| Chapter 7 The pounding on the door was fierce, heavy, startling Alexis and Stefan out of their sibling reassurances. Alexis’ heart pounded, wondering if it was someone who would have news on Lucky or Emily, forgetting for a moment, that no one knew she had a connection to Emily in the first place. She was at the door in an instant, her hand on the knob when a quick grasp of her hand stopped her. Looking up, she saw Luke shaking his head at her. “You don’t know who is out there, Natasha. Just wait a minute for Sonny’s man to see who’s there,” Luke told her. “That’s what I went to Sonny’s place for, to get protection for you.” “I can protect my own sister, Luke,” Stefan snapped. Luke was about to say something caustic to Stefan when raised voices made the trio freeze. Luke and Alexis could hear Bennie, Sonny’s man arguing with a woman, whose voice was unrecognizable to them. Stefan sighed. He went to the door throwing it open. Behind him, Luke followed. “What the H*ll is going on here?” he shouted over the cacaphony of sound from the enraged Bennie and a woman he had never seen before. “She insisted on bothering Ms. Davis,” Bennie explained plaintively, his voice still raised. “Mr. Corinthos said she wasn’t to be disturbed by anyone.” “It’s okay, Bennie,” Alexis said as Stefan went over and took Celine by the arm. Alexis was shocked and amused as Stefan’s face softened. His appearance changed from one of anger to that of a man besotted by the woman. His eyes were lost in her perfect olive face, his hand lingering on the soft skin of her bare arm. Celine pulled away, apparently unconcerned by the group that greeted her. “It’s not okay. Stef, this big lout wouldn’t let me into Alexis’ penthouse. I knew you were there. I came to get you. It’s our honeymoon. I’m lonely.” Celine pouted. Stefan, usually so reserved, put his hand around Celine's back, relishing the touch of her softness, inhaling her perfume, feeling his body sway as he pulled her close. His lips caressed her while she hungrily returned his kiss. They pulled away. Stefan looked like a big puppy dog to Luke, salivating on Celine’s every word, every movement. Luke kept his own face carefully neutral though he was stunned by Stefan's sudden marriage. Celine stepped back, showing some manners, such as they were. “Shame on you, Stef. You haven’t introduced me to your sister, or this…er devilishly handsome man. I do believe he looks familiar.” Celine’s eyes lingered on Luke’s bare chest. For a moment, her heartless gray eyes met his amused blue ones. In an instant they had sized each other up. Celine wondered what it would be like to scratch her sharp nails down his back while he made wild, dangerously reckless love to her. He could hurt her in ways Stefan would never dream. She would relish every minute of it. “Celine, this is my sister, Alexis and Luke Spencer, Lucky’s father.” “Lucky? Nikolas’ brother. Oh dear. I am sorry. I understand Lucky is missing Mr. Spencer. Nikolas was quite distraught.” Celine’s voice dripped with fake concern that made Alexis want to vomit. Alexis’ gaze took in the thick tresses that hung down Celine’s back, the full breasts covered only by the red halter top that were so alluring to Stefan, and the tight red slacks that accentuated every corner of her body. The matching red shoes made her shake her head. What did the woman think she was a siren? “Your concern for a boy you’ve never met is commendable, um, is it Celine or Mrs. Cassidine?” Luke returned with equal sarcasm. “You may call me Celine, Mr. Spencer. I feel as though we are old friends.” “Hardly my dear,” Luke retorted coldly. He looked at Stefan who held his wife in a protective grasp, his arm around her slender waist. “Count you really outdid yourself this time.” Luke taunted. “Really, Spencer and what would you know about my wife?” Stefan retorted, his voice dangerously low. Alexis carefully placed herself between Luke and Stefan, a move that didn’t go unnoticed by the ever observant Celine. “Cool it, Count. I meant nothing. I have more important things on my mind.” “I’m sure you do. Be certain you move quickly, Spencer. My sister has told me all that is at stake here. I am at your disposal to help in the search for Lucky and Emily. For now, I am going to take my wife back to Wyndemere. She looks exhausted.” Stefan moved to Alexis. “I will be here, Alexis. All you have to do is ask. You will keep me posted?” His hand touched her face. Alexis looked up with adoring eyes at Stefan. She smiled wanly. “The biggest thing you can do for me is watch Helena. I can’t prove it, but I am certain she has something to do with this.” “How so?” Stefan asked intrigued. Celine leaned forward just a little, her face lighting up. Luke kept his eyes focused elsewhere, but he watched the woman as closely as he would a snake. “She was at the Grille tonight before Lucky and Emily disappeared. Nikolas told us. She disavows any knowledge of their whereabouts. Nikolas was enraged with her. But he found out nothing.” Stefan could tell Alexis was holding back something Nikolas probably did to Helena. He would ask her later. He gave his sister a hug, holding her gently, his hand brushing her hair. Alexis closed her eyes taking comfort from her brother’s caring. Celine swung her purse back and forth impatiently as she waited. Her eyes lingered on Luke’s bare chest. Luke could feel the little harlot’s invisible hands on him. He just smirked at her, knowing he was something she would never have. “We’ll find them, Alexis,” Stefan replied. “We will.” “I don’t need to remind you…” Alexis started. Stefan shook his head. “I don’t keep secrets from Celine,” He warned his sister. Alexis rolled her eyes. Stefan kissed her cheek. “We’ll be at Wyndemere,” He told Alexis. “Spencer,” he nodded. “Count,” Luke warned, grinning like a Chesire Cat. “Be careful of those sharp claws.” Stefan grabbed Celine’s hand and pulled her away from the penthouse before she could use those claws on Luke’s face. Alexis buried her face in Luke’s chest, her laughter barely muffled. Luke pulled her back into the penthouse, disappearing quickly. The door slammed shut in finality behind them. Celine pulled her hand away from Stefan’s as they waited for the elevator, Bennie glaring at them from his post outside Sonny’s apartment. “How utterly rude,” Celine hissed at her husband. “No wonder Luke Spencer has been your enemy. The man has no tact or taste.” “Celine,” Stefan groaned, looking back at Bennie. He knew how Sonny and his men felt about Luke Spencer. The elevator doors opened. Stefan stepped inside. Celine stood rooted to the spot. “Celine, come along,” Stefan urged. Her gray eyes appeared insulted. She stood with her hands on her hips, her stance resembling that of a streetwalker. Stefan was revolted for a second, then reminded himself this was his wife. Naturally she was upset. He came forward, taking her hands in his, her purse hanging down her shoulder. Gently he pulled her into the elevator. The doors shut. Celine’s body was pulled close to Stefan as the elevator made its descent down to the first floor. “Celine, beautiful, seductive, blissful, Celine,” Stefan breathed as he embraced her. Celine smiled, melting against Stefan, her hands touching his hips, then more private parts straight through his pants. Stefan groaned in desire. Celine nibbled on his ear, teasingly. “Is it time to go home now?” She whispered in a suggestive manner, pressing harder yet against her love. Stefan held back another moan as his hands grabbed her butt and lifted her to him, almost bursting with his intensity. “More than time. Far more than time.” His helpless voice told Celine. Celine concentrated on Stefan from that moment on, but she never forgot Luke or Alexis, or Nikolas or Helena, or Gia. They never left her for a minute, never because each was a threat in their own way. Eventually each of them would have to be taken care of. * * * * * He hadn’t changed. His long hair was a little shorter, maybe even a little more clean, but his casual dress, his constant smoking of fancy cigars, and his cynical smile remained. Sitting at a fine maple wood desk, his computer system in front of him, he was concentrating on the flat screen, his fingers tapping out letters one at a time. Behind him three windows let in the bright sunshine. Two of the windows were opened, covered only by a screen. The chirping of birds went ignored as he worked. But he felt the warm breeze at his back, and enjoyed it. Though he was Danish and used to the cold, he enjoyed the warmth of summer. It was perhaps the only warmth he truly appreciated. He barely noticed the knock at the door so intent was he on his work. first he realized someone was in the room was when he heard Anders’ clear his throat as a way of announcing himself. In surprise, Cesar Faison looked up. He scrawled at the sight of his son. What did he want now? “Well?” Cesar demanded. “Father, you called me,” Anders reminded the older man. He took out his beeper with the message still intact. Anders was far taller than Faison, a fact the older man hated. But then there wasn’t any redeeming quality to Anders that he could find. The boy was a bad seed, just like Cesar himself. “Really. I suppose I did. Where have you been? You were supposed to get those financial reports completed so we can leave Rochester. We can’t stay here indefinitely you know.” “Why not? It’s not as if Lucky or Emily know where they are,” Anders started. Cesar looked up from his work to his son. The Danish features that were so florid on Cesar’s face were more fine on Anders’ The boy had a soft look about him, a soft look that belied the lies he told, and the wild life he led. Cesar turned in his swivel chair to face his son, and explain his purpose, as if he were talking to a child. “Lucky and Emily are not my main concern,” Faison snapped. Anders cringed at the tone of his father’s voice, harsh, derogatory. He sat down on a comfortable chair that faced Cesar’s desk, feigning indifference while his heart pounded with it’s usual rejection. “I know that, Father. Luke Spencer and Alexis Cassidine are your target.” “They are not my target. They are Helena’s. We have just begun the game. If Luke and Alexis find us too quickly, then we won’t have the time to accomplish our goals. You do know what the goals are, Boy?” Cesar asked cutting Anders to the quick. “Yes, I do, Father. Do you want me to reiterate them?” “Certainly not. A waste of time!” Faison snapped throwing up his hand, his cigar ashes falling down to the floor and burning little spots in the carpet. It was a habit that irritated his son who looked way in disgust. “I gather you were able to rescue Miss Quartermaine without difficulty?” “Yes, of course.” “So she doesn’t know whether to trust you or not, hmmm? I would have liked to have been in the room, to see you act like a man. She must trust you, Anders.” “She will!” Anders returned, his voice impatient and insecure. “You must be a man, Anders. This is too important.” “Important enough to die for, Father?” Anders leered. Faison leaned across the desk, his ugly face frowning in disdain. “Nothing is worth dying for, Anders. You know that. But Helena Cassidine and Luke Spencer are not as foolish as you. They will lock horns one day, and I have no wish to be part of their fight. We will finish this mission and get out. Our revenge will be complete. We will reach our objective, and the fall out will occur long after we are gone.” “Lucky Spencer will not be so easy to win over,” Anders reminded his father. “He is Luke’s son.” “You know how to handle, Lucky, Anders. You have been taught well. Now go. I wish to see those financial reports by morning. If I do not, you know your punishment.” Anders did not dignify Faison’s threat with a reply. Sullenly, the young man bolted from the room. Unperturbed, Cesar returned to his work. He didn’t even care that Anders slammed the door behind him. In the long, high ceilinged hallway, Anders slammed his hand against the wall. Unconsciously, he brushed a lone tear from his cheek, swallowing the bitter anger within. He knew his father hated him, yet he was helpless against him. Someday, Cesar Faison would recognize his son for the true man he was. Either Cesar would admit that Anders was a son he could be proud of, or he would pay. And the punishment for his father, Anders told himself, would be far worse than anything Cesar had ever done to him. * * * * * Upstairs on the second floor, Emily walked out of the adjoining bathroom, artfully decorated with gold colored faucets, a gold shower curtain, pretty gold colored porcelin soap holders, and thick gold colored towels hanging from the gold colored bath bars. She wore a thin silk blue gown with a silk robe and a pair of slippers that she had found in a closet near the entrance to the room. Lucky stood up, and walked over to her. His strength was coming back slowly, but at least he could walk. The room was still a little dizzy, but he didn’t tell Emily. He smiled gently down at her. “Feel better?” He asked, his voice warm, comforting. Emily gave him a half of a smile. Lucky saw she had scrubbed her face, and brushed her hair so that she was clean and tidy. Still the tears glistened in her eyes. He could tell she was still terrified. He took her hand, leading her over to a small twin sofa that sat near a high window where the sun was now shining into the ornately decorated room. Emily and Lucky ignored their surroundings. Just because the furniture was plush, and expensive didn’t make the room any less of a prison. “Lucky, I’m scared to death,” Emily admitted. “I want to go home.” “Me too,” Lucky admitted. “I don’t think it’s going to be that simple.” He closed his eyes fighting a wave of fatigue. Emily took his hand in hers. “Lucky, what is it?” she asked in concern and fear. “Just tired. Do you remember what happened? You left the table to go to the restroom and disappeared.” Emily shivered. “I went to the back of the restaurant to go to the bathroom.” Emily closed her eyes trying to remember. She shook her head. “I think someone touched my arm,” She said. “I felt something sting me. That’s the last I remember until I woke up here.” “Me too,” Lucky agreed ruefully. “Only I was in the parking lot.” “Lucky, what does Faison want with us?” Emily wondered out loud. “I can guess what he wants with me,” Lucky snapped getting up. If anything, he was just as terrified as Emily. Faison certainly never meant any good to come to Lucky. He had proved his intentions towards the young Spencer once already. Emily didn’t move, but watched her friend. A war of emotions was crossing his face, emotions Emily couldn’t have even imagined until the guards tried to hurt her. Now, in a sad sort of way, she finally comprehended Lucky’s fears. “Lucky, he took both of us this time,” Emily reminded the young man. “He obviously has something in store for us.” Lucky stopped pacing. He came back to Emily. Drawing her into his arms, he hugged her gently. “He’s not going to hurt us, Em,” he told her. “We won’t let him.” “We can’t stop him,” Emily returned, her own terror surfacing. “Emily, we have to stick together, ” Lucky was starting to say, his heart thumping as he realized how vulnerable both of them were. He could have laughed at the room. His previous prison was a cell, a sharp contrast to the overly decorated room here. What was the difference? What did it mean? Was there room for escape here, that there hadn’t been before? “If we stick together, maybe we can escape.” “You might not want to say that too loud,” Anders warned coming into the room with a breakfast tray. Lucky and Emily jumped up. Lucky still didn’t miss Anders attention to Emily. Anders put the tray down on the glass table, then looked over at Emily, not undressing her with his eyes, but licking the inside of his lips with unverbalized desire. “Anders!” Emily cried. “We didn’t hear you come in.” “I didn’t mean for you to hear,” Anders returned. “You shouldn’t be talking about escape.” “What do you expect us to talk about?” Lucky demanded, his voice sarcastic. Anders came over to Lucky. Anders was taller than Lucky and heavier. He wore a pair of sheek black pants, and a white short sleeved shirt that was open to show his broad tanned chest. Lucky was only wearing the clothes he had been wearing when he was taking. He was disheveled. The dark circles under his eyes made Anders secretly smile. Lucky was no match for the young Dutchman, not in his present condition. Feigning politeness, Anders nodded. “I would do the same. Come and eat some breakfast. I’m sure you’re hungry.” “No thanks,” Lucky snapped. He sat back down. Emily walked over to the tray. Lifting the cover, she was gratified to see two plates filled with fluffy eggs, toast, sausage, and bacon. There were two glasses of orange juice as well. “Lucky, we have to eat,” Emily said. She looked at Anders. “Is it safe?” “I assure you, it is,” he replied. “Lucky you don’t have to believe me, but Emily is right. If you don’t eat, you give my father the upper hand.” Lucky put his head in his hands. He just couldn’t do this again, couldn’t adjust to being imprisoned. Emily hurried over to him, sensing he was about to explode. Anders walked over to the curtain, seeing that young Spencer wasn’t going to be as easy to control as he thought. “Lucky, what is it?” Emily cried anxiously. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to help.” Lucky didn’t say anything. Emily gathered him in her arms, talking softly to him. Anders sat down at the table, nibbling on a piece of sausage. He waited patiently. The door to the room opened again. Anders was up quickly. Two new guards walked into the room. One of them grabbed Emily by the arm, and threw her away from Lucky. Lucky started to jump up, but found himself manhandled by both men. Anders hurried to Emily. She was already starting to sit up. “Let me go!” Lucky was screaming. “Emily!” “Lucky!” Emily returned trying to get up, but finding that Anders was holding her to him. Anders appreciated the feel of Emily struggling against him. She was so full of fight, so full of fiery fury. Her soft hair flew back into his face as she continued to try to get to Lucky. Lucky kicked and screamed, but was dragged from the road by the two guards. His cries could be heard even after the door shut. Anders continued to hold on to Emily until he heard someone come back and lock the door. Then he let Emily go. She raced to the door pounding on it, trying to get it open, screaming for Lucky. She was so intent. Anders was thrilled. He got up. Walking over to the young woman, he put his hands on her shoulders. In a fluid motion he didn’t expect, Emily turned, her hand raising to slap him across the face. “You *!*!(~*!” She swore. “You said you’d try to help us!” * * * * * Down by the Docks in PC ''Nikolas...'' Nikolas looked at Gia in puzzlement, his forehead creased in frustration and worry. ''What?'' ''Ummm...what's that ticking noise?'' ''Ticking noise?'' He leaned back, hearing the faint noise to which Gia was referring. ''Well,'' he said, facing her with widened eyes, ''Umm...what ticks?...it's either a clock or...'' ''OR?!'' He swallowed hard, glancing back over the seat to see the dark shape sitting on the carpeted floor of the Jaguar ''OR...it's a bomb.'' For a second that never seemed to end, the young couple sat. The sound, tick, tick, tick made them dizzy with indecision. Gia was the first to move, her heart moving to her mouth. “A bomb? You think it’s a bomb?” Now her voice escalated to a high pitched crescendo. “What are we doing? Let’s get out of here.” Gia threw open the passenger door of the car while Nikolas pushed her out so she fell unceremoniously to the ground. Too afraid to be insulted, Gia got up and turned back screaming for Nikolas. “Get out of there, you idiot. Move it, Nikolas!” Nikolas emerged with the package. He was about to throw it when a note caught his attention. He put the package to his ear. “Nikolas!” Gia’s insistent voice yelled. “You trying to get yourself killed now?” Nikolas walked around the Jag, approaching Gia. She stepped back, putting her hands up in the air. “Nikolas, get rid of it,” She told him. “Gia, for crying out loud. It is a clock!” Nikolas returned. “I think. It’s addressed to Alexis.” “Alexis? Are you sure?” Gia asked doubtfully. “Where’d it come from? You think your new aunt left it there?” “I don’t know,” Nikolas admitted. “I definitely wouldn’t put anything past Celine.” Nikolas shivered just thinking of the woman. How Stefan could let her near him was galling and insulting. Nikolas and Gia stared at the note on the square package. It was folded into a 2 x 4 inch envelope that covered the top of the box, just with Alexis’ name on it. Gia made a grab for the envelope. Nikolas pulled it back. “Hey! That’s private. It belongs to Alexis.” “It was in your car,” Gia reasoned. “Someone left it there on purpose.” “I’m taking it to Alexis,” Nikolas replied. He put the ticking box back into the back seat of the Jag. Gia leaned up against the car, shaking her head. Her long hair hung in luxurious tresses over her thin shoulders. She was exhausted from not sleeping all night, and not really thinking clearly. “Alexis won’t know what to do with it. This has nothing to do with her. Nikolas, please, lets open the box. I want to know what’s in it.” “Gia, get a life,” Nikolas replied. He leaned towards her, his hands touching the top of the Jag pinning her down, his lips kissing hers. She couldn’t help returning his kiss. Then, in one swift movement, she turned and started to dive for the box, her laughter ringing out mischievously while Nikolas tried to stop her. He grabbed her around the waist, swinging her to him. They stumbled backwards, the sun blinding them suddenly as it rose for a new day. At the same instant, Gia and Nikolas’ world exploded with sound of bullets flying through the air at them. Nikolas’s hands, still on Gia’s waist moved automatically to get her to safety. “Gia, get down,” Nikolas heard himself say as he pulled her beneath him. Gia hit the ground hard, Nikolas’ body covering hers. The sound of gunfire stopped as suddenly as it began. Now silence filled the air. The ground was covered with bullet casings, the Jag’s tires on the passenger side flat, and two bullet holes in the passenger door. Nothing moved. There was no sound not even from the birds who had been chirping their morning song just seconds before. Time was suspended for Gia and Nikolas. The question was, for how long? |