CHAPTER ONE "What the hell is going on in here." Ned replies as he looks at Alexis. "There is no way in hell I am going to allow any fiancée of mine to live next door to a thug like Corinthos." Alexis hands Sonny her glass of Champagne. "Ned we aren’t going to have this discussion in front of Sonny." "Then fine he can leave." Ned replied as he held open the door and Johnny walked in with more of Alexis’ stuff. "Where would you liked me to put this?" Johnny asked Alexis. "Back in the moving van!" Ned yelled. "Ms. Davis won’t be staying!" "Just put it anywhere." Alexis replied as Ned gave her an evil look. "You know I think I’m just going to get going." Sonny replied as he placed the glasses on the table. "What a great idea!" Ned yelled. "Ned be nice!" Alexis exclaimed "You want me to be nice to the person who is responsible for making Brenda’ life nothing more then a living hell?" Alexis rolled her eyes and looked over at Sonny. "I’m sorry for Ned’s behavior." She shot Ned a look. "See it’s the Quatermaine in him sometimes he just doesn’t know any better." "Don’t worry, Ned and I understand one another perfectly." Sonny replied. "Yes you’re nothing more then a thug and I’m nothing more then the person who isn’t going to allow the woman I love to get any more involved with you than necessary." Ned shot back at Sonny. Alexis walked over to Sonny and put her arm on his shoulder. "I do love the place Sonny, thank you so much for offering it to me." Ned walked over and forcefully took Alexis’ hand off his shoulder. "But she won’t be needing it after all." "You know like I said before I think I’m just going to get going." Sonny replied. "I’ll call you later." Alexis replied as she shut the door behind Sonny. "Call him for what?" Ned yelled. "To tell him just how grateful you are that he’s allowed you to totally destroy your life!" "What the hell is your problem?" Alexis yelled as she began searching for her phone. "What is my problem?" Ned replied as he threw his hands up in the air. "For starters you’re moving in with the mob and there isn’t any going back." "I am not moving in with the mob." Alexis simple replied. "I am simple moving into my own place." "Across the hall from a man who most of the people of Port Charles would like to see in a body bag!" Ned screamed as he placed his hands over his eyes and took an extremely deep breath. "Sonny Corinthos is nothing more to me than a client." I wasn’t allowed to say anything then but I’m certainly going to say something now!" "Any what exactly are you saying?" She asked "I DO NOT want you moving in here!" "Well I suggest you get use to it because I have no intention of moving out." Alexis shot back. "What the fear of Helena trying to kill you just isn’t enough?" Ned screamed as he walked over to her and took her face in the palm of his hands. "Ned sweetheart I love you but nobody….well other then Helena is going to try and kill me just because I associate with Sonny." "That’s what Brenda said when she moved in with him and was almost shot to death taking a shower." Alexis walked away from him and continued sorting through her things. "And that’s what poor Lily thought when she and her unborn child went to get the car for him only to blown into a million pieces." "Ned you are being completely unreasonable about this!" "Unreasonable!" he yelled. "I’ll tell you what’s unreasonable about this." He grabbed a hold of her arm and made her stand still. "You calling me when you know damn well I’m not home and leaving me a message on my machine saying ‘hey sweetheart it’s me I love you and miss you……..oh by the way I’ve moved into Jason’ old penthouse, and don’t worry about the contracts for L&B I’ve already filed them with the court. Talk to you later.’" Alexis pulled away from him again. "Okay I know I should have told you before I moved in but I was afraid…," Alexis said trailing off. "Afraid of what? That I wouldn’t approve? Well you’re right, I don’t!" "Ned I really am sorry you feel that way." "And just what do you plan on doing about it?" "Come again?" She asked. "What do you plan on doing about the fact that I don’t want the woman I plan on marrying moving into crime central?" "I expect him to understand that moving in here is something I need." "Well he doesn’t!" "Well I’m sorry if things don’t always work out the way you want them to!" "If things worked out the way I wanted them to you’d be my wife." Ned shot back; completely unaware of the words that left his mouth until it was too late. Alexis just stared at him and his jaw dropped. "Is there something wrong with the fact that I’m ready to get married?" "No, but I’m not as ready as you are." She replied completely thrown off guard by his statement. The best thing she could do now would be to change the subject, and she did. "If me doing something you don’t approve of is going to cause us to fight like this then I’m not sure marriage should necessarily be our next step." Ned was shocked by her outburst but refused to let her get the better of him. "Fine then I’ll give you one better. Either you move your stuff out of this place and either back into the suite or into the Gatehouse, or the engagement is off." Alexis dropped the suitcase she was holding and looked him straight in the eyes. "Well then, since I’m not moving I guess I won’t be needing this." She took off her ring and threw it at him, there was no way he was going to control her life. "I’m glad to see we’ve come to an agreement." Ned yelled as he walked over and picked up the ring. Alexis was nearly in tears by the coldness of Ned’s words but she refused to let him see it. "Apparently in this situation it is the only possible cure." "So after four years it comes down to this." Ned said calmly as his eyes searched the room. "You’d rather live her than be with me." Alexis didn’t nor couldn’t let things end like this and was about to say something but Ned interrupted her. "Well I have news for you Ms Davis, I don’t need you anymore then you need me, have a good life." "I plan on it!" She yelled as he slammed the door behind her. Alexis put her hands over her eyes and began to cry uncontrollably as she sank to her knees. Her whole life was just turned upside down by a simple decision that she knew wouldn’t sit well with Ned. Why had she done it she thought to herself as she grabbed the bottle of Champagne Sonny had left and began guzzling it. Had she done it because she resented him leaving her all the time to go play Mr. Rock star to a bunch of teenage freaks? Or did she do it because she knew it would upset him and he’d walk away from her; then she wouldn’t have to live through the pain of losing him like she did her brother Stefan when he died. Right at this very moment she didn’t know why she did it she just wanted nothing more than for him to come back through that door so she could tell him she loves him and she’s so sorry. ‘I didn’t mean it Ned I love you’ she screamed to herself as she downed what was left of the bottle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ned walked off the elevator and headed straight to the bar. He sat down and ordered a double vodka straight up. He held the glass in front of him and said “here’s looking at you kid” before slamming it back. He swallowed the Vodka and shook his head, he never did like the taste of it much, but Alexis got him into drinking it. He ordered another drink and sat there for several hours as he soaked his sorrows in pure 100 percent alcohol. His life as he once knew it was over and there wasn’t anything he could do about it. Actually there was only one thing and he knew it, he needed to try and figure out a way to not only tell her he was sorry but show her. He struggled to get off his barstool without ease. The room began to spin and he fell to the floor. Dr Tony Jones, who just happened to be coming through the lobby after visiting a patient upstairs, walked over to him and helped him up. "You okay?" Tony asked "I’d be better if you’d give me a ride home." Ned barely spit out. "Would you like me to take you back to the hotel or the Gatehouse?" "It really doesn’t matter, right about now I’d choose either." Tony wrapped his arm around Ned’ waist and carried him outside. "Bad night?" "What do you think?" Ned slurred. "The woman I’m supposed to marry would rather live with Sonny Corinthos than me." "I’d say you need another drink." "Works for me, and trust me hotel or Gatehouse I’ve got plenty to drink. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile back at Alexis’ new Penthouse, Alexis is feeling no pain when there’s a knock at the door. "Coming." She sings as she makes her way to the door. "I heard some loud yelling over hear and wanted to make sure you were alright." Sonny replied. Alexis grabbed Sonny’s arm and pulled him inside. "And you brought Champagne to boot." "Well I wasn’t sure if you had any left." "You can never have too much." She slurred as she took the bottle from him and tried to unsuccessfully open it. "Why don’t you let me get that." Sonny stated as he took the bottle from her. "Whatever." Sonny opened the bottle and poured them both a glass. "Are you sure you really need anymore of this?" "Who are you now……… my keeper?" Alexis asked as she took the glass from him. "Hey it’s your party." "Your right it is. So shut up and drink!" Several hours have past and believe it or not Alexis was still alive and well. Sonny on the other hand, not only caught up to her but pasted her. As they continue to drink, the two of them just sit there totally wasted on the couch dishing everyone and everything they know, especially Carly and Ned. "I can’t believe Ned had the nerve to tell me where I could and couldn’t leave……..I mean live." Sonny places his hand on Alexis’ thigh and unconsciously begins to rub it. "I can’t believe Carly does half of what she does." "I can’t believe Carly does anything she does." Sonny’s hands begin to trail slightly higher on Alexis’ leg. "Okay I can’t believe Carly does anything she does either, but what can I say, I love her." "Ned thinks I’m being reckless and that you want nothing more than to keep me for your own." Alexis replies as she runs her fingers through his hair. "Ned doesn’t know how good he has it." Sonny stated as he moved his lips closer to hers. "Is it getting hot in here or is it just me?" Alexis asked as she stood up and unbuttoned her blouse. "You know it does feel rather warm." Sonny said as he lifted his shirt over his head. Alexis went to pour herself another drink. "I think we’re out of vodka." "And here I thought we we’re drinking Champagne." "I do believe that was like two bottles ago." She replied as she tossed the bottle over her head. "Nice throw." Sonny replied, as the bottle hit the edge of the garbage can and made its way inside. "What can I say I’m good." Sonny placed his hands around Alexis’ waist as her shirt fell to the floor. "And just how good are you? Alexis laughed at Sonny seductively. "I’ll show you just how good I am." And with that, Alexis grabbed Sonny’s face and planted a big fat wet kiss upon his lips. Sonny reached up and undid her bra before he allowed his hands to roam her body. Breathless, Alexis broke the kiss and stared into his eyes. He took a deep breath before he brought her body close to his and kissed her again as he undid the zipper from the back of her skirt. Alexis pushed Sonny back and removed her skirt along with her underwear. Sonny took that as an open invitation as he removed the remainder of his clothes as well. Alexis barely got a chance to think before Sonny had her on the floor, his body was on top of hers and there was no turning back as her nails dug into his back and he slipped inside. The room was spinning but the enjoyment of what one was doing to the other was unmistakable. The passion ignited and the screams began as they let themselves go, not having a care in the world other than that single moment in time. A moment mind you that just might cause them a lifetime of undeniable pain!!!!!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2 Sonny woke up not knowing where he was. His head was pounding, his body ached all over, and he was naked. He rubbed his eyes and looked around the room. What he saw was a nightmare...empty champagne and vodka bottles flooding the table and a naked Alexis lying to his left. What happened? He thought to himself as he tried to make his body function properly. He looked over at Alexis who was sleeping so peacefully. He made his way to his feet and looked around the room for a blanket to cover her with. He rummaged through her suitcases until he finally came across one. He walked over to her and placed the blanket across her body. He was mesmerized by her beauty, but felt like he would be violating her if he didn't cover her up. He didn't know what to do next. If he left, she might wake up and feel used and if he stayed, what would he say to her, so he got dressed and sat on the couch. He didn't exactly know what transpired the night before, but he did know that you don't wake up next to a nude woman and assume fires hadn't ignited. He watched her sleep...she looked like an angel sent down from heaven, and he thought to himself "she has got to be the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes upon." He wished he could remember the events of the night before. He wanted to remember what it felt like to hold her in his arms...to kiss her...to make love to her. "Damn, what am I going to do" he said as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Ashton is going to kill me and there is no telling what he is going to do to her." Sonny contemplated whether or not to wake her up. He knew that they needed to talk about what happened and decide what to do together. He got up and knelt down on the side of her. "Alexis" he said very softly. He got no response, so he nudged her "Alexis, Alexis get up." Just then there was a knock at the door. "Damn, now what? Alexis, you have to get up there is someone at the door." Alexis slowly opened her eyes to see Sonny kneeling over her. "What are you doing here?" she said with an annoyed tone in her voice. "Look" he said, "there is no time for an explanation. You are nude and someone is at the door!" Oh my God, what happened?" she asked as she sat up. "I'll explain later, now put on some clothes and go see who that is" "Where are you going?" she said. "I'll go hide in your bedroom...unless you want whoever it is at the door to see me?" "NO" she shouted "Just go." Sonny made his way to Alexis' bedroom as Alexis hurried to find a robe and put it on. "I'm coming," she said as she headed for the door. "What the hell took you so long?" Jax asked. "I was sleeping and it took me a while to realize someone was at the door." Jax looked around the room. He was shocked to see such a disaster. "What has gotten into you Alexis. Since when did you take up getting plastered? "Jax, I'm not in the mood okay. What do you want?" "I want to know if you drank all of this by yourself." "Look Jax, to be completely honest with you, I have no clue what I did last night. I can't remember much of anything that happened after Ned stormed out." "Look Alexis, I'm not here to tell you what to do." "Well thank God" Alexis remarked "because I already have Ned doing that for me! So, can we please not talk about Ned or me and Ned or my living arrangements...please." "Whatever you want, I don't mean to pry but I wanted to make sure you were okay." "I'm fine" Alexis said, "I just need a shower so I can begin to function properly again." Jax walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek "Ok, I'll let you be...just please call me if you need me." "I will and thank you for caring about me so much." "Alexis, I love you and I don't like seeing you like this." "I'll be better before you know it." she said. "I'm counting on that," Jax said as he made his way out the door. Alexis closed the door behind him and sank to her knees while looking at the disaster before her. She tried to mentally piece together what happened last night. She looked down at her hand to make sure the night wasn't just a bad nightmare. The ring was gone like she suspected. The reality of the whole thing hadn't set in yet, she didn't know whether to believe she and Ned were over or if it was just an obstacle in their way. Her mind went back to the night before...Ned left, Sonny came over, we tossed back drink after drink...I came on to him, he didn't decline.... I woke up nude. "I woke up nude," she said to herself in sheer horror. "I slept with Sonny?" She felt it, she knew it was true but she didn't remember it. She wanted to cry...all she could think about was Ned. “What have I done? If Ned was willing to walk away from us because I switched addresses, there is no way he will ever forgive me for this." she thought to herself as tears begin to fall down her face. She dropped her head into her hands and let her emotions take over. Just then, Sonny came down the stairs. He saw her crying and wanted to console her but didn't know what she needed so he remained silent. He stood there watching her and couldn't help but feel the pain she was going through. He would give anything if he could take what happened back...he didn't want to see her in pain. He walked over to her and knelt in front of her and reached for her hand. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes as she took his hand. He rubbed her hand and looked into her tear-filled eyes. "I'm sorry," he said as his voice cracked. They both continued to look at each other in silence...both knowing that they would eventually have to talk about it. “Alexis, please tell me what I can do” he said with pain in his voice. “Would you just hold me please?” she said as tears began to pour out of her eyes. Sonny wrapped his arms around her and held her tight as she sobbed. He knew her world had just began to crash around her, and although he could feel her pain, he didn’t share it. She was in love with Ned, but he wasn’t in love with Carly. She would have given anything to take back the night, but he only longed to remember it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3 A few days later Alexis was on her way out the door and was about to step onto the elevator when Sonny came around the corner. "Going down?" he asked Alexis couldn’t even bring her eyes up to meet his, so she nodded yes and stepped on. Sonny followed her and motioned for Johnny to stay behind. "Alexis we really need to talk about what happened." "Sonny I can’t not now!" She nervously replied. "Fine then when?" He asked as the elevator doors opened. "I don’t know just not now." She stated as she hurried off and ran directly into Ned. The day was just getting worse she though to herself as she looked up but avoided making any kind of eye contact with him. This of course didn’t go unnoticed by Ned as he lends down and picks up the papers she dropped when their bodies slammed into one another. "I was just on my way up to see you." "I was just on my way to court." "It’s been days and we need to talk." All of a sudden everyone wants to talk, she thought to herself. "I haven’t heard from you in days and now you want to talk!" she yelled. "I’m sorry you’re right I should have called you but I just didn’t know what to say to you." "How about I love you Alexis and I’m sorry." "I do love you and I am sorry." Alexis pushed her body passed his. "You sure have a funny way of showing it?" "Please don’t leave……can’t we at least talk about this and what happened." Alexis stopped and spun around to face him. "Like I said I’m on my way to court and I can’t be late." "Call me when you’re done?" Alexis didn’t say a word as she turned away from him. "Please don’t shut me!" "What’s the probability of the two of us talking without it turning into a nothing more then a yelling match?" She asked with her back still facing him. "I promise to try my best to listen to what you have to say without jumping to the wrong conclusion." He replied as he put his hands over his face and brought them in front of him. "Other then that I can’t make you any promises." Alexis once again turned around to face him, this time however she looked up into his eyes. "It’s a start." "So does that mean we can meet later today?" "Not here." "Fine the Gatehouse, the grill, Kelly’s you name the time and place and I’ll make it a point to be there." "I’ll call you later and let you know." Ned smiled at her as she turned and walked away. He reached down into his pants pocket and pulled out her ring. He looked up at it before placing it against his lips and kissing it. ‘I love you Alexis Davis and one way or another I’m going to make you once again see that.’ He said quietly to himself before he placed the ring back in his pockets and followed her lead. Alexis’ Penthouse Alexis arrived home after a long day in court and went directly to her answering machine to listen to her messages. “Hi. I know you said you would call, but I got anxious and really need to talk to you tonight. I love you.” “Alexis, Chloe is getting on my last nerve and I need a break. Call me when you get home, I want to come over and talk to you.” “Alexis, it’s me, Sonny, I wanted to know if you would be interested in having dinner at my penthouse tonight. Let me know” “Why does everyone want to talk???” Alexis said in frustration. “And now a man I can’t remember sleeping with wants to have dinner? Can it get any worse? Alexis decided to go across the hall to decline Sonny’s invitation for dinner. “Johnny, will you tell Mr. Corinthos I can’t make dinner tonight? I really don’t want to disturb him.” “Sure Ms. Davis, I’ll relay the message to him.” “Thank you Johnny” Alexis said as she headed back to her penthouse. She picked up the phone to call Jax, but got his machine. “Jax, hey it’s me. Sorry but I won’t be home tonight. Give me a call tomorrow and maybe we can do it then.” The next call Alexis had to make was the one she dreaded. She was a nervous wreck. She didn’t know what she was going to tell him and was too ashamed to face him. She went to dial his number and hung up before she finished. “I can’t do this. There is no way in hell I can face him right now.” Just then, the phone rang. “Alexis Davis” “Hey it’s me. I’m coming over. We have to talk.” “Ned, I told you earlier, not here. Why don’t we meet at L&B” “That’s fine with me. I’ll meet you there in 15 minutes. And Alexis, thank you.” “For what?” Alexis said in surprise. “For giving us the opportunity to work through this.” “I’ll see you in 15 minutes” is all she could say. She wasn’t exactly sure that they could work through it. She gathered up her things and headed out the door to L&B. She had no idea what she was going to say to Ned or what he was going to say to her, but she knew it was something she had to do. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4 Alexis walked into L&B and found Ned waiting for her on the couch. He immediately got up to greet her “I’m glad you came. Is right her fine?” He said as he motioned toward the couch. Alexis nodded in response. As she sat down on the couch, Ned took a seat on the table directly in front of her “I really don’t want to be here.” Alexis said as she nervously fidgeted with her hair. “I don’t know what you want from me Ned?” Ned got offended by Alexis’ remark and began to raise his voice. “What I WANT from you? Alexis, for the past four years you have been my life, how can you question what I want from you? I want YOU, don’t you know that?” Alexis stood up and began to pace around the room. “I know that Ned, but the problem isn’t about you wanting me. The problem is how you want me. I make a move that you don’t find suitable and your initial response is “it’s my way or the highway!” Ned, you were willing to give up on us because I moved in next to Sonny. What does that say about us? What does that say about you wanting me?” Ned got up and walked over to her “Alexis, I was angry, hurt, and jealous and I said things I didn’t mean. Walking away was never an option.” “Ned, you and I have always had an open relationship and I know you Ned, you never say things you don’t mean and if you do, there is always some hint of truth to it.” Alexis stated calmly as you turned away from him “The truth is I don’t like you living there, but I would never let it come between us” Frustrated, Alexis turned around “It already did Ned. Don’t you see that” If you act this way on the first day I move in, what is going to happen down the road? Can you honestly tell me that you will be able to accept this?” “Yes. Alexis, I’m willing to give it a try. I don’t like Sonny and you know that. I don’t want you in any danger. The man is a thug Alexis and I cringe every time he looks at you. I see the way he stares at you Alexis. He WANTS you and when I see him looking at you, it’s like he is visualizing you naked! I’m sorry Alexis but I don’t want ANY man looking at MY woman that way!” Alexis’ jaw dropped and she quickly looked away from him as his words hit closer to home then he knew. Her head was spinning and she couldn’t think so she just began yelling at him. “Don’t try and falsify the blame Ned. This has nothing to do with your jealousy. The bottom line is you don’t like the fact that I’m doing something YOU don’t approve of! And what if Sonny finds me attractive? Am I suppose to not look at another man because you might think he wants nothing more from me then my body?” She threw her hands up. “ Why do you have to read more into a situation then what’s already there?” “Don’t tell me you’ve suddenly gone blind Alexis. You can’t tell me you don’t see the way he looks at you. I’m not reading more into the situation then is there; the truth is, it IS there…plain as day. Anyone would be a fool not to see it! Hell, if I was reading more into it, I’d think you were sleeping with the man!” Alexis was dumbfounded by what Ned just said. She turned away to avoid looking at him for fear that he would catch on. She walked over to the table and began stacking the loose papers. “Ned, I’m not interested in playing this “Does Sonny want Alexis” game with you!” Alexis built up the courage to turn and face him “Look, you are going to believe what you want to believe, so there is no point arguing it. Ned, with all that has been going on recently…the Eddie Maine thing and the move, I really think we have come to a point in our relationship where we need to re-evaluate ourselves.” “What are you saying Alexis” “I’m saying we need a break from each other.” Ned became irate “Oh, so it’s okay for you to give up on us after four years, but when you ASSUMED that’s what I was doing when I walked out the other night, that was unacceptable in your mind!” “I’m not giving up on us!” “Like hell you’re not!” “See, that’s the problem. God forbid things don’t go Ned Ashton’s way.” “I can’t even remember the last time things went my way!” Alexis started to say something but opted to head toward the door instead. I have to go Ned, before we both say things we can’t take back.” “Alexis, don’t walk away from us!” Ned yelled completely frustrated, as Alexis reached the door and began opening it. “You walk out that door and it’s over!” She turned and looked at him. “See, you just proved me right Ned! This isn’t about your jealousy or the fact that you fear I am in danger. You will never be able to accept my living there! More proof that this IS over!” Alexis said as she walked out and slammed the door behind her. Ned sunk to the couch and put his head in his hands. He didn’t know how he was going to make her believe that he could eventually come to accept this. He didn’t know how he was going to make her see that his intentions were in the right place. “Time heals all wounds,” he said to himself as he felt a lump emerge in his throat Alexis got in her car and let her head fall on the steering wheel. “I love you Ned Ashton,” she said to herself as tears began to fill her eyes ‘I don’t know how I’m ever going to make you understand that especially after the stupid mistake I made.’ She took a deep breath and threw her head back. ‘Maybe it would be best for all concerned if I moved out of the penthouse and back into my suite.’ Alexis banged the steering wheel with her hand. No I can’t do that then he’ll know something’s wrong.’ She yelled. ‘I should have told him damn it! Why didn’t I? I was so open about everything else. I have to tell him….I WILL tell him...soon.”