Chapter 31 Nikolas steers the jag smoothly through the light traffic on the major thoroughfare through Port Charles. Picking up his tiny cell phone, Nikolas hits a number on his speed dial and waits until the other party picks up. "Hi, it's me." "Hi you." Laying on her bed at the Quartermaine mansion, Emily smiles into the phone. "Did your father give you a hard time for being MIA this morning?" "No, I don't think he even noticed," Nikolas replies with a slight hint of annoyance in his tone. "He was with Carly. I think the situation there is more serious than I first thought. My father refused to even discuss her with me." "I don't have to tell you what she's capable of." Emily shifts to a sitting position on her bed while flipping her long dark hair off her face. "She's a one woman wrecking ball. I can't believe what she was able to do to Jason, and now she has visiting rights with Michael again. But don't you think your father can take care of himself? I mean, he's not exactly naive or easily fooled. Carly is nothing if not obvious. He should be able to see right through her." "Normally I would agree with you, but my father's been different lately. I don't think he's up on his game." Nikolas stops at a stoplight. "Do you know where Carly lives? I think it's time I had a little chat with her." "Yeah, actually I do. Rumor is she bought Robin's old cottage. Do you know where that is?" Nikolas gives her an affirmative answer and Emily rises from her bed. "Be careful, Nikolas. When she's threatened, there's no telling what she'll do." Some boys kiss me, some boys hug me I think they're O.K. If they don't give me proper credit I just walk away They can beg and they can plead But they can't see the light, that's right 'Cause the boy with the cold hard cash Is always Mister Right, 'cause we are Living in a material world And I am a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And I am a material girl Carly's new home The stereo is hooked up and the volume cranked up full tilt with Madonna's "Material Girl". A jean-clad Carly is lost in the music bumping and grinding as she unpacks boxes, letting her hair flip wildly. The music is so loud, she doesn't hear the doorbell. Some boys romance, some boys slow dance That's all right with me If they can't raise my interest then I Have to let them be Some boys try and some boys lie but I don't let them play Only boys who save their pennies Make my rainy day, 'cause they are Nikolas hears the music blaring through the door, and after numerous attempts at getting her attention with the doorbell, decides to try the doorknob, which opens easily. He walks tentatively through the door where he finds Carly in the center of her living room dancing solo to Madonna with her back to him. She has a handful of CDs in each hand and is oblivious everything but the music. There are a few boxes around her in various stages of unpacking. Living in a material world And I am a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And I am a material girl Nikolas just watches in fascination until she twirls around and sees him for the first time. She jumps, scattering the CDs in her hand and grasping her chest. "Sh.. shoot! You scared me!" Quickly she reaches over to her CD player and hits pause. The silence is almost as deafening as the music was before. She gives him a huge false smile to hide her nervousness. "Hi Nikolas, this is a surprise." Nikolas takes one awkward step into her living room. "Obviously. I apologize for intruding, but I tried ringing your doorbell..." "And I couldn't hear the bell over the music.. gotcha." Carly quickly clears off the couch and snatches up the scattered CD's and places them on her coffee table. "Come in, have a seat! Excuse the mess, but I'm still setting up as you can see. Other than your father, you're the only other visitor I've had. Would you like something to drink? Some ice tea? I have some in the fridge." "No, thank you," Nikolas replies, sounding stiff and formal. "Well I'm going to get some for myself, I'm dying of thirst. Excuse me." Carly disappears for a minute and comes back with two tall glasses of ice tea, one of which she places on the coffee table. "I figured you might change your mind. So what do you think? It's a little blank at the moment, but with time I think it'll be home." "It's nice enough," Nikolas says with a shrug. "And actually I'm familiar with the place, since I visited Robin here a few times.... I didn't really come here to get a tour anyway." Carly's eyes narrow and her smile falters. "No, figured this wasn't really a social call. Let me see if I can guess... You're here about your father?" Nikolas' smile is condescending. "No one could call you dense. Yes, he is the reason I'm here. I'm concerned about him, about his relationship with you." "Well, there's nothing for you to worry about," Carly answers breezily as she takes the music CDs off the coffee table and puts them on the shelf with the others. "We're good friends, and I do some work for him at Cassadine Inc. Do you mind if I keep unpacking? I'm on a tight schedule here." "No, go ahead," Nikolas answers dismissively. "We both know you're more than 'good friends' with my father. I walked in on you, remember? You were living at Wyndemere for a while. It's common knowledge you're lovers." Carly reaches into another box and pulls out another handful of CDs. She eyes him from over her shoulder and notices a look of defiance on his face, as if challenging her to deny it. There's no way she's going to let him bait her with his arrogant attitude. "What is between me and your father is our business, Nikolas. You wouldn't appreciate him interfering in your personal life, would you? We're both over 21 and free agents." "Do you come by evasion naturally, or did my father teach you?" Nikolas retorts, then realizes his mistake. "I didn't come here to insult you. I'm here because I'm concerned about my father. I don't think he's thinking clearly and is making poor decisions because of it. I'm here to ask you to back off." "Back off? What do you think I'm doing?" Carly laughs and she gives into the temptation to get a little sarcastic. "Oh this is rich. The way you're talking about Stefan, it sounds like you think he's off his rocker or something. Maybe you should have him committed, since he obviously can't take care of himself. Does your father know you're here?" "No, he doesn't, and I would really prefer he didn't." Nikolas shifts uncomfortably. "All I'm asking is if you care about my father at all, Please leave him alone. Just walk away." Carly can't stop chuckling as she pulls out some photo albums from a box to stack them on another shelf. "Not only are you asking me to lie to him, you're telling me to 'leave him alone'? Did I miss something here? When did you become his parent and he become some poor helpless idiot without enough sense to see through my 'wicked' schemes?" Carly gets serious. "That is how you see me, isn't it? You're friends with the Queen of Angels herself, and we all know what precious Robin says is gospel. So why even try to suck up? If you ask her and the majority of this town, I don't have a good side. I'm evil incarnate." What could his father possibly see in this common piece of trash besides a good romp in bed? Sure, she has an earthy sexual appeal, he'd seen the evidence of that earlier while she was dancing. But beyond that, he couldn't see anything his father would find interesting. Nikolas walks closer to Carly, taking care to keep his voice low and calm despite the fact that everything about her sets him on edge. "My father obviously sees something in you that no one else does. That is the part I'm appealing to. Nothing good can come of your relationship, so don't drag him through the gutter with you and leave his life in ruins like you've done with everyone else you use. He deserves someone who will cherish him." Carly clenches her teeth but doesn't lose her temper, even though a few short months ago she might have slapped someone for saying it. She takes a second to mentally thank Stefan for preparing her for this moment. She keeps her tone low, but her voice has a hard edge to it. "I think it's time for you to leave, Nikolas. I'm not going to discuss Stefan with you. This really is between him and me." Nikolas pulls out his checkbook. "Fine, we don't have to discuss it. Just name your price to get out of his life for good." This man, no boy, had a lot of nerve, but she refuses to let him get to her. His insults sting because of his closeness to Stefan, but she also knows reacting to his goading will only satisfy his preconceived notions of her. Carrying herself with pride, she walks resolutely to her door and opens it for him, motioning for him to leave "Goodbye, Nikolas. I really have nothing to say to you, and it's obvious you have nothing to say that I want to hear." Nikolas is undeterred as he finishes writing out the check. He walks up to her and places it in her hand. "Pretty words, but they don't pay the lawyer bills... I think this will change your mind. Don't worry, I won't think any less of you if you take it." Without looking at the check Carly rips it into tiny pieces and forces them back into his hand. "There is no amount of money that will make me break faith with the only friend I have left in Port Charles. He has been kind to me when everyone else spit in my face, and you can't buy that kind of loyalty." Nikolas rolls his eyes in derision. "You are really good, I give you that. And you certainly have your eye on the brass ring. Your ability to lie is legendary, and until right now I thought it was an exaggeration." He shakes his head. "But do you honestly expect me to believe you have genuine feelings for my father? Come on, you've done this sick dance before with Bobbie's other ex-husband, Tony Jones. It's just the same song, second verse. And it's a sick and unoriginal one at that." "You're calling MY relationship with Stefan sick?!" Carly's steps back and laughs uproariously. "Oh PLEASE! You jumped your father's undead ex-fiance, who by the way, could pass as your mother's twin, as soon as he dumped her! It doesn't get much sicker than that." Nikolas's head snaps back as if he's been slapped, and as her insult sinks in, his face turns to stone. "Fine, you try and trap my father, Ms Benson. But I guarantee you my father will NEVER marry you. Keep you as his mistress, for a while maybe, he's had many over the years." He walks towards the door and turns before leaving. "But I'm laying odds he will see through your little game very quickly. He may not see you clearly now, but when the romantic haze lifts, and it WILL lift, he's going to recognize you for the common whore you are. Then he will dump you back in the gutter where you belong. Enjoy the ride while it lasts." With those last brutal words, Nikolas stalks out. Carly slams the door behind him. "Go to HELL, you JERK!" She bites out through clenched teeth while stomping her feet on the floor. Feeling the tears spill on to her cheeks, she kicks her door. Hard.. again and again but it does nothing to assuage the shame and rage she feels. His words had ripped the thick scab off a very old wound. Finally, her rage spent, she leans against the door and slides down to the ground in a flood of tears.   Chapter 32 A short while later, Carly's phone is ringing. Curled up on her couch with her arms wrapped around a pillow, Carly doesn't move to answer it at first. But after the fifth ring, She remembers she hasn't hooked up her answering machine and that Stefan is the only one who would be calling. Not wanting him to worry, she rises to answer the phone. "Hello." She answers in a small voice, then winces at how she sounds. So much for keeping him from worrying. Stefan knows immediately from her tone that something is wrong. "Caroline, what has happened?" Carly bites her lip. The less she says the better. "Nothing." Stefan's already heading for the coat closet. "I'll be over in twenty minutes. We'll talk about it then." "NO." Breathing deeply, Carly runs a hand through her hair. "I'm FINE. I promise. Remember what I said the other day about needing to be independent and solve problems on my own? Well this is one of those problems." Frowning, Stefan's hand pauses on his coat. "I am not convinced. I don't like the sound of your voice, and being independent doesn't preclude asking for help when you need it." "I know..." Carly's voice trails off. "How about I meet you at the PC Grille for dinner? As sort of a compromise?" "Very well," Stefan concedes. "But let's make it an early evening? Shall we say, two hours?" . PC Grille Stefan and Nikolas sit at a table. "So what are your plans this evening, Nikolas? Perhaps dinner with a pretty young lady? Someone to convince you to stay in Port Charles indefinitely?" Stefan's tone is jovial. Nikolas smirks. "Yes I do have plans, but not who you are thinking. I'm picking Robin up from the airport and dropping her off at her Uncle Mac's. She's home for a short visit between school terms." "I see." Stefan's expression cools slightly. "Please give her my regards." Just then Carly arrives at the entrance of the PC Grille, unseen by the two men. She blanches at the sight of Stefan with Nikolas. She knew she'd see Nikolas again soon, just not THIS soon. Squaring her shoulders, she approaches their table. "Hi Stefan. Hello Nikolas." Nikolas stands up and offers her his seat, his manner stiff and polite. "Carly. Please, take my chair. I'm not staying, I am on my way to the airport to pick up Robin." The pasted smile on Carly's face becomes even more phony. "Well, isn't that nice for you," She enthuses, her voice sickeningly sweet. "Give her my best, won't you?" Stefan watches the exchange with interest, his eyebrows raising at Carly's phony act and the crackling tension between them. "Good night, Nikolas. Have a lovely evening with Miss Scorpio. If I don't see you later tonight, we will speak in the morning? Perhaps take a ride together?" Nikolas lays a hand on Stefan's shoulder. "I'd like that." Nikolas says his good byes and leaves. Carly grabs a cloth napkin off the table and puts it in her lap, keeping her eyes down to avoid Stefan's piercing gaze. Stefan isn't the least bit fooled. "Would you mind telling me what that was about?" Carly shrugs casually, still refusing to meet his eyes. "It's no secret I hate Robin." She suddenly looks up at Stefan. "That's not a problem for you, is it? Because I can't pretend to like her. Not even for you." "Don't be ridiculous. The girl is insipid." Stefan leans forward and takes Carly's hand, pinning her with his gaze. "You fool no one, least of all me, Caroline. What has occurred between you and Nikolas? Obviously something significant. I know my son, he isn't normally so on edge. Your attempt at politeness was as transparent as your disdain of Robin is obvious. Tell me what has happened to make you dislike Nikolas." Carly shifts uncomfortably in her seat. How can she possibly tell Stefan about her run in with Nikolas? She couldn't. It would hurt Stefan and his relationship with Nikolas or hurt their relationship. "Whatever problems Nikolas and I have, they are between him and me." "I want to know what he said to you," Stefan demands, putting together the pieces together quickly "It isn't hard for me guess that a confrontation with Nikolas is what had you upset earlier. He had no business coming to you regarding your relationship with me. I will speak to him." Carly sighs. "Please don't, Stefan. You remember what you told me, about not letting other people define who I am? About not giving other people's opinions validity by responding to every slight? Please let me learn how to handle problems on my own. And you focus on enjoying your visit with Nikolas, it's too short to waste." Studying her from across the table, Stefan covers her hand with his. "Put like that, I have no choice." A reluctant smile tugs at his lips. "Very impressive, Caroline, using my own words against me." Carly bats her eyes at him flirtatiously, letting his hand go when the waiters arrives to give them their menus. "I learned from a master." "It sure was sweet of you to come all the way out here to get me," Robin says appreciatively. "I don't mind. It's kind of nice getting some time alone with you to talk." Nikolas stashes Robin's bag in the trunk of his Jag after he settles her in the passenger seat. Slipping behind the wheel, he starts the car and expertly navigates them out of the airport parking garage. So lost in his thoughts, he doesn't notice Robin staring at him until she chuckles. He looks over at her. "What?" Robin gives him a warm smile. "You said you wanted to talk, and you haven't said a word since." "I'm sorry, that's rude of me. I guess I'm worried about my father." At Robin's quizzical look, Nikolas explains. "My father and Carly are lovers." Robin is speechless for a moment."What?! He's old enough to be her father! You sure about this?" Nik nods ruefully. "I saw it with my own eyes. They are together. It's enough to turn my stomach. I just can't help thinking that there's something wrong with him. Why else would he give her the time of day, much less sleep with her." Robin brow crinkles as she tries to figure it out. "You're right, it doesn't make sense.. she's certifiable. Why would he bother? I don't get why any man in his right mind would come within a hundred feet of her. And if it was my uncle caught in her clutches, I'd be worried too. Everything and everyone she touches she destroys." She purses her lips as she thinks of her nemesis. "I shouldn't let her get to me." "You've lost a lot because of her," Nikolas comments, pulling into highway traffic. "You have every reason to still be upset. I just hope my father doesn't end up on the wrong end of Carly like Jason Morgan did." "Well, at least Jason knows now what she's capable of. It's just too bad it took her sending him to jail for the message to get across." "I tried to get Stefan to see what Carly is truly like, but he wouldn't listen to anything I had to say. " Nikolas shakes his head unhappily. "I feel so helpless, you know? So I went over to see Carly at her new place today. Did you know she had the audacity to buy your old place? The one you lived in with Jason and Michael?" Robin is outraged. "You're kidding me?! That witch!" "It's true. Anyway, I foolishly thought I could reason with her. I even offered her money, lots of it." "What did she did do?" Robin asks curiously, remembering the time Stefan tried to buy her off to stay away from Nikolas. "She did try and up the price?" "She ripped up the check I wrote and ordered me out of her home. She's probably telling my father about it as we speak." Nikolas shrugs casually before flipping on his blinker and pulling off the highway onto the road that leads to Mac Scorpio's home. Maybe it would work to his advantage if Carly tried to manipulate him with their fight. Stefan might be mad at him initially, but he'd resent Carly in the long run for putting a wedge between them. "It's up to him now to figure her out. And she better watch out. Because when Father does, he'll be the one left standing." Oh baby, oh baby, yeah Oh baby, oh baby, oh baby The sun goes down And the moon comes up My heart is pumping for you As a mad thing starts, yeah Whoa oh, yeah Never in your wildest dreams Did you ever get this feeling Never in your wildest dreams, no, no Never in your wildest dreams Could it ever be this easy Never in your wildest dreams, oh no a suite at the PC hotel "I love the way you think..." Carly closes her eyes as Stefan's lips brush the back of her neck. One of his hands is wrapped tightly around her body while the other pulls her hair to the side so her neck is exposed. His teeth gently graze the sensitive skin at the base of her skull, causing her to moan. "You keep that up and my legs will turn into jello." "That is the general idea.... and I am not inclined to share you with the public tonight." Stefan murmurs into her hair as he releases it to cascade down her back. His hands roam her clothed body, frustrated by the constraints. "You are wearing too many clothes for my liking." Oh baby, oh baby The night is hot outside your window I hear people walking, people talking I smell your skin I feel you breathing Don't let me go, not yet Not yet, not yet, not yet Oh, oh, yeah With a degree of self control that surprises even her, she breaks away from his hold, walks over to the bed and turns to face him. Her eyes meet his. "What should I remove?" Never in your wildest dreams Did you ever get this feeling Never in your wildest dreams, oh, oh Never in your wildest dreams Did it ever get this easy Never in your wildest dreams Stefan's hand twitches at his side, he wants to be the one to undress her. But instead of giving into his impulse, he decides to play along, for a little while. "Your stockings." Don't let me go Oh baby, oh baby Oh baby, oh baby Your wildest star journey As a time to see your face Touch your eyes, your lips, space We've arrived at the place where they open the hearts And fill them up with love Filled with love, filled with love, filled with love This one is pumping for you As a mad thing starts, yes Watching her lift her leg on the bed and hike her skirt up was sweet torture. Her hands caress her thigh as she unfastens the stocking and with slow smooth movements, rolls it down her leg. Her eyes meet his again when she's done with the first stocking and is pleased to see the desired effect. To the untrained eye, he looks stoic, but Carly can detect the muscle in his jaw twitching, a sure sign he's frustrated and restraining himself. Giving him a sly smile, she repeats the same motion with her second leg, prolonging just a little bit to stroke the smooth skin of her calf. Never in your wild, never in your wild Never in your wildest dreams Never in your wild, never in your wild Never in your wildest dreams When their eyes meet again, Stefan looks as if he's ready to devour her. Feeling her mouth go dry at such a blatantly sexual expression, Carly licks her lips involuntarily. No matter how often they make love, this look from Stefan always makes her heart stop. Stefan answers her silent question. "The blouse." Never in your wildest dreams Did you ever get this feeling Never in your wildest dreams, oh no Never in your wildest dreams Did it ever feel this easy Never in your wildest dreams, oh no This time she holds his burning gaze as she unbuttons each tiny button, revealing her pale silky skin and a periwinkle blue camisole underneath her black blouse. When she reaches the last button, Stefan crosses the distance between them, and stops her from removing the blouse the rest of the way. "Allow me," He whispers hoarsely. But-" Carly's protest is cut off when his mouth descends on hers in a searing kiss that ends all teasing. His hands are warm on her shoulders, both tender and erotic as they glide over her partially clothed body, exploring, pleasuring, torturing until Carly is whimpering into his mouth. Her blouse slips off her body and onto the bed, with the lovers following close behind. Never In Your Wildest Dreams- Tina Turner and Barry White   Chapter 33 Late at night inside Wyndemere. The house is dark save for a single light illuminating the entryway to the conservatory. Upon arriving home from his nighttime activities, Nikolas slips into the conservatory to pick up a book he left there, being careful not to make any noise. Just as his hand is on the book, he hears his father's voice from the far sofa, causing him to startle. "Did you have a lovely evening with Ms Scorpio?" Stefan asks. Unnerved, Nikolas pauses several moments to keep himself from stuttering. "Yes, I did." Damn, his father often did this to him to throw him off balance. What did Carly tell him? "What are you doing sitting here in the dark? Couldn't sleep?" "That is part of it." Stefan's lips crook into a small smile. "I have been in deep contemplation. I find I do my best thinking in the dark. Often details I miss during the day illuminate themselves for me when I have time for reflection. Wouldn't you say that's true?" "I suppose." Nikolas shifts the book from one hand to the other, eager to be gone from the room and Stefan's unwavering gaze. His father had a uncanny way of seeing all the way through. The last thing he wanted tonight was a fight about his earlier treatment of Carly. And since his father wasn't bringing it up directly, he was at risk of either saying too much about it or lying. "I'm sorry I disturbed you. I'll leave you to your reflections." Before Nikolas can reach the staircase, Stefan speaks. "For instance, tonight, I am sitting here wondering why Caroline is so uncomfortable around you, and what possibly could have transpired between you." Nikolas halts, but doesn't turn around to face Stefan. "Who can say? She's known for being capricious. She could have a dozen different reasons and eleven of them would be lies." Carly is collecting empty packing boxes when her phone rings. Blowing a stray strand of hair out of her face, she picks up the phone. "Hello." "Carly, this is Margo Renfield," The lawyer says smoothly into the phone. "I'm calling to let you know the court appointed psychiatrist for Michael will be visiting with you and Michael at your next visitation." Carly bites her lip nervously. "Our next visit, huh? Do the Quartermaines know yet?" Her stomach does flip flops. God, what if they tried to block it? What if they did something to make her look bad in front of the child psychiatrist? "Yes, and it's been arranged for the court psychiatrist to meet you at the estate. The Quartermaines won't interfere with her evaluation. It's in their best interests to cooperate, especially with the custody hearing coming up in a week. Any stunt they pull will reflect badly on them." Margo's voice subtly changes from businesslike to reassuring. "You just do your part, Carly. With the explosive information Stefan has forwarded to me in the last week, you stand an excellent chance at custody, regardless of the outcome of this evaluation. Just hold tight." Carly breathes in deeply, taking strength from Margo's certainty. "For Michael, I can do anything. Even put up with the Quartermaine stunts." "Good! Glad to hear it. How are the appointments going with Dr Reardon?" "Better than I thought they would," Carly admits. "I'm not a big fan of shrinks." "When you see her later this week, would you ask her to write up a progress report for court?" Margo asks. "I will need it by Wednesday." Carly makes a note of it. "Got it down. So I'll see you next Friday morning." "Good Morning, Father," Nikolas says as he seats himself at the breakfast table. He looks at his steaming breakfast plate with relish. Stefan puts his tea cup down and studies his son's demeanor from across the table. "Nikolas, I allowed your slur against Caroline to go unanswered last night because I did not wish to have a disagreement with you right before bed, but it is time we cleared the air." "I'm not going to apologize for speaking the truth," Nikolas retorts between bites of food. "Just because you refuse to see her for what she is, doesn't mean I have to keep quiet." Placing his hands on the table, a furious Stefan rises to his full height. His voice is soft, and it only serves to make his words seem more ominous. "I will not tolerate this childish behavior from you, Nikolas. You were raised with better manners than you are displaying. You will treat her with respect while you are visiting, or I will take it as a personal affront to me. Is that clear?" Nikolas throws the cloth napkin on the table with disgust, his appetite effectively ruined. "I was an idiot to think that your invitation to come for a visit meant anything more than the usual lip service." Stefan's brow furrows with confusion over Nikolas' choice of words. "What are you speaking of?" "You know exactly what I mean," Nikolas states as he rises from the table. "When I read your email asking me to come home, I foolishly thought you were ready to put our past differences behind and begin anew. But this issue with Carly just proves how wrong I was. What you want is for me to submit to your wisdom as if I have no independent thought, just like always. And when I don't do what you want, you bully me." Email? What email? Stefan's thoughts race as he tries to make sense of it, but when he quickly finds no reason, he switches gears to address Nikolas' accusation. "That is ridiculous, Nikolas. You know I value your independent mind and I have no desire to trample on it. But you are old enough and wise enough to keep your own counsel. You have made your opinion of Caroline blatantly clear, and I have listened to your concerns. Now I must demand that you cease your constant defilement of her. It only serves to put your own character into question." "Fine. I will keep my opinions to myself. But you cannot force me to change my mind." Nikolas steps away from the table and pushes his chair into place. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have had enough of this heartwarming breakfast." Carly opens the door to her cottage to find Stefan standing before her. Her look of expectancy widens to a full fledged smile as she pulls him into her home. "About time you got here." Once the door is closed, Carly wraps her arms around his neck and presses her body against Stefan's intimately. Stefan's arms wind around her and his hands trail up her back as his mouth descends on her without hesitation seeking to increase the intimacy further. He kisses her thoroughly, only letting up when he feels her knees give. "This partially makes up for waking up alone this morning," Stefan muses, his hands finding their way to her hair and caressing her skull underneath, lulling her eyes into closing. "I am not sure I want to grow accustomed to starting my mornings without you." Carly fingers trail the collar of his shirt until they encounter the top button, she tugs at it until it opens, then leans in to place a moist kiss in the hollow of his neck. Stefan breath catches for the briefest of moments before he tugs on her hair to draw her mouth up to his again. The kiss he gives her is rough and primal....dominating. As the passion quickly burns out of control, Stefan presses her up against the front door, placing his hands on either side of her head, effectively trapping her. Stefan breaks off the kiss, surprising himself with how out of breath he is. He forces himself to slow down, to regain control of his desire for her. Pressing his body against hers, he brushes the back of his hand against her cheek in a tender gesture, his eyes roving her face, memorizing everything about her at this moment. "You are dangerous to my state of mind, Caroline. One night without you and I am already intolerable. What kind of spell have you cast on me?" "Me?" Carly's heart skips a beat at the mere idea. "Me? You are the sorcerer in this relationship!" "You underestimate your power yet again." Stefan slips an arm behind her knees and lifts her up. "Perhaps we need to work on building your self confidence." Carly wraps her arms around Stefan's neck. "I think it might take all day." Later Carly and Stefan lie on her bed, their bodies intertwined as they relax in the afterglow of their passionate lovemaking. Stefan guides Carly's head into the crook of his shoulder, his fingertips caressing the soft skin of her shoulder and upper arm. "I made an interesting discovery this morning. And I am left to wonder if you were ever going to tell me about it." Carly stomach clenches. "A discovery?" Stefan's lips twist into a small smile. "You have been taught to cover your tracks better. I am disappointed. Did you think I would never look into my email records and discover your correspondence with Nikolas?" She can't help but shiver. Even though they had just spent the last hour making love didn't mean Stefan wouldn't exact retribution. "Are you angry?" Stefan takes several moments to consider the question. "If I had found out at the time, it is quite likely that I would have been furious with you. You had no right contacting my son without my permission. I do not tolerate any interference in my relationship with Nikolas. You well know my wrath is swift and often brutal." Seeing her pale, his expression softens. "Now, however, I am only displeased that you allowed yourself to be caught. Sloppy. Very sloppy. Interfere again, however, and I will not be so understanding."

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