There’s a lot of things I understand
And there’s a lot of things
That I don’t want to know
But you’re the only face
I recognize
It’s so damn sweet of you
To look me in the eyes

"And you’re sure this will do the trick?" Elizabeth asked stoically. Shoving the small plastic packet of white pills into the side pocket of her purse.

The man with the scraggly looking hair nodded slowly. "Grind it up - mix it with a little alchy-hol, should do the trick just fine…just don’t use all those," he warned. Gesturing towards her purse. "You use all ‘em, no tellin’ what might happen. Might have a bigger mess on your hands than you can handle…and it’d be a shame to mess up them pretty little hands."

Elizabeth grinned sarcastically. "I’m not paying you for advice or for compliments…so why don’t you keep your comments to yourself."

"Will do," he agreed quickly, shrugging. The woman had paid him a substantial amount of cash. More than he’d even asked for in the beginning. Of course part of it was simply to buy his silence. "Damn," he sighed. "I’d hate to be the fella that crossed you."

Narrowing her eyes, Elizabeth looked the virtual stranger straight in the eyes. "This isn’t revenge…I just want the truth – that’s all. That’s all I want."

Holding up his hands, the man stepped backwards. "Hey you ain’t gotta explain nuthin to me. Everybody’s got their reasons for what they do…Long as I got my cash, I don’t care neither way."

"Good…then we understand each other."

"Understand each other completely…you have a good day – and good luck."

Her breath caught sharply as he rounded the corner. Going back to crawl into whatever slimy hole he’d emerged from. The word ‘luck,’ having immediately caused her stomach to churn. She closed her eyes, thinking of how disappointed in her, he would be. How he wouldn’t approve of this.

Elizabeth braced herself against her car door. Suddenly, really feeling the need to throw up. ‘Hold it together Webber,’ she thought silently. Trying to shake off the wave of nausea that threatened to overtake her. ‘It’s just stress, that’s all…and soon there will no longer be anything to stress over.’

That’s exactly why she had to do this. She had to make him tell her why. Why a man who’d claimed to love her and vowed to honor and cherish her, had lied to her every single day of their lives. Why, even if the words had been faked from her end, he had helped to destroy the life she’d known and loved? The life she was MEANT to have.

If truth be told, she DID want revenge. Hearing the truth, come straight out of Alex’s mouth would be nice, but it wouldn’t be satisfying.

No, satisfaction would come in watching him beg for mercy. Watching him squirm in pain and agony. The kind of agony she’d felt for the last few years. God, how she wanted that.

Yet, her hands shook now as she reached for her car keys. How was she going to do this, if she couldn’t even think about it without feeling sick? Did she have it in her to follow through with this?

No matter what, she would know the truth. At the very least – there would be that.

~~~~~~~

"There HAD to be a time when she left," Lucky said vehemently. Staring, as Stephan paced the floor and Nikolas held his head in his hands. "There must have been a time where she and Mikkos went through a separation or –

"No," Stephan said. Placing his hands against the mantle and stilling for a moment. "If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that my mother never LEFT my father. She was devoted to him and my brother…the only person in this family she ever wanted to walk out on was me!"

Lucky rolled his eyes and threw his hands up in the air, as Nikolas stood. "Uncle, isn’t it possible that after Grandfather’s betrayal, Grandmother decided to get back at him? To get some sort of revenge? I mean knowing that he had another child on the way…I mean we all know how badly Grandmother wanted to kill Alexis! She DID kill Alexis’ mother for God’s sake! Is it so hard to believe that maybe –

"She went on holiday."

"What?" Both Nikolas and Lucky asked at once. Turning towards where Stephan stood by the mantle.

He rubbed at his goatee, looking suddenly towards the carpet. "I was very young…but I remember a period of time…Father said she was going on holiday…that she needed time away. But even then I knew something was wrong – God! Why did it take me tell now to remember?"

"Probably because you were glad she was gone," Lucky mumbled quietly under his breath.

Nikolas gave Lucky the evil eye and neared his uncle. "So you’re saying she DID leave for a time? When?"

"When EXACTLY?" Lucky pushed. Walking towards them. "And WHERE?"

"All I knew was Europe…I think," Stephan sighed. Smoothing his tired hands down his worn face. "As I said, I was very young."

Nikolas watched as his uncle sank to the couch and began rubbing at his eyes. Looking up at the exact same moment that Lucky did, to make eye contact. "So you think she had an affair…with this –

"Montgomery Hart," Lucky filled in. "An American artist who just happened to be studying in Florence – Italy – the year Alexis must have been conceived. Which means that by the time Helena was in Europe, her husband’s illegitimate child had already been born."

Sighing, Nikolas nodded. "So she goes to Europe…meets this – Montgomery Hart, and has an affair with him – producing Alex."

Lucky bit his lip. "Producing Alex.

"Who," he continued after a long moment of collecting himself. "Is at his mother’s villa in Florence as we speak…searching for the key to prove he is the rightful heir to your inheritance."

"He has no hope of doing that!" Stephan shouted suddenly. Standing up. "He will NOT take what belongs to Nikolas!"

Nikolas shook his head. "Uncle how can we possibly STOP him?! If he is a Cassidine, then he is entitled to –

"He is entitled to NOTHING!" Stephan shouted again. Beginning to lose control of his usual resolute composure. "The Cassidine legacy is passed down to the eldest son of the eldest son!…Even if he IS, truly a Cassidine – he is not entitled to one CENT of that legacy! He’s third in a line of 3 sons, and he’s not my father’s – he’s my mother’s bastard!"

The air in the room thickened and settled around them, as Stephan tried to calm him self. Taking a deep, cleansing breath as he neared his Nikolas.

"You," he began. His voice much softer now as he placed his hand on his nephew’s cheek. "Are the sole, rightful heir…there is no one else."

Lucky shut his eyes and nodded silently, looking slightly away when he saw the sudden appearance of tears in his brother’s eyes. For the first time in his life, he was about to agree with Stephan.

"He’s right…Alexander Hart isn’t going to have any part of that money. It’s yours Nikolas…I stole it – and now I’m going to give it back. Even if it’s the last thing I do."

Stephan inhaled deeply through his nose. "What time does his flight arrive tomorrow?"

Tilting his head to the side, Lucky glared at him. "It doesn’t matter. If this is gonna work, we’ve gotta stick to the plan Cassidine."

"Lucky’s right Uncle, we can’t go after him until tomorrow night. If that chest has any shred of evidence that Alex was involved in stealing what’s ours we have to wait."

Locking eyes once more, Lucky silently thanked his brother for backing him up. Each of them aware of the fact that, evidence of incrimination, was not all that Lucky and Elizabeth were looking for. They wanted to know once and for all what part Alex had really played in splitting them up. How he fit in with all the lies and deceit that Helena had heaped on them.

"Fine," Stephan sighed in aggravation. "However, tomorrow evening, Alexander Hart will know that he should have never crossed me. He’ll know once and for all that he is not a Cassidine…He’ll know that he is nothing."

~~~~~~~

Port Charles, New York
Outside Kelly’s

"Hey!" Emily exclaimed. Laughing as she literally ran straight into Elizabeth, exiting Kelly’s. "Wow…near miss," she joked. Looking down at the point of collision between her blouse and the milkshake that Elizabeth drank. Not a spot on it.

Elizabeth grinned wearily and moved towards one of the wrought iron patio chairs. "Miracles DO really happen I guess."

Instantly, Emily picked up on her friend’s strange tone, she pulled out a chair of her own and sat down across from her. "So what’s up? Whatcha doin in this part of town?"

After taking an extremely long sip of her strawberry shake, Elizabeth met Emily’s deep brown eyes. "I’m supposed to meet Lucky at Luke and Laura’s house."

Emily’s eyebrows ascended as she glanced towards her side and then back at Liz. "I know it’s been awhile for you Elizabeth…but it’s still a couple of miles from here."

Smirking at the joke, Elizabeth used her straw to jab at some floating pieces of strawberry. "I know that…I just really needed a shake a strawberry shake all of a sudden."

Faint tears began to well up in Elizabeth’s eyes and Emily placed a hand over hers. "I do realize that Kelly’s makes the best shakes in the world…but it’s really nothing to weep over, hon."

The smile she was going for emerged, and Emily pulled her hand away. "What’s up Liz?…We haven’t talked in a few days, and by looking at you now, I can tell that something’s wrong…Let’s not make this like last time ok? I really want us to be able to lean on each other again and trust one another like before, ya know?"

Elizabeth nodded quietly, and dabbed at the corners of her eyes with the already damp napkin that she held around her glass. "Trust…that’s a funny word, sometimes you know?

"How so?" Emily asked. Pulling her chair closer.

"Well…" Elizabeth began. As if searching for the right words to express how she felt. "It used to be so easy for me…I remember when I was younger, people would play practical jokes on me…and I would fall for them every, single time…I just TRUSTED everyone I guess…But then – but then as you grow up…things happen and you change."

Emily breathed in deeply. Remembering that afternoon on Elizabeth’s porch when she’d admitted to being raped one terrible Valentine’s night. It hurt her heart now just to think about it.

"And you know it works vice versa too," Elizabeth announced, suddenly looking straight up into Emily’s waiting eyes. "Other people trust YOU…like Lucky," she smiled. The grin almost to herself, and not meant for anyone else to see. Emily instantly feeling as if she were eavesdropping while Elizabeth talked to herself.

"Aside from you, Emily I was the one person he trusted in the beginning…when it all began for us. He couldn’t turn to his parents or his aunt…or anybody really – and he chose me. He chose me to confide in and talk to, and spend time with…and for the first time in my life I felt needed by someone. I felt wanted and…trusted," she added quietly. "I never, ever wanted to lose that…not ever."

Choosing her words carefully, Emily bit her lip and then asked the question. "Do you think that you’ve lost Lucky’s trust now Elizabeth?…Because if that’s so, than I think you really need to think about who lost whose trust first and -

"He’s a Cassidine."

Emily stiffened, and slowly straightened in her seat. Every nerve ending in her body telling the tale her subconscious had begun to suspect just the other day. The clues she’d given to Lucky in front of her brother’s bike shop the, all adding up in her mind in a matter of milliseconds.

"Oh my God," she sighed suddenly. Her voice merely a whisper. "How did – when did…"

"Leopold told me," Elizabeth allowed. "He told Lucky and I everything – or at least that’s what we’re supposed to believe.…but Lucky had already figured it out by the time he got back to Evergreen the other day – after you told him about the car at the yacht…he knew. All it took was Leopold coming straight out with it."

"Oh my God," Emily said again. Her head, beginning to shake back and forth. She haphazardly swept a few dark strands of hair out of her face and kept talking. "Does – has he told Nik –

"Right now…That’s why he wanted to meet with Stephan and Nikolas today."

"He’s the heir," Emily sighed heavily. "I can’t believe this…" she sighed, covering her mouth with a shaking hand. "My God, how Nikolas must be feeling…"

When Elizabeth looked down at her fingers, Emily glanced up immediately. "Oh my God! Elizabeth I’m so sorry…God, here I am completely engrossed in what this means for Nikolas and I completely skipped over what this means for you…and for Lucky."

Elizabeth shrugged. "That’s ok…I understand. Besides…we’re ok – we’re fine."

Emily tilted her head to the side. "Come on Elizabeth. This means that Alex probably had something to do with you’re break up and –

"He’s got everything to do with it," Elizabeth said soberly.

"Then how exactly are you and Lucky just ‘fine’ and ‘ok’?"

"I don’t know," Elizabeth grinned. Trying her best to put on a brave face. "We just are."

"Do you really think that sideways grin just convinced me of anything?" Emily asked, leaning back to fold her arms across her chest.

"No."

"Good…then why don’t you try the truth now."

Closing her eyes, Elizabeth shook her head. "Emily how can he ever trust me again? I mean, I lived with, had sex with, and took VOWS with a Cassidine – shit!," she added suddenly. Seeing the sudden expression on Emily’s face. "Oh that – see, this isn’t going to come out right. You know how I feel about Nikolas, Em – you know I love him. You know LUCKY loves him –

"Don’t – don’t," Emily said quickly. Holding up her hands to cut her friend off. "I know how you feel, and I also know how Lucky feels…which means I understand the history there – believe me. I do realize that although Nikolas and Lucky have come a long way with each other, that doesn’t mean the Cassidine-Spencer war is over. Not by a long shot.

"So, please," Emily continued. "Don’t feel the need to sensor yourself here, ok?…I don’t want that from my best girlfriend, and I don’t think she wants that either right?…Don’t we have a new no bullshit pact or something?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I don’t believe we ever made that official, but I do like the sound of it."

"Alright then!" Emily said. Raising a salt shaker from her table and gesturing for Elizabeth to raise her half full glass. "Here’s to no bullshit!"

Elizabeth grinned and clinked her glass with the saltshaker that Emily held. "Here’s to no bullshit."

Emily nodded satisfactorily and placed the seasoning back down on the table. "So…you’re still in this house. In this mansion that you absolutely despise – why exactly? If I know Lucky, there’s gotta be a plan there somewhere."

Biting her lip, Elizabeth nodded. "Actually there is a plan, but it’s sort of…mine…Lucky wanted to get out immediately."

Cocking an eyebrow, Emily leaned forward as Elizabeth continued. "It started out as…me – faking it. I just wanted information Emily. About the painting – about Alex’s part in this entire Cassidine – THING!" She said gesturing with her hands.

"And now that you know what the THING is…why are you still living there?"

"It’s only been a day," Elizabeth shrugged quickly looking down.

Emily leaned back in her chair and sniffed the air twice. "Wow…something stinks. Do you smell bullshit too, or is it me?"

"Ok! Ok…look, I just – I just…He’s not going to win Emily! He’s not! He thinks he’s going to. He thinks he’s going to come home tomorrow and throw some huge party for a bunch of people that I have never, ever cared about. People that have called themselves my friends for the last few years! People that – who knows – have known all along that Alex was playing me for a fool –

"Do you really think that people know?…I mean that Alex is a Cassidine?" Emily interrupted. Her brows knitting together.

Elizabeth shook her head slowly. "No…I don’t. I doubt Alex would risk telling anyone but LEOPOLD that, before the ‘perfect time’ arose…but guess what? Tomorrow night is his ‘perfect time.’ That’s when he wants to announce to the world that he’s the rightful heir to the Cassidine fortune. Of course he’s not planning on telling them that he STOLE the money, or that he’s a lying, cheating sack of ratbastard shit! But I’m not going to let him get away with it Em. He’s NOT going to go to sleep tomorrow night thinking that he’s got the world on a fucking string Emily. I won’t let him. I’m not going to let him win…never, ever again am I going to let someone take my life away from me. Ever.

"Now I get to take something away from him – and I’ll do it with a smile on my face."

Blinking hard, Emily tried to tune herself back into the conversation after blanking out. The words ‘announce to the world,’ the last words she’d heard before her brain processing stopped cold.

"He plans on announcing this at the gala tomorrow night?" Emily asked. Her voice barely

audible in her obvious shock. "So that’s why he invited Nikolas and Stephan…My God, he wants them to be there. He wants –

"To triumph," Elizabeth filled in. Nodding. "Of course. It’s vintage Alex…but don’t worry Em. He’s not going to get away with it. I promise you that."

Something in Elizabeth eyes, made Emily fidget. "What are you planning to do?"

Stilling for a moment, Elizabeth smiled and then glanced down quickly. Taking another long sip of her shake. "Lucky and I have a plan…he’s letting Nikolas and Stephan in on it…as we speak. Could be one for the history books, huh?…Lucky and Stephan sort of working…together?"

Emily grinned widely. "Really…Do tell."

"Well it involves me continuing to play the part of the doting wife to my husband that has just returned from a trip that was ‘far too long,’" Elizabeth said. Doing her best impression of Betty Boop. "And then there’s the matter of a small chest that may contain everything we need to prove what a rotten son of bitch my dear husband is."

Emily’s smile grew wider. "This would be the same box that the rotten to the core son of a bitch broke into his equally rotten mama’s yacht to get?"

"Precisely. One which was supposedly given to him by his father."

"His father?" Emily sighed. Her head beginning to swim again. "So…this father of his – a painter right?…He must have had an affair with…Jesus who’s crazy enough to hit the skins with Helena?"

"Obviously Mikkos Cassidine, Montgomery Hart, and a slew of desperately in need of counseling boy-toys on her yacht…but," Elizabeth added. "Lucky and Nikolas are probably figuring out the details right now –

"Actually," she said, looking down at her watch. "He’s done meeting with them by now…I’m totally late already. I was supposed to be at Luke and Laura’s about 15 minutes ago."

"Do you need a ride?" Emily asked. Standing up.

"Oh no, I have my car."

"You do?" Emily asked quizzically. "You and Lucky didn’t drive to Port Charles together then?"

Elizabeth froze for a moment. "No – I…I actually had some errands to run in the city first. So I just drove down here on my own when I was finished – I didn’t wanna hold Lucky up…and besides we’re – we’re still trying to keep up appearances, ya know?"

"Oh," Emily said nodding. "Ok………..So, I guess we’ll be seeing each other tomorrow night at the gala huh?"

"Yep," Elizabeth answered, nodding. "Oh hey, Em –

"Yeah."

"Could you do me a favor and not mention that you saw me at Kelly’s today?"

At Emily’s bewildered glance, Elizabeth continued quickly. "I mean just because I don’t want Lucky thinking I thought hanging out at Kelly’s and getting a shake was more important than meeting him at his parents on time."

Emily eyed Elizabeth suspiciously for a moment. Not understanding why that would be such a big ‘no-no,’ but decided to joke it off. "Ok…but you know when a girl’s gotta have her shake, she’s gotta have her shake."

"Damn straight!" Elizabeth smiled. Rising as well. And surprisingly enough she HAD, ‘had to have it.’ Even after her bout with nausea.

"Oh! And Elizabeth," Emily called. Stopping once more to turn towards her friend before both of them parted ways. "I know Lucky…and he still trusts you. He’s not gonna suddenly decide that he can’t trust you anymore because you married Alex…Elizabeth, you had NO idea who he was…or what he wanted from you.

"I mean….what he did," she continued shaking her head. "Helping to break the two of you up?…That’s - Elizabeth, you and Lucky were both victims in this. Not just one or the other. All you need to do now is love each other through it…It’s all you CAN do."

"Love each other through it," Elizabeth repeated softly. Tears once again forming in her eyes. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that right now…there’s so much that Lucky and I are going to have to love each other through….

"Thank you so much Em," she finished. Embracing Emily with all her heart.

"See ya tomorrow," Emily smiled. Pulling back after a moment.

"See ya."

~~~~~~~

Laura sunk down to the couch. Feeling the words that were about to emerge from her son’s mouth inch their way up her spine before they even came out. She clutched the cushions beneath her as they did.

"He’s a Cassidine."

Luke closed his eyes to his son’s words. Each and every year he’d spent battling the Cassidines flashing before him in an instant.

He should have known.

"Helena’s OTHER son…the illegitimate one," Lucky continued. Not looking at his father or his mother. Only staring outside towards the backyard where LuLu played tag with some neighborhood boy. Every time she tagged him, she’d do this little victory dance while the kid looked on - very annoyed.

The beginnings of summer and hours spent in the sun was beginning to lighten her hair…it reminded him of someone. Someone who’d frequented his dreams lately. Someone who’d frequented them years ago…something he was only now remembering.

Disregarding the regular rule about no smoking inside the house, Luke pulled a cigar from his shirt pocket and lit up. "When did you figure this out exactly?"

The smell of Smooth Havana’s and his father’s accusatory tone, brought Lucky out of his haze. He wouldn’t let Luke bait him into becoming defensive today. He couldn’t do it…couldn’t handle anything more today.

Where the Hell was Elizabeth?

"The clues started adding up weeks ago," Lucky began slowly. "But it was only yesterday that everything started coming together. Emily saw his car at the yacht…she didn’t realize it was his for awhile, but when she told me –

"And then Leopold," he added. Having cut into his own sentence.

"That old bastard knew about all of this?" Luke asked. Turning towards his son, as Laura continued to stare at her hands. Apparently unable to speak. Was it happening all over again?

Lucky had told his father about Leopold’s relationship with Elizabeth, and how ‘strange’ he’d sometimes found it. How he didn’t know if the old man could be trusted…how he’d appeared familiar.

"Yes," Lucky said stoically. Glancing once more towards his sister and the fun she was having. Her face lit with sunshine.

Once again she’d been sent outside to play while the grownups talked about ‘adult matters,’ and she’d put up a fight like any respectable Spencer child would. But now she looked as if she’d never even cared about being sent out. She looked so happy…so content.

So unlike the brother that watched her now through the window. A man who’s stomach seemed to clench with every beat of his heart lately. Who’s unease seemed to be building by the day.

Maybe because this wasn’t the end? Maybe because, finding out that Alexander Hart was a Cassidine was only the beginning. There were worse things ahead. Every fiber of his being knew that.

"So he’s the ‘heir,’ of the Cassidine fortune," Luke commented snidely. "And this is the money that you –

"Stole," Lucky filled in. Moving away from the window and stepping down into the family room. "Yes Dad – the same money I stole is now his. He plans on announcing his ‘heritage’ tomorrow night at the Anniversary Gala for the art gallery."

"That’s good," Luke said, before taking a long puff of his already half smoked cigar. "Then I can kill him in public."

Lucky shook his head. "I don’t think so Dad – we’ve already got a plan and if you come in there with –

"Oh you’ve got a plan, huh?" Luke remarked. "Well excuse me if I don’t -

"I’m sorry."

The two words broke through the tension in the room like a knife. Everyone immediately turned towards the source as Elizabeth moved through the front door. Quietly stepping towards Lucky’s side and slipping her hand into his.

"Please don’t blame Lucky for this…It’s me," she said. Her eyes beginning to fill with tears. "I did it…I’m the one who brought Alexander Hart into our lives. So if there’s anyone to blame for this, it’s me."

"Elizabeth –

"No," Liz cut in. "It’s true Lucky…you know my judgement has always been skewed and –

"Ssh," Lucky said. Interrupting her to press his lips against her forehead. "All I know is that you love me," he said. Mumbling against her flesh. "So your judgement is perfectly fine."

Laura seemed to wake from her haze at the sound of Elizabeth’s voice, and quickly moved towards where her son and the woman who was so much more than just his ‘girlfriend,’stood. A woman who Laura suddenly empathized with.

"No one here is blaming you Sweetheart…No one here is blaming ANYBODY," she corrected. Looking straight into her baby’s startling blue eyes. She placed a hand to his cheek and glared at her husband from across the room. "Are they Luke?"

Luke inhaled deeply and shook his head, ashamed of his own reaction. "No…they’re not…if there’s anyone to blame at all for this it’s me. I’m the one who should have been there. I should have known who he was from the beginning."

"Dad –

Elizabeth cut in on Lucky, shaking her head. "Luke how could you have known that? It’s not like I let you or Laura help me at all after Lucky left. It’s not like I kept in touch or even tried to keep you in my life. I cut everyone off…there was absolutely no way you could have known or even suspected that Alex was a Cassidine…only I could have suspected that……If I would have been paying better attention," she added quietly.

Thinking silently to herself. ‘If I hadn’t been wallowing in self misery.’

Laura’s hands slipped around her shoulders. And she tilted Elizabeth’s head up with her finger and smiled kindly at her. "There was no way you could have known that Elizabeth…there wasn’t any reason for you to suspect that you were marrying a Cassidine – no reason at all."

Locking eyes with her husband across the room, she knew that this would bring up all sorts of issues for them. Issues that they would have to handle all over again.

"So, you’re saying you don’t want me there tomorrow night?" Luke sighed, breaking the connection. It was too much right now. Grinding out his cigar against a small coaster on the mantle he looked towards his son.

"Dad, it’s not that I don’t want you there…you know I’d love to have you on my team – but I’ve gotta go with the plan we’ve already come up with. Elizabeth and I have to find out exactly what this guy did…that means we’ve gotta get access to that chest…and we’ve gotta be able to help Nikolas as well."

"Nikolas," Luke sighed. Shaking his head again. "So you’re going to be working with Nikolas…and Stephan…Cassidines."

Laura glared at Luke again, as Lucky spoke. "Dad, you KNOW I’d rather have you watching my back, but the minute Alex sees you there, he’s going to know something’s up, and I can’t afford to put Elizabeth in that kind of danger - I won’t."

Luke looked from Lucky to Elizabeth and knew that his son was more concerned about her safety than any prideful objection to working with Stephan.

He understood the instinct.

"Well who says he has to see me?"

~~~~~~~

"Yeah, that’s good. Right there." Lucky said. Instructing one of the movers on where to place one of the new chairs.

Elizabeth nodded and stood back to inspect the work. "Yeah, that’s perfect."

Or at least she hoped it was. After her rampage the other day - trashing every fixture in sight - she’d woken to the realization that this mansion had to be furnished by the time Alex got back. That if they were going to pull this off, the house had to look the part of a home hosting a major party tomorrow night.

Not like the completely ran sacked shack that it had looked like after they’d gotten through with it the night before.

The burly looking moving guy nodded kindly as Elizabeth tipped him generously, and then slipped out the front door with his partner.

"That was a bit much," Lucky commented. Coming to stand next to her.

Elizabeth shrugged and walked into the kitchen as Lucky followed. "It’s Alex’s money. What do I care?…I’m not spending any of our cash to furnish something I despise."

"Tonight’s the last night you’ll ever spend here – I promise you that…

Lucky breathed in deeply and wrapped his arms around her from behind as she shoved an entire chocolate chip cookie into her mouth, and then held one up for him to bite. She ate the rest.

Maria’s expertise present in the kitchen once more.

"Hungry huh?" He grinned as she inhaled yet another. He kissed the base of her neck. "Maybe we should have gotten THIRDS on the extra spicy ribs at Ely’s."

Elizabeth giggled as he tightened his hold around her. Tickling her side. "Maybe…the thought of getting out of here makes me hungry I guess."

A moment passed as they stared out the window, to the spot where’d he burned everything on the lawn the night before. She’d stood in this very spot and watched.

She quieted when she felt him go tense behind her. "What’s wrong?…Everything is going to go just fine tomorrow Lucky. Everything will go exactly as planned."

Lucky quickly turned her around in his arms. "It better Elizabeth, because let me tell you - our plan scares the shit out of me!"

"Lucky –

"YOUR part especially," he said. Backing up a bit and running his hands roughly through his hair.

"It’s all fake," Elizabeth said quietly. Trying to reassure him as she smoothed her hands down his arms. "Just like before."

"But it’s NOT like before," Lucky contested, shaking his head vehemently. "Before you were avoiding his advances…NOW you’re going to be eliciting them."

"But it’s still completely and totally fake Sweetie," she said touching his face as he looked away in frustration. "You know that…and besides – you’re going to be there…how can anything go wrong with you looking out for me?"

Lucky shook his head. "How many times can I fuck up? Let me count the ways…I can think of one Valentine’s night in particular when I royally fucked up, oh and need I remind you of Murty in the park, or the classroom, or – oh yeah…that time I let you marry –

"Stop!" She said quickly. Cutting him off. "Lucky don’t do this. You know damn well that not one of those things was remotely your fault. And as for that last one you mentioned Lucky – I’m an adult and I’m perfectly capable of making my own mistakes.

"We have everything completely planned out to a T, Lucky," Elizabeth continued, as Lucky closed his eyes. "And neither of us is 15 years old anymore…nothing is going to go wrong. I’ve made sure of that."

Opening his eyes, Lucky stared into her deep blue orbs. "What’s that mean?"

"I –

"Mrs. H – ah, I mean Liz - do you want the decorators to start up down here now, or should they continue with the gardens?"

Elizabeth turned quickly towards the sound of Frank’s voice while Lucky stared at her a moment before looking away. "Yeah…tell them to go ahead and start in here now Frank…oh!" She said. Catching him before he walked out of the kitchen. "Tell ‘em to go ballistic ok?…I mean go completely all out."

Frank’s eyebrows rose. "Ok….do you want me to bring anything to you that you need to sign off on?"

"Nope," Elizabeth shrugged. "Just let them do whatever they want. I trust you…but I don’t wanna be disturbed the rest of the evening ok? So, when they leave just go ahead and take this," she paused. Turning to grab a check and sign it.

Lucky watched as she scribbled her signature quickly. Catching how she shielded him from watching her sign her last name. She smiled widely as she handed it to Frank.

"Whatever the amount – just feel free to write it in, ok?"

Once again the butler’s eyebrows rose and he slowly shook his head. "Ok, Liz…goodnight then."

"Night!" Elizabeth called happily as he made his way out of the kitchen.

When she turned towards a stoic Lucky standing in front of the huge gourmet stove, she slipped her hand into his. "What’s wrong?"

"You gonna miss that?"

"What?" Elizabeth asked. Oblivious to what he meant.

"Just being able to write a check for whatever amount you want," Lucky said soberly. Staring at their hands joined together.

Elizabeth pressed her lips to his mouth and left them there for a long moment. Unmoving.

"No," she sighed when she finally pulled back. "Not one, single, little bit……Do you know why I just did that Lucky? It’s not because I wanted to spend money…I did it because, like you said before, this is my LAST night in this house," she said. Wrapping her arms around his neck.

"This is my last night and it’s Alex’s damn money…I don’t care anymore…all I wanna do is celebrate getting OUT of here."

A slight grin pulled at the side of Lucky’s mouth as he let his hands smooth their way up her back. "Celebrate huh?…I thought that was tomorrow night – the Gala."

"Oh," Elizabeth whispered seductively in his ear, as she moved closer. Pressing every inch of her self against him. "You think you’re funny huh?"

"Mmm," he hummed, hovering over her lips. "A little bit."

Elizabeth licked her lips, and they were so close that her tongue swept over his red mouth at the same time. "Well I was referring to a much more private celebration."

"Oooh," Lucky whispered. His breath on her neck as he bent his knees to nibble on her flesh. "Would that be the reason you told Frankieboy you didn’t wanna be disturbed anymore…"

"You’re a smart fella………oooooooh and a big fella too," she giggled. Feeling his body enlarge as he ground against her. "I think we should move this to a new location."

"Ah, you don’t want any kitchen fun?"

"No," she giggled. "Because I remember a certain someone promising me a go on HIS dining room table in his apartment…"

"Oh yeah," Lucky chuckled deeply. "I’ve still got promises to keep."

"Damn straight you do," Elizabeth agreed, taking his hand in hers. "Let’s go upstairs…I think you also promised me you’d make love to me all night."

"I did?"

"Are you arguing with me?"

"No ma’am."

~~~~~~~

Lucky tossed over to his side and moaned softly into the pillow. His brain’s constant ramblings not allowing any room for sleep. There was pain, and love…and life.

He heard his own voice in his dream…and then hers…he could feel her.

***

"Are you ok!?" Lucky asked frantically, running his hands over her face. Her hair.

Her brow furrowed in confusion and she shook her head, trying to shrug her own sleep off. "Lucky?…"

He couldn’t stop touching her. Couldn’t stop running his hands over her face. Her arms…

"Where?" He asked, his eyes searching her face frantically. Lucky pulled back the covers in a rush. Did she shake her head yes…she was hurt? "Where…Where?" He just kept asking. Over and over his own voice asking ‘where’.

‘She said she’s fine….stop…stop being so paranoid. Everything’s going to be…’

Her hands reached out to take his. ‘Can’t stop shaking,’ he thought. ‘She’ll know…she’ll know something’s wrong…All of this will be over soon.’

"Lucky…baby, look at me. I’m fine. I’m fine!"

‘Elizabeth? Is that you?’

She repeated the words again - softly this time. Whispering to him in that beautiful voice of hers. Elizabeth or Mom? "I’m fine."

Dark blue eyes…Elizabeth…

The information seemed to hit him all at once. He looked slowly at the bed he’d just made a mess of and then glanced slowly around the room. Everything seemed in place. There was nothing broken. Nothing bleeding. Seconds later he was sinking….sinking down upon the sheets.

Shaking again…can’t stop shaking.

Her arms wrapped around him from behind. She thought he was crazy…he was crazy. He was.

"Lucky…look at me, please."

No, it’s scary here Elizabeth.

She wrapped her fingertips under his chin, trying to force him to look at her. He shook his head as if in protest.

"Lucky please…" She called again. There was panic in her voice. She crawled to sit half-way in his lap. He couldn’t look at her. "Lucky…what’s wrong? What’s going on?" She asked repeatedly, her tender fingers trying desperately to tilt his head up.

She was scared…God, he’d scared her again. He kept doing that lately…kept…

"Lucky…what happened? Baby…you’re scaring me. Please answer me….What -…was someone at the store hurt? Did the robbers hurt anyb….Lucky…please.."

He licked his dry lips, and tried to push his voice forward through a tightening throat. He could barely see her. The combination of his yet to fall tears and the small shaft of light coming from the hallway, provided the only illumination. Yet she still looked like an angel sent straight from God.

A tear ran hot down his cheek and he hated it. He didn’t deserve to cry.

He’d brought the insanity into their lives…and now he had to stop it. It couldn’t go on anymore. He’d put a stop to it in the morning, through any means necessary.

"N- no. No one was hurt…I just…"Lucky’s voice trailed off. There was a huge knot in his throat. He couldn’t talk around it. His voice cracked, signifying the crumbling to follow.

‘I just wanna cry,’ he thought to himself. ‘Elizabeth just hold me.’

His own hands reached up to try and cover his face, but he was still shaking. Elizabeth wouldn’t let him cover his face…She wrapped her arms around him again…was that him crying? It was loud…

After awhile she moved to get off of his lap, so she could see him better. She would want to talk. But he couldn’t talk about it. Didn’t want to let her go. He held tightly to the grip he had around her waist, pulling her against him. Holding on for dear life.

"Please don’t leave me," he whispered. His lips warm, and trembling again against her bare shoulder. He was getting her skin all wet…

Elizabeth breathed deeply and smoothed a hand over his back, beginning to rub in circles. "Baby I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m right here."

"And you’re never gonna leave me right? Not ever?"

There was pain in his stomach just then. Like someone stabbed him.

Her hands were cupping his face again. She kissed him. "Lucky I’m not ever going anywhere….Look at me. We’re forever. Ok?"

He nodded only slightly and she kissed him again and again, wiping the tears from under his eyes with the pads of her thumbs. After a few moments she started to break away, but he continued to kiss her.

Kissing her and kissing her, and kissing her.

He slid his hands around her hips and under her backside, lifting her slightly and pulling her closer. Tighter…. Elizabeth rearranged her legs. Placing one on either side of his waist. Her fingers weaving through the back of his hair.

His hands frantically searched her body, needy in their quest to have her. They slipped under her tank top and glided over her cool flesh only once, before pulling the lavender scrap of cotton up and over her head.

Off…have to feel you.

Her beautiful collar bone – kiss it. The valley between her breasts. He felt her gasp and he was suddenly hard. Licking her warm skin…

She moaned his name. His hands moved from her face, to her back, to her buttocks in record time. It was like he couldn’t feel enough of her at once. Didn’t have as many hands as he wanted. Didn’t have as much time.

Their eyes locked for a long moment and it seemed as if he were looking at her for the very first time. It hurts…stop…

She gasped again when he stood suddenly. He lifted both of their bodies up, and she quickly tightened her legs around him. He held her with one arm and lowered them both to the bed with another. Her body now lying beneath his, her arms and legs holding him for all he was worth. Had to have her now…

His hand traveled down to her foot, wrapping his fingers around it and pushing her leg up to meet his waist. He allowed his fingers journeyed back over the smooth flesh of her calve.

Fingertips eager to travel beneath her shorts and pull her closer by cupping her ass in his hands. She was so wet against his fingers. She would feel so good wrapped around him…she would feel so good and he would forget…everything…

He clutched at her shorts, his hands fumbling slightly. She lifted then and removed them for him. Her eyes on him as he moved to his own pants. She knew something was wrong…she knew.

Elizabeth help me.

His hands were still shaking. Was he cursing under his breath?

She sat up, naked and exquisite before him and wordlessly placed her fingers over his, beginning to undress him starting with his pants.

Grasping his face in her hands, she kissed him slowly, softly. She uttered quiet words against his lips. "It’s ok Lucky…we’ve got all night. All the time in the world."

But did they? Did they?! Things were crazy. Things were…

He cupped her face in his hands, their wrists crisscrossing. He kissed her a bit slower, making a mental note that it would be ok. She said it would…it had to be. There was no other choice.

All he had to do was get rid of the problem tomorrow. The bastard would either accept the money he had, or die refusing it.

Elizabeth unfastened the buttons that held his shirt together. Her soft palms gliding along his chest as she pushed the cotton off of his shoulders. She pulled away slightly gazing at him. "Make love to me Lucky."

He lay her down beneath him once more, covering her entire being with his own and entering her tight, wet body in one long, push.

His thoughts dwindled with every thrust. Every moan from her as his pelvis ground in to hers. Deeper and deeper.

His hands grasped her thighs momentarily, pressing her to the mattress, claiming her entire being as his own in the darkness that surrounded them. She called out his name and he kissed her again. The tip of his tongue, wanting to mimic the actions of his lower body, her mouth allowing him in with the same eager response. Inviting, caressing. Loving him in every way she knew how.

She was so giving…so accepting of him.

His hands traveled slowly up her writhing, moist body. Over the soft, rosy peaks of her breasts, eliciting soft whimpering noises from somewhere deep inside her. He pushed her arms up. His Fingertips gliding over her smooth flesh and finally joining with her fingers. All 20 digits laced together above their heads as the fantastic tingle between them began to build.

Her fingers clenched tightly over his knuckles and she started to shutter and he pushed deeper still. More…more…

Lucky pressed his lips to her forehead and lodged himself further into her body again and again, whispering her name and words he couldn’t understand. She whispered them back.

He remembered his eyes closing…wanting to savor every feeling, every vision, every thing about this moment.

His body stilled a minute later, and she clenched her muscles around him once again. He had to thrust inside her once more.

His warm seed spilled like crazy then into her accepting body. If felt like every worry, heartache, joy and happiness exited his body and streamed into hers all at once. The hand that was placed on her moist belly could have sworn it felt himself rush inside her. Leaving his body blissfully empty, yet completely full for one single moment in time.

Hating the idea of being anywhere than exactly where he was, he lay against her panting. His head pillowed by her heaving chest. His softening body still tucked warm and safe inside of hers.

She wrapped her arms around him, and let her fingers travel up and down the clammy flesh of his back. He was falling asleep…falling into her…

Her leg slipped over his and held him tightly, it was the last thing he felt before.

***

"ELIZABETH!"

She shot upwards in bed in an instant. Turning towards the spot where he sat panting. Sweat dripping down his face and chest, as it pumped outward with every beat of his thumping heart. "Honey, what’s wrong?!"

"I –

"Sweetie what is it?" Elizabeth asked again. By his side now and stroking a hand down his back. He was wet everywhere. "Ssh…you had a bad dream. It’s ok."

Jesus, he was tense. The knots in his shoulders were nearly visible. She moved behind him. Arranging her nightgown so that it was up around her knees and she could place her legs around his hips.

Lucky inhaled deeply through his nose as her fingers sunk into his shoulders. His eyes squinting against the hint of pain.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" She whispered. Placing her chin against his tacky flesh for a moment.

Lucky licked his parched lips. "The night of the…the robbery," he panted. His breathing slowly returning to normal. "I don’t know why I would dream about that now."

Elizabeth’s fingers slowed for a moment, before she willed them to continue to knead into his tense muscles. She knew why SHE dreamt about it, but she was sure it wasn’t for the same reasons.

"It’s all coming back now," she said softly. "Alex is the reason all of that happened and you just found out he’s a Cassidine. It’s completely natural for you to have nightmares about that night."

She would tell him in a few days, and his world would come to a screeching halt. There was no need to tell him now when he was already going insane over what lie ahead of them tomorrow.

Lucky nodded absently at her explanation.

But he knew it wasn’t that. He hadn’t dreamt about the ‘robbery,’ itself. He’d dreamt about what happened after…about a feeling he’d had. And it hadn’t even been a nightmare, so to speak.…it had been something extremely beautiful – yet it had made him cry out in terror none the less.

He closed his eyes as her fingers penetrated deeper.

Elizabeth glanced at the clock. They’d only been asleep for about two hours in this random room that they’d picked to make love in. Each of them too tired to go ‘all night,’ like they’d planned.

"Maybe we should have stayed up like we planned," Elizabeth whispered in his ear. Watching as the tiny hairs at the back of his neck stood up on end. "We obviously didn’t tire ourselves out enough."

Lucky reached behind him to stroke her hair. "Yeah…but we need some rest if we’re gonna be at our best tomorrow."

"Mmm," she moaned. Crawling around him to sit in his lap, causing a storm of déjà vu for Lucky. "I know something else that puts me at my best…my very best."

Lucky let his hands smooth up the front of her nightgown. The satin slipping sensually through his fingers. It never had taken her much to convince him.

She moved closer to him, bending her neck to kiss the center of his chest.

He was sticky and salty and her tongue wanted to taste more of what her lips had been teased with. She slowly licked her way from the center of his chest to nipple. Encircling him with her lips. Lucky let his head drop back and took a deep breath. His eyes blurring as he looked up at the ceiling.

Her teeth were on his collarbone and then his neck, and she started to push him down towards the pillow that he’d just shot up from in horror.

Elizabeth removed the thin sheet that covered him, and watched him harden beneath her gaze. Remembering how he’d fallen asleep naked. How he used to always do that in the old days. She straddled him and felt his stiff member jut into her belly as she leaned over to kiss his chest. Letting her lips travel downwards until she was forced to move down and take his very tip between her lips.

Lucky’s hips rose from the bed instantly as he hissed through his teeth. Her wet mouth immediately working wonders along his shaft.

Feeling him throb within her waiting depths, Elizabeth knew it wouldn’t be long for him. That’d he come in a matter of seconds. But she couldn’t wait. She wanted him inside her. She wanted to come with him.

Lucky groaned as she took her lips away and bent over the side of the bed. Searching for his pants and his wallet. Unfortunately they had to start using condoms again.

Ever since the ‘hoax’ of being Alex’s devoted wife had begun she’d been off the pill. And due to the fact that her gynecologist was on Alex’s payroll, she would have to get a new one before she could get another prescription.

They’d been ‘not so careful’ the last few times they’d made love, and they couldn’t afford to do that anymore. She couldn’t afford to get pregnant after…

Lucky’s hands smoothed up her chest, and cupped both of her breasts between his thick fingers. Taking one stiff bud between his lips as Elizabeth fiddled with the condom wrapper.

He suckled her more deeply when she took his hard length in her hands and slipped the latex sheeth over his tip. She took her time as she pulled it down towards the base. It had been awhile since she’d done this. She remembered how nervous she’d been the first time. How her hands had shook…

Although using them would be a pain in the ass again, putting it on him would be sort of fun.

She bit her lip and grinned as she pushed him back down towards the bed and quickly centered herself above him.

"Take this off," he panted. Having been able to push around the collar of her nightgown with his hands before, but now unable to reach her the way he wanted while he was laying down.

Unable to hold out any longer, Elizabeth sunk down on him first. Enveloping him in her wet heat before complying with his demand. The sensation of her fire surrounding him and her whipping her nightgown over her head a second later causing Lucky’s senses to go into overdrive in an instant.

He tried to keep his eyes focused on her beautiful body as her hips immediately bucked against his. Tried not to be disturbed by the new sensation of plastic barrier between them.

Lucky reached out to grasp her hips in his hands. Aiding her as she bucked against him again. Her rhythm thrown slightly askew from the new element in their love making.

She started to grind against him more rapidly. Searching for the right pace and he quickly leaned up. Letting his hands travel slowly up her back and then around to her front to slow things down. He took her breast in his mouth and began to suck reverently at her warm flesh.

Elizabeth let her head fall backwards and she writhed atop of him, and his fingers wound their way through the ends of her hair.

Lucky reached down and cupped her bottom, bringing her closer. Feeling himself burrow deeper inside of her as she moved incessantly against him. He was almost there…but she wasn’t.

Had it ever been this difficult before when they’d had to use condoms? She couldn’t remember it ever being like this…of course they hadn’t used them for long, but…

He heard her cry out in frustration and she started to thrust towards him faster again. Her hips frantically pushing. Searching…

"It’s ok…" he panted. His fingers splayed against her thighs as she moved laboriously against him. "Elizabeth…"

Reaching between them suddenly, he slipped his fingers between her folds and she quickly swept his hand away.

"No," she whimpered. "I can do this."

‘Before I explode?’ Lucky thought. A bit annoyed as he took his hand away. Returning it to her back as she rode him. It was the damn condom. It had to be.

"Just let me help you Sweetie," Lucky panted. His breath, hot and needy against her shoulder.

He felt her nod quickly against his own and slowly lowered her to the bed. Feeling himself slip deeper inside her.

Elizabeth cried out immediately. Her head slightly off the bed, as they lay where their feet should have been. Lucky clasped the edge of the bed behind her and pumped himself in and out of her. Never withdrawing completely. Wanting to get her there as quickly as possible.

Her fingertips dug into his shoulder blades, bringing him closer still. The wet skin of his back turning her on even more as she started to tremble around him. She could feel every muscle in his body moving, thrusting, wanting…and her inner walls began to do the same.

Lucky rose slightly above her. Hoisting himself up on his arms. Elizabeth’s fingertips immediately pressing against the vast network of criss-crossing veins that decorated his biceps and forearms.

She cried out his name. Feeling the sensation coming that she had worked so hard for before.

Biting his lip, Lucky tried to hold out just a few seconds longer. Wanting to burst right there inside of her. The slick heat of her insides, becoming too tight to bear. The latex coat around him, as constricting as a straight jacket.

But she started to shout and he wanted to hear it again and again. Wanted to hear the sounds she made while he fucked her in this house one last time.

"Oh God!"

Elizabeth clasped the comforter beneath her as she shivered and bucked under him. As he continued to thrust and then spill forth haphazardly. Flooding the stupid piece of plastic between them with his overzealous semen.

He groaned as he fell against her. His huge chest panting against hers.

Holding him there, she wrapped her legs and arms around him. Not wanting him to pull out yet. Though knowing he had to, or the entire idea of the condom would be null and void.

Lucky gently pushed her legs from around his waist and lifted himself slightly. His arms tired as he pulled out of her body and removed his condom.

He gathered her up in his arms a few moments later. Whispering for her to ‘come ‘ere’ as they settled against the pillows once more. She grinned contentedly as he spooned up against her from behind. Not a sheet to be found anywhere…it was probably on the floor.

The summer breeze drifted in through the window off the lake. Causing the gauzy curtains to billow out over them. Lucky closed his eyes and draped his arm around her waist. Her skin moist from their lovemaking.

He placed a hand to her belly, searching for that sensation he’d had in his dream. But there was nothing. Maybe it was too late to feel it. Maybe he had to touch her at the exact moment that he came.

Or maybe he’d simply imagined it.