~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dangerous Intentions

“So, are these all of the papers you needed me to sign?” Stefan inquired as he leaned back in the wrought iron chair, sipping his after-dinner coffee and gazing at his sister.

“Mmm hmmm” Alexis nodded, licking the cappuccino foam from her lips. “This Conrad merger has the makings of a windfall, Stefan. We’re talking eight figures, easily. Congratulations.”

“The deal would be for naught if not for my excellent, detail-minded attorney.” His lips curled into a half-smile, acknowledging her prowess with a far-off look in his eyes.

“Will you be so free with compliments when my bill arrives?” When no chuckle was forthcoming at what had become a standard joke between them, Alexis sat her cup down and leaned forward. “Stefan? Earth to Stefan. What’s going on with you this evening? You should be dancing a jig at the close of this particular deal. Or at least cracking a smile in that lovable but austere face.”

Stefan paused for a moment, either weighing his words or not even sure what they would be. “I have been feeling…restless of late, Alexis. A deal such as this would have brought me much pleasure at one time. Now, though, it means nothing. My entire life is starting to feel the same way.”

Alexis couldn’t believe her ears. Stefan…maudlin? “Okay. Now I’m getting worried. What’s bringing this about?”

He sighed and shifted in his chair, gazing at the passersby on the crowded New York street. “I am not entirely sure. Nikolas is off studying at Oxford, living his own life. You spend all of your free time taking on more cases or dating your Mr. Jacks,” he smirked at the name, “and you appear to be deplorably happy. My mother has been in check for more consecutive years than I can ever remember. Everything is...quiet. And good. And unbelievably lonely.”

“Ah ha,” Alexis exclaimed and reached out to cover his hand with hers on the fine linen tablecloth. “So there’s the rub. Are you lacking in...female companionship?” She phrased it as delicately as possible.

“Please, Alexis. Have you ever known that to be an issue with me?” From any other man, it would sound incredibly conceited, but from Stefan it was merely a fact. “Cecile and I are well. We have an excellent physical relationship, she is the perfect hostess and escort at any function we must attend, we have the same goals in life...”

“And you’ve just successfully described every single relationship with every single woman you’ve been involved with since you left puberty. Aren’t you looking for more? Maybe that’s what is missing from your life.”

“What? Marriage? A family? You know Nikolas has assuaged any desire I had to start a family.”

“So you say,” Alexis leaned back, crossing her Armani-clad arms and staring at his profile. “Why don’t I believe you anymore?”

His cold expression advised caution, so Alexis decided to retreat. For now. “Okay, maybe it’s not the old ball and chain you’re yearning for.” He subtly cringed at that particular Americanism. “Maybe you just need...a hobby? A new project to which you can devote all of this excess time on your hands.”

“And what do you suggest?” Stefan asked with a hint of a smile, his eye caught by a blonde figure moving their way.

“Golf? Swing dancing? How about that novel you’ve always…” Her voice trailed off and a smile lit her face as the woman stopped at their table. “Laura! How are you? And whatever are you doing in the big, bad city?”

Laura Baldwin’s eyes sparkled as she acknowledged Alexis’ greeting. “I’m fine, Alexis. How wonderful to see you! My mother and I were in the city for a little shopping. And you?” Her eyes strayed for the first time to the dark gentleman seated across from her friend.

“Oh, business. You know how it is. Laura Baldwin, this is my brother, Stefan Cassadine. Stefan, this is a friend of mine from Port Charles - Laura Baldwin.”

Laura extended her hand forward, her smile welcoming…only to be met with eyes as cold as ice and a hand not proffered. She stood there uncertainly, wondering what the problem was, but the awkwardness was gone in an instant when Stefan stood and grasped her gloved hand in his, his eyes burning into hers as he lifted her hand to his lips. “A pleasure, Mrs. Baldwin,” he rasped, brushing his lips along the back of her hand.

“P-please, call me Laura.” Why was she having trouble forming her words? “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Cassadine.” At his raised eyebrow, she laughed and corrected herself. “Stefan.”

Alexis watched this exchange with a perplexed expression, waiting for them to speak again, but neither did. They simply gazed into each others’ eyes. “Stefan is the head of Cassadine, Inc., Laura, and I was simply bringing him some papers to sign. And, of course, we’re taking a rare chance to catch up with one another.”

“How wonderful,” Laura laughed nervously and slowly extricated her hand from the incredibly warm grasp of Stefan Cassadine, wondering if she had something on the tip of her nose that was making him stare at her so intently. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lesley waving to her and turned to Alexis. “It looks like Mother found us a table. It was wonderful seeing you, Alexis,” Laura smiled at Alexis and exchanged good-byes with her before glancing across the table. “And it was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cass…Stefan.”

“The pleasure was mine entirely, Laura.” His green eyes crinkled with his smile. “I do hope we meet again.”

“What the hell was that?” Alexis asked in a whisper as Laura made her way across the restaurant.

“What, Alexis?” Stefan’s eyes never left Laura as she made her way to the red-haired woman seated in a booth on the opposite side of the bistro.

“That…whatever it was between you and Laura. I’ve never known your manners to slip quite so obviously, but you recovered remarkably well. Care to tell me why?”

“Laura…Baldwin,” Stefan rolled the name on his tongue as if testing it and finding it most tasty. “She would not be any relation to a Mr. Scott Baldwin of Port Charles, would she?”

“Yes,” Alexis was almost hesitant to admit. “My turn: Why does that matter, and what is Scott Baldwin to you?”

“We had several…business dealings in the past, Alexis. No more. When I heard the name, I was merely taken aback. I certainly hope I was not rude to the fair Mrs. Baldwin?” Stefan’s eyes finally left Laura and focused on his sister’s bewildered, wary face.

“Only briefly. And you more than made up for any momentary lapses you may have suffered. Now, are you going to tell me what is running through that amazingly keen mind of yours, or are you going to make me guess?”

“Oh, it is nothing,” Stefan signed the bill, handed it to the attending waiter, and stood to shrug into his cashmere overcoat. “But I do believe my next project has presented itself…and in a most delicious package, I must say.”

Alexis stared open-mouthed at her brother as he assisted her from her seat and with her coat. What in the world had she gotten Laura into?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, baby, how was Alexis? And who was that man she was with?”

“Hmm?” Laura forced her eyes from the doorway Alexis and Stefan had just exited through, turning back to face her mother. “Oh, she’s fine. Here in the city on business. And that man she was with is her brother, Stefan.”

“Stefan Cassadine? Oh, my, did you have to bow and scrape upon your introduction?” Lesley joked.

“What are you talking about?” Laura asked bewilderedly.

“Sweetie, surely you’ve heard of him?” As Laura shook her head in denial, Lesley laughed out loud. “Okay, maybe I only know of him because of Edward, but still, I thought everyone had heard of Alexis’ big, bad Cassadine brother.” Ever since Lila’s untimely passing two years before, Lesley had been spending quite a bit of time with the Quartermaine patriarch. Recently, things had even gotten quite serious - apparently, he had discussed business with her!

“You make him sound like a monster, Mom,” Laura laughed as she sipped her iced tea.

“No, nothing of the kind…at least, I don’t think he is. Edward’s mentioned Stefan Cassadine and his ‘damned fool luck’ when it comes to business matters. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him get quite that worked up over a business associate.” Her eyes sparkled at the memory.

“Umm hmm,” Laura murmured, masking her own smile by lifting her soup spoon to her lips. “So, Mother, how are things going with Edward?” She desperately wanted to change the subject, though she wasn’t sure why.

Lesley blushed to her roots. “They’re going well, Laura, as you know.”

“Well? Might we be hearing wedding bells in the near future?” Laura teased.

“Wedding bells? Please. Edward and I are both too old and…well, too old to go down that road again. We have fun together, that’s all. We’re friends.”

Laura was far from convinced. “Friends, huh? Is that why you’ve been spending so many nights at the Quartermaine mansion?”

“How did you…?” Lesley was instantly horrified.

Laura chuckled delightedly. “Mother, Port Charles has a very active grapevine, thanks in large part to my own sister. The chairman of the board and the head of cardiology being ‘more than friends’ isn’t something you can really hide.” At Lesley’s stricken expression, Laura hastened to add, “Nor should you! You and Edward are consenting adults who enjoy each other’s company. More power to you.”

“Thank you, Laura. We really do have a wonderful time together. In fact . . .”

“Oh my God, Edward has proposed!”

“No, dear, of course not. Well, not yet, at least,” Lesley smiled knowingly. “No, he’s wanting to have a dinner for us, a coming out party, if you will - family, friends, associates, that kind of thing - and I was wondering if you and Scotty would like to attend? The dinner’s the real reason I wanted to come into the city for shopping, so I could find the perfect dress. I’d really love it if you both could be there.”

“Sure, just let us know the date. Scotty’s in the middle of a big case, but he can always make time for you, and Maxie is usually able to sit for Les whenever we need her. So,” Laura leaned forward excitedly, “you and Edward are really going public?”

“Well, it appears we already have,” Lesley said dryly. “Please tell me there’s not a wedding pool going at GH. There’s only so much I can take.”

“Of course not,” Laura stated as she raised her fork to her lips. She stopped halfway. “Could you shoot for July 7, by any chance?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Stefan, I won’t allow you to do this.” Alexis stated as they crossed the tarmac to the waiting Cassadine jet.

“I have decided it is past time that I spend a few weeks in the city you call home, just as you have begged me to do for years, and now you have decided not to allow me?” Stefan motioned for her to precede him up the steps to the jet. “How inhospitable of you.”

“You know what I’m talking about, Stefan. I’m not going to allow you to use a friend simply for your own amusement. Laura and Scott are very good friends of mine, and I won’t let you hurt them.” Alexis was adamant as she slammed her briefcase onto the plush leather seat, moving to pour herself a drink before take-off.

“Baldwin and I have a history, Alexis, that is true. And I plan to use anything I can to make him pay for what has happened in the past, his wife included. But I will promise not to make any untoward advances…unless they are welcome, after all. Does that make you feel better?”

“Not really. But I know Laura, and she and Scott are solid. Completely solid and in love. You couldn’t break them if you tried.”

Alexis had thrown down the gauntlet, and Stefan was never one to back down from a challenge. “Really? Then anything I can do will be for naught, correct? I shall be soundly rebuffed and retreat to London to lick my wounds. No harm done.”

“And she will rebuff you, Stefan, have no doubt about it. In fact,” a smile began to creep across her face, “the idea of you finally being rejected by a member of the opposite sex is just the temptation I need to allow you to even consider this. Laura Baldwin is untouchable, Stefan - even for you.”

“Care to place a wager on that?” Stefan’s lips curled into a sardonic smile.

“What are we, twelve?” At his stern glance, she continued. “Okay, what kind of wager? Merely for informational purposes, mind you.”

Stefan settled across from her, crossing one leg elegantly across the other. “I believe that I can seduce the fair Mrs. Baldwin from her husband’s arms in…three months, thus proving you wrong where she is concerned and simultaneously obtaining retribution against Scott Baldwin for past grievances.”

Alexis was silent for a few moments. “One month.”

“Please, Alexis. I am good, but not that good. Two months.”

“Six weeks, and I hate myself for agreeing to this! Six weeks, and you will have been soundly put in your place by Laura…and Scott, if you get too near his wife.”

“Six weeks.” Stefan thought on it for a moment, then leaned forward, hand extended. “Deal.”

“Before we shake, what stakes are we talking here? Since I’m going to win this thing so soundly, I’d like to make it something really good.” She pondered her options for a few moments, then broke into a wide grin. “Crosswinds.”

Stefan’s eyes narrowed. He knew what she had always wanted to do with their childhood home, which he now owned - destroy it. He had always stood in her way in the past. After all, it was their history, their home, their legacy. But he really felt no ties to it, and decided to relent this time. “Done. As for me…the Lady Jane.”

“Stefan, that’s Jax’s birthday present!” The yacht had been commissioned months before and was nearing completion, just in time for Jax’s upcoming birthday.

“If you are so sure you will win, I do not see the issue…”

“Fine, fine. I win, I get Crosswinds. You win, you get the Lady Jane.” Alexis sat forward and clasped his hand in hers, shaking on the deal. “I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.”

“Now, now, Alexis. This will be fun. My pride will take a beating, you will discover that you are correct about the Baldwins, and you can turn Crosswinds into that parking lot you’ve always dreamed of. Win-win-win.” Stefan smiled serenely.

“Well, when you put it like that,” she smiled in return, settling back and closing her eyes, intending to rest during the short flight home.

“Oh, no, Alexis. No sleep. I need your assistance. I instructed James to bring…” He glanced at the table on the opposite side of the aircraft. “Ah ha! There it is.” Stefan crossed to retrieve the folder and resettled himself across from Alexis.

“What is that?” She asked suspiciously.

“A detailed dossier on Laura Baldwin, of course.”

Alexis groaned. “I refuse to help you, I want you to know that up front. If you’re going to win - and you won’t - it will be without a bit of assistance from me.”

“We shall see.” Stefan began flipping through the thick folder. “Laura Baldwin, nee Webber. Wife of Scott Baldwin. Mother of seven-year-old Lesley Anne. Named after her grandmother - how sweet. Head of the youth outreach program at General Hospital. Member of the PTA. Sunday school teacher.” Stefan glanced up, a genuinely shocked expression on his face. “What on earth have I gotten myself into?”

Alexis smiled beatifically. “Is it too soon to say, ‘I told you so’?”

“Six weeks, dear sister. Six weeks, and I shall have you singing a completely different tune.”

“We shall see.” Alexis settled back again, confident that in six weeks she would emerge the victor in this sucker’s bet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Knock knock!” Laura swept into the law offices of Baldwin & Jensen, shopping bags in hand. “I’m back!”

“Laura!” Scott glanced up from the stack of papers cluttering his desk, his glasses slipping down his nose, his hair standing on end as it always did. “How was the girls’ day out in Manhattan?”

“Just lovely. Mother and I both found some gorgeous things and had a delicious lunch. In fact,” Laura approached him, setting her bags down as she leaned over to whisper in his ear, “I got a few things I’d like to model for you tonight. When can you blow this pop stand?”

“Oh, Laura, I don’t know how late I’ll be. Dara and I are in the middle of this big case, and my hours are going to be crazy for a little while longer. I’ll call later and let you know when I’ll be home, okay?” He brushed his lips across her cheek distractedly, already focusing on work again.

Laura smiled and rumpled his hair, bending to kiss his forehead before turning to leave. “Sure, just give me a call. I’ll keep dinner warm.” She grabbed her bags and headed for the door, but Scott’s voice stopped her.

“Laura?”

“Yes?” She turned, smiling.

“I love you.”

Her smile grew even wider. “I love you, too. Don’t work too hard.”

~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

Laura approached the Quartermaine mansion at seven that Friday evening, smoothing down the front of her satin dress self-consciously. Scotty was meeting her as soon as he could get away from work, but she had hoped he would be here in time to escort her inside. Even though the evening was to be informal - by Quartermaine standards - she hated entering these things alone.

“Laura, come in!” Reginald’s face broke into a wide grin and he motioned her into the foyer. “You’re looking lovely this evening, I must say.”

“Thank you, Reginald,” Laura smiled as she handed him her velvet wrap. “Is my mother here yet?”

“Ms. Webber is in the kitchen supervising Cook. It’s amazing. Cook usually listened to no one but Lila, but she and your mother are completely simpatico.” Reginald motioned to the study. “Please, make yourself comfortable. Your mother said to tell you she would join you momentarily.”

Laura nodded and turned to make her way into the study, waving greetings to the familiar faces she saw. Ned and his wife Lois, nuzzling in the corner. Mac and V. chatting with Alexis and Jax. Alan and Monica, presiding over the room. Port Charles’ finest, all here to celebrate my mother’s burgeoning relationship with Edward, Laura thought with a smile, snagging a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. Her eye had just been caught by the painting above the mantle when an unexpected voice spoke just next to her ear.

“Lovely painting, isn’t it? Renoir, I believe.”

Laura whirled in surprise, a liberal amount of champagne sloshing over the edge of her glass, staining the tailored suit jacket of Stefan Cassadine.

“Stefan!” She was in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Visiting with my sister,” Stefan smiled, motioning to where Alexis stood across the room. “She has been after me for years to spend time with her here in Port Charles, and seeing as our business in Manhattan wrapped early, I thought now was the perfect time to get to know my sister’s home a bit better. She invited me here this evening”

“W-we’re glad to have you,” Laura smiled, only remembering after a moment that she had quite possibly ruined a suit coat that cost more than she made in six months. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry about your coat!” She leaned down automatically, the mother in her reaching out to dip her napkin in a glass of water before attempting to blot the champagne stain from the fine wool.

“Laura, please,” Stefan chuckled as he attempted to still her hand with his, despite her protests.

“No, if we take care of it now, it shouldn’t set. Just let me…” She flushed as she realized the position she was in and how intimately she was touching him, so she immediately straightened, bumping her head into his chin. “Ouch!”

Stefan, rubbing his chin ruefully, unbuttoned then shrugged out of his jacket, tossing it over a nearby chair. “Now, problem solved.”

Laura’s breath caught in her throat as she took in what an amazingly attractive man Stefan Cassadine was. He was a hybrid of luxury and comfort - designer clothes fitted perfectly to his lithe frame, yet he wore them as comfortably as most people wore faded jeans and a tee-shirt. Even without the jacket to complete the look, he was stylish, debonair, and incredibly gorgeous. Laura flushed and raised her glass to take a large sip.

“I could offer to reimburse you for the cost of the jacket should that stain not come out, but I’m afraid that would be a grand yet empty gesture.” She motioned to the painting above the fireplace with a self-conscious laugh. “Our walls are decorated with construction paper and finger paintings, not priceless works of art.”

“The artwork of a child can be priceless in its own way, can it not?” Stefan observed. “I’m assuming your children are the ones who enjoy finger painting, not you and your husband.”

Laura laughed out loud this time. “You guessed correctly. Lesley Anne, she’s our only child, is in second grade.”

“And possibly the next Renoir?” He teased.

“You betcha.” She relaxed just a bit - he really was very easy to talk to. “Do you have any children?”

“Yes. No. I suppose it depends on how you look at it.” At Laura’s raised eyebrow, he continued. “I’ve raised my nephew, Nikolas, since he was a small boy. My brother and sister-in-law died in a boating accident more than fifteen years ago, and he was left in my care. He’s in his second year at Oxford as we speak.”

“How sad,” Laura eyes had briefly filled with tears before a smile broke over her face, “Yet how wonderful that you raised him. I’m sure it couldn’t have been easy.”

“No, it wasn’t. I was ill-prepared to care for a small child, or so I thought. It is amazing how quickly one can learn…especially when one has no choice in the matter.”

“But you did have a choice,” Laura stated knowingly, her eyes capturing his. “There had to be other relatives, other options, yet you chose to raise him on your own.” She hesitated before asking, “Or is there a Mrs. Cassadine in the picture?”

“Only my mother, and she’s more than enough.” He chuckled with little humor as he sipped his champagne. “No, I’ve never been married.”

“Oh.” Why didn’t she know what to say to that? “Well, I highly recommend it.”

“Marriage? Oh, yes, you’re the Laura of Scott and Laura Baldwin. Alexis,” he explained, the warmth having left his eyes for an almost imperceptible moment. “She told me that you and Scott are the epitome of the perfect, happily married couple. I believe she and Jax envy you, though they have yet to take the marital plunge.”

Laura flushed. “I doubt that. Scott and I have found a way to make it work, but we’re far from perfect.”

“Where is the esteemed Mr. Baldwin this evening?”

Was that a trace of sarcasm in his voice? “He’s running a bit late, but he should be here soon.”

As if on cue, Reginald appeared at her elbow, cordless phone in hand. “Laura, a call for you. It’s Mr. Baldwin.”

“Thank you, Reginald,” Laura reached for the phone and turned for a bit of privacy. “Scott? Where are you?”

Stefan stepped back, but continued to listen.

“You’re still at the office? Well, I left your clothes out for you, so it shouldn’t take you long at home. I know how much you hate wearing a tie, but…” Laura’s voice faded away as she listened to the voice on the other end of the phone. “But you said…yes. Of course. I understand. Don’t worry about me, sweetie. I know how important this case is for you and Dara.” She made a soft kissing noise into the phone. “I love you, Scotty. Bye.”

She tapped the “off” button and laid the phone on the sideboard. “You can stop pretending not to listen.”

“It appears we’re both on our own this evening,” Stefan smiled understandingly, his dimples showing slightly. “Shall we keep one another company?”

“I’d like that. Thank you.” She couldn’t help smiling back at him, his attention helping to allay the sting she felt at Scotty choosing his work over spending time with her yet again.

“Laura! There you are!” Lesley crossed the room at that moment, nodding to those who greeted her as she passed, her eyes sparkling as she approached her daughter. “And don’t you look lovely tonight!”

Laura drew her mother into a hug, whispering in her ear, “But the lady of honor puts me to shame,” and pressing a kiss into her mother’s hair. “Mother, do you remember Stefan Cassadine?”

Lesley stiffened in surprise, glancing at the man standing next to her daughter. “Actually, I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. Lesley Webber.”

Stefan took Lesley’s proffered hand in his, bowing slightly to her. “Stefan Cassadine.”

“My…Edward has told me so much about you.” Lesley glanced at Laura with a mixture of puzzlement and…panic?

Stefan’s eyes lit up at that. “I assure you, only ten percent of what you’ve heard is true. And it’s not the ten percent you suspect.”

“Is that so?” Lesley laughed nervously, reaching for Laura’s hand. “Laura, could you come with me for a moment? I need your opinion on something. It was so nice meeting you, Mr. Cassadine.”

“Mother? What…?” Laura waved to Stefan slightly, rolling her eyes as her mother all but dragged her from the living room into the foyer.

“What are you doing here with that man, Laura?”

“What do you mean?” Laura laughed incredulously. “We’re not together, Mother. He’s a guest of Alexis’. You know, his sister?”

“Mmm hmm,” Lesley nodded. “And where is Scott?”

“He’s still at the office - he and Dara are working on a very important case. Want to tell me what’s with the third degree?”

Lesley flushed and seemed to wilt before Laura’s eyes, collapsing against the wall behind her, burying her face in her hands. “Oh, Laura, I’m sorry to be such a bitch. Really. It’s just that Edward is liable to bust something when he sees Mr. Suave in there, and I’m overseeing a dinner party for thirty people, some of whom I don’t even know, and Edward…Edward…”

“Yes? Mom, please, take a deep breath and sit down.” Laura moved her to a free chair. “You’re panicking, that’s all. This is a big step for you and Edward, your first dinner party together, so you’re bound to be a bundle of nerves.”

“It’s not just that. I - I…” Lesley laid her head on Laura’s shoulder, her body shaking with her tears. “Laura, Edward has asked me to marry him!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mom, that’s wonderful!” Laura put her arms around Lesley, hugging her tightly, joy radiating from her. “Please, you had to know it was coming! The man’s been besotted with you for…ever!”

“But Laura, this is such a huge step,” Lesley’s eyes were round with fear. “I can’t do it…”

“Are you telling me you turned him down?” Laura was flabbergasted.

“I didn’t say no, but I didn’t say yes, either. How can I? Edward’s filet mignon at the PC Grille and I’m…I’m a grilled cheese sandwich at Kelly’s.”

“Oh, stop that! You’re making excuses and you know it! The way you and Edward feel about one another has nothing to do with social class or net worth, does it?”

“I know you’re right, but…”

“No buts. Do you love Edward?”

“I don’t know if…”

“Do. You. Love. Edward? Simple question.”

Lesley’s face crumpled and she buried her head in Laura’s shoulder again. “Yes, I do!”

“Then what’s the problem? You don’t have to get married right away. Just see how things go.” Laura paused for a moment. “Or not.”

Lesley’s head shot up at that. “What?”

“If you truly think you’re not good enough for Edward…”

“I don’t . . .”

“Maybe you’re right. Maybe someone like Amanda Barrington would be a better match for him…”

“That dried up old prune? Please!”

Laura smiled at Lesley’s indignation. She was making this too easy. “You know, if you aren’t sure of how you feel for Edward, it really isn’t fair to string him along.”

“I love him. I love him! There, I said it. And damn it, now I’m going to marry him!” Lesley stood determinedly upon seeing Edward descending the main staircase. “Edward Quartermaine! Yes, I’ll marry you!” She ran to him, throwing herself into his arms, nearly knocking him off balance. “Yes, yes, yes! I’ll marry you!”

Laura and everyone else who had come to see what the ruckus was about applauded wildly as Edward and Lesley hugged each other as if for dear life. She knew she was biased, but Laura had never seen either look happier than they did in that moment.

Reginald, ever mindful of decorum as the head of the house staff, whistled and proclaimed, “Congrats, old man. Now, if you don’t mind…good food, good meat, good God, let’s eat!”

“Shall we?” Stefan appeared at her side, extending his arm to her.

“We shall,” Laura stated, wrapping her arm through his, still on a high from seeing her mother so absolutely ecstatic. “Have you met Ned and Lois?”

“No, I don’t believe I have. Ned Ashton, Edward’s grandson?”

“Yes. Come with me. You’re about to encounter two sets of dimples even more impressive than your own.” Damn, now he knows I noticed his dimples.

“That was a wonderful thing you just did, you know,” Stefan stated simply as he held her chair for her, nodding as she introduced him to the couple seated to her right.

“What?”

“The way you came to your mother’s aid just now.”

“All I did was help her to admit what was in her heart. She already knew, she just needed a little reminding.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re an excellent daughter?” Stefan settled himself next to her, his knee slightly brushing hers.

Laura flushed and reached for her water glass, shifting away from his unsettling touch. “Thank you.” And just when she was wondering how she would make it through the evening with him being so attentive, he did the last thing she expected…

He turned away from her to strike up a discussion with his sister and basically ignored her for the rest of the evening. Ass, she thought heatedly, turning with a falsely bright smile as Lois asked her how Lesley Anne was doing in school.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, how is the corruption of Laura Baldwin coming along?” Alexis asked Stefan as they entered the penthouse. Jax was seeing to the car, so that gave them a few minutes alone. “Or does the fact that you’re coming home with us - alone, no less - mean that you were shot down in flames?”

“Alexis, Alexis. What would I have accomplished by seducing Mrs. Baldwin so early in the game? We scarcely know one another. And even though I have only just met her, I’d wager that she isn’t one for casual, meaningless encounters with the opposite sex.” Stefan removed his stained jacket and loosened his tie.

“Then you’d wager correctly.” Alexis moved to stand in front of him and rested her hands on his shoulders. “Have you reconsidered this foolish bet? I’m willing to call it off if you are.”

Stefan kissed her lightly on the nose and smiled. “Never, dear sister. The fun is just beginning.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Laura, having just seen Maxie off, walked tiredly up the steps, yawning as she glanced into Lesley Anne’s room and then headed down the hall to hers and Scotty’s. She expected to see her husband fast asleep on the bed - most likely still in his suit and shoes - but he wasn’t there. She sighed. Another late night at Baldwin and Jensen, apparently.

Laura kicked off her heels, scrunching her toes into the carpet and sighing at the pleasure of finally being out of those torture devices. She reached for the zipper at the back of her dress and eased it down, letting the dress fall away from her body and then sink in a heap to the floor. Her eyes caught her reflection in the mirror, and she couldn’t help but stop and look. She turned this way and that, critiquing her appearance in the full-length, oval mirror. The lush curves of her youth were beginning to give way to that bit of sagging which seemed unavoidable once a woman hit a certain age. Where once a bra was an afterthought, now it was a necessity. But still, Laura thought as she gazed at her silhouette from the side, I look pretty damn good.

Good enough for Stefan Cassadine? The unbidden question leapt into her mind. Immediately she tried to squelch it, but to no avail. So she looked into the mirror once again, this time looking with a slightly more critical eye. Sure, she looked good to her husband of more than a decade. But to a man like Stefan Cassadine? Why would he look twice at someone like her?

And he had looked, more than twice. It was the strangest thing, really. They had spoken only a few words to one another over the course of the rest of the evening - during dinner and afterwards - but she had felt his eyes on her the entire time. This little tingling sensation at the back of her neck gave notice that those green eyes were following her every movement. Of course, by the time she raised her eyes to meet his, he had turned away again. But she had known he was looking.

She just wasn’t sure why.

Laura shook her head and discarded her lingerie, crawling into bed nude. She loved the feel of the cool sheets against her heated, bare skin. A shiver ran through her as she settled beneath the covers, her mind immediately going back in time half an hour…

”Are you sure we cannot give you a lift home?” Stefan asked as he accompanied her down the front walk, his hands clasped loosely behind his back.

“No, I have my car,” Laura declined politely. “I can make my own way.”

Stefan nodded and opened the driver’s side door of her Camry. She smiled and seated herself, the door closing behind her. “Thank you for taking pity on a lonely woman tonight, Stefan. I really appreciate it.”

“There was no pity involved, Laura.” Stefan leaned into the open window and gently grasped her left hand from its perch on the steering wheel.. “I always enjoy the company of a beautiful woman,” he stated softly as his lips caressed the back of her hand. “Good night, Laura.”

“Good night, Stefan,” she whispered, her hand feeling as if it had been burned on a hot stove. It took her a few moments, but she finally managed to back the car down the driveway and head toward home, resisting the urge to glance in the rearview mirror to see if Stefan were standing there watching her. Somehow she just knew that he was…

“Honey, I’m home!”

Laura nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of her husband’s voice. “Scotty!”

“Were you expecting someone else?” He teased as he closed the door behind him and began to disrobe.

“No, of course not,” she laughed a bit guiltily. “I just…I was afraid you’d be gone half the night since that big case is coming up.”

“I hate that I had to miss your mother’s soiree, so I decided to make it up to you a little by coming home earlier than planned. I hope this evening wasn’t too painful without me.” Scott crawled beneath the covers once he had stripped down to his boxers. “I missed you, Laura.”

“I missed you, too,” Laura stated truthfully as she took him into her arms. He fell asleep almost instantly, feeling safe and loved in Laura’s arms, but Laura was awake for quite a while. Thinking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Danny, I hope these sessions are helping you,” Laura said as she walked with the sullen thirteen-year-old boy to the elevator.

“Yeah, I guess they are,” he shrugged, gazing at the elevator doors with longing.

“You know that you can come to me whenever you need me, day or night, right?”

“Sure. Whatever.” He scuffed his hi-top tennis shoes against the linoleum tile. “I gotta go, Mrs. Baldwin. I got stuff to do this afternoon.”

Laura nodded, momentarily admitting defeat. This was their fourth session and he had yet to open up to her at all. “Okay, Danny, then I’ll see you next Monday. Take care.”

He jumped through the elevator doors a split second after they opened. He couldn’t get away fast enough, apparently. Laura shook her head, knowing he was deeply troubled, but unable to reach out to him in a way that would coax a response. She had been head of the youth outreach program for almost seven years now, and still it was a learning experience.

“Laura!” Edward bellowed her name and motioned her to his side. “Come here, my dear. There is someone I’d like you to meet.”

“Sure, Dad,” Laura winked at him as he flushed with pleasure. “It’s nice to…Stefan!” Laura gasped in shock as Edward’s companion turned her way.

“Laura, it’s lovely to see you again,” Stefan smiled disarmingly, reaching out to grasp her hand firmly in his. Neither spoke for several moments.

“Well, then,” Edward cleared his throat. “I assume introductions aren’t necessary.”

“Stefan and I have met before, Edward. The last time was at yours and mother’s dinner party the other night. But I can forgive you for not noticing us - you only had eyes for one person that night. And who could blame you?” Laura smiled at her soon-to-be stepfather, still a little unsure about this situation. Stefan and Edward weren’t on the best of terms the last she heard.

“Who indeed?” Edward grinned like a schoolboy…until he remembered who he was with. “Ahem. Anyway. Laura, I wanted to see if you had the time to see Stefan on a brief tour of the hospital? I have several appointments at ELQ that will keep me away from the hospital for the remainder of the afternoon.”

“I’d be delighted. Amy told me earlier that my evening appointment has been rescheduled.” Laura looked at Stefan expectantly. “Follow me.”

“Thank you, Laura,” Edward beamed and kissed her on the cheek. “Give your mother my love.”

“Will do.” Laura motioned for Stefan to fall in step beside her as they moved away from a smiling Edward. “I haven’t seen Edward this happy in years,” she confided to her companion after they had walked in silence for a while. “It’s quite a revelation.”

“I understand that his first wife passed away several years ago.”

“Yes. Lila was one of the most wonderful people God ever created. Loving and kind, she never had a harsh word for anyone. And she managed to put up with Edward and his shenanigans for nearly 50 years - by far her most amazing feat.” Laura grinned.

“So I gather that Edward was something of a scoundrel in his day?” Stefan asked.

“Still is, actually,” Laura laughed. “But something about being with my mother…I don’t know, but he’s been on his absolute best behavior for nearly two years. I can only guess that she has something to do with it.”

“The love of the right woman can change any man from scoundrel to saint,” Stefan stated as Laura began a brief yet thorough tour of the hospital.

“So you have yet to find the right woman?” She asked, eyes alight with mischief.

Stefan chuckled. “If that is your not-so-subtle way of reminding me that I am still every inch the scoundrel…”

“Would I do that?” She asked, blinking innocently at him.

Stefan shook his head ruefully as he chuckled again. “But to answer your question - no, I’ve never been in love.”

“Never?” Laura asked in surprise. “Have you ever come close?”

“How close is lust?”

Laura blushed. “What a typical guy response. Come on, surely you’ve felt more than physical attraction to another person at some point in your life.”

Stefan was still smiling, but the light had left his eyes. “No. I am still waiting for that momentous occasion to occur.” He stopped and turned, his eyes burning into hers. She stood absolutely still, her breath coming a bit unevenly as she felt his gaze like a touch upon her. It shook her to the core.

“Well, ah…I hope that…well, that it does happen for you.” Laura shook herself and looked around, realizing they had reached the hospital library. “This is one of the most treasured areas of the hospital,” Laura explained as they entered the darkened room. “For years, this was the office of our chief of staff, Dr. Steve Hardy. A true prince among men. When he passed away, we could think of nothing more appropriate than to turn his office into a medical library. Educating new doctors was one of his favorite aspects of being chief of staff.”

Stefan followed her into the room, his eyes widening with surprise when she turned on the overhead lights. “This is quite impressive.”

“Yes, we like to think so.” Laura glanced fondly around the room. “You haven’t told me why you were here at GH with Edward, or why I’m showing you around the hospital. I thought you and he weren’t on the best of terms.”

“We aren’t,” Stefan stated succinctly, moving to peruse some of the titles on the nearest shelf. “But I believe that even a man as contrary as Edward Quartermaine cannot…what is the expression…look a gift horse in the mouth?”

“A gift horse?” Laura asked before the truth dawned. “Are you a benefactor of General Hospital?”

“Not yet, but I hope to be. And soon. Alexis has told me so much about this place, how much a part of the community it is, and also how it is always in desperate need of funding. I hope to remedy that.”

“That’s wonderful!” Laura knew the hospital was always in great need of an influx of cash, so Stefan’s good will was most appreciated. Without truly thinking, she stepped forward and flung her arms around him, her hug of thanks as enthusiastic as it was spontaneous. Stefan, surprised, reacted slowly, reaching almost hesitantly to fasten his arms loosely about her waist.

When Laura realized what she was doing, how close she was to this unsettling man, she immediately drew back as if she had been scalded by an open flame. Stefan’s arms, however loosely fastened, did succeed in keeping her in close proximity to his lean body. “I…I…”

“Yes, Laura?” Stefan whispered, his face mere inches from hers.

“I just…I…we…” Her fingers fumbled along his arms, clumsily attempting to unclasp his hands, yet all she succeeded in doing was pushing her torso more firmly against his. And suddenly, she forgot what she was trying to do. “I just wanted…”

“Yes?” He rasped again, having remained completely still while Laura fidgeted in his arms. When she stilled, he never allowed her gaze to drop from his as he lowered his head slowly, intently. Laura knew what he was doing, and she did nothing to stop it. She needed to feel his arms around her at this moment, needed to feel his lips on hers just once. What was one kiss…?

As soon as his lips touched hers, she had her answer. This man could kiss like no one’s business. First, he nibbled at her mouth from corner to corner, turning her naturally pink lips to a deep rose. His lips gently parted and brushed against hers, coaxing a moan of response from her as her lips opened to seek his. She was greedy now, aching for him to complete what he had started. Suddenly, as if in response to her abandon, he was no longer tentative - his mouth plundered hers, taking her breath as he gave her his. Their tongues met and melded, each intent on tasting to other as deeply as possible.

I haven’t been kissed this thoroughly since…Laura’s eyes flew open at the direction of her thoughts. Since she and Scotty were…Scotty!

“No!” She pulled her head back slowly, as if it hurt to do so. But she had to. “I can’t…I’m married, Stefan.” Laura pushed desperately against his shoulders, needing to put space between them. He stepped back immediately.

“I’m sorry, Laura. Forgive me.” As she buried her face in her hands, trying to wipe the taste of him from her lips, Stefan reached a comforting hand out to her.

“No! Stop!” She shrugged his hand away and looked up, glaring at him. “Please, go. Go! I can’t do this. I just…I can’t.”

“I can’t leave you like this, Laura. Allow me to…”

“Go!” She demanded, taking a seat on the sofa as she gestured toward the door.

Without speaking another word, Stefan took his leave, pulling the door shut on Laura and her quiet sobs. She wasn’t weeping for her indiscretion, though - she was weeping because she had enjoyed it much more than she had anticipated.

And she hadn’t truly wanted it to stop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alexis sighed as she entered the Port Charles Grille, glancing about the room for her 7:00 appointment. Sonny Corinthos wasn’t there…but Scott Baldwin was. She gazed at him for a moment, hesitating, then stepped forward and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Hey, stranger. How goes it?”

“Alexis!” Scott stood and kissed her on the cheek, then motioned her to sit down across from him. “Or should I call you the dreaded competition?”

“Please,” she rolled her eyes as she sat. “You and Dara are putting me to shame this year.”

“But you’ll catch up, “ he predicted with a smile.

“Of course,” she stated with not an ounce of arrogance. “I like to keep you on your toes.”

“And you do it well.” Scotty motioned a waiter over, but Alexis waved him away. “You can’t stay?” He asked.

“Only until Sonny arrives. He’s late, as usual.”

“The least of Corinthos’ faults, if you ask me.”

“Oh, you’re just jealous of that fat retainer he pays me!” Alexis wiggled her eyebrows at him as smiled in agreement. “So, you here all alone?”

“Getting some work done, just like you. Laura said she’d be working a bit late, so I scheduled a dinner meeting.” Scott glanced at his watch. “Apparently my client is on the same timetable as yours.”

Alexis froze at the mention of Laura’s name. “Laura’s working late, you say?”

“Yes. The outreach program is her baby, and she loves it, even when her hours are crazy.” Scott smiled fondly as he sipped his water.

Indeed, Alexis thought, her mind racing back to what she had witnessed a half hour earlier in Steve Hardy's office. She had been so shocked to see Laura in Stefan’s arms - willingly, no less - that she had been unable to speak. She just stared, transfixed, as they clung passionately to one another, oblivious to the fact that they were in a public room at GH with the door standing wide open. She left before either realized their tryst had been witnessed. “Yes, Laura seems to love what she does.” Alexis paused before continuing. “You know, just the other night, Jax and I were talking about you and Laura.”

“No name-calling, I hope.”

“Of course not,” Alexis smiled tightly. “We were just amazed at how…well, at how perfect a couple you two are. I’ve lived here in Port Charles for years, as has Jax, and we’ve never even seen you share a cross word. How do you do it?”

Scott flushed a bit at the high praise coming from his friend. “We just do. We love each other…that helps.”

Alexis nodded. “But a lot of couples have love, and that doesn’t keep them together for…what is it…ten years?”

“Twelve in August.”

“Amazing.” Alexis desperately wanted to tell Scotty what she had seen, but she couldn’t break his heart like that. He worshipped Laura. Alexis knew her brother was next to irresistible, but to fall into his arms mere days after he had arrived? Laura had disappointed her greatly. A sweet, dedicated man like Scott deserved far better.

“Our second wedding was much different from our first.”

“You and Laura were married before?”

“When we were teenagers. We were so young, but so much in love. It was totally on the spur of the moment…but the second time around, we did it right.”

“What happened between marriages?”

Scott shifted uncomfortably and refolded the napkin on his lap, regretting being so forthright. “We got a divorce.”

“Because…?” At his hesitancy, Alexis hastened to reassure him. “If you want to talk about it, that is.”

“A couple of years after we were married, we just started drifting apart. Did some really stupid things…stayed apart for a while…but then realized that all we wanted was to be together. And we have been, ever since.”

“Did Laura…meet someone else?” Alexis had to ask, especially after what she had witnessed earlier.

“No. I did.” Scott stated shortly. “But we were both too young to even know what our vows meant, much less keep them.”

Alexis nodded. “Well, we’re all a bit stupid when we’re young. But you’re together now, the way you were meant to be. That’s what counts, right?”

Scott nodded. “Exactly.” He glanced behind Alexis and narrowed his gaze. “And as if on cue…your dinner companion is waiting at the bar.”

Alexis started and glanced over her shoulder, smirking at Sonny’s dimples on full display as he waved cutely to her. “I guess it’s off to the salt mines.” She stood and placed a hand over Scott’s. “If you need to talk, you know where I am.”

Scott nodded and watched as she walked purposefully away. They had been acquaintances for so long, yet not really friends. He wasn’t sure why she had been so interested in his and Laura’s life…or why he had been so close to revealing secrets that had long been buried.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mommy!” Lesley Anne shouted as she saw Laura enter the front door.

“Yes, baby, it’s me! Did you think I’d never get home?” Laura hugged the bundle of energy. “Thanks for staying later today, Maxie.”

“No problem, Mrs. Baldwin.” Maxie grabbed her book bag and left, waving to Lesley Anne as she did. “See you tomorrow!”

“So, sweetie,” Laura addressed her daughter as she moved into the kitchen to begin a late supper. “How was school today?”

“It was icky!” Lesley Anne exclaimed, scrunching her nose in distaste.

Laura laughed at the description. “Okay. Icky how?”

“Joey Ritanelli tried to kiss me by the swing sets!”

Laura froze. “Really? And what did you do?”

“I punched him in the stomach and told him to keep his nasty mouth far away from mine!” The 7-year-old proclaimed triumphantly.

Laura thought back on her own amorous encounter and wished she could’ve been as decisive as her daughter. Punching Stefan in the stomach, though, had been absolutely the last thing on her mind. Only because he’s a much better kisser than Joey Ritanelli, Laura assured herself.

“So you don’t like Joey?”

“Well, he was okay until today, when he got all mushy-wushy.” Lesley Anne cringed. “Why do boys do that?”

“He must like you. When a boy likes you, he’ll want you to know about it.” Had Stefan wanted her to know how much he wanted her? Was that what that little encounter had been about at GH? Or was it just a spur of the moment thing, brought on by boredom and proximity?

“But I don’t like him that way! He’s good at jacks, but that’s about it.”

Laura had to work to contain her smile. “So you don’t think he’s cute?”

Les shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe. But still - kissing’s gross.”

“Yes, at seven, kissing is definitely gross. But I bet you’ll like it a lot more when you grow up.” Laura placed the dish she had unwrapped into the oven and sat across from Lesley Anne at the kitchen table.

“Betcha I won’t!” Lesley Anne looked at her mother narrowly. “Do you like it when boys kiss you?”

Laura started in surprise - she’d never get what happened this afternoon out of her mind if her daughter insisted on questions like this! “Well, sweetie, your…your daddy’s the only man who kisses me. And yes, I do like it. I always have.”

Les nodded, weighing this information. “Okay. Maybe I’ll like it later then, too. But for now, is it okay to punch boys in the stomach when they try to get fresh with me?”

“You have my full permission, sweetie.” Laura chuckled as she hugged her precocious daughter. “In fact, I may try it in future, myself,” she muttered.

“Oh, Mommy,” Les giggled at her mother’s statement. “I don’t think Daddy would like that at all!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hello, Romeo.” Alexis’ glasses slipped down her nose at Stefan’s entrance into the penthouse. She glanced at the mantel clock which proclaimed it to be after ten. “You’ve been out a-courtin’ mighty late, haven’t you? Almost missed curfew.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Alexis.” Stefan glanced around the room as he shrugged out of his overcoat. “Where is that kangaroo you call a live-in boyfriend?”

“He crashed.”

“I hope you mean he’s asleep.”

“Was that a joke? My, the lovely Mrs. Baldwin has worked wonders on you in mere hours.”

“How did you know I was with Laura?” Stefan asked in surprise.

“Gee, you came here with the sole purpose of seducing Laura and breaking up her marriage. It wasn’t hard figuring out where you’d be!”

“Sarcasm does not become you.” Stefan settled into the armchair facing Alexis as she gazed intently at him. “What are you looking at?”

“Oh, just wondering if Laura was actually able to suck your tonsils out today, or if she was only giving it the good ol’ college try.” With that, Alexis snapped her folder shut and tossed it onto the coffee table.

After a moment of silence, a smile of pure deviltry crept across Stefan’s handsome visage. “Someone’s been spying,” he sing-songed. “You really should take a picture, Alexis - it would last much longer.”

“Oh, I don’t know - you and Laura didn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, so I let myself out quietly. Congratulations, Stefan, I honestly didn’t believe you could do it.”

“Wait a moment,” Stefan held up his hand. “We kissed, that was all. I haven’t won this bet…yet.”

“I know. And I still don’t think she’ll sleep with you. But you got her to kiss you, at the hospital, within a week of your arrival here. I honestly didn’t even think she’d go that far, to tell the truth.”

Stefan stood and chucked her under the chin. “That will teach you to doubt me. Good night, my dear.”

“Are you sure you want to go through with this? Isn’t a kiss enough?” Alexis called after him, his soft chuckle as he entered his room her only answer. “Stubborn, infuriating man.”

That stubborn, infuriating man closed and locked his door behind him, slowly disrobing as he crossed the room. He knew he should’ve gotten his own suite here at the hotel - why Alexis and Jax chose to live here, of all places, he had no clue - but he hadn’t wanted to throw Alexis’ offer back in her face. They got to spend so little time together, he couldn’t refuse. Plus, the view from the penthouse was spectacular. He gazed out at the twinkling city…and he couldn’t help but see Laura’s blue eyes sparkling back at him.

He shook his head and removed the last of his clothes, stretching and executing a few t’ai chi moves to calm him before bed. But still, he saw Laura. God, she was a beauty. Not the fake, artificial beauty he was so used to seeing in the circles he frequented, where there was more plastic and silicon than anything else. She seemed to glow from within - her eyes sparkled, her cheeks flushed, and her lips. Oh, her lips had been absolutely delicious. In fact, had she not pulled away when she did, he could not be entirely sure that he would have stopped the kiss. He hadn’t planned to kiss her today - really, it was too soon, and he may have ruined any chance he had of seducing her by rushing her so. But the way she had looked at him, and the way she had responded so eagerly to his kiss…

“No,” he stated firmly to himself as he stretched one final time, then lay down between the crisp linen sheets, his body slowly relaxing. “She’s just a woman. The wife of an enemy. Don’t let it be any more than that.”

As he drifted off to sleep, though, he couldn’t block Laura’s flushed, passion-filled face from his mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was several days before Stefan and Laura had any sort of contact with one another. Every time Laura turned a corner at the hospital, though, she expected to see him there. Wanted to see him there. Was afraid to see him there. But no, he didn’t make an appearance.

And that’s what she wanted.

Really.

She had almost convinced herself of that when a thought occurred to her. She was lying in bed one night, pretending to read a book. Scott was working late - again - and she reached hesitantly for her address book and the phone. She started to dial three times before finally connecting on the fourth.

“Alexis? Th-this is Laura. Laura Baldwin. How are you?”

Alexis was shocked, to say the least. “I’m fine, Laura. And you? I hope nothing’s wrong for you to be calling at this hour.”

“No, nothing’s wrong. I just…I was wondering…could I speak to Stefan? If he’s in, that is.”

Silence greeted her query. Then, “Yes, he’s in.” Alexis’ voice was clipped as she then handed the phone to her brother. “Laura” she mouthed, making muffled kissing noises.

Stefan grinned with pleasure and took the phone into his room. “Laura, how are you?”

“I-I’m fine, Stefan. You?”

“Couldn’t be better.” He waited for her to speak, but she didn’t. “What can I do for you?”

Why did her thoughts immediately become X-rated as soon as he said that? What was wrong with her? “I just…” She took a deep breath and then let it all spill out. “I just wanted to make sure that what happened between us the other day wouldn’t jeopardize the plans you had made for donating to General Hospital.” When he was silent, she rushed on. “I mean, I’d hate to think that my bad judgment…I mean…” God, she was making a mess of this.

“Laura, don’t worry yourself. I haven’t been around the hospital much, but I have no intention of pulling the funding I promised to Edward last week.” He paused before continuing. “I am not a man who goes back on my word.”

“I know that,” Laura whispered, not sure how she knew, but she did. This man would accomplish anything he set his mind to, or die trying. “And I thank you. I’d hate to think that…what…happened…”

“We kissed, Laura. Why can’t you say it?”

“Because it shouldn’t have happened, that’s why!” She proclaimed.

“And calling it something else, or ignoring it entirely, negates it happening?”

“No, it doesn’t negate it.” Laura twisted the phone cord around her finger nervously, glad that he couldn’t see her fidgeting and know what was running through her mind. “It just makes it easier to pretend it never happened.”

“Why would I want to do that? And for that matter, why would you?”

“Do you really have to ask that? I’m married, in case you’ve forgotten. And quite happily, I’ll have you know.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Stefan smiled at how easily flustered she was. It was quite endearing. “But what happened between us was beautiful…nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Yeah, well, whatever. But it can’t happen again. It won’t.”

“Whatever you say, Laura. Now,” he changed the subject swiftly, expertly. “I do have to ask a favor of you.”

“A favor?”

“In preparation for the gift I will be making to General Hospital, I want to spend some time with different areas and administrators, perhaps obtain a better picture of what they do and how the proposed funding will be distributed. I would particularly like to see more of what you do within the outreach program. Would you be agreeable to that?”

“I…I would…” Could she really turn down the request of someone who was about to become a huge benefactor of GH? Unfortunately, no. “I would love to have you observe. When is good for you?”

Stefan smiled at her reply. “My time is quite unoccupied at the moment, so check your calendar tomorrow and get back with me. You have my number.”

“Yes. Yes, I’ll do that.” She began to unwind the phone cord, her heart having slowed from it’s earlier racing speed. He actually was quite easy to talk to when she wasn’t acting like a complete idiot. “Well, I guess I’ll let you go.”

“Laura, are you alone?”

The question shocked her. “W-why?”

“Just curious. Good night.”

And with that, he was gone. He didn’t even wait on a response from her. She slammed the phone down and settled into bed once more. How rude. How infuriating.

And how great a kisser. Life was so unfair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, mister!” Stefan felt a tugging on his trouser leg, and glanced down with trepidation…into the biggest, brightest pair of blue eyes he had ever seen.

“Yes?” He asked, enchanted. She was absolutely gorgeous - dark hair, pale skin…in fact, she put him much in the mind of Nikolas when he was a small boy. Stefan knelt down, putting himself eye to eye with his companion.

She flashed a bright, sunny smile and proceeded to scratch her nose with a paint-caked finger. “Can you help me with something, mister?” She asked, oblivious to the blob of paint on the tip of her nose.

“I would be delighted,” Stefan declared as he shook a crisp, white handkerchief from his pocket. “But first, allow me.” He then proceeded to wipe her face clean, amidst her giggles and squirms.

“Hey, that tickles!”

“All done.” He proclaimed, then glanced down at the finger-paint stains on his pants, stains that no handkerchief could remove. He held out the smudged piece of linen, “Perhaps you should keep this.”

The girl looked at him, head cocked. “What is it? A Kleenex?”

Stefan cringed and proceeded to explain. “No, it’s not a Kleenex. It is a handkerchief, and every gentleman worth his salt carries one religiously. For just such occasions as these.”

The imp’s eyes rounded, and she appeared to be almost mesmerized as he spoke. “You talk funny.” She stated simply.

“Do I make you laugh?” He asked, eyes sparkling.

“No, not funny funny. Weird funny. You sound like the prince in a story my mommy’s reading me at night.”

Stefan smiled. “Then I shall take that as the highest of compliments, considering it comes from the most lovely maiden in the land.”

The girl giggled at that. “Silly, that’s not me - that’s Snow White!” She cocked her head to the side once again, pleased as punch with her new acquaintance. As long as he could…”So, you gonna help us? Me and Tommy want to hang this picture on that wall.”

“Tommy and I,” he corrected out of habit.

She scowled at being corrected. “My mommy does that. I hate that.”

“Do you not want to speak correctly?”

“What’s it matter? Means the same thing.”

“Proper grammar is a mark of being well-educated, well-bred.” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “All princesses use proper grammar, you know.”

A few moments of silence followed. “Mister, Tommy and I would like to hang this picture on that wall.” She gazed at him expectantly, batting her long eyelashes like a pro. “Will you help…pretty please?”

It was all Stefan could do not to laugh in delight at how stubbornly she conceded an argument. What a handful. “Nothing would please me more. What shall I do?”

“You shall hold your hands like this.” She proceeded to walk him to the wall and lace the fingers of his hands together. “And I shall climb up and stick this painting to the wall. ‘kay?”

“’kay,” Stefan nodded, supporting her as she stuck the finger painting as high on the wall as she could reach with his assistance. He almost offered to hang it for her, but he could tell that suggestion wouldn’t go over well at all with this independent spitfire.

“There! Perfect!” She hugged his waist and looked upward. “Thanks, mister.” Then her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure approaching. “Mommy! Look! Me and Tommy…I mean Tommy and I have our picture hanging on the wall!”

“I see that,” Laura smiled tentatively as she approached. She hadn’t seen Stefan arrive, and to see him so chummy with her daughter on such a short acquaintance was a bit unsettling. “That’s your best painting yet, honey. I love it.”

“Thanks. I think so too.” Lesley Anne stood between the two adults, looking back and forth between them. “Mommy, have you met Prince Charming?”

Stefan stifled a smile as Laura looked flustered. “Prince Charming?” She asked, dreading the explanation.

Her daughter nodded affirmatively, pointing at her new friend. “Here he is. He carries a handkerchief and talks funny and everything, just like the prince in my book.”

“Well, then,” Laura looked him up and down appraisingly. “I guess it’s official.”

Stefan stood quietly, neither confirming nor denying a thing.

“Mommy, Tommy and I are going to the cafeteria for a minute. We’ll be right back. Thanks again, mister.” And off the children ran, two amongst the swarm.

“I’d apologize for her,” Laura began after a moment, “but I can’t say I really want to. She’s outspoken, to say the least, but that’s one of her most endearing qualities. And I believe she’s quite smitten with you.”

“It’s the other way around, I assure you,” Stefan stated, still feeling a bit at a loss. He’d had no idea that the young, dark-haired beauty was Lesley Anne Baldwin, only child of Laura and Scott. In the pictures he had seen of her as a baby, her hair was honey blonde, and with the coloring of her parents, there was no reason to suspect she’d be a brunette. “Your daughter is enchanting, Laura.”

“Thank you,” she smiled with parental pride. “So, what do you think of the place?”

Stefan glanced around at the multitude of children, all ages, as they played, sang, and generally had a good time. “It’s amazing.”

“Yes. It’s one of my favorite programs. Each weekday, GH hosts this after-school program for community children so they don’t have to go home to an empty house. It’s been a great success, but since we run solely on grants and state funding, money is often tight.” She glanced his way. “I was hoping this could be one of the programs that would benefit from your gift to the hospital.”

Stefan nodded, his arms folded over his chest as his eyes continued to scan the room. “You know my weakness - children.”

“I took a chance.” They stood in a companionable silence for several minutes, until Laura happened to glance downward and she saw the paint stain on his pants. “Oh, my. We Baldwin women seem to always leave our mark wherever we go.”

“You certainly do,” Stefan agreed with a slight smile, gazing at her intently.

“Mrs. Baldwin! Sarah won’t give me my dolly back! Mrs. Baldwin!” The shout came from the opposite side of the room.

“Duty calls,” Laura flushed, both from his scrutiny and from the path her thoughts had been taking. “I’ll be right back, but please, look around. Make yourself at home.”

Stefan nodded and watched Laura make her way across the room, stopping to chat with several children along the way. They all seemed to adore her, and he marveled at how her eyes sparkled. She genuinely loved what she did…she loved her work, her family, her community. Not for the first time, Stefan felt a pang of conscience at what he was seeking to do to Laura and her family. Was it worth it? Was making Laura pay for mistakes her husband had made years before truly necessary? Did…?

And just then, Stefan saw him. Scott Baldwin entered the room, his eyes immediately seeking out his wife. He went to her, smiling, putting his arms around her from behind. Lesley Anne approached them, as well, shrieking in delight as her father picked her up and swung her about. They looked like the perfect family, beautiful, happy.

And Stefan hated them. He hated that Scott Baldwin was happy and carefree and loved while…He turned on his heel, and only Laura noticed his exit. She had been wondering if she should introduce Stefan to her husband, but he made the decision for her. She watched in puzzlement and a bit of relief as Stefan grabbed his coat and made for the door, his posture rigid, his face set in stone.

“Laura?” Scott waved his hand in front of her face. “What’s wrong?”

She shook herself out of the daze. “Nothing. Nothing’s wrong.”

“Mommy, has daddy met the prince?” Lesley Anne asked.

“The prince?” Scott asked, glancing at his wife questioningly.

“Just a visitor that Les met earlier today. He helped her hang a painting.” Laura, her face a bit flushed, motioned to the far wall. “Sweetie, why don’t you show daddy your newest painting? I have to help Jenna for a moment.”

“Sure, Mommy!” Scott and Les made their way across the room, and Laura watched them go, feeling immensely relieved…though she wasn’t completely sure why.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stefan wandered along the docks, the gathering dusk a fitting backdrop for his mood. He still couldn’t get the sight of Scott Baldwin, laughing and smiling, out of his head. And his mind kept jumping back more than ten years, to the last time he had seen Scott. The last time he had seen Dani…

”He’s gone,” she sobbed uncontrollably. “He’s gone, and he’s never coming back!”

“You don’t know that,” a young Stefan soothed the beautiful girl. “He could…”

“He’s gone, I tell you. He’s gone back to her.”

“To whom?”

“To his wife!” At Stefan’s look of shock, she laughed bitterly. “Yes, he’s married. And he didn’t say a word. Evidently they were having problems, but now he’s decided to give it another chance. He loves her.”

Stefan held her in his arms, her sobs wracking her body and his. Danielle was beautiful, high-strung, and she had fallen in love with Scott Baldwin minutes after meeting him here in London. Stefan hadn’t liked him on sight, had known he was hiding something. But Dani followed her heart and not her head. And Stefan adored her for it - Dani was like a sister to Stefan, and he hated seeing her in pain. Especially pain caused so callously by someone she loved.

“He doesn’t deserve you, Dani,” Stefan uttered words he hoped would help. “You’re too good for him. Let him run back to his little American wife and be miserable. You don’t need someone like him!”

But what he’d said had made no difference to Dani. She was inconsolable, and her grief led her to take too many of her sleeping pills. The police and her doctors officially labeled it an accident, but Stefan knew better. Dani had her problems, and she wasn’t of a strong constitution, but she wouldn’t have done something like that by accident. She knew what she was doing - she was sedating the pain that Scott Baldwin had caused her…and she had died as a result. Stefan had lived with that knowledge for a decade now. He had never consciously planned any sort of revenge for past ills…until that day in the Manhattan café. He had seen Laura - Mrs. Scott Baldwin - the woman who had inadvertently caused his beloved Dani so much pain. But he didn’t blame her. No, he blamed the cowardly Scott. And meeting his wife had offered him the perfect opportunity to make Scott pay for what he had done to Dani. Scott could learn firsthand what it was like to lose someone you love more than life itself, if only for a moment. One night.

And it had nothing to do with Laura. Anyone would do. Anyone close to Scott.

At least, that’s what he kept trying to tell himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Laura wandered the docks that evening as well. She had asked her mother to come over and sit for a while, she had to get out of the house and clear her head. Scott had gone back to the office after showing up at the hospital, and she had no idea when he would be back. He worked so hard, and she truly did love him for it. But when he was away, and she was alone…

She shook her head. No, she wouldn’t think about it. About him. He’d been intruding on her thoughts far too often of late. What was it about the enigmatic Stefan Cassadine that monopolized her thoughts so thoroughly? Sure, he was handsome and intriguing. But she was a married woman, a married mother, who shouldn’t be having the thoughts she was having about anyone but her husband.

But there they were. She would find herself daydreaming about running into him, just like she had at the hospital today. He made her smile. He made her blush. He made her heart beat just a little faster than before. And she enjoyed it, even as she knew she shouldn’t.

Suddenly, as if she had conjured him up, she saw a tall, dark figure standing at the water’s edge. At first, she wasn’t sure it was him, but as she drew closer she knew it beyond a shadow of a doubt. That tall figure with the perfect posture was unmistakable. Should she…?

“Stefan?” Evidently she should.

He whipped about, obviously startled. “Laura.” His voice was husky, merely a whisper.

“Is everything okay?” She asked, concerned. He was pale, yet his eyes were fevered. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing,” he laughed harshly. “Memories…they have a way of taking over when you least expect them.”

“Amen to that.” She smiled, stepping a bit closer to look him in the eye. “Anything you want to share?”

He did. He truly did want to let it all spill out to her, a torrent of angry words and remorse. “No.” He turned and walked to the bench, leaving her standing alone. She was uncertain for a moment, but then he patted the seat beside him and she went without hesitation. “I trust you understand that it’s nothing personal. I am simply not an open person. I prefer to keep things to myself.”

“I understand.” She smiled, and he knew that she did. Much to his surprise, she didn’t press him for details. His reticence usually made others - especially women - even more curious and talkative, but Laura seemed to respect the boundaries he had erected. And he appreciated that.

“Yes, you do.” He looked at her, a hint of a smile playing about his lips. “Thank you.”

They sat in a companionable silence for several minutes on the deserted dock. Stefan broke the silence. “Care to talk about why you’re here?”

“To think. This is where I come to…clear my head, I guess. The water, the night. It’s soothing…relaxing…” She locked eyes with his. “Puts things into perspective.”

They were sitting closely, but not inappropriately so. It only felt that way to Laura, who found she was having trouble breathing at the moment. This man was like a force-field of energy, radiating power and strength. It was a heady experience.

Unbeknownst to her, Stefan was having much the same response. This woman with her bright blue eyes and shiny blonde hair made him feel better just by being around her. She was sweet and kind and so open. The twinges he had felt earlier became full-fledged pangs of guilt for what he was doing.

He stood abruptly. “I have to go. Alexis is expecting me.”

“Okay.” She stood a bit more slowly, smiling uncertainly. “Can I walk you back?”

“Laura, there is no need…”

“I know. I’m sure you can take care of yourself.” They both laughed softly. “But I could use the walk, and the PC Hotel is on my way home.”

As they turned to go, Stefan motioned over his shoulder. “What is that island out there?”

“That’s Spoon Island. And the house, if you can see its outline in the dark, is Wyndemere. That last I heard, Ned Ashton owned it, but I’m not sure if he still does. Why?”

“Just curious. It’s an interesting looking place.”

“Oh, it’s fascinating. Totally gothic and other-worldly.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as they made their way along the Port Charles streets. “Very like you, actually.”

He chuckled at that. “Me? How so?”

“I don’t know. You just strike me as someone who would fit in out there. Austere, aloof, a bit gothic. Very…Heathcliff on the moors, if you will.” She was nearly blushing at his appraising stare.

“You equate me with Heathcliff?” His eyebrows shot up at that.

“In a good way, in a good way!” She assured with a hand on his arm. “You’re both very serious and very intense and very romantic…” Her voice drifted off and her hand dropped from him. What was she saying?

“I shall take it as a compliment,” Stefan stated simply. He could tell she was flustered, and he was touched. There was such a lack of artifice and contrivance in her demeanor, something he was not accustomed to dealing with. She was so easy to fluster and disconcert, but he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. He wanted to set her at ease in his presence.

“Here we are,” he stated the obvious as they came to the front door of the hotel. “Can I entice you up for a drink?”

“No, I can’t. I-I have to go home. Lesley Anne is probably waiting up for me to tuck her in.”

“Speaking of your daughter, she’s quite the little charmer. I thoroughly enjoyed making her acquaintance today.” Stefan’s eyes sparkled at the memory, and Laura was touched.

“The enjoyment was mutual. She couldn’t stop talking about the ‘prince’ who helped her hang her painting.” Before she could truly think about what she was doing, Laura stood on tiptoe and kissed Stefan’s cheek, her lips merely brushing his skin. “Thank you.”

Stefan’s hand touched his cheek, and he paused before speaking. “For what?”

“For being so nice to me, and for thoroughly charming my daughter.” Laura backed away, still smiling. “You truly are a prince among men.”

Stefan stood gazing after her, his hand still at his cheek. Her touch had burned him to the core, branding him with her mark and her scent. It was suddenly more than he could handle. She was so damned bewitching, and completely without trying. He was falling, he could feel it. And he was losing control of a situation that had been totally in his grasp at one time. He stalked through the lobby, ascended in the elevator, and slammed into Alexis and Jax’s penthouse apartment.

“Stefan? What on earth’s the matter?” Alexis was curled up on the sofa with Jax sharing a big bowl of popcorn. “Stefan?” No response as he shut his door behind him.

“I’ll be back,” she whispered to Jax, immediately concerned for her brother. “Stefan?” She knocked on his door, and when no response was forthcoming, entered without welcome as only a sister can.

Stefan was already half packed and continued to empty the bureau drawers. “Alexis, I really don’t have the time for a heart-to-heart. I’m needed out of town right away.”

“Whoa!” Alexis closed his suitcase when he stepped away and proceeded to seat herself on top of it. “Slow down, Stefan. What’s going on?”

He glared at Alexis, itching to shove her off the bed as he used to when they were children…but he liked to think they were a little more mature than that now. “Move, Alexis. I have to pack.”

“For what? Stefan, tell me what’s wrong, and we’ll work it out together.” She truly was concerned now.

He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose tiredly. “You were right; I was wrong.”

“What?” She couldn’t have heard correctly.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, Alexis - it was painful enough the first time.”

“I was right, and you were wrong.” Suddenly, realization dawned. “Laura?”

“Move, Alexis.”

“This is about Laura? You’ve decided to give up your plan to humiliate and embarrass Scott by seducing Laura?” Alexis was ecstatic - she jumped up and hugged him, planting kisses on each of his cheeks. “Thank you, thank you! I knew you’d come to your senses. I knew you couldn’t do it.” At his silence, her heart sank. “You didn’t do it, did you?”

Stefan continued to pack in complete silence.

“Stefan, tell me you didn’t do it.”

“I didn’t do it.”

She growled. “Now make me believe it.”

“Alexis, I did not seduce Laura Baldwin. Are you satisfied?”

“Almost. Now tell me what your little temper tantrum is all about.”

He paused to glare at his sister. “I am Stefan Cassadine. I do not throw temper tantrums.” At the look Alexis gave him, he knew he had to come clean. He sank onto the bed beside her. “I have to leave Port Charles. I have to get away.”

“From what? What’s happened, Stefan?” Alexis pleaded desperately.

“I’m in over my head, Alexis. And I have to get out while I still can.”

Alexis couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She’d never heard her brother talk this way…especially about a woman. “Talk to me. Tell Alexis all about it.”

“She…seduced me, Alexis.” At her expression, Stefan rolled his eyes. “No, not literally. She got under my skin, messed with my mind. And now I have to go away before I embarrass myself completely.”

Alexis was still at a loss. She’d never seen her brother so unsettled…especially by a woman! “Okay, you’ve realized the idiocy of your ‘plan’ and have decided to call it off. Bravo. Why do you have to leave town? Can’t you stay and visit with us for a while? We can laugh about how you thought you could pull this off.”

Stefan cringed - Alexis really needed to work on her bedside manner. “You don’t understand, Alexis. I…I think that I’m in love with Laura.”

Alexis slid off the end of the bed at that, smacking her bottom against the hardwood floor. Stefan stood immediately to help her up, but she motioned him away. “No, no. I need to sit here for a moment, gather my wits.” She looked up at him as if he were a stranger. “Who are you, and what have you done with my brother?”

“Oh, Alexis…”

“I’m serious.” She stood, dusting off the seat of her skirt. “Where is he? Because the brother I know wouldn’t let the likes of Laura Baldwin chase him out of town.”

“She is not chasing me away. It isn’t like that at all. I need to…regroup. Think about things. Everything has shifted for me during the last few weeks. I still think Scott Baldwin is the scum of the earth, but Laura should not be made to pay for his mistakes.” He zipped his fully-packed bag and paused, thinking. “Maybe I can find a way to ruin Baldwin’s legal practice, and then…”

“Stefan!”

“Fine, fine. It’s forgotten. The entire vendetta with Scott - which I know you’re dying to know the details of, but are afraid to ask - is over. And I promise to return once I’ve figured some things out, but I have to go for now.” Stefan stroked his sister’s cheek as he stood prepared to leave. “Please understand.”

“You know I do. But I don’t have to like it.” Alexis kissed him on the cheek and hugged him tightly. “Come back soon, please?”

“I will. I simply need time.” At the door of his suite, he paused. “If Laura asks…”

“Yes? You know she will - you’ve been everywhere she’s been for the last few weeks.”

“Just tell her it’s business. I’m not sure what I’ll tell her when I return, but…”

“Then think about it while you’re gone. It’s totally up to you. My lips are sealed.”

Stefan smiled in appreciation and blew her a kiss as he left, a terse good-bye to Jax his only departing words as he slammed the door behind him.

“What’s going on with him?” Jax asked as Alexis settled back into her place beside him, nestling the bowl of popcorn on her stomach.

“Trust me, you don’t want to know!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Edward?” Laura approached her soon-to-be father-in-law at General Hospital nearly a week later.

“Yes, my dear?”

“Have you seen Stefan Cassadine recently?” She rushed to clarify. “H-he had planned to visit several other areas and wings before he made his official gift to the hospital, and I haven’t heard from him. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.” And she wanted to see him. She hadn’t truly realized how much she looked forward to seeing him until he wasn’t there.

“No, I damn well haven’t,” he huffed. “That blackguard hasn’t returned a single phone call I’ve made, and this morning I find out from Alexis he’s left town!” Edward’s countenance was stormy.

“Left town?” Her voice faltered. Stefan had made no mention of leaving town when they spoke the other night.

“Yes. Supposedly he’ll be back, but I don’t put much stock in that. Men like Cassadine can’t be bothered with small prospects like Port Charles and General Hospital when there are bigger fish to fry. I can’t believe I was suckered in by that smarmy so-and-so.”

“Oh, Edward, I’m sure everything’s fine. Stefan gave his word to help the hospital, and I don’t think he’s the type to renege.” But she wasn’t as sure as she professed. A part of her could never understand why a man like Stefan Cassadine had shown such an interest in this town, in this hospital…and in her. He was a man of the world, and he had spent weeks here, touring the hospital, chatting with employees, kissing her…

“Laura? Are you all right, my dear?” Edward asked, concerned. “Don’t worry about that scoundrel. If he doesn’t resurface, General Hospital will get along just fine without him. Everything will just go back to the way it was before Stefan Cassadine infested our lives.”

Laura smiled faintly. “Yes, everything will just go back to normal.” She squeezed Edward’s hand and walked away, knowing that was an impossibility.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Laura!” Her mother waved excitedly to her from across the PC Grille, and the two women hugged tightly. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing. Obviously you and Edward are painting the town tonight.” Laura grinned at the sparkle in her mother’s eye. “Scott and I decided we needed a night out, as well. So, Les is spending the night with Peggy, and I’m waiting for Scott here.”

Lesley glanced down, her eyes shining with pride at how gorgeous her daughter looked. The knee length dress was made of black velvet and hugged her figure beautifully. Her upswept hair complemented the look. Understated yet elegant, Laura had never looked lovelier. “You look gorgeous, honey.”

“As do you.” Laura hugged her mother again and motioned her away. “Go on, have a wonderful evening with Edward. Scott will be here before long, and we’ll have a great time, too. We even have a room for the night.” Laura wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Ah, romance never dies, huh?” Lesley laughed, brushed a kiss on Laura’s cheek, and waved good-bye as she went to meet Edward at their table.

Laura was smiling, waving to Edward, when the bartender tapped her on the shoulder. “Mrs. Laura Baldwin?” he asked.

“Yes?”

“Mrs. Baldwin, your husband just called to say he would be a little later than expected. But he said not to worry - he should be here within the hour.”

“Thank you,” Laura smiled a bit stiffly. “I guess I’ll wait here for him, if that’s okay.”

“Of course,” the bartender smiled sympathetically. “May I refresh your drink?”

“Give me a vodka on the rocks, please. This white wine seems to have lost its appeal.” Laura sipped her drink, sitting there in the nearly empty bar. For a Tuesday night this was probably typical, and Laura was glad that her solitude was witnessed by the fewest people possible.

Two and a half hours later, Laura was officially ready to call it a night. She threw a twenty on the bar and smiled wanly at her new friend, the bartender. “If my husband calls or comes in, please tell him I went upstairs.” She could’ve called, but she knew he’d be there when he could. Nothing she could say would hurry him up.

“Sure thing, Mrs. Baldwin.”

Laura walked slowly out of the bar, her disappointment showing on her face as she made her way for the elevators. At least the room won’t go to waste, she thought as she reached to press the “up” button. But her hand met another’s there, and she looked up to apologize.

“Stefan?” She couldn’t believe it was him.

“Laura,” he rasped. He had dreamed of seeing her like this ever since he left a week ago, but he was shocked to see her here and now. He had just flown back into town after a week of soul-searching at his home in London, and was ready to face the demons here in Port Charles…or so he had thought. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Is it?” She laughed a touch bitterly. “I wasn’t sure I’d have the pleasure again.”

“I apologize for leaving town so quickly and with no warning. There was a bit of a business emergency in London that required my immediate attention.” His rehearsed explanation sounded convincing even to his ears.

Laura wanted to be angry at him, but what right did she have? He had a business emergency, but now he was back. What was there to be upset about? “Well, I’m glad you made it back to Port Charles,” Laura stated coolly as the elevator doors opened to admit them. “Penthouse?”

“Yes.” But that wasn’t where he wanted to go. “Are you staying here at the hotel?”

“Yes. Scott and I had planned a big night out on the town.” She smiled a blindingly bright smile as she hit the button for her floor. “So we thought we’d crash here.”

Stefan nodded and asked the obvious question. “Is Scott waiting for you?”

She wanted to say yes, but she couldn’t lie. “Actually, no. He’s still working. But he should be here before long.”

When the doors opened at Laura’s floor, she said good-bye and moved to leave the elevator. Stefan’s hand grabbing hers stopped her cold. “Laura? May we talk?”

She glanced down at the hand lightly gripping hers. It would be so easy to pull her hand away…but did she want to? “Come by the hospital tomorrow and…”

“No, Laura. Not that kind of talk.” Stefan moved and pulled her into the hallway. “May we talk in your room? I promise it won’t take long.”

After considering his request for a moment, Laura nodded almost imperceptibly and moved down the hall to room 813. “I’m not sure what we have to discuss that can’t wait until tomorrow…”

“Believe me, Laura - you wouldn’t want to have this conversation at General Hospital.”

After fumbling with her key card, she finally managed to wrench the door to her room open. “Damn things are always so hard to work,” Laura laughed self-consciously as they stepped into the room. She fiddled with the key for several moments until Stefan took it from her hands and laid it on the dresser.

Stefan shrugged from his coat and laid it neatly over the back of the nearest armchair. He paced while Laura gazed at him intently, wondering what he wanted to tell her.

“I lied.” Stefan stated, his back to her.

“About what?” Laura asked after a moment. She knew something was up.

“About why I left town. I had no emergency business that needed my immediate attention. In fact, my departure wasn’t business-related at all.” Still his back was to her.

“Okay.” Laura thought for a moment, and her anger began to return full force. “So you left because of…me? Was I annoying you? Or was it the hospital? You decided that GH wasn’t a good investment, so you wanted to leave town before signing the check? Port Charles was boring you so you had to make a fast, clean getaway?” Laura paused, her anger nearly getting the better of her. “Why did you leave so suddenly, without any word? I know I don’t really have the right to…”

“Because I realized that I’m in love with you.”

Laura was speechless. “I…I…You…” Yes, it was official - she was speechless.

“Yes, Laura, I’m in love with you.” Stefan buried his head in his hands and sank onto the side of the bed, unable to meet her eyes. “I finally realized it that night in front of the hotel.”

“F-finally?” Laura was able to speak at last. “Finally?!? We’ve known each other for, what, five minutes? How can you be in love with me?”

“It’s not something I can control, Laura. It’s why I went away for a week. I needed to think…to regroup. To figure out where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do.”

“And what did you decide?”

“I want to be with you, Laura,” Stefan stated without preamble. “I need to be with you.”

Laura wasted no time in running for the door, nearly stumbling several times before reaching the door. “I…I can’t do this. Stefan, I’m married. I don’t…I can’t…” She fumbled with the door, jiggling locks and twisting the handle to no avail. “Damn, why won’t this thing open?”

“Laura.” When he spoke, he was just behind her. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck, and her movements ceased. Her hands shook slightly on the door knob until his reached around to calm her, his arms encircling her. “Laura, look at me.”

“No. I…I can’t…” She was nearly sobbing her frustration, her body suffused with the heat of his.

“Yes, you can,” he whispered into her ear. “Turn around and look at me.”

She shook her head vehemently, no longer able to deny him verbally. “Laura,” he rasped, his hands moving up her arms slowly to her shoulders. When his lips touched her ear, his tongue outlining its shape, her knees nearly gave way. “Laura, tell me that you want this…that you want me.”

The silence in the room seemed to last forever, until…“I want you,” she whispered brokenly. “I want you, Stefan.”

His growl of triumph reverberated through her, and he tightened his arms, pulling her flush against his hot, hard body. He wanted her so badly, and she could feel it. Tears fell unbidden down her cheeks and her face flushed with desire as she reached back, clasping his hips to her, wanting to feel his bare skin next to hers. Stefan kissed his way down her neck, licking and nibbling to her collarbone and back to her nape. Her upswept hairstyle gave him easy access to the tender skin at the back of her neck, and she shivered in response to his intimate caresses. Her legs felt like jelly and she had to grasp the door for support. He unfastened the long row of buttons down the back of her dress one at a time, punctuating each revelation of flesh with a kiss, setting the skin of her back on fire with his licks and caresses.

“You’re so sweet, Laura. So sweet and beautiful.” He whispered as he reached the last button and slowly pushed the velvet creation from her shoulders into a puddle around her ankles. He gazed at her from behind, her beautiful shape on display in black lace bra, panties, and nylons. He turned her around slowly, gazing at her with something akin to worship lighting his eyes. Until he saw the tears streaming from her closed eyes and the look of pain on her face…

“Laura?” He asked urgently, tilting her head up to meet his. “Laura, are you sure you want this?”

She nodded, her eyes opening slowly, her blue eyes meeting his green. “I want you, Stefan,” she whispered. “But I can’t have you.” She reached up, grasping his head in her hands, bringing his mouth down to hers. She kissed him urgently, passionately, until the taste of her and her tears was deeply buried in his mouth. “I want you so much, Stefan…so much…”

“You have me, Laura,” Stefan vowed as he returned her kisses deeply and passionately. His tongue melded with hers as his hands stroked down her scantily-clad body. “I am yours.”

Suddenly she jerked her head back, separating their hungry, searching lips. “But I’m not yours, Stefan,” she groaned, her actions belying her words as she pulled his hips against hers once again, feeling his hardness against the flat of her belly. “I can’t be yours…ever.”

“You are, Laura…you are mine,” he grasped her head in his hands, forcing her eyes to meet his. “Tonight, you are mine.”

“Yes,” she cried as her lips met his again, grinding her hips against his as she kissed her way down his neck to his chest, unbuttoning him the way he had her. “Yes…tonight…” And that’s all it was, Laura told herself. One night of passion and pleasure…and love.

Stefan stood before her, gasping for air, his shirt unbuttoned and his beautiful chest on full display. As her eyes drank him in, she noticed for the first time the medallion he wore about his neck. She reached out and grasped it, holding it up to the light. “What is this?”

“It is my family’s crest,” Stefan explained, watching to see if she had changed her mind. “All members of the family have one. I always wear it close to my heart.”

“Family is very important,” she stated as she weighed the medallion in her hand. Suddenly, though, Stefan tore it from his neck and out of her hand, tossing the necklace on the floor.

“Family is important, but tonight isn’t about family. It is about us. You and me.” Stefan stood before Laura, his body not touching hers, giving her one more opportunity to back out. “Laura, do…”

And she cut him off, her lips swallowing the question she couldn’t answer with words. She gave him her answer with her kiss, with her caresses. She placed her hands beneath his open shirt, grasping his slim waist and pulling him closer. “Make love to me, Stefan.” She muttered against his lips, pushing the silk shirt from his shoulders. “Make love to me now.”

And he did.

The rest of their clothing seemed to disappear as if by magic, but they didn’t move from in front of the door. Completely nude, Laura reveled in the sensations Stefan was arousing in her. He kissed his way down her chest, suckling her nipples as he went, down to her stomach, her navel, and the tops of her thighs. She leaned back against the door, her hands buried in his hair, pulling him more closely to her as he kissed her intimately. She moaned with pleasure, her legs collapsing beneath her, forcing Stefan to place her knees over his shoulders, keeping her perfectly positioned with his strong, sure hands for his mouth and tongue to plunder her intimately. Her head lolled back and forth; she was mindless with the pleasure he was giving her. “Stefan, Stefan,” she chanted as she beat her hands against the door, needing to do something, to produce some kind of pain to keep her body from exploding with the sensations he was evoking.

“Stefan!” she screamed, grasping his head tightly to her as she came, her body stiffening and stars flashing behind her eyes lids. She was weightless, and she couldn’t stop smiling as he lifted her into his arms, her body pliant and liquid. “I can’t move,” she whispered as he laid her on the bed, her lips still curved in a smile.

“Is that a bad thing?” He asked huskily, stretching out beside her.

“For you, maybe,” she teased, summoning all her strength to throw her leg over his, her arm tightening across his chest, slowly pulling her body on top of his. She kissed his lips softly, licking them until they glistened, and then she nibbled her way down his neck to his chest, tasting his slick flesh. “You taste so good,” she whispered, kissing her way down his chest to flick her tongue into his navel, feeling the shudder run through his body. “I like that.”

“What?” He asked hoarsely.

“When you shiver that way. I like that I make you do that.” She glanced up, raising her lips from his heated skin as her eyes met his. She shifted slightly lower, but her eyes never left his as her tongue caressed his tip. His body went rigid, just as hers had moments before. Slowly she became more bold, more persistent, engulfing him with her warm, wet mouth. Stefan closed his eyes, cupping her head in his large hands, the pleasure she was giving him nearly unbearable. “Laura, come here…” he pleaded.

She lifted her head, smiling devilishly. “You don’t like it?”

He grinned. “I like it too much. Come here.”

“Are you telling me what to do?” She asked, staying completely still.

“I do believe that I am,” he stated silkily, sitting up and using one hand to guide her head up, his lips engulfing hers in a heated kiss. He pushed her back slowly, their heads at the foot of the bed as he slowly nestled his body between her thighs. Their kiss never ended as Stefan moved slowly, pushing his body smoothly and deliberately into hers. They gasped together, breaths mingling just as their bodies were. Stefan didn’t move for a moment, allowing her body time to adjust to his. It nearly taxed his control, but he let her be the first to move. She set the pace for their lovemaking, slowly lifting her hips to meet his thrusts, a small gasp escaping her each time their bodies met. Over and over again, his body drove into hers, taking them higher and higher until they reached the peak together, screaming their simultaneous release.

Stefan’s body collapsed on top of hers, Laura’s arms holding fast to, keep him from rolling off of her. “No, stay,” she demanded when he moved slightly. “I like the feel of you inside me.” She shifted her hips slightly, causing him to groan as her flesh constricted around him, making him hard again in seconds. “Mmmmm, I like that feeling even better.”

Stefan smiled, delighted with her responsiveness. “Are you ready to do this again?” The last thing he wanted was to hurt her, or push her further than she was ready to go.

She smiled that naughty little smile and lifted her hips dramatically, taking him even more deeply inside of her. She gasped at her own boldness, watching as the passion filled Stefan’s eyes once again. He met her thrust for thrust, driving deeply into her and bringing them both to another shattering climax.

This time, he flung himself onto his back, pulling Laura to his side, their legs entangled and their arms encircling each other. Her head fit perfectly against his neck, and they lay there catching their breaths and sharing this special moment.

“Thank you,” Laura whispered, pressing a sweet kiss to his neck, tasting the salt of his skin. It was delicious.

“No,” he whispered in response, a small smile lifting the corner of his mouth. “Thank you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stefan only slept for a few minutes before he was wide awake again, gazing at the exquisite creature in his arms. She was fast asleep, her body wrapped around his for warmth as neither had thought to turn down the bed before. He laughed silently, thinking of how they had each had much more pleasant diversions in mind.

“What are you laughing about?” She asked sleepily, stretching like a cat.

“I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”

“Yes, actually, you did.” She lifted her head slightly to look into his eyes. “I was having a very delightful dream, and you ruined it.”

“What were you dreaming of?” He asked, eyes dancing.

She moved suddenly, flipping him onto his back, her legs straddling his hips. “Well, you were there…and I was there…” She punctuated each detail with a kiss. “And this bed was definitely there…”

“And the door?” Stefan asked, his lips meeting hers hungrily. “We did pretty well with the door.”

“That we did,” she laughed heartily, cupping his face in her hands as she kissed him deeply.

So engrossed were they in each other that neither had heard the door open moments before, and neither saw the shadow in the doorway. They continued to laugh and kiss playfully, taking pleasure in each other until…

“Laura?” Scott gasped in total shock.

Laura whipped around and Stefan sat up quickly, moving to shield Laura from the intruder. “Scott…”

“Laura?” Scott dropped the bouquet of pansies he had crushed in his hand, moving into the room to gaze in disbelief at the tableau before him. “What in God’s name…Cassadine?”

Laura glanced from her husband to her lover, seeing the instant animosity between them. When had they met?

“Yes, Baldwin, it is me.” Stefan ran his hand through his tousled hair, acutely aware of the erotic picture he and Laura made, entangled and nude on the large bed. “Would you mind…?”

“Would I mind?” Scott asked angrily, unable to take his eyes from the pair. “What? Your seducing my wife in our hotel room? How do you even…when did…?” Scott was nearly incoherent with rage.

“Baldwin, allow us to dress, please. Then we’ll answer all of your questions.”

Scott knelt and picked up the discarded clothing by the door. “These are what you want? Here.” He threw the clothes at them. “Dress. Now.”

Laura was still, completely in shock. She had to have known this would happen. Scott was expected here at any time, and still she and Stefan had…

“Cassadine, how did you wind up here in Port Charles, much less in bed with my wife?”

“Alexis Davis is my sister. I’ve been in town for a few weeks visiting her,” Stefan explained as he stood and pulled on his pants.

“Alexis is your sister?” Scott was amazed. How had he never known that? “And how did you and Laura meet?” Laura hadn’t said a word, and he really didn’t expect her to. Stefan could answer the pertinent questions for now.

“We met in Manhattan several weeks ago, quite by accident. She was lunching with her mother at the same restaurant where Alexis and I had just closed a business deal.” Stefan glanced at Laura, concern evident on his face. She was white as a sheet, and she was gripping her dress tightly to her. She hadn’t moved to dress at all.

Scott saw how Stefan glanced at Laura, the look in his eyes when he did. Scott lost it and lunged at Stefan, knocking him into the night-stand behind him. His fists flailed wildly, but Stefan was easily able to subdue him, grasping his hands behind his back.. “This is not the time, Baldwin. We’ll settle this later.”

“No, we’ll settle it now.” Scott struggled out of Stefan’s hold and grabbed Laura’s shoulders in his hands, shaking her. “Laura, what the hell is going on here? Just tell me he forced you, that you came here against your will. Tell me…”

“There was no force involved…” Stefan stated quietly as he moved to shield Laura from Scott’s wrath..

“Shut the hell up, Cassadine,” Scott spat, knocking away this hands and shaking Laura again. “Laura, tell me what happened here.”

“Stefan and I made love,” she whispered in a voice that was barely audible. “We made love here.”

Scott moaned in pain, shoving Laura away from him as he made for the opposite side of the room, pacing with restless energy. “How long have you been screwing my wife, Cassadine? How long have you both been making a fool of me?”

“It was just tonight,” Laura whispered, her eyes vacant, seeing nothing. “Just tonight…”

“Just tonight?” Scott laughed bitterly. “Just tonight makes me feel so much better, Laura.” He started to move closer to Laura again, but Stefan moved to block him. “Get the hell out of my way, Cassadine. This is between me and my wife.”

“You’re out of control, Baldwin. Don’t take your anger out on Laura.”

“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do where my wife is concerned? Why the hell are you even here?” Scott’s mind was racing, still trying to comprehend all that was happening. “Did you plan this, Cassadine? Did you want me to find you this way?”

“No!” Stefan declared vehemently. “None of this was intended, Baldwin. None of this was planned.”

“Wasn’t it?” Scotty asked quietly, eyeing his nemesis narrowly. “You didn’t plan this, Cassadine? You didn’t plan to come here to my city, my home, and seduce my wife from me?”

Stefan didn’t respond, and that was the only answer Scott needed. “You did. You bastard! You came here to, what, make me pay for what happened years ago with Danielle? Is that what this about?”

“No!” Stefan nearly shouted. “No, it wasn’t like that.” But he could feel Laura’s eyes on him, questioning, wondering.

“Oh, I think it was exactly like that,” Scott asserted bitterly. “You blamed me for Dani’s death, even though the doctors and the police declared it to be an accidental overdose, and…”

“Damn you, it wasn’t an accident!” Stefan stalked to the other man and grasped him around the throat. “You lied to her, made promises that you never intended to keep, then you broke her heart when you were finished with her. You threw her away like yesterday’s garbage, Baldwin, and you deserve to pay for what you did.” Stefan was breathing harshly, the past clouding his present.

“Yes, Cassadine, tell me all about it. So you seduced Laura just to teach me a lesson?” Scott wriggled from Stefan’s grasp, pushing him away and turning to a frozen Laura. She may not have said much, but her ears were working perfectly. “Do you hear that, Laura? You were nothing but a tool for him, a means to an end.”

“No,” she whimpered. “No, it wasn’t like that. It…” But she couldn’t help thinking back to all the things that had never made complete sense. The way Stefan had reacted upon their introduction…his sudden appearance in Port Charles…the way he was always where she seemed to be: the dinner party, the hospital, the docks…his almost overpowering sexuality that had so easily seduced a nobody like her…

“Laura, no!” Stefan could see the thoughts racing through her mind, fitting the pieces of the puzzle together and coming up with the wrong answer. “Don’t listen to him, Laura. You know what we shared here tonight. Don’t let him taint it - don’t give him that power!”

She gazed up at him, looking as pale and fragile as a porcelain doll, her eyes questioning. “Did you come to Port Charles to seduce me? Is that why you came here, Stefan?” Her eyes pleaded with him to deny it.

“I…” He couldn’t lie. Even though his motives had changed in the last month, he couldn’t bring himself to deny what had originally brought him here. “In the beginning, I wanted to get closer to you, Laura, to find a way to make your husband pay for hurting a friend of mine many years ago. But that was when I first met you, Laura! Things changed between us, and you know it. This,” he motioned around the room, reminding her of what had transpired only an hour ago. “This was no plot, no scheme of revenge. Tell me you know that, Laura!”

She seemed to crumple before his very eyes, her body collapsing into a heaving heap on the bedspread. Sobs wracked her body. “No, no, no, no, no!” She beat the bed with her fists, imagining she was beating Stefan. Then she glanced up, her eyes glinting with feral intent. She sprung from the bed, naked and not even caring, intent on inflicting pain in this man who had just loved her so thoroughly. Lied to her so thoroughly. “You bastard!” She screeched, pummeling his chest and stomach with her fists, her hands aching with the effort but not stopping their assault. “You deceitful, lying sack of sh*t!”

Stefan let her take out her anger on him. He deserved it for what he had done. But he had to make her understand, had to make her see that what had happened between them was real and not some sort of plot. “Laura!” When the fight began to leave her, he grabbed her fists and pulled her close to his body, his arms going about her, pulling her body into his. “Laura, listen to me, please. This was real. I’m in love with you, you know that! Don’t let him destroy what we have.”

Her sobs wracked her body, and then her laughter did. “What we have? What a joke, you jerk. We don’t have anything. You think because you screwed me we have something? My husband’s in pain and I’m completely humiliated, all to assuage your ego. Damn you to hell for what you’ve done to me!”

“To you?” Stefan laughed as well, an ugly sound from deep in his chest. There was no making her listen to reason. “Darling, there were two of us “doing” things in that bed. And against that door. And…”

“Shut up!” Laura screamed, putting her hands over her ears, blocking out the sound of his voice. “It was a mistake! A stupid, ugly mistake…Stay away from me!” She ordered as Stefan moved closer. She fell onto the bed and scooted closer to the headboard, still clutching her dress to her chest. “Just stay the hell away from me!”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Laura,” Stefan smirked, shrugging into his shirt and fastening the buttons that were still there. He glanced down at the missing buttons and then at Laura. “Someone was a little impatient, wasn’t she?”

Laura growled and threw her pillow at him, needing to hurt him like he had hurt her. “Get the hell out, you asshole.”

“Don’t worry, I’m going. And when you realize the truth of what I’ve said to you, I hope you feel as helpless as I do at this moment. I love you, Laura. I love you. Don’t forget that.” Stefan glared at the silent Scott before slamming from the room.

Laura screamed as he left, shouting at him to never come back as she threw the bedside lamp against the door he had closed behind him. She wept into her hands, still not believing what had transpired. All that she had felt for him, all of the desires she thought she had hidden so well…he had coaxed them from her on purpose. He had deliberately set out to destroy Scott through her, and she had let him! How could she have been such a fool?

Then she remembered Scott. She glanced up through eyelashes spiky with tears to see Scott staring at her with a combination of horror and fascination. Without saying a word, she stood and stepped into her dress, fastening it with fingers that were surprisingly nimble. She gathered up her nylons and her underwear, stuffing them into her bag in one smooth motion. At the door, she looked back at Scott, who was still rooted to the floor. “I’m going home. Scott, I’m so sorry for what’s happened. I can’t…I don’t know what to say. But if you don’t come home tonight, I’ll understand.” And she was gone.

Scott stood there for a long while, gazing at the bed where Laura had betrayed him. Betrayed him with Stefan Cassadine. His face flushed and he tore the linens from the bed, shredding them with his hands, his groans of despair echoing around the room.

To be Continued…