"He needs me."

"Forget about him, Chloe, what do you need?"

"I can't answer that, Brady."

"Why because you don't want to, or because you know you don't need him. He's hurt you before, he'll only do it again."

"You're wrong, Philip's changed."

"You'll see Chloe. Only this time I'll be too far away to do anything about it."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm leaving. I can't stay here forever and it looks like I don't have a reason to any more."

Brady picked up his suitcase from behind the couch. Chloe remained silent, the tears pricking her eyes and threatening to spill down her cheek. She wouldn't cry. This is what she wanted she told herself. Brady crossed the room taking his keys and plane ticket in his trembling hands. If only she could see what she meant to him, maybe then she would ask him to stay. But he knew the words wouldn't pass her lips. She was too proud to ask for help, too proud to admit she might be wrong.

"Brady!?" She called to him before he got into the elevator, exiting her life for an undisclosed amount of time.

He turned to look at her. Positive, she could see the pain in his eyes, the same hurt that was always there since she told him about her reunion with Philip.

"What is it?" Brady asked, holding the elevator door.

Chloe stepped in, taking his hand away, and allowing the door to close.

"I can't let you leave like this. I don't want you to be angry with me."

"I'm not angry. I just think you're making a mistake."

"It's my life Brady."

"I know." He admitted, with sorrow lining his voice. "If you ever need me, I'll be here for you. Just call me, and I'll be on the next plane."

"I know you would, Brady."

See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you

Chloe stared into his soft blue eyes, slightly shaking, thinking it may be the last time she would see him, the last time she could touch him, or hold him. Without thinking, she took him in her arms, burying her head in his chest. Even at that moment, she knew she was engaged to another man, but couldn't help feeling how right the moment felt. Wrapping his arms around her, he nuzzled his head in her hair, taking in her scent, remembering ever second.

As she pulled away, even slightly he couldn't bare the separation and he pulled her back against him, crushing his lips to hers. She responded with need and urgency, hugging him tightly to her. Touching his expensive suit, the fine stitching and perfectly matched buttons, against her skin. Her eyes welled with tears, as his tongue captured her, taking her to depths, she had never known and crashing against hers, like a vengeful ocean. Temperamental, and unpredictable, a storm of passion. He sucked the salty droplets from her skin. Covering her lips again with his own, expressing his own anguish, his own heartache.

He tugged at her dark trench coat, pulling it off her shoulders, and dropping it to the elevator floor.

The rolled around the cube, jerking the emergency brake. They were suspended in air literally and figuratively. Chloe felt like she was floating above herself, sure, she was going insane. Surely, she wouldn't be allowing any of this to happen, had she not be under some divine intervention. It couldn't be her, touching and tasting Brady Black in a public area, the rational Chloe told her to stop, but her heart told her she needed it. She needed to feel Brady's lips against hers, and on her skin, devouring every part of her.

It could be a dream, she rationalized, but even a dream was never this good. It was killing her, not to have control, but it was also killing her not to be able to touch him. They were electrically charged, magnetically drawn to each other, and the more she pulled away the stronger the connection became.

She touched the side of his face, sliding her hand against his freshly shaven skin. God, she loved the feel of him. Un-patiently, she pulled at his tie, loosening it and pulling it over his head. Stripping him of his suit jacket, she proceeded to remove his dress shirt, until he stood, in slacks and a wife beater. He tugged his own shirt off his body, before removing her blouse. Wearing only a camisole, she wiggled out of her skirt. Now free from most of their clothes, they breathed each other in. Chloe ran her hands over his massive chest. She looked him in the eye, walking towards him, undoing his belt buckle and dropping his zipper, she let his pants fall to the floor.

He stepped out of them, taking her in his arms, holding her, against the heavy beating of his chest. Their skin was warm as he cradled her in his arms. She wasn't a child anymore, but she felt so vulnerable in his arms. So unbelievable free to be herself, it frightened her. She could hide nothing from Brady, she was always so exposed. Gently he swept the hair from her eyes, kissing her forehead.

She was all he ever wanted, everything he needed and she belonged to someone else. It didn't matter now, it was their moment and they were locked in it. Zeroing in on each other's needs like never before. It was an experience neither of them had ever shared. From the intimacy of just holding one another to feeling of completion, they felt it.

Tenderly, he brushed the side of her face with the back of his hand, letting it trail down her back, until he reached the hem of her camisole. Slowly, he pulled it up, she stretched her arms to help and then it was off, crumpled on the floor with the rest of their clothes.

Lightly, he touched her stomach, grazing her mid-drift so slightly that she barely felt it, save for the tiny shivers he sent down her spine. His hands moved over her breasts so sweetly, she thought, she may start to cry again. He touched the fine lace on her bra, carefully unhooking it. He took it off her sensitive skin, slowly, dropping it to the ground. Now running his hands over her bare breasts, she shook slightly against him.

Bending down he caught her lonely lips, with his own, heating them once again. He took her bottom lip in his mouth, sucking it. Her head swam, with a conflict of emotions, but her body ached to be next to his. To get closer with each new sensation.

Releasing her lips, he ran his tongue along her throat down to her breasts. Capturing one of her blushing nipples. She closed her eyes, holding onto his strong arms, for leverage.

Sinking into him, she could feel that he had the same desire welling up inside of him. At that moment she didn't care what was right, she had no will to be right. All she wanted was Brady, nothing else mattered. No commitments, no begging or guilt could keep her from this experience now.

Brady let his hands linger down her back, resting comfortable on her backside. He could feel her pushing against him, he knew what she wanted. He wasn't ready yet, he needed to savour each moment, taking his time, so she would never forget. He ran his fingers through her hair, loving the silky strands, that tickled his arms. He took her other breast against his mouth, hungrily dancing his tongue against her.

It was torture and that was what he intended Chloe thought. He wanted her to remember, and she knew she would never forget. She urged him on, groping his butt to start, then letting her hands travels to the front of his bulging boxer-briefs. There was no turning back, not even if they wanted to.

Finally he picked her up, centring her against his hardened body. Their paces quickened, their breathing increased, until their lungs felt tight and burned for oxygen. She rocked against him, slowly, wanting to be so much closer.

They kissed again, deeper, even, more passionate. Their lips swollen and hot. It was a feeling they had never experienced. So much richer than anything on this earth.

He turned her, so her back was against the elevator wall, using his strength to hold her up. She held onto his neck, as he slid her panties down her thighs and off her body. She had to be set down for him to remove his own undergarments, but once he had, they resumed their contact. She kissed his neck and the crease in his collarbone, desperately seeking more heat, more sensation.

Easily he slid into her virgin body. She froze against him, laying her head on his shoulder, letting the few tears escape her eyes and fall onto his skin. He couldn't move. He took one of his hands from her back and forced her to look at him. Shyly she met his eyes and nodded.

"I didn't know." His whispered, almost letting his own tears surface. How didn't he know? Brady was almost sure, Philip and Chloe had been together, but looking into her eyes, he supposed he did know all along. He couldn't figure out why, she would give him something so precious, something she had been holding onto. It could only mean that she shared his feelings.

"I'm sorry." He said, wiping the remaining tears from your eyes.

"Don't be." She whispered back, shifting over him, beginning to move against him.

"Chloe, are you sure?"

"I've never been more." She told him, genuinely.

Gently he layed her down on their clothes, still inside her, making a soft pillow under her head.

"You're so beautiful." He soothed as he began to move within her.

"So are you." She smiled, arching her back to meet him.

He took his time with her, giving her a chance to adjust and to feel him. They kept eye contact as he thrust inside her, tenderly, yet passionately. His body glided along hers, soaked with sweet sticky sweat. Over and over, they rubbed together, moisture and heat bringing them closer to their peak. He massaged her sensitive skin, helping her through the journey.

She felt the heat boiling inside her, like a kettle whistling to get out. It enveloped her in ways she had never known. The waves came closer and she searched for release finally letting herself go as she clung to Brady, moaning his name, the entire time, not even aware she was doing it. Almost letting the sweltering heat that surrounded him, make him let go, he slowed down his pace. She shuttered against him, her hair tangled in sweat, her eyes surprised and pleased. He slid inside of her still, as she pulled him down closer to her. The feel of her breasts grazing his chest was a sultry victory as he spilled inside of her.

He rested gently against her breast, listening to her fast heartbeat. She stroked his wet hair, and kissed his forehead. They remained like that, connected, tenderly touching each other.

He would leave her soon and she would feel the void of not having him inside her.

Finally they dressed and stood together. Not speaking, yet, for fear they would say the wrong thing.

He thought this was it, they could be together, she would realize, how perfect they were together. But she turned from him, unlocking the emergency brake. "We can never tell Philip about this." She told him, over her shoulder.

"Why would it matter now?" He asked, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.

"Because one day he will be my husband, and he will want to think he was the first."

"Chloe, I-I don't understand. I thought we-I mean I thought you..."

"I'll always remember this, Brady." She said, with tears in her eyes.

Brady nodded. He understood. They weren't going to be together. She wasn't telling him she loved him, she was saying goodbye.

"I'll always love you." He whispered, as he picked up his bags and walked out into the lobby.

The doors closed, and she stumbled to the back, slumping down against the back wall. "I'll always love you, too." She sobbed.

Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you

"Chloe!?" Brady jumped, answering the phone.

"No, it's Belle."

"Oh." Months had gone by and not a single phone call, but he wouldn't give up. Not after what they had shared, he knew it was real, and that one day Chloe would realize it too.

"Brady, there's been an accident." Belle, said, quietly, a sadness in her voice, he had never heard before.

"An accident? With, who? Oh God, is it Chloe? Is she ok?"

Belle sat silently at the other end, trying to gain her composure.

"I think you should get down here as soon as you, can."

"Belle, please, I need to know."

"I know as much as you do right now, Philip was drinking, he said he was okay to drive. We should have stoped him."

"Belle, was Chloe with him?"

"We should have stopped him." She repeated.

"Okay, Belle, please calm down, I'll be on the next flight."

With or without you
With or without you

Through the storm we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you

Brady boarded the plane, his thoughts only resting on Chloe. He would kill Philip, if he had hurt her. Brady cursed himself, he should have stayed with her. Fought a little harder for her. God, she had to be all right.

The entire taxi ride seemed to go by, in a blur. He couldn't lose her, there was no way he would let her go without a fight. He hoped to God that it wouldn't be too late. Even saying a silent prayer for his beloved Chloe.

His heart pounded in his chest, painfully constricted as he ran through the hospital doors. There was no one in the reception area and he wanted to hit something. Precious moments were being wasted as he watched for someone to come back to answer his pending questions. Finally fed up, he walked down the corridor searching for a doctor, a nurse, anyone that could lead him in the right direction.

When he turned the corner, he heard his name. There, standing behind him, was Belle and Shawn, looking pale. Belle looked so small, like a child again. Her hands were shaky as she clasped onto Shawn.

"Oh God Belle." Brady, mumbled, taking her in his arms, stroking her hair.

He looked to Shawn for answers. "We just got here." Shawn said, quietly. "The nurse said, it doesn't look good."

"For, who? It didn't look good for, who?" Brady, questioned, trying not to be overcome by his emotions. He had to be string for Belle and for Shawn.

"We couldn't get a straight answer from anyone."

"Where did she say to go?"

"Through those doors and to the right." Shawn pointed.

"Stay here with Belle. I'll go."

And you give yourself away

My hands are tied
My body bruised, she's got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose

Brady took the few steps and opened the swinging doors, his breath ragged. He was seconds away from finding out if he had a future, if he could possibly go on. Without Chloe it wasn't worth it. If only he had told her. If only he had let her know, that he wanted her, that he needed her.

If Philip had destroyed her, he would die. How could he go on, without the most important thing in his life? It wasn't possible. He didn't want it, he hadn't chosen this life. He wanted more. Now, he made a vow to himself that if she was okay, he would never let her go. He would hold her, and make love to her, for the rest of his life.

There was no time to turn back, he had to go right. Whatever he found there, he would have to deal with it, no matter how much it killed him.

His heart skipped a beat. Philip was stretched out, on one of the beds. His features small and distant. Brady took a few steps forward. He peered down at his uncle, disgusted. Philip had suffered a lot of damage in the crash. His leg and arm was broken and bandaged. His nose, swollen and stitched. The right side of his head was shaved, where a large gash dug into his skull. An IV ran the length of his arm, other machines beeped as they helped him, breathe.

This wasn't the same Philip, he had once been. He was fragile, cold, lifeless. Brady felt sorry for him, but would be merciless nonetheless if Chloe had been injured.

He let one tear slid down his cheek at the thought. He couldn't fathom what it would be like to not hold his Diva once again. To not touch her or taste her, it was simply unbearable.

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

Hearing a noise behind him, he quicky wiped his face with the back of his sleeve. "I'm sorry, I'm probably not supposed to be in here." He said, not even bothering to turn around. Too embarrassed to show his face to what he thought was a nurse.

"Brady?" The voice came out low and shaky, and he knew it was, her.

He spun on his heels, crossing the distance. Looking down at her, he studied her for injuries. Taking her hands in his own, he lightly kissed them, turning them over. He touched her face sweetly, between his trembling hands. A small cut above her eye, and a few bruises and bumps were the extent of her injuries.

He pulled her into him, letting his tears spill down his face. He held her so close, practically clutching at her.

"I'm here." He soothed, stroking her back. "I thought I had lost you." He whispered into her ear.

"I tried to stop him." She cried. "He wouldn't listen to me. I tried Brady. I did. But I couldn't forget and he saw it. It's all, my fault!"

Brady tipped her chin, to look her in the eye. He saw the sorrow, the anguish. "It's not your fault, what would make you think that?"

"I told him tonight, Brady. That's why he got so drunk, that's why he crashed the car."

"Chloe, you're not making sense. What did you tell him?"

"I needed you, all this, time, I've wanted to be with you. I had to be honest with him. I told him about the day in the elevator. I told him about us."

"But why?" He asked, gently stroking her cheek.

"I had to. He would have known. He could see there was a difference in me. Ever since that day. I couldn't take it anymore, I needed to be with you. That's when he started to drink. He couldn't handle it, I suppose I should have known better."

"He didn't hurt you did he?"

"No, Brady, I'm fine, he just hurt himself. I'm so sorry." Chloe, cried crashing into his chest.

"I shouldn't have left you."

"I gave you no choice. I told you I would be with Philip no matter what."

"I should have known better. I should have fought for you." He said, running guilty fingers down her hair.

"Brady, I should have told you then, that I loved you." She looked up at him, the tears moistening her eyes once again.

"Let's stop with all of this. It's in the past. We have each other now, and that's all, that matters."

"You're right Brady, but there's one more thing you need to know."

"What's that?" He asked, kissing her forehead.

"A few weeks after you left, I found out I was pregnant. That's why I never called you, or wrote. I was so afraid to tell you. Not because I thought you wouldn't care but because I knew how much you would and I didn't want it to be the reason why you came back."

"Please tell me the baby is okay. I couldn't bare it if we lost our child."

"The baby is fine." She smiled, through her tears.

"Chloe, if I knew you were ready for this I never would have left."

"Never leave me again." She whispered into his chest.

"I couldn't I love you too much."

He met her lips and delivered a soft kiss. She kissed him back with as much passion she could muster, needing contact from the months apart.

Chloe and Brady turned their heads when then heard muted, sobs. There was Belle standing beside Shawn, teary eyed. All this time, she knew her bother and Chloe were in love and was so happy to finally see them admit it, but was also saddened by the site of an unconscious Philip.

"This day is so bittersweet." Shawn said, quietly, looking from his best friend to the new couple.

They could only nod in response. "We'll give you a chance to visit Philip, I'm going to take Chloe home." Brady told them, putting his arm around Chloe and walking her out of the room.

Brady carried Chloe to her room, laying her gently on her bed. He sat next to her, taking off her shoes and helping her out of her coat. The cuddled beside each other as Brady gently felt Chloe's stomach.

He turned to her, a smile spread across his face. "So have you thought of any names yet?"

The End

I disclaim. I do not own the characters.

Song Credit- "With or Without You" by U2