Please save me, Alexis impored sliently. Please
''I think it would be smart of you to let this lady go. She obviously doesn't return your affections.'' On this last word, the man's tone changed from dangerious to mocking.
Her captor jeered softly. ''You ain't gonna do nothin' to me, Corinthos.''
''Right, Vinny, you wanna go toe-to-toe. You wanna see whose nerves are steadier. I'm all for that. Just let the lady go 'fore we let the games begin. Capieche?''
Vinny chuckled viciously. ''Yah, sure, whatever you say, Corinthos. I'm all for a fair fight. I'm jus' 'fraid the result wouldn't be too good for your pretty boy face. Wouldn't wanna hurt such a ladies man, would I now?''
''Jealous, Vinny? I didn't know you cared.'' he said, his voice dripping with sarcesm.
''Screw you, Corinthos! I gotta date waitin'!''
''Vinny, sorry to tell you this, but your left hand isn't exactly a ''date!''
During this whole exchange, Alexis had looked on in numb bewilderment. The air around her was fraught with tension. She was unsure of how to act, what to say. She closed her eyes, praying for strength as an unwelcome wave of sickness overwhelmed her. Unbeknowest to her, a single tear had started to roll down her cheeck.
Seeing this, Corinthos's tone changed from one of mocking jocularity to one of quiet rage. ''All right, Vinny, cut the bullsh**! Let the lady go, now!''
Locking eyes with his oppnet, Vinny heaved a sigh of defeat. He saw the rabid glint in those eyes. Vinny knew when he was beaten. He may have been dumb, but he wasn't a fool.
Not willing to be outdone, Vinny shoved Alexis roughly. Jarred by the sudden movement, Alexis stumbled and almost fell. Before she could crash to the unyielding concrete surface, however, a pair of strong male arms engulfed her.
''Damnit, Vinny, leave now before I snap out of my charitable mood and make you wish you were never born!''
Startled by the man's rising tone, Alexis began to quake uncontrollably. Seeing the naked terror so evident in the young woman's eyes, softened his tone.
''Hey, hey, I won't hurt you, miss. I promise. What happened? Are you hurt? Talk to me. I can help you.''
By shaken by recent events to answer his inquiries, Alexis began to sob endlessly. Cursing under his breath, Sonny calmly led the hysterical young girl to a bench and quietly waited until she was better able to contro her emotions Several minutes passed before Alexis was able to respond coherently.
Faltering, Alexis began her tale. ''I-I was just walking through the park to clear my head, y'know? I have this little private place that I go to when becomes too hard to handle. I was o-on my way when suddenly this guy appears and tells me to hand over all my money. I tell him I don't have any money and he gets upset. He pins my arms behind me and holds a knife to my throat.'' At this point in the story, Alexis's distress returns and she begins to cry once more.
Alarmed, Sonny hastens to soothe her. ''Hey, ssh, everything's fine now. You're safe. I know it ain't much, but for what it's worth, Vinny woldn't have hurt you. He just loves to terrorize younf girls. It's a thrill for him. He's sick, but he's not dangerous. Nevertheless, you shouldn't walk in the park by yourself at night. And, you should always carry some Mase with you, okay? Now, we are going to the hospital to get you checked out right now. Come on.''
Terrified at the prospect of going to the hospital, Alexis balked.
''No, I won't! Those doctors will look at me and think it's my fault! I can't go by myself! Don't you understand? I c-can't!'' Alexis rambled brokenly.
Waiting until she had finished venting, Sonny stated, calmly but firmly, ''Listen, honey, this was not your fault. Do you understand? That man is a pig and he assaulted you. The only way you'll be able to heal physically is if you're seen by doctors. Don't argue with me. I guarentee you'll lose. And, as for being alone, I promise I won't leave leave you.''
Somewhat awed by this man's incredible compassion, all Alexis could manage in answer was a weak nod and a barely audible ''Tank you.''
Flashing her a dimpled smile, Sonny cockily replied, ''Don't mention it, kid.''
In spite of herself, Alexis felt herself begin to grin at his display of rakish charm and surprised herself by suddenly saying: ''Well, since you saved my life, don't I, at the very least, get to know your name?''
Laughing softly, Sonny answered, ''Why, of course, how rude of me. It's Sonny. Sonny Corinthos, And yours, doll, would be?''
Giggling, Alexis replied. ''It's Alexis. Alexis Davis.''
''Well, Alexis Davis, I won't say we met under the most pleasant of circumstances, but all things considered, it's been a pleasure meeting you.''
Grinning, Alexis said. ''As it has been meeting you Sonny.''