Where Did My Heart Go

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“To freedom at last,” Eve announced as she and Karen entered Jake’s armed for a night of fun and excitement upon the word that her divorce was finalized.

“I thought you could use a detour from life here,” Karen explained simply, “Basking in the excitement of the nightlife makes things more bearable.”

“I’m just glad you agreed to come down here with me,” Eve smiled lightly remembering her last trip down here with Ian where she’d shamelessly ended up on top of the bar. Feeling a slight blush as the bartender gave her a curious grin, she turned to Karen, “to hell with the real world. Tonight is about having fun.”

“That’s right,” Karen agreed looking around for a moment, “and fun it is.”

“I don’t know if we should start so early,” Karen frowned taking note of the shady characters in the room.

“Oh come on Karen. I‘ve already started,” Eve dragged her over towards the bar, “lighten up a bit.”

“I’m trying,” Karen instructed as Eve walked over to the bar slamming her hands down on the top of it.

“Give me the strongest thing you’ve got,” Eve announced with an overly expressive grin, “we’re ready for something good tonight.”

“Having you around here is already a start,” the bartender winked at her, “So where’s your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Eve wrinkled her nose turning to see Karen staring at the entrance.

“Yeah well consider yourself fooled,“ she turned her attention to Karen, “Expecting someone?” Eve asked.

“Actually,” Karen confessed, “when I’d heard that you wanted to come down here, I’d invited Frank and Ian to join us. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Karen!” Eve snapped, “I thought tonight was going to be a girl’s night.”

“Well, it was, but well, I just didn’t feel safe coming down here just by ourselves since I know what kind of crowd gathers around here,” Karen explained as the door opened and Ian and Frank stepped inside, “I hope you don’t mind.”

“It doesn’t look like I have a choice,” Eve sighed as she saw the smile on Ian’s face.

“Of course,” Eve nodded, “besides, what choice do I have? You are my ride after all.”

“There’s the spirit,” Karen smiled as the two men joined them, “Hi Frank. Ian.”

“Karen,” Frank nodded looking to Eve, “so this is how you decide to celebrate dumping my step-brother huh?”

“Well, I thought it was safer than burning the lighthouse,” Eve half teased turning back to her drink on the top of the bar.

“Cute,” Frank nodded, “but then again it might’ve been interesting to have a bonfire there. I haven’t been to one of those in a long time.”

“We could’ve served roasted goose,” Eve shrugged before downing her drink.

Karen gave her a worried look before she glanced back to Frank silently warning him not to get Eve started again.

“So what do you say we get a round of pool going?” Frank suggested following Karen’s look and changing the subject.

“I think that sounds like a great idea,” Karen agreed lightly, “in fact we can play on teams. Eve and I versus you and Ian.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Frank nodded turning to Ian who hadn’t said a word as his eyes were focused on Eve, “are you in?”

“Oh come on Eve. It could be fun,” Karen urged as she watched Eve down her drink before ordering another, “What do you say?”

“Well,” Eve sighed grabbing her other drink before throwing it down her throat in one gulp before slamming it down on the counter and requesting another, “why not?”

“There’s the spirit,” Karen smiled as the four of them walked over towards the pool table together.

“So how are you holding up really?” Ian questioned lightly as Karen stepped up to walk beside Frank.

“Not as much as it would seem,” she answered simply as Frank handed her a cue stick. Feeling the heat of her drinks warming her up inside, her eyes crossed the bar and she saw a familiar face at one of the tables, “well look what the cat dragged in.”

“What’s that?” Frank asked looking across the room to see Chris Ramsey sitting at a booth with an attractive blonde at his side.

“What’s a snake like that doing in a place like this,” Ian paused, “on second thought, never mind.”

“I think I’m going to go say hello,” Eve decided handing Ian her cue stick, “I’ll be right back.”

“Eve, I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Ian started as she waved her hand at him.

“Of course it is,” She said standing taller as she ran her fingers through her hair determined to make her presence known.

“So tell me again why you wanted to meet in a place like this to discuss your investments?” the blonde asked looking around for a moment.

“Because Donna,” Chris explained loosening his tie a bit, “I thought I could use a little unwinding and this place didn’t seem like the kind where I’d run into anyone I’d know or care to know for that matter.”

“Think again Ramsey,” Eve cut in stepping up to the table as she eyed the blonde woman who looked equally as out of place wearing her navy pinstriped suit. Eve flashed them both a light smile before speaking up again, “My what do we have here?”

“Eve,” Chris spoke a bit surprised as he nodded to Donna, “This is Donna, my stock broker.”

“My butt she is,” Eve scrutinized the woman for a moment before she scratched her head lightly, “let me guess, you work upscale jobs right?”

“Oh come on,” Eve couldn’t help but let out a drunken laugh, “how much is Chris paying you for the night? A few hundred?”

“Oh now sister, I used to be in the business,” Eve looked over to Chris, “granted he’s a lot more handsome than some of my former clients, but I’m sure that doesn’t really matter when we’re getting into price ranges there. So how much did he give you here?”

“Eve,” Chris chastised as he watched her with obvious amusement as he quickly picked up that she’d had one too many.

“She doesn’t mean anything,” Chris offered lightly fighting to suppress the grin forming on his lips.

“Uptight isn’t she?” Eve asked throwing her a look before walking over to Chris and straddling his lap before setting herself down upon him rubbing his cheek as she met his eyes, “although I’ve got to tell you Chris, tonight could be free for you here if you dump the blonde.”

“Oh really?” his eyes perked up as she ran her fingers through his hair, “are you propositioning me Eve?”

“Yes really,” Eve nodded with a playful laugh as she leaning in closer to him, “so what do you say?”

“Just a little,” Eve laughed lightly as she held her fingers out in the air pinching it slightly, “but not too much. Just a few drinks here and a few at home.”

“I’ll bet,” Chris nodded as Donna watched the two of them. Quickly she gathered her things feeling the disgust with Eve’s behavior hit her as she stood from her seat.

“We’ll continue this in my office on Monday, Dr. Ramsey,” Donna spoke tightly before taking off and heading towards the exit.

Unable to resist the temptation before him, Chris let out a laugh as he rested his hands upon Eve’s hips seeing the mischief burning behind her eyes. “Are you happy now?” He asked lightly.

“Eve, do you really think if I paid for a high class call girl tonight that I would’ve let her walk out of here like that with my money,” Chris questioned lightly.

“It wouldn’t be the first time you were screwed by a beautiful woman like that,” Eve noted with a slight laugh.

“And apparently it isn’t the last either,” Chris remarked dryly as she shifted on his lap a bit causing a reaction in him he hadn’t been anticipating. He pressed his hands firmly to her hips and met her eyes, “Eve, I think you’d better get up now.”

“Hardly,” he said tightly, “but you’re obviously loaded tonight, so I think you’d better get up before you do something you’ll regret later.”

“Like what?” she challenged leaning towards him, “like this?” she asked moving in to kiss him with a playful laugh.

“Eve,” He broke away shortly after she’d captured his mouth with hers, “you have no idea what you’re doing.”

“Of course I do,” she smiled brightly, “I’m turning you on,” she informed him moving against him once more, “aren’t I?”

There was no denying the effect she was giving him, but as he saw the glossiness behind her eyes, he knew that there was no chance that this was something Eve would do on her own there. He topped her from moving once more as he met her eyes again, “Eve, what are you really doing here?”

“Celebrating,” She smiled brightly, “I’m a free woman now, so you know what that means?”

“No more Kevin to spoil our fun,” she replied with a playful laugh as she cupped his cheeks in her hands, “now what do you say we cut with the small talk and you just kiss me since we both know that you want to?”

“What is she doing?” Ian asked feeling his fingers grip around the cue stick as he watched Chris and Eve together.

“I have no clue,” Frank admitted watching them for a moment, “apparently she’s lost her mind.”

“Or had one too many,” Karen frowned watching Eve pawing at Chris, “I’m going to go over there and get her.”

“Ian, I don’t know if that’s.....” Karen started again as she watched Ian walk towards Chris and Eve.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Karen confessed watching the scene unfold before them.

“Excuse me,” Ian cut through Eve’s laughter as he watched her holding onto Chris, “Eve, we had a game going back there.”

“We can’t do that, Eve,” Ian said simply, “Karen needs you to help her since you’re her teammate.”

“I’m sure she can hold her own,” Eve said turning to look at him, “Chris and I are talking here, or can’t you see that?”

“She’s busy Thornhart,” Chris piped in deciding that he wasn’t in the position to let Ian spoil his mood as he slinked his arms around Eve, “so why don’t you get lost?”

“Why don’t you Ramsey?” Ian huffed, “I’m sure there’s some other bar maid around here who’s drunk enough that she would love to have you take advantage of her.”

“Oh Ian,” Eve laughed lightly seeing his face tight with tension, “Chris isn’t trying to take advantage of me here if that’s what you’re thinking,” she laughed lightly turning to face Chris as she touched his cheek, “I’m taking full advantage of him tonight, isn’t that right?”

“Eve,” Ian started reaching for her arm, “I think you’d better come back over to the pool table with me. You don’t know what you’re doing.”

“I know full well what I’m doing,” Eve protested shrugging from his touch as she looked back to Chris, “but you’re right. I did promise Karen that I would help her.”

“That’s right, so why don’t you just come on back with me,” Ian suggested.

“Okay, but only if Chris agrees to come play with us,” Eve decided with a smile, “what do you say?”

“Gee, I don’t know,” Chris grinned seeking pleasure from how worked up Ian was getting over this.

“Eve, we already have four players so there’s no room for him,” Ian reminded her.

“Of course there is,” Eve said taking Chris’s hand in hers as she stood up climbing off of his lap, “he can play with me.”

“Didn’t you hear the woman,” Chris smirked getting up behind Eve, “She wants me to play with her tonight Thornhart.”

“She doesn’t know what she wants,” Ian barked back at him as Eve lead Chris over to the table where Karen and Frank where.

“We have another player,” Eve explained brightly looking to Karen and Frank, “and don’t worry the odds aren’t slanted in anyone’s favor because Chris and I are going to play together to keep it fair.”

“Sounds like sour grapes to me Scanlon. Afraid you’ll lose?” Chris challenged.

Karen gave Frank a worried glance before she looked to Eve once more, “Eve, are you sure about that?”

“Positive,” Eve nodded with a smile as she leaned in towards Karen and whispered brightly, “we’re going to win now.”

“If you say so Eve,” Karen replied looking to Chris before turning to Frank, “Well, what are you waiting for Frank? Rack them up.”

“You know Eve,” Chris smiled as she sank back into him drawing his arms around her as Ian shot him a death glare, “I’m starting to feel lucky tonight.”

“Oh but you are,” Eve replied with a grin looking to him, “you just have no idea how true that statement is,” she explained looking to the table as Ian handed her back her cue stick. She took Chris by the hand leading him to the table as Frank walked over to Ian.

“I’m starting to think so,” Ian replied unable to keep his eyes off of Eve as Karen approached them, “Karen, how much did she have to drink?”

“I think she had three since we got here and before that, well I don’t know. She was at her hotel room for a while before we got here,” Karen confessed, “but Ian I’m starting to think that she had more than I’d imagined.”

“Chris,” Eve laughed lightly as they bent over the table together in unison setting up the shot. She wiggled against him and let out a laugh, “you’re doing it all wrong.”

“I am not, Eve,” Chris protested amused as she laced her fingers with his, “I’m just trying to do this the right way.”

“Well, you’re doing it all wrong,” Eve informed him seriously as her body curved into is and he let out a slight breath feeling her contours melt into him so perfectly.

“No, I’m not,” Chris answered tightly as he guided her hand for the shot sinking two balls into the corner pockets. He smiled, “I told you I felt lucky tonight.”

“So you are,” Eve smiled in response as she looked to Karen, Frank and Ian who all stood there in shock watching her, “see I told you Karen,” Eve informed her with a bright smile, “I knew we were going to have fun tonight.”

“That’s three games there,” Eve announced brightly as she wrapped her arms around Chris, “we should’ve put money on this one.”

“If we did that, Scanlon would be in the poor house right now,” Chris added smugly as Frank shot him a glare.

“Don’t be a sore loser Frank,” Karen piped in, “We won fair and square.”

“Oh Ian, don’t be such a poop,” Eve laughed lightly turning to Chris, “I think I’d like to go home now.”

“Are you tired?” Chris asked brushing a lock of hair from her eyes as she nodded.

“It’s okay Karen,” Eve replied looking to her friend, “Chris can do it. He drives past the hotel so it’s not big deal.”

“Eve, I think you should let Karen drive you,” Ian added, “or at least let me take you....”

“I think that’s not a good idea at all,” Chris protested, “I can take Eve home and see to it that she’s tucked in safe and sound.”

“Somehow I have a feeling that’s all the reason more not to let you take her home,” Ian continued with a frown.

“She’ll be fine,” Chris decided slinking his arm around Eve, “come on. I’ll take you home.”

“Don’t do something that’s going to cause me to hurt you in the future,” Karen warned.

“Jealous of what could happen with Eve and I?” Chris half smiled, “why Karen, I didn’t know you cared.”

“Relax Karen,” Chris looked to Eve, “nothing will happen that Eve doesn’t want to happen here. Ready?”

She nodded before throwing a wave out at Frank, Ian and Karen, “Good night all,” she announced blowing them all a kiss before slinking onto Chris, “let’s go.”

“Ta,” he said throwing them all one last look before leading her into the parking lot.

“None of us do,” Frank added sensing his friend’s fury, “but Eve’s smart enough to see through him?”

“Is she?” Ian frowned, “given her condition tonight, I’m starting to have my doubts.”

“He won’t hurt her Ian,” Karen added, “Chris is a great many things, but where Eve is concerned, he’s pretty mellow.”

“They were best friends once,” Karen replied with a sigh, “and I hope that Chris remembers that before they do something stupid tonight.”

“Chris, I don’t feel so hot,” Eve replied reaching over to play with the air conditioning dials in his car.

“No silly, I am hot,” she replied peeling off her jacket, “but I’m not feeling so well.”

“So how much did you drink tonight?” Chris questioned watching her once again.

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” he sighed, “maybe I should stay with you for a while when we get to your hotel.”

“Then it’s settled,” Chris agreed, “I’ll stay with you at the hotel.”

“I don’t want to go to the hotel Chris,” Eve confessed, “I don’t like being there.”

“Then you can stay at my place tonight,” Chris decided switching direction as he headed home.

“You’re not going to take advantage of me, are you?” Eve asked lightly looking over to him.

“Come on Eve,” Chris half smiled, “you’re the one who’s been tearing at me all night,” he looked to her briefly, “but no, I’m not into taking advantage of helpless women there.”

“So it means your safe for tonight,” he smiled then teased, “after all, I want you to be fully alert when I rock your world.”

“Oh please,” she rolled her eyes feeling a laugh build in her throat as she clenched her stomach, “oh that hurts.”

“Then don’t make me laugh,” she smiled at him before laying her head back against the seat of his car and closing her eyes, “thank you Chris.”

“For taking me home tonight,” she continued, “I just really didn’t want to face everything.”

He looked to her for a moment, “Kevin was a fool, Eve. He didn’t see just how good he had it.”

“No,” she shook her head, “I was the fool. I should’ve known it wouldn’t last,” she shrugged, “maybe I should’ve married you instead.”

“Yeah, we both would’ve been a lot better off,” She smiled looking over to him, “you know Chris, you’re really okay.”

“No, I mean it. I know I’ve said a lot of horrible, rotten things to you lately, but you’re always there when I need you,” she smiled lightly.

“Well you’re my buddy,” he said reaching for her hand as they pulled into the parking structure, “that’s what buddies are for.”

She squeezed his hand lightly before letting out a light yawn, “I’m glad you’re my buddy Chris.”

“Me too Eve,” he replied realizing she’d drifted off as he turned off the car and carried her upstairs tucking her into his bed. He watched her sleeping for a moment before walking out into the living room and pouring himself a drink. He chuckled lightly thinking about the way she’d come onto him earlier as he kicked off his shoes. Part of him wanted to blow it off, but the other part was beginning to remember that part of him he’d fought to suppress deep inside of him for so long. He reclined back on the sofa feeling exhaustion weighing upon him as he wondered if perhaps those feelings for Eve he’d had before weren’t as distant as he’d liked to believe they were.

“Hey you,” Karen smiled walking into the room to find Eve hunched over her paper work, “rough night?”

“Gee thanks Karen,” Eve groaned, “Some friend you are. At least Chris didn‘t say much about it earlier.”

“Speaking of Chris,” Karen paused, “do you remember anything about last night?”

“We were all at Jake’s and we met up with Chris,” Eve replied lightly as she looked to Karen seeing a concerned expression on Karen’s face, “what? What else happened?”

“You kind of threw yourself all over Chris, which was why I was wondering about what happened last night,” Karen explained, “Frank, Ian and I were almost tempted to follow you two back to the hotel.”

“It wouldn't have done you any good since we didn’t go there,” Eve shrugged.

“I wondered how you’d feel after I let you go home with Chris,” Karen paused, “Speaking of which, how did that go?”

“Fine I guess,” Eve sipped her coffee, “he slept on the couch and I was in his room.”

“Of course,” she nodded, “I mean I didn’t expect anything less from Chris.”

“Well, with the way you were hanging on him, it just seemed like...” Karen started.

“Not exactly, but you did offer Chris a lap dance,” Karen finally blurted out.

‘That was my reaction there,” Karen confessed, “I knew you weren’t feeling like yourself when you did that.”

“Ian,” Eve moaned, “oh god, he and Frank must think I’m a total slut there after last night.”

“They understood you were upset,” Karen offered, “divorce isn’t an easy thing Eve and for anyone to say it is, they’re lying.”

“Karen, it’s not so much the divorce that upset me, it’s knowing that Kevin was always in love with Lucy,” Eve sighed looking to her friend, “Somehow I always felt that, but I was too proud to admit it.”

“No, you’re right,” she sighed, “he deserved Lucy, that’s who he wanted and it’s who he has now.”

“There’s someone out there for you,” Karen sighed, “at least that’s what they keep telling me.”

“Yeah well don’t you just really want to slap someone when they say that?” Eve offered with a smile.

“Every time because it‘s so damn irritating,” Karen laughed lightly as the two broke into a giggle.

“What’s this about?” Chris questioned entering the on call room as he looked between the two women, “anything you’d like to share?”

“No,” Eve laughed lightly before teasing, “I was just telling Karen how good you were in bed last night.”

“Oh well in that case, don’t forget to give her all the details,” Chris teased in response as Ian walked in the room.

“Well, I’d do that, but I’d have to get into you snoring and that would ruin everything about last night,” Eve teased lightly.

“Last night,” Ian repeated stepping towards Eve, “speaking of which, how are you feeling Eve?”

“Of course,” Ian nodded, “but other than that, you’re really okay, huh?”

“I was just checking,” Ian looked to Chris before returning his attention to Eve, “you know I was kind of glad to catch you here. There were a few things I wanted to speak to you about down in the lab.”

“Good,” Ian replied shooting Chris a glare before he and Eve left the on call room together.

“Tell me something,” Chris said to Karen watching Eve walk off with Ian, “does he really think he has a chance with her?”

“Oh come on Chris,” Karen blurted out, “anyone who’s been around here long enough knows what Eve being single again means for you.”

“I think you’ve lost me Karen,” Chris said watching her for a moment, “besides, I’m thought you weren’t one for gossip.”

“Normally I’m not,” she paused, “but I couldn’t help but notice something last night.”

“I didn’t do anything last night that would constitute the lecture I feel coming from you here,” Chris began in his defense.

“I never said you did,” Karen replied simply, “but I noticed the closeness between the both of you.”

“Someone had to and I’d rather it be me than some loser like Ian or Frank,” Chris snapped in response, “that’s the last thing she needs right now.”

“You’re right Chris,” Karen nodded in agreement, “it is the last thing she needs, which I was wondering what you were going to do.”

“About Eve,” Karen continued, “anyone with eyes can see that you’re in love with her. You have been long before she was married.”

“You’re reading far too much into this Wexler,” Chris offered in response, “besides, why is it again you think you know me so well?”

“I just have this vibe about people,” Karen replied simply crossing her arms.

“Well, who’s to say that I’m not in love with you Wexler,” he replied giving her a once over as she rolled her eyes.

“Oh please,” she laughed lightly, “nice try Chris, but coming on to me to repulse me isn’t going to take the heat off of you where Eve is concerned.”

“Damn and to think I was doing so well,” Chris half winked at her, “Guess I’ll just have to work on Frank then and make him think he’s the man for me.”

“God, you’re pathetic,” Karen laughed lightly finding herself amused, “just remember what I said. Eve needs her space right now. Kevin broke her heart and I’d hate to see you become her rebound romance.”

“I don’t,” she shrugged, “at least not about you, but well with Eve,” she sighed, “though I really don’t think too much of you, I think you could make her happy given some time.”

“Let me get this straight,” Chris crossed his arms in front of his chest, “Am I getting Karen Wexler’s seal of approval on Eve here?”

“Good, glad we understand one another,” Karen nodded before going off to tend to her patient as she left Chris alone wondering if he was that obvious with how he felt for Eve.

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“So what was it exactly you needed to see me about?” Eve questioned as she and Ian entered the lab.
“I wanted to talk to you about Bob Greene,” Ian explained lightly.

“It’s a note,” Ian informed her, “somehow it got lost in the shuffle and I thought you’d like to have it.”

“Thank you,” she replied her eyes scanning the page for a moment before she looked back to Ian.

“He’s thanking me for having helped him,” Eve replied feeling the tears build in her eyes a bit, “He said I was an angel to him.”

“He thought very highly of you,” Ian noted watching her eyes mist over, “though I can see how that could’ve easily happened.”

“Don’t try to hide what you’re feeling,” he replied reaching out to touch her cheek, “I think they’re beautiful.”

“I don’t like seeing you in pain, but this is different,” Ian continued caressing her cheek, “these tears have something to them, a certain exquisiteness.”

“It’s called I have a hang over,” Eve offered with a light smile as he brushed his finger against her cheek.

“Even so, I think you’re beautiful,” Ian confessed leaning in towards her as his lips pressed against hers in a kiss. She felt his lips upon hers and a bit surprised she pulled back.

“It’s too soon,” she replied looking over at him, “Ian, I appreciate your friendship and all you’ve done for me, but I’m not ready.”

“Eve,” he reached for her hand, “I know things have been difficult, but I’m not going to deny how I feel for you.”

“Ian, I care about you,” Eve started looking to his fingers holding hers, “but I’m not ready to jump into something again. Not now.”

“I’m willing to wait for you Eve,” he informed her with a slight smile, “I know you’re worth it.”

“Thanks, but don’t do that to yourself,” she sighed, “I’m afraid that it’s only going to end up causing you more grief than you deserve.”

“Loving you could never be wrong Eve,” Ian blurted out as she turned away from him, “and I do love you. I have for quite a while, but I haven’t been able to tell you. I wanted to, but then when you were so bent on making things work with Kevin...”

“Ian,” Eve cut him off turning to face him again, “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but it’s not necessary.”

“I think it is,” Ian continued stepping forward, “I wouldn’t want you to think that I didn’t care about you, that I didn’t....”

“I know,” Eve nodded looking to him again and thinking of how she’d made him her main distraction when things went rough with Kevin. She thought of the first time he’d kissed her and how she hadn’t pulled away from him like she had today, but back then things were so stressed, so turmoiled and so different than they were now. Things just felt so twisted and now she was working on untwisting them.

“Eve, I would wait forever to be with you,” Ian continued reaching out to caress her cheek, “and I know in your heart that somehow, someway when the time is right, you and I will be together,” he whispered gently as he cupped her face in his hands and lowered his lips towards hers.

“Eve,” Chris walked into the room catching the moment between them as Eve turned away from Ian.

“Chris,” she gasped pulling away from Ian as she rubbed her hands together, “hi.”

“No, not at all. What can I do for you?” Eve asked lightly as she cleared her throat.

“Actually I wanted to talk to you about a few things in my office, if you can pull yourself away from this here,” Chris answered simply shooting Ian a glare.

“Okay,” she waved as he walked out of the room leaving her alone with Ian once more.

“He’s not that bad,” Eve insisted turning to Ian, “there’s a lot about him that you don’t know.”

“Somehow I get the feeling that I don’t want to know either,” Ian frowned again, “but enough about him. I’d rather talk about us.”

“Ian,” Eve started again suddenly feeling an uneasiness fill the air around them as she shifted on her feet.

“Have dinner with me tonight,” Ian suggested, “no pressure Eve. Just dinner and I promise we can just have a good time like we used to.”

“Ian, I don't know if that’s such a good idea,” Eve started after a moment.

“I promise you won’t regret it,” Ian urged again, “it’s just dinner, Eve. What could happen over dinner?”

“Ian,” she paused thinking about it for a moment, “well I suppose I do need to eat, don’t I?”

“Well, I suppose one dinner won’t hurt anything,” she agreed, “alright, I’ll have dinner with you tonight.”

“Surprise me,” she smiled noting the time, “well I’d better go see what Chris wants before he bites my head off here.”

“Don’t let him give you hell, Eve,” Ian called out to her as she walked over to the door.

“Ian, trust me,” Eve smiled confidently, “one thing I’m good at doing is not putting up with anyone who’s trying to give me a hard time and for the record, I dish it right back.”

“Good for you,” He replied watching her leave as he felt himself anticipating dinner with Eve hoping that this would be a new start for the both of them together.

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Chris stood behind his desk trying to get the image of Ian and Eve out of his mind as he recalled walking in on them. He picked up a paper weight and held it tightly moving it from hand to hand as he tried to get his thoughts together. Hearing a tapping on the door, he set it down again before taking a seat behind his desk.

“Yeah, I think we should talk, Eve,” he paused nodding for her to take a seat.

“Well first off about your work load,” Chris started avoiding the issue that was ringing through his mind.

“I’d rather be working than sitting at the hotel all by my lonesome,” Eve admitted after a moment.

“You know, you wouldn’t have to sit at the hotel by your lonesome if you moved back into the apartment with me,” Chris suggested clearing his throat.

“Yeah, I suppose it did,” she smiled in response, “but I don’t know. I mean what would be the perks of staying with you over the hotel and room service?”

“Have you forgotten my gourmet meals already Lambert?” Chris questioned with a smile as he eyed her intently.

“Now Ramsey, what do you take me for?” she grinned in response, “I’m not that stupid.”

“Well, you just seemed to forget me for a while there,” he started seeing the twinkle behind her eyes as he watched her remembering all the good times they’d shared together.

“I didn’t forget you,” she offered lightly, “we just seemed to travel down different paths for a while, but somehow we met up again at the cross roads.”

“Yeah, I suppose,” she paused remembering what Karen had told her, “you know Chris, about last night...”

“Well, Karen kind of mentioned to me how I was back at the bar and...” she trailed off nervously.

“It’s okay Lambert,” He smiled lightly, “I took it in with a grain of salt.”

“Well now that is another story,” he teased lightly, “I’m still going to hold you to that once you move back in.”

“Oh face it Lambert. You want me,” Chris grinned brightly as he eyed her, “we both know that Ian doesn’t hold a candle to me.”

“You don’t have to explain,” Chris shook his head, “I know Thornhart has the hots for you. We all do.”

“That what? That you’re just looking for another rebound romance?” he questioned raising a brow.

“You didn’t have to,” he shrugged, “it’s no secret that Ian thrives on trying to get you to pant like a dog when you’re around him.”

“I don’t pant like a dog when he’s around me,” Eve protested, “I’m not like that at all Chris.”

“Not with him,” Chris shrugged feeling his jealousy tug at him as he thought of Ian being so close to her.

“Well, it’s just when Baldwin dumped you, you couldn’t stand the thought of being alone, so you had to jump Kevin just as soon as possible,” Chris answered flatly.

“Was a relationship where he could screw you in every which way he wanted and you jumped at his every whim,” Chris finished dryly watching her.

“It wasn’t that cut and dry Chris,” Eve defended feeling her anger rush through her, “Kevin married me, so that tells you something right there.”

“Yeah that Lucy married Scott, so he had to do something to ensure that he wouldn’t have to be alone,” Chris remarked bitterly, “and it worked for a while Eve until his dream woman walked back into his life.”

“Screw you Chris,” Eve huffed feeling her anger rage from within her as she glared at him and stood up from her seat, “we’re finished here.”

“No I think we’ve just started here Eve,” Chris replied standing up as well as he watched her retreat, “what’s wrong, Eve? Truth hurt?”

“You wouldn’t know the truth if it bit you in the butt, Chris,” Eve snapped spinning around to face him once more, “you know just when I think you’re coming around and being my friend again, you do something like this and make me realize all over again that you really are nothing more than a jerk.”

“You just don’t like that I’ve always been able to call them like I see them,” he huffed in response, “and you know Eve, the way I see it, the only reason you even ended up with Kevin was because you were terrified of facing something real in your life. You were afraid of having something that was what you truly deserved,” he paused for a moment meeting her eyes, “you went to Kevin because real love terrifies you and you’d rather spend your life as second best than face the reality of what could happen if you found someone who would love you for all that you are.”

“Am I?” he raised an eyebrow, “let’s see shall I quote the list? Bennett Devlin, a married man who strung you along, David Bordiso, a man that paid you to sleep with him so that he didn’t have to form any real attachment to you, Scott Baldwin, a man who dumped you for Lucy Coe when he had the chance and the latest Kevin Collins, who followed in Scott’s footsteps and kicked you to the curb the moment Lucy showed a little interest there.”

“I’m not judging you, Eve, just pointing out the obvious,” Chris said simply, “you can’t take being someone special to someone who loves you because you’re rather play second fiddle.”

“You’re one to talk on relationships Chris seeing as your wife left you without so much as a good bye,” Eve snapped back at him.

“My wife was pushed away because of the rest of you closed minded people who wouldn’t let up on her,” He announced raising his voice a bit.

“Keep telling yourself that Chris,” Eve sneered stepping towards him, “Julie left you because you couldn’t cut it as a husband.”

“That’s a lie and you know it,” Chris defended moving forward, “I would’ve given Julie the world if she’d left me.”

“Much like yours wasn’t for Kevin,” Chris glared at her as he met her dark stare, “I guess you’ve just proved my point there, Eve.”

“The only thing I proved her was telling myself that I was wrong to think that you’d changed,” Eve huffed at him, “you’re still the same lying, hurtful bastard that you’ve always been.”

“That’s right Eve and I’m just going to sit back here watching you ruin your life again with Ian while he uses and abuses you just like the rest of them,” Chris snapped in response, “tell me something. How long before you decide he’s going to be your next bed mate? A month, a week or maybe even tonight seeing as Kevin left you high and dry?”

“Jealous?” Eve asked her voice cutting through the tension in the air, “afraid you’re going to be missing something that Ian’s going to have?”

“Nah, I’m fairly certain that my turn will come around eventually seeing as everyone seems to get a free ride here and there. I mean if I do recall correctly you were good to go last night,” Chris answered coldly as that did it for her and she slapped him square across the cheek. He winced a bit as the pain vibrated through his cheek and he smiled wickedly, “that’s right, Eve. Like I said before, the truth hurts.”

“You can go straight to hell,” she huffed feeling her anger reaching through her every synapse as she turned towards the door.

“Not so fast,” he said seizing her in his arms as his rage enflamed into a passion he’d long since denied. He took her into his arms swiftly and pressed his aching mouth to hers in a heated kiss. He felt her body shaking with rage as she kissed him back intently wrapping her arms around him and she pulled at his hair slightly as their kiss deepened.

Eve clung onto him hating him so completely as they kissed. Fighting with herself to just fulfill that need to tear him apart limb by limb in that moment, she finally pulled together the strength to raise her hand prying it away from him as she slapped him again.

“You’re wrong, Chris,” she screamed at him shaking a bit as he began to retreat, “You don’t know a damn thing about me and the more time I spend with you, the more I realize you never did,” with that she turned around racing out of his office into the on call room as she noticed Gabriella and Joe sitting there watching her rush out.

“Eve,” Chris called out to her realizing that didn’t go at all like he’d been hoping it would as he went after her, “Eve, wait,” he spoke out to her again as he heard the door slamming to the on call room. He walked out and saw Gabriella and Joe staring at him, “what?” he snapped at them as he collected himself trying not to let the scene that had just been played out in his office get the best of him as he adjusted his tie, “don’t you people have work to do or something?”

“Hey, last time I checked you were a nurse,” Chris shot her a glare, “so you and Joe can quit playing kissey face and get back to work,” Chris looked to Joe, “this isn’t your own personal bedroom here.”

“I never thought it was,” Joe spoke lightly watching Chris turn around back into this office slamming the door behind him.

Gabriella turned to Joe and gave him a curious expression, “Did I miss something here?”

“Not all the time, but when they do,” Joe slinked his arms around her, “the best thing you can do is stay as far from them as possible. It gets pretty ugly.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So how’s your pasta, Eve?” Ian questioned watching her circle the noodle with her fork as she remained lost in her thoughts, “Eve?”

“Oh, it’s fine,” she shrugged looking down at her full plate, “I guess I’m just not that hungry.”

“Care to talk about it?” he asked reaching across the table to take her hand in his, “you already know I’m a pretty good listener.”

“I know,” she smiled lightly looking at his hand upon hers, “but it’s nothing really.”

“You sure?” he asked eyeing her, “this wouldn’t have to do with the fight you and Chris had earlier in his office, would it?”

“Word was kind of buzzing around the hospital about it,” he shrugged, “care to talk about it?”

“Just that Chris was being his usual jerk self and you were the recipient of it today,” Ian frowned, “you know I really hate what that man’s doing to us all since his wife left him. It’s not right with him to carry on like that.”

“It still doesn’t give him the right to take it out on us like this,” Ian reminded her.

“Maybe a little,” she explained looking over at him, “Chris has kind of got the raw end of the deal for a long time and he’s not exactly an open book, so for him to put his heart out there and actually take the time to care about someone, well she had to mean something there.”

“Yeah and from what this town has said it was a great big number and some dollar signs,” Ian concluded sipping his beer.

“I thought so too, but maybe there was more to it,” Eve sighed looking back to her pasta, “then again there’s a lot about Chris that people haven’t ever really seen.”

“Maybe,” she shrugged, “we used to be close once, or at least I thought so.”

“We grew apart,” Eve confessed, “he turned to Julie, and I, well I married Kevin and our paths just didn’t cross anymore.”

“It was a bit more than that, but that’s the summation of it,” Eve sighed looking to Ian, “but what’s done is done.”

“So they say,” Ian replied with a nod, “but you know, tonight isn’t about the past here. It’s about moving forward.”

“I don’t even know how to do that right anymore,” Eve admitted lightly, “I mean I thought I did, but then look how things turned out.”

“I thought it was supposed to be that happily ever after once you were married and then everything you dreamt about would just fall into place.”

“It wasn’t meant to be,” Ian reminded her lightly, “sometimes we just fall in love with someone and our heart keeps telling us that it’s the right thing, when in reality it’s quite the opposites there.”

“Maybe once or twice,” he shrugged, “but somehow I think my luck is changing.”

“Maybe,” she sighed, “you know when I was younger I didn’t believe in love, but then when I started to, I realized that I wanted someone who was going to put me first, someone who was always going to look out for me and who’d listen to me, be there for me, love me regardless of who I once was.”

“You deserve nothing less, Eve,” Ian informed her sincerely as he reached out to touch her face, “you should have the best. A man that’s going to be there to pick you up when you fall, someone who’s going to value you for you, to hold you in the night when you wake up after a nightmare, to be able to joke with you, to share your good times and bad, a man who won’t judge you, but will tell you like it is when you need to hear it. He’ll never criticize and most importantly, he’d do what he could to prove to you, just how much you mean to him, by putting your happiness first,” Ian finished reaching out to touch her cheek as he saw the dazed expression on her face, “and Eve,” he paused a moment, “I’d like to be that man for you.”

Eve trailed off as her thoughts lingered on and she found herself thinking about what Ian had said to her. She’d wanted to have all those things, waited her whole life for them and time after time they’d evaded her. Somehow the harder she’d tried to find them, the further from them she’d been. She looked over to him seeing his dark eyes gazing back at her as he appeared to be expecting some kind of response from her.

“I just asked you if,” he paused realizing that now wasn’t the time as he withdrew his hand, “never mind.”

“Sorry if I’ve been a little distracted tonight,” Eve apologized as she smiled lightly as she thought about his words in her mind once more wondering if perhaps she’d overlooked something in her life as it began to play out before her, “I’ve just had a lot on my mind.”

“I can tell,” Ian replied leaning back in his chair, “and you know if you need any help untangling what is going on inside of you, well, know that I’m here.”

“I appreciate you Eve,” he replied reaching across the table once again to take her hand in his, “and I look forward to someday being able to show you how much.”

(Note--**this chapter contains adult oriented sexual situations so if you are under the age or offended by such material, please return to the main page or the other version of the chapter at once)

Eve took a step back unable to believe that she was here. What was she doing in this spot? This wasn’t where she’d intended on ending up as she’d walked out of his office tonight. He’d infuriated her beyond belief and he was wrong, completely wrong and there was no way about it. He’d been so smug, so condescending and there was no way she was going to let him get away with it, and yet here she was. She took in another breath wondering what had possessed her to be here at this moment when she knew that she should be somewhere else, with someone else, someone who’d she’d promised so many things to.

Letting out a long sigh she was holding, she tapped on the door rapping it gently as she wondered if she should just follow her gut feeling and just turn around to leave. She moved back a step from the door and began to spin on her heel as she heard the lock clicking. Too late, she thought to herself as she took in another breath.

“What a surprise,” his voice captured her movement and she froze for a second before she let out a sigh as she turned again to find him standing there expectantly with a glass in his hand and a smile painted on his face.

“Back for round two?” he questioned raising an eyebrow as he eyed her carefully, “forget one last biting remark from before?”

“Can I come in,” She demanded more than questioned as she pushed her way past him into the apartment without hesitation.

“You don’t live here anymore Lambert, so there’s no point in you pushing your weight around,” he replied closing the door behind her as he watched her cross the room stepping over towards the sofa rubbing her hands together as she was in obvious deep thought.

“You were wrong,” Eve blurted out turning to face him, “I hope you realize that.”

“I don’t think so,” Chris shook his head as he assessed her behavior, “I think I was dead on judging by your reaction.”

“You don’t know the first thing about my life anymore, Chris,” Eve reminded him harshly.

“I think I’m more in tune with it than you’d like me to be,” he noted as he realized her hands shaking with a fury or a fear perhaps. He couldn’t decipher which.

“You really have no right to make any kind of assessment of my life and you were out of line tonight,” Eve blurted out again as her voice staggered a bit.

“That’s why you came over here?” he raised an eyebrow watching her curiously, “to tell me how wrong I was?”

“That’s right,” She nodded lightly, “I couldn’t let you think that you won something earlier.”

“I never believed that to be the case,” he admitted watching her as he fought to suppress the grin tugging at his lips, “so that’s it?”

“That’s right,” She said squeezing her purse to her hip as she watched him trying to decipher his thoughts as she saw the wheels turning behind his eyes.

“And now you feel you’ve put me in my place?” he questioned taking a step forward.

“That’s right,” She nodded in agreement taking a step back as he moved in closer again and she repeated the movement.

“Something wrong, Eve?” He questioned with obvious amusement as he watched her back off once more.

“Everything’s fine,” Eve she answered tightly feeling the walls beginning to constrict around her as she took another step back.

“So then you’ve had your say and you’re done with me?” Chris questioned with a smirk as she took one more retreating movement and she collided with the desk. “Are you sure about that,” He asked lightly as she realized what she’d done and she stood up taller.

“I’m positive,” she nodded firmly as she clenched her purse tighter digging her nails into the dark material, “I’m going to be leaving now.”

“Are you sure that’s what you really want, Eve?” he asked unable to suppress his amusement.

“Positive,” she nodded lightly as he stepped in towards her and she took in a sharp breath. It was too much, she thought to herself as he towered over her just gazing over her features as he leaned in towards her. She felt her chest rise and fall with the pounding of her heart in her chest as she felt his breath upon her face. Anticipating his movement, she felt her lips curl a bit towards his as he inched in closer to her his mouth lingering just centimeters over hers.

Sensing her response to him, Chris felt a smirk spread across his features as he braced his arms up against the wall behind Eve. He leaned in closer to her watching her for a moment as their lips were barely a breath apart and his grin widened, “well, if you’re done with me, Eve,” he whispered lightly letting each word roll from his lips as he felt her shallow breath beneath his.

“I’m finished here,” Eve spoke up feeling her throat tight as one false movement would join their lips together in a kiss, but no, she wouldn’t let that happen. Kissing Chris was not something she’d come over here to do. When he’d kissed her earlier, she’d slapped him and he’d deserved it. Now with him being so close, she should’ve decked him, would’ve decked him if she was in her right mind, but he’d gotten her furious so there was no way she could possibly think straight. Not like this.

“You’re sure?” he questioned lightly watching the turmoil behind her eyes as he held her features in his memory with obvious amusement.

“Positive,” she replied nodding slightly as she caught the corner of his mouth with hers. Big mistake, she thought to herself as she felt the quick brush of their skin against one another. She leaned back further into the wall feeling as though there would be no justice unless it engulfed her and eased her out of this situation.

“In that case,” Chris replied seeing her uneasiness as he took a step back, “you're free to go.”

“Good,” Eve let out a breath of relief as she held her purse close to her and she stood taller feigning her strength she’d had in driving over here. She wouldn't let him see how he’d effected her. “I’ll just be going now,” she said forcing her trembling legs to take a step forward as she brushed past Chris feeling his arm against hers as she walked on by making contact with him.

Chris smiled slightly feeling her pass by as he turned to face her watching her walk on, “Oh Eve,” He spoke up as he contemplated his next move, “just one more thing.”

“What’s that?” she asked stopping in her tracks as she felt his arm slink around her as his hand grasped her forearm pulling her back to him.

She found herself wanting to lash out at him like before in his office when he’d done that to her, but now in his arms, she couldn’t find the strength or the will power to tell him to go straight to hell like she’d intended upon. As their mouths moved with one another, she found the taste of him to be far more pleasurable than she’d imagined as he slinked his arms around her waist before sliding his hands over her hips rounding them slowly as they parted. She felt breathless as she met his eyes once more.

Saying nothing, Chris gave her a long perusal before pressing his hands onto her firmly sliding them down her slender arms before he laced their fingers together. She watched him with a strange combination of shock and excitement as he remained still for a few moments which felt like an eternity to Eve before he finally swept her arms up over her head in one swift motion as he pressed her into the wall kissing her again.

Feeling the fierceness behind it, Eve’s breath caught in her throat as their tongues met with a dueling frenzy. She leaned towards him trying to free herself up to touch him, but with each attempt he only pressed her back further into the wall squeezing her hands together while holding them firmly above her head with one of his large hands as the other boldly explored her curves.

“Chris,” she breathed his name as she felt his body pressed up against hers pinning her to the wall as his apparent need for her cut through the surface. She gasped slightly feeling the heat of him through his slacks as her body arched towards him instinctively, her hips gently grinding against his despite the hold he’d had on her.

“I knew you didn’t want to leave yet,” Chris replied with a soft moan pleased with her response as he moved his lips over her neck gently. He felt her body shift beneath his and he was greeted with a pleasant moan of his own at the feel of her. With a smile upon his lips, he gently nipped at her skin, savoring the exquisite taste as he pressed a kiss beneath her earlobe, “I have such plans for us, Eve.”

Eve took in a soft breath unable to deny the growing attraction between them as she felt his lips work their magic over her. She gasped slightly feeling his one hand move underneath her silken blouse coming into contact with the taut skin upon her abdomen, “What are you going to do with me, Chris,” Eve questioned almost timidly though she was far more certain of what his answer would be as he shifted his body over hers giving her a glimpse of his aching need for her.

“Oh Eve,” he smiled slightly bringing his hand up over her heated skin as he came into contact with the soft material of her bra and he worked his fingers over her breast through the delicate material. He felt her shift beneath him once more as he pressed another kiss onto her neck just below her earlobe, “you silly girl,” he smiled gently nibbling on her skin before meeting her eyes once more, “why it’s quite simple,” he paused making eye contact with her as he felt the power surge through him, “I’m going to have you.”

Before she had a chance to form a response, he seized her lips in his finding himself armed for battle as he probed her mouth determined to bring forth the hidden passion beneath the surface.

“Chris,” she breathed his name finding herself unable to suppress what it felt to have him touching her like that as she felt his hands upon her. She shifted a bit trying to break her hands free as he sealed his mouth to hers once more.

“Patience Eve,” he warned her simply as tightened his hold upon her wrists. He stopped caressing her as he pulled his hand out from beneath her blouse. He saw the disappointment in her eyes as she shifted against him once again trying to urge him to continue.

“Chris....” she spoke his name raggedly as she hated what he was doing her, but more so hated herself for enjoy it, for allowing herself to get lost in his touch.

“I want to look at you, Eve,” he informed her as he slid her arms down her sides pressing them into the wall next to her slender frame. He watched her eyes for a moment seeing the curiosity and anticipation behind them as he released her hands allowing her free access once more. As he’d hoped, she made no attempt at pushing him away as their eyes locked once more. Grinning slightly, he traced her neckline on her blouse with his index finger as he let it taper over the material onto her skin. He watched as she closed her eyes making no attempt to leave him and with a confident smile, he swiftly moved his hand to the top of her blouse tearing it open as the buttons went flying across the room as he tore it from her shoulders.

Eve gasped slightly as she felt the heat behind his sudden movement. Meeting his eyes she saw the determined look upon his face as she felt her chest rise and fall with nervous anticipation as her heart raced within her chest.

“You’re so beautiful, Eve,” Chris replied his eyes feasting upon her. Finding that he couldn’t take her in fast enough with his eyes, he moved his hand over her skin touching her jaw line, her shoulders, her abdomen, her collar bone. He noticed the goose bumps forming on her sensual skin as he pressed his lips to her shoulder gently biting her as his hand moved over her body cupping a breast through the material of her bra. He heard her gasp slightly as he traced a circle over it with his index finger feeling her nipple constrict through the delicate lace confinement. Deciding that he wanted more, he pressed his fingers inside the fabric enticing her with his touch. Pleased, he watched as she moaned slightly as her body arched towards his once more at his touch.

“You like that, don’t you, Eve?” He questioned lightly watching her response clear in her face as he smiled again. He continued to touch her slowly, gently circling her skin as his other hand slid around her back unclasping her bra as he smoothly glided it down her body exposing the sweet temptation that had once been hidden beneath as he caught a glimpse of her full, rounded breasts. Seeing her standing before him in her nearly naked perfection Chris found it was his turn to have a breath catch in his throat as his eyes caressed her and he finally was in this moment standing before his living, breathing dream.

Eve watched him for a moment seeing he’d frozen at the sight of her. Uncertain of how to respond to his sudden change, she reached out to him taking his hand in hers as she questioned lightly, “Don’t you want to touch me, Chris?”

He watched her for a long moment feeling her words circling through his mind. Want was such a light word to express how he was feeling about her. Seeing her before him, feeling the heat of her so close to him, the way her skin felt against his as she held his hand, he’d wanted more than to take her in that instant, to bury himself inside of her and claim her as his over and over again, but now seeing the look on her face as his eyes fell upon her swelled lips, he found himself frozen in the moment wondering if this was just another dream.

“Chris?” she questioned again feeling a slight sense of nervousness reach her as he hadn’t said a word. Boldly she brought his hand up with hers bringing it over her skin once more, “touch me.”

“There’s nothing I could want more,” he admitted leaning in to kiss her with a soft, gentle ease unlike before when he’d first decided he was going to have her.

Eve felt the change in him and she responded accordingly drawing her arms around his neck as he held her close to him. She felt his hands moving over her slowly, with such gentle ease as they parted and he met her eyes once more.

“I want to make love to you, Eve,” Chris informed her his voice lacking that overbearing confidence he’d had only moments earlier when he’d pressed her into the wall, but there was no denying the passion lying beneath them as he caressed her skin, “I want to feel you Eve, to know what it’s like to have you in my arms, to know how it feels to touch you and make you cry out in ecstasy.”

“Chris,” she whispered his name feeling her pulse racing with the way in which he was holding her. She leaned forward kissing him affectionately, “I want that.”

“You do?” He asked sounding almost unsure as he searched her eyes for the answer behind them hoping he hadn’t misinterpreted this.

“I want you, Chris,” she stated clearly as she gazed into his eyes seeing a side of Chris she hadn’t imagined existed before, but looking into him, she found something different, something softer, something that she could almost classify as an insecurity of sorts as she touched his cheek, “I want you to make love to me.”

Seeing the truth behind her eyes, he kissed her once more before scooping her up into his arms holding her body to his as he carried her along the apartment towards his bedroom. He felt the warmth of her against him as she kissed his neck gently refusing to let go of the moment between them as he set her down upon the comforter. He took in a breath feeling his eyes looking her over with a growing hunger as he felt all his dreams coming to life.

Eve saw the look in his eyes and she felt herself blush slightly at the intensity of his gaze. With one look, she felt as though he’d touched her, that he’d reached a part of her that no one had ever truly been able to touch before and in looking at him, she found herself nervous, wondering if they were doing the right thing.

Slowly Chris began to remove his shirt as her eyes never strayed from him. She kept her focus on him as he slowly revealed himself to her. As her eyes scanned him, she realized that it had been such a long time since she’d seen him without a shirt on, only this time, she felt no need to suppress the effect it was having on her as she had before. She watched him disrobe before he moved in beside her kissing her gently after he’d shed his shirt.

“Oh Eve,” He moaned slightly as their heated kisses built, “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this.”

“For me?” she questioned lightly as she felt his hands moving over her soft skin.

“I’ve waited a lifetime for you, Eve,” he confessed finally letting the words he’d kept hidden escape from his soul as he felt the warmth of her beside him seeming almost too good to be true.

“You can’t mean that, Chris,” she offered lightly with a soft smile as he locked gazes with her.

“I do, Eve,” he replied pressing a kiss onto her shoulder, “you have no idea how many nights I’ve dreamt about having you right here just like this,” he confessed moving his fingers over the clasp on her skirt as she gently raised her hips allowing him to slide it from her body.

“You’ve dreamt about us?” Eve questioned lightly closing her eyes as she took in a breath feeling him slide down her body pressing a trail of kisses over her skin along the way as he removed her tiny black skirt. Slowly he moved back up pressing soft kisses over her thighs as he slipped his fingers underneath the delicate lacy material of her panties. She shifted beneath him as she felt his finger brush over her center stirring up something in her she hadn’t anticipated from him before, “what was it like?” she asked with a slight moan as she felt his movement once again, a bit bolder this time.

“It was heaven,” he whispered tearing at the frail material as he pulled it from her body. She gasped slightly feeling the cool air upon her body as Chris pressed another kiss upon her thigh as he continued to stroke her gently, “just like you are, Eve.”

“Chris...” she breathed his name tightly feeling her body writhe against his touch as he removed his fingers moving in to taste her gently as she felt a moan escape her lips. Unable to get out a words as her body arched up into him she moved her hands down to his shoulders holding him, digging her nails into his flesh a bit before she moved her hands through his dark hair threading it tightly between her fingers as she gasped his name once more feeling her body on fire with each movement he made. The motion of his lips, his tongue sent tremors through her as she coiled beneath him aching for more, “Chris...” she pleaded lightly feeling her body needing more of him as she let out a moan again, “baby please....”

“You’re so beautiful, Eve,” he whispered seeing the look of pleasure upon her face as he felt her hold on him tighten.

“I want you, Chris,” Eve moaned needing to be one with him, to feel him within her as she attempted to pull him up to her, “I need you now.”

Hearing her words were like a fire to his soul as Chris pulled away from her briefly shedding the remainder of his clothes before returning to her moving in over her. As their eyes met, he realized that this was exactly where he’d wanted to be, with the woman of his dreams and now being so close, he couldn’t believe that this was real, that this was happening between them. He leaned down to kiss her gently as he felt the need to reconfirm that she was still here, that he hadn’t made this up in his mind like he’d done hundreds of times before.

“Tell me again, Eve,” he instructed wanting to hear her confess the words to him once more as he anticipated making love to her.

“I need you, Chris,” she breathed again feeling the weight of his body over hers. She arched her hips to his rotating them for a moment as she felt his hardness pressed against her, “Chris...” she spoke urgently as she met his eyes again touching his cheek, “please...”

“You’re so beautiful, Eve,” he replied pressing a kiss into the palm of her hand before he gently parted her thighs with his knee before positioning himself above her ready to join them together as he had so many nights in his dreams. Feeling the weight of the moment, he took in a breath as he slowly pressed himself into her hearing her gasp slightly as her body adjusted to the feel of him. Unable to comprehend any thought but those of her, he kept his eyes locked upon hers as she reached out to him, enveloping him in her arms as their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss and he began to move within her.

“Chris,” she breathed his name against his lips as she felt the sensations rock through her with the slow motion of his body within hers. Finding herself lost in the feel of him, she arched her body up to his as he withdrew from her and she found him searching her eyes for something, perhaps some unspoken words he needed to hear as she touched his cheek caressing it gently. Reaching out to him, she pulled him in for another kiss as he began to move within her once more with a bit more ease than before.

“Eve,” he spoke her name as he felt her moving with him and a breath escaped his lips. Being here with her like this, it was everything he’d ever dreamed of, everything he’d ever wanted and she’d felt so good, so perfect as they began to make love. Now gazing into her eyes as their bodies were connected as one, he wondered if now was the right time, if he could tell her truly what this meant to him, what she meant to him. He felt a moan build in his throat as they began to move more freely with one another and she held him to her. He was unable to suppress the moan he’d felt rising in him as her nails bit into his shoulders. He kissed her again and again wanting to love her so completely, to prove to her how much she’d meant to him, how much he’d loved her for so long, but he feared he’d only frighten her as they made love.

“Chris,” Eve whispered catching his lip within hers as she nibbled on it gently, “you feel so good, baby,” she confessed feeling her craving for him growing with each movement they made together. Nothing had ever felt so right, so amazing, so...she gazed into his eyes seeing so much reflected beneath the depths of him as she herself realized that this wasn’t just about sex, this moment wasn’t about their bodies being joined together, it was about so much more as she felt him touching her, holding her, caressing her, capturing every part of her as they moved together making love. She saw it in the way he looked at her, felt it in his touch, this was far beyond anything she’d planned on with him.

“You’re so beautiful, Eve,” he breathed kissing her again and again wanting to savor every moment of this as things began to build between them. He felt her grip upon him tighten as her body began to respond with an urgent frequency pleading him for more as she let out another pleasureful moan. Hearing her sounds only furthered his ache for her as he continued to move within her feeling as though his heart would burst in his chest at the perfectness of being with her. He wanted so desperately to tell her those three words that had been hanging in his mind for so very long, but fear kept him from speaking them as he couldn’t lose her now, not when he had her like this.

Eve felt things building between them and she knew that though she wanted to savor this experience, her body was aching for a release as Chris began to drive harder within her. She kissed him again with a heated urgency as she felt her body starting to pound beneath his needing him all the more as she held him tighter.

“Chris,” she breathed his name feeling so close to losing control as she held him.

“It’s okay, Eve,” he said more so to convince himself as he found his need for her taking over any rational thought in his mind as he continued on feeling her body contract beneath his and he let out a moan as she took him in deeper.

No longer able to hold back her powerful climax, Eve reached for Chris kissing him boldly as her body took control and she gave in to the sweet sensation running through her as the height of their lovemaking over took her. She seized his mouth in a powerful kiss unwilling to let this go just yet as she whispered the words that had been lingering on her mind from the moment they’d began to make love, “I love you, Chris,” she breathed feeling her body soar over the edge of this moment they’d created with one another.

Hearing her words, drove Chris on to his own powerful release as he’d realized what she said and he kissed her passionately as he felt his control slip away. Breathlessly, he held her in his arms as her tremors died down and the passion they’d just shared together lingered over their damp skin. Finally rolling over onto his back, he held her close to him as he thought of her words wondering if he’d just imagined them in that moment. Though he’d wanted to believe she’d said them, he feared that he’d only heard what he’d wanted to hear in his mind as they’d made love. Now holding her close to him, he traced the small of her back with his index finger wondering if he should break the silence as they lay together.

Eve nestled in against his chest wondering if she’d made a mistake in telling him that she’d loved him. He hadn’t expected it, and she shouldn’t have felt compelled to tell him that, but part of her couldn’t let go of it. She knew in her heart that she’d meant it, but now being met by his silence, she feared that it had only driven him further from her. Closing her eyes, she wondered if she should attempt it again or let it be as things were already different between them.

“So...” Chris started clearing his throat as he pressed a kiss onto the top of her head.

“So...” Eve replied feeling an awkwardness in the air as she opened her eyes again realizing what they’d just done with one another.

“I guess this means you don’t hate me nearly as much as you’d told me earlier,” he spoke up trying to make light of the situation as he brushed a strand of hair from her eyes.

Eve looked at him bewildered as she sat up a bit, “Is that all you have to say?”

“Should there be more?” he questioned lightly trying to read her expression as she looked to him.

“Apparently not,” she replied feeling suddenly foolish as she rolled over back onto her side of the bed breaking the bond between them.

Chris felt an ache within him as he watched her turn away from him bunching up the sheet around her body holding it close to her as if to hide herself from him. He felt his heart sink as he realized what this meant. She regretted it, she regretted him, regretted making love to him. He felt completely crushed as she turned her back to him and he realized he’d messed up.

Feeling the silence in the air suffocating her, Eve cleared her throat, “I think I’d better get going now.”

Chris heard her words sting through him as he tried to remain firm trying not to let her see how much this was killing him that he’d let her down, “If you really have to..” he said lightly trying not to let his emotion show through his voice as his heart broke in two.

“I’d better,” Eve replied fighting to suppress her tears as she slid out from underneath the sheet bending down to the floor to retrieve her skirt as she covered herself with it bringing it over her chest as she crossed the room feeling tears slip down her cheeks.

Chris turned his head hearing her gather her things as she walked towards the door. He’d wanted nothing more than to hold her close to him, to keep her beside him and yet here she was walking away. He’d lost her forever and all because he’d been stupid enough to take her to bed. He’d given in to his fantasies and he’d only ended up being a huge let down to her.

“I’ll call you,” Eve muttered feeling like a fool as she stepped out of his bedroom the tears burning down her cheeks as he made no attempt to stop her. She searched the living room finding pieces of her blouse scattered along the floor as she scooped it up holding the pieces close to her as she felt her knees grow weak. Unable to think clearly the tears flooded down her face as she sank into the couch thinking about what had just happened between them. How could she have been so stupid to have said that now? What was she thinking?

Chris heard her leaving and he found himself unable to contain how he felt as the realization of what happened sank in. He’d lost her. He’s lost his best friend in the whole world because he’d given in to the passion he’d felt for her and now, now he’d taken her to bed and he’d become the one thing he’d never wanted to be to her: a regret.

As the daylight began to creep in, Chris found himself lost upon an endless night as he’d been up thinking about Eve, about what he’d done and how he’d lost her by being so stupid. Why couldn’t he have just kept it inside? Why couldn’t he have just kept her as his friend instead of letting her down like he had? He couldn’t believe how stupid he was as he thought about her reaction to him when she’d left earlier in the night. She was so hurt, so distant and he had no one to blame but himself for being so stupid.

Climbing out of bed, he pulled on a pair of his sweat pants as he thought about facing a day at the hospital, a day of seeing her and seeing the disappointment behind her eyes. That alone would kill him. To see her look at him with that pained expression he’d caught a glimpse of last night would be the death of him for sure.

Deciding he needed a drink, he stepped out into the living room to find Eve sleeping on his sofa, curled up in a ball. He stepped towards her thinking about how she’d left the previous evening as he saw the traces of mascara down her cheeks from an obvious night of crying herself to sleep. He knelt before her touching her face gently as she shifted slightly on the sofa.

“I’m sorry that I let you down last night,” he whispered feeling his heart sting as he pressed a gentle kiss upon her forehead, “if I could take that pain away from you, somehow I would. If I could find a way, I never would‘ve hurt you like I did last night,” he sighed as she shivered a bit. He stood up and reached for one of the blankets he’d had in the closet and he covered her with it, deciding to let her sleep as he went back into his room readying himself for a day at work.

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Hours later Eve found herself in the on call room finishing up with her long, hot shower before her shift. As she stepped out into the room with her scrubs on, she began to towel dry her damp hair as she continued to try forcing herself to forget what had happened last night, but it seemed the harder she tried, the more it hit her. Letting out a sigh, she walked over to her locker as Karen walked into the room.

“I didn’t expect to see you here this morning,” Karen noted moving over to get herself a mug of coffee, “I thought you had the day off.”

“Hmm, well I didn’t notice you on the schedule earlier. I thought Chris took you off because you weren’t feeling well,” Karen replied turning to face her, “are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, why?” Eve asked trying to brush off the feeling tearing inside of her.

“You just look tired, run down perhaps,” Karen informed her with a concerned look, “are you sure you’re not trying to force yourself into being here?”

“Karen, since when do I force myself to do anything I don’t want to do?” Eve questioned lightly as the doors to the on call room opened and Chris walked through the door.

“Karen, I was just looking for you to cover the charts in Mr. Brown’s room,” Chris started as his eyes drifted to Eve. They locked gazes briefly before they both looked in the opposite direction.

“What did you need?” Karen questioned after a moment noting the silence between them.

“I couldn’t read a few of your notes and the nurse was asking about these,” Chris replied looking over to Eve as he felt his heart tugging in his chest at the sight of her. She looked so hurt standing before him as he cleared his throat, “you know, you didn’t have to be here today.”

“I wanted to be here,” Eve answered lightly looking up to meet his eyes for a brief moment, “I had things I needed to take care of.”

“I just took you off the schedule for today,” Chris replied giving her a look, “I just thought you could use some time off considering...”

“Don’t do me any favors, Chris,” Eve snapped back at him, “like I said, I had a few things to take care of.”

“Then don’t let me stop you,” he replied clearing his throat before turning to Karen, “I trust you’ll get right on that.”

“Excellent,” Chris answered forcing a nod before throwing one last longing look at Eve as she turned away from him.

Once Chris exited the room, Karen set the charts down, “Care to explain that one to me there?”

“Explain what just happened here,” Karen continued, “there suddenly was a chill in the room here. An icy storm so to speak.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Eve shrugged slamming her locker shut.

“Well, you know how we are,” Eve tried to brush it off, “yesterday we were fighting in here and I guess it just kind of carried over,” she shrugged again.

“No, that was different,” Karen shook her head looking Eve over carefully, “yesterday you two were ready to tear each other apart limb for limb in front of us all, but today, it wasn’t the same.”

“You’re reading too much into this Karen,” Eve sighed, “I just don’t want to fight with him again. I’m not in the mood.”

“No, that’s not it,” Karen replied watching Eve cross the room, “somehow I think there’s more to this story than you’re letting on,” she waited for Eve to say something, but was met by silence, “Eve?”

“What do you want me to say Karen?” Eve snapped at her as their eyes met and Eve was unable to suppress the tears forming.

“Yes, I do, Eve,” Karen frowned slightly watching her friend wipe at her tears, “I know that look all too well as I’ve been there myself.”

“Karen, I’m just overly emotional right now,” Eve continued in denial, “I think it’s just the stress of the divorce getting to me. You know how it is?”

“True, I know how that can catch up to you, but somehow,” Karen took a seat on the back of the sofa, “this isn’t about Kevin. This is about Chris.”

“Just drop it Karen,” Eve snapped at her as she reached over to pour herself a mug of coffee, “it’s not worth getting into.”

“No, Karen, it isn’t,” Eve replied harshly, “right now Chris Ramsey is the last thing I want to think about.”

“But you’re not going to stop thinking about him that easily, are you?” Karen questioned feeling her heart go out to Eve as she recalled being in that position not so long ago with Joe. She let out a sigh as she watched Eve try to keep it together. Finally breaking the silence Karen spoke up again, “So what possessed you to sleep with him, Eve?”

“You didn’t have to,” Karen replied watching her, “it was obvious from the way you two avoided eye contact with each other.”

“Eve, it’s okay, I’ve been there, done that with Joe, so I might understand here,” Karen offered seeing her pained expression.

“Karen,” Eve burst out crying, “I don’t know what happened last night. It started out that I went over to yell at him and then...”

“We didn’t plan on it, but then it just sort of happened and then when it was over,” Eve sighed hanging her head in despair, “well, then it was over and it was just so awkward. I mean I’d said something when we were making love and I think it scared Chris because after he wouldn‘t say anything about it.”

“You know this sounds crazy coming from me,” Eve rambled on, “because I’m not usually so insecure about things. I’ve been able to live my whole life and have the ability to have sex with a man without there being any attachment there. I can do that and I don’t see why this time I became this emotional wreck and I lost sight of what was really taking place there. If I would’ve just kept my mouth shut...how could I have been so stupid?”

“Eve,” Karen gasped as Eve broke into tears, “you told him you were in love with him, didn’t you?”

Eve nodded, “I looked like a total fool Karen,” Eve sniffled, “and the worst part is, even though he didn’t respond like I’d hoped he would, I still can’t stop feeling what I feel for him.”

“I tried to fight it before,” Eve nodded breaking into soft sobs, “but after how right it felt being with him last night before well, before things ended, I realized that I’m in love with him Karen and I hate myself because I can’t shut it off. No matter how hard I want to walk away now that I know that I don’t mean anything to him, I can’t turn it off. I can’t stop feeling what I feel for him. I can’t stop loving him and that makes me hate myself all the more.”

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“So what seems to be the problem today Mr. Corinthos?” Chris questioned walking into the examining room as Sonny sat on the examining table.

“I’m just fine here, but my over protective pals here,” he noted to Johnny and the other bulked up man across the room, “seem to feel I needed to be checked out.”

“Well they were apparently right,” Chris noted reviewing the charts, “because the X-rays show you have a few cracked ribs there.”

“So they keep telling me,” Sonny half smiled, “So, I guess this is the part where you get to patch me up and send me on my merry way, huh?”

“Actually this is where I find a beautiful nurse to come in and do the job for me,” Chris offered with a smile.

“Even better,” Sonny half grinned, “on second thought, maybe instead of a nurse you could tell me if Kari was working.”

“Oh yeah, sure I can see what she’s doing. If she’s not busy I can make a point to send her down here,” Chris decided not wanting to irritate a man like Sonny as his luck was already going exceedingly bad this morning. Chris let out a sigh as he rubbed his neck while finishing up with the charts.

“No, really that’s okay,” Chris replied with a frown, “it’s not worth getting into.”

“Why not?” Sonny asked in a slightly irritated tone, “I’m not good enough to talk to?”

“I didn’t say that,” Chris stammered a bit, “it’s just you don’t want to hear my problems.”

“Probably not,” Sonny agreed, “but then again you helped me here and you’re going to get Kari to patch me up, so it’s the least I can do. Consider this a favor,” he paused noting Chris’ hesitance as Chris pondered what a favor from Sonny could mean, “it can’t be that bad.”

“Let me guess, she left you for your best friend,” Sonny questioned lightly.

“No,” Chris shook his head, “She is my best friend....or rather was would be the operative word there.”

“Ah,” Sonny’s eyes grew wide, “so I take it you two decided to take your friendship to the next level and she went running in the opposite direction. That’s got to hurt.”

“No, it’s a real picnic,” Chris grumbled as he met Sonny’s pointed look and he sighed once more, “Actually I let her down last night.”

“I was hoping it would turn into something wonderful, but then, well, she looked so disappointed and then when I saw the regret in her eyes...” Chris trailed off.

“Ah regret,” Sonny nodded, “I know that one all too well. It’s not a pretty picture.”

“No, it’s not,” Chris shook his head, “the last thing I wanted was for her to regret me, or even us.”

“So you love her?” Sonny questioned as Chris gave him a surprised look, “oh come on. Like it’s not obvious by the way you’re moping. A man only looks forlorn like that for two reasons, business or having his heart broken by the woman he loves. Obviously since I’m here business is booming, so it had to be the second choice there.”

“It doesn’t matter how I feel about her,” Chris sighed, “she hates me.”

“I just saw it in the way she can’t stand to look at me,” Chris replied thinking to his last encounter with Eve.

“Did she tell you that?” Sonny questioned lightly finding this to be somewhat amusing.

“So tell me something, are you moonlighting as a psychic as well Doc, because if you are maybe you and I should cut a deal,” Sonny half joked.

“Well, you seem so sure with this woman. I mean you haven’t even talked to her and you’re ready to throw in the towel on how you feel,” Sonny shrugged, “I guess she really didn’t mean that much to you.”

“She means everything to me,” Chris protested taken a back, “she’s the most important thing in my life right now and losing her is tearing me apart.”

“Then why don’t you tell her that instead of sitting here with me?” Sonny questioned, “I’ll bet she’d like to hear it.”

“You know Doc, for having the reputation that you do around here, you’ve really got to approach things more head on with this woman here,” Sonny frowned slightly, “take it from me, there’s nothing worse in a lifetime of regret than knowing that you had a chance and you blew it when your fear over took you and held you back.”

“Like you know anything about being afraid,” Chris muttered under his breath.

“I’ve had my moments,” Sonny admitted, “but I’m trying to make up for lost time.”

“Think it’s possible?” Chris questioned his thoughts lingering back to Eve.

“It’s worth a try,” Sonny shrugged, “I mean what do you have to lose?”

“Call me Sonny,” he reached out to shake his hand, “and if you need to talk, remember my door is always open.”

“Thanks,” Chris smiled before closing the charts, “I’ll work on getting you patched up there.”

“Okay,” Sonny nodded as he watched Chris move towards the door, “oh and don’t forget to have Kari come in here.”

“Of course,” Chris nodded determined to find Eve and tell her the truth once and for all.

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Eve finished up with her charts before tossing them into the basket to be filed away. Sensing her silence Ian watched her for a moment wondering if he should say anything to her. They hadn’t talked since he’d seen her the previous evening and he noticed the dark circles under her eyes as he finally caved in and stepped forward.

“Long night Lambert?” he asked standing before her as she looked up meeting his eyes, yet saying nothing. He frowned slightly seeing her tortured expression as he took a seat beside her, “I thought you were off the schedule for today.”

“Well, you know what they say about us workaholics right,” she offered nodding to the charts before her, “I finished these up for you here.”

“I’m glad someone appreciates me,” Eve sighed slumping her head over on the desk as Ian watched her.

“Why do I get the feeling that there’s more to this than meets the eye?” Ian asked as she let out a slight groan. He placed his hand upon her shoulder as she kept her head buried upon the table, “what happened? Something more with Kevin?”

“No,” she shook her head still keeping it on the table top as she fought her tears, “nothing like that.”

“Then what?” he asked massaging her shoulder slowly as his heart went out to her and he hated to see her in such pain, “what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” Eve sighed as she pulled her head up trying to wipe at her tears, “it’s everything....”

“Oh Eve,” he replied reaching out to wipe a tear from her face as their eyes met, “what happened to you? What happened to that beautiful, carefree smile that you always have on your face?”

“I’m not in the mood much for smiling right now,” she replied feeling his hand upon her cheek as she removed it placing it back on the table top, “I’d just really like to be alone right now.”

“I don’t think that would be good for you,” Ian replied squeezing her hand with his as he felt her sadness rush through her, “I think I should stay with you and we could talk about this together.”

“There’s nothing I feel like saying Ian,” Eve blurted out a bit irritated as she stared at him, “can’t you get a clue? I’m not in the mood to talk. I don’t want to talk and I just want to be left alone. Can’t you just give me that?”

“Not when you’re looking so depressed,” Ian insisted, “Lambert, I’m not going to walk away from you when you look like this.”

“I didn’t ask you to stay,” she replied trying pull her hand from his as he squeezed it tighter before he placed other arm around her shoulder hugging her to him.

“I care about you Lambert and I’m not going to sit back watching you hurting,” he announced as the door opened up and Chris stepped inside taking the scene before him. He noticed Ian’s hand upon Eve’s covering it protectively as he felt his heart sink.

Tensing up at bit, Chris felt a scowl forming upon his lips hating the way that Ian was close to Eve. Just the mere fact that she was allowing Ian to touch her, to speak to her drove him mad and his anger got the best of him, “Don’t you two have work to do?”

“We’re taking a break Ramsey,” Ian snapped back in response, “you can’t get worked up over that.”

“The hell I can’t,” Chris replied his eyes never straying from Eve, “You have more than plenty to do around here Thornhart and I don’t think that tending to Eve constitutes as doing your job.”

“Just back off Ramsey,” Ian scowled standing up to him, “what’s going on with Eve and I here is none of your business.”

“No?” Chris questioned shifting his gaze to Ian, “and what exactly is going on here that’s none of my business?”

“Eve and I would like to be alone, so why don’t you just turn around and walk out of here? Go bother someone else who doesn’t mind your griping because Eve and I are on a break,” Ian sneered at him.

“Tell me something Thornhart,” Chris began feeling his jealousy over take him as he looked to Eve still watching her avoid his stare. Turning back to Ian, Chris clenched his jaw and spoke tightly, “were you hoping you’d find a way into her bed there? Is that what you’re really trying to be one up on me about?”

“Oh come on Eve,” Chris continued, “don’t you want to let hero lover boy know the truth? I mean the man thinks that you hate me for god’s sake, so shouldn’t we tell him just how much?”

“Don’t do this,” Eve replied standing up, “this is between us, not Ian.”

“No? Well, it looked to me like you were making Ian a part of this when I walked in here seeing as you can talk to him about last night, but not to me and I was there,” Chris shot back bitterly.

“I didn’t tell him about last night,” Eve blurted out, “I didn’t tell anyone as I’d just as soon forget it happened.”

“Yeah well that makes two of us,” Chris replied trying to mask his hurt as he looked her over finding himself wanting to take her into his arms more than anything else as a silence fell between them.

“Would someone like to explain this?” Ian asked watching them for a moment as his fears took the best of him and he sensed the unspoken truth between them, “Don’t tell me that you two......”

Eve said nothing as Ian searched her eyes for an answer. He turned to Chris, who couldn’t help but be smug about the situation.

“That’s right Thornhart, I screwed her brains out last night and she loved every minute of it until she realized that I’m one of the bad guys here,” Chris spoke up sharply as a wicked smile grew upon his lips, “still kills you that I did you that good last night, doesn’t it baby? Makes you hate yourself for allowing it to be me you were with instead of someone like St. Ian here?”

“More than you know,” Eve replied watching him make light of the situation as the tears began to cloud in her eyes. She reached for her things gathering them up as she walked towards him, “You’re such a bastard Chris,” Eve blurted out before leaving the room in a haste.

Ian watched her retreat and he turned to Chris, giving him a thoroughly disgusted look, “You’re not worth the air you breathe Ramsey,” Ian shot at him.

“You’re just jealous because I had what you couldn’t,” Chris remarked dryly, “you’ve been pining away over her since you came into town and she chose me last night over you.”

“Disappointed is more the word perhaps,” Ian admitted giving Chris a disapproving stare, “because at least if she’d have been with me, she wouldn’t be crying right now. I would’ve realized what a good thing I’d had and I never would’ve let go. You on the other hand, you have no idea how good you had it with her, and the way I see it, your loss is my gain. You had the world in your arms last night and you blew it,” Ian finished deciding to go after Eve as he left the room and Chris closed his eyes taking in a breath.

“Don’t I know it,” Chris spoke lightly thinking of how much he’d lost after last night with Eve.

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“That’s better,” She offered lightly, “and really it was nothing. I was just doing my job.”

“I was no different with you than I would’ve been with anyone else,” she reminded him.

“Yes, but I appreciated the effort you made with me considering,” he offered with a smile.

“It’s my job,” she replied again meeting his eyes as she let out a sigh, “but for what it’s worth, you’re welcome.”

“See, now that’s what I was hoping for,” he grinned as he noticed the color in her cheeks.

“Well I haven’t had a lot of reason to feel like smiling lately,” Karen admitted lightly, “but I guess it’s not so bad.”

“You should do it more often,” Sonny continued seeing the sparkle behind her eyes, “it only enhances your beauty.”

“You know I was thinking Kari,” he half grinned meeting her eyes, “I know it’s been a long time, but what do you say I take you out for dinner, just the two of us.”

“Oh I don’t know,” she shrugged, “I don’t really think it’s a good idea...”

“Come on,” He urged, “I won’t bite, at least not right away,” he teased as the color rose in her cheeks, “what do you say?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea,” she started to explain as she noticed Eve rushing by her followed by Chris. She frowned finding herself distracted by them as she watched them.

“Hold on a second,” Chris called out to her tugging on her arm and stopping her abruptly.

“There’s nothing more to say,” she concluded looking to his hand upon her arm, “let go of me.”

“Butt out Thornhart,” Chris grumbled at him turning his focus back to Eve, “all I’m asking is five minutes here.”

“I think we have plenty still to talk about,” Chris continued meeting her eyes again as she saw the desperation behind the, “all I’m asking for is five minutes, Eve.”

“Chris,” she started again feeling herself caving in as she opened her mouth to speak again.

“I believe the lady told you to back off,” Ian snapped peeling Chris away from Eve as he grabbed him by the collar, “so get lost.”

“He’s not going to treat you like that,” Ian growled shoving Chris across the hallway.

“Eve doesn’t need you taking up for her like this especially when you have no idea what’s going on,” Chris sneered at Ian, “now I strongly suggest you let go of me or else.”

“Or you’ll dearly regret it,” Chris paused, “on second thought,” he replied throwing his fist into Ian’s cheek as Ian went flying across the room with the impact of the blow.

Reaching up to touch the blood coming from his split lip, Ian looked to Chris as he pulled himself up off the floor, “You’re going to regret that,” Ian hissed.

“Chris! Ian!” Eve shouted at the both of them as they became entangled in a fight, “knock it off! Stop this!”

Karen looked to Sonny, “I need to do something,” she said watching Eve’s panic, “I wouldn’t mind those two tearing each other apart, but not here.”

“Let me take care of it Kari,” Sonny nodded over to Johnny and the other man standing beside him and with a nod they stepped over to Chris and Ian peeling them apart as both men shouted at one another.

“You’re not going near Eve again Ramsey,” Ian threatened as Sonny stepped towards them rubbing his hands together slightly.

“Dr. Ramsey,” Sonny nodded towards Chris before looking between him and Ian, “now I don’t know exactly what’s going on here, but what I do know is this is a hospital and in a hospital we’re to conduct business as usual and perform like professionals, which neither one of you seems to be doing right now,” Sonny looked to Chris before nodding for Johnny to release the hold he had upon Chris, “now I trust you’ll conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner around here.”

Ian glared at Chris before Sonny’s man released him, “This isn’t over, Ramsey,” Ian barked out collecting himself and dusting himself off as he stood taller noticing that Eve had disappeared.

“You can count on that Thornhart,” Chris grumbled as Ian brushed past and he saw that Eve had also disappeared. He looked back to Sonny and offered a light smile, “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me for anything,” Sonny spoke lightly, “I didn't do anything and I meant what I said.”

“They did,” Sonny agreed as Chris picked up his charts and walked away without saying another word.

Seeing the opening Karen approached Sonny with a relieved sigh, “Thanks for doing that.”

“It was nothing,” he shrugged looking to her, “tell me something. That Dr. Lambert that Chris was talking to, how close are they?”

“Call it a feeling, but I could sense something there,” Sonny explained remembering his talk with Chris.

“They’re, well, I don’t know what they are,” Karen frowned, “but despite the display you just witnessed, Eve’s in love with him.”

“Eve doesn’t seem to think so,” Karen shrugged, “but with the way they’re carrying on, who knows?”

“Maybe it’s about time they figured it out somehow,” Sonny suggested an idea forming in his mind, “Tell me something Kari, how would you like to have that dinner with me tonight?”

“I already told you that I don’t think,” she paused noticing something behind his eyes as her curiosity got the best of her, “alright, fine, I’ll have dinner with you.”

“Really?” he smiled brightly, “well good because I think I might need an alibi for what’s going down tonight.”

“Your friends,” Sonny nodded noticing Eve return over by the nurse’s station, “Dr. Ramsey did me a favor this morning and well, I’d like to do the same.”

“Sort of,” Sonny shrugged, “but what can I say? I’m a sucker for romance.”

Sonny turned to look at her, a smile forming upon his lips as he met her eyes, “Since I found a reason to believe in it once again.”

“Have you?” Karen couldn’t help but feel a chill rush through her at the way he was looking at her.

“I think so,” he nodded unable to take his eyes off of her, “and I think if I tried fighting for it, well, maybe it might work out in my favor after all.”

“When I see the prospect of something wonderful before me, well, I can’t help but feel hopeful,” Sonny admitted, “So I’ll have the car pick you up around seven?”

PART FIVE
Eve zipped up her jacket realizing that she needed some time away her life as she stepped out of the hospital entrance. She thought of Ian’s offer to walk her out, but she realized that right now she just needed to clear her head. Finding herself met by the cool night air, she walked towards her car wondering why she didn’t just park in the structure as the moonlight hung over her. Walking faster she continued towards her car as she heard footsteps behind her.

She turned around abruptly finding herself met by a pair of dark eyes as she gasped seeing a gun in the man’s hand as he motioned for her not to make a sound.

“Look, I don’t want to hurt you, but I’m afraid you’re going to have to come with me right now,” he nodded towards the limousine parked a few feet in front of them, “You see we have a choice here. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but I strongly suggest we do this the easy way.”

“What do you want with me?” Eve questioned as she followed his lead moving towards the limo.

“I personally want nothing with you, but someone else would like to have a few words with you tonight,” he motioned for her to get inside the dark limo, “now I strongly suggest that you sit back and try to put yourself at ease for the duration of the ride. You’ll find it’s much better that way.”

Finding her eyes upon the gun once more, Eve followed his request and stepped inside the limo wondering if she was making a mistake as he got in beside her and nodded for the driver to take them away from the hospital.

“Where are we going?” she questioned after a moment trying to pull together the strength inside of her as she looked to her ‘kidnapper’.

“It’s best if we keep this on a need to know basis,” he informed her sharply, “and right now, your location is something that you don’t need to know.”

Chris looked up from his paper work as he heard a soft rapping on this door. He set down his pen and half expected to find Eve standing before him as the door opened and he saw Karen pop her head inside.

“Chris, have you seen Eve anywhere?” Karen questioned with a bit of concern in her tone as she took a seat across from his desk.

“No,” he said tightly trying to keep his voice level as he looked back to his work and shrugged, “why would I have seen her?”

“Oh come on Chris,” Karen leaned forward a bit, “don’t play games with me. We both know exactly why you would’ve seen her or at least wanted to see her.”

“Karen, you don’t know nearly as much as you think you do,” Chris looked up at her briefly before turning his attention back to his work, “was that all you wanted?”

“No, actually I’m just getting warmed up,” she decided giving her a look, “Chris, what happened to you?”

“Yesterday you and I were talking about how if you had the chance with Eve, you wouldn’t blow it.”

“I don’t recall my love life being your personal business there Dr. Wexler,” Chris cut back sharply, “now if you’ll excuse me.”

“Can you honestly just walk away like that Chris?” she questioned shaking her head, “You know I thought you were a great many things, but heartless was not one of them.”

“Oh come on Karen,” Chris gave her a look, “we both know that you think I’m the jerk of the world, so why don’t we just cut to the chase here and you get to your point?”

“My point is that you’re making a mistake Chris,” She said firmly meeting his eyes, “I don’t know why, but you’re doing things horribly wrong with Eve.”

“I’m not, but in the same respect it makes me an expert on seeing something go wrong when it’s right before me,” Karen continued lightly, “I don’t know what happened with you and Eve last night, and I won’t even pretend that I do, but I will say one thing that I do know. Eve cares about you Chris and whatever happened between the two of you, what ever wrong took place, I think it’s about time it be made right before it’s too late.”

“Once again Karen,” Chris started again trying to keep his feelings to himself as he tightened his grip upon his pen, “this is none of your business.”

“Maybe not,” she shrugged walking towards the door, “but if I were you, I’d find a way to work things out before it’s too late here.”

“I’ll take that into consideration,” Chris nodded as the phone on his desk began to ring.

“I’m sure you will,” Karen replied lightly closing the door behind her as she stepped out of his office.

Letting out a sigh, he thought about Karen’s words as he reached for the phone, “Dr. Ramsey here,” he answered.

“Tell me something Dr. Ramsey,” the voice on the other end of the line spoke sharply, “Do you consider yourself to be much of a gambling man?”

“Who is this?” Chris questioned trying to make recognition of the raspy voice on the other end of the line.

“Rest assured Dr. Ramsey, this is most certainly no joke,” the voice explained again.

“Who I am is of no importance, but I think I might have something that interests you. Now, why don’t you get up and take a walk over to your window,” the voice suggested as Chris did as he was instructed and saw a black limo down beneath the night sky, “as you can clearly see your ride is waiting for you.”

“That’s right,” the voice maintained, “Your ride is down there and you are to get into that limo asking no questions as you’re taken to your destination.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Chris decided firmly as he snapped his blinds shut.

“That’s too bad really,” the voice paused before letting out a sinister laugh, “because if you don’t do as requested that pretty little roommate of yours is going to suffer the consequences for your insubordination.”

“I don’t have a roommate. I have no idea what you‘re talking about,” Chris answered tightly as his thoughts instantly drifted to Eve and he found his heart pounding in her chest as he worried for her safety.

“On the contrary Doctor, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about,” the voice maintained once more, “and I strongly suggest you don’t try to play any games here or else, like I’d said before your lady friend will live to regret your mistakes here.”

“Eve will be fine,” the voice cut him off, “as long as you do as you’re told.”

“How do I know that you’re not bluffing?” Chris questioned after a moment.

“How can you be so certain that I am?” the voice challenged before letting out a long sigh, “now listen here. I'm going to give you a few minutes to make up your mind here and if you make the wrong choice, well I’m fairly certain that you won’t be the only one to regret it.”

“Alright,” Chris blurted out his palms sweaty as his mind filled with images of Eve in pain due to him, “I’ll go to the limo.”

“If you say a word of this to anyone, anyone at all, rest assured that Eve won’t live to hear the tale,” the voice finished as the line went dead. Chris hung the phone back up on the base taking in a deep breath.

“What have you done now Henry?” Chris questioned thinking about his father’s shady gambling past. That had to be it. Henry had to be involved somehow and now Eve was going to suffer the consequences if he didn’t do something to help her.

He rubbed his neck for a moment before silently cursing himself for not being able to shield her from this, to keep him from the turmoil other wise known as his life. Now remembering what it had been like to hold her, to touch her and feel her with him, he knew that the last thing he’d wanted was for her to get dragged into this, and yet there she was stuck in the middle of something he wasn’t even sure he’d be able to control. Reaching for his over coat, he flipped the light off of his desk and stepped out into the on call room finding Ian standing there.

“Going somewhere?” Ian questioned raising a brow as he approached him, “I think you and I still have some unfinished business here to deal with.”

“Find what?” Ian asked with a scowl, “a brain or a heart that you’re obviously lacking? Or perhaps you’re looking for Eve so that you can tear her down yet again.”

“Not since you drove her away earlier,” Ian blurted out refusing to give Chris any information on Eve.

“I didn’t drive her awa...” Chris paused shaking his head, “never mind. I see no point in wasting my time with you.”

“It means that I have more important things to attend to than dealing with you,” Chris replied brushing past Ian as Ian seized his arm.

“Yes Ian,” Chris replied prying his arms free as their eyes met in an angry glare, “we are,” Chris finished walking off towards the exit leaving Ian alone in the on call room.

“No, we’re not,” Ian shook his head as he found himself lost in thoughts, “not by a long shot.”

“So are you going to tell me what this is all about or are you going to keep me in suspense all night?” Karen questioned as Sonny took a seat across from her at the table.

“Kari,” he smiled at her slightly, “I didn’t realize you were still into asking so many questions.”

“Where you’re concerned, I know better than to go into something blindly,” Karen remarked pointedly as she sat up straighter.

“So what was with the sudden interest to bring me to dinner tonight?” she asked flat out not wanting to beat around the bush.

“I just like to call them like I see them and I like knowing what I’m getting myself into before I’m over my head,” Karen reminded him lightly.

“Given our history, I think you’d know the answer to that question,” Karen paused meeting his dark, mysterious eyes, “its goes without saying.”

“That it does,” Sonny nodded sipping his wine as he looked her over appreciatively, “if you must know, I wanted to see you.”

“What I mean is you always have some kind of agenda,” Karen leaned forward a bit, “that hasn’t changed about you Sonny, so why don’t you just lay it out on me here?”

“I think I’m hurt,” he said setting his wine glass down, “don’t you think that maybe I was in the mood for some conversation here and I wanted your company?”

“My company?” she repeated with an amused smile as she reached for her wine glass, “somehow I have the feeling if you wanted good conversation you could’ve found one of your employees here to give it to you,” she nodded to Johnny, “I’m sure they’d find no lack of praise where you’re concerned.”

Sonny let go of an amused grin, “Is that what you think I wanted? Some kind of praise,” he half laughed, “oh Kari, you don’t know me nearly as well as you presume to.”

“There you’re wrong,” she shook her head as she sipped her wine, “I think I know you far more than you’d like.”

“Even so,” he replied leaning back in his chair, “tonight isn’t about hidden agendas.”

“I consider you a lot more than that Kari,” he replied giving her a look that sent a blush right through her as she found herself unable to come up with some witty reply. Seeing her uneasiness, he smiled lightly before explaining himself further, “actually after last night I got to thinking,” he started.

“Getting a few cracked ribs gets you thinking?” she asked in obvious amusement.

“Beyond the ribs,” he couldn’t help but laugh, “I started thinking about things,” he continued, “my life and how it’s changed, especially since Carly left,” he paused lightly before sipping his wine and taking in a breath, “you never do quite get a grasp on life until it’s kind of spun out of control and you realize that your world as you know it is shaken up in a whirlwind. Of course when it dies down, you’re left to deal with the scattered pieces and you can decide if you can put them back together again, or if you want to toss them and start anew.”

“Call it a time for reconciliation,” he suggested seeing her curious eyes before explained further, “when Carly left me, it gave me a lot of time to think about my life, my past mistakes...”

“And that’s when you thought of me? When you were thinking about the mistakes in your life?”

“Well yes,” he paused, “no, well, in a way that’s how it came about, but...”

“Well, Kari, I realized that in all this time we’ve both been back here, we never connected, never really spoke about the past or how it effected us,” he paused, “sure we’d had our run ins with one another, but nothing significant.”

“So you thought we’d have a heart to heart?” she questioned raising an eyebrow, “now that has to be a first. Sonny Corinthos wanting to open up about his feelings. Now I know hell has frozen over.”

“Kari,” he shook his head, “once again you’re right, but you do realize that I never stopped caring about you.”

“Maybe I do,” she shrugged, “it’s not like we ever had anything good come out of our time together.”

“Perhaps, but if you felt that strongly about it, you wouldn’t be here tonight,” he pointed out.

“Then I suppose I should take full advantage of your curiosity and turn this around for the both of us.”

“Do you think your influence over me is that powerful?” she questioned raising a brow as she sipped her wine once more.

“Maybe, maybe not,” he smiled, “but I can see just enough light behind your eyes to hope that I have a chance.”

“In that case,” he nodded, “I’m here because I’d like to try a new beginning here.”

“Someone must’ve worked a number over you,” he frowned, “you were never this cynical before.”

“I’ve just become a realist,” she pointed out, “I’ve seen what the world is about and I know not to go into something believing it blindly as you’ll find you’re in for a huge let down.”

“I expect nothing,” she shrugged, “hence no disappointment when something fails to live up to my would be expectations.”

“That,” he smiled in response, “to see you happy, to see you looking so beautiful.”

She blushed slightly looking away as she tried to keep him from seeing the effect his attentions were having upon her, “Always the sweet talker.”

“Speaking from my heart,” he replied boldly reaching across the table to take her hand in his, “there’s a lot that you haven’t seen from me Kari.”

“And a lot that perhaps I wouldn’t want to either,” she turned her head noticing his fingers over hers as she met his eyes once more, “what is it you’re looking for Sonny?”

“You shouldn’t have to give me a second chance,” he explained further, “but if you did, it should be because you want to,” he replied meeting her beautiful, dark eyes, “so tell me Kari, would you want to?”

Eve looked around her confinement. Pacing around the tiny room, she looked at it’s beige walls and brownish-orange carpeting that had obviously seen better days. As she looked to the chair in the corner of the room, she noted the scratched vinyl and leather as she smelled the stale remainder of cigarette smoke in the air. Rubbing her arms furiously to keep the chill in the air from getting to her, she moved to the door one again pounding her fists into it.

“Where am I?” she screamed loudly continuing her assault on the door, “why are you doing this? Who are you?”

Once again she was met by silence as she paused for a moment feeling her strength draining from her from the combination of the sleeplessness night and her unanswered screams. She pounded the door once more as her anger got the best of her.

“You’re not going to get away with this!” Eve shouted striking the door once more as her eyes scanned the room, “Do you hear me you sick bastards? You won’t get away with this!”

With a heavy sigh, Eve felt her hands trembling as she crossed the room looking for something, anything as she saw the desk across the room. Walking over to it, she tugged on the drawers tearing them open only to find the desk empty. She felt her anger surge through her as she found no obvious way to attempt getting out of her predicament. Frustrated, she moved over to the chair wondering how in the world she was going to get out of this as she slumped over finding angry tears burning in her eyes.

“How did this happen?” she asked herself thinking back to the last twenty four hours of her life. So much had changed, so many things happened and it just seemed that after last night everything was going down hill as her time with Chris was just a catalyst for things to come.

Hearing the door clicking, she looked up again to see it open as she noticed a figure shoved into the room with her. She wiped at her damp, tear streaked face finding her eyes still blurred by her tears as she saw the commotion before her.

“Hey watch the jacket,” Chris snapped at the man as he felt the choke hold the man had upon him.

“I said shut up,” the thug that had brought her earlier barked before slamming the door and leaving her with the room’s new occupant.

“Damn!” Chris shouted reaching for the door knob trying to twist it open as he started to pound on it.

“It’s no use,” Eve spoke up trying to keep her voice level as Chris turned to face her, seeing her in the room for the first time, “I’ve been trying to get it to move for over an hour now and it’s no use.”

“Eve,” Chris gasped seeing her as he realized that she was okay. Without a thought he rushed over to her pulling her into his arms and squeezing her close to him, “oh thank god.”

She felt his arms around her hugging her tightly as she reciprocated the gesture not knowing what to say, but finding herself overcome with a slight sense of relief as she was no longer alone.

Pulling back slightly, Chris touched her face, his eyes full of concern for her, “Did they hurt you?”

“I’m fine,” she offered as she felt his fingers move over her face, “Just scared, but I’m okay.”

“They didn’t touch you, did they?” he questioned cautiously as he realized just how terrified he’d been at the thought of never seeing her again. Now holding her close like this, he knew that he’d never be able to let her go again if they ever got out of here.

“They just blindfolded me and tossed me in here not without a fight from me of course,” Eve explained meeting his eyes again as a silence filled the air between them. Feeling a bit uneasy Eve took a step back and looked around, “where are we, Chris?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted watching her turn away as he felt his heart sink, “I wish I could tell you that.”

“I’m here because I was looking for you,” he openly admitted suddenly feeling guilt sting at his heart as he saw the fear in his eyes, “and you’re here because they needed someone to bait me with.”

“Eve,” he sighed hanging his head down shamefully, “you shouldn’t have been dragged into this.”

“What have you done, Ramsey?” she asked finding herself met by a silence, “What have you done for us to wind up here? Chris, who did you set off for them to bring us down here?” she asked frustrated that she wasn’t getting any answers as she raised her voice again, “Answer me Chris! What did you do?”

“Eve, I didn’t do anything,” he said taking her hands in his and capturing them, “I swear to you that this is not something I brought on myself or intended to bring you into.”

“Then what’s going on?” she asked sensing the apprehension in his tone. His eyes shifted away from hers and she reached out to touch his cheek, “Chris, what’s happening to us?”

“Eve, I never wanted you to get sucked into this,” he explained lightly looking at her once more, “I knew if I let you in that somehow I would hurt you and in so many ways, I have and to see that fear and disappointment in your eyes,” he broke off his words as he took in a breath, “I swore to myself that I would never do that to you, that I would never be the cause of that sadness...that I would never be the source of your pain and yet here I am causing you more grief than I’d ever imagined.”

“Chris, please just tell me what’s going on,” Eve urged seeing the tears forming in his eyes as she cupped his face boldly, “Stop being obscure and tell me what’s ahead of us here.”

“I don’t know, Eve,” he admitted honestly his voice shaky as he thought about her being stuck here.

“Why are we here?” she asked again trying to stay calm though the panic in his eyes only added to her own concerns about this place.

“It’s got to be about Henry,” Chris finally blurted out, “that’s my only conclusion here.”

“Eve, I told you before what kind of lifestyle he led,” Chris sighed taking a step back from her as he crossed the room, “he seemed to wind up more often than not running some kind of con that always ended up with him over his head. Usually when that happened, one of us got the slack from it,” Chris looked to her briefly before pacing the room looking at the walls of their confinement, “when Henry screwed up and a deal went sour, which happened more often than not, well that was when the people he was doing a business interaction with took action,” Chris paused as he saw the concern behind her eyes, “and believe me Eve, they made sure to it that Henry understood what it meant to double deal on them.”

“Meaning that they decided to strike against him?” Eve questioned watching Chris sink into the broken down chair as he slumped his head in his hands.

“Meaning that they went after what would be important to most men,” Chris explained looking up at her as he rubbed his aching neck, “they went after his family, which in most cases would be enough to scare the hell out of your average Joe off the street, but not Henry. Knowing that his family was first on the list of attack, well, it just gave him more time to run for cover and move along if there was someone else to take the flack for what he’d done.”

“Which means that more than likely something Henry was into went sour again,” Chris explained with a heavy heart as he looked to her seeing so many mixed emotions behind her eyes.

“I’m here because I tend to be the fall guy for my father here,” Chris sighed as he turned away unable to make eye contact with her, “and you’re here because you were the unlucky soul that these people saw that I actually gave a damn about. If I didn’t care about you Eve, had I not brought you into my messed up life here, then you‘d be safe right now. You‘d be....” he trailed off.

Without a word Eve watched him slump his head over as she stepped towards him, slowly making a path to him. Silently she bent down leaning before him as she reached out placing her hands in his lap covering his with hers.

“Eve,” he spoke desperately as he squeezed her hands, “I never intended upon this. I never wanted to hurt you.”

“If I could take this pain away from you,” he started, “if only I could’ve found a way to shield you from this somehow,” he sighed reaching out to touch her face, “Eve, you’ve got to believe me when I say that I never, ever wanted to get you wrapped up in this. I never wanted to relive this part of my life, let alone drag you down with me in it. You deserve far more than....”

“Than what, Chris?” she asked cutting him off, “than to be a part of your life?”

“Safe from what? From this?” she asked looking around the room, “or safe from you admitting what’s really happening with us?”

“Eve, I think it’s pretty straightforward,” Chris replied looking back at her, “you’ve just been taken hostage here by lord only knows who and it’s because of me. Because I....”

“Because you cared about me,” Eve finished, “Chris, just think about that for a second. They brought me here tonight because they knew you’d care about me to come searching for me. They knew that I was the one person you‘d actually go looking for and that you‘d risk yourself to find.”

“A lot of good it did you,” he shrugged with a sigh, “some friend I turned out to be.”

“Chris,” Eve started seeing him lost in his despair as she slumped down a bit herself and spoke lightly thinking about the previous evening, “at least in you showing up, it would’ve proved that you’d cared about me.”

“I do care about you, Eve,” Chris started as his eyes shifted to her on the floor as it dawned in on him how she might be feeling, “oh god Eve, did you think that I don’t care about you?”

“After last night I wasn’t sure what to think,” Eve admitted openly hugging her legs to her chest as she felt the chill in the air.

“Eve, I never stopped caring about you,” Chris replied reaching out to run his fingers through her dark hair as she leaned back into him, “never, ever, nor could I find it in my heart to ever stop caring about you.”

“But....” she started tilting her head back a bit to find him leaning over her as their eyes met, “then why..?”

“Eve, don’t you know by now just what you mean to me?” he inquired lightly seeing the questions behind her eyes as he brushed her cheek lightly with his index finger. Seeing her beautiful brown eyes gazing up at him, he couldn't help but feel his heart melt as he thought of how much he loved her, how much he’d needed her, about how he’d wanted to protect her, to love her and yet....his thoughts lingered off as he turned his head away, “you shouldn’t have been brought into this.”

“Maybe not,” she sighed looking back to the ugly puke colored carpeting at her feet, “but I’m here now and we can’t change that.”

“No, I suppose we can’t,” Chris sighed as he reclined back in the chair a bit as he felt the beginnings of a headache coming on.

“So what now?” Eve asked resting her head against his leg as she sat before him.

“Well, we can’t just give up,” she decided perking her head up as she looked at him, “Chris, we can’t just lay down and die because someone had a bone to pick with your father.”

“Eve, I don’t think you quite understand the type of people we’re dealing with,” Chris frowned looking to her, “when I was younger, it was they tried to destroy your home, as I got older, it was cracked ribs and then....” he shook his head, “Eve, these people mean business and depending on how much Henry is in over his head, well, I don’t know what we’re looking at here.”

“He didn’t give you any indication that he might be in trouble?” Eve asked.

“With my father, it’s never a warning or an indication, just a phone call when he’s tapped out and the bounty hunters are after his head,” Chris exhaled, “and by then it’s a race against the clock trying to find a way to weasel him out of it before his problems become your problems.”

“I’m afraid so,” Chris shook his head, “I get the feeling this time is no doubt more serious than the last.”

“So maybe we could explain to them that you’re not a part of what Henry does. You could tell them that you haven’t gotten into contact with him. You could try to reason that...”

“Eve, these aren’t they type of men who listen to reason,” Chris blurted out interrupting her, “They are the type that shoot first, ask questions later,” He paused, “I don’t mean to scare you, but this isn’t just another one of those James Bond adventures that you like to get yourself into. If this has to do with Henry, well, it’s not going to be pretty Eve and I don’t want you hurt.”

“I’m not going to wind up hurt,” Eve protested, “we’ll think of something.”

“Eve, I don’t think you get how serious this could be for us....” he started again.

“Chris, I know what it’s like to be in these life threatening situations, but you can rest assured that if we put our heads together, maybe just maybe we can find a way to...” she started excitedly.

“Eve, listen to me,” he said seizing her shoulders as he pulled her up to him, “are you not getting what I’m telling you? More than likely these men are killers and if we don't play our cards right we’re going to wind up being fished out of the Port Charles river.”

“Chris, you’re scaring me,” Eve finally blurted out seeing the seriousness behind his eyes.

“This is scary stuff, Eve. This isn’t fairy tale land where with the wave of a magic wand all of the bad disappears,” Chris frowned, “this is real life and it’s pretty ugly once you’re down in it.”

“Eve, I’m not asking you to give up hope, but I’m asking you to trust me to take control of this here,” Chris said meeting her eyes, “I know how you have a tendency to be impulsive and ready to attack, but those traits can end up sending you to the morgue with people like this.”

“Eve, I’m afraid for you,” he admitted unable to keep it inside much longer as he pulled her closer to him, “can’t you see how much you mean to me? How much losing you would destroy me? How much I.....?”

“How much you what?” she asked watching his lips as she felt something between them. Perhaps the same emotion she’d felt last night before they’d made love. There was no way to describe it, but somehow she thought she saw it there behind his eyes.

“How much I l....” he started as he was cut off by the sounds of the door opening once more.

“Well lookie what we have here boys,” the thug that had brought them both down to this place called out gruffly, “looks like we’re interrupting a Kodak moment here.”

Seeing that there were three others in the room with them, Chris stood abruptly placing himself between them and Eve, “Look, I don’t know who you are, or more importantly who you’re working for, but you can rest assured that I want to see your boss now.”

“Relax Romeo,” the man replied with an amused expression, “the boss will see you now,” the man’s eyes shifted over towards Eve as his grin widened, “the both of you.”

“You leave her out of this,” Chris blurted out as he felt Eve slink behind him a bit. He extended his arms out behind himself to grab a hold of her, “she has nothing to do with this.”

“That’s not for you to decide pal,” the thug noted nodding to one of other buddies to go over and get Eve.

“Back off Bruno,” Eve blurted out as the guy reached for her arm, “if you touch me, I swear you’re going to be singing soprano from now on.”

The guy reached for her again and Chris smacked his hand, “Didn’t you hear the lady? She said back off,” he snapped as another thug reached for him grabbing him by the collar and picking him up off his feet.

“Chris,” Eve gasped watching the man hold him in the air as the man was more than twice his size. She lunged forward trying to help him as the other man who’d reached out to her before seized her in his arms, “Let go of me,” she protested.

“I told you leave her out of this,” Chris snapped again as he met the eyes of the grizzly man holding him, “I don’t care what you do with me, but she’s got nothing to do with this.”

“Like I said,” the leader of the three said dusting his jacket off a bit, “the boss wants to see you, the both of you. Now shall we?”

“You’re just full of presumptions tonight aren’t you?” Karen replied avoiding the question as her eyes slipped away from Sonny’s and she withdrew her hand.

“Why?” she questioned lightly, “why come to me with this now after all this time?”

“And reflecting upon what you did to me, what? Did it make you want to find some kind of redemption? Make you think that perhaps you could erase all the scars by coming here and attempting to push your way back in?”

“No, I didn’t plan on that, but what I did hope for was for maybe a chance to build upon what we’d lost,” he paused.

“I have Kari, and I know it’s not exactly the kind of thing that you were expecting, but I’ve been keeping an eye on you lately...”

“No, not spying, just keeping an eye on you,” he defended, “you aren’t happy.”

“Who are you to make that kind of assumption about my life?” she snapped in response.

“Once it meant something to you knowing that I wanted you happy,” Sonny started again.

“Once you nearly destroyed my life,” she reminded him painfully as she thought of their time together.

“And where did he go now?” she raised a brow, “I’m sorry, but you’re trying too hard to make me believe that you’re a changed man here and beneath these romantic overtones, I see the same person staring back at me.”

“I see,” he started opening his mouth to speak once more as his cell phone began to ring, “hold that thought,” he said reaching inside his pocket and fishing out his phone, “hello....yes.....what do you have for me? I see...” he continued his conversation as Karen started off into space.

Looking around the dimly lit restaurant, Karen started to wonder what Sonny was up to, what his game was in bringing her here and why she’d accepted in the first place. She hadn’t been around him in so long and now having him around her, well, it was stirring all sorts of thoughts that she’d pushed aside a life time ago. She heard him say his good byes to the caller and she turned to him seeing the curious expression upon his face.

“In most cases it would be, but this time,” he shook his head, “this was about your friends.”

“My friends,” she repeated suddenly remembering his talk with her on Chris and Eve, “what have you done with them?”

“They’ve been set on a course for some time together,” Sonny answered simply reaching for his wine.

“A romantic evening for two,” he explained lightly, “I thought that they looked like they could use a second chance with one another.”

“So set the mood right, add a little flair and that’s all it takes to make something wonderful again?” she asked.

“If it was wonderful to begin with, the setting will be external to the mood,” Sonny shrugged.

“Since when did you become a hopeless dreamer?” she questioned curiously, “or more so since when did you become an altruist?”

“But this quest to help Chris and Eve find romance with one another,” Karen started.

“He did me a favor earlier,” Sonny replied , “and to those who do me a favor, I tend to reciprocate.”

“Like I said,” he shrugged, “I’m a hopeless romantic when it gets down to it.”

“Well, we’ll just have to work on that,” he smiled in obvious amusement, “and we will, when you start seeing me for what I truly am.”

“It’ll take a lot to prove to me that’s the case with you,” Karen informed him seriously.

“I didn’t say it would be easy to convince you,” he smiled lightly, “but I think I’m up for the challenge.”

“No, not a magician, but someone who’s not afraid to take a risk every now and then,” he said decidedly, “and the way I see it, tonight is full of promise.”

“Perhaps a little for both,” he smiled meeting her eyes once more, “do you believe in promise, Kari?”

“Not anymore,” she said turning her attention to their meals as the waiter arrived serving it to them.

As the waiter left Sonny looked to her with a smile before he gave her a determined look, “Then we’ll have to work on it.”

“Easy with the meat hooks,” Eve snapped as the man practically threw her down into a chair placed in front of a large black marble desk. She shot him a glare as he pushed on her shoulders a bit.

The other man released Chris and he found himself met with an incredible fury as he reached out to the other man smacking his hands off of Eve, “I told you not to touch her.”

“You don’t know when to keep your mouth shut, do you?” the guy grumbled as he seized Chris by the collar and threw him across the room.

“Chris,” Eve gasped trying to get up from her seat as they pushed her back down again. She felt her breath catch in her throat as another one of the men walked over to Chris giving him a swift kick in the abdomen.

“I said shut up,” the man barked as Chris let out a pained groan and Eve noticed the ache in his eyes.

“That’s quite enough,” another new voice replied as the thug was about to kick Chris once more, “pick him up.”

“Yes sir,” the man nodded obediently as he lifted Chris like it was nothing and he dropped him into the chair next to Eve.

Eve noticed the blood collected at the corner of his mouth and she reached over to him, “Chris, are you okay,” she asked unable to mask the tears behind her eyes as she reached out to him.

“Eve,” he managed to get out as he gasped for air. Finding that the pain was vibrating through him, he reached for her hand giving it a squeeze to indicate that he would be fine.

“Touching isn’t it,” the man who’d just arrived nodded to his men before taking a seat in the leather chair at the other end of the desk, “now tell me, shall we get down to business Dr. Ramsey?”

Chris looked to the gray haired man and saw his piercing brown eyes staring back at him. Unable to stop the throbbing in his head Chris tried to sit up straighter as Eve squeezed his hand once more.

The man frowned upon looking at Chris and he nodded to his men, “Vincent, get him a rag or something to wipe up some of that blood.”

“Now, back to the subject matter at hand,” he said turning from his men back to Chris and Eve, “I apologize for the abruptness of this situation, but I’m afraid we had some rather pressing business to attend to here.”

“What is it you want?” Chris finally questioned having collected himself as Vincent returned with a rag.

“It isn’t a case of what I want,” explained, “it’s a question of taking back what’s rightfully mine.”

“And what might that be pal?” Eve piped in boldly as the man shifted his gaze from Chris to her.

“That’s none of your damn business,” Eve huffed as one of the men started towards her and he stopped them short. Eve watched as the thug stepped back and Mr. Roselli looked back to her, “you know you’re not going to get away with this. We have friends and they aren’t just going to sit back not knowing that we’re missing. You’re not going to be able to keep us locked up here.”

“You know, I must admit, she‘s got quite a mouth on her,” he grinned lightly turning to Chris, “there’s that old adage you know,” he turned back to Eve with a serious expression before looking over to Chris again, “the only time a woman should have her mouth open is in the bedroom where it could be fully appreciated and put to good use. Other than that she should learn to keep her mouth shut,” he finished as Vincent shoved her back down further into the chair.

“Bold aren’t you?” Roselli couldn’t help but smile as he leaned back in his seat, “you’re nothing like your father, are you? I mean if he was sitting here, he‘d be begging for his skin not worried about the floozy at his side.”

“Let’s get down to what you really want,” Chris said putting on his best poker face as he tried to remain firm despite his overwhelming fear for Eve, “how much does Henry owe you?”

“What does Henry owe me?” Roselli chuckled lightly, “oh that’s a good one,” he rubbed his hands together before pulling out a cigar and one of his men walked over offering him a light. With a nod, he lit it before taking a puff, “now let’s see, is this the moment where I lay out a price and you offer to write me a check?”

“More than you can afford on your salary,” Roselli replied holding the cigar in his thick fingers, “he took something very priceless from me and I want it back.”

“Restitution,” Roselli replied simply, “he took something that was mine and I want it back in spades,” he looked over to Eve giving her a once over, “and the more I think about it, the more I’m fairly certain that we’ll be able to work out an exchange.”

“What do you want?” Chris asked tightly wanting to reach out across the desk and strangle him for the way he was looking at Eve.

“What do I want?” he repeated with a smile, “I’m a man of many means, Dr. Ramsey. The lengths of which I’d go to pursue pleasure are limitless,” he glanced over at Eve once more before returning his gaze to Chris again, “and as I can see you are a man of great taste yourself.”

“What is it you’re after here?” Chris repeated tightly not wanting to show any weakness, “what kind of trade off are you looking for?”

“Your father took something of mine,” he said simply before reclining back in his seat, “and I want it back.”

“Oh I know you don’t, Dr. Ramsey,” Roselli replied with a hint of a smile, “but you’re going to be the one to get it back for me. That I’m certain of.”

“And what might it be,” Chris questioned firmly, “what is it that you’re asking me to get for you?”

“I’m not asking,” he said simply reaching for a photograph from the table top as he tossed it to Chris, “I’m telling you.”

“You don’t recognize it,” Roselli shrugged, “why it’s a period piece, from the Ming dynasty, I do believe,” he paused, “it was mine or at least it was until your father decided to lift it for himself.”

Chris looked over the photo for a moment before tossing it aside, “I have no clue what he could’ve done with it. If he had it at all, rest assured it’s left his hands by now as this would be of no interest to him.”

“I’m quite aware of that,” Roselli nodded, “a man like your father could not appreciate the worth of something of this caliber, but I on the other hand, why as I mentioned before I appreciate the finer things in life,” he finished.

“See, now that’s where you’re in luck,” Roselli leaned forward over the desk as he puffed his cigar, “because I do and you’re going to go and get it for me. You see your father decided to put it up for sale so to speak after I‘d offered him quite a fortune to obtain it for me.”

“Well you see, your father was to have obtained it for me the first time he got a hold of it, kept it for a while and decided he‘d fish around for a better offer which came in the form of a Count Desmont in Paris,” he frowned, “however, the Count was firm in his belief to keep from caving in to my offers,” he smiled lightly, “but just by the stroke of luck, the Count recently passed on and it had come up for auction once more this his estate.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Roselli questioned, “but seriously the auction is over and now it is in the hands of a Duchess Manchester. Her husband purchased it for her in the auction and now I’ve decided I would like it back.”

“My she’s not as dumb as she looks,” Roselli noted giving her a look, “that’s right sweetheart. I know what kind of reputation he has here for sweet talk and he’s going to prove useful in getting it back for me.”

“Well then,” Roselli nodded to Vincent as he seized Eve by the hair and he pressed a sharp blade to the base of her throat, “I guess we’ll have to cut our losses.”

Overcome with a panic, Chris looked back to Roselli, “alright. I’ll do it.”

“Somehow I knew you’d see it my way,” he nodded to Vincent to back off as he released Eve and she let out a slight gasp of relief.

“You’re not in a position to be handing out conditions to me boy,” Roselli reminded him.

“I don't want her to be a part of this. You can do what you want with me, but I want her left out of this,” Chris pleaded.

“Sorry, but it’s too late for that,” he shook his head, “as you can clearly see, she’s my best method of keeping you in line and I know as long as there’s a threat over her head, well, you’re going to do the job the best you can.”

“I’ll do that for you now. You have my word, but just let her go,” Chris urged once more, “you don’t need to keep her in this. She’s not a part of this.”

“No, see there you’re wrong. She already is and now, well, while I’d had intended on doing this one way in sending you off tonight, the plans have changed.”

“You two are leaving Port Charles tonight and you’ll be taking my private jet to Europe where you will obtain what is mine,” he answered simply, “and if you fail to retrieve it, well, then you’ll find that you won’t live to tell the tale.”

“And if we get it back for you?” Eve asked rubbing her throat slightly as she could still feel the coolness of the blade that once was there.

“Why now that’s the best part. You and your boyfriend are free to go,” he smiled taking another puff of his cigar, “no questions asked.”

“You know this is never going to work,” Eve blurted out, “we have lives that people are going to notice us missing. We can’t just not show up to work without someone asking questions.”

“Like you have so many friends,” he rolled his eyes turning to one of his men, “but I’ve got that covered,” he finished as Vincent brought Chris over a cell phone.

“You’re going to call the hospital Mr. Chief Resident and you’re going to explain that you and Dr. Lambert here won’t be around for a while,” Roselli informed him.

“Just like that,” he nodded to Vincent as Vincent dialed and Chris and Eve exchanged worried glances as Vincent handed the phone to Chris.

“Hello,” Karen’s voice spoke up on the other end of the line as Chris took in a breath.

“I just wanted to call over there and let you know that I won’t be at work for a while,” Chris explained, “there’s been a family crisis on my part and I won’t be able to be in for a while.”

“Well, okay...no problem,” Karen replied, “I’ll just tell Dr. Quartermaine for you,” she finished.

“Oh and Karen,” Chris added, “I forgot to write it in, but Eve took some time off. She had some vacation time coming up...”

“Did she now?” Karen smiled slightly, “And would it be safe to assume she’s also going on this family emergency there?”

“I’m not sure what she’s doing, but she needed some time to herself,” Chris said looking over to Eve as he saw the tired expression on her face.

“I’m sure,” Karen replied with a light laugh, “whatever. It’s covered here.”

“Thank you Karen,” Chris finished hanging up the phone before looking over to Roselli, “now what?”

“Now we get you two ready for your adventure,” he grinned, “the sooner you two get started, the sooner you can be finished and on your way,” he looked between them before throwing out a smile, “I mean after all you two would like to get back to your lives again, right?”

“Just as long as we have lives to lead once this is over,” Eve remarked dryly.

“Well?” Sonny questioned lightly looking to Karen as she hung up her cell phone.

“And he said that he was going away for a family emergency,” Karen replied thinking about the tone in his voice as he’d called her.

“He said she was going away as well,” Karen paused thinking it over for a moment.

“I’m not sure,” Karen frowned, “I mean perhaps it did, but he made a point to say that he didn’t know what Eve was doing.”

“After knowing what you attempted to put into their evening,” she shook her head slightly, “No, no I’m certain they’re together.”

“So then you’re starting to believe in my, what was it you called it earlier? My magic making skills?” he questioned with a slight smile.

“I haven’t seen the results yet,” she replied thinking it over for a moment as she met his eyes, “but time will tell.”

PART SIX
Chris looked over to Eve as she curled up on the seat beside him. Seeing her eyes closed as she was off in her own little dreamland, he gazed over her features thinking about how beautiful she was. With a smile he wrapped the blanket around her a bit tighter as he found himself relieved that she was about to get rest during this trip into hell, a hell that he’d brought them into as he looked across the isle. Seeing two of Roselli’s thugs across the way, he frowned before redirecting his attention to Eve as he wondered just how long it would be until they landed at their destination point.

As if sensing his discontent or finding one on her own, Chris watched as Eve curled into him snuggling against him from her seat as she let out a tiny sigh. He touched her cheek gently feeling a smile tugging on his lips as he thought of how beautiful she was. He wrapped his arm around her tenderly just taking in the warmth of her against him as he closed his eyes wishing things were different. If only he’d been up front with her to begin with, if only he didn’t care so much, if only he wasn’t Henry Ramsey’s son...if only...his thoughts were interrupted as he felt her stir a bit beside him.

“Good morning beautiful,” Chris offered with a smile watching her eyelids flutter.

“It’s late,” he replied with a soft grin, “or early depending on how you look at it.”

“Wh-where are we?” Eve questioned looking around her surroundings for a moment as her face dropped in the realization of where they were, “so it wasn’t a dream?”

“Afraid not,” Chris sighed as she started to pull away from him rubbing her tired eyes, “I wish it was however.”

“You and me both,” Eve replied lightly stretching her arms out a bit as she looked to him, “So did they tell you where we’re going?”

“Nothing more than they did when they hauled us in here,” Chris shrugged, “I heard one of the men speaking Spanish or Italian to the pilot, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying.”

“Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a Spanish class, Eve?” he replied defensively.

“Well, surely you could’ve picked up something,” Eve frowned, “something had to have stuck with you.”

“Eve, I know how to ask for a beer and how to say a few choice words when you’re upset with someone,” Chris informed her bluntly, “what about you, woman of oh so many cultures?”

“I know how to ask someone to....” she paused feeling a blush coming on, “never mind.”

“What is this?” He asked with a smile noticing hte rosy color in her cheeks, “are you blushing?”

“You are so,” he couldn’t help but laugh, “I never thought I’d live to see the day that Eve Lambert...”

“You are too,” he said reaching out to press a finger tip to her cheek, “that is so cute.”

“Chris,” she snapped at him as he teased her, “one more crack like that and you’ll find out what it means to be red in the face as you’ll be screaming in agony there.”

“Now there’s the Eve I know and love,” he chuckled, “it wouldn’t be a complete day if you weren’t insulting and/or threatening me and my manhood.”

“Rest assured your manhood is the least from my mind here in this moment,” she replied sharply.

“Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” he replied without an after thought as their eyes locked and he found himself flashing back to hold her in his arms, how it felt to make love to her. He watched as she seemed to have something flickering behind her eyes too before she turned away and a silence filled the air between them.

“So how much longer do you think we’ll be up here?” she asked gazing out into the clouds surrounding them.

“I’m not sure, but I’m fairly certain that it won’t be much longer,” Chris shrugged trying to get his mind back to what was happening now and not the previous evening.

“Fairly certain or you’re talking out your...” she started turning to face him as he pressed his hand over her mouth.

“Shh...” he instructed noting one of the men emerging from the cockpit and speaking with another.

“What are they saying?” Eve questioned in a whisper as she leaned over Chris trying to take in more of what was going on.

“I don’t know,” Chris said straining to hear as they spoke too softly to be heard. He looked down and saw Eve leaning over his lap a bit trying her best to get some pieces of the conversation as she looked back to him. Saying nothing their eyes locked and he felt his pulse quicken as he found himself lost in her eyes. Instinctively he leaned in towards her as his eyes cast a glance at her full lips remembering oh too well how good it had felt to taste them.

“Chris,” She started after a moment as she pulled away, “I think we’re landing now.”

“What?” he asked following her stare to the men getting into their seatbelts, “so we are.”

“Yeah,” she nodded turning back towards the window, “I guess that soon enough we’re about to find out what lies ahead of us down there.”

“Eve, about this trouble that we’re in,” he began, “you know I never, ever intended upon getting you into this....”

“I know,” she said giving him a quick glance as she flashed him a sympathetic smile, “I know, Chris.”

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Karen stepped out into the lobby after finishing up with one of her early morning patients and over by the nurse’s station, she found Sonny leaning up against it casually as he held a single white bud in his hand.

“To what do I owe this honor?” she questioned filing away her charts as she walked past him.

“Think you did that bad last night, huh?” she questioned with a smile looking over at him.

“If not, then consider it a token of my appreciation,” he replied watching her accept the flower.

“You never cease to amaze me,” she replied with a smile, “or should it be amuse me?”

“Have you spoken to either one of your friends?” he questioned lightly looking around the lobby.

“Is that all,” she asked with a smile looking up to him and seeing a serious look upon his face, “what is it?”

“Nothing,” he shrugged looking away, “I just wondered if you’d heard from them.”

“Sonny, what is it you’re not telling me?” she asked noticing his apprehension, “Sonny?”

“Karen, I just...well I was curious to know how their night went,” Sonny explained.

“Chris said that they were going away, but I’d already told you that,” Karen frowned again, “what is it you aren’t telling me?”

“Sonny, they are my friends and if they are in any kind of danger, you’d better tell me now,” Karen blurted out as he avoided her gaze. She reached out across the desk and grabbed a hold of him, “talk to me.”

“Sonny, come on. Last night you’d said you’d wanted to start over. That you wanted to find a way to have some new beginnings between us, well now’s your chance to start that,” Karen continued sternly, “just be straight with me. What’s wrong?”

He sighed, “Things didn’t go exactly like I’d had them planned here,” he frowned.

“What do you mean they didn’t go exactly like you’d had them planned?” she repeated his statement.

“Kari,” he paused as he looked up seeing Joe Scanlon walk around the corner of the hallway with Gabriella at his side, “I promise you that I’ll explain everything to you later,” he looked back into her eyes, “just meet me after your shift it up.”

“Sonny.....” she started again as she watched him slip away from her walking towards the exit. She stepped towards him as if to follow him when Joe called out to her.

“That,” he nodded to the elevator doors closing after Sonny had stepped inside, “what are you doing talking to him?”

“That’s right, Joe, talking,” she nodded giving him a quick glance as she brushed past him ready to finish her time at the hospital before she found out just exactly what was going on with Sonny as she wondered just what had happened to Chris and Eve.

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“So where are we?” Eve questioned looking to Vincent as they stepped out of the limo that had been waiting for them at the airport.

“You’re where you’re supposed to be, so shut up,” Vincent barked back at her.

“Tell me something,” Eve frowned slightly, “does Roselli always keep you wound up on such a tight leash? Does he spoon feed you your thoughts too?”

“Does she always have a mouth on her like this?” Vincent frowned looking to Chris.

“In that case, inform her that she’s going to lose it if she doesn’t shut up,” Vincent scowled.

“Shut up,” Eve repeated looking to Chris, “why Ramsey I think that’s the tenth shut up I’ve gotten from him since we left the airport.”

Chris couldn’t help but smirk as he watched Vincent rub his neck fighting to keep from screaming at her once more. While Chris wasn’t exactly thrilled about this trip they were forced to go on, he had to hand it to Eve, she never backed down. Then again that was one of the things he’d loved about her.

“So Vincent,” Eve continued, “once again, where are we or do you not know as you travel through life as a mindless oaf?”

“You’re about two seconds away from me making you shut up,” Vincent started as Chris stepped between them.

“I strongly suggest you leave her alone,” Chris blurted out firmly, “I have a job to do here and you going after her is only going to delay your boss getting what he wants.”

“As if you’re not,” Eve reciprocated the look, “I’ve just giving you time to get your plans together while I distract them.”

“Well, the plan is I steal the art work and we get going home,” Chris explained simply.

“What choice do I have in the matter?” Chris questioned, “if you haven’t noticed we’re in some foreign country here and Roselli is expecting us to produce.”

“Well I hate to break it to you Ramsey,” Eve started looking at the thugs for a moment before leaning in towards him, “but you are no thief. Granted you’re a pain in the butt and an okay conman I suppose if you really put your heart into it, but you are not what they think you are. You are a doctor and that is very different from this life of crime that they’ve got you pegged for.”

“I’m not innocent, Eve,” Chris reminded her with an amused grin, “I haven’t been for a long time.”

“I know that,” she frowned, “well I mean I don’t know anything about the time involved but I know that you’re not...oh why am I arguing with you?”

“The point is you’re a doctor and they aren’t going to buy this scam especially if that painting is worth so much,” Eve blurted out crossing her arms in front of her chest decidedly, “I’m sure these people are smarter than Roselli gives them credit for.”

“You consider yourself a smart person,” he reminded her, “and I was able to fool you.”

“About when we were running for Chief Resident,” Chris pointed out, “I was able to pull the wool over your eyes.”

“That wasn’t pulling the wool over my eyes,” she frowned, “I knew flat out what you did to me. It’s called sabotage.”

“Either way, you fell into it, didn’t you?” he questioned again as Vincent began to walk around the limo once more.

“It’s not the same,” Eve replied sharply as Vincent looked at the both of them.

“Are you ready to get settled?” Vincent questioned eyeing them both closely.

“Up there,” Vincent nodded to a grand house up on the hill, “in there is where you’ll be staying for the duration of this trip. The two of you shall be guests for the upcoming gala.”

“Gala?” Eve repeated, “You mean you’re telling me your boss sent us up here for a party?”

“In order to ensure that the job is done right, you’ll have to be accustomed with the hosts and Roselli had it so that you two shall be guests in their home,” Vincent explained, “Marco will take you up to the drive upon which you two will assume your identities for the time being.”

“That’s right, you are no longer Dr. Chris Ramsey and Dr. Big Mouth here,” he shot Eve a look, “You two are Dr. Kent Winthorp and his lovely yet silent wife Sabrina, a distant cousin to one of those being honored tomorrow night,” he looked back to Chris, “once inside you and Eve will become accustomed with their home, find where Mr. Roselli’s property is and you’ll have it by the end the night after the gala, three days from now. Upon getting Mr. Roselli‘s investment back, you and Eve here will meet up with me and fly back home to Port Charles and be on your way.”

“That’s it,” Vincent nodded, “it’s pretty straightforward enough, don’t you think? Unless of course you have any objections?”

“Then why ask us about it,” Eve replied, “just take us up to the house so we can get this started.”

“I’ll alert Marco that you’re ready,” he nodded walking back towards the limo.

“Still think we can pull this off hot shot?” Eve asked dryly looking to Chris.

“Of course we can,” Chris replied looking over the grand estate and finding himself unsure.

“Alright then Kent,” Eve hissed out the words as she looked around, “who’d of thought we’d get to travel all over Europe only for me to become your loving wife?”

“Maybe we should practice a bit before we get up there,” Chris grinned unable to resist the urge as he wrapped his arm around her, “what do you say Snookems?”

“I say,” Eve started gazing up at him seeing the look on his face as she elbowed him in the ribs, “I’m not in the mood Lamb chop.”

“That was for reminding me before of what a jerk you are,” Eve huffed walking back over to the limo and stepping inside as Chris was greeted by a chorus of laughter.

“Think this is going to work out?” Marco questioned looking over to Vincent as they listened to Chris and Eve bickering inside of the limo.

“Yeah well judging by the way those two carry themselves,” Marco paused listening to Eve snap at Chris.

“I don’t care if it hurt Ramsey, you’re the one who chose to bring up how smart you were in deleting my report there,” Eve huffed from inside the limo.

“Yeah, well like you really needed the job anyways when you had Kevin panting over you night and day,” Chris defended.

“Oh like it would’ve killed you to try to win the position fair and square,” Eve snapped in response.

“Well, if you were so bent on getting it, I’m sure you could’ve sweet talked Boardman into it. The man was all in your corner the first time around. You could’ve flirted a little and maybe he would’ve found a way to overpass me.”

“So that’s how you think I’ve gotten to where I am now? By flirting a little?” Eve’s voice grew louder.

“I know what you were saying Chris and the more time I spend with you,” she frowned, “the more I realize just what a mistake I made in getting involved with you to begin with.”

“Well no one asked you to come over the other night, Eve,” Chris reminded her, “you did that one all on your own free will.”

“How can you even call it that after the way it happened?” Eve questioned with a scowl, “I don’t think you know the first thing about love, other than self love, and in making love to another person you have to care about their well being which you proved that you obviously don’t.”

“Yeah that’s right, Eve. I care so little,” Chris shook his head, “that’s why I spoke up for you when I thought Vincent was going to slit your throat before. I mean if I didn’t care, don’t you think I would’ve just sat back and did nothing?”

“You were probably just afraid that you’ve be the next victim if that was the case,” Eve crossed her arms in front of her chest, “or maybe you were worried that you’d get blood on your clothes. I don’t know your motives.”

“What ever Lambert,” he rolled his eyes looking out the window, “the sooner this trip from hell is over, the better.”

“The sooner you’re out of my life, the better it’ll be,” Eve snapped in response.

“I don’t know if they’re going to be able to pull off what they’re supposed to do,” Vincent chuckled lightly, “but I’d say it’s not going to take a lot to convince the world they’re married.”

“She’s worse than my wife,” Marco laughed lightly as he moved around to the driver’s side of the limo once more ready to let the adventure begin for Chris and Eve.

Upon hearing the two men slip up front in the limo, Eve looked to Chris with a slight smirk, “Think they bought it?” she whispered lightly.

Chris looked over towards the front of the limo, “I’m not sure,” he spoke quietly.

“You’re a sadist. You know that, Eve?” he questioned with a frown, “and if I wasn’t such a masochist...”

“You don’t want to know,” he replied shortly hearing the car stop, “well, here goes nothing.”

“After you, husband of mine,” she replied tightly as the door opened once more ready to begin this adventure they were reluctantly placed into.

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“Do you have any idea where she’d be? I have to talk to her,” Ian informed her with a frown, “it’s kind of important.”

“I found out last night. She decided she needed some time to herself and she took some of her vacation time,” Karen explained simply.

“That was pretty much the idea,” Karen nodded giving him a look, “why did you need something?”

“Sort of, but it’s kind of something only she can answer,” Ian admitted with a frown, “you wouldn’t happen to know by chance where she’d be would you?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Karen replied zipping up her jacket as she slung her purse of her shoulder, “Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance here, Ian.”

“Thanks anyways Karen,” he offered with a light smile looking over to the Chief Resident’s office, “oh Karen?”

“Where’s Ramsey?” Ian nodded towards the door, “normally he’s here barking at us in one way or another.”

“He’s out of town,” Karen explained simply, “some kind of family emergency came up.”

“A family emergency?” he repeated as she gave him a curious look, “now?”

“That’s what he said. Ian,” Karen frowned slightly as she shut the door and stepped into the on call room once more, “you’re a good guy and you really deserve to find some happiness.”

“Look I know it’s not any of my business,” Karen cut him off, “but trust me, you’ll be better off the sooner that you forget about Eve. She’s not what you think she is.”

“Karen, I’d rather not talk about this one if you don’t mind,” Ian informed her tightly.

“Fine, but Ian, whatever she promised you,” Karen paused thinking about her talk with Eve the previous morning, “I wouldn’t hold too much weight upon it because, well, right now Eve’s not sure what she wants and I’d hate to see you hurt in the mix if things didn’t turn out like you’d want them to.”

“Thanks Karen,” Ian smiled slightly, “but I can mend my heart. I don’t need protecting.”

“It wasn’t really protection I was offering,” she offered with a poignant sigh, “it was more like a dose of reality.”

“Good bye, Ian,” Karen replied simply before slipping out into the hallway hating to see him upset, but having been there, she felt that he deserved some kind of warning before he’d found his world shattered around him. Continuing down the hallway, she wondered where Chris and Eve were in this moment as she rounded the corner running right into Sonny. She gasped as she felt his arms around her.

“I didn’t mean to,” Sonny explained with a sigh as he released her, “I’m sorry.”

“You should be,” she frowned taking a step back, “you shouldn’t sneak up on me like that.”

“That wasn’t my intention when I walked down the corridor here,” he frowned, “never mind.”

“That’s right,” she decided, “now are you going to finish that conversation we were having earlier or are you going to continue being cryptic and keep me in the dark here still?”

“Of course, I’ll give you answers,” Sonny nodded looking around briefly, “but not here. Can we go someplace quiet to talk?”

“This isn’t exactly something I’d like to get into here at the hospital.”

“Sonny, what have you done with my friends,” Karen frowned suddenly feeling something was terribly wrong.

“Kari, I’d just rather we discussed this,” Sonny finished as he looked over towards the on call room and noticed Ian walking out of it, “somewhere else if you don’t mind. This isn’t hospital conversation.”

“What?” she asked looking over towards the door and seeing Ian, “alright, we can do that.”

“Great,” he said linking his arm around her for a moment, “Johnny is downstairs with the car.

“Fine, but don’t think that I’m not going to keep searching for answers once you get me out of here and alone with you,” Karen replied firmly.

“Somehow I didn’t think it would be that easy,” Sonny half smiled leading her down the hallway as they walked to the elevators together past Joe and Gabriella.

“Yeah it was,” Joe frowned watching the doors close as Karen and Sonny left GH. He turned to Ian seeing Ian at the nurse’s station, “did you just see that?”

“Oh yeah, they seemed in a hurry to get out of here,” Ian shrugged looking to the work load in front of him, “that seems to be the theme around here.”

“Nah, but I’ll catch her later,” Ian replied tapping the folder on the desk top as he walked off hoping that there would be a later to connect with Eve.

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Eve looked to Chris wearily as they stood at the front door to the grand estate. She could feel the eyes of Marco and Vincent upon them as Chris rang the bell.

“Eve, come on. When have I ever been unable to attain something that I wanted,” he questioned as they locked eyes briefly and he felt a surge rush through him at the thought of having been so close to her. He looked away saying nothing.

“Just don’t let this be the first time you don’t succeed,” Eve urged realizing just what was depending upon their time here.

“I won’t,” he looked to her once more, “and Sabrina,” he paused reaching inside his pocket.

“What are you doing?” she asked watching him fish around his pants pocket digging his hands deeper, “Chris?”

“Yeah Kent,” she frowned watching him frantically search through his slacks in an awkward fashion, “I know I urged you to go for it here, but I didn’t mean go for it like that...” she groaned.

He shot her a scathing look before finding what he’d been looking for, “Cute darling and as much as I adore you wit and humor, I thought you might appreciate this,” he replied pulling his hand out of his pocket and flashing a gold and diamond ring set at her.

“Why my darling it’s your wedding ring,” He replied reaching for her hand as their eyes met briefly.

Eve looked down to her hand as he slipped it on her finger, “Well I have to give Roselli some credit here. It’s huge.”

“It’s nothing in comparison to my love for you,” He answered watching her face as his heart fluttered. Still gently holding her hand, he caressed it tenderly as he eyes slowly drifted up to his in this moment between them. He saw the spark behind their dark chocolate pools of color and he leaned in closer to her finding himself drawn to her as she upturned her face giving him a glimpse of her perfect lips.

“You mean that?” she asked lightly letting her thoughts slip past her mouth as she inched in towards him.

“How could I not when you’re so beautiful,” he questioned softly reaching out to collect her cheek in his palm as he drew her in closer to him never breaking the contact between them. Feeling her body ascend towards his, he cupped her face anticipating just one taste of her angel kisses as he noticed her lips parted ever so slightly.

“Chris.....” she breathed closing her eyes as she felt him just a breath away from her.

“You have no idea just how much you mean to me,” He whispered closing in the gap between them as the doors to the grand entrance swung open and they were greeted by a thick Texan accent.

“Why you must be the Winthorps,” the husky man laughed lightly, “we’ve been expecting you.”

Eve slipped back at bit adjusting her eyes to the man standing before them. He was tall in a lanky sort of way, with jet black hair and crystal blue eyes that seemed filled with a sense of amusement as he looked to them. She stood up straighter as she felt Chris slink his arm around her waist surprising her a bit.

“That’s us,” Chris smiled giving her a light squeeze as he tightened his hold on her.

“We’ve heard great things about you Doc,” the man smiled extending his hand, “the name’s Lockhart. Ernest Lockhart.”

“Kent Winthorp,” Chris offered his hand in the exchange as the man’s eyes drifted to Eve, “and this is my lovely wife...”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am,” he replied with a smile leaning down to kiss her hand.

“You can call me Ernie,” he flashed her a smile before looking to Chris, “you Docs sure know how to pick ’em don’t you. Woo wee,” he whistled in approval.

“That you are,” Ernie nodded, “that you are indeed,” he looked out towards the car, “I’m sure one of the help will go out there to get your bags as we’ve been a little behind here due to the gala.”

“Yeah, it’s kind of why everyone is rushing around this place, so when you see people buzzing in and out, try not to mind it,” He explained welcoming them in as he closed the door behind them, “I was just passing by when I heard the bell, but I figured since Jeeves was out and about, I’d just do him a favor and answer.”

“Lucky us,” Eve noted under her breath as she exchanged looks with Chris nudging him slightly.

“Awe, hell no kid, but wouldn’t that be a hay day?” Ernie laughed lightly, “I tell you, these two sure no how to live in style.”

“Apparently so,” Eve noted looking around, “so how did you know the Duchess might I ask?”

“Yes, you might,” Ernie smiled lightly nodding for Chris and Eve to follow him, “her husband and I got into a business venture together and we come into contact from time to time.”

“I see,” Eve nodded looking over her surroundings as she found herself in awe of this place.

“She’s a feisty one,” Ernie continued leading them up a winding staircase, “but her husband loves her and he’d go to any lengths to ensure her happiness, which I suppose explains this gala tomorrow night,” Ernie paused, “and I understand that tomorrow night is also near and dear to your hearts.”

“I must say,” Ernie smiled, “your uncle was a legend in the business world and to have gained perspective praise from the Duke and Duchess, well that says something,” he finished stopping in front of a large door.

“Tell me something Ernie,” Eve flashed him a smile, “how many people did you say were staying here this week for this gala?”

“Oh about a dozen or so as this place is big enough,” Ernie explained, “but I wouldn’t bank on seeing the Duke or Duchess around however.”

“Because they’re out of town on business until later tomorrow afternoon,” Ernie informed him, “but don’t worry there won’t be a lack of things to keep you busy around here with you two being newlyweds and all,” he grinned widely, “we were all kind of given an overview of your situation being fresh into your marriage,” he opened the door to the room before them, “and rest assured we’re all going to give you some breathing room around here. We all know that you‘ve probably got plenty between yourselves to keep busy.”

Eve simply smiled as Ernie nodded for the two of them to follow him into the room. She looked around surprised at the size of it as she exchanged glances with Chris.

“This is one of their finer rooms I must say,” Ernie scratched his head, “it’s twice the size of the one I’m staying, but then again I’m sure the Duke and Duchess know how it is with newlyweds,” Ernie winked at them before smiling as he headed towards the door, “I’ll see to it that someone brings up your bags later.”

“Would you take a look at this place, Chris?” Eve asked looking over at the fireplace complete with a burning fire in the center of the room. She set her purse down on one of the love seats there and began to pace around. She noticed a bottle of champagne being chilled in an ice bucket and she picked it up before turning back to face Chris, “it looks like we just stepped into some kind of cheesy romance novel here.”

“I didn’t know you read cheesy romance novels,” Chris raised a brow curiously.

“I don’t,” Eve frowned looking around the room, “but I’d gather that this would be the kind of place for that kind of thing....that kind of surreal place.”

“Perhaps,” Chris couldn’t help but smile watching her, “then again maybe they were hoping for the air of romance around here with the newlyweds.”

“Maybe,” Eve replied placing the bottle back into the sloshing ice as she looked around, “god, who’d have thought that your father’s misery would bring us to this?”

“Surely not me,” Chris noted shedding his overcoat, “but you do realize what opportunity was just presented to us, don’t you?”

“Our pal Ernie there just informed us that the Duke and Duchess weren’t around, so therefore there won’t be too many people around asking questions should we decide to,” he paused with a slight grin, “explore the grounds so to speak.”

“Why Ramsey,” she smiled slightly, “who knew that you’d had such a perceptive ear there?”

“With the threat being away, perhaps there’s less of a concern for us here,” Chris suggested lightly.

“It’s worth a shot,” Eve decided thinking it over, “I mean what do we have to lose at this point?”

“Then I say we go for it,” Eve replied, “if we can get this done and over with, the sooner we get back to reality,” she finished looking around for a moment as she took in their surroundings once more finding herself still very much in awe of them.

“Reality,” Chris repeated watching her, “I suppose that was our goal here, huh?”

“Of course it was,” she nodded turning back to face him as she felt an uncomfortable silence in the air, “having your doubts about this?”

“Nah,” he shrugged, “I told you that I’d find a way to get us out of this scott free,” he smiled slightly, “now Sabrina,” he replied extending his arm out to her, “what do you say we go explore?”

“Why Kent,” she smiled slightly stepping forward and linking his arm in hers, “I never thought you’d ask.”

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“A bit much? Sonny, are you insane?” she questioned in shock, “have you completely lost your mind here?”

“Somehow that wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for here,” he frowned watching her face raise two shades of pink with anger.

“What were you hoping for? A thank you for shipping my friends into something like that?” she blurted out, “what were you thinking?”

“I....well, I was trying to come up with something to inspire those feelings there between them,” Sonny offered simply.

“To inspire feelings you could’ve sent them to dinner, or had them go to some concert in town, not see to it that they somehow get shipped off to another country.”

“I thought I was doing them a favor,” Sonny shrugged seeing the angry fire burning behind her eyes, “I figured what could it hurt.”

“See, this is why I know it’s impossible in dealing with you,” Karen shook her head dismayed, “here you are turning something simple and you make it this big, complicated mess. Then to make matters worse, you leave things go to the last minute until there’s that breaking point where everything seems hopeless and that’s when you ride in to the rescue trying to play the hero which makes the world seem even more indebted to you,” Karen huffed, “that’s just so wrong.”

“Kari,” he started as she stood up from the table they were seated at, “I never intended....”

“That’s just it,” she frowned looking back to him, “you never intend, but somehow things just seem to spin out of control.”

“I just thought.....” he started as she stepped away, “look I’m going to fix it.”

“You’d better,” she shook her head again, “I just can’t believe that you’d do that.”

“I thought that I was doing the right thing there,” Sonny admitted, “you know how I am.”

“No, I really don’t,” she snapped, “I mean I thought I did, but then you surprised me and this somehow turned into some kind of business venture.”

“Somehow I’ll find a way,” Sonny replied seeing her disbelief, “what?”

“What do you think this look is for Sonny?” she frowned watching him step towards her.

“You don’t think I’m going to fix this, do you?” he asked closing the gap between them.

“What reason should I have to believe in anything you say?” she challenged firmly.

“You said you’d help them,” Karen pointed out, “I don’t think that’s much rather helping.”

“Fine,” he shrugged, “then I’ll go see to it personally that this is straightened up. Is that what you want?”

“You put them in this,” Karen reminded him, “I think they deserve nothing less than that much from you.”

“You’re right,” he nodded in agreement, “you are absolutely right and I’m going to go out there and fix it. I’ll fly out there tonight and see to it that this is cleared up as soon as possible.”

“Good,” she said folding her arms in front of her chest as she watched him pace around the room.

“It’s just....” he rubbed his temple turning to look at her, “it’s not going to be that easy you know.”

“Well, it might be one of those cases where I might need to pull a few strings,” he frowned again, “and I might not be able to get this one over and done with on my own.”

“Well, it might work out better if I had, well, a travel companion perhaps,” he looked over to her.

“Why do I get the feeling I’ve just been scammed here?” she questioned firmly, “somehow you don’t strike me as a man that needs help getting something done as we both know oh too well how it is when you want something done.”

“It couldn’t hurt if you went with me Kari,” Sonny urged taking a step towards her, “what do you say?”

“I say I have priorities here Sonny and I can’t just drop them on a whim to go to Europe with you,” Karen blurted out, “just because you chose to play games with people’s lives.”

“You were pushing for some kind of reconciliation between them as well,” he reminded her.

“I was thinking something like what we had the other night,” Karen pointed out.

“That wasn’t the point,” she blurted out as he moved in closer to her, “you never said that you’d involve them in something like this.”

“I wasn’t planning on it when I’d put things into motion,” he informed her seriously.

“So help me undo what I did,” he urged, “I’m fairly certain if you’re with me, well, then things will run more smoothly there.”

“No, not really, but I’d like you to consider going with me,” he urged further, “what can it hurt Kari?”

“Fine,” he nodded, “then give me one good reason besides work why you wouldn't go with me.”

“I don’t trust you,” Karen admitted meeting his dark eyes as he stepped in towards her.

“No?” he asked lightly, “well, that’s too bad, because I was hoping we’d worked past that.”

“All the more reason for you to go over with me,” He decided, “that way you can make sure that I’ve kept my word in helping your friends out there.”

“Somehow I get the feeling that there is more to this than you’re letting me in on,” Karen sighed.

“You’d find out if you went with me,” he paused, “unless of course that’s what your afraid of.”

“So what do you say Kari?” he asked taking a step closer, “will you take this trip with me?”