Chapter One (Halloween in Salem)
Ava stood in the bistro at Salem Square, looking around at her dream come true. She'd always longed to have a little restaurant all her own and this one was perfect, except...
Gil Carter walked into the bristro and approached Ava. "Hello, Ms. Vitali. I have been longing to meet you," said the dark-haired, middle-aged man as he looked her up and down as though he wished to devour her ferociously like a beast in some dark alley. "Aren't you looking beautiful. When Clyde hired me, I never dreamed I would go into a partnership with a babe such as yourself."
Ava glared at Gil. She had been told by Clyde that her new "boss" would be showing up at the bistro which was actually a front for Clyde's evil plans (whatever they may be).
"Don't get any ideas," Ava hissed. "I hate Clyde... and I hate working for you. The only reason I am doing this is to keep my son safe. That asshole Clyde had my son's arm sliced open when he was working at the hospital. Tripp needed stitches and no one hurts my son!"
"You're a fiery one, yes, indeed. The little cat is going to bare her claws, but don't you worry about your little doctor-son. Your boy will be safe, as long as you do everything I tell you to do. You're willing to do whatever I tell you, right?"
"What choice do I have?" Ava said with a sigh. "What I really want to do is go into the kitchen, whip up a really big pot of boiling spaghetti, and shove your creepy face into it!"
"Watch it," Gil said in a menacing tone after his sinister grin faded away from his face. "Customers will be arriving soon. Try to act natural... and when the time is right, I'll give you your first assignment. You can handle whatever I throw at you, right?"
"My family was involved in organized crime and I was entrenched into it most of my life, whether I liked it or not. I can handle anything," Ava insisted.
"Good, because we wouldn't want your baby boy lying dead on some dark road, would we?" Gil threatened before he left.
Ava grumbled to herself as she went about her duties, getting everything prepared before opening the restaurant for her first day of business. She wore a smile, but inside she was aching deep into her soul. For now, she was forced to do Clyde's bidding, because it was the only way to keep her beloved son safe from harm's way. She would do anything to keep Tripp happy and safe. She just wished with all her heart that she wasn't betraying Harris who had just gotten a job at the Salem PD. After everything they had gone through in the mental hospital and saving Susan together, Harris had become her dearest friend and now even more was beginning to brew between them. She knew that for certain after the steamy kiss they had shared the day before.
Ava was tired of awakening every morning in her son's apartment to the sounds of him and Wendy having sex. She wished she could get her own place as she thought longingly about Harris and the room he had rented above the pub.
With Gil gone, she could go about her day, running the restaurant. She was trying to make the best of it as she stared into space while sitting at the bar in the bistro. It was at that moment that Harris walked in.
She turned and smiled, her heart skipping a beat as she saw him approach. "Hi there. What brings you here?"
"I am actually on a break on my first day on the job. Rafe just gave me my first assignment," he replied as he sat down next to her.
Seeing that Ava had suddenly broke eye contact as a troubled expression came to her face, Harris then asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
"Sure," she said, quickly putting on a brave face. "I was just thinking about... you."
"Me?" he asked in surprise as she gazed into his bright blue eyes. "What were you thinking about?"
"I- I was just hoping I could see you tonight... after you're off work."
"Sure, I am going to be working on my first assignment, then we could meet at the pub for dinner."
"I'd love that," she said as she moved closer to give him a soft peck on the lips which was nothing like their kiss of passion.
"Our first date," she heard him murmur to himself as he stood up and left the bistro.
Xxxooo
Wendy arrived at the DiMera Crypt after receiving a strange message on her phone. It said - "Meet me at the DiMera Crypt for a romantic and sexy Halloween surprise!"
*I wonder what Tripp might be up to,* she thought to herself as she pulled open the heavy door of the crypt. In the past, they had talked about trying some kinky things to spice up their love-life, but this seemed a bit extreme. Since it was Halloween, Wendy decided not to question it.
"Tripp?" she called out as she entered the darkness.
As soon as the door closed and the lock clicked shut, Wendy realized she wasn't alone. "What's going on?!" she asked when she saw Johnny in the crypt, tied up to a pole, completely naked.
There was wine chilling and candles glowing in their sconces, but Wendy barely noticed as she spoke to her ex, demanding some answers. "Johnny, answer me. What have you done?"
Right outside the crypt, one of Clyde's goons chuckled. He had just barred the door and no one was getting out. Not now anyway. Clyde wanted EJ DiMera to pay for his part in having him placed behind bars. Clyde knew that Johnny was EJ's son and EJ hated Wendy. Now it was time to let nature take it's course between Johnny and Wendy.
The man who sat in his prison cell grinned. All of his plans were going exactly as he had hoped they would. Ava was working at the bistro which was a front for his illegal dealings and EJ DiMera's son would soon be making passionate love to Wendy, causing unhappiness for EJ and breaking Tripp's heart. It was Clyde's sworn vow to make EJ pay. He could only hope that EJ would not discover who had kidnapped his dear, sweet mother, Susan and turned her over to the man who held her captive in chains for over a year. It was Ava Vitali and Harris Michaels who had rescued Susan, ending the torment Clyde had enjoyed putting EJ through. Now, like helpless, little pawns upon a chess board, every single one of Clyde's enemies would pay the price for crossing him.
Inside the crypt, Johnny begged, "Wendy, untie me!"
"How did you get in here?" she asked as she hurried over to remove the rope which bound him securely to the pole.
Once he was freed, he rubbed his wrists. They were bright red and painful from being tied up. "I got a text message to meet here. I thought it was Chanel planning for us to break in for a Halloween prank. I had no idea it was buffoons. They grabbed me, stripped me naked and tied me up. Then they lit the candles and arranged this table," Johnny indicated. There was a table with roses, candles, and champagne along with a charcuterie board of cheeses, meats, crackers, dips, and veggies.
"What do we do now?" Wendy asked. "I got a text, too, and I thought it was Tripp. I had no clue why he'd want to meet here of all places, but it makes more sense that it was a set up."
"Who would throw us together and why?" Johnny asked, thoroughly confused.
"I haven't done anything to draw attention to myself that I know of, have you?"
"No. Nothing unusual. I've been busy with things at home."
"Oh," Wendy said. She didn't know why she felt sad hearing that. He sounded like he was having a good time in his relationship. Tripp was always working at the hospital, so Wendy hardly ever saw him. She didn't know why but she was jealous of Chanel and the attention she clearly received from Johnny. Stabs of pain struck her as she remembered when Johnny used to be hers.
"I wish I could find my clothes," he muttered. He didn't like being naked in front of his ex.
"I have no idea where your clothes are, but I suppose we should eat and drink since we are stuck here until someone finds us," she said softly.
"Is it safe to eat this food?" he wondered.
"If someone wanted to hurt us, I suppose the goons would have done that by now."
"I'll eat and drink if you do."
"We'll do it together," she said as they walked over to the make-shift table and sat down. Johnny picked up the bottle of champagne and opened it with a pop. He poured them each some in the flutes that had been placed on the table which had clearly been set up for them.
"Looks like whomever has us trapped wants us to romance. The roses. The champagne, the finger foods," he pointed out.
"The candles," she agreed, as he handed her a flute. She accepted champagne and Johnny picked up his own after setting the bottle down and recorking it.
"To us and getting out of here," he said.
"To us," she echoed and they clinked glasses.
Wendy found it hard to think straight as she sipped at her wine and tried her best to avert her gaze from a naked Johnny. She found she could not. Her feelings for Johnny were still there, buried deep down inside. She had never gotten over him, no matter how much she cared about Tripp. The thought of Tripp made a lump grow in her throat, so she drank more of the wine to wash it down.
"I need more wine," she said to Johnny.
"Wow, Wendy, you really drank that down. I know this is an awkward situation, but are you sure you're okay?" Johnny asked as in concern he poured more of the wine for Wendy.
Johnny was so handsome and he looked even more so as he gazed at her with tenderness. Wendy's heart skipped a beat. "I really don't think I am okay. No. I want you, Johnny. I know I am dating Tripp and I shouldn't but I do... and..."
Her voice trailed off as she took another sip of the delicious wine. It had to be a good vintage, because it was so smooth on her tongue. "Wendy, are you saying you regret our break-up? I am with Chanel now, but I too still have feelings for you. I never told you, because I thought you were happy with Tripp."
"I am happy with Tripp. I love him, but I am not IN LOVE with him."
"Are you saying you are still in love with me?"
"I don't know, Johnny... but right now, I want you so much and I just want to... make love to you."
"That's the wine talking, you don't really..."
"I do." Wendy set her wine aside and started to slowly unbutton her blouse, exposing her soft, supple skin.
"What are you doing?" Johnny asked in shock.
"I want you, Johnny. Please. I don't want to talk anymore. Just make love to me."
"Truly? It's what you want?"
Wendy whispered "yes" as she continued to remove her clothes. After she took off her blouse, she unsnapped her bra, letting her lovely breasts fall to his gaze. "Oh my God," he groaned. "I can't say no. God help us both. I want you, Wendy. I've always wanted you."
Johnny's lips crashed to hers in a hungry kiss as he tasted the sweet wine in the droplets which clung to her mouth. His hands molded her skin, reclaiming it as he slowly lowered her to the floor. They forgot where they were - a crypt and that they were being held captive and placed in a situation which would rekindle their past romance. All they knew was each other's touch and the soft sighs of pleasure as their bodies became one. Johnny made love to her as he'd always wanted to and it was all he had dreamed of and more. As their bodies came down from the crashing passion of simmering desire, Wendy opened her eyes. She was on top of Johnny, totally naked. Tears started to seep from her eyes.
"What have I done?" she murmured. "What have WE done?"
"What we should have done a long time ago. I swear to you, if this had happened before our break-up, I never would have let you go, Wendy," he replied as he caressed her dark hair.
"What happens now?" she asked softly.
"I don't know... but we'll have to figure it out."
Just then the door the crypt opened and E.J. DiMera stepped inside.
"Dad!" Johnny gasped as he tried to cover up as much of Wendy's nudity as he could.
"What were you doing in the crypt?" EJ demanded. "And why was the bloody door locked?"
EJ scowled when he saw Wendy on top of his son. It was obvious that his son had fallen into the arms of that girl he despised again. Wendy Chen was a little conniving bitch and he wanted her no where near Johnny.
"You!" EJ growled, glaring at Wendy who was blushing several shades of pink and visibly unsettled by the entire situation. "Get off my property! You're not wanted here... and you are never to be around Johnny again!"
"Dad, stop!"Johnny cried out as he was trying to help Wendy into her clothes because she was trembling so badly. "We got locked in here. There was wine and candles so we..."
"Fucked?" EJ snarled. "How can you fall into that girl's web again, Son! My God, I thought we got rid of her!"
"I'm leaving," Wendy said as she scrambled up off the floor, her clothes crumpled as she broke contact with Johnny.
"No, Wendy, don't go," Johnny implored. "We need to talk."
"Later, Johnny," Wendy promised as she brushed past EJ and nearly ran from the crypt. When they were discovered in the crypt, Wendy realized she had to tell Tripp that they need to break up, because she still has strong feelings for Johnny. Rushing from the DiMera property, Wendy knew just what she had to do.
"Dad, why'd you do that? Wendy and I..."
"Need to stay away from one another," EJ finished. "Son, you need to stay away from Wendy Chen. She's not the one for you."
Johnny shook his head. When Wendy had left the crypt, Johnny realized he has to tell Chanel that he had cheated. It woud break her heart, but he still loved Wendy. There was no denying it anymore. Everything had changed.
Xxxooo
Meanwhile Claire arrived back in Salem carrying her bags. She knocked on the door and her mother answered. "Claire!" Belle said happily. "What a wonderful surprise. I did not know you were coming."
"I wanted to be with you, Mom... after everything that happened," Claire stated.
Belle was grieving the loss of Claire's dad and their relationship because he had to go to rehab to deal with his alcohol addiction. Belle was excited about her return to Salem and spending time with her mother, but most of all she couldn't wait to see Tripp, the guy who still had her heart.
Belle was joyous to see her daughter and she hugged her as the two had a happy reunion. As they talked about everything going on in Salem, Claire asked, "How is Tripp?"
There was so much excitement and hope in Claire's voice that Belle didn't know how to tell her that Tripp was dating Wendy Chen.
"Honey, there is something I have to tell you about Tripp," Belle said to her daughter.
"Ohhh no, what is it? Did something happen? Is Tripp okay?" questioned Claire, seeing the serious expression on her mother's face.
Xxxooo
Harris arrived at the pub to find Ava waiting for him. "How was your day?" she asked as he sat down across from her at a table in a corner of the restaurant.
"It was great. I accomplished my first task at the police station," he stated.
"Already?" she asked in surprise.
"Yeah, I took two criminals off the street. DiMetri VonLoushner and Leo Stark are behind bars as we speak."
Ava took a drink of the beer she had been sipping on. "Wow! You're good at what you do!"
She suddenly blushed a soft pink as she thought about all the things that sexy Harris might "do" if she ever got him alone again. "Thanks," he said as he too drank from the bottle of beer she had pre-ordered for him.
"Are you hungry?" he asked. "Would you like to have some food to go along with this beer?"
"I'd love it... and maybe after we eat, we could do some dancing," she said as a lively song began to play.
"I don't dance much... but for you, I'll make an exception."
She grinned as Kate walked over to take their order. Kate glared at Ava, trying to hold her tongue because she had just given Harris a warning less than 24 hours ago to keep his distance from Ava Vitali.
"I'll have a chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo and an order of fries," said Ava.
"That sounds good. I'll have what she is having," Harris said to Kate.
After jotting down their orders, Kate shot Harris another look of warning as she seethed inwardly about him dating Ava. Walking away, she disappeared into the kitchen to fulfill their orders.
"Hey, it will be awhile before the food arrives," said Harris. "Should we dance now?"
"I thought you said you didn't like to dance."
"Maybe I just want an excuse to have you in my arms again."
Ava melted at his words. She couldn't keep her eyes off his lips as he took her hand and lead her away from the tables to an area in the pub where they could actually move to the music. "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House made her heart beat faster. "I love this song," she whispered in his ear as he pulled her close.
He tugged her even closer until she was pressed against his body. "Ohhhh... so this is a slow dance?" she asked in surprise as she snuggled up to him, placing her arms around his neck.
He didn't reply as his lips make contact with the curve of her neck, lightly caressing her skin. Ava shivered in desire. "It's getting hot in here," she murmured.