| Author's Note: um lets see, Amy and Greg's relationship is going to get pretty deep from here on. Lets see who takes it more seriously then the other. Or who falls in love first. Please read and review!! Reflections of Hope Chapter 3 He was sipping a brandy, standing with Darien and a group of men he'd just met. They stood in the parlor, discussing sports, women, and occasionally business. He wasn't too bored by the talk, just a bit curious as to where Lita and Serena had taken Amy off to. After he'd kissed her he'd taken her outside on the balcony and stood, just stood, under the nights sky holding her small hand in his. They hadn't spoken, hadn't needed to. He knew she was horrified with what he'd done, giving her such a public kiss in front of so many people. She was a woman with manners, a woman who made sure to keep a well formed exterior, never losing her head or her passion in front of others. So he hadn't said a word, had allowed her to slip her hand from his and walk a bit away from him. He had stood, silently resentful that he would always do things to her in public and that she would always become angered by it. He had even begun to think why the hell they were wasting time dating one another, or attempting to, when they were such complete opposites. He'd been opening his mouth to tell her just that when Lita and Serena had come outside, sweeping Amy back inside. Darien had followed soon after, telling him to come have a brandy with him. That had been almost an hour ago and even though he'd been enjoying himself thus far with these men, he was beginning to become restless. Where the hell was she? Had they gone and hidden her from him? If they had, he was going to go look for her and tear her back from them. He wasn't going to tolerate even Amy's best friends interfering between them. If he wanted her, then he would have her. When his fist clenched unconsciously around his glass and cracked it, he realized he was losing his temper over nothing. Especially when the group of men heard the crack and all looked at him, Darien frowning at him with a curious look. "I need some air."he muttered, setting his abused glass down on a table and striding out to where lights and tables had been set up, along with the band that was currently playing a sweet melody for couples to dance too. So much for escape, he thought just as his eyes caught sight of a familiar figure swathed in a tight, skimpy little black dress. His gaze settled on her, his vision wavering with unreasonable anger when he noted she was in the arms of that idiot Thomas, laughing at something he had said. He strode forward, his mind set on ripping the bastard apart and locking Amy up for eternity when Serena stepped in front of him, her smoky blue eyes amused."Hello Greg. Oh my, is there a problem?"her voice dripped sweetness. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, his vision going from a burning green to a lethal red."I'm going to kill someone. Is that a problem?" Her smile went from amused to delighted."No, its not. Good luck."she moved aside. Lita came to stand next to her once he'd strode away, both of them watching him pick his way through the tables toward the dance floor below."He looks ready to kill." "Funny, thats exactly what he has in mind."Serena tapped her fingers to her lips."How entertaining this is going to be." "About time. This parties been to boring for my taste. Needs some action."and they watched as he nearly leapt down the stairs leading to the dance floor. Greg pushed aside other couples dancing, ignoring them when they stared at him, and made it finally to where Amy and Thomas stood, both there heads closly together, both laughing softly. There wasn't even one rational thought running through his head when he took Thomas by the back of his tux and flung him away from Amy, sending him sprawling. "Greg!"Amy said, completely shocked and horrified by this very public scene he had just created."What are you doing?!" "What the hell is he doing here?!"he shouted it at her, then turned when Thomas had managed to regain his feet, shoving the sleeves of his tux up his arms, raising his fists."Come on you bastard, raise em." Thomas quickly measured Greg's build, which even in the tux was clearly large and built like a solid rock. This type of build came from hard manuel labor and work, not the muscles Thomas had aquired in the fitness club. He knew when he was outmatched. Raising his hands in defeat, he said,"I'm sorry, is there a problem?" "Your the problem."Greg spat, his dark eyes flashing menacingly under the soft lights Serena had had set up outside."What the hell are you doing here?" "Amy invited me."and he wondered what exactly was going on with this violent man and his sophisticated Amy. That confused him, but for just a moment."She wouldn't-" "I did."Amy cut in, her blue eyes hard enough to cut glass."And I'm completely embaressed by this macho display Gregory." Involuntarily, he winced. Only his mother had ever called him Gregory when she was angry with him."Why would you invite him? You told me-" "Because she and I are dating. Or didn't you know?"unaware of the relationship developing between the two of them, but beginning to understand, Thomas went to stand next to Amy and put a propriatary arm about her waist. Snarling under his breath, he advanced on them. Darien caught him before he could grab Thomas and rip him apart as he said he would, quickly dragging him inside despite his protests."Come on Greg, lets go cool off."he smiled charmingly at the guests that they passed. "Let me go! Goddamnit Darien, that son of a bitch-" "Greg, cool it!"Darien hissed at him as he pulled him into the empty dining room of there home, Serena and Lita following closely behind them. Discretely, Serena closed the doors to the room. Darien had never ever seen Greg become jealous over a woman. He had believed he was incapable of feeling that emotion for anyone. But he had seen him angry before, perhaps not this angry, but close. And knowing his old friend, he braced himself for what was to come before releasing him. As expected, Greg turned and swung at him, Darien quickly dodging the fist."Now Greg." "Get out of my way!"he attempted to shove past Darien, only to be shoved back himself."Bastard!"he lunged at him and they both fell to the floor just as Amy marched in. "Greg!"her stern voice made him freeze."WHAT are you doing? Get off my brother!" He immediately did, helping Darien up."Sorry."he muttered it. Darien merely grinned."Thats ok. Not the first time you tried taking a swing at me." "Are you crazy?!"Amy shouted at him, making him turn to face her."Why did you do that to Thomas?" "Because he had his hands all over you!"he made sure to match his voice to hers."And according to you, its OVER between you two!" He had a point there. She had told him she would speak to Thomas, but hadn't gotten a chance too. And when he'd called her on her cell phone earlier that day, she had absently invited him, more out of habit then anything. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself. This was the first time in years she had actually gotten so angry she raised her voice. She was a usually calm person and she needed to regain the calm she normally dictated her life with. She turned to her family."Could you all please leave us alone?" Darien nodded."Lets go ladies."taking a wide eyed Serena and Lita by the arms, he led them out, closing the door behind them. They stood staring at one another, both full of raging emotions that contradicted the other. Amy knew allowing him in had been a mistake. The instant he had taken Thomas by the back of his tux and shoved him several feet away, she had known that the two of them were a major mistake. They were completely different, as different as a bird and a fish. And though it hurt her to tell him, to admit it when she had already been aquiring strong emotions for him, she knew it had to be done. "Obviously this was a mistake."her voice was even, distant."You and I are much to different from one another. I think its best that we end this now before it becomes any worse." He knew she was right. God, he'd been thinking the exact same thing less then half an hour before, but hearing her say it, her voice so cold, her expression so calm, triggered something dark inside him. He took a step forward, dark and menacing."Were to different, are we?" She didn't like how his eyes had gone from angry to something she couldn't make out, almost wild."Yes, we are. You know I'm right." "I didn't say you weren't."he took another step, smirked when she backed up a step as well."Something wrong?" She brought her chin up an inch."No. Are we clear on this then?" He angled his head at her when he took another step forward and she took another step back."No, were not. You agreed to give me a chance, to give us a chance. And since you agreed, your not going to shake me off that easily."his hand whipped up, quick and deadly, wrapping around her and hauling her against his larger, harder frame."Your attracted to me Amy. Don't deny it." Her hands came up against his chest, pushed."Let me go. Doing this proves nothing." "It proves everything."his lips, hot and erotic, moved slowly, torturously, along her smooth cheek, down to her neck."Your body burns for mine. I bet he's never made you burn, has he?" She couldn't fight off her bodies raging emotions, couldn't block off the desire that welled up like a gyser, ready to burst any moment inside her."Stop it."the plea came out weakly, her hands sliding along his strong chest instead of pushing."Don't." "Don't?"he halted, his lips hoovering over the swell of her breasts. Close, not close enough."Don't, you say."he chuckled, low and deep, his breath hot against her soft flesh."Do you really want me to stop Amy?" She felt his tongue, rough and demanding, flick over her."I...I don't....I-" "Don't deny me."his lips closed over her, drawing her in, pulling almost savagely."Don't push me away." "Were too different."she felt more then heard the words come from her. "Fuck our differences."he drew away, though it cost him, and caught her chin in his hand."And fuck anything else in my way. I want you and thats enough."his hand, big, yet tender, moved around to cup her cheek."Come home with me." She jolted, her blue eyes wide."What? No, I can't. You-" "I want you Amy."he brushed another kiss over her cheek, his hands moving slowly along her bare back."I don't want to go home alone." How had he managed to do this? She had come in here angry, ready to do battle and prepared to end the fledgling relationship they'd begun. But he had distracted her immediately, taken the anger away and made her want to remain with him despite how different they were. "Then don't."the words slid out before she could stop them, and her mouth grew hot, insistent beneathe his."Take me with you." She felt his lips curve against hers."Lets get out of here." He didn't even give her a chance to say goodbye to Serena, Lita, or Darien. He dragged her out of there, stuffed her into his truck, then jumped in himself and gunned the engine. Turning to give her a hot, smoldering look that had her insides tingling with anticipation, he sped away from Serena and Darien's home, down highway 1 toward his. Even through the passion clouding her brain, she noticed the large home he had purchased months before when he'd moved out there. It was two stories, and reminded her of 'Hill of the Hawk,' a famous home she knew of up the coast. He pulled into the long drive, climbed out and hauled her inside with him. "Come on, bedrooms upstairs."he was taking the steps two at a time, barely aware she was having a hard time keeping up with him. She couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up inside, spilling out when he rushed down the hall with her in tow."Greg, your bedrooms not going anywhere." He pulled her inside, into a room with a huge king size bed and a balcony outside, with a breathtaking view of the pacific ocean below."A joke. Amy Stanford just made a joke."he said as he turned on her, his lips immediately capturing hers, hot and hungry, his hands skimming down her shoulders to push the dress off. She was amazed at how impatient he was. No man had ever showed such mind consuming passion for her before. They'd always been calm, considerate lovers, slow and patient. Greg was anything but patient, she thought dimly as her dress slid to the floor, exposing her triangle of underwear and no bra. She watched his brows lift, his dark eyes go from hot to burning in just a second."Holy shit."he breathed, his hands coming around to cup the soft weight of her breasts. Her breath hitched when his thumbs flicked over her nipples, sending hot coils of desire spreading into her belly."Surprised?" "Hell yea. If I had known what was underneathe--or what wasn't--I would have jumped you at the party."he bent his head close to hers, pressed on the sensitive flesh with his thumbs, smiled when her breath caught, shuddered out."I'm gonna make you burn Amy. I'm gonna make you so blind and wild you won't even remember your name." Even through the passion consuming her body, she lifted a slim brow."Oh? Is that a challenge?" "Its a promise honey."and with his eyes open on hers, took her lips in a hard kiss. She was afraid he would. Mortally afraid. She had always kept control on her body in the bedroom, not matter what the circumstance. Losing control to her meant giving another the power. And one thing she'd always kept was her own body, mind, and hearts power. His lips left hers, trailed softly down her exposed throat, as her own hands gripped and clawed at his back. When she felt his mouth close over her once again, draw her in, felt his tongue and teeth working magic over her quivering flesh, she let out a cry that she could no longer bite back. He began walking with her, backing her toward the bed, pushing her gently back against it. His lips never left her breast, one hand capturing the other, his free hand sliding up her smooth thigh, cupping her middle, causing her to bow back. He listened to her breath tear our of her, felt her bodies hot response to him, and felt his own roar to life. The room was lit only by the light from the moon, casting a soft glow over Amy's pale skin and dark eyes. He gazed down at her, watched a riot of emotions swirl over her beautiful features; excitement, desire, fear. He slid his hand deeper, felt the moisture that greeted him, and plunged harder, faster. In a matter of seconds she convulsed, her mouth open, her body lifting and her eyes going blind. He rode that pleasure, bent his head to feast on her bare breasts again, and kept his hand inside until her body shuddered in release once again. "Greg."his name came out as a whisper, her hands fluttering to his chest, still clad in the tuxedo."Your still dressed." "I was just getting to that."willing to oblige, he stripped himself of his clothing, coming back to her and sliding his hard body along her smooth one, enjoying the sensation of being sking to skin with her."Your so soft."he whispered against her breast, sliding his tongue along the side of the soft flesh. She trembled, shifted beneathe him."Now Greg. I can't wait anymore." "Can't you?"his tongue went lower, to her belly, swirling still lower."Hold on to something Amy." The moment she felt his touch she screamed, one long, rolling cry that filled the quiet room and echoed outside to ride on the roaring waves of the ocean. It made him a little rougher, made him a little more impatient, until she was writhing and screaming. When she cried out his name, when he felt her legs stiffen, he moved up her body once again, lips trailing softly, one hand coming up to mold her breast, the other sliding beneathe her buttocks to lift her to him. He watched her for a moment, heavy eyed and sated, her breaths coming out in gasps. He'd never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. He bent and took her lips with his, kissing her long and slow and deep."Open your eyes Amy."when they fluttered, but remained closed, he nudged her cheek with his lips."Open your eyes baby." She looked up at him, saw dark eyes that haunted her nights."Now Greg." "Now."he agreed, slipping inside her. The pleasure exploded inside her, fragmented the feeling of having him fill her so completely. She couldn't see, could only feel him moving against her, so smoothly, feel his breath panting out against her cheek. His body was taut, his muscles tense beneathe her roaming hands, his hips beginning to thrust harder, faster. He felt as if he was burning, the heat from her body scorching his skin. Her legs came up and encased him, her hands moving to his back, her nails raking along and causing his eyes to shut tight, his hips to plunge harder against her. He attempted to hold onto some sort of control, tried desperately to see her face, but when she whispered his name, one soft sigh, his already slippery control snapped. The animal in him emerged, dark and hungry for her. His teeth and tongue ravaged, his hands rough and gripping tight, his hips moving faster until he was sure the world had darkened around them, that only the waves of the ocean could be heard, and that a snapping fire had been built by them. He bent and put his lips to her ear, his breath tearing out."Mine Amy. All mine."and hearing her cry out his name as her body climaxed, he buried his face in her neck and followed. He stretched his long body over hers, nestled his head between her breasts and sighed contentedly. He didn't think he'd ever felt so relaxed in his life. He'd had sex before, great sex, lots of it. But never like this. He didn't think he was going to be able to move for the next eon or so. "Oh God."her whisper came to him, quiet in the large room where they'd brought each other to such pleasurable heights only moments before."I can't believe I did this." "Neither can I. You were....amazing honey. Fucking amazing."and who would have guessed that cool, calm Amy Stanford would have turned out to be such a firecracker in bed. Well, life was full of such nice surprises."Too bad I didn't know this sooner. I would have probably taken you in the bathroom at the party." She stared at him, momentarily horrified, but when she saw his lazy gaze, considered the idea."I can't say it would be comfortable, but certainly inventive." He roared with laughter, hugging her tightly."What a woman." She pushed him back, peered up at him."Since were on the subject of the party I'd like to know what it was you were thinking when you went and attacked Thomas in that hideous display." His eyes sharpened, his hand coming up to catch her chin in his hand and hold her gaze to his."Your mine. As long as I'm fucking you, no one else is. Bottom line, honey. I DON'T share." She didn't like his proprietary attitude or the perverse way he had described it, but couldn't help the little ripple of delight that went through her."You were jealous." His fierce look faded and he stared at her blankly for a moment before rolling from her."I don't get jealous honey." Smug now, she rolled also and on top of him."Admit it. You were jealous. Completely, insanely jealous." He slid her a look."Please. Your wasting your time." "Fine. And I suppose you wouldn't mind then if I went out to lunch with Thomas tomorrow." "WHAT?!"his eyes whipped back to hers, his hands coming up to grip her roughly."Hell no your not! I'll rip that weak, simpering excuse for a man apart if he so much as-"he cut off when he saw the humor in her eyes."I DON'T get jealous."he insisted, sulking now. "You don't? What do you call it then?" He shifted, running his hands idly along her bare back."I'm just.....territorial." "Oh. Hhmm. I see."enjoying herself immensely, she smiled down at him. He rolled again and pinned her beneathe him, lowering his head to run his tongue along her breast, hearing her gasp."Keep it up honey and your gonna be begging soon."he could feel his body responding to that one sip of flesh he'd had, intoxicating his senses. "Begging? Me? Please." One hand slithered up her body to cup and mold, shifting so he could nibble."Do I hear a dare?" "Go ahead and try. I DARE you."the last word ended on a moan. "All right, but you asked for it." She woke when it was still dark out, heard the waves crashing outside her window and wondered why she could hear them from her apartment. She didn't live that close to the ocean. And come to think of it, there wasn't a balcony in her room, a huge one with sliding doors that had been left open to allow the sea air to whisper inside. I must be dreaming, she thought with a contented sigh, feeling a hand stroke her stomache lazily. Such a nice dream. With the sea outside my window like I always wanted it and someone moving on top of me to kiss my neck slowly, gently. With a hard jolt, her eyes snapped open, focusing on the face of a dark, wicked angel as his head bent to fasten on her breast, drawing her into the hot recesses of his mouth."Greg."his name came out in a mixture of horror and pleasure, her hands coming up to push at his broad shoulders."What time is it?" He glanced at the clock he had next to his bed, then returned to her."6:00." "6:00?! Oh my God!!"shoving at him, but failing when he didn't so much as budge, she spoke desperately."I have to go! Lita's flight leaves at 7:00 and they'll be waiting for me so we can go together! Greg!! Get off of me!" Lazily, he lifted his head."Fine. I'll take you home and I'll go with you." "What? No, no. This is a girl thing."she attempted to move out from under him. He pinned her so suddenly and so unexpectedly, she could merely blink."I'm going with you."he bit out each word, his eyes daring her to contradict him. Just a bit afraid, she nodded quickly. She had to hand it to him. He was up and dressed quicker then she would have thought, draping her in his smallest t-shirt and jeans. Because she insisted on it, he drove her to her apartment, waited patiently while she changed and ran outside to where he waited. They sped up Serena and Darien's drive, came to a screeching halt just as Lita came stomping out."Do you WANT me to miss my flight?"she shouted at Amy as she leapt out. "No, no of course not. I'm sorry, but....I'm sorry."when Lita realized who she had come with, she smiled hugely, her bad mood suddenly gone. "No I'm sorry. I can see why you were delayed."Lita turned back to the front doors."Serena, Darien, get your ass's out here right now!" Serena emerged moments later, Darien trailing behind to close and lock the front doors."There's no need for such language when its this early."she stated, yawning delicately. "Its never to early to cuss."Lita went to her truck, tossed her small cases inside."Amy, Serena, you guys come with me. You two can follow."she told Darien and Greg pointedly. Tossing her husband a smug smile, Serena climbed into the truck after Amy, leaving the two men to grumble behind them as they went and got in Darien's Four Runner. "How as he?"the moment Serena had closed the door the question burst from her lips, both women turning to stare at her anxiously as Lita started the truck. Maintaining her dignity, she put her nose in the air."I have no idea what you mean." "Don't act like you don't know what were talking about because you know exactly what we want to know."Lita manuevered onto highway 1, checking her rearview to make sure Darien was behind her."So give us the play by play." "What has made you two so suddenly interested in my sex life? You've never asked about it before."she pointed out. "Quit stalling and fill us in! I'm gonna be outta this country in less then half an hour, I want to know all the horny details before I take off."Lita snapped, biting back the road rage that always came when she got behind the wheel of her truck. "We had sex! What do you guys THINK we did? Just sex."Amy snapped, annoyed. "There's a difference Amy. Sex is just an animal act, making love is when the guy actually takes his time and treasures what your giving him."Serena tilted her head, studying her friend."And even though Greg's a dangerous man, I have the feeling he made love to you last night." She remembered well the way he had gazed at her, his dark eyes surprisingly tender."It was just sex."she refused to see it as more. Lita and Serena both let out low, meaningful hums."I see. Well....how good was he?" "Oh God. Fine! He was amazing. Its the best sex I've ever had in my life."she slumped back against her seat, annoyed with them. "I always knew Greg would be great."Lita laughed delightedly."He must have been real fucking great to put that look in your eye." "What look?!" "The smug, satisfied look."Serena nodded, grinning."Good job Greg." "I bet him and Darien are passing the cigars right now."Lita flicked a glance at them in her rearview."Patting each other on the back for a job well done. Typical men." "You bastard. I can't believe your adding my sister to your list."Darien's voice was furious."I trusted you Greg. How can you do this?" "I'm not adding her to any list. Amy's a beautiful woman and I happen to like her."Greg told himself to remain calm. Darien was her older brother, after all. Older brothers tended to be a bit defensive when it came to there baby sister. "Don't give me that bullshit, I know you. I've known you for years. You always happen to like them, until you turn your back and find another that you like better." Greg could feel his fists tightening."Amy's different." "Oh, you mean because she's a rich, priveleged, snotty little girl that gets whatever she wants? Thats exactly how you look at them! You used to sneer at rich women, take them and use them because you had a grudge against them. Do you think I'm just going to stand by while you break her heart?" "This is between me and Amy. So stay the fuck out of it."he could feel a small bubble of fear forming in his throat. If Darien really tried, he could talk her out of him. Or maybe even enlist his wife's help. "Its my business like its hers! If you lay one hand on her I'll-" "Too late."he turned and faced Darien's fury head on."What are you gonna do about it now?" "If I wasn't driving I'd kill you." "You'll get your chance." Lita pulled into the Monterey Peninsula Airport, parked in the parking lot and switched her truck off. She climbed out with Amy and Serena coming around the side to join her just as Darien parked the Four Runner next to them, both men climbing out. "This way, I'm going American Airlines again. My team better be here."Lita took two small cases from the truck, flinging the smaller one over her shoulder."Last time Rob was late and missed the flight, so when we got there we-"she cut off at the look on Darien's face as he rounded his car toward Greg."Hey, whats wrong with-"she stopped when Darien swung his fist at Greg's face. "Darien!"Serena cried, shocked. Greg had dodged the fist, but was now holding his hands up, backing away from his old friend."Darien, what is WRONG with you?!!" "Lets take this calmly."he didn't want to get into a fist fight with Darien. They'd taken that path before, but never like this. "Shutup you son of a bitch. Your just going to use her and lose her, I know the drill. So don't tell me to take it calmly!"he was about to take another swing when Serena grabbed his arm, her eyes shooting enough warning to have him backing off."Serena, let me go. This is-" "NONE of your business!"she hissed, well aware of why they'd been fighting."What choices Amy makes are hers and hers alone." "But he-" "I thought we'd already been over this."Amy spoke up, her usually calm voice a frosting cold."I'm not a child Darien and I resent the fact that you would attempt to treat me as one." Sulking now because he knew they were right, he gave the women an imploring look."I'm only trying to protect you. I-" "I know how to protect myself. Thank you for your concern, but simpleton that I am, I've somehow managed to do just that for years now." "Could we continue this spat on the way? I'm running late."Lita strode past them, leaving the others to follow. Keeping a tight hold on Darien's arm, Serena dragged her along with him, leaving Amy and Greg to trail behind them. "Sorry about that."Amy muttered, stung by her brothers words, but also pensive on them."Darien seems to forget I'm no longer in diapers." "I don't hold it too much against him. He's only trying to protect you."Greg took her hand in his, held it even when she attempted to tug it away from him."Don't pull away from me Amy."his voice was low and full of warning. "You don't have to do that."the truth was, the intimacy made her nervous. What they had could never become serious, could never go anywhere. "Well I want too."and he wondered at it himself. He'd never cared about holding women's hands before, had treated them indifferently after getting what he wanted. With her, the instinct to hold and cuddle came almost naturally."That bother you?" Her eyes flicked up to his quickly, then away."No, no of course not." They approached the terminal Lita was to leave at, where she stood surrounded by her team, all of them dressed in shorts and t-shirts, sunglasses perched on top of there heads. After another quick word, she turned and left them to head back over to her family. "There all here, for once."Lita glanced back at her team, who were all gathering there things together to board."Here are the keys to my truck."she handed them to Amy."Anyway, I better get going too." When the women remained silent, Darien took the hint."Fine. We'll be over there."he reached out and tugged lightly at Lita's hair."Take care." "Yea. Have fun too."Greg followed Darien away, keeping a safe distance from him. "He's hooked Am."Lita stated, watching as Greg turned back to watch Amy."Really hooked." "Are we going to discuss him these few moments we have before you leave?" "Hey, just saying what I see."quiet a moment, Lita stepped forward and swept them both into a hug."I'm going to miss you guys." "And here I thought I was going to get mushy first."sniffling a bit, Serena dabbed at her eyes even as she hung on to Lita."You promise you'll come back on time for the baby?" "I promise. Trust me, I'll be here."she pressed a kiss to each of there cheeks."You guys take care." "Lita, call as soon as you get there."Amy said quietly, already feeling the loss her friend left in her heart when she was gone. "I will. Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can."she let them go, stepped back and adjusted her pack over her shoulder."I'll call you guys. See ya."and turning, went to join her team as they walked through the tunnel that would lead them onto the waiting plane. Amy placed an arm around Serena when she cried quietly."Those hormones again?" Serena nodded quickly, her blue eyes shining with tears."Yes, its them." Darien came, saw the tears and swept her into his arms, running a soothing hand down her back."I'm taking her home."he told Amy, who nodded agreement."You guys will be going back in Lita's truck, right?" "We'll be fine." "All right."Darien flicked a glance at Greg."I'll see you two later." "I'll call you Am."Serena told her just before Darien led her away. They walked back to Lita's truck in silence, Darien's FourRunner already gone. Amy handed Greg the keys and he took them, both getting in as he started the engine."You ok?"he asked her, turning off the radio. She nodded."I'll be fine. I'm always like this once Lita's left. I don't think I'll ever get used to it." "I admire the way the three of you are. Its really amazing."he pulled out of the parking lot and into traffic heading for highway 1. "Yes."she looked out the window a moment and wondered for probably the thirdieth time that morning what she was doing there with him."Could you take me home please? I need to change and head to work." "Its Friday honey. Can't you make it into a four day weekend for yourself? I wanted to spend the day with you."he reached out and placed a hand on her thigh, stroking gently. She stiffened beneathe his touch."I have responsibilities Greg." He felt the ice of her tone hit him, just as he'd felt her go rigid beneathe his hand."I'm not going to let you shut me out Amy." "I'm not shutting you out. Just because I have to go to work doesn't mean I'm shutting you out."she crossed her arms over her breasts."Take me home." They drove the rest of the way in silence. When they pulled in front of her parking lot she quickly climbed out, not saying a word to him as she ascended the stairs of her apartment building to her apartment. She was inserting the key inside when she felt him behind her, big and vibrating with anger. "I think you should go home. Go back to Serena and Darien's, pick up your truck and leave Lita's there."she didn't turn to look at him, merely said it quietly before pushing open her front door and going inside. When she attempted to close the door behind her his hand shot out, slapping onto her door and pushing it back open so he could step inside. She backed away from him, unknowingly dropping her keys and purse on the ground."I have to go to work. I already told you that." "I heard what you told me. And I also heard the queen to the peasant tone you used, the one where I'm just supposed to obey you and slink away into a corner."he reached out and, gripping the front of her blouse, tore it open, buttons flying to scatter onto the marble floor."Count on me sticking around honey." He was gathering her close, his lips finding there way to the sensitive skin of her neck, his hands sliding up her waist to cup her breasts."Greg, don't. This isn't the answer." "Then we'll make it the answer."he muffled her protest with his lips, one hand traveling the length of her body to cup between her thighs, to stroke and tease as she cried out her pleasure. He promised himself as he rose above her much later, as he rode her to a sweaty peak, that he would make it more. That she wouldn't push him away, that she would accept him into her life as she accepted that rich, snot Thomas, the same way she accepted any man that had a pedigree. He would touch not only her body, but her heart, and that one day soon she would look at him and see everything she'd ever wanted. The same way he looked at her. Time passed, weeks went by, quicker then he would have expected. He fell into a routine at the boatyard, spent most of the morning putting in mauel labor with his men, to go over paperwork in the late afternoon. He left the warehouse at five, when all of his men had already gone home, locked up and went home to shower. Once done, he didn't bother giving Amy the satisfaction of a warning, but went over to her apartment, where he usually found her going over her patients files, her little glassed perched on her nose, her concentration centered on them. He didn't disturb her at first, not for an hour at least. Then he would begin nudging her, tickling her, anything to get that delicate frown off her face. He pleased himself with nibbling on whatever delicious part of her he could get too, enjoying the way she sighed, the way her arms wound around him and she gave herself over to him. Oh, they'd had there moments. She'd continued on insisting that they weren't meant after Lita had left, pointed out every flaw in the both of them that clashed. But he hadn't listened. He'd merely began kissing her and soon she'd been to wild with passion to remember her lecture. She'd soon given up trying to make him see reason. She'd also kept good on her promise that had to do with Thomas. She'd spoken to him, told him she didn't think they should see each other anymore. He'd made sure she had, both of them sitting naked in bed while he teased and tormented her, but still listening to every word being exchanged. It made him wonder how and when he'd fallen in love with her so quickly. She was the complete opposite of what he would normally date. But even though she was different from his usual, he'd found himself becoming so obsessively in love with her. The way her eyes lit when she laughed, the frown that came when she concentrated, the pout that formed on her pretty little lips when he teased her. So many small things he continually looked forward too, so many things he never wanted to give up. It worried him that she would become tired of him. Oh he'd made sure to keep her satisfied behind the bedroom door, but even he knew that sex didn't keep a relationship strong. It added flavor, sure, but that flavor could soon become boring and not enough. Soon she would want more. From someone else. He tried not to worry, tried not to think about, but it was always a small nagging in the back of his mind. Always present and not forgotten. He decided it was time to get the dice rolling. It wouldn't always be simple for them after all. She was supposed to go to his home that night after work, but she couldn't bring herself too. It was half an hour to five and she knew he would still be at the wharf, going over paperwork. He would be too busy to answer the phone and that gave her a chance to call him and leave him a message instead of actually speaking to him. It was the cowards way out, she knew, but she needed to speak with Serena. She would have preferred it to be both Lita and Serena, but Lita wasn't there. When she got his machine she blew out a breath in relief, left him a brisk message saying she wouldn't be able to make it to his home after all, and left the office right after. She drove down the highway to Darien and Serena's, pulled into the drive and and shut off her car, grabbing her purse and going inside. She didn't knock, didn't think too. It had been her home for the first twenty two years of her life and it was still habit to her to come inside without giving warning. She found them sitting on the veranda outside together, overlooking the garden and huge maze. It was such a peaceful site, both of them sitting back, there legs stretched out before them, there hands linked over the table between them. Serena had one hand on her swelling belly, rubbing back and forth, soothing the child inside that seemed to be constantly demanding his mother's attention. It brought such an ache to her heart, she had to swallow it, push it down and remind herself that even though she cared for Greg nothing else could ever come from it."I hope I'm not disturbing." They both turned to her, there eyes warming."Kid, you'd never interrupt."Darien stood, pulling out a chair for her. But Serena was studying her friend, seeing an immediate sign that Amy had come for a serious reason."Darling, could you leave us alone for a moment?" Darien realized it too and nodded, kissing his wife on the cheek, then his sister, before going back inside. Once Amy had sat in the chair he'd vacated she couldn't seem to form words, couldn't find where to start. "Am, what is it? Whats happened?"Serena scooted her chair next to Amy's, taking her hand. "I don't know. I don't know what I'm doing, what I'm thinking."mortified because she could feel tears gathering, she covered her face with her hands."I'm so happy with him." Serena was still a moment, absorbing what her friend had just said."How terrible for you." "Don't start! Don't you dare start with me!"Amy looked up into Serena's amused eyes, furious."This was never what I would have expected to happen between he and I." "Am, I'm happy for you. You've been with so many men, been let down so many times. I'm not even sure what it is you've been looking for for so long. Almost like the perfect man." Amy quickly looked away, not wanting her to see the truth in her eyes."No one's perfect." "Your right. No one is. But obviously Greg has given you something that the others never could."she smiled, her smoky eyes shining."Isn't it wonderful that it would come from a man the complete opposite of you?" "Only you would find this wonderful Serena." "I don't see why you don't. Amy, you've found something most people strive there entire lifetimes to find." Huffing out an annoyed breath, she cradled her chin in her hand."I'm not ready for it." "Wow. De-ja-vu anyone?"Serena laughed at her friends sulky glare."Just don't go ruining this with Greg when your still trying to figure out exactly whats going on." "Maybe it would be better to do it now when things aren't so intense yet." Serena raised a light brow."Oh? Not so intense? So I guess the kiss that was rapidly turning into more that I caught yesterday wasn't intense?"she laughed delightedly when Amy turned red."I think your already in over your head." "I could end it if I wanted too."she stated stubbornly. "I don't think Greg would let you. The man is so undoubtedly in love with you."she watched Amy jump up from her chair, stood as well and reached out to grip her arm."Don't." "He doesn't love me."she cried, panicked suddenly."He doesn't. Were only passing the time, having fun. YOU and Lita told me to have fun with him and I am. That doesn't mean its going to turn into anything more." Serena made sure to keep her voice gentle."I think it already has." Gasping desperately, she went to stand at the stone rail, gripping it so hard her knuckles turned white."Not him. Oh God, not him." She heard it then, a pounding on the front door that snapped her out of her momentary misery. Serena walked to the sliding doors that led out onto the veranda, frowning, while Amy remained behind, already knowing who it was. She heard the first shout, the first crash, then footsteps that seemed to echo throughout the night. Serena took a safe step back as Greg's large frame came striding through the open doors, his rage nearly causing the air to sizzle around him. She turned toward him, her chin coming up."I told you I-" "I heard your message."he couldn't believe he was here, chasing after her like a pathetic teenage boy. He wouldn't have if the rage that had run through him hadn't promptly taken over."And I've come to take you back." Serena's comment was still running through her head enough to have her lashing back at him."I want one night, just one night away from you and you can't even give me that?!"his hands reached out to grip her, to haul her in for the savage kiss he would give."Stop it! Let me go!"she struggled, slapped and pushed, but he kept his hold, his hand gripping her head in an unyielding hold as he deepened the kiss. Darien came outside, saw them together, and would have pulled them apart if Serena hadn't taken him by the ear and hauled him back into there home to give them privacy. When he finally pulled back she was still struggling, her blood heated now."Bastard! How DARE you! Let me go, I left you a message-" "And I chose to ignore it."the hand on the back of her neck forced her gaze on his."I need you Amy." "For what?!"she spat, refusing to acknowledge the hurt she saw there."For sex?! For your bodies needs?! You could easily replace me, if thats the case."the words tasted bitter on her tongue, but she needed him to go away, to leave her alone so she could think and figure out all of the raging emotions inside. His eyes went from hurt to confused."What? Amy, you mean more to me then that. Your important in my life."he couldn't bring himself, just yet, to tell her how much he was beginning to love her. "Important?"the hurt that welled up inside she would blame on him, not on the fact that she had hoped he was about to tell her he loved her."This was never supposed to progress into a relationship Greg." He heard the chill enter her voice."It already has." "No, YOU believe it has. I've always known what we really are to one another."because he'd gone still, she slipped out of his arms, made sure to keep her expression cool."I don't want us to see one another until we've both taken time to figure out if this is working out, if this is what we both want."she took a deliberate step back from him. He reached forward and took her arms in his hands."I already know what I want." "I don't. I need this time for myself."she brushed his hands away, walked back to the table where she'd put her purse."I don't want to see you Greg until I'm ready too." He wanted to go after her, wanted to grab her and keep her where he wanted her, but couldn't. His pride was great, always had been, and it held him back now."Fine. Thats fine." She'd expected more of a fight, but hid her disappointment. Giving him a curt nod, she turned and left him alone. She hadn't realized how used to him she was until she hadn't seen him for merely three days. Her apartment was empty, bitterly cold and desolate, as opposed to when he occupied its space. She missed his home, missed how he would cook dinner for them whenever she stayed long enough, missed making love on his huge bed with the sea just outside the balcony window. She missed the gentle way he treated her, missed how he tickled her and made her laugh. But she'd made a decision and she meant to stick to it. As the days passed she even believed she could exist without him at all. Nothing could ever come from there being together. Her parents....they would never accept him. And she could never accept him either. Two weeks had already gone by and she still hadn't seen him. She had expected for him to call her, but he didn't, so she'd decided to begin seeing other men. He didn't care for her after all, and she was almost certain he was most likely already seeing other women as well. So she accepted a date with Phillip Logan, a prominent attorney who worked at the same firm as her brother. He was handsome, with rich chestnut hair and deep green eyes, sharp cheekbones and a quick smile. He was tall, like Greg, but had the more elegant build. Unlike Greg's build, which was large and solid as a rock. She lectured herself on comparing them so much. Greg and Phillip were complete opposites, as different from one another as the sun and the moon. At least in character and stance they were. Phillip took her to the theatre, where they watched Beauty and the Beast, to her own delight. The play was beautiful, so beautiful that she accepted when he asked her if she would take a walk with him on Cannery Row. She wished to God she had told him no. They were walking, hand in hand, stopping to look in shops before continuing along. She was having a wonderful time until she heard a familiar high pitched laugh, and turned to look into the eyes of her arch enemy. Barbie Clooney. Hanging onto Greg's strong arm. She stopped walking, her eyes widening, her face paling slowly."Greg."the name came out in a hoarse whisper. "Oh Amy."Barbie put her hand on Greg's chest, aware of the hurt that had come into Amy's eyes when she'd spotted them together. She'd always tried dating her ex's to hurt her, but never had. Now she'd finally accomplished what she'd strived to do."What a surprise." Phillip, aware also of how Amy had tensed, rubbed a hand up and down her back."Are you all right darling?" Greg could feel his fists tightening at the tone, and at the man who reeked of money and obviously had a pedigree worth her time."Yea, are you all right, Amy darling?"his voice dripped sarcasm. Her eyes shot up to his, going from hurt to a dark, violent blue he had come to love."I'm fine. I see your out with more of my left overs Barbie."her voice had cooled considerably. "And there such delicious left overs also. Greg and I have been getting to know one another quite well." "Then I'm glad for you two. As for Phillip and I, we need to be getting along. It was good seeing both of you again."Amy strode past them, her eyes flicking up to Greg's a moment and seeing the dark desire that had become so familiar to her. But she deliberately looked away, denying them both that passion. After that encounter she obtained an immense headache, informing Phillip that she preferred to just go home. He dropped her off at her apartment, where she went inside and changed into slacks and a blouse, taking aspirin and beginning to go over her patients files instead of going to sleep. Midnight came around and she still hadn't gotten any sleep. She kept remembering Barbie and Greg, the way she'd had her hand on his chest, the proprietary way she had kept her arm through his. The knowing little smile that slut had had on her face. Swearing under her breath, she grabbed her jacket from her closet, her keys and headed out. She drove down the highway to Greg's home, finding the house dark, but with his truck parked in the front. She didn't see Barbie's car anywhere. But that didn't mean she wasn't inside with him. He could have just driven her there, like he had done repeatedly with her so she would be forced to spend the night. Her hands tightened on the steering wheel, the jealousy inside a new emotion to her. Because thoughts of them were filling her vision, she stepped out of her car and slammed the door behind her, marching up to his front door and pounding on it, waiting impatiently for him to come answer it. When he did he was bare chested and sweaty, wearing only boxers and panting lightly as he eyed her."Amy."the surprise was evident in both his eyes and voice. She could feel her vision turning red at the thought of what she had just interrupted."Are you and Barbie having sex?"the words burst from her before she could bite them back. He stared at her a moment, eyes narrowing."And if we are?" She gasped, her heart constricting."I should have known. This was a mistake."she turned to leave. But she had taken only two steps before he caught her, whirled her around and planted his lips on hers."You came back."was all he said as his hands roamed over her, as he pulled her with him back toward the house."You came back to me." She shoved at him."Let me go. Or do you think to turn your sex into a threesome with me included?" He ran a hand down her short cap of hair, his eyes softening."Barbie's not here." Her eyes whipped up to his."What?" "Right after we ran into each other down at the wharf I took her home. I can't believe I actually accepted going out with her."his lips trailed gently down her cheek."But you had pissed me off so much Amy." Her mind was trying desperately to take in everything he was telling her."But...then....why are you so....I mean, so..." "Sweaty?"he chuckled, closing the front door behind him as he continued backing her up."I was working out."he suddenly halted, tensing."Did you let that bastard touch you?" She looked up at him, smiled, beginning to feel better."I assume your referring to Phillip?" "Whatever the pencil neck's name is. Did you?"he pulled her back from him, his eyes boring into hers. "No I didn't. And what about you and Barbie?"she raised a delicate brow in question. "Oh her. No. Tonight was the first time we went out. Before that she'd been finding unexpected reasons to drop by the boat yard after we split up. She kept hinting she wanted to go out, but I didn't feel inclined to ask her. But I-"he rubbed the back of his neck."Lets just call it one of my weaker moments. And besides that, I regretted it the moment I picked her up." "I told you how she was Greg and you still went out with her. My arch enemy, no less."because she needed to, she reached up and ran her hands through his thick, dark hair."Have you missed me Greg?" "Yes. Even while I was cursing you, I missed you."he cocked his head at her."What made you come here? A jealous fit?" "Maybe. Count yourself lucky I even did." "I do honey. I do." "So you two have made up?"Serena sat outside on the veranda of her garden, where she usually spent most of her time. She was into the eighth month of her pregnancy, nearing the end, and tired very easily. Darien didn't allow her to go to the office anymore and she had appointed Ken to take over during her absence."I'm glad Am. You were so sad without him." "I was not. What a ridicuous thing to say."but even she knew she had been."I was just worried about work." "Hhmm. Right."she placed her hand on her huge belly, smiled as the child kicked inside."Come here and feel this." Always willing to oblige, Amy scooted her seat closer to her friend and placed her hand over Serena's, the childs restlessness felt by them both."He wants out." "Of course he does. Or she. Can't really say since we don't know."a peaceful glow came over her."Restless like his father." "I bet he'll be a charmer like his mother."Amy studied Serena."Nervous?" "A little. But not really. I never thought I'd be bringing life into the world Amy. God, I never thought I'd ever marry. I was happy with my life."she shook her head."But that was before. I would never change my life for anything now." "I never imagened you would marry my brother. I'm glad you did though. Its wierd, but its like it was always meant." "It WAS meant."Serena corrected. "So I guess your happy that Lita's coming back huh?" "I'm not the only one happy. I can see how it makes you smile like an idiot every second." Amy laughed, knowing it was true."Were both happy. And I know she is too." "Of course. Her life isn't complete without us."Serena studied the way Amy laughed, smiled slowly."Will you admit it now?" "Admit what?" "That your in love with him. Come on Am, admit it. Its not just Lita's coming back that has you smiling like this. Its something else."she placed a gentle hand on Amy's arm."Don't tense, please." "I'm not tensing. I'm not."but she had and she attempted to relax herself."And I don't love him. Why do you insist on thinking I do?" "Because I've never seen you like this."but because she sensed Amy wasn't ready to accept that just yet, she backed off."Maybe I'm reading you wrong. I'm just glad you guys have made up." "Me too."they heard footsteps, mens voices, then Greg and Darien came striding outside to join them. "There she is."Darien immediately went to his wife, bent to kiss her and place a protective hand over there child at the same time. He felt the small ripple and thrilled at it."How are my two babies doing?" She patted his hand."Were fine. Little thirsty though." "Hold that thought."he kissed her again, then quickly headed back inside. Greg settled into a chair next to Amy, grinned at them both."Talking about us before we came out?" "Of course. What else would we have to talk about? Our worlds center around you."Amy said sarcastically. "I know, but its always good to hear you admit it."he kissed Amy when she glared at him."Almost time Serena. Excited?" "Yes. Not for the pain, but for my baby. Lita will be coming back tomorrow and I think with her return this kid might just pop out finally." Darien came back out and handed her a cup of milk."Drink up darling." She made a face at the milk."Darien, can't you bring me juice? This is all you ever bring me. I feel like a fattened cow." Laughing, he sat in the chair next to hers and ran a soothing hand over her belly."This little guy loves his milk." "I want juice."placing her hands on the arms of the chair, she attempted to lever herself up. Darien immediately shot to his feet."What are you doing?" "Trying to stand, what does it look like?"she snapped, waving his hands away."I can do it. Just give me a minute."it took more then a minute, but she managed to get herself to stand without her husbands help."There. See? Now I'm going to go get that juice." "I'll go with you." "Darien, I love you, I do. But if you keep following me around everywhere I go I'm going to kill you. Stay here, please."she gave him a smile of reassurance before heading inside. Reluctantly he sat."I don't follow her EVERYWHERE."he said to Greg and Amy when they grinned at him."I don't. I just....watch her." "Oh I'm sure."Amy smiled at him."Its sweet the way you watch her like a hawk." "I have to admit, I would probably be worse."Greg commented."So don't feel too bad Dar." "I just want to make sure she's always all right. I-"he was cut off by a crash of glass from the kitchen, shooting out of his chair and racing inside before either of them could blink. Amy and Greg were right behind him, coming to a halt at the kitchen door. Lita stood in front of Serena, wide eyed, her face a golden tanned, wearing a t-shirt and cut off shorts. "I didn't know you'd be so glad to see me you'd wet yourself."Lita smiled, looking pointedly at the puddle of water on the floor beneathe Serena. Serena glared at her just as Darien looked as if he was going to faint."I didn't wet myself you idiot. My water just broke." Stay tuned for Chapter 4~sailorperfect@yahoo.com |