Chapter 37


The Law offices of Stuart and Hawkin, Associates

AJ strides the length of the plush legal office, turns around, and walks back. He repeats this trip over and over as his thoughts race over the day's events. Everything is crumbling before his eyes. Not only wasn't he able to stop Carly from being able to see Michael, but he was facing dire consequences. If court today was a preview of what Carly's lawyer had planned, he could lose custody of Michael. That was the real crime.

Carly was a nut case, pure and simple. Anyone who has gotten close to her has seen her destruction in action. The idea that he would be deprived of his son again and that Carly would be able to wreak her havoc unimpeded makes AJ's blood boil.

AJ drags his hand through his hair in agitation. He shouldn't have relied on that double-crossing weasel Peyser. Dealing with him the first time had made his stomach turn, but AJ rationalized it, convincing himself that no price was too high for protecting his son. He still feels that way.

So how did Carly figure it out? While she had the basic cunning of a wild animal, she wasn't smart or resourceful enough to have figured this out on her own.... So who? AJ grimaces. Peyser must have sold out once Carly found her sugar daddy.

Just then, Adrian opens the door and enters of the office. "Okay, I just finished with Carly's lawyer."

AJ stops in his tracks. "What did she say? Are they going to take our offer?"

"No," Adrian answers with a hint of annoyance in his tone. "I warned you it was a long shot. You aren't offering her anything the judge hasn't already given her."

"It was your job to convince Carly's lawyer to take the deal, Adrian," AJ answers tersely. "If she didn't take it, it was because you didn't sell it convincingly."

Adrian squashes the urge to tell AJ to take a hike. He is a respected lawyer with a lucrative clientele which he has carefully cultivated over many years, dealing with AJ is more trouble than it is worth. But his impeccable reputation could end quickly by the power wielded by an angry Edward Quartermaine. He has no choice but to handle the messes of his arrogant twit of a grandson.

Adrian takes his time answering as he sits himself down behind the authentic cherry wood desk. Leaning back in his leather office chair, he studies AJ's demeanor. AJ is nervous and it isn't just the surprising turn of events in the court room. No, AJ may be trying to cover it, but he has a guilty look about him. Like he has something to hide. Something that Carly Benson's lawyer knew about. "Carly's lawyer didn't take the offer because she was certain she could bury you if this continued in court. Why would she think that, AJ?"

AJ tries to shrug off the question, but his mouth twitches. "Isn't that a typical lawyer move, Adrian? To be cocky and try to bluff the other lawyer into getting a better deal?"

Adrian steeples his hands thoughtfully. "Often that is true. Except in this case, you're practically coming out of your skin. Did you know about Peyser lying on the stand the first time, AJ? I have to know the whole truth if I'm going to represent you successfully."

"Peyser probably just sold out to the highest bidder," AJ hedges. "First me, then Carly."

Adrian catches what AJ just alluded to. "You paid Peyser to testify that Carly wasn't Bobbie's daughter?" When AJ looks at the floor, Adrian lets out a low whistle. "Do you have any idea what you've set yourself up for?"

"I was lied to, Adrian," AJ retorts. "Peyser told me Carly wasn't Bobbie's daughter. No one is going to believe anything he says now, he's already been caught lying."

"If you paid Peyser and Margo has proof of it, you could be looking at criminal charges. Conspiracy to commit perjury, tampering with a witness, contempt of court..." Adrian stops short. "Can you prove that Peyser initiated contact with you?" AJ looks away and Adrian scowls angrily. "Damn it, AJ, you've sandbagged me and this case. If Carly and Margo know any of this, you'll be lucky to stay out of jail!"

"Don't be ridiculous, Adrian. I'm not going to jail for doing what any loving father would do faced with Carly Benson."

"Don't be so sure of yourself," Adrian mutters. Damn rich kid mentality. Did AJ think all judges could be bought? He takes a deep breath to collect his thoughts. "This judge is as clean as they come, AJ. He won't spare you because you are a Quartermaine. In fact, as a judge who came from the streets, he's likely to give you the maximum penalty, figuring you deserve the extra time. I need to know the whole truth, AJ, or I'm walking off this case right now. I mean it."

AJ drops himself into a chair across from Adrian. After a long silence, AJ starts to talk, softly at first, then gaining strength. "I had to get custody of Michael, Adrian, you know that. I couldn't let that miserable bitch ruin the best thing that's ever happened to me.... so I hired an investigator to look into Carly's past and dig up any dirt he could find. He got me in touch with Peyser. We made a deal. He'd say Carly wasn't Bobbie's daughter and ruin what was left of Carly's reputation. I'd get Michael. It was worth it. Every penny I spent."

Adrian closes his eyes. He suspected as much. "We have to operate on the assumption that Margo and Carly know it all and they have proof. They have Peyser as a witness, they have the blood tests. Can they trace the money you gave Peyser?"

"Of course not, I paid him in cash."

Adrian's disgust isn't veiled. "From your own bank account? AJ, you might as well hand over Michael right now."

"No way."

"Let me spell this out for you. Option one, you hammer out an agreement with Carly outside of court and you don't go to jail. Option two, fight them in court. Have your reputation ruined and be charged with multiple crimes. Lose all rights to Michael for the rest of his childhood, spend several months in jail and lose your position at ELQ."

AJ pales. "It can't be that bad!"

"It is." Adrian leans forward again to stress his point. "Now it's time for you to listen. This is Carly's counter-offer: she gets Michael for this weekend and we get an uncontested continuance. Then we have until Monday to work out a custody agreement which won't send you back into court. If there's no custody agreement by Monday, we'll be back in court."

"Give her Michael now?!"

"Carly's lawyer would request it and it's likely Judge Walker would grant it in light of Peyser's testimony and the psychiatrist's report," Adrian explains. "Your gesture would be looked upon favorably by the court and by the press. You would be seen as generous, as attempting to right a wrong."

AJ swallows hard but it doesn't help the growing pit in his stomach. He's going to lose Michael. God, how would he live with himself? "I hate it, Adrian. I hate it. If what you're saying is true, then the next few weeks might be the last I spend with him."

Adrian's tone softens. "I know this won't be easy, AJ. All I can do is advise you as to the best course of action. I hate pressing you for an answer, but Margo insisted on an answer within the hour."

AJ pinches the bridge of his nose to prevent the tears from escaping. "Okay, go with it, but I want until Saturday morning. Please. I need some time with him."



The Cottage

"Ohhh, that's perfect, Margo!" Carly gushes into the phone as she smiles radiantly at Stefan who stands across the room from her. "Everything is falling into place. I'll even have a little time to put the finishing touches on the nursery. Thank you, Thank you! I really do appreciate everything you've done. Right, I'll think about what you've said and reread the psychiatrist's report. We'll talk more tomorrow."

As soon as Carly hangs up the phone she throws herself into Stefan's waiting arms. Almost instantaneously her face is wet with tears. "It's happening, Stefan, it's really happening! Michael's coming home. It isn't all a dream, is it?"

"No, it is all real." Stefan strokes the back of her head softly. "Just as it should be, Caroline. Your son belongs with you." He pulls back from their embrace, noting the tears on her face. "Can I assume those are tears of happiness?"

Carly wipes them off carefully so she doesn't smear her mascara. "Yes, with just a bit of terror added in. God, I've never really taken care of Michael alone. There was always Jason. What if he cries and I can't figure out what he needs? What if he's miserable with me?"

Stefan cups her face with his hands. "What is the American cliche... 'borrowing trouble'? The first few days are likely to be difficult, Caroline, but you and Michael will find your way through it. I have every confidence that he will thrive in your care."

Carly lowers her eyes. "What if.. what if he misses the mansion, Stefan? What if he misses AJ? What if he hates...."

Stefan stops her questions with a commanding kiss that ends all thoughts except what magic his mouth is conjuring. After a moment a spellbound Carly moans longingly and leans into Stefan to increase contact. He releases his hold on her mouth to trail his lips down her exposed throat. "What you should be thinking about is how to celebrate this most excellent news."

Carly grabs hold of the collar of his suit coat and guides his mouth back to hers. "I know just how to celebrate."



Chapter 38

Bobbie sits in her living room at the Brownstone folding scads of laundry while watching the TV. She swears if she has to fold one more white tshirt or match another pair of tube socks for Lucas, she's going to set them all on fire. Lord, she hates the white loads.

Smoothing out one of Lucas' tshirts, Bobbie lets her mind wander over the events of the last few months. The agony of learning about Carly's betrayal had quickly been followed by Roy's sudden resurrection from the dead and Jerry's arrest. Her life seems to be in a constant state of upheaval. What's worse is that it's not just her own but her son's as well. Hadn't they suffered enough? Wasn't it time for her to take charge of her life instead of letting everything happen to her?

Of it's on accord, Bobbie's mind flits back to the first time she saw Roy on the docks, the way his lips found her mouth, surprising her by the gentle reverent way they joined with hers, the flash of recognition and desire her body felt pressed against him before her mind really made the connection it was Roy. Roy, the love of her life come back from the dead. Was it self-preservation or love for Jerry that stopped her from continuing that sweet kiss? How her life has spiraled out of control from there. An aborted wedding and feds swarming her home. Never again, she swears. Never again would she put her son in the position of watching someone he loved handcuffed and dragged away.

Bobbie purses her lips as she picks up another white tshirt and folds it with practiced precision. If only putting her life back together was as easy as making resolutions, she snorts to herself. After the three atom bombs went off in her life, it's amazing she still had one. She had to be strong for Lucas. He needed stability from her, and from Tony. So she had pulled herself together and put on a bright face. And she thanks the lord for Tony's calming presence in Lucas' life. She shudders to think how Lucas would be suffering without him.

Now all she has to figure out is what she wants and how to get it. First and foremost is stability and quiet. A routine Lucas could trust and find comfort in, one she could rely on to see them through the rough patches which were sure to come. A routine that didn't include an adult male presence in her life.

As she resolves herself to pursue stability for her and her son , the local news program breaks into her thoughts and she turns her attention to the screen. When Veronica Bowles appears, Bobbie scowls and starts to turn the TV off, only to be stopped by what's being said. "Our top news story today is the infamous Michael Quartermaine custody trial. Carly Roberts Benson's lawyer stunned the court room and the public when she produced evidence that proves that Carly Benson is indeed the biological daughter of long time Port Charles resident Barbara Jean Spencer, sister of former mayor Luke Spencer." Bobbie turns white as she sits down hard on her sofa to listen to the rest of the news report. "As most of you will remember, the last custody hearing for Michael Quartermaine a few months ago, a private investigator by the name of Mr Peter Peyser testified that Caroline Benson was not Barbara Spencer's daughter. He stated that he and Carly and hatched a scheme to con Ms Barbara Spencer into believing Carly was her daughter. The news shocked the town and served to further discredit the already torrid reputation of Ms Benson. Subsequently she lost all visitation and custody rights with her son, eighteen month old Michael Quartermaine."

The camera shot shifts to outside the court house where Carly and her attorney Margo exit the courthouse to talk with a mob of reporters. Veronica continues the voice over. "A month ago, Ms Benson, petitioned the court for visitation, which was granted. No one is certain who is bankrolling her bid for custody, but some speculate..."

"Oh my God... It can't be, it can't be..." Bobbie comes to and grabs the phone, dialing it quickly. "Luke... come on, pick up!"



"Woah... slow down... WHAT?!" Luke Spencer pales at the sound of his sister's hysterical voice on the other end of the phone. "NO!!! .... I swear to you, Barbara Jean, I didn't have nothing to do with it! I'm just as surprised as you are.... Are you sure this isn't some Cassadine ploy? It's more than possible, the way Count Vlad has his hooks into her. No I don't know where she lives... but it shouldn't be too hard to find out.... Right, I'll get right on it." His voice softens at the sound of her voice breaking. "I know, Darling, I believed him too... Right, first things first. I'll call you as soon as I find out... shouldn't take too long."

Running his hand over his closely shorn hair, Luke exhales loudly, then reaches for the bottle in the bottom left drawer. He pulls out two glasses and pours bourbon into each.

Roy eyes the glass Luke shoves his way. "The news is that good, huh?"

Luke downs the shot of whiskey in one gulp, wincing only slightly. "Congratulate me, it's a girl. As you probably already guessed, that was Bobbie on the phone right now. She's in a lather about Carly Benson again." Luke pulls out two cigars, lights one and tosses the other to Roy along with the lighter. "Seems that all this time sweet Caroline has been telling the truth and Peyser's been lying. She is Bobbie's daughter."

Roy lets out a low whistle of amazement before gulping down his portion. "Man, I wouldn't want to be the joker who lied about that one. After Bobbie's done with Peyser, there won't enough of him to scrape off the sidewalk."

"I'll be in line after Bobbie." Luke fills his glass again. "I screwed up, Man. Somehow I checked my brain at the door the day it came out in court that Carly wasn't Bobbie's kid." He drains the glass and slams it back down on the desk. "Caroline is too much like Bobbie not to be a Spencer, you know? I guess after what she did to Jason and Sonny, I wanted to believe she was an impostor. It was preferable to being related to someone so stupid." He crushes his cigar in his ashtray with disgust. "Unfortunately my brain fart sent Caroline straight into Stefan Cassadine's arms."

Roy's head is spinning, but not from the alcohol. "Woah, slow down. Bobbie's daughter is hanging out with a Cassadine... I gather he isn't a friend of yours?"

Luke pours Roy another shot of Bourbon. "Man, you've been dead too long, Dilucca! You haven't heard of the Cassadines? They are BAD news. The Cassadines haven't ever really forgiven me for killing a couple of their whacko relatives, and I'm still holding a grudge from when they kidnapped Laura for two years, forced her into marriage and into giving them an heir." Luke sits back in his seat and closes his eyes. "Course that was almost twenty years ago. Stefan Cassadine, one of the last of the bloodsucking relatives, decided a few years back to breeze into town, blow my family apart, and marry Bobbie for good measure. Then, when he was done ruining her life, he moved onto my wife until she got wise. Now he's moved on to Caroline."

Roy's snorts in disgust.. "Mother and then daughter? I like him already. Sounds like a real prince."

"Nah, he's not the prince. Laura's kid is." Luke waves off his questioning look. "Long story. Anyway, after the way I treated her, I owe it to Caroline to get her free from him before he sucks the life out of her."

"If she's anything like Bobbie, she's not going to forgive easy."

"You've got that right. She's going to be hot." Luke opens his eyes and his mouth quirks into a grin. "You'd like her, Roy. She's just like her mama used to be. Full of grand schemes and destined for trouble."



As their fierce lovemaking culminates, Stefan rolls Carly on top of him, with her legs straddling his hips. Their breathing slowly returns to normal and Carly pulls her hair out of her face to press a kiss into the middle of his chest. "What a nice way to celebrate my victory in court today."

Stefan runs a sensuous hand up the length of her body until it's buried in her hair. He tugs her mouth down to his for a long possessive kiss. "The only thing that would be better would be if we were in my suite at Wyndemere feasting on Mrs Lansbury's cooking..."

"Hmmm that would be nice," Carly agrees, moaning when his mouth begins to devour her neck . "Though I understand Cafe Matisse delivers..." Carly loses her train of thought as Stefan's mouth travels lower. "You are too good at that."

In one fluid motion, Carly is on her back again, with Stefan's hands on either side of her head and his legs straddling her hips. They resume their lovemaking, sharing an emotionally laden gaze. Carly feels a lump in her throat forming. He was so beautifully and sexy, so loyal. And everything she ever wanted.

The spell is broken by the sound of a doorbell. Stefan stops abruptly, pressing his forehead against hers. "Whoever that is, has the absolute worst timing."

Carly strokes his face, placing tantalizing kisses on his lips, cheeks, neck. "Ignore them, they'll go away."

The doorbell rings again and again, followed by pounding on the door. Stefan sighs and withdraws to put on his pants. "I will get rid of the cretin."

"Actually, I should get the door. We want to keep our personal relationship out of the press, remember?" Carly rises quickly and throws on her clothes. "Don't bother getting dressed, I'll be right back." She places a quick kiss on his cheek and heads for the front door, making sure to close the bedroom door behind her.

The pounding on the door continues. "Coming, COMING!" She yells. "Jesus, you'd think the world was coming to an end..." She mutters under her breath. Looking through the peephole as she unlocks the deadbolt, Carly rocks back on her heels. Damn, she should have guessed this. "Bobbie."

Before Carly can get another word out, Bobbie barges in. "I want some answers, Carly."

Carly clenches her teeth and closes the door. "Hello Bobbie," She replies in a sarcastically sweet tone. "So nice to see you. Yes, you can barge into my house without an invitation and demand answers. Never mind you haven't asked whether this is a good time for me, never mind that every time in the last couple months when I've tried to talk to you, you've told me what a lying bitch I am. The only thing that matters is that Queen Bobbie is demanding answers."

Bobbie goes right to the point. "I want the truth, Caroline. Once and for all. Are you my daughter?"

Chapter 39

Bobbie stands in Carly's guest cottage, her head held high and her heart in her throat. "I want the truth, Caroline. Once and for all. Are you my daughter?"

"No, I'm not." Carly's voice is cold and bitter, emotionless. "The only woman who had the right to call me her daughter was Virginia Benson. And she didn't deserve the trouble I gave her. The only thing between us, Bobbie, is DNA. And that does not make us family."

Bobbie steadies herself on the edge of the couch, hardly noticing Carly's bitter words. She'd had a couple hours to digest this latest bombshell on her life and it still rocks her world. "So the news report was true.... I want to see the proof."

Carly laughs. "Oh you have a lot of nerve coming here and demanding proof, Bobbie. You don't want anything more to do with me, remember? I think your last words were 'if you come near me again I'll have you arrested'."

"That's when I believed you lied about being my daughter!" Even to her own ears the defense sounds weak. Bobbie swallows painfully as she tries to get her brain to work, willing her internal Carly radar to function again, the one that could sense when she's scamming and when she's not. "And how am I to know this isn't another stupid scheme designed to jerk me around and win a court battle? You have to admit, Carly. Your track record with the truth isn't very good. You didn't tell me you were my daughter when you came to town, you lied to me about who the father of Michael was. You lie whenever it suits you!"

A familiar male voice breaks into their argument from behind Bobbie and has her jolting off the edge of the couch and spinning on her heel. "You have no right coming here and attacking Caroline in HER home after the way you've treated her." Stalking from the doorway to where Bobbie is standing, Stefan fixes her with an icy glare. "She has reached out to you on more than one occasion, trying to bridge the gap between you, despite your vitriol, despite the fact that doing so could have cost her precious advantage in the court room, and now you have the audacity to come here and accuse her of lying. As if you hold the market for honesty."

While Bobbie stands speechless, Carly steps in. "Stefan." Her tone holds a warning. "Thank you for defending me, but I can take care of myself."

Stefan turns toward Carly and his voice softens to one of concern as he steps towards her, standing between her and Bobbie. "You shouldn't have to defend yourself to her, to anyone for that matter. She shouldn't be allowed to turn you inside out at whim. She lost that right when she turned her back on you."

Bobbie snorts from behind him. "You are good, Stefan, I grant you that."

Carly ignores Bobbie's barb, instead focusing on Stefan and disarming this possibly explosive situation. "I think it's sweet you want to protect me, Stefan. But I think it's best if I talk to her alone. Bobbie can't get to me anymore. I'll be alright, I promise."

Stefan nods, reluctantly allowing her to lead him to the door. He lowers his voice so only she can hear. "I don't like this, but I'll respect your wishes. You will call me?" The demand comes out sounding like a plea.

Opening the door and patting him on the back, Carly answers, "I promise. I'll call you once she's gone."

The door closes behind him, and Carly takes a moment to gird herself for the upcoming battle. When she turns around, she finds Bobbie rolling her eyes to the ceiling.

Despite the niggling little voice in the back of her head screaming at her to keep her mouth shut, Bobbie can't stop herself. "Dear lord, do you really believe the snake oil he's trying to sell you? Has he really got you believing you need his protection? His guidance?"

Carly crosses her arms. "Don't I need his protection? Two months ago I didn't have two pennies to rub together and everyone I cared about had turned their back on me. Jason and Sonny were threatening my life, not to mention Luke. Who else did I really have to turn to?"

"That's what he's good at, Carly. taking advantage of women at their lowest point. Just watch out. He's always looking for something in return. And he'll collect on his investment, with interest."

"Did you really come here to talk to me about my relationship with Stefan? Because if you did, you can leave." Pride keeps her game face on while in her heart Carly feels like weeping. Bobbie's attitude was just what she should have expected.. hostile, distrusting, critical of her choices....just more of the same. Why did she keep hoping her mother would open her arms to her again? No matter how much she tried she couldn't stop aching for that unconditional love that only her mother could give her. Again she wonders why she threw Virginia's love away for this. Getting acceptance from Bobbie was hopeless. Thrusting her chin out, Carly forces her voice to remain hard and cold. "I really couldn't care less what you think, Bobbie. You lost the right to give me motherly advice when you walked out of that court room two months ago and refused to have anything else to do with me. My relationship with Stefan is MY business and no one else's."

Bobbie looks at the strong confident stranger in front of her. Absent is the impulsive reactive spoiled brat she knew before. Adversity seems to have matured Carly into someone to be respected. A large part of her is thrilled with news that Carly might indeed be her daughter, of filling the huge crater in her heart that was created that fateful day in court when Peyser testified and blew their worlds apart. The same part that more than anything wants to believe her without needing to see the proof, and just wants to wrap her arms around Carly, cry, and beg for forgiveness. But she's been burned too many times by Carly to let that part have voice. Not yet, not until there's absolute proof. "You're right, I didn't come here to talk about Stefan. I came to find out if what's being reported on the news is true. I want to see the proof. I assume you have some?"

"Well, since we both know you're not going to believe a single word out of my mouth, I'll just save us both the aggravation." Carly goes to her desk drawer and pulls out a large manila envelope which she gives to Bobbie. "Here's the proof. Or I should say, copies of the official report. The originals are being used as evidence in court." With her head held high, Carly goes to her door, opens it, and indicates for Bobbie to leave. "The copy is yours. Burn it, trash it, wrap the fish in it, it doesn't matter to me, because as far as I'm concerned I don't have a mother. The only family I have that matters is Michael."

..



Stefan's office at GH

"Stefan?"

The bleak tone in Carly's voice has Stefan immediately sitting upright. "Caroline, where are you?"

"I'm..." Carly takes a deep breath to keep her misery at bay. "I'm at my cottage. Bobbie's gone, and I'm calling like I promised."

"Stay there and I'll be at your front door in ten minutes," Stefan says as he's pulling on his overcoat.

"NO." Carly takes another deep breath, but already tears are filling her eyes. "I'm fine, I don't want you to come over. I just need to take a walk and I'll be fine."

"Caroline," Stefan protests. He can hear how hard she's trying to convince him she's alright, why is she being so stubborn?

"I'll call you tomorrow, okay? Bye!" Carly hangs up before Stefan can say anything else. Grabbing her keys and a light coat, Carly heads out the door.



Jake's.

Roy had to admit, Carly Spencer was a knock out. He'd noticed her the moment she walked in the door, not because her face was plastered on every local news rag in the city, but because she was dressed to kill, from her form fitting jeans and black boots to the skin tight sweater. Every male eye in the bar was on her when she entered the bar, and she plainly reveled in it by the way she purposefully struck a seductive pose on the barstool.

Sipping his beer from the far corner of the bar, Roy could also see she was using bravado to cover a world of pain. Roy winced inwardly. Knowing the Spencer genes from experience, he could tell she was headed for trouble.

As the first bourbon burned her throat on the way down, Carly let out a little sigh of satisfaction. This was where she fit. No one asked questions, no one demanded anything from her. No one cared if she was a liar or a slut. In fact, it was expected.

"Hit me again," She drawled to the bartender as she slapped some cash down on the bar. She downed the second one, before saying, "Oh and can you give me some quarters for the jukebox, this place needs some music!"

Carly grinned flirtatiously at a couple regulars on the way over to the jukebox box, enjoying their obvious admiration. She needed this, she needed to feel beautiful and sexy and wildly free. Bending over the jukebox she quickly picked her song.

If I wanted to I could do anything right
I could dance with the devil on a Saturday night
If I wanted to I could turn matches to gold
I could smoke drink swear and I would never grow old
I wouldn't have to be in love with you
If I only wanted to
If I only wanted to

Feeling the beat of the song to the depths of her soul, Carly let her hips sway to the music, then her whole body followed suit. A regular in the bar came up behind her and grabbed her lightly her by the waist, turning her around to face him. Carly didn't mind, she just gave him her most brilliant smile and danced with him seductively, letting her body brush up against his.

If I wanted to I could run fast as a train
Be as sharp as a needle that's twisting your brain
If I wanted to I could turn mountains to sand
Have political leaders in the palm of my hand
I wouldn't have to be in love with you
If I only wanted to
If I only wanted to

Jason and Sonny walked into the bar and Jason's eyes fell on Carly dancing with a guy like she wanted to screw him on the dance floor. He saw red. Brushing off Sonny's restraining hand, Jason walked onto the dance floor and cut in just at the point that Carly had her back to her dance partner. The regular, knowing better than to protest, stepped back and let Jason take over.

I could leave tonight
And I would be all right
Stop holding on
If I wanted to
If I only wanted to

As soon as Jason's hands touched Carly, she sensed the difference and whirled around to find Jason eye to eye with her. She tried to stop dancing, but Jason forced her to dance with him by keeping a firm grip on her. They stared at each other for a long moment saying nothing, But Carly's fear and anger got the better of her.

"Get your hands off me, Jason," Carly hissed.

"What? Isn't this what you wanted? Just you and me?" Jason's hands pressed her against him so her body was molded against his and his smile was cold and brutal, like she imagined he looked when he went in for the kill. "Can't you tell how much I want you, Carly?"

"You're a pig!" Carly fought to free herself, but was no match for Jason. When the song ended, Jason released her abruptly and the force of her struggles sent her flying onto the floor on her bottom. Jason took a threatening step towards her.

At the far end of the bar, Roy made his way towards the dance floor. He didn't relish taking on Morgan and Corinthos, but he didn't believe in mishandling women.

Just then, another voice interrupted Jason and Carly. "That is quite enough, Mr Morgan." Stefan's tone was more menacing in it's quiet delivery. "You touch a hair on her head, and you will find out what it means to cross a Cassadine."

Before Jason could respond, Sonny stepped in between the two angry men who look ready to lunge at each other. "Cassadine, get Carly out of here, NOW. Jason, back off, she's not worth it."

"You're right," Jason sneered, stepping away and walking over to a nearby table. "She's not worth it."

Without a word between them, Stefan pulled Carly up and helped her gather her things. Within minutes, they were in Stefan's limo and on their way to the launch to Spoon Island. "Are you unhurt?"

Carly let out a shaky sigh. "Yes, I'm fine. But how did you know where to find me? Unless you're really good at hiding a secret life, you don't hang out in places like Jake's. Did you have a tail on me?"

Stefan studied Carly carefully to be sure she was telling the truth about being alright, but with the exception of some trembling, the unmistakable smell of bourbon, and her eyes having a wild look, nothing seemed amiss. "I do not have men watching you, though the idea has some merit if you have self destruction on your future agenda. It wasn't hard to trace you, Caroline. You are quite predictable when you are upset, and Jake's is a part of your colorful history. Do you really think I don't know your habits?"

"I don't know whether to be insulted or complimented that you know so much about me. Is there anything you don't know?" The energy to fight evaporated in the warm safety of the limo and weariness settled in. Carly leaned against Stefan. "I think I'll just be grateful. So when do I get the lecture about being impulsive?"

Stefan kissed the top of her head while he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We can skip the lecture if you spend the night with me at Wyndemere. Whatever remnants of self destruction you have left can be exorcised there."

"Hmmm, I look forward to the exercise."

Stefan chuckled.

Carly closed her eyes, again struck with the same feeling she had earlier that night. He was everything she could ever want, and more. And tonight he surprised her again by giving her exactly what she needed. A safety net without judgment.

**If I Only Wanted To by Melissa Etheridge

 

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