Heart's Desire-18
by: Cristina
AJ walks into Luke's and makes a beeline for the table Jason and Sonny are sitting at. Unbeknownst to AJ, Carly has been following him, trying to think of a way to tell him that he's the father of the child she is carrying. AJ walks over to Jason. He's in no mood for beating around the bush.
"Jason, I need to talk to you."
"So talk."
AJ glances over at Sonny. "In private."
Sonny gets up. "No problem." He walks over to the other side of the club and AJ takes his place at the table.
"What do you want AJ?"
AJ leans forward. "I need to ask you something. What do you know about Dorman's murder?"
Jason's face remains impassive. "All I know is what was in the paper. That your friend Cassie killed him."
"That's not true. And I think you know who did kill him. Was it Sonny?"
"Sonny didn't kill Dorman. Why are you worrying about who killed that scumbag? Just be glad that he's dead and can't bother Monica and Emily anymore."
AJ shakes his head. "I'm not going to let Cassie take the fall for Sonny. Don't you have any concept of right and wrong anymore? Why does she deserve to be set up for murder?"
"I can't help you AJ."
Disgusted, AJ stands up, shaking his head. "I can't believe what you've become. You think we Quartermaines are so bad? You're worse. And this is far from over. I'm not going to quit until I prove that Sonny had Dorman killed and framed Cassie for it."
That said, AJ storms out of the club. Carly stays behind, hidden in the shadows, listening to what unfolds. Sonny saunters over to Jason's table and sits down.
"What did AJ want?"
Jason leans back in his chair. "He wanted to know if you were behind Dorman's murder. I said no, but he didn't buy it."
"It doesn't matter. AJ won't find anything."
"How can you be so sure? He seems determined to prove Cassie's innocence."
Sonny leans forward. "Listen, I talked to our contact in Caracas. There won't be a problem. Dorman's murder will never be conncected to our organization. Jax's girlfriend is not the innocent she pretends to be. She's a Cassadine. She'd end up in jail sooner or later."
"I'm not questioning your judgement. I just don't want you to end up in trouble if AJ connects you to the frame-up."
Sonny lowers his voice, "then I want you to take care of him."
Carly's eyes widen when she hears this. She quietly exits the club. What is she going to do if Sonny kills AJ? Then she'll be totally alone to raise this baby. She takes off away from the club, to track down AJ and make sure nothing happens to him.
**********
On the other side of the globe, on the Cassadine Island, Persephone, Jax and Cassie are enjoying their first day on the island. Cassie walks back into the villa wearing denim shorts and a white sleeveless blouse, knotted at the waist. She and Jax have just come back from exploring the island. It has been so long since she explored the hidden coves and lagoons on the island. She had somehow allowed her family's antics to poison her view of the island.
Cassie walks over to the desk in the corner of the living room because she notices that a fax is coming in. She stands there watching it when Jax comes in and wraps his arms around her, kissing the back of her neck. After a couple moments, he notices that Cassie's attention is focused on something else.
"What's wrong?"
"It's a fax. I think it's from Alexis."
Jax starts kissing her throat. "It can wait. This is much more important."
Cassie slides out of his embrace and picks up the fax. He attempts to take her in his arms again. Jax starts kissing her and she pulls away from him, laughing. She places one hand on his chest, holding him at a distance. "It will only take me a minute to read this. And you know I can't concentrate on anything else when you're kissing me."
Jax holds up his hands, in surrender while she turns her attention to the fax. He watches as the smile on her face quickly fades. "What's the matter?"
Cassie quietly puts down the fax and walks outside onto the deck. Jax picks it up and reads it. Alexis has sent the warrant and a brief summary of the evidence against Cassie. Even Jax had to admit that it was a bit overwhelming. He puts the papers down and joins Cassie out on the deck. Jax runs his hands over her arms and rests them on her shoulders.
"Cassie, everything is going to work out."
She doesn't look away from the ocean. "Yeah ... I'm safe here, no matter what. There's no way that they can arrest me, even if they do track me down to the island. I can live here forever ... and I'll probably have to, judging from the evidence Mac has."
Jax wraps his arms around her. "That isn't going to happen. It may take a while for Alexis to sort everything out, but once she does, you'll be able to go back to the way things were before."
As his lips move toward her neck, Cassie walks away from him. "Jax ... I think you should go back to Port Charles. I'm fine here and you can tell the police that you didn't know there was a warrant out for my arrest when we left. I don't think anything would happen to you."
"What are you talking about?"
Cassie pushes a stray curl behind her ear. "I'm saying that I will probably be stuck here, in exile, for a long time, and I don't want you to waste your life with me."
"I'm not wasting my life."
"You are if you think that we could have any kind of life here. I'm not going to condemn you to a lifetime of this island. And I don't think you would be happy with that either. Eventually, you'll get tired of this, and you'll want your life back. I don't think I could take losing you. Jax, you might not realize it, but I'm getting more and more ... attached to you every day. So, I think it's best if you leave now."
Jax looks at her like she has lost her mind. "Cassie, I have no intention of leaving you here."
"I'm fine. There's no reason for you to stay."
"Don't you want me to stay?"
Cassie sighs. "Of course I do. But why should you waste your life on this island off the coast of Greece?"
"Maybe because I love you," Jax replies matter-of-factly.
She looks almost frightened by his admission. "Don't say that ... Don't say it unless you mean it."
Jax slowly walks over to her and takes her hands in his own. He leans forward and kisses her gently. "I thought you knew. Of course I mean it. Cassie, somehow you made a place for yourself in the middle of my heart. I don't know when it happened, but it happened." He looks directly into her eyes. "I love you, Cassie. There would be no point to my leaving, because a huge part of me would still be here with you."
She hasn't said anything. Cassie is just looking at him with tears threatening to roll down her cheeks. Jax reaches over and strokes her face. This seems to get through to her. "I love you, too," she whispers.
"Does that mean I can stay," Jax asks adorably.
Cassie smiles and nods yes. She wraps her arms around him and rests her head against his chest. Jax kisses the top of her head and holds her tightly.
*You say you want a diamond
On a ring of gold
You say you want your story
To remain untold
All the promises we made
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you
Cassie looks up into Jax's eyes. He slowly lowers his head, so that their lips meet. The kiss starts out tender and filled with love. Slowly and steadily, the passion meter begins to rise and their kiss becomes hotter and hotter. Jax unties her her blouse and slowly unbuttons the three buttons. Cassie slides the open shirt Jax is wearing off of his shoulders. Her top slides to the ground and his lips begin making a trail down her throat.
You say you'll give me a highway
With no one on it
Treasure just to look upon it
All the riches in the night
You say you'll give me riches
On a moon of blindness
A river in a time of dryness
A harbor in the tempest
All the promises we made
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you
Cassie's hands migrate to his waistband, and she unbuttons his shorts and lowers the zipper. Jax removes her shorts before he lifts her into his arms and carries her over to the chaise lounge on the sundeck. He sits down, and Cassie stradles him, kissing him with complete abandon. Jax unclasps the front of her bra and begins trailing kisses along her neck.
You say you want your love to work out right
To stay with me through the night
You say you want a diamone
On a ring of gold
You say you want your story
To remain untold
Her breath quickens as his lips find her breasts. Cassie tangles her fingers in Jax's hair. She rakes her fingernails over his back, moaning with pleasure. Their lips meet again, and Cassie slides her hands over his chest. Jax holds her close as they truly make love for the first time.
All the promises we made
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you
**********
Back in Port Charles, AJ is being ushered in to see Stefan by Mrs Lansbury. Stefan looks up from his desk, in no mood for the nuisance of dealing with one of Cassie's Quartermaine relations. AJ sits opposite Stefan.
"What can I do for you," Stefan asks AJ.
"Mr Cassadine, I need to see Cassie. I know that you helped her and Jax get out of Port Charles, so you know where they are."
"You're wasting your time if you think I will lead you to my niece."
AJ sighs. "I want to help her."
"I think that your family has done enough. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's because of your sister that Cassandra is in this mess."
"That isn't fair. Emily is just a child. I have evidence that could help Cassie clear her name."
Stefan nods. "Fine. You can leave it with me, and I'll be sure that Cassandra's lawyer looks it over."
"Please, Mr Cassadine. I only want to help her. Cassie means a lot to me. I would never lead the police to her, if that's what you're worried about."
"I don't know what you Quartermaine's want with my niece. I only know that so far you've brought her nothing but trouble. Now, please leave."
"Wait! Uncle, I think you should let him see Cassie," Nikolas chimes in from the top of the stairs. He continues to make his path across the room. "You know that Cassie is fond of him. And Jax is there to protect her--"
"That's enough."
"Uncle, if you don't arrange for him to see Cassie, then I'll tell him and you'll have no control over how he gets there."
"Nikolas, why are you doing this?"
"Because, I love her and I want her to come home. If AJ has evidence that could help her ... then she should know about it."
Stefan slowly nods. "Fine. A car will pick you up tomorrow morning. Don't ask any questions and you will be taken to the airport. From there, you will be led to Cassandra."
AJ nods in agreement. "Thank you."
**********
Back on the Cassadine island, Jax and Cassie are on the beach, lounging on beach towels. Cassie is lying on her stomach, trying to rest, but Jax is in a playful mood. He trails his finger along her back. When this fails to get a response, Jax kisses the back of her neck.
"Jax! Stop it. I'm trying to relax for a while."
He smiles mischeviously, not about to give up. He slowly trails his tongue down her back. Cassie turns and looks at him, raising her sunglasses. "And you said that I am insatiable."
Jax slides his hands over her back and whispers in her ear. "I can't help myself, baby." He sucks on her earlobe. "You are so irresistible."
Cassie smiles, and though she wants him, she steels her will against him. "Jax? Let's play a game."
He smiles. "I love games."
"Not that kind of game. Why don't we see how long you can keep your hands off me? Weren't you the one that said anticipation was the best aphrodesiac?"
"That's true."
Cassie nods and lays back down. Before long, she feels Jax leaning over her. "Jax ... I thought we had a deal." Jax doesn't respond, but Cassie feels his breath on her back. "What are you doing?"
Jax unties one of the ties of her bikini with his teeth before replying. "You said no hands. So, I got creative." She starts laughing, but the laughter catches in her throat at the feel of Jax's mouth on the back of her neck. He manages to undo the second tie on her bikini.
Cassie rolls over onto her back and gazes up into his eyes. Jax is leaning over her, with one hand on either side of her. She reaches up and strokes the side of his face. "I know when I'm beaten," she murmurs as Jax leans over to kiss her.
She wraps her arms around his neck and returns his ardent kisses. Jax slides his arms around her, gathering Cassie into his arms. Jax is busy nibbling on her ear when Cassie notices that a helicopter is landing on the other side of the island. "Oh my God!" She jumps away from Jax and grabs his shirt, which she quickly puts on.
"What's the matter?"
Cassie is completely panicked. She grabs Jax by the hand and starts dragging him toward the villa. "I can't believe this is happening."
Jax has no idea what is wrong with her. "Cass? What's the matter? Why do we have to go inside all of a sudden?"
"Because, I think my grandmother would object to finding us making love on the beach!"
"Your grandmother?"
Cassie nods as they enter the house. "Yeah. Her helicopter just landed. I guess Stefan had to tell her that I was here and she couldn't resist popping by."
She drags him upstairs. Jax watches her, slightly amused by her panic. She digs through his clothes and throws Jax his black pants and a short-sleeved grey satin shirt. Then she turns away and pulls out a pair of tight black pants for herself with a black halter top. "Cassie, relax."
As she changes her clothes, Cassie looks at him like he's crazy. "Relax? Jax, you don't know her. Trust me, we need to handle this my way ... Hurry up and change. The last thing I need is for her to find us undressed."
Jax sighs as he changes his clothes. This is going to be a long day.
**********
A few minutes later, Jax and Cassie walk downstairs and find Helena waiting for them in the living room. She is seated on the white wing chair in the corner. Cassie sits down on the sofa opposite her grandmother and Jax follows suit. He's silent as the two women square off.
"Hello, Grandmother."
Helena nods. "Cassandra. It's nice to meet you, Mr Jacks."
"Mrs Cassadine."
Helena turns her attention back to her granddaughter. "This is quite a scrape you've gotten yourself into here."
Cassie sits up straighter, determined that Helena not see how shaken she is by this surprise visit. "I'm handling it. Alexis is working on the legal matters even as we speak--"
"Alexis is quite competent. But I'm more concerned with your involvment with the Quartermaine's. Why would you risk going to jail for one of them?"
"As you so like to forget, they are my family."
Helena rolls her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, my dear. The Quartermaine's are nothing to you. Cassandra, you are a Cassadine through and through."
"I certainly hope not."
"That's enough. Tell me, Mr Jacks, what do you think of this situation?"
Jax is surprised Helena was interested in his opinion. "Well, I hate to see Cassie in all this trouble and I won't allow her to go to jail. But I understand why she's willing to take the blame for Emily."
Helena nods. "Yes. Well, I expect the two of you to correct this situation. And having some sort of honeymoon here on the island is doing nothing to secure your freedom, dear."
Cassie can't help smiling. "Point taken."
"Mr Jacks, would you mind terribly if I spoke with my granddaughter in private."
Jax looks over at Cassie. She nods, telling him that she'll be fine. "Certainly. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs Cassadine."
Helena nods and Jax heads upstairs. Once he's gone, Helena moves next to Cassie on the sofa. "Well, dear, that's quite a specimen you've found for yourself."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Just that I'm glad your taste in men isn't as atrocious as your taste in everything else."
Cassie raises her eyebrows. "I do declare. You don't mean that you actually approve of Jax?"
Helena considers. "Well ... even if I didn't know his net worth, I'd have to give you credit for chosing a very ... warm body to occupy your bed."
Cassie is beyond shocked. "I didn't hear that."
"What? Just because I'm a grandmother doesn't mean I'm dead. Anyway, he has plenty of his own money and power. What's not to approve of?"
Cassie nods. "Wow. I would never in a million years have thought that you would actually approve of a man that I chose for myself."
"All that aside, Mr Jacks is clearly devoted to you. Nice work, dear. I can see that he is already putty in your hands."
Cassie sighs. "Here is goes. Now your going to tell me how I can exploit his feelings for me to benefit myself. Save it."
Helena decides it's best to back off this subject. It is clear to her that Jax means everything to Cassie. That fact will prove useful, should her granddaughter ever need to be reigned in. Helena reaches into her pocket and takes out a medallion. "My main reason for coming, Cassandra, was to return this to you."
Cassie's eyes fall on the medallion. "I don't want it. Grandmother, I meant it when I gave it back to you. I don't want to be a part of what that stands for."
"And what do you think it stands for."
Cassie takes a deep breath. "It stands for all the evil in this family. I had hoped that it was over, but Uncle is continuing his vendetta with the Spencers. And now Nikolas is some sort of pawn. He deserves better than that."
"Nikolas is perfectly fine. This is about you. Cassandra, you are part of this family. Whether you like it or not, you are a Cassadine. And that is something to be proud of. I know that you don't approve of the choices that your Grandfather, your Uncle Stavros, Stefan or I have made. I know that Laura Spencer poisoned you against all of us." Cassie doesn't bother to argue this point. "But there are many strengths that come with being a Cassadine. You are strong. You are a fighter. And I don't ever want you to forget that."
Before Cassie can object, Helena places the medallion around her neck. "I want you to wear it. And you fix this mess you've made of your life.
Goodbye, dear."
"Bye."
Helena leaves and Cassie looks down at the medallion. She takes it in her hand and thinks about what her grandmother said to her. Jax comes downstairs and quietly sits beside her. "Have you been inducted back into the family?"
Cassie smiles and lets go of the medallion. "It would appear so." She gets up and moves into his lap, resting her head on Jax's shoulder. She just needs for him to hold her and Jax senses that. He leans back on the couch with Cassie safely ensconced in his arms.
...to be continued...