Out Of The Ashes

Out Of The Ashes
By Christy

Part I

Sonny was feeling vulnerable. He knew he was as he sat on the bench in front of Lily’s grave. Lily Rivera Corinthos. Her life flashed before his eyes as he spoke, while his heart raged against Carly. She just didn’t understand. They were over. He didn’t love her anymore. He still loved Lily though and one other woman, a woman who was always his friend, a helpmate. But he didn’t talk about her as he spoke. He just wondered if he was going to lose it, and do something he would regret…

The action was so sudden, so irrevocable. Sonny’s body was suddenly pulled taut. His first impulse was delayed as the piercing knife attacked him, cutting his soul from the inside out. Sonny screamed silently as a second turned into eternity, as the knife lay within him, twisting, maiming, maybe killing. He fell slightly backwards, then down as his legs sagged. The ground met him as the knife was withdrawn, as the assailant whispered something about a “belated birthday,” and then fled like the coward he was. Instinctively, Sonny rose to defend himself. He grabbed the bench he had been sitting on. He thought he was going to stand, to be all right. But the blood seeping down his back left him breathless. Sonny gasped, then fell to the ground again. He couldn’t move, couldn’t think, couldn’t cry for help. His mind grew foggy. He thought he was
dying. Now she would never know how much he really loved her. She would never know he even cared.

* * * * *

Johnny had been waiting for Sonny for a very long time. He couldn’t see Lily’s memorial from the road. A tree blocked his view. Sonny had insisted on going to the gravesite alone as usual. The boss always took risks. Sighing, Johnny finally started towards Lily’s grave. As he came around the tree, his heart thumped when he realized he didn’t see Sonny. He broke into a run then stopped short as he caught sight of the still body lying on the ground. Now Johnny’s heart was in his mouth as he knelt down beside Sonny. He looked for any injury. It wasn’t hard to spot the blood gravitating to the ground beneath Sonny. The stabbing wound beneath Sonny’s shirt was evident. Very carefully, Johnny laid Sonny on his back. Sonny moaned.

“Boss, I’m sorry,” Johnny muttered. “What the H*ll happened. I was only a few feet away. I need to call for help.” Sonny’s hand stopped Johnny’s.

“No,” Sonny cried. “Take me home,” Johnny looked at Sonny as though he were nuts.

“Take me home,” Sonny said very slowly and carefully. Johnny wanted to object, but one look at Sonny’s face made him give up. He half carried, half-dragged Sonny to the limousine. Sonny gritted his teeth. In the limousine, he laid down, his head reeling from the pain. Johnny put his own jacket over Sonny. Then he got in the driver’s seat. Reluctantly he put the car in gear and took off for the Harborview Towers. He wanted to go to GH, but that wasn’t what Sonny wanted, and frankly, Johnny didn’t want to mess with Sonny, injured or not.

At the Harborview Towers, Johnny had one of Sonny’s men waiting for them. Together they helped Sonny out of the limo. At the same moment, Alexis caught them going towards the elevator. Her attention was caught by the two men holding Sonny up as they got into the elevator car. Johnny tried to get the door shut before Alexis got to him, but she placed her body so the elevator door couldn’t shut.

“Oh my God,” Alexis’ voice cried, reaching Sonny’s befuddled brain. “Sonny!”

“Lexis,” Sonny mumbled. Alexis stepped into the elevator and the doors closed letting the car go up to the penthouse. Johnny let Sonny lean against the car. Sonny’s face was pale and his breathing rapid.

“Johnny. What is wrong with you? He’s hurt. He should be at GH.”

“No,” Sonny whispered. “No.”

“Why, Sonny?” Alexis demanded. Sonny just shook his head. The elevator car opened again. Sonny lost consciousness as he was moved again. Johnny exchanged looks with Alexis.

“You can’t take care of him alone,” Alexis told him. “Let me help.” Johnny knew Sonny might be mad, but he didn’t care about that. Alexis was a woman and she could help. Besides, if Carly was home, she’d probably just freak, and Alexis might calm her down. He nodded as he and his friend helped Sonny into the house. They quickly took him upstairs. Alexis raced into the bathroom to get a basin and some soap, hot water, and towels.

“Take his shirt off,” Alexis told Johnny. Johnny very carefully took off Sonny's jacket and shirt. The bare back and side was covered in blood. Alexis and Johnny positioned Sonny on his side. Alexis was glad he was unconscious. She used the soap and water to clean the wound. Fortunately it wasn’t large. Her concern was for the damage inside.

“Stupid fool,” She muttered. “If you’ve gone and hurt yourself seriously, what are we going to do? Johnny, do me a favor and stay close. We may have to take him to the hospital if the bleeding doesn’t stop. How did this happen? What was used to stab him?”

“Obviously a knife,” Johnny replied. Alexis gave Johnny a moron look. Johnny turned away sheepishly.

“Johnny, does he keep a first aid kit?” Alexis wondered.

“I think in the kitchen.”

“Get it for me. We’ll need to bandage this and pray nothing vital was hit.”

“From your mouth to God’s ears,” Johnny muttered. He hurried off to get the kit. Alexis cleaned off the blood on Sonny’s back and side. The basin water turned red. She was frustrated that the small 2cm wound still continued to bleed. She wasn’t a nurse. How far had the knife gone in? Would infection set in? How much damage had been done. Why oh why hadn’t he gone to the hospital? Sonny started to awaken. He grimaced at Alexis’ touch. She was pressing down on the
wound trying to stop the bleeding. There was just a trickle. It appeared the bleeding had stopped considerably.

“Ow!” Sonny objected. “That hurts.”

“Serves you right,” Alexis snapped. “You could have died.” Sonny closed his eyes. How had Alexis gotten into this fiasco?

Johnny came in with the kit. Sonny remained silent while Alexis finished dressing the wound. She pulled a blanket over him to keep him warm.

“Get him some soup, broth if you can and some water,” Alexis told Johnny. Johnny nodded, and left. Sonny didn’t move. Alexis saw that he had fallen asleep. It seemed to be a natural sleep. He shivered. She got another blanket that she found in a closet and put it over him. Still he shivered. Alexis sat on the side of the bed and took Sonny’s hands in her’s. They were cold. She rubbed them. Sonny didn’t move. Still he shivered. Alexis didn’t know what to do. She was afraid he’d go into shock. Why was he so cold? Finally, out of frustration, she took off her own blouse and skirt. With just her underclothes on, she slipped under the covers and used her own body heat to help Sonny get warm. She pulled the covers over both of them. Sonny started to awaken again.

“Come on, Sonny,” Alexis begged Sonny as she rubbed his back and chest with her hands. “Don’t die on me.” Sonny heard her voice, Alexis’ voice. He couldn’t believe she was in bed with him. Over his pain, his body suddenly ached to have her closer. He wasn’t dead. He knew now he wasn’t going to die. He could tell her, tell her how he had wanted her for so long. He didn’t answer.

Alexis used her palms and fingers to rub Sonny’s chest. His chest was lean and hard. She was shocked as she realized her body was yearning to love Sonny. It was awakened simply by her touch of his muscular frame. How? She had never thought of Sonny in that way. He was her friend. He was hurt. She was just trying to help him right? Her hands brushed his sides, then his back. Sonny shivered again, but this time it wasn’t with the cold. He felt more of an ache for Alexis
than he did the pain of his stabbing. It was unbelievable. As Sonny started to move, Alexis drew back.

“No,” Sonny cried, as if in fear. “Don’t leave me, Alexis.” Alexis froze. He wanted her with him? She laid back down. Sonny turned over, very, very slowly. His face made a severe grimace.

“Sonny!” Alexis protested. Sonny laid his head down on the pillow. He pulled the blankets close over him. His own hands sought Alexis’

“Don’t leave me,” He begged again. “Please, Alexis.” Alexis could only stare at the yearning in Sonny’s eyes.

“Sonny, you’re hurt,” She scolded.

“I need you,” came the truthful response. “I need you to be with me.”

“Carly will come. She’ll take care of you. I was just trying to keep you from going into shock,” Alexis protested weakly. Her own body wanted nothing more than to be close to Sonny. The heat between them was palpable. The electricity hung between them.

“I don’t want, Carly!” Sonny cried with all his heart. “I want you! I’ve wanted you for so long, Alexis.” Alexis stared at Sonny. A tear formed and fell down his cheek.

“I should have told you,” he told her. “I should have. I love you, Alexis. You. Only you.” For a moment, Alexis wondered if Sonny were delirious. She put her hand on his forehead. He didn’t have fever. Still…

“You’re hurt,” She repeated. “You don’t know what you’re saying. You’re in shock.”

“I’m not in shock!” Sonny protested. “Alexis, please.” His voice was weak, but it was strong at the same time. Sonny knew he couldn’t lose this chance to tell her, to tell Alexis, she was the woman he loved. Not Carly. Not Lily. Alexis. His body drew close to Alexis, as close as he could get. His breath was hot on her cheek. Alexis felt his lips touch hers. They sought to taste her sweetness. His arms went around her, pulling her close. He did want her. The emotions that erupted within them were undeniable.

“Sonny,” Alexis moaned. “You can’t. Not now.” Sonny groaned with his own desire.

“No, not now,” He agreed, “but stay with me? Tell me we have a future. Tell me I have something to live for.” Alexis almost swatted him, but she couldn’t. All she could do was lay down next to him. All she could do was feel the delightful ecstasy that filled her heart with the man she realized she had desired for so long, next to her. The realization was so new, so miraculous…

“Go to sleep, Sonny,” Alexis heard herself say.

“Alexis,” Sonny said in a seductive voice that was mixed with fatigue and weakness.

“Go to sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up. I’ll be here, now and forever.” Sonny sighed in wonder. He closed his eyes, Alexis still in his arms. He fell asleep next to the woman he loved. Her soft even breathing lulled him into sleep, even as the wound on his back started to heal. His world would heal with Alexis. Alexis lay quietly with Sonny, her own heart rejoicing. She didn’t know what the morning would bring, but tonight true love had been found. Out of the ashes of Sonny’s life, they had found each other. Carly be damned. She would have Sonny. She would have him at all costs, and when they were finished, Carly wouldn’t even know what had hit her.

Part II

Sonny woke to find that Alexis was still with him. She slept, her brown head resting half on her pillow, half on his chest. Her soft even breathing was a melody to Sonny. His hand brushed her hair. She was his! She hadn’t really given herself to him. He was in no condition to make love to her, even though he wanted to. His heart sang when he remembered telling her, he loved her. How could he have mistaken what he felt for Carly to be true love? What a fool he had been.

“Umm,” Alexis breathed as she started to awaken. Sonny didn’t move. Alexis started to sit up. She leaned her chin on her hand as her gaze met Sonny’s. Giving him a sheepish smile, she leaned up and kissed this man that she had just discovered living in her soul. Her lips lingered as Sonny returned her touch.

“Good morning,” She grinned. “How do you feel?”

“Like someone stabbed me,” Sonny replied a little sharply, “But otherwise, I think I’m in heaven.” His voice softened. Alexis felt like a little girl on Christmas morning. Still, she tried to maintain a serious façade.

“You really should be seen at the hospital,” She scolded. Sonny’s finger shushed her lips. He pulled her to him, kissing her again, tasting the sweetness that hid within. An audible gasp made them realize they were no longer alone. The magical moment vanished.

“I should have known!” the indignant voice screeched. Sonny groaned as Carly entered the room. Alexis sat up, frozen in place as Sonny’s wife walked towards them. “How long has this been going on?” Alexis started to get up. Sonny tried to pull her back, but she would have none of it. Still in her slip, she met Carly head on. Carly was dressed in a skimpy white top and blue shorts. She had been on the island taking a vacation at Sonny’s suggestion, giving them time to be apart, he had said. Yeah, right, she thought angrily to herself. He wanted time with Alexis. He wanted Carly out of the way. The two women glared at each other. Sonny was helpless to intercede. He groaned silently, trying not to alert Carly to his own distress.

“Get out, Carly,” Alexis hissed. “You’re not wanted here.”

“Not wanted?” Carly retorted. “In case you’ve forgotten you, you…Slut, this is my husband you are sleeping with. I’m not going anywhere!”

“Oh, yes you are,” Alexis smiled evilly. She pushed Carly backwards. Carly’s hand slapped Alexis across the face. Alexis was unruffled. She hadn’t dealt with Helena all her life for nothing. She roughly turned Carly around and pushed her towards the door. Carly turned back only to have Alexis grab her by the face. Alexis’ brown eyes snapped fired that consumed Carly who prided herself on being able to defend her man. She cowered as Alexis spoke in a low even, yet
threatening tone that would have made Helena Cassidine proud.

“Sonny has been through enough with you, with the mob, with everyone who wants a piece of him. Unlike you, I don’t want Sonny for anything other than himself. I don’t have an ulterior motive. However, I am used to dealing with unwanted, unloving, uncaring little maggots in a decisive manner. So, unless you want your pretty little face to end up in the river, I would advise you to get out of this penthouse right now.”

“You have no right!” Carly stammered, unable to not react to the intensity of Alexis’ words. Alexis appeared every bit as outraged as Carly herself. Carly didn’t understand. Sonny was her husband.

“I have every right. I love Sonny!”

“And you think I don’t?” Carly yelled back. She looked at Sonny who watched in aggravated frustration. He sat up, using the pillow at his back for support.

“You never loved anyone, Carly, not even Michael. You just love yourself,” He told her firmly. His voice was sad if a little condescending. Alexis smiled smugly at Carly who raised her hand to slap the woman again. Instead, Alexis grabbed Carly’s wrist. She bent the hand backward till Carly yelped in pain.

“You heard Sonny. Leave, Carly. Leave before you poison any good memories Sonny has of you. Don’t worry, Sonny will make sure Michael is taken care of. God knows you can’t take care of him. But you are no longer welcome here.” Once more Carly’s eyes met Sonny’s as Alexis let her go.

“Sonny, tell her she’s wrong. Tell her how much we love each other. You are my life.” Tears started to fall from Carly’s eyes. Sonny simply met Carly’s gaze, totally non-plussed by her wet face.

“Don’t bother, Carly. It’s over.” He intoned. The tears dried up. Carly turned back to Alexis.

“You’ll be sorry,” She spat at Carly. “I won’t forget this.”

“Are you crazy, Carly. You think I’m afraid of you?” Alexis incredulous laugh followed Carly as she turned to leave in humiliated defeat. She turned around once more.

“If you aren’t,” Carly told her nemesis, “You should be.”

“Carly, if you so much as go near, Alexis, you will have me to deal with,” Sonny put in. “Not that she can’t take of herself.”

“She’ll use you and throw you away, Sonny. She’s a Cassidine,” Carly returned sharply.

“Yes, I am a Cassidine,” Alexis confirmed solomnly. “I’ll count to five and if you aren’t gone, I’ll use my connections to make you disappear-permanently.” Sonny stifled a cough. Carly gasped at the undisguised threat. Then she turned on her heels and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Alexis watched the door for a minute, then turned back to Sonny. He lay back on the pillow, whistling in admiration.

“Remind me never to get you mad at me,” He said softly as she came back to bed. Alexis crawled under the covers, her body drawing close to Sonny’s. She gasped as his hands touched her beneath the blankets.

“Sonny!” She laughed. “You’re hurt.”

“So let me die a happy man with Superwoman at my side.”

“Won’t you please let me take you to the hospital?” Alexis begged. Sonny’s face was a little pale and he looked exhausted as if he hadn’t slept. He grimaced in pain as Alexis made herself comfortable. The fact Carly missed the signs of his predicament only reinforced Alexis’ opinion of the selfish little witch. Carly cared about nothing other than herself. She was a walking sociopath.

“I’m not going anywhere until I can protect myself,” Sonny replied. “That was one of Sorel’s men who stabbed me. I know it. If I go to the hospital, they’re going to want to know what happened and make my condition public. I’ll be a walking target, and so will anyone associated with me…including you.”

“So that’s why you wouldn’t go to the hospital in the first place.” Sonny nodded. He was feeling dizzy. He closed his eyes.
“Turn over. Let me check that dressing,” Alexis demanded. Moaning, Sonny turned over. The bandage had soaked through with blood in several small spots. Alexis was alarmed. She was a lawyer, not a nurse.

“Sonny, you’re bleeding. You need a doctor,” She insisted. “I’m going to call an ambulance.”

“No!” Sonny returned flatly. “I won’t go.”

“Fine. I’ll just sit here and wait until you lose consciousness from loss of blood, and then I’ll call for assistance.”

“Alexis,” Sonny smiled. “You sure are ferocious. But there is no need.”

“No need?” Alexis cried indignantly. “No need? You want to die then?”

“No.” At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Before Sonny could reply, Alexis had jumped out of bed and thrown open the door.

“I thought I told you to get lost you lying little…” Alexis stopped cold as she saw Johnny and another man standing in front of her. Sonny grinned.

“Excuse me?” the man asked. “I was told there was a medical emergency?” Alexis looked at the doctor, then back at Sonny.

“You…you…” She spluttered. Sonny just grinned a little more. Alexis moved back to let the doctor and Johnny in. As the men stepped into the room, Alexis shut the door. Then she turned and went to stand by Sonny’s side. She took his hand as his physician started to examine him. She squeezed it hard. Sonny grinned in wardly. He knew he was in trouble and Alexis was going to make him pay. He couldn’t wait.

Three Days Later
“So I can draw up papers and serve Carly within a few weeks?” Sonny was asking Alexis in his livingroom. Alexis shut her briefcase, and leaned back to look at Sonny. Just looking at Sonny made Alexis ache to be with him.

“I can do it as fast as you like,” she confirmed. “Just give me a good reason.” Sonny leaned towards Alexis. His hand touched her face.

“I’m not going to beat around the bush, Alexis. I almost lost everything when I got hurt. I could have died without ever telling you what I really felt.” Sonny’s voice was low, intense. Alexis felt her heart quicken. She touched Sonny’s hand with hers. His hand was strong. She took it and stroked it.

“I don’t think I knew what I felt either,” She mused. “I’m so used to hiding my feelings. I thought I was in love with Ned, but what I feel for you is far more than anything I’ve ever felt before. It’s as if my life is finally complete, as long as you are with me.”

“Do you trust me?” Sonny asked. “I can’t promise you won’t be in danger. I can’t get out of this business.”

“Sonny, I know that,” Alexis replied. Her thoughts spun around the man she knew Sonny to be. He was honorable, caring, sensitive. He would take care of her. She would take care of him. It would be a 50/50 split.

“We can take it slow,” Sonny offered as he drew closer to Alexis. His hands went around her waist.

“We took it slow, Sonny. And maybe we’ll continue to,” Alexis replied, enjoying Sonny’s hands stroking her back. He pulled her towards him. Suddenly his lips were tentatively tugging at Alexis. He parted her lips to taste her, to feel her love for him. Alexis returned his kiss with all the passion and emotion that threatened to overflow from the depths of her heart. Sonny pulled her so close to him, he thought he would explode with longing. He buried his face in her, breathing deeply. Finally his eyes met hers.

“I love you, Alexis Davis. I want to marry you.” Alexis was initially shocked. Sonny was still married. Carly was his wife, but she was drawing up papers to serve Carly. He would be free. There was plenty of evidence to show that the marriage was over and Carly was the major transgressor. Frankly, Alexis knew that Sonny was the man she had always dreamed of. Sonny and no other.

“Think we can make it?” She queried pretending to be extremely serious, her face a mask for all the electricity that surged within her.

“If we try,” Sonny agreed just as seriously. “You’re not Carly or Brenda, Alexis. I’m not looking for either of them. I want you. I want the woman you are. I don’t know if I deserve you, but I want you.” Sonny’s voice was husky with desire, but retained that little boy insecurity. He was barring all to this woman who could break his heart in an instant.

“And you’re not Ned. I don’t want, Ned. I want a man who can say what he thinks and feels, a man who is distinguished.” Alexis stopped to kiss Sonny. “kind,” her lips traveled down to his neck as Sonny started to smile. “and stubborn.” Sonny tickled Alexis who burst out laughing. They collapsed on the couch together, unable to truly believe the reality that had brought them together. Out of the ashes of Carly and Sonny’s marriage, out of the sacrifice that Sonny could have made when Sorel’s hit man stabbed him, and out of the truth of their emotions, their lives had become entwined. Sonny stood up, and escorted Alexis upstairs. They disappeared into his bedroom to make love for the very first time. It might their last, given the danger in both their lives, but at least they had that minute and hopefully, they would have forever to be together. Forever in life, in death and always. Sonny and Alexis would always be together.