This is an Alexis story first. I haven't decided who I want her with, but my first choices are Jax and Ned with Sonny causing trouble, but I won't watch Alexis look like an idiot to amuse Sonny. I'm not ruling them out. I just need a break. I'm not sure abut Carly's role in this story either Readers can tell me who they'd like her with. The story takes off around this point and will involve Jax finding out a secret and Alexis finding herself...well lots of stuff :) Enjoy, continuation depends on the amount of replies

Chapter 1

Alexis grabbed her coat and flung open the door. She needed to get out of this penthouse, out of this building. She really wasn't in the mood to see...

"Sonny," she smiled meekly at the dimpled don who was standing outside her door. "What's up?"

"I was wondering if I could talk to you?" Sonny grinned. "For just a minute."

Alexis shook her head, avoiding looking at him for fear of losing her nerve. "It's not a good time Sonny."

"It'll only take a minute," Sonny said, gently lifting her chin to look at her. "Please, as a friend."

Alexis sighed. She was tired. "No," she told him stubbornly. "I can't do this anymore."

Jax and Ned sat down on a bench at the docks after a morning jog. Ned closed his eyes, allowing and breathed in the cold air, trying to regain his breath.

Jax rubbed his hands together for warmth. "Ned I was wondering if you had thought more about what we talked about?"

"I don't think we ever talked about you taking over ELQ," Ned said.

Jax laughed. "That's not what I'm referring to. It's about Alexis and getting her away from Corinthos. He's sucking her in, more and more Ned and I don't like it."

Ned sighed. "Alexis is a grown woman Jax. She won't listen to me or you or anyone. If she wants to get involved with Corinthos, professionally or romantically, it's her business."

"How can you say that Ned?" Jax said exasperatedly. "You almost married her, that's got to count for something."

"That counts for nothing," Ned stated, standing up.

Jax shook his head in frustration. "She's just too smart to be falling for him. It's just so frustrating. How can you stand by and watch?"

"Jax, you've been around for a few months. I've had to watch it for a year and beyond. I had to watch as the woman I loved chose him and her work over and over again," Ned said bitterly. "So don't lecture me about this being frustrating," he kicked the ground. "I've got to go, I'm meeting with Kristina."

Jax watched as Ned walked away angrily. He shook his head. What was Ned doing dating Alexis's sister? And how could Kristina do this to Alexis? None of it made sense in his mind.

He was surprised when he came back to see Alexis so consumed in Sonny's world. It worried him to see that and if Ned wouldn't do anything about it, he certainly would.

"What can't you do?" Sonny asked with concern. "What's wrong?"

Alexis rubbed her face. "Sonny, I took you on as a client because I believed everyone deserves representation. I never planned on making this my life. I mean my god, I detested all that you stood for.."

Sonny was nodding and began to interrupt her. "Breathe Alexis."

Alexis groaned in frustration. "Somehow me representing you resulted in the upheaval of my life and more and more I'm starting to regret it. I don't even see who I am anymore."

"You're the best attorney I've ever had and a great friend," Sonny said, patting her on the back.

"It's over Sonny," Alexis said, stepping in to the elevator. "I quit."

Chapter 2

Sonny put his hand in the door to the elevator just before the doors had closed. ''Alexis, be reasonable here,'' Sonny said, still in shock.

Sure Alexis had quit before like when she found out about his role in Zander's

kidnapping, but she seemed determined this time, and he didn't like it. '

'I am being reasonable Sonny,'' Alexis said with irritation in her voice. ''I've been

reasonable for the past 6 months, but it ends here. I will not be an enabler in your relationship with Carly. You want to be with her? Fine. Just don't suck me into that black whole.''

The doors opened and Alexis walked out, Sonny close at her heels. He grabbed her

by the arm. ''Is this about Carly?'' Sonny asked with confusion. ''I mean I know you two don't get along, but we aren't together anymore.''

Alexis shook her head and then softened. ''She's a part of you Sonny and that's fine,

but I need a break. My entire life has been devoted to you lately. I missed my nephew's engagement party because I had to go drink rum in Puerto Rico.''

''I needed you there,'' Sonny tried to argue. ''For the negotiations.''

Alexis smiled meekly. ''No you didn't. I have to go. I need some space.''

She walked off as Sonny stared. When the doors to the building closed behind him,

she let out a deep breath. It felt for the first time that she was free.

Kelly's was busy that morning, but for once Alexis wasn't in a hurry. All she needed

was a cup of coffee and a newspaper for now.

''What? Sonny isn't bringing you coffee in bed?'' Alexis looked up to see a giant

smirk on Carly's face. ''The honeymoon's over counselor?''

''Actually,'' Alexis smiled, eager to see the reaction on Carly's face. ''I quit. I am no

longer working for your husband.''

Carly's eyes widened in surprise. She had definately not been expecting that one nor

had Ned who had just entered Kelly's. ''You can't quit though,'' Carly said, surprising even herself as the words escaped her mouth. ''Sonny needs you as an attorney.''

''But I don't need him as a client,'' Alexis explained, laying down money as she tried

to exit.

Ned stood in the doorway blocking her from leaving. ''You quit?'' he asked in surprise.

''I didn't know you had it in you.'' ''

"Ned, I'm in too good of a mood today to have it ruined with some snide comment

about me running away or quitting or something that leads back to our almost wedding,'' Alexis put her hands on her hips. ''So if you'll excuse me.''

''Actually I'm proud of you,'' Ned smiled displaying his dimples that immediately

softened Alexis's hard exterior. ''And I lied, I always knew you were strong.'' '

'Thank you,'' Alexis said softly. It seemed no matter how hard she tried or how far it

seemed they had grown, Ned always managed to tug at her heart strings. They didn't speak for a moment, the silence broken between the two of them as Kristina bounded through the door.

''Alexis,'' she smiled brightly. ''It's good to see you. I didn't get to talk to you this

morning. And Ned...'' Ned stood there akwardly as Kristina attempted to make small talk. Kristina may have been the one talking, but it was Alexis that he couldn't keep his eyes off of.

''I should go,'' Alexis said feeling distinctly like a third wheel. ''Kristina we need to talk

tonight. I made a decision today.'' Kristina looked with confusion to Alexis, who patted her on the shoulder. ''It's a long story.'' Alexis walked quickly out of Kelly's, feeling uncomfortable being with Ned and Kristina. Sure she had told Kristina she was okay with her dating Ned, but she lied. So sue me, she thought to herself.

She stood at the docks, rubbing her hands together as she stared out onto

Wyndamere. When had she lost her identity? She was a Cassadine, no matter what Helena thought. She was strong, proud and intelligent. A strong pair of arms wrapped themselves around her waist causing her to jump slightly and interrupt her thoughts..

''What's a beautiful woman like you doing alone on the docks?'' a voice whispered in

her ear. '

'Jax,'' she smiled, immediately identifying the feel of his cheek next to hers. ''You

think I'm beautiful?'' she teased.

Jax laughed causing Alexis to gently punch him. ''Seriously though,'' Jax said, his

eyes full of concern. ''You shouldn't be alone.'' Alexis's eyes began to gaze back out.'

'When did you start to feel that way?''

''What way?'' Jax asked in confusion.

''That I

couldn't handle myself?'' Alexis said, her eyes downcast. ''When did everyone including myself forget..'' She didn't no what she forgot, actually she thought, she didn't no what she remembered anymore.

''What's wrong?'' Jax asked in concern. He could sense something was wrong with

Alexis. '

'Nothing's wrong,'' Alexis tried to smiled. ''Things are getting right again. I quit working

for Sonny.''

Jax's eyes widened in surprise and in one swoop he wrapped his arms into a hug

around Alexis and surprising both of them began to kiss her.

Chapter 3

Alexis's and Jax's lips lingered for a moment, pausing as if time was standing still, but time began to move again to the chagrin of both of their psyches and they broke apart.

"Guess I just got caught up in the moment," Jax grinned almost bashfully. "It's just that that's great news."

Alexis nodded silently and then plopped down on the bench. In the last half hour, while attempting to uncomplicate her life, she managed to only complicate it further. First with her encounter with Ned and Kristina and the jealousy she felt as well as her kiss with Jax, which she found surprisingly enjoyable.

"Ugh," Alexis groaned.

"What's wrong?" Jax asked following her gaze. "Oh," he realized as he saw Ned and Kristina walking towards them.

*****

Carly sat at Kelly's with Michael enjoying breakfast. As Michael was coloring, she began looking through several proposals she had received from some designers for her club.

"Carly Corinthos?"

She looked up into the eyes of a mysterious stranger.

"Can I help you?" Carly asked, trying to read the man, but finding it difficult.

"I heard about your club and I have a proposition for you," he took the liberty of pulling up a chair and sitting down. "Financially speaking," he added with a smile.

Carly looked at him with suspicion. "Well, before we start making some sort of arrangement, it'd be nice to know your name."

"His name doesn't matter. What does is that he leaves right now."

Carly looked up into the angry eyes of her husband.

*****

"Do you want to get out of here?" Jax asked with concern. He hated seeing Alexis upset by Ned. "We can go get some breakfast or something?"

Alexis thought for a moment looking at Jax and then at Ned and Kristina.She smiled.

"Thanks Jax," Alexis nodded to indicate she would be okay. "But I'm fine. I need to go get things back in order at the penthouse."

"I'll let you go on one condition," Jax smiled devilishly. "Well two actually."

Alexis narrowed her eyes and laughed. "And those conditions would be.."

"First," Jax grinned holding up a finger. "You don't back down on quitting Sonny Corinthos. It's the best decision you made, besides marrying me of course," he paused as Alexis laughed.

"I'll do my best," Alexis said. "And the second condition?"

"Have dinner with me, tonight."

Alexis's eyes widened in surprise. "Dinner? Tonight?"

Jax paused for a moment pretending to be thinking. "I believe that's what I said. It'll be a celebration dinner..between friends."

"Allright Jax," she stuck her hand out. "It's a deal."

They shook hands and then hugged briefly. "I'll see you tonight," Jax said as they seperated in different directions.

******

"Sonny you really have no right to tell me who I can and cannot talk to," Carly said in a low voice, trying to avoid the stares people were giving the three of them.

"Carly you have no idea who this man is," Sonny said, participating in a staring contest with the mysterious stranger.

A stoney silence filled the entire diner as the man stood up.

"Carly," he said, shaking hands with her. "It was pleasent," he looked at Sonny. "For a while."

Carly and Sonny watched the man slam the door.

"Allright Sonny," Carly said, sitting back. "Want to tell me what that was about?"

******

Alexis walked along, drinking a cup of coffee and reading through some legal briefs. Not paying attention where she was going, she found the wind knocked into her as she ran smack into someone.

"Oh my gosh," Alexis said, not raising her eyes as she winced as the hot coffee splashed across her and her legal documents went flying.

"I'm so sorry."

Alexis raised her eyes to the face of an appologetic and handsome face.

He gathered up the documents and tried to straighten them while handing Alexis a handkerchief to dry herself.

"I am so sorry," he appologized again, flashing a warm smile.

Alexis was intrigued by the stranger. A combination of the boyish good looks of Jax and the mysteriousness of Sonny. Did she really just think that she thought.

"It's okay," Alexis smiled back, trying to convince him she was fine. "That's why they are called accidents."

"Still," the man slightly stuttered. "I feel terrible, I mean I practically scalded you."

She shook her head. "Sir, I assure you, no harm down.

"Well I'd like to make it up to you," the man smiled as he saw the intrigued look on Alexis's face. "My name's Roscoe, and you must be Alexis Davis."

Chapter 4

"Who is he Sonny?" Carly asked about the man who she had just talked to while leaning in toward Sonny.

Sonny took a breath, unsure of whether he should be trusting Carly.

***

Alexis was taken aback by the man already knowing her name. "How did you know?" she stuttered.

The man reached his arm out, causing Alexis to step back, but touched her files. "I saw your name on these," he tried to explain.

Alexis nodded. She felt so uncomofortable around this man. Her instincts told her to run, but there was something about the man that told her to stay.

"Well I suppose I should go," Alexis said slowly.

The man shook his head. "I don't think so Ms. Davis," he said.

***

"His name is Roscoe," Sonny began, rubbing his face. "He's an associate of Sorrel. Dangerous. Extremely dangerous. He's an enforcer. Gets the job done."

***

"Alexis please," she instructed.

"Well Alexis," he looked deeply into her eyes, causing her to shudder. "I'd like to take you to dinner, as a way of making it up to you."

"Oh it's not necessary," Alexis smiled.

"It is," he replied. "And I won't take no for an answer."

***

"So what are you going to do about him?" Carly asked. She could see the fear in Sonny's eyes and it scared her.

"For now nothing," Sonny instructed. "But stay away from the man. Promise me Carly," he held her face in his hands. "That you'll stay away from him. Nobody's safe with him."

***

The way he said that almost frightened Alexis, but she shook the feeling off. It was obvious she had been living with Sonny to long, Alexis laughed inwardly.

"Ok," Alexis relented. It had been a while since she had been on an actual date, one that didn't involve Sonny or Jax or Ned. "Tonight at 7?" she asked.

"Perfect," he smiled as he began to walk off. "I'll see you tonight." Alexis was so excited she didn't even realize that he hadn't asked where she lived.

"A date Alexis?"

Alexis turned around to see Ned standing alone with his hands in his pockets.

"Yes a date Ned," Alexis said, almost coldly. "I think I am entitled to have those."

"Weren't you already dating Port Charles favorite crime lord?" Ned asked snidely.

Alexis shook her head. "This coming from the man who is dating my sister," she laughed almost cynically.

Ned sighed and rolled his head back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. It's just..."

"What Ned?" Alexis asked with exhaustion. "Why do you hurt me like that? You know I never slept with, much less even kiss Sonny Corinthos. Why do you have to be," she thought of the correct word. "Such an ass?"

Ned laughed. Not sarcastically, just because Alexis could always make him smile, especially when she was frustrated. He grew serious then."I just hate seeing you with another man. I guess I just get jealous because it's me you should be with."

Alexis stood wordlessly.

***

"Contact's been made," Roscoe said onto the answering machines of two of his associates. "And so it begins," he laughed.

Chapter 5

Alexis felt her heart leap into her throat as Ned spoke the words that she had longed to hear for so long.

"What did you say?" she whispered, almost afraid he would take the words back.

He didn't though. As Ned looked into those gorgeous chestnut eyes, he wanted to sweep her off her feet and take her away from the docks, but he felt as if his feet were glued to the floorboards.

"I said you should be with me," he looked at the ground, almost embarassed by admission. "I love you Alexis. I haven't stopped."

Alexis felt herself torn. Her heart told her to run to him and kiss him, but her head told her to walk over and slap him.

"You love me?" she repeated. "Did you love me every time you decided to ridicule me each time you felt the need to prove your manhood? Did you love me when you started dating my little sister? Did you love me all those times you told me it was over?" Alexis found herself crying now.

Ned took a deep breath and moved closer to her. He couldn't stand to watch her cry.

"I can't Ned," she sniffed and wiped the tears from her eyes. "It hurts because you made it hurt. I want nothing more to leave with you, but I can't. I need time."

"We've spent so much time apart already Alexis...I don't know if I can wait."

"You're going to have to try," she whispered and smiled slightly.

Ned closed his eyes, unable to watch her walk away.

****

Alexis lay on the couch, a cold compress across her eyes hoping to rid herself of the headache that was consuming her.

The door slammed causing Alexis to jump slowly. She didn't even need to sit up to know it was Kristina.

"What's wrong," Kristina asked, noticing Alexis on the couch.

Alexis removed the compress and smiled. "The effect of them men in my life."

Krisitna laughed and stood up. "Can I make you some tea, get you some advil?"

"No," Alexis sighed. "I just need to rest for a while. Kristina I need to talk to you about something."

"What?"

"I quit working for Sonny,"Alexis paused as she watched Kristina's eyes widen. "I think we should move out of here."

"Do you think that's wise?" Kristina asked in concern.

"Yea," Alexis nodded firmly. "I need to get out of here."

Kristina nodded uncomfortably. "There's something you should know. Ned asked me to move in with him."

****

Roscoe leaned back on his chair, talking to one of his associates.

"So you have a date with her?" the woman asked.

"It's all set up," he smiled, looking at a picture of the lady lawyer with Sonny. "I'm picking her up tonight. She has no clue...about everything."

"Good," she responded.

"Do you want me to take care of her tonight?" he asked.

"No," the woman responded after pausing momentarily. "Not yet.'

"What about Mrs. Corinthos?" he asked eagerly.

"No," she said. "She's not the one I want. I want Alexis Davis to pay for what she did to my father."

Roscoe didn't reply.

"I'll be in touch," she finally said, hanging up.

"Alexis you will pay for your association with Sonny Corinthos," she smiled.

***

"You're moving in with Ned?" Alexis repeated, taken aback.

"Yes," Kristina said. "I'm sorry Alexis. If you don't want me.."

"No, no," Alexis said. "I'm just confused. I saw Ned on the docks today. He told me he wants to try again."

This time it was Kristina who was taken aback. She regained her composure quickly however.

"What are you talking about Alexis?" she maneuvered around the room, gathering her things. "Why would you do this to me Alexis? Ned loves me. I'm sorry things didn't work out with you two, but don't take your petty jealousy out on me," she was almost screaming now.

Alexis's eyes were widened in shock. She didn't have time to respond before Kristina slammed the door. What had just happened? Who was that woman?

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

The lights were dim in the restauraunt as Roscoe pulled out a chair for

Alexis. A smile crossed over his face as he sat down.

"You look beautiful Alexis."

Alexis blushed. This whole evening was so unconventional, so unlike her, but

she was enjoying it. She was enjoying feeling papmpered, something she hadn't

felt in a while

"Thank you," Alexis smiled slightly. "You look beautiful..I mean..Well you

know what I mean," she blushed again.

"You're cute when you do that," he grinned charmingly.

"Do what?" Alexis asked, oblivious.

"Blush when you get embarassed," he laughed.

Alexis put her hands to her cheeks as she felt the blood rush to her face.

"This is a nice place," Alexis said, trying to change the subject.

The dinner was uneventful, but Alexis found herself more and more warming up

the the stranger.

"So what do you do?" Alexis asked, drawing her cup of coffee to her lips.

Roscoe raised his head, opening his mouth as he got ready to answer. His eyes

widened as he saw the man walking through the door.

Sonny Corinthos. The man could blow his plan if he saw him with Alexis.

"Let's get out of here," Roscoe said, trying not to indicate his panic.

Corinthos didn't scare him, but blowing his plan was not an option. "Come

on," he offered his hand to Alexis.

Alexis turned around to see what the comotion was all about. Sonny. Her eyes

darkened inititally and then softened.

Silently she wondered what he was doing, but then she remembered that he

wasn't her concern anymore.

"Is this about Sonny, I mean Mr. Coritnhos," Alexis corrected herself.

He shook his head and then tried to smile warmly. "I just want to go outside,

get some fresh air."

He offered his arm to her, which after hesitating, Alexis took. The pair

walked along the docks, the fall air providing a cool breeze.

Now they stood at Alexis's door, she stood akwardly. She hadn't been on a

date in a long time and now felt uncertain.

"Would you like to come in," she asked nervously.

Roscoe laughed. "I think your face indicates that you don't want me to come

in."

Alexis smiled. "No, no that's not what I'm saying."

"Thank you for the offer, but no, but I would like another date," he looked

at her eagerly.

Alexis nodded. "I'd like that too."

"Well good," Roscoe smiled. He took Alexis's hand, bringing it to his lips.

She shivered. "Thank you for a wonderful evening Alexis. I had a wonderful

time."

"I did too," Alexis said, closing her eyes, collecting her thoughts.

He gently kissed her cheek. "You know, spilling coffee on you was the best

move I've ever made. Until next time."

Alexis watched him get on the elevator and then closed the door. She smiled

as she leaned against the door.

Roscoe stood outside the penthouse building, flipping on his cell phone.

"Yea the plan was almost blown, but Corinthos didn't see me," he said.

"Everything's going according to plan."

"Have you talked to Angel?" the young woman asked.

"Yes, she's been informed," Roscoe said. "Are you okay?"

"Besides knowing my fiancee is romancing another woman? Great," she responded

bitterly.

"Hey, you're the one I love, but I need to do this, you know that,"Roscoe

said, trying to reassure her.

"I know," she said uncertainly.

"I love you," he said. "I wish I could see you, but it isn't safe."

"I know," she repeated, slightly irritated. "Good night," she hung up the

phone.

The young woman felt a tap on her shoulder that caused her to jump and let

out a slight scream. She turned.

"Kristina? What are you doing?" Jax asked

Chapter 8

Kristina gasped as Jax stared at her, his blue eyes narrowed, trying to

read the situation.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her eyes wide, as she tried to catch

her breath.

"I think I asked you a question," he said. "You go first. Who were you

on the phone with?"

"I..I..." she stamered slightly. "It was Ned. We were just

talking...Well it doesn't really matter. So what are you doing?"

Jax stared at her again. "Alexis," he began, trying to gather his

thoughts. "She was worried about you. Wanted me to find you."

"So worried that she couldn't be bothered looking for me herself?"

Kristina asked bitterly, sitting on the bench.

"Kristina," Jax sighed, putting his arm around Kristina's

shoulder. "She loves you. Your her sister."

"Yea well sometimes it just doesn't feel that way," she said angrily.

Jax sat next to her confused. There was something off about her. He

just couldn't put his finger on it.

He stood up, offering his hand to Kristina. "Let's go. You shouldn't be

down here alone."

***

Alexis lay on the couch, her customary bowl of popcorn in one hand, a

remote in the other. The door opened and without glancing up, she

shouted over the couch.

"Hey Kristina," Alexis said. "I just started a movie. Want to join me?"

"I don't know, does the offer include me?"

Alexis sat straight up, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Sonny," she said,

lacking emotion.

"Alexis, we need to talk," he said coming over to the couch, reaching

his hand out to take some popcorn.

Alexis recoiled back with the bowl. "We don't have anything to talk

about. I quit. But you know what it's good you're here because I'm also

moving out. I thought you should know."

Sonny leaned back on the couch, letting himself comprehend what Alexis

has just told him. "Come on Alexis, we both know this isn't what you

want. You're the best lawyer I've had, and you're one of my closest

friends."

Alexis had to let out a laugh. "Please Sonny, I'm the best lawyer

you've had because in the last few months I have had no life. I have

been at you beck and call. Of course I'm your best lawyer because for

you a best lawyer means compromising your values and self respect and

dignity in order for me to look like your own personal lap dog."

Clapping at the door cause both Sonny and Alexis to turn abruptly to

see Jax and Kristina standing at the door. Kristina's eyes were wide,

her mouth a gap. Jax wore the biggest grin Alexis had ever seen, his

eyes sparkling.

"Wow Corinthos, I hope you taped that one. Maybe you can replay that

one when you're all alone," Jax said.

Sonny rolled his eyes. "Whatever candy-boy," he started walking out the

door. "We aren't done here Alexis."

Jax began to shut the door. "I think you are."

Jax let out a low laugh as the door clicked shut. "Alexis," he

smiled. "That was great."

"In a minute Jax," Alexis began. "Kristina, I want to talk to you."

Kristina let out a melodramatic sigh, turned and walked up the stairs,

all without saying a word.

Groaning, Alexis flopped down on the couch again. Jax sat down next to

her, popping some popcorn into his mouth.

"So June, what are we going to do with the Beave," he teased.

"June? The Beave?" Alexis repeated with confusion.

Jax laughed. Sometimes he forgot the Alexis had grown up in

Europe. "Never mind. What do you think is going on with Kristina?"

Alexis through her head back. "If only I knew. She's just not herself."

Jax decided not to push it. "Mind if I stay and watch the movie," he

grinned charmingly. "It'd be just like old times."

"How could I deny a face like that?" Alexis said, handing him a pillow.

Jax shook his head. "I don't think so," he said seriously. Before

Alexis could think, he had grabbed her and pulled her body against

his. "This feels better."

Alexis nodded. "You won't see me arguing."

***

Kristina locked the door, calling Angel back. "We either need to speed

this up, or change plans. She's getting close to Jax."

Angel frowned. She didn't expect this. "The plan goes forward. Don't

cross me or you'll regret it."

Angel slammed the phone down. It's too bad, she thought, but "Kristina"

would need to be taken care of.