Chapter 86
Out on the patio, the dancers sway to the rhythm of a slow dance. Mellowed by soothing music and liberal amounts of alcohol, the party-goers converse in low tones. The lights on the patio are dimmed. While the party is nowhere near winding down, the boisterous portion is over.
Lucky arches backward with his hands over his head to relieve some of the stiffness in his back. He looks over at his assistant, Lucas. "Man, I could really use a break. You think you can handle it?"
"Sure!" Lucas answers readily.
Lucky ambles over to the food table, snags a finger sandwich off of one of the plates, and pops it into his mouth. "Mmmm, man I'm starved." He grabs three more, but practically jumps out of his skin when he feels a tap on his shoulder.
"Finger sandwich police!" Emily says with a grin for her old friend. She has her hand cocked like a gun pointing at him. "Only two per person allowed. Put your hands up and no one will get hurt."
Lucky turns towards her, feigning an innocent look. "Honest, Officer. I didn't see the sign."
Just as Emily opens her mouth to answer, Lucky pops a sandwich into her mouth. She gags on it a moment before biting it in half. Swallowing and clearing her throat, she starts to laugh. "That was cheating!"
Lucky downs the remaining two sandwiches and winks at her. "I think you've lost your case for lack of evidence."
"You Spencers are always getting away with murder." Emily turns to survey the crowd. "It's a good turnout. I'm glad for Carly."
"Yeah, well it was about time the Spencers did right by her, ya know?" Lucky pops a cream cheese tart into his mouth. "Say, you want to dance?"
Emily shrugs. "I think I've had enough of the music and dancing."
"How about a game of pool then?" Lucky suggests. "Aunt Bobbie just put one in the room above the garage. You game?"
"Sounds great." Emily stands aside for Lucky to pass. "Lead on, Spencer."
It felt so familiar.
So familiar, and yet different. She was softer somehow. Maybe it was because she wasn't trying to come onto him or get something from him. He could tell from the way she molded to his body that she was just happy in the moment, not thinking about taking advantage, but just immersed in the dance.
Content.
Well, it's a marvelous night for a Moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
'Neath the cover of October skies
When had Jason ever known her to be content? Closing his eyes briefly, he breathes in her scent. His hand by habit strokes her hair. The hair that had always felt so soft to the touch.
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I'm trying to please to the calling
Of your heat-strings that play soft and low
Carly looks at Jason quizzically. "Why did you really ask me to dance?"
Jason opens his eyes and quirks a smile at her. Quiet moment over. "I wanted to dance."
And all the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
"You never ask me to dance," Carly presses. "NEVER. So why now?"
Jason shrugs. "Because I knew you wouldn't ask me."
Can I just have one a' more Moondance with you, my love
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love
Carly smiles crookedly. "True. Not after the last time." Surrendering to the sensuous melody, she closes her eyes and puts her head on his shoulder. A shoulder that until recent months, was the only shoulder she ever wanted to rest her head on.
How things have changed. And yet strange to have them the same.
Well, I wanna make love to you tonight
I can't wait 'til the morning has come
And I know that the time is just right
And straight into my arms you will run
Feeling his arms tighten around her waist as he moves her across the floor, Carly smiles. It still feels good to be held by Jason. Very good. It feels like it's been years since she felt safe. The last time being when Stefan held her. A shadow crosses her face, Lord, has it really been less than a week?
And when you come my heart will be waiting
To make sure that you're never alone
There and then all my dreams will come true, dear
There and then I will make you my own
Jason feels lightheaded, almost intoxicated holding Carly like this. It has been ages since the last time they danced, and yet it seems all the agonizing months end in a blink of an eye. This woman, who has betrayed him like no other, who alternately makes him dizzy and crazy is the only one he wants.
Can I just have one a' more Moondance with you, my love
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love
Carly startles when Jason stops dancing and pulls away slightly. Having been lulled into a wonderful state of relaxation, she blinks her eyes open and looks up at him. "Jason?"
One more Moondance with you in the moonlight
On a magic night
Jason groans before surrendering to the urge to kiss her. He has never been good at denying what he wants. He is tired of fighting this, of fighting his feelings for her.
La, la, la, la in the moonlight
On a magic night
Unseen by the couple kissing, the door to the room opens silently. Emily steps into the room, her mouth hanging open at what she sees. Lucky steps up behind to look over her shoulder at the embracing couple.
The touch of Jason's lips to Carly's is tentative at first, as if asking for permission. Surprised, Carly's lips open wide and Jason kisses her more deeply. His fingers bury themselves in her hair, holding her head in one place while he kisses her again and again, losing himself in her, wanting more, seeking more. She gives a cry of surprise when his tongue duels with hers.
Can't I just have one more dance with you my love?
Carly is hot, burning inside from Jason's searing kiss, she kisses him back, hard. A part of her long buried, the part of her that has loved him unrequited for years, takes control. She grabs his elbows and pulls him toward her, seeking contact, seeking to lose herself in him. The part of her that has been aching and broken feels healed by Jason's touch. She wants so much to be wanted, to be loved... by this man, by any man....
Lucky, after a moment of stunned inaction, decides to take matters into his own hands. He puts his hand over Emily's mouth to silence any chance of discovery and drags her backwards through the door and closes it.
The couple is unaware of the intrusion. Jason's arms surround Carly, crushing her to him, only slightly more satisfied to feel her body outlined against his. He wants more, he wants it all, not just to feel her body against his, but to fuse, to forget where he ends and she begins. He wants more more more more....
Carly feels his strong hands under her sweater, warm against her bare skin. His touch is needy yet worshipful, more than it's ever been with him. Before it has always been about lust, and sex. Now it is that and more. It is everything she has always wanted. To be loved, to be cherished. Like before...
She feels her bra unclasp with a snap.
SNAP
With all her might, Carly shoves against Jason's chest. It takes a moment for Jason to realize that Carly is trying to get away from him. To stop their embrace.
The next moment Carly is stumbling back. Jason's eyes are wild and he's panting. He looks down and works to catch his breath. A long string of expletives stream out.
Carly bends over with her hands on her stomach. Tears fill her eyes. What had she almost done?! "SHIT!"
Jason spares her a irritated glance. "You're telling me?"
"What the hell are you doing kissing me, Jason?" Her voice cracks.
"I wanted to kiss you, I thought that was pretty obvious."
"You're supposed to hate me, Jason. I'm supposed to be the devil incarnate! Not three months ago you were threatening me on the dance floor."
Jason looks away. "I wanted you then."
Carly is suddenly angry. "You hated me!"
"It didn't stop me from wanting you." Jason runs a shaking hand through his short cropped hair. "I know it was wrong. Dancing with you that night was wrong. I couldn't stop myself. I was half crazy from hating you and wanting you at the same time. I pulled it together after that night. I told myself that as long as I hated you, I wouldn't touch you."
"If that was you hating me and not touching me, you have a funny way of showing it!"
"It's pretty damn obvious I don't hate you anymore." Jason closes his eyes and blows out a steadying breath. "I don't think I ever really hated you."
Carly spies a couch against one of the walls and plops down on it. She covers her face with her hands. Her jumbled brain can scarcely make sense of it all. "I thought we were over."
"I thought so too." Jason looks at the ceiling, blowing out another breath. "But every day it gets harder for me to deny it." His voice turns soft, he's almost afraid to say it. "I want you, Carly."
Carly's voice is tired. "I stopped being a playmate for you a long time ago, Jase."
"I don't mean like that. Jesus, Carly." Jason lowers himself to his knees in front of her so their eyes are level. "Don't you get it? I tried living without you. It didn't work."
Carly uncovers her face to look at him in wonder. "You can't be saying what I think you're saying."
"Watching you with Cassadine made me realize a few things." Jason puts his hand on Carly's face and strokes her cheek. "I've seen my life without you in it and it's not something I want. My life might be a lot easier, because you're a lot of trouble. You make simple, simple things very complicated. But I love you, Carly."
"I can't believe how long I've waited to hear you say that. Years..." Carly lowers her head to look into her lap. Tears well up again in her eyes. It's all wrong, so wrong. "I've always wanted someone to love me, to know me for who I really am and to love me."
Jason kisses her on her forehead. "I think I know you pretty well."
"You do. Six months ago you knew me better than anyone." Miserable, she looks up at him with her eyes shining. "But everything's different."
Jason sees the truth in her misery. "You love Cassadine."
Back out on the patio, Emily turns towards Lucky. "I can't believe it! It hasn't even been a week since Stefan and Carly broke up and she's already kissing Jason!"
"It looked like Jason was doing most of the kissing from where I was standing," Lucky muses. "And as far as Cassadine goes, good riddance."
Emily glowers at him. "Cut it out with the Cassadine comments. I happen to be engaged to one."
Lucky's eyes widen and then a slow grin forms. "Really? Nik finally decided to do the right thing? About time!"
"Oh will you stop it." Emily crosses her arms in front of her chest. "We're talking Jason and Carly here. I thought they were done!"
"From what I saw, they still look pretty involved.." Lucky slings an arm over her shoulder. "I always thought they were kind of cute together."
"Cute? They're cute like a car wreck! Don't get me wrong, my relationship with Carly is better than it's ever been. But her in a relationship with Jason?" Emily shudders dramatically.
"Who knows, maybe they'll get it right this time."
Emily gives him a sideways glance, and seeing the mischievous glint, elbows him in the ribs. "Quit teasing me, Spencer! I'm serious here."
"Owww! Watch it with that elbow, Bowen." He rubs the sore spot in his side. "Okay, so all kidding aside, Carly and Jason are a powder keg ready to blow. But what do you think you can do about it? If they want to be together, you can't stop them."
"I'll think of something. No way am I going to let them ruin a good thing with sex."
"Moondance" by VanMorrison.
Chapter 87
Kelly's Diner
Emily is sitting at a table sipping an orange juice when Nikolas enters. Rising out of her chair, she flags him down. Nikolas smiles at the sight of her. Arriving at their table, Nikolas cups the back of her head with his hand and kisses her thoroughly before releasing her to sit down at the table.
Nikolas motions for a waitress and orders a hot tea for both of them. "Are you all settled in at Jason's?"
"Yep. How was your visit with your father last night?" Emily asks.
"The visit went well." Nikolas reaches his arm across the table and takes her hand. "But he was about as miserable and unmovable as I expected."
"So even with Helena out of the picture, he won't go to Carly?" Plan A, already dashed. "Why?"
"Because he predicts, and rightly so, that Helena will be out in a few days."
"As crazy as she got in the court room?" Emily's eyes widen in disbelief. "I can't see how."
"Father has a lot of experience when it comes to my grandmother. Even if she isn't released with the doctor's blessing, she'll find away to escape." Nikolas pauses when the waitress comes with their teas and menus. "How did Carly's party go last night? Did you have fun?"
Emily leafs through the stash tea foil packets until she finds her favorite, Lemon Zinger. "I had fun until the end."
Nikolas chooses Earl Grey. "What happened?"
Emily sticks her tea bag in her cup, flinching when the steaming water touches her fingertips. "Lucky and I had the pleasure of walking in on Jason kissing Carly."
Nikolas winces. "That must have been quite a scene."
"Lucky had the sense to get us out of there before I embarrassed myself," Emily explains. "Carly and Jason were too occupied with each other to notice us."
Nikolas pulls his tea bag out of his water and uses his spoon to squeeze out the water. "Jason didn't waste anytime."
"Carly didn't seem to mind," Emily retorts, then raises her hand. This is not an argument she wants to have with Nikolas. "Whoever started it, its a bad thing."
"I might have cheered the news a few weeks ago, when I was convinced Carly was using my father..." Nikolas admits. He shakes his head in disbelief. When had he reversed his opinion? He takes a tentative sip of his tea. "Do you think this is going anywhere?"
"Who knows? I wasn't holding out hope of them getting past the civil stage. Which I thought was just for Michael's benefit." Emily sighs unhappily. "I can see Carly being tempted by Jason. She just had a rough break up with Stefan, she's been on an emotional roller coaster because of the court case. She's wanted Jason for years. But what is Jason thinking? I don't get it.... Do you think Stefan is finished with Carly for good?"
"That's what he's saying," Nikolas cocks his head to the side in a mild shrug. "But we'll know for sure after I tell him about Jason and Carly."
"You think that's a good idea?" Emily bites her lip nervously. "Won't he get upset?"
"It's probably a really bad idea." Nikolas grins slowly. "But seriously, what do we have to lose? Better for him to know what he's throwing away."
"Jason, I can call a cab," Carly says into the phone. "It's sweet of you to offer to take me, but the drive is out of your way...."
"I'll pick you up at 2:30pm," Jason answers firmly, ignoring her protests.
"Jason!" Carly laughs incredulously. After last night she pretty much assumed Jason would give her a wide berth. Usually crying on a man's shoulder about another man after sharing a hot kiss guaranteed a disappearing act. Never in a million years did she anticipate Jason's tenacious attentiveness. "Didn't you just hear what I said? I can get myself there."
"And why take a cab when I can get you there faster?" Jason retorts reasonably. "Besides, I'll get to spend some time with Michael during your appointment."
"But I already worked it out with Bobbie," Carly argues. "Jason, I had this all worked out and you're messing it up. Bobbie is looking forward to playing with Michael."
"Fine, then I'll take him to visit Bobbie," Jason concedes. "Then I'll pick you both up afterwards."
Carly rolls her eyes in exasperation. "You're not going to let this go, are you? You're insisting."
Jason grins, victory is in sight. "You got it. So... I'll pick you up at 2:30."
"Fine, fine." The doorbell rings in the background. "Someone's at the door, I gotta go. I'll see you monday." Turning off the phone, Carly takes the steps to the landing in one leap. Checking the peephole, she grins and swings the door open.
"Hello, Hello!" Vincent breezes in waving a white bakery bag. "I hope you have coffee going, Sweetheart. I'm in neeeed!"
Carly snatches the white bag out of Vincent's hand and opens it. "Oh good, I'm famished." She grins hugely. "Scones? You brought me my favorite scones?"
"Well they aren't from Mrs Lansbury's kitchen, Hon, but I have it on good authority that these are almost as good!" Vincent points towards the kitchen. "Is the coffee in there?"
Carly digs into the bag and pulls out a blueberry scone. She sniffs it and hums happily. "Yeah yeah. Bobbie got me an espresso machine the other day... a house warming gift or something. It's all set up, but I haven't figured out how to use it yet."
"Perfecto!" Vincent leads the charge into the kitchen. "I'll set us up with some triple expresses while you munch on a scone. I bet we'll have those contracts signed by noon!"
Carly stops mid-bite. She chokes down the piece of scone. "Con--tract?" She squeaks.
"Yes, yes." Vincent rolls up his sleeves and starts messing with the levers on the espresso machine. "We're going to hammer out the details of our partnership. What do you think of the name 'Brummelman and Benson's Interior Design'? I think it has a nice ring to it, don't you?"
"First Jason pushes me around and now you, Vincent?"
"Now there's a cute boy if I've ever seen one..." Vincent says over his shoulder. "What's this about him pushing you around? He's not pressuring you into sleeping with him, is he? Cute or not, that's dirty pool. Why, you're not nearly over Stefan yet."
"Nevermind. Let's get back to this partnership thing." Carly puts the bag of scones on the table. "I already told you last night, I'm happy to leave things the way they are. I wasn't trying to angle to have my name in the company title."
Vincent lets out a long suffering sigh. "Fine, fine. It's Benson and Brummelman's Interior Design. But that's my final offer."
Carly stamps her foot. "VINCENT!"
Vincent turns with two expresses in hand. He offers one to her. "Honey, I already told you I'm not taking no for an answer. I'm going to camp out at your house as long as it takes to seal the deal. You and I are going to be partners and that's all there is to it."
"Mrs Cassadine?"
Sitting in a chair by the window with a blanket over her knees, Helena projects the image of an frail grandmother. In keeping with her image, she turns her head slowly in response to her name being called. She schools her expression into a soft welcome. "Yes, Nurse?"
"Your nephew is here to visit you." The nurse steps away to bring him forward. She smiles at Helena and then at Helena's visitor before retreating back to the nurses station.
Helena reaches out her hand. "Andreas," she says with a warm smile. "You came."
"As promised, Madame," Andreas answers softly taking her hand and pulling up a nearby chair. "This institution is more horrible than I imagined...."
Helena shakes her head. "It isn't as bad as it could be. The staff here is quite sympathetic to my plight. Fools though they are. Nevermind my situation. Tell me what you found."
Andreas squeezes Helena's hand sympathetically. "I fear it is worse than we imagined. The lab is abandoned... the machines destroyed. Stavros... is no more. And the guards you hired have scattered."
"Stavros is gone?!" Helena demands. "Perhaps he..."
"No Madame," Andreas answers gravely. "I found his body at the lab. I was uncertain what you would have me do, so I have not moved him."
Helena bows her head to the pain. All hope gone. Tears seep out the corners of her eyes. "Luke will pay for taking away my son." Lifting her head again, she looks at Andreas. "Any idea how he discovered the lab?"
"None, Madame." Andreas squeezes her hand again. "But I have more bad news."
"Let's have it," Helena prompts. "I might as well know it all."
"Your assets are almost completely depleted," Andreas informs her somberly. "Someone has been seizing your funds and raiding your companies. At the rate at which your funds are disappearing, I predict all your assets will be gone within the week."
"Stefan," She spits out. "That useless boy of mine thinks to control me by seizing what is mine and leaving me impoverished..." Her mind works furiously at the rapid losses she's suffered in the last few days. First Stavros, now this.. they had to be connected. "Stefan must have found out about the lab .... and told Luke."
"But how, Madame?" Andreas asks. "Even I did not know the location of the lab until you told me last night."
"It doesn't matter how, but I will not allow that weakling to live while my beloved son is dead..." Her eyes clear, remembering suddenly where she is. "But first things first. It is time I got myself out of here. Each day spent here is a day Stefan is in control."
Midday at Luke's
Luke plops the blue duffle bag on his desk and zips it open. Inspecting the contents, he makes a mental inventory then goes over to his safe, turns the dial and opens it. Grabbing several wads of cash, he stuffs them in the corners. He returns to the safe and grabs a stack of documents and stuffs them in as well. Upon hearing a knock, he zips up the bag and kicks it under his desk. "Come in!"
Lucky opens the door. "You wanted to see me, Dad?"
"Cowboy!" Luke retrieves the duffle bag from the floor and tosses it to Lucky. "I've got a job for you."
Lucky's stomach sinks as he catches the bag easily. With an introduction like that, he knew it couldn't be good. His voice is suspicious. "What kind of job?"
"Well you heard the story about how Helena came unglued in court...." Luke begins.
"Yeah, and how you set her off and how she attacked you," Lucky answers in a bored tone before slouching into one of the chairs. "This job you have, it's about her?"
"Yeah, it has to do with her." Luke sits down behind his desk. "She's in the loony bin at the moment but I don't expect she'll be there much longer. And when she gets out, she's going to have her black heart set on destroying Spencers."
"You want me to get Mom, Lulu and Grandma out of town," Lucky guesses immediately. Already he hates the job.
"That's about the size of it." Luke points to the bag. "In there you'll find enough cash to last the four of you for about a year. There are three fresh sets of identities for all of you that I've been saving for just this kind of complication. I don't plan on letting this situation with Helena last as long as a year, but I wanted you to have the extra security. You'll also find some... protection in there as well. You'll know how to use it."
"What about you, Dad?" Lucky asks. "Who has your back?"
"I've got my own back, Lucky." Luke leans back in his chair and puts his feet on the desk. "And I imagine having Roy around will come in handy. I don't want you worrying about me. I want Lulu, your mom, and Lesley to be safe. That's your job."
Looking his father square in the eye, Lucky tosses the duffle bag onto his father's desk. "Well, I'm not taking it. Find yourself someone else. I'm sticking around here. I'm done with relocating and have been for a long time."
Luke picks up the duffle bag and rounds the desk. He shoves it at his son's chest. "I can't be concentrating on taking out the Psycho Grandma if I'm thinking about the rest of you. I'm serious, Lucky. Dead Serious. Helena is going to paint a target on your forehead. You want to know why?"
"I don't care why!" Lucky bursts out. "I don't take orders from you anymore, Dad! I have my own life."
"Well you better care why, because you're going to be first one her list," Luke says ominously. "And eye for an eye."
"Quit the paranoid drama, it's not going to work," Lucky retorts scathingly. "Stavros has been dead for years. If Granny Grimm was going to do anything to me, she'd have done it by now."
"Sit down, Cowboy," Luke orders, pointing to the seat. "I have a story to tell ya."
"Forget it, Dad...."
"SIT!" Luke bellows, leaving no room for argument. Lucky shoots him a hateful look and sits. Satisfied, Luke leans up against the edge of his desk. "Now you're going to listen to what I have to say, and when we're through, you're going to see how this is the way it has to be."
The breeze is still warm off the water as Nikolas, riding Sheeba, canters down the horse trail in search of his father. A few minutes into his ride, he spies his father's new stallion grazing a patch of grass several yards from the north bluff. At the bluff, Nikolas sees his father standing, gazing down at the water.
"Father!" Nikolas calls out, dismounting Sheeba.
"Nikolas!" Stefan turns and forces a strained smile. He walks crosses the distance between them. "What brings you here? I don't believe we had plans."
"We didn't." Nikolas takes off his riding helmet. "But I have some news, and I wanted you to hear it from me first."
"You sound ominous...." Stefan replies. "This isn't about Helena? I just spoke with her doctors, they assured me they were not releasing her tonight."
"No, it's not Grandmother. It's about Carly."
Stefan's expression immediately becomes guarded. "Unless she is in danger from Helena, I don't see how news about her would pertain to me."
"She's not in danger, but you will want to hear this from me."
Stefan grimaces in irritation. "Very well, since you are insistent I hear this, please give me the news so I can get on with my ride."
"Carly...." Nikolas's mouth becomes dry. He swallows painfully. All of a sudden he doesn't want to do this. He looks at the ground, struggling with his reluctance to hurt his father. Why had he thought this was such a good idea this morning?
"Come on now, Nikolas," Stefan prompts impatiently. "You have my attention, do not draw this out."
Nikolas looks his father in the eye. "Carly was seen kissing Jason Morgan."
Stefan's face turns to stone. "I did not think you were one to spread ridiculous gossip, but be that as it may..." He turns to gather up the reins of his stallion.
"It is NOT GOSSIP!" Nikolas bursts out. In the time it takes to calm himself he sees only the slightest glimpse of his father's agony before Stefan's expression goes completely blank. Nikolas softens his voice. "I swear to you, Father. It is not gossip. It happened last night, at the party Bobbie gave Carly after winning the court case. I don't know if it means they are together, but..."
"ENOUGH." Stefan's voice betrays a slight tremor. "I do not understand why you thought it necessary to tell me this, Nikolas. I have explained to you repeatedly that I have ended my relationship with Caroline. What she does and who she does it with is none of my business."
"Father?!" Nikolas reaches out to grab his father's sleeve but misses.
Stefan mounts his horse smoothly. "Now that you've imparted the news you thought so urgent, I assume your mission is done. Have a nice evening with Miss Quartermaine. Good bye, Nikolas. " Turning his horse, Stefan canters away from the house, down the horse trail that circles the island.
Nikolas turns his face up to the sky and closes his eyes. "Well that went well."
"It sucks." Lucky takes the duffle bag and slings it over his shoulder.
"Yeah I know it does, Son," Luke agrees. "But I'll give you the all clear when it's safe to come home. Trust me on this, I've been handling Cassadines for twenty years. This is the only way it'll work."
"And how will we know it's okay to come home?"
"When the headline to the Port Charles Herald reads something like..." Luke muses for a moment. "Helena Cassadine -- DEAD! Yeah, I figure that'll be the signal."
Lucky grabs the duffle and slings it over his shoulder. "Mom isn't going to go for this, you know."
"That's where you're wrong, Lucky." Luke pulls Lucky into a bear hug and squeezes extra hard for good measure. When he pulls away, his eyes are damp. "Your mom is already packing her carpet bag. You take care of them, I'm counting on you, Cowboy."
Lucky turns away to swipe at the errant tear. "I'm counting on you too, Dad. Be Careful."
Stefan drove his stallion to the brink of exhaustion, but still it isn't far enough, long enough for him to escape. Not near enough to ease the burning pain in his chest. When his horse slows and refuses to go further, Stefan dismounts and stumbles away, unseeing, uncaring. Just desperate to keep moving, to find a way to outrun what is chasing him so unremittingly.
Stumbling over a small boulder, Stefan's knees hit the sand of the bluff and he comes to a stop. With his head thrown back, he lets out a loud guttural cry of agony. Finally, tears seep relentlessly through his tightly shut lids and down his face. His body shudders with the pain. It's too much to hide from, too much to hold back.
She was gone.
He is assaulted with memories of her. Caroline's smile flashes through his mind, her voice saying she loved him, her lips kissing him tenderly, her arms around his neck, her body pressed against his. The feel of holding her in his arms as she wept like a baby, of making love to her while watching her raptured face. The sound of her laugh, her angry flashing eyes, her loving way with her son, her loyalty and determination, her joy...
Caroline was the only one he wanted, the only one he loved.
And she was gone.Next
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