaching for two more slices of toast, replying as he buttered them. "I missed dinner remember and Scotch doesn't exactly fill you up."
"Blake." Alexis began hesitantly rubbing the rim of her coffee cup. "About Sable…How did she end up accompanying you to the Benefit?"
Taking his time to swallow his eggs Blake insisted, "I bumped into her at airport it wasn't planned."
"Just a coincidence?" Alexis scoffed. "Now I may have once believed in Santa Claus, even the Easter Bunny but even I don't believe in coincidences not where my cousin is concerned."
Setting his fork down Blake held his hand out for hers waiting until he had it before putting on his best puppy dog expression. "Don't you trust me?"
Pulling her hand away shaking her head at his foolishness Alexis grumpily retorted. "Of course I do its Sable I don't trust.
Amused by her petulance Blake crowed, "You're jealous."
"Me!" Alexis exclaimed innocence personified. "Jealous now I know you are delusional."
Shaking his head Blake returned his attention to his breakfast, hoping that the topic of Sable was over and dealt with. Yet he should have known Alexis wasn't finished, when it came to some subjects she was like a dog worrying a bone.
"All I can think is thank god she wasn't able to take advantage of your condition last night." Alexis muttered oblivious to the way Blake shifted uncomfortably in his seat his mind whirling; if ever there was a time to come clean it was now.
"I couldn't stand that…First Dex then you. Sable seems to go out of her way to try and destroy anyone or anything special in my life."
"Alexis." Blake spoke sharply causing Alexis to look up. "There is…"
However the sudden sound of the telephone cut him off.
"Excuse me Darling that might be Steven I did tell him I was staying here and asked him to call." Alexis explained wheeling over to the phone.
However much to her surprise it wasn't her youngest son on the phone.
"Minister Lin…Yes I am sorry we missed each other last night, there was such a crush when everyone left…Lunch today?" Alexis gasped looking up and catching Blake's stunned expression.
"Yes of course…No One O'clock will be fine…Yes I have seen Blake…He's staying here in this same hotel…Of course he'll be there." Alexis insisted much to Blake's astonishment.
"Thank you Minister Lin…Yes I am looking forward to it as well."
"Alexis." Blake growled warningly but Alexis ignored him.
"Yes Minister Good Bye."
Setting the phone down Alexis raised a hand to fall stall Blake's objection. "No hear me out Blake."
"Alexis I had made my decision. I don't appreciate you answering for me." Blake cut in ignoring the warning signs as Alexis's eyes flashed.
"Oh stop being stubborn!" Alexis spat surprising him. "It was a wonderful gesture, just the fact that you were prepared to do it is enough. But business is business, it needs to be kept separate from our relationship from the start or we are going to be setting ourselves up for trouble. Or do you foolishly expect me to do the same next time we have a disagreement?"
"Are you saying I'm not worth a lease or two?" Blake teased, dark eyes glinting as he sipped his coffee.
Rolling her emerald eyes Alexis smiled wryly. "Be serious Blake, this is our children…our grandchildren's inheritance we are talking about here. We owe it to them to try our hardest, to make our companies the most successful we can. That means we are going to clash in business, we just have to make sure that those quarrels stay in the boardroom and don't follow us into the bedroom."
"Alright." Blake capitulated holding his hands up, standing up and crossing the room to where she sat, slipping his hands round her waist he helped her stand. "You've convinced me…We'll go hear what Minister Lin has to say, but I hope you remember this was your idea. I don't want you turning on me when I beat you to those leases."
"Oh you…" Alexis began hotly slapping Blake's chest yet she did nothing to stop him kissing her.
A sharp knock at the door interrupted them.
"Hmm must be the porter with my clothes." Blake mused. "I suppose it is time I was dressed."
"Oh I don't know Mr Carrington." Alexis teased, running her fingers along the edge of his fluffy robe, lingering on his bare chest. "I do like this outfit."
"Oh do you Mrs Colby?" Blake retorted surprising Alexis as he began to back them towards the suite door as the knocking continued; enjoying the way Alexis had to cling to him, giggling as hands slipped down from her waist to cup a lower handhold. "Well if you like it so much I could be persuaded to lend it to you…I imagine it would look better on you anyway."
Staggering along with him Alexis dug her fingers into his neck. "Blake don't you dare let me go."
"Just think of this as physio." Blake quipped finally getting to the door, pressing her firmly against it. "Now what am I going to do with you." Blake mused before accepting the invitation in her eyes and kissing her deeply.
Irritatingly for them both the porter knocked again and Blake reluctantly ended the kiss, taking one hand away from exploring Alexis through her satin robe to pull the door open with a yank. "Just set it down inside then make yourself scarce." Blake demanded his dark eyes still locked on Alexis's twinkling orbs, anxious to continue what they had started.
"Dad what are you…Mother." Steven exclaimed standing in the open doorway his blue eyes darting between both of his parents, not that they needed to go far considering the pair were pressed together.
"Steven." Blake gasped unable to say anything else.
Unable to suppress her amusement as both her men continued to stand there, mouths agape Alexis quipped. "Do you think now might be a good time to tell the children?"
---
Meanwhile somewhere far away from Washington, in a hospital room, a patient lay hooked up to machines, the dull slow beeping a constant.
When suddenly the machines began to haywire and a fair-haired nurse carrying a tray full of medications came running dropping them when her eyes fell on the patient.
"Oh my god you're awake!"
---