Temptation's Game
By: Liv-x-Lex4Ever & E. Scribbles
Chapter 6: Transfer
Alex sighed, angrily slamming the phone on the hook.
"What is it?" Casey asked. "What are they going to do?"
Alex closed her eyes a moment, pulling the towel tighter around herself until it was covering everything, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "Nothing."
"Nothing?" she repeated in a whisper. "A-Alex, h-he almost...how can they do nothing?"
Alex had changed from shaking with desire to shaking with anger as she stood, pulling down the blinds of the room one by one, almost ripping some of them out of the wall. "Get dressed."
Casey walked over, lying a hand on Alex's shoulder, frowning. "Why? A-Are we leaving?"
Alex nodded, beginning to collect their things that were already scattered around the suite.
Casey walked over to her suitcase, pulling out some clothes, before walking into the bathroom to get dressed. Fifteen minutes later, she walked back out, seeing Alex packing both suitcases. She rubbed her ring, standing in the doorway. "Alex?"
"Mmm?" Alex continued pushing clothes into the suitcases, dressed in jeans and a singlet.
Casey walked over, wrapping her arms around Alex's waist and resting her head on her shoulder. "Can...we sit for a second?"
Alex hesitated a moment before following her to sit on the bed.
Casey wrapped her arms around her. "Are we...leaving, going back to New York, so soon? I understand why, but it's just...this is so nice, just you and me. I don't want this to end. We're free off all the chaos of everything in our lives back there."
"Free of it? It's followed us here!" Alex was on her feet again, pacing.
Casey followed her, wrapping her arms around her. "Free of everything else. Once we get back there, Alex, I'm not going to win this fight. There's no evidence, no nothing! Just my word against his! He-he scares me. He'll just keep pursuing me," her sobs broke through. "What am I supposed to do?"
Alex's anger finally dissipated a little, and she reached up to wrap her arms tightly around Casey. "We don't have to go home. We can go to another hotel. Or a smaller island. He only knew we'd be here because there was an itinerary on my desk. If we change plans, he won't find us."
"But you-you booked this. How are we supposed to get another room as nice as this one?"
"I'll find one. Come on, you know me. I can get whatever I want. I got you, didn't I?"
Casey smiled, choking back a sob, and nodded. "Yeah."
Alex dropped a kiss to her head. "You stay here, finish packing. I'll be back in 5 minutes with everything sorted."
She nodded. "If you're leaving the room, take a key and lock it?"
Alex nodded, kissing her tears away. "I'll be back before you notice I'm gone. Ninja style." Alex smiled at her.
Casey nodded, smiling a bit. "I wish they had jurisdiction over here. I'd hire Olivia and Elliot to kick his ass."
"I'm pretty sure I could kick his ass harder than both of them, jurisdiction or not." Alex kissed her head again before walking towards the door.
"Hey," Casey said, turning to face her.
Alex turned back, leaning against the door.
She smiled. "Love you."
"Love you more." Alex smiled back before disappearing out the door.
Casey walked over and grabbed her bathing suit, then walked into the bathroom and wrung it out over the sink before walking back over to where her towel was, laying it inside and leaning against it in trying to get the excess water out. Getting all she could, she packed it and zipped her suitcase.
She sat on the bed, trying to memorize the room which still held the memories. But when she closed her eyes, the stairwell was there, she could feel his hands dragging her back. Suddenly, she couldn't move or scream, trapped in the nightmare.
Alex walked back in, seeing her curled up into a ball and crying harder than before.
"Casey." She approached, touching her gently on the arm.
She shrugged her off. "Go away! Y-you sh-shouldn't see m-me like th-this!"
Alex stroked her head. "It's ok, baby. He's not here, and I won't let him near you again. Ever."
Casey leaned into her. "Y-you don't know that!"
"I promise, Casey. I promise. I will do everything I can to make sure we never have to see him again."
Casey nodded, opening her red-rimmed eyes to look at her. "Wh-where are we going now?"
"Another hotel. On another island. With an even more amazing suite than this. In fact, I can't believe I didn't book it first time. It has a Jacuzzi, it has a king size bed, it has a balcony, it has its own pool and it has a mirror above the bed if you're feeling kinky."
Casey laughed. "Kinky, me? Nah...oh wait. I guess behind a waterfall and in a Jacuzzi would be considered that, huh?"
"A little. Now if you'd care to accompany me down to the beach, we can walk along to the boat I've booked."
Casey nodded. "Anything to get away from this fantasy turned bad."
Walking along the beach, Alex kept a tight hold on Casey's hand, her eyes darting around looking for Mark as she pointed things out to Casey, trying to lift her mood.
"It really is beautiful out here, but I don't think anything can compare to you," Casey said, smiling at her.
"A few more compliments like that and I might let you into my pants later." Alex kissed her shoulder.
Casey grinned. "In that case, you're beautiful even when you're in sweats, no makeup and you're hair's a mess."
"Careful or a might have to take all my clothes off right here!" Alex kissed the corner of her mouth, her hand twirling the ring around Casey's finger.
She sighed. "I love your enthusiasm, but save it for behind closed, locked doors, okay my girl? I think I see the boat now."
Alex smiled. "Or waterfalls. Don't forget, I know your kinky now." As Casey opened her mouth to object, Alex let go of her hand. "Race you!"
Casey smiled, running after her. She was fives steps away from winning when she tripped over something hard. Looking down, something was around her ankle. "ALEX!" she yelled, unable to break free.
Alex ran back, laughing breathlessly as she kicked away the seaweed that has tangled around her ankle. "Aww, looks like I won!"
Casey sighed. "Yeah. Now let's go."
As Alex stood at the front desk of their new hotel, Casey turned around in a circle, taking it all in. There were guards by the door, there were security again by the lifts, all amongst the beauty of the wealth of beautiful paintings, displays and...was that...that was someone from the movies, Casey was sure of it.
How had Alex managed to get them in here?
Alex smiled, ringing the bell.
A young man walked out. "Yes, how may I help you?"
"Alexandra Cabot. I called from-"
"Oh. Oh yes. Miss Cabot. How lovely to meet you. And this must be Miss Novak? A pleasure!" He held out a hand to shake hers, looking genuinely pleased to meet her, as Casey still stared at the woman floating down the stairs, trying to remember what movie's she'd been in.
Alex nudged her and she came back to reality and shook his hand. "Sorry, she just...looks familiar."
"Oh yes, I believe she has been in a few movies. However, I have the very best suite vacated for you, Miss Novak, as a thank you."
"What?" she asked, stunned. "A-a thank you?"
"You sent my brother's killer to prison two years ago. I'm sure you don't remember me. It's ok, but I am so glad I can repay you, in some way, at least."
She shook his hand. "Thank you." She cleared her throat. "I trust Alex has made you aware of our um...situation?" she whispered.
He gave a nod. "My cousin is head of security here. He will make sure nothing happens."
He shook her hand with great force once more, and she noticed the woman she'd been looking at earlier was now gazing at her with great interest.
"Your bags are already in your room. It's top floor. The whole of. Please call down if you need anything. And here is your key." He handed it to her, shaking her hand again, making Alex cover her mouth to hide her smile.
Casey looked back at the woman, walking over. "Can I help you?"
"Just glad the man at the desk as someone else to dribble over. I've been here a week and he's almost dislocated my shoulder about once a day."
She sighed. "Your day's sounds much safer than mine has been. Forgive me for asking, but...you look so familiar...?"
She waved her hand dismissively. "I'm in show business, nothing important like you seem to be. I'm just about to head over to the islands new restaurant, if you'd like to join me?"
"Oh, um, w-we just got here and I have a problem with an associate, hence why my day is so horrible. Alex, come over here a second, will you?"
Alex approached, jealousy obvious in every movement, from the folded arms, to the way she unfolded them and put a hand rather possessively around Casey.
Casey shrugged. "Alex, geez, calm down," she whispered. "Alex, this is...sorry, still haven't caught your name," she said with a smile.
"Simone. Nice to meet you." She put a hand out to shake Alex's, but after Casey shrugged her arm off, she'd folded them again and mode no move to shake the woman's hand. "I was just asking your friend if she'd like to join me at the restaurant for lunch."
Casey looked at Simone, shaking her hand for her. "She's... yeah. I'm, uh, having a little trouble. You wouldn't mind listening for a second, would you, maybe over lunch?" She looked at Alex, who looked like she might pounce. "Excuse us, one moment," Casey said as they turned around and walked back a few steps. "I know you're worried about...him, but come on, this could be fun! She's in showbiz!"
"Go. If you want. I don't."
"Why not?"
Alex just gave a shrug, her arms still tightly folded. "When you've finished lunching, I'll be upstairs, friend."
Ouch! She sighed, turning around and walking back over, looking a bit defeated. The ring seemed to weigh heavier. "Simone? I'm sorry, but I've had a rough two days. How long will you be staying here?"
"Oh, another week probably. We can always go another time, if you'd like to get settled. I believe I'm on the floor below you. I was on the top floor but it seems your friend has a...persuasive manner." She glanced towards Alex who stood impatiently waiting for the lift.
Casey stepped closer. "My, uh. trouble is one of Alex and I's former associates. He's been stalking me since we left...and uh, she's just protective," she sighed, stepping back. "I apologize if she gave the wrong impression. She's usually only like that at work."
"It's fine. Call me anytime. I'd love to talk more...when we are not getting the evil eye, of course." The door to the lift had finally opened and Alex stepped in, looking their way once more.
Casey pulled a card from her jeans pocket. "Huh. Surprised I brought this with me. Anyway, my cell number's on it. Bye Simone!" she said, running into the lift before it closed.
Alex didn't speak, just stood with her arms folded until they got into the hotel room.
Casey opened the door, letting Alex in first before walking in and closing it. She sighed. "All right, what's the problem? You're never that cold."
"That cold? So you think I'm cold, do you? Nice." Alex threw her jacket on the bed,
Casey just stood in front of her. "Yes Alex, that cold! I've seen you face rapists, pedophiles, child molesters, serial killers...you name it I've seen it. Your profession requires you to be judgmental, as does mine, but God, in those spare five minutes what did she do to deserve one of your chilling glares?"
"Nothing at all. I guess I'm just a terrible person. The kind of person who has to hide who she is all the time at work and wants to be the real her on holiday, but apparently still isn't allowed to be. I'm going for a swim. I wouldn't follow, could be awkward for one friend to see another naked." Alex walked from the main room.
Casey followed her, grabbing her wrist. "What?" she asked. "You think she was coming onto me, don't you?"
"I don't know what she was doing, but I sure as hell know what you were doing!" Alex pulled her hand away.
"Really? Then tell me! All I was doing was making conversation...sh-she looked famous, like I'd seen her in a movie. I wanted to find out." The sarcasm in her voice faded. "Alex, if I don't love you, tell me, what have I been doing these past 3 years? Or when you were sick with food poisoning?" She walked closer. "Why would I ever give my heart to another when I have someone like you? Who loves me at my worst and at my best? The one who barged into a pitch-black room to save me? Alex..."
"You know I love you, Casey, I just sometimes wonder if the feeling is mutual." Alex walked from the room, shutting the door.
Casey leaned against the wall in thought. She hadn't been flirting, just trying to figure things out. Though after last night and today Alex had been there when she'd needed her the most. Maybe she needed to prove that to Alex too. She looked down at the ring.
She walked out, finding Alex, sitting in a chair. "I'm going out for a bit. Can I trust you'll be here when I get back?" she asked leaning in the doorframe.
"I've always said you can trust me." Alex refused to look at her, her eyes focused on the ocean.
"Lex," she said walking up to sit beside her, "look at me."
"I thought you were going out? Not sitting here with me. You do have trouble making your mind up about things, don't you?"
"Alex, look at me," she repeated.
She turned to look at her, anger and sadness shining in her eyes, but the strong love she felt still evident.
Casey took her hand, kissing it. "She's just a friend and she always will be, but you? You're my girl always. And, if it counts, I wasn't trying to flirt with her, if I did. I'm sorry. Please believe me?"
"Oh, she's a friend now? After talking to her for 2 minutes? Well, I won't hold out much hope of being your secret girlfriend for much longer then." Alex pulled her hand away, her voice thick with emotion.
"If she becomes that! Alex...I love you, I do. I promise I'll be back soon, come back to you." She left before Alex could reply, getting into the lift.
Stepping off, she walked over to the desk, ringing the bell where the same young man greeted her. "Miss Novak! How can I help you?"
She rested her hand on the counter, showing the ring. "I was wondering, do you know any good jewelers in the area? Maybe someone with a ring similar to this?"
He studied it, and was about to answer when Simone spoke from next to her. "I know a place, with ones very similar. I'll take you. If you promise to, at least, have a drink with me after."
Casey looked at her, remembering what Alex had said. "Just a drink? Nothing more?"
Simone smiled and gave a nod.
Casey nodded. "Are they...affordable?"
"Ah...affordable enough, but pricey enough to be special."
"Sounds good to me. Ah, also, I'd like for this to be a surprise for Alex," she told the young man, "so if you wouldn't mind..."
He nodded and tapped the side of his nose. "Our secret."
She nodded, smiling, turning to Simone. "Lead the way."
Author's Note: What do you guys think? I know I don't usually post two chapters so close together (2 in less than 12 hours) but we're ahead of the game anyway, so I figured why not?
Many review thanks to: Trek, LOCISVU, Madds21, Blitz1030, Wigler, iTrick, steple, Stussy, Tripperz, Nobot4life, Tracer, Cavak, Surfrider, Butterscotch, Lexie & Mackster
(-0.0-) Wow... 89 for five chapters! Thanks guys! Please keep it up!
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Liv-x-Lex4Ever & E. Scribbles