Ned rushes in the cavern. Luke had shot Helena. Alexis was on the floor, but didn't look hurt. Ned unties her and picks her up.

N- Are you two hurt?

L- I'm not, but the counselor took a pretty bad fall.

A- Is she dead?

Luke checks.

L- Yep. And you thought she had to be human to die. Oh, well. She's on her way to hell.

Alexis just stared.

N- What are we going to do with the corpse?

L- Don't worry about it. Jason's men aren't being paid to do nothing. Take the princess home. She looks like she needs some r and r.

N- Thank you, Luke. (to Alexis) C'mon honey. Let's go.

He takes her gently and leads her outside.

L- (to Helena's corpse) Happy new year, babe. I'll see you in hell. He lights up a cigar and laughs.

In Alexis's suite.

A- It's all my fault.

N- What is?

A- You getting kidnapped, her dying.

N- Hold on. You didn't shoot her. She deserved to die. And Helena was the one who kidnapped me. You had nothing to do with it. Are you sad that she died?

A- (sighing) I'm not happy that someone died, but, as you said, she deserved it.

N- I think you need to rest. Why don't I draw you a bath?

A- OK. Would you mind putting bubbles in it? There's a bottle near the bathtub.

N- No problem.

A few mins. later.

N- It's ready. Go on.

A- You won't join me?

N- Not tonight.

A- You'll stay, though, won't you?

N- Of course.

A- Come in here.

His phone rings.

N- Hold on. (into phone) Hello.

Edward- Where the hell have you been? Nevermind. We have a problem at ELQ. How fast can you get to the mansion?

N- I can't, Grandfather.

E- Oh, you can't. Why not?

N- Put it this way: some things are more important than business.

E- Like what?

N- Like people that I love. Sorry, Grandfather.

He hangs up the phone and shuts it off.

A- What was that about?

N- Nothing. Minor problem at ELQ.

A- If you need to leave, I'll be fine.

N- Sorry, but you can't get rid of me that easily.

A- That's OK. I want you to stay.

He kisses her unbruised cheek.

N- Let me get you some ice for your other cheek.

Ned comes back with some ice wrapped in a small towel.

N- Hold still for a minute.

He puts the ice against Alexis cheek. She winces.

N- Is that OK?

She nods and takes the ice. Ned starts to massage her back.

A- That feels good.

N- I thought it might. Your water is getting a little cold. Want me to go get you something to wear?

A- Yeah, thanks.

When he comes back, she is standing in a towel. She is sooo sexy, he thinks to himself.

N- Here. I'll be in the other room.

Ned is turning down the sheets when Alexis walks in.

N- You look better.

A- (little smile) I feel better. Will you sleep on the bed?

N- I don't think so.

A- Please.

He still looks doubtful.

A- I don't say that word very often.

N- Well, OK.

He goes to turn off the light and gets in bed with her.

A- I want you in my bed. Always.

N- That can be arranged.