Los amantes de Acapulco

[ss9]

A/U set in January 1978 spun from Beginnings by Paige

http://www.ultimatedynasty.net/forum...ic=661&st=3100

"Blake stood up and removed his reading glasses. As he waited for Carla to come in, he thought back on their brief but tumultuous relationship. They'd met in October in Vail at a party given by a mutual acquaintance, and the physical attraction between them had been immediate and intense. They'd stayed at the party long enough to be polite, but as soon as possible they'd made their excuses and gone straight to her hotel room where they'd spent a decadently debauched night together. Over the next three months, they'd gotten together whenever they could, either in Denver or at her place in L.A. They'd even spent a weekend together in Las Vegas, but eventually the demands of their respective careers and their incompatibility outside of the bedroom had led to several arguments.

Other than sex, they had absolutely nothing in common. She went through money as fast as she made it, while he carefully invested every dime he earned. Her only goal in life was to have a good time, and while he liked to have fun as much as anyone, he had a much more serious, disciplined approach to life. Work was his first priority, and they clashed frequently because she expected him to drop everything to satisfy her every whim, something he absolutely refused to do.

He'd been on the verge of breaking things off with her, but at the beginning of the year she'd left on a two-month trip to Mexico to shoot her first movie. He'd half-heartedly agreed to join her there for a weekend if he could find the time, but he'd never made it down. "

But what if fate had other plans?

Part 1:
---

"Blake...Can you hear me...This line is far from brilliant." Carla managed to infuse her disdain for her less than plush surrounds even down a crackly line.

Sighing as he tried to inject some enthusiasm into his voice Blake reminded himself it was hardly gentlemanly to break up with a lady over the phone. "I can hear you but the line is rather noisy."

"Good...Now are you going to make it down this weekend…”

“I don’t think so I do have a late meeting on…”

“Blake!” Carla’s annoyance was clear. “This is the third time you have used that excuse…”

“I know…”

“Then when are you going to do something about it? I mean its not like I’m not short of offers down here, I’ve been invited to a fancy party this weekend, some international fossil fuel magnate is having a large party for his birthday at his villa in Acapulco…What‘s his name…”

“Not Dr Charles Kingston?” Blake asked his interest in the conversation finally picking up.

In truth he had been tuning out her winging, mentally counting down how long he could wait before citing another appointment. Yet at the mention of the elusive Dr Kingston Blake was all ears. In the last ten years Blake had tried on numerous occasions to get a business meeting with the oil and gas magnate yet every time he had been politely but firmly turned down. Now mostly retired Dr Kingston spent much of his life jetting around the world, living off of his immense personal fortune and the income from the many lucrative leases he held the rights to.

In particular the leases in the Indian Ocean that if Blake was right, and he usual was, would come up for renewal in a few months. It would be quite the coup for Denver Carrington to get those leases. It would certainly put a certain Colby nose out of joint even if Blake managed to get in on the bidding.

“Blake….Blake are you still there?” Carla’s annoyed voice cut through Blake’s thoughts.

“Honestly I don’t know why I bother…”

“Wait Carla, you’re right.” Blake was suddenly all charm as he plotted how to squeeze in a weekend romp with his supermodel and do a little business as well.

“I can’t cancel my Friday meeting but I can fly down first thing in the morning…If you still want me that is?” He added suggestively, yet as Carla purred in his ear and began to heatedly suggest all the things they could get up to Blake let his mind wonder, the prospect of those Indian leases more than enough to get him all excited.

---

Leaning back in the chauffeured convertible Blake enjoyed the warm breeze in his hair and the rays of the setting on his face. It had been a wonderful idea to come down here, the day had been pleasantly passed in Carla’s bed but as far as Blake was concerned the best was yet to come.

“Honestly Blake why did you insist on coming to this dratted party…We could have had far more fun staying in.” Carla muttered fluttering her long dark lashes at Blake her hand sliding up his leg in an attempt to sway him to her way of thinking.

Reaching down Blake stopped her hand in its tracks. “You said on the phone this party was the highlight of the social calendar.”

“Down here.” Carla retorted sniffing disdainfully as she removed her hand and tried to rescue her windblown hair.

“But considering that means aging gossipy socialites and boring old businessmen past their prime; it is hardly going to be “my” sort of thing.”

Bristling at her comment, in particular the “boring old businessmen” which Blake was almost certain was a jibe at him, he chose not to comment and let her stew in her own juices whilst he enjoyed the lush scenery as they pulled into the Villa Rosa’s vast estate.

Set just outside of Acapulco proper, the villa enjoyed its own stretch of coastline, a private cove visible from the winding drive that was only accessible from sea or the stairs cut into the cliff. Set up on the top of the cliff the house could be seen through the terraced gardens and scattered trees, its every balcony and terrace decorated with gently glowing lanterns; the noise of salsa music, the babble of voices and the occasional tinkle of laughter spilling into the night air.

As their car came to a halt at the bottom of a series of stairs Blake experienced a sudden sense of déjà vu. Yet the moment those memories sprang to mind Blake viciously suppressed them.

Walking into the house it was obviously packed and as Carla handed her wrap to a waiting attendant Blake retrieved them both a glass of champagne from a hovering houseboy.

“Dr Kingston is receiving on the main terrace.”

Heading in the general flow of the partygoers Blake offered Carla his arm and they found themselves on the terrace when the white tie wearing birthday boy was indeed holding court. The gray haired magnate was seated at the piano, having booted off the pianist and was entertaining his guests by jamming with the band.

Starting to sing a popular rat pack number before breaking off. “It’s no good this song is a duet and where the hell is my accompanyment disappeared to? Someone find her and drag her out here if you have to?” He called out causing his friends to laugh.

Sensing an opportunity Blake pulled Carla with him, enjoying the envious looks of some passing gentlemen as they caught sight of the supermodel on his arm. Yet not sooner was he a couple of feet away from the piano than a very familiar voice rang out.

“Honestly Charles where is the fire?”

Freezing on the spot, Blake’s grip on Carla’s arm tightened, convinced that he had to be hearing things it couldn’t be her. Yet Charles Kingston’s next words blew that possibility out of the water.

“There you are Alexis…How could I possibly carry on without my singing partner?”
---

[ss9]

Part 2:
---

As the music started up Blake caught sight of her.

The lies and fantasies that he had built up over the years apart, warping her beauty and making her as ugly as her deeds, they shattered instantly. If anything the years had matured her beauty, accentuated it, and now in her prime Alexis wasn’t merely beautiful she was stunning.

Suddenly the crowd started clapping and Blake woke as if from a dazed sleep. He had missed the performance and as people pressed in around him in order to praise the performers Blake felt the need to escape claw at him. He couldn’t do this…He couldn’t face her.

“God Dammit Blake LET GO you’re hurting ME!”

Carla’s sharp exclamation carried far in the sudden lull of conversation causing heads to turn in their direction, eyes widening in surprise.

None more so than a pair of startled emeralds, whose owner gasped as she caught sight of the new arrivals. “Blake…”

---

“I can’t believe you Blake, we only just got to this damn party and now we have to leave?” Carla snapped pulling her arm from Blake’s grasp as he paced into the lobby, demanding a car as soon as possible.

Resisting the urge to shout at her, knowing it would do no good, Blake thought reason might work and failing that his charm would prove irresistible. “Just half an hour ago you didn’t want to come to this “boring party”, I am just accommodating your wishes.”

Snorting Carla flicked her long dark hair over her shoulder. “If that were true we would never have left the hotel…It’s not because of me we are leaving its because of “Her”!

“I don’t know what you are talking about…”

“Fine keep your damn secrets, but don’t expect me to follow your whims like a trained puppy. Go back to the hotel but don’t expect me to leave with you.”

“Carla…”

“No Blake, now I am here I might as well see who is here and perhaps I will find out just who that woman is who has got you so spooked.”

“Carla…” Blake tried again calling after her but it was too late she had vanished back into the party.

Sighing Blake ran his hands through his silver hair. She was wrong he was not running away, he was just avoiding an unpleasant confrontation.

“I never took you for a coward Blake.” A familiar honeyed voice commented clearly amused by his agitation.

“Your opinion of me ceased to be of any interest years ago Alexis.” Blake bit back, hoping coming out all guns blazing would drive her away.

Yet if anything his aggression seemed to bait her.

Smiling as sweetly as an alligator Alexis sashayed down the steps, kitten heels clipping on the marble flagstones, the swish of expensive silk as she came closer; close enough that he caught the scent of her perfume. It was the same and the memories it evoked caused his stomach to clench.

“You look well Blake.”

Clenching his jaw as Alexis circled him, appraising him like a predator from every angle, Blake waited on a knife edge for her to pounce.

“What no reciprocating “You look wonderful Alexis”…”

“Since you seem so sure of that it’s any wonder you need me to confirm it.” Blake retorted snidely, unable to resist her baiting even when he knew it was best to shut up and get the hell out of there.

“So you do think I look well.” Alexis teasingly replied taking the message she wanted from his words and discarding the obvious sarcasm. “So why are you here…Not a burning desire to talk about the old days I take it?”

“No.”

“So?”

“It’s a party. Obviously I didn’t know you would be here…”

“Or you wouldn’t have come? Oh Blake I’m hurt.”

Snorting at her faux distress Blake finally turned to face her, his eyes automatically raking over her admiringly. He was a man who appreciated and valued beauty, even in the most deadly of adversaries, and Alexis was a most definitely a beautiful and deadly adversary. In the white one shouldered Grecian dress that clung to her curves Alexis looked every inch the goddess.

“What do you want Alexis?”

Pausing for a moment before answering Alexis shrugged. “Just satisfying my curiosity. How my ex-husband who has been so careful to avoid me over the last thirteen years suddenly appears at a party in Acapulco?”

“You think I’ve been deliberately going out of my way to avoid you?” Blake scoffed.

“Haven’t you?” Alexis asked, her eyebrow raising in disbelief.

“Believe it or not I have better things to do with my time than keeping tabs on you…If we haven’t met before now I can only thank my very good luck and the fact that I prefer nt to attend “your” type of parties.”

“Fun ones you mean.” Alexis countered with barely a pause for breath. “You always did prefer those more staid political fundraisers or those pathetic excuse for business networking affairs…” She trailed off, eyes lighting up suddenly as it clicked.

“Oil leases.”

Frowning at the abrupt topic change Blake turned and stared at the suddenly serious Alexis, she finally had his full attention. His annoyance growing as she smiled and began to laugh, her emerald eyes glinting knowingly.

“Oh and here I thought you might have changed in your old age…But you’re not here enjoying a vacation…You’re not even really here to show off that supermodel, and honestly at your age Blake you really should be ashamed at yourself…You are here on business. The almighty goddess that is Denver Carrington strikes again.”

Scowling as absorbed Alexis’s scorn and cryptic mutterings Blake was just about to tell her to lay off the champagne as the bubbles clearly had gone to her head when Alexis shut him right up.

“You’re sniffing after Charles’s Indian leases…Oh please Blake could you be more transparent?” Alexis added laughing, her amusement increasing as he couldn’t deny it, and the fact that he couldn’t, that she was right vexed him more deeply than anything else she could say.

And Blake Carrington hated loosing, even a war of words, but loosing to Alexis that was simply unacceptable.

---

[ss9]

Part 3:
---

For a long moment neither spoke, each eyeing their adversary now that the first blood had been drawn. On points Alexis had won the first round, but Blake was determined that that was down to home turf advantage, and now that the initial surprise was over he would show her just why nobody played mind games with Blake Carrington and came out smiling.

As if sensing he was preparing to fire Alexis immediately went on the offensive. “I didn’t realize I still have that much power over you Blake…”

“You have power over me?” Blake scoffed, dark eyes glinting dangerously, she was pushing him close to the limits of his patience and they both knew it.

Pouting as she toyed with the delicate gold bangles that her adorned her left wrist Alexis paused before answering, her voice low yet the underlying steel was obvious even beneath her honeyed tone.

“Well what else would you call it? I mean you came all this way for a chance at those leases and now you’re leaving without even meeting Charles…If that isn’t power?” Alexis trailed off lifting her eyes to meet his gaze, holding it even when Blake’s face clouded over and his eyes hardened.

“As fascinating as this all is.” Blake scoffed breaking off as a car finally arrived and he sought to escape without looking liking he was running away. “So if you’ll excuse me, I really do have better places to be…”

“It’s a shame that’s all…” Alexis cut in before he could disappear down the steps and out of her life once more. “I mean to come all this way and give up without really trying, that’s not the Blake Carrington I remember, but then again maybe age has affected you more than it appears at first sight.”

Surprised by her turn of phrase Blake stopped suddenly, turning to face her one eyebrow raised suspiciously as he waited for the other shoe to drop; during their marriage he had spent years learning to read what she actually meant from what came out of her beautiful mouth. If he was reading her correctly now, in between those insults there was a carefully worded offer. Or if not an offer per say a challenge, and Blake Carrington had never backed down from a challenge.

If she was uncomfortable under Blake’s intense gaze Alexis didn’t show it, smiling sweetly as she loaded up her next verbal spar.

“Besides since your charming companion is staying for a while longer there seems little point in leaving now; nothing to rush back to an empty hotel room for…Unless of course you’ve developed a passion for Dominos in the last thirteen years; I hear the senior’s have a game going most nights…You’d fit right in.”

“I think I’ll pass.”

“On the dominos?” Alexis asked innocently, unable to completely suppress a victorious smirk as Blake waved away the car and slowly made his way back up the steps, slowly and reluctantly like a condemned man walking to his execution. She had stopped him from fleeing, when it was clear he wanted nothing more than to put as much distance between them as possible, round two to her as well.

“Well then.” She added suddenly all sweetness as she slipped her hand into the crook of Blake’s elbow, relishing the way he tensed at the unexpected contact, yet didn’t dare to pull away. “I suppose I’d better introduce you around…”

“I am sure I could manage…”

“Oh tosh, you need my help Blake, more than even you realize.” Alexis cut off his objection. “You see I’m afraid Uncles Charles can be somewhat protective, that and he has a memory like an elephant.”

Coming to a sudden stop Blake brought a stunned Alexis to a sudden holt as well. “Uncle Charles?” He asked confused.

Smiling like a cat who had caught the canary Alexis all but purred her reply. “Oh I forgot the two of you never did meet…We’re not blood related after all but Charles did see Cassey and I grow up, so he’s been an honoree Uncle since I was a girl.”

“I see.” Blake muttered and for the first time he truly did, now all those polite little refusals for meetings suddenly made sense, any ‘Uncle’ of Alexis would hardly look favorably on her ex-husband. It hardly seemed worth the effort anymore, if it wasn’t for the fact that Alexis seemed to be on his side, of if not on his side at least she wasn’t an obstruction. Yet why she seemed happy to help caused him concern.

“And you are happy to introduce us?” Blake asked incredulously

“I am.” Alexis answered simply stepping forward, surprised when Blake remained motionless.

Snorting in derision Blake shook his head. “You’ll forgive me if I find this sudden generosity a little hard to swallow Alexis, like cyanide it tends to burn on the way down!”

“It’s hardly sudden.” Alexis snapped back her eyes flaring with hidden anger. “Despite what you may like to believe, Denver Carrington would not be the success it is today if it were not for my connections and networking talents Blake.”

“Or my hard work and sweat and tears…”

“Let’s not forget my tears, it was the cause of enough of them.” Alexis snapped back, her rein on her temper slipping just a notch before she took a deep breath and was suddenly all glacial charm once more. “Besides Business is Business. I’ve always wanted Denver Carrington to be a success…”

Raising an eyebrow in disbelief Blake waited for her to continue.

“I did and do…It is my children’s inheritance after all. Why wouldn’t I want to help make it as successful as possible?”

Stumped by her usual use of logic Blake decided it was safest not to answer and risk exposure, surprising her by accepting her reason at face value and matching her pace as they headed back into the party. Instead he reasoned it would be sensible to take advantage of her unexpected generosity whilst it lasted, it rarely lasted long.

Yet he would keep a watchful eye out just in case of bear traps.

That was what he convinced himself he was doing as he walked half a pace behind her, allowing her to lead them through the crowd, watching her closely out of the corner of his eye. She walked the party like a big cat did their territory. Confident she cut her way through the masses, expecting people to move aside to let her pass, and what was more amazing they did. Couples and groups would side step or part to allow them to walk by, all turning and greeting Alexis with smiles or calling out greetings; their excitement growing when she deigned to pause and grace them with her company all but fleetingly.

“Ah there he is.” Alexis muttered jarring Blake from his internal musing and he turned scanning the crowd for a familiar grey-haired head. It took him a moment but following her gaze he found Dr Kingston twirling a partner about the dance floor.

“Shall we?” Alexis asked innocently, offering Blake her hand; emerald eyes glinting with suppressed amusement as if daring him to refuse.

“You have got to be joking…”

---

[ss9]

Part 4:
---

“I never joke about something as serious as dancing Blake…What’s the matter, not afraid of dancing with little old me?” Alexis scoffed her hand hovering mockingly. “What’s the worst that could happen, you trip over your pride?

Gritting his teeth as he weathered yet another jab at his masculine pride, Blake quickly realised he would only have to endure it long enough to lead her across the floor and gain an introduction. So reluctantly he took her smaller hand in his own, momentarily surprised how easily she slipped into his arms; falling into a rhythm as if it had been weeks not years since they had last danced together.

Standing so close, hemmed in by the other couples, it was impossible to ignore the scent of her perfume or the way she still fitted neatly against his shoulder, her petite frame making him seem giant like in comparison. The pounding salsa music setting a faster beat yet Blake preferred to keep it simple, always conscious that he was a clumsy dancer, yet Alexis responded lightly and easily to his lead and always made him feel less lead footed.

They were half way across the floor to Dr Kingston when a drunken reveller span his partner too wildly and loosing his balance careened into them. Smashing into Alexis’s back so she grabbed wildly at Blake’s shoulder as he pulled her close, pivoting them out of the drunk’s path.

“Bloody idiot.” Alexis hissed, eyes flashing as she scowled over her shoulder at the drunk now sprawled out on the floor.

Swallowing Blake could only nod his agreement, his throat suddenly dry and constricted, even as his pulse quickened and he found himself momentarily light-headed as the blood rushed elsewhere. Her body was pressed firmly along the length of his, breasts rising with every breath brushed teasingly against his chest, her motionless thigh pressed against a part of him that hadn’t been this close to her in many years and clearly had missed her.

In pulling her close the hand that had rested innocently in the small of her back now pressed against the soft skin exposed by the low drape of fabric and it took all of his dwindling control not to stroke it.

As if sensing the sudden shift in mood and the rapidly building tension Alexis gazed up at him through her lashes, her breathing speeding up teasing his cheek as goosebumps broke out across her body. Feeling the pointed signs of her arousal through the thin silk of her dress Blake finally met her gaze, startled emerald eyes darkening rapidly especially as Blake’s eyes dropped momentarily to her lips.

Yet Blake paused, lust warring with his better judgement, and he barely managed to stifle a groan as an amused Alexis pressed her well-positioned thigh against the growing bulge in his trousers, a barely concealed question and invitation in her glinting eyes. Growling low in his throat Blake tried to regain control, a fact made more difficult by the teasing circles Alexis was drawing along his shoulder her fingers creeping over his collar to slide into his hair.

Momentarily closing his eyes as he savoured her touch Blake’s grip on her tightened, the hand on her back sliding down her spine caressing her skin before cupping her bottom and pulling their hips into full contact, savouring the startled gasp his sudden gesture elicited.

Opening his eyes Blake found Alexis’s face dangerously close, her eyes now pools of darkened desire as she tilted her chin up, lips parted slightly waiting for him to lean down and claim them.

“Very cosy for two people who have only just met!” Carla’s angry voice was like a bucket of cold water and Blake shuddered at the contact, jarred from the heady private world of his and Alexis’s attraction.

“Do you think I’m an idiot Blake?”

“Carla…”

“Oh so you do at least remember who I am, for a moment there it seemed like you had forgotten all about me.” Carla snarled slightly unsteady on her heels the cause of which became all too apparent as she swigged greedily at her red wine.

“Carla you’re overreacting.” Blake insisted choosing to ignore the snort of amusement from Alexis yet even he couldn’t pretend their little threesome wasn’t attracting some interested onlookers. “Let’s go inside and talk about this calmly…and soberly.”

“A little late for that don’t you think.” Alexis sniggered as she stepped out of Blake’s arms, finally drawing Carla’s attention.

“Shut up grandma.”

Raising an eyebrow at that less than inspired put down Alexis smiled sweetly before replying in her most cultured tone, the English accent so clipped it could have cut glass. “I don’t believe we have had the pleasure of an introduction.”

“Carla Lombardi.” The long limbed model retorted, fluttering her long dark lashes and flicking her dark hair over her shoulder as she stared down at the more petite Alexis; surprised when instead of being intimidated by the young beauty her rival’s smile merely increased.

“Of course you are…” Alexis answered, shooting Blake a cryptic look that made Carla bristle.

“And you are?”

“Oh do forgive me. I’m Alexis…Alexis Carrington.” Alexis parried expertly, her single blow causing Carla to stagger back in surprise. “Don’t tell me Blake forgot to mention me?”

“You’re married?” Carla gasped turning on Blake who tried to placate her.

“Divorced! Thirteen years ago.” Blake added quickly shooting Alexis a look that could have scorched if she hadn’t already gotten her armour back in place.

Shaking her head Carla backed away stumbling into a few other partygoers who had been surrupticiously trying to listen in without appearing to be doing so. “Yeah right because everyone dances with their ex-wives like that.”

“Carla please…” Blake tried again, sighing as he realised he was starting to sound like a broken record, irritated by the fact that he was stuck in position of having to explain himself. It was little wonder he had chosen to steer clear of a serious relationship in the last thirteen years if this was the sort of hassle he had to deal with.

“Alexis is everything alright?” Dr Charles Kingston suddenly asked having appeared at Alexis’s elbow, hazel eyes narrowed in concern.

“Everything is fine Charles. Someone’s had a little too much to drink and started jumping to conclusions.” Alexis explained succinctly, and for once Blake almost envied the way she could turn a situation to suit herself. In the past it had often frustrated him, how she could twist any argument and make herself into the innocent party.

“Carla nothing happened we were just dancing.” Blake insisted trying to reclaim control of the situation.

Snorting Carla shook her head, “You must think I’m really dumb…”

“Well if the cap fits.” Alexis muttered lowly, but not quietly enough as Carla whirled on her staggering slightly, her dark eyes wide and unfocused.

“You bitch…” Carla hissed pitching the remaining contents of her wineglass at a stunned Alexis, the red wine staining Alexis’s long white dress, trailing down the silk like spilled blood.

Standing still as a marble statue Alexis simple raised a sculptured eyebrow accepting the handkerchief that Charles offered yet she made no attempt to mop at the stain. “I think Miss Lombardi you should consider your invitation to this house revoked.”

Searching the gathered crowd for any flicker of support Carla caught Blake’s gaze, her frustration giving way to a petulant tantrum, as he remained stony faced. Turning on her heel she stormed back into the house scattering onlookers in her wake.

Shaking his head Blake turned apologetically to Alexis and their host. “I am so sorry…”

“Don’t worry Blake it’s only a dress, I have others.” Alexis deadpanned.

“Dr Kingston my apologies for the disturbance. It’s been an interesting evening.” He added starting towards the house.

“Blake wait…” Alexis called out catching his arm. “You really shouldn’t leave without talking to Charles…It wouldn’t do for the evening to be a total wasted opportunity.” She added raising an eyebrow playfully.

“Alexis…”

“Blake…” Alexis countered meeting his stern gaze, watching as he struggled with himself. Smiling as she saw him give in, turning his back on the house. “Charles may I introduce Blake Carrington.”

“Dr Kingston.”

“The Blake Carrington.” Charles answered clearly surprised yet if he had any particular objection he chose not to mention it shaking Blake’s hand.

“Now if you boys will excuse me I really need to change…Enjoy the rest of the party Blake.” Alexis added leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his cheek before Blake could object, then pulling away she cut a striking figure stalking through the throng, many heads turning as she passed.

“Well I must admit I am somewhat surprised to see you here Blake, I wasn’t aware you and Alexis were on speaking terms.” Charles spoke once they were alone, accepting a drink from a passing waiter before offering one to Blake.

Shaking his head Blake passed on the drink, “We…” Blake began unable to define just how the current state of his relationship with Alexis could be classified. “It’s complicated.”

“What isn’t?” Charles quipped sternly yet his eyes softened in concern as they flickered towards the house into which Alexis had vanished. “I do hope you are not here simply to cause mischief.”

“That was not my intention, actually I had no idea Alexis would even be here…I was hoping to meet you and when she offered to introduce us it seemed like too good an opportunity to pass by.”

Intrigued Charles took a deep sip of his drink waiting for Blake to continue.

“I was hoping we might do business together.” Blake added awkwardly.

Nodding Charles actually seemed to consider it. “Alright, if Alexis truly has no objection, why don’t you call by tomorrow morning, sometime after breakfast and we’ll talk? For now I must attend to my other guests.” He added politely leaving Blake to amuse himself.

Taking a drink from a passing waiter Blake downed it quickly; he should be celebrating he had accomplished what he had hoped for after all. Yet somehow Blake couldn’t help but suspect these chance meetings would have more lasting consequences than just a few oil leases.

---

[ss9]

Part 5 took a little detour but dear god was it fun to write

Part 5:
---

Sighing it didn’t take long for Blake to realise he was dreaming, memories of last night of his explosive encounter with his ex-wife merging with other memories, memories he had thought long forgotten. A honeyed voice calling out to him, his playful young bride splashing him from the pool of their honeymoon villa, taunting him to come after her, to catch her if he can. A disorientated Blake chasing after her, pulling her bikini clad body into his arms, enjoying a sensuous kiss as his hands roved her body freely.

The scene changing, evolving, their bedroom at the house the curtains drawn and room dimmed Blake squirming under the generous and talented lips of his wife as she woke him in a most unusual manner. Sliding his fingers into her long dark hair Blake groaned and arched his hips against her mouth; eyes pressed tightly closed, hissing as Alexis purred in satisfaction the vibrations quickly undermining his control.

“Alexis I’m going to...” He gasped on the very cusp when she withdrew suddenly and Blake winced as something slapped his sensitive stomach.

Wincing as he opened his eyes at the unexpected bright light filtering in from...Was that a balcony? It took a good few moments for Blake to orientate himself, glancing about the hotel room in confusion before understanding flooded him.

He was in Acapulco...A hotel suite...And unless she had taken to breaking into people’s rooms and accosting them sexually it had almost definitely not been his ex-wife’s talented lips Blake junior had been enjoying.

“Carla?”

As if summoned by magic the dark eyed model appeared from the bathroom, hurriedly fastening her clothes and shooting him a look of pure loathing.

“I’m...”

“You’re what Blake, Sorry?” Carla spat. “I am sure you are darling. Only sorry you said her name before and not after I had finished...”

“It was...” Blake tried again sitting up and wincing as certain parts of his anatomy complained violently at the abrupt cessation of services. Yet try as he could, even half asleep, Blake struggled to think of any excuse that would get him out of this mess, or at least might placate her enough to get her to finish what she had started.

“A mistake, oh you bet it was. This whole affair has been one series of mistakes after another I should have listened when people warned me about you. The serial monogamist, oh he never cheats on you ladies he just never gives you a fighting chance. Just a few pleasant dinners, a few hot nights between the sheets then he stops returning your phone calls. Casual loving, Blake Carrington style, never a chance at anything more.”

Startled Blake leant back as if physically slapped. Her words may have lacked finesse but the pain behind them was real enough. He had thought he had made himself clear, thought he always made himself clear at the start of an affair, casual and light no permanent attachment. He had never considered he might actually be hurting anyone when he broke off, what was in his eyes, another meaningless affair.

“I’m sorry.” He added and this time he even meant it. Not for the faux pax with the name, but for anything he had said or done that might have given her the wrong impression; like agreeing to meet her in Mexico when all that really interested him were the oil leases.

“Yeah so am I. Sorry I ever started this thing...whatever you call it, a sordid little fling. I’m worth more than this Blake. I deserve better, we all do, thirteen years worth of rebound girls should tell you something.”

Stunned by her turn of phrase Blake could only stare in mute astonishment as Carla grabbed her purse and stepped into her heels yet she had one last parting shot.

“Now since you’ve never gotten her out of your system why don’t you take that...” Carla paused pointing violently at his still prominent erection. “Back to your wife and ask her to finish you off, or what’s the matter Blake afraid she might just turn you down?” She added turning and striding out the suite, slamming the door behind her leaving an extremely uncomfortable Blake gaping after her.

---

[ss9]

Part 6:
---

An hour or so later a linen suited and somewhat more composed Blake Carrington made his way up the stairs that led to the Villa Rosa. If anything the estate was even more impressive in the daylight, now you could see many flowered arbours, the gardens a riot of colour and a credit to their owner.

He was greeted at the door by the same house boy that had been attending at the party. “Sr Kingson sends his apologies Sr Carrington, he is currently occupied with a call from his Paris agents, if you would be so kind to wait for him on the terrace…Would you care for some refreshment, tea or coffee?”

“No…No thank you.” Blake answered politely, swallowing nervously as he was led through the house, afraid and perhaps a little bit excited that they might happen across Alexis as she made her way down to breakfast or perhaps out to the pool for a morning swim. Pushing aside thoughts of his ex-wife in any form of bathing costume Blake forced himself to focus on the main reason he was here, no he corrected himself the only reason he was here; those oil leases.

Yet as he stepped out on to the terrace he was not exactly dismayed to hear the sound of lapping water. Walking towards the balustrade Blake mentally prepared himself, yet all his girding was for naught when instead of his svelte like ex-wife the soul occupant of the vast pool was a young blonde haired girl doing laps before getting out of the pool to practice her dives.

Intrigued and lacking anything else to watch Blake smiled in amusement as the girl over and under corrected her dives, each time not getting it quite right. Her last attempt resulting in a rather resounding belly flop. Unsuccessfully stifling a laugh Blake wandered down the steps towards the pool area, to where the girl was quietly fuming slapping the water in her frustration.

“I wouldn’t worry you were doing well up until that last one.” Blake called out and the girl turned round in surprise, her young face showing her surprise and for a moment Blake realised it was quite possible she hadn‘t understood a word of what he might have said and she might have jumped to the conclusion he was some sort of bogeyman.

“I’m sorry I don’t speak…Yo no…urghhh… hab…hablo español…” Blake spluttered wracking his brain for his high school Spanish and the smattering of languages his rather more cultured ex-wife had tried over the course of their marriage to drum into him.

Yet even though his attempt at Spanish fell flat Blake at least had gotten the girl to laugh. “mi nombre…Blake.” He tried again pleased when she smiled and replied simply.

“Amanda.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Amanda.” Blake added having exhausted the extent of his Spanish.

“You to.” Amanda replied in perfectly accented English her smile growing as Blake shook his head in disbelief at being conned by a child.

“Well then since you can understand me perfectly…You can I take it?”

Laughing Amanda nodded swimming across to the side and pulling herself out of the water, wrapping a towel around her torso as she sat with her feet dangling in the water.

“When you’re diving you’re over thinking it. If I remember my children had the same problem. What you need to do is get used to the angle.”

Huffing Amanda kicked her feet through the water pouting as she added petulantly. “I’m trying…”

“I can see that but as I said you’re trying too hard. Try something for me, stand up…”

Shrugging Amanda stood throwing her towel to the side, her young face set in concentration, suddenly looking years older and for a moment annoying familiar, yet the fleeting thought was gone before Blake could grasp it.

“Alright now put your hands up above your head…that’s right…now curve your toes over the edge of the pool and just bend forward…slowly…slowly…Now.” Blake exclaimed as Amanda executed an almost perfect dive.

Coming to the surface her face beaming she was babbling excitedly, speaking so fast Blake struggled to make out the words. “Thank you…Thank you.”

“Well now you just keep on practising and you’ll be able to do it every time.” Blake answered indulgently.

“I will I promise!” Amanda exclaimed pulling herself out of the water so fast Blake had jump back to avoid getting splashed.

“Well this is quite the cosy little scene. I had no idea you moonlighted as a swimming coach Blake.”

“Mummy!” Amanda called out stunning Blake to silence as the blonde haired water nymph rushed to hug her mother.

A rather stunningly caftan clad Alexis who appeared to be wearing little else save a bathing suit, at least Blake hoped she was wearing a bathing suit under the brief caftan that showed a goodly amount of tanned thigh.

“Mother?” Blake gasped the question tripping off his tongue before he could stop himself.

Yet if Alexis chose not to answer, keeping her eyes lowered and fixed lovingly on her blonde daughter; Amanda had no such compunction.

“Of course.” She added laughing at Blake’s confusion, familiar green-grey eyes lighting up with amusement. “I’m Amanda Carrington.”

---

[ss9]

Part 7:
---

The meeting had gone well. Far better than Blake had any reason to expect, perhaps that was why he was so preoccupied and didn’t notice the waiting blonde child until he practically bowled her over.

“Hello Amanda.” Blake greeted the waiting child.

“Oh hello.” Amanda replied yet there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm in her voice as she hovered nervously in the lobby trying to peek around Blake and into the study. “Is Uncle Charles free yet?”

“I think he is already on another call...I’m sorry did you need to speak to him?” Blake asked politely as his eyes scanned her face.

Now he knew Alexis was her mother the similarity was obvious, not just the eyes which should have clued him in straight away but there was something about the way Amanda held herself; a presence that Blake had once felt was distinctly Alexis yet it seemed her daughter had inherited this as well. If she had taken anything from her father...whomever that might be...Blake couldn’t discern it.

The tell tale huff of annoyance was also all Alexis, as was the crossed arms and annoyed pout. “It’s just not fair! He promised we could go today...It’s the last chance you see before Mummy and I fly back to London and now he has to ruin everything...Stupid business always comes first it’s not fair!.”

Frowning in confusion Blake considered the open door longingly; just a few steps and he could be free. His contact was made, Charles had seemed receptive if a little distracted during his pitch for the Indian leases, and he had at least secured a second meeting to discuss the matter in more detail. There really was no need for him to linger, his curiosity and this almost perverse desire to see his ex-wife be damned.

He could take those steps and be on his plane in a few hours, leaving these unsettling new thoughts behind him.

Yet there was something in the girl’s face that held him in place. Perhaps it was simply the resemblance to another younger, more innocent Alexis or perhaps it was that other nagging thought that he was missing something here, something very important if he only took the time to look.

“You live in London then?” Blake asked unable to contain his curiosity as to just what his ex-wife had been up to all these years.

“Yes we have a house in Chelsea...Grandpa left it to Mummy when he died and we’ve lived there ever since.”

Pausing as that information sank in Blake felt a momentary wave of sadness. He and Alexis’s father hadn’t really gotten along, mainly because he had considered the 32 year old Blake far too for his 17 year old daughter. His lack of approval had been the main reason why they had eloped and presented both families with a fait acomplis. Yet even though the old man had come to grudgingly accept Blake over the years, the pair had never really warmed to one another.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know Alexander had passed away you must miss him?”

Shrugging her shoulders Amanda fell into step with him as they wandered aimlessly through the house. “It was a long time ago; I was only a baby still so I don’t really remember him.”

“Do you like London?”

“It’s alright, it rains too much and I prefer the sea. I wish we could live here all the time and not just visit Uncle Charles during the holidays, but I have to go back to school...I board during the week but get to come home at the weekends. Mummy always picks me up on a Friday and then if we’re staying in town and not going to visit her friends we go to the pictures together in Leicester Square and she lets me pick the film.” Amanda babbled on allowing Blake to fill in the picture of Alexis’s life, which he had to admit was quite different than what he had expected.

“And your Father when do you see him?” Blake asked unable to resist asking the question that had been niggling at his gut ever since Amanda had declared quite openly who her mother was.

In the years of their divorce Blake it was fair to say hadn’t quite come to terms with his wife’s infidelity, it still gnawed at his gut like an ulcer. Yet he had always had the scant consolation that of all the men in her life Alexis had wanted and chosen him as the father of her children. She had had her choice of princes, millionaires and playboys and yet she had chosen an up and coming wildcatter with dirt still under his fingernails to father her children, had declared she knew it the moment she first laid eyes on him across a crowded room.

The idea that someone, anyone else shared that privilege irritated him far more than it probably should.

Yet clearly Blake had chosen the one subject about which Amanda was not prepared to babble on about at length. “I don’t...We...I don’t have a father.” She added softly, closing down completely.

Frowning Blake longed to press the point to ask how anyone couldn’t have a father yet one glance at the pained expression on Amanda’s face and the question died on his lips. Clearly this was not for her to answer, yet somehow he didn’t see how getting a true response from Alexis would be any easier; she would no doubt fix him with those emerald eyes of hers, a scornful expression on her lovely face as she demanded what the bloody business was it of his.

Searching for a change of subject, anything to lift the depressing mood, Blake remembered her little temper tantrum from earlier.

“So why are you so cross at your Uncle Charles?”

Snorting as the mere mention of the previous topic caused her young face to flush with temper, Amanda barely paused to draw breath before launching into a rant.

“He promised we could take the boat out to Roqueta Island, we try to go every Sunday during the holidays to visit Snr Maria and her family. This is the last time we’d get to go until Easter holidays and I promised Helena and Mario we’d come this week...Helena’s big sister and her husband are staying with the family and the baby was due last week, so if we don’t go today I won’t get to see it at all because by the time we come back they will have gone back to Mexico city and...”

“You were really looking forward to it.” Blake finished for her, smiling indulgently unable to shake off the resemblance at least personality wise to a much younger Fallon.

“Yes.” Amanda pouted, arms crossed once more. “Mummy said I wasn’t to badger Uncle Charles that I should try and find somebody else to help us sail the boat...I’m not strong enough and Mummy doesn’t like taking it out just the two of us. Yet I asked Raoul and he said he couldn’t and everyone else doesn’t know how to sail and this means I won’t get to go at all...”

“Yes and the sooner you stop complaining about it the better off we will all be!” Alexis added, appearing like a siren out of thin air and startling the pair.

“You still here Blake? I would have thought now you’d got what you wanted you’d be hot footing it back to Denver.” Alexis added cuttingly coming to stand between them her hand protectively resting on Amanda’s shoulder.

“I’m not in any rush.” Blake retorted his dark eyes meeting and holding her gaze, and so catching the momentary flicker of surprise and was that a twinge of fear.

Yet the possibility intrigued him and he found the offer slipping off his tongue before he could stop himself. Alexis clearly wanted him to leave, perhaps it was his contrary nature, perhaps his natural curiosity; it couldn’t be simply that he wanted to stay close to her.

“In fact since I have the rest of the day at leisure I would be only too delighted to offer to accompany you ladies to this Island of yours.”

“Really you mean it?” Amanda exclaimed all childish enthusiasm as she flung her arms around his waist and gave him a spontaneous hug. “Mummy can we...PLEASE?”

Swallowing down her immediate rejection Alexis shot Blake look of pure loathing before collecting herself and forcing a neutral expression back on to her face. Yet Blake couldn’t help but be tickled by her momentary slip, his cocky mood not even abating when a sly smile slipped onto Alexis’s face, a sure sign she was plotting her revenge.

“If Blake really wants to waste his time...Who am I stop him?”

---

[ss9]

Part 8:
---

Leaning back against the stern the rudder for the helm tightly grasped in his right hand Blake enjoyed the peace and quiet, the feel of the warm sun on his face and the wind in his hair; this was as close to content as Blake got. He had always enjoyed sailing, yet he never made the time for it he should. He had spent much of his life working hard, striving for the next goal that he set himself, that times like this were something to savour.

“Honestly Blake didn’t your mother manage to drum sense into that head of yours!” Alexis’s voice jarred him from his daydream just as a object landed on his chest. “Put it on I refuse to cope with you if you get sunstroke.”

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes and comment she should reserve her mothering tendencies for her daughter Blake had to admit Alexis might have a small point. It was hot and he could feel his ears starting to burn slightly, so he slipped on the smart panama hat with only a small scowl.

“Mummy look dolphins!” Amanda’s excited voice called out from the bow of the boat where she had settled herself the moment they had stepped on board, her fingers trailing in the surf as she kept look out for the first sight of the Island.

“I see them.” Alexis called out as she carefully wound up some loose rope. “Is it time to turn to catch the onshore wind?”

“We’ve got a few more knots to go.” Blake answered surprised by the astute question. The Alexis he remembered would have refused to do anything more strenuous than sip a cocktail.

Nodding at his response Alexis turned and disappeared through the hatch into the small cabin reappearing a moment later with a couple of glasses filled with ice and some fruit based drink. Taking one to Amanda, Blake was surprised when Alexis handed him the other before disappearing once more, probably to retrieve her own.

Eyeing the drink carefully lest there was any obvious sign of hemlock or cyanide Blake sniffed it, when it seemed safe and his mouth had started to water he took a generous sip, gasping as the unexpected tang of rum hit the back of his throat and he coughed.

“Easy Blake.” Alexis’s teasing voice called out, a smug smile playing around her lips.

“You could have warned me.”

“And ruin the surprise?” Alexis retorted emerald eyes twinkling wickedly.

Snorting through his nose Blake sat back and carefully sipped his drink, this time prepared for the strong alcohol he found himself enjoying the drink whilst gamefully plotting his revenge.

The opportunity came a few moments later when Alexis was distracted, trying to pin down her flyaway curls under her wide brimmed hat and she had balanced the remains of her drink on the top of the hatch. Smirking as he could see what would happen Blake turned the rudder sharply and called out “Duck” as the boom swung toward her before correcting their course.

Diving for the floor Alexis knocked her drink flying, the ice slushy spilling all over her shirt and she screeched at the sudden cold contact. It didn’t take long for Alexis to realise she had been duped. The boom had not changed side, they hadn’t changed direction, Blake had done it on purpose.

“You bastard!” Alexis muttered lowly, yet Blake could read her lips quite clearly.

“Tit for tat.” Blake retorted smugly yet his confidence began to wane as a smirking Alexis got to her feet her hands moving to the buttons of her skirt.

Starting from the bottom she unfastened each one slowly her eyes locked on Blake, whose face suddenly tensed yet he couldn’t have looked away even if he had wanted to. Swallowing nervously as inch after inch of tanned flash was exposed to his gaze, until reaching the last button directly over her breasts Alexis paused.

“Shall I go on?”

His mouth dry Blake found himself unable to respond, and he grasped the lifeline of his drink, downing the remainder quickly.

“Cat got your tongue Blake?” Alexis asked before making the decision for them both, unfastening the last button and tossing her shirt at him, laughing as Blake’s face almost fell in disappointment when he caught sight of her bikini top.

“Don’t try and play games with me Blake…Remember when it comes to them I’m a grandmaster!” Alexis added with one lingering taunting look before she turned and joined Amanda at the bow of the boat leaving Blake to wonder if he hadn’t just bitten off far more than he could chew.

----

[ss9]

Part 9:
---

Eventually they reached Roqueta Island and Blake experienced a few tense moments as he guided the boat into the long jetty, wincing slightly as she bumped against the side. He watched carefully as Amanda jumped off to secure them, her young face set in concentration as she tied the knots determined to do a good job and for a moment Blake experienced a flash of recognition.

He did see someone else in her face, something that wasn’t her mother yet was still annoyingly familiar. Yet as he mentally scrolled through the many men he had met in his travels concentrating on those he knew well enough to cause this nagging sense of knowing he kept coming up blank.

Shrugging the matter aside Blake stood and retrieved his jacket slipping it on as a newly dressed Alexis re-emerged from below, having abandoned her stained shirt for a rather attractive salmon pink sleeveless sundress, that although long had a rather provocative slit in the skirt.

“Do you always carry a change of clothes?” Blake asked before he could stop himself causing Alexis to turn to him in surprise and answer rather cryptically.

“You should know me by now Blake, I’m always prepared.”

“You are no boy scout!” Blake retorted eyebrow raised.

Laughing at his deadpanned comment Alexis smiled seductively. “Why how sweet of you to notice Blake.”

Shaking his head as he resolved to drop this conversation Blake joined Amanda on the jetty just in time to hear her muttered.

“Oh no not Captain Creep.”

Frowning Blake was about to enquire just what she meant when he caught sight of a rather rotund slimy gentlemen complete with clipboard waddling towards them, a cigar sticking out of the corner of his mouth. He didn’t seem in any hurry to reach them Blake noted, not as he took the opportunity to eye up some sunbathing girls on a neighboring yacht.

When he finally did make his way over to them he thrust the clipboard under Blake’s nose, rapidly firing off at him in Spanish. Dismayed as he had no idea what the official was blathering on about Blake was at first relieved when Alexis stepped off the boat and began to deal with the obnoxious little man. Yet that relief soon evaporated, as not understanding what was being said Blake watched the body language, and the way the slime was ogling Alexis bothered him.

“I’m sorry I’ll only be a minute...I’ve got to pay the docking fee and sign something apparently.” Alexis muttered shooting Amanda a smile. “I’ll only be a few minutes Darling.” She added reluctantly following the waddling official back to his office.

Remaining behind with Amanda Blake checked her knots surprised when his compliments didn’t draw the girl out. “What’s the matter?”

“I don’t like that man.” Amanda huffed. “He’s a creep. He used to work here last summer, he’s the brother of some important big wig or other, yet Maria told me he got sent to work in the city to avoid a scandal...Something about some girl.

He’s not a nice man, Maria said he tried it on with her big sister until her husband stepped in and punched him...What does that mean try it on, it doesn’t sound nice?” Amanda added turning to Blake yet he was already moving, striding down the jetty towards the harbour managers office.

His gut clenching, he practically kicked the door open, his suspicion confirmed as Alexis was practically hemmed in the opposite corner and the office show obvious signs of a struggle, the Captain himself sporting a couple of scratch marks across his pudgy face. Swallowing a momentary flash of pride that his girl was not the easy mark Captain Creep had been expecting Blake allowed his anger to take over; crossing the room in two strides and dragging the bastard away from Alexis.

Pulling back his arm, he landed a punch across the man’s stunned face, only Blake’s grip on his shirt kept the punch drunk creep from slumping to the floor. Lifting him up by the lapels Blake rammed him back against the well his dark eyes murderous as they locked on the other man who seemed to look anywhere but at Blake.

Lifting him up Blake rammed him back against the wall until he had gotten his full attention.

“You leave my wife alone!...Mi esposa...You don’t talk to her, you don’t even look at her! Got it?” Blake growled and even if he didn’t understand him the Captain nodded placating.

“Si...Si Sr...Muy triste.”

“That had better mean yes.” Blake answered aggressively not letting go until the quivering mess of a man held his hands up in surrender glancing eagerly at the door; which was exactly where he headed the moment Blake let him down.

Turning round Blake suddenly found his arms full once more yet this time the occupant was far more pleasant. Holding her close Blake shushed Alexis gently, not listening to the babble of words, simply stroking her hair and holding her safe in his embrace.

“It’s alright...You’re safe...I’m here.”

“Oh Blake.” Alexis replied softly lifting her tearstained eyes from his shoulder. “I knew you would come...I just had to buy enough time.”

“And you did a great job.” Blake answered a small smile tugging at his lips. “Captain Creep will have a job hiding those talon marks of yours.”

Snorting in amusement Alexis nodded a flicker of her former spirit showing through. “Serves him right...Captain Creep?”

“Amanda’s moniker for him.” Blake explained.

“Good name.” Alexis retorted with a nervous chuckle before lifting her eyes to meet his gaze, emerald eyes sparkling with blinked back tears. “Thank you Blake.”

Swallowing nervously Blake suddenly became aware of how close they were, how warm she felt in his arms and the urge to close the remaining gap and kiss her had never felt so strong. Alexis wasn’t unaffected either and as if sensing his indecision she leant up and placed a tender kiss on the corner of his mouth.

Feeling her lips linger for a moment Blake threw caution to the window, turning his head and pulling her close, his mouth moved tenderly over hers savouring the first taste of her in years. It was tender and sweet yet still potent with promise, everything a kiss should be, and it left them both wanting more.

Pulling apart Blake was shocked to find himself trembling. Yet the bright blush on Alexis’s cheeks indicated he wasn’t the only one so affected.

“That was...” Blake began before breaking off unable to find the words.

“Incredible...Intoxicating...Repeatable?” Alexis answered with a knowing smile, throwing out random adjectives with a common theme.

“Unexpected.” Blake answered honestly yet there was sense of heat on his cheeks as he added. “Although your three are just as accurate.”

Smiling at his response Alexis slid her arms up his chest and around his neck, tilting her head playfully a come-hither invitation displayed in her eyes. An invitation Blake was all too eager to take advantage of...

“Mummy we are going to be late!” Amanda’s petulant tone caused the two adults to jump apart, and Blake had to stifle the urge to chastise the girl for interrupting just when things were getting interesting; before reminding himself Alexis would hardly appreciate him jumping in to scold her child.

“Sorry Darling we got a little caught up with the paperwork.” Alexis covered breezily stepping outside to join her daughter as Blake stifled a laugh. “We’ll head off to see Snr Maria now then.”

Paperwork, so that was what it was called these days.

Yet if the pair thought they had gotten away with it Amanda’s next comment floored them completely.

“Really, and I just thought you were kissing.”

---

[ss9]

Part 10:
---

If Blake had thought visiting a family he had never met would be awkward he was pleasantly surprised to be proved wrong. No sooner had he stepped through the door than Snr Maria was pulling him into an embrace as if she had known him for years.

“Hola Blake” Maria greeted him pleasantly before pulling back, her dark eyes twinkling as she eyed him appraisingly.

“Alexis where you have been hiding this man…Hmm you sure you don’t want to trade?”

Laughing Alexis appeared to consider it for a moment catching and holding Blake‘s gaze her emerald eyes twinkling playfully as she answered. “Well if you are offering me Carlos?”

Joining in with her laughter Maria shook her head. “As is if my papa wouldn’t follow you anywhere you asked.”

“I do hope you don’t mind the imposition…” Blake began only to be cut off by Maria.

“Do not even think that for a moment; I am honoured to have you here, any friend of Alexis is a friend of mine. Please do come in.”

Catching Alexis’s eye Blake followed her into the house enjoying the sudden drop of temperature. His eyes adjusted quickly to the softer light and he was surprised to see quite the large family milling about waiting for the new arrivals.

“I was hoping you would be able to visit…I made extra for lunch. It‘s a shame Charles couldn’t make it but I am delighted you were able to come without him…Helena and little Maria haven‘t stopped talking about Amanda visiting all week.” Maria added waving them into the sheltered courtyard.

“Mummy may I?” Amanda asked practically bouncing on the spot as she caught sight of her friends.

“Go on scamp, don’t come back till we call for food.” Alexis added and Amanda needed no further encouragement running over to join two other girls.

“Did you have a good crossing?”

“It had one or two high points…” Alexis answered shooting Blake an accusing look which he battered away holding his hands up in surrender. “But no problems.”

“Until we moored up you mean.” Blake muttered mainly to himself but Maria had not raised half a dozen children without developing a keen sense of hearing.

“Oh what happened?”

Watching as Alexis tensed Blake cursed himself for even bringing the subject up. “Let’s just say there was a little misunderstanding with the harbour authorities.”

Snorting Maria wasn’t oblivious to the sudden rise in tension. “You mean Carlos Santiago… That man is a pig, has been since he was at his mamma’s breast and he hasn’t grown out of it mores the pity. The swine had the nerve to try it on with my precious Sophia. Well her husband soon set him straight on that score taught him a lesson.”

“Yes…Well I don’t think he will forget today in a hurry either.” Alexis added with a half smile and Blake relaxed slightly as she brushed her shoulder against his arm, leaning towards him as if trying to draw strength from his presence.

Sliding his arm around her waist Blake allowed her to lean against him. Surprised how easy it felt to allow such casual intimacy. Perhaps he was allowing her too close too quickly yet at the moment he couldn’t think how he could stop it; he wasn’t even sure he wanted to.

“Blake certainly gave him something to remember.”

Alexis’s comment drew Blake from his musing and he stifled a blush as he suddenly found himself the focus of both ladies attention. “I…I only did what anyone would have done in the circumstances.”

“Not anyone, you were a regular knight in shining armor, saving me from that letch.” Alexis insisted.

Shaking his head Blake corrected, “You were hardly a helpless damsel.”

“What has that got to do with it?…Oh stop with the false modesty, it doesn’t suit you Blake.”

Smiling Maria chimed in. “I wouldn’t bother arguing with her Blake I doubt you will win.”

Sighing Blake hung his head in resignation. “Well if two such lovely ladies insist who am I to argue?”

Following Maria into a large kitchen Blake was surprised to see yet more people milling about. An elderly gent with a cap of silver hair was sat at the long table holding court as some young women scurried about chopping vegetables and stirring large pots of spicy smelling sauce.

“My father Carlos…Padre, esto es Blake.”

“Hola Blake.” Carlos answered excitedly getting to his feet and grasping his walking stick as he hobbled over to Blake and shook his hand, babbling on in excited Spanish that went right over Blake’s head.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” Blake replied surprised when the older man’s grip was so strong and he was ushered towards a door off of the kitchen. Turning to plead with a smirking Alexis Blake was surprised when she simply shooed him off.

“You two boys have fun now…Try and keep out of mischief.”

“Alexis...” Blake tried as it suddenly dawned on him how completely at her mercy he was. It was an uncomfortable feeling, and one Blake was not accustomed to.

He was on an island, surrounded by people he had never met, who were seemingly life long friends of Alexis and her adopted family. If they chose to invoke some form of petty revenge on her behalf he would be powerless to stop them.

“Aren’t you coming too?” Blake whispered delaying as long he possibly could, astonished by the old man’s iron grip.

“Oh I think you’ll have more fun without me.” Alexis teased picking up a slice of pepper and munching it with gusto.

“Please…”

Yet if Alexis heard the pleading tone in his voice she chose to ignore it, her eyes twinkling with suppressed mirth. “Try to come back at least sober enough to sail us home Blake.”

----

[ss9]

Part 11:
---

Groaning Blake resisted the urge to rub his full stomach or unbutton his trousers; even hidden by the tablecloth he had no desire to risk exposure if he suddenly had to move. Not that he would be able to move quickly even if he had to, Blake doubted even a roaring inferno would be enough to shift him now.

First Blake had to admit that part of the sleepy fog in his brain was due to the excellent vintage wine Carlos had insisted he sample. Or at least Blake thought the old man had insisted, it was funny how after sampling several of the old man’s different wines the language barrier ceased to seem so important.

Yet the full stomach was definitely Snr Maria’s fault. Save for his own Mrs Gunnerson’s cooking Blake had not experienced such culinary talent in years. There was just something about a home cooked meal surrounded by a loving family atmosphere that put him at ease. That and the food was so delicious it had been all too easy to accept the additional helpings Maria and her daughters forced onto his plate.

Breathing deeply, Blake shifted in his seat, leaning back to try and allow his full belly a little more room.

“Poor Blake.” Alexis’s voice was teasing and low as she leant towards him emerald eyes glinting knowingly. “I’m amazed you were able to fit it all in…I was certain after the third helping you would actually explode.”

“I was just being polite Alexis…You might consider trying it from time to time.” Blake bit back, yet there was little real bite in his tone, like an overfed guard dog he was more content to snooze than react.

Yet just as he felt his eyes begin to droop a sharp shrill wailing had him jolted awake.

“Ahh little Marco is finally awake.” Snr Maria muttered smiling as her daughter vanished and then reappeared with a tiny baby.

“Oh he is gorgeous!” Amanda exclaimed excitedly. “Can I hold him…Please…Please Sophia?”

“Amanda calm down.” Alexis called out and a chastised Amanda sulkily returned to her mother’s side. Her sullen pout causing Blake to snigger to himself; he had seen that look before.

“Perhaps it’s best if Alexis holds him and you say your hellos.” Snr Maria diplomatically suggested and a relieved looking Sophia was only too happy to relinquish her young son into Alexis’s safe arms.

“Gentle Amanda he’s still a very young baby.” Alexis muttered softly, her eyes alight with warmth as her daughter carefully took the little hand in her own.

“He’s so little Mummy.”

“You were this little once.” Alexis reminded her daughter. “He will get bigger soon enough. The next time we see him he’ll be crawling everywhere.”

Smitten by the baby Amanda nodded, stroking the fine dark hair enraptured. “He’s beautiful…Mummy why can’t I have a baby brother?”

Choking as he tried to stifle his laughter Blake enjoyed the unusual sight of a speechless Alexis. Yet if she was unsure what to say her looks said more than enough, if they could kill Blake would have already been six feet under.

“Because you can’t Amanda.” Alexis muttered eagerly handing baby Marco back to his mother. “Now go and play with your friends.”

“But Mummy…”

“Now Amanda.” Alexis’s tone brooked no argument and after one glance at her mother’s flushed face Amanda was only too happy to escape back to the other children.

Leaning forward his previous discomfort now a thing of the past Blake waited dark eyes glinting mischievously for Alexis to begin to relax. “So tell me Alexis, why can’t Amanda have a baby brother?”

Turning to face him Alexis’s face showed none of her previous embarrassment, in fact she appeared suddenly serious.

“Why Blake don’t tell me you’re offering? Only I am sure we could slip off somewhere, it’s a big house after all and Maria is a discrete women…”

Now it was Blake’s turn to be speechless.

“And we never had any problems in the past…You used to joke you only had to look at me a certain way to get me pregnant…”

“Alexis…”

“And it is definitely around the right time…No point in waiting…”

“Alexis…”

Pausing as Blake interjected shakily Alexis smiled broadly, eyes twinkling smugly. “Of course that was if I actually wanted another child.”

“Which you don’t?” Blake asked uncertainly, still unsure if she was leading him by the nose or if dear god she was actually serious. “You were joking right?”

Smiling serenely Alexis simply sipped at her water, settling back in her chair, enjoying watching him squirm. Yet she didn’t answer Blake’s question and try as he might to convince himself she was having him on, part of him wondered if under her teasing Alexis hadn’t actually been serious.

---

[ss9]

Part 12:
---

Dosing in the warm afternoon air Blake enjoyed the gentle caress of the sea breeze on his face. Stretching out he could hear the excited chatter of children playing some way away, and the lingering scent of oranges in the air. It was as close to blissful indolence as Blake Carrington got.

Yet there was only one thing that irritated him, just as he was slipping into a deeper sleep he felt an annoying teasing brush against his cheek, possibly some insect mistaking him for a convenient landing spot. Scowling Blake lifted a hand to swat it away, relieved when the irritating presence left and he could return to his previous contentment.

Yet just as he snuggled down in his chair there it was again…

First on his cheek, then teasing his neck before moving to alight on his hand.

Growling Blake lifted his other hand and tried to slap it away, surprised when his hand closed not on an insect but a piece of grass. Scowling he opened his eyes to find a laughing Alexis trying to stifle her giggles behind her hand, emerald eyes flashing and for a moment Blake was transported back in time. Another Island, another villa, yet the same girl and the same moment, the same feelings.

“You…I’ll get you.” Blake growled low in his throat forcing himself up from his chair and starting towards a surprised Alexis.

Yelping Alexis got to her feet staggering back and darting around the terrace furniture, careful to keep the large table between herself and Blake.

“Blake…”

Creeping round the table Blake suddenly changed direction and speed causing Alexis to screech and dart into the garden trying to elude him. Catching a glimpse of her through the foliage Blake taunted her.

“You started this remember…Now come out and face the consequences.”

Yet all he heard was the patter of her feet and the gentle tinkle of her laughter as she tried to escape him and Blake followed her through the garden, out through a gate and into a walled orchard of orange trees.

Pausing to catch his breath Blake’s smile grew as Alexis stopped as well, her face flushed with excitement as she breathed heavily, her chest heaving as she leant against a tree for support.

Keeping her gaze Blake stalked forward, his excitement growing with every step as a hesitant Alexis watched him closely, torn between waiting for him and the desire to prolong the chase. In the end she tried to do both, waiting until Blake was only a few feet away before trying to escape.

Yet she didn’t get far as Blake lunged for her grabbing her round the waist and wrestling them both to the ground.

“Blake…” Alexis squeaked as he rolled on top of her pinning her down in the grass, inhaling her scent and the fresh smell of the garden. Brushing the hair out of her face Blake stroked her cheek gently, watching as her eyes softened and Alexis tilted her mouth up to his.

An invitation he accepted eagerly.

Kissing her hungrily Blake allowed his hands to roam where they willed. Following his lead Alexis’s hands slid up his chest and under his jacket pushing it off of his shoulders.

Panting as he reluctantly released her lips Blake trailed his hands down her body, his lips following slowly in their wake.

He knew what was going to happen…Could feel it as his pulse quickened and clothing was loosened and removed.

Yet Blake was powerless to stop himself. He wanted her. Wanted to hold on to this beautiful fragment of a forgotten past and a lost future.

He felt alive, truly alive as the dappled sunshine beat down on them through the trees branches and Alexis writhed under him, their bodies moving in perfect sync, a rhythm perfected through years of practice.

Just like dancing Alexis made him feel light on his feet and off of them.

---

[ss9]

Part 13:
---

By the time they were ready to leave Blake felt more at ease with Snr Maria pulling him into a hug gratefully accepting the bottle of homemade wine Carlos insisted on sending home with them.

“Thank you it has been truly enlightening.” Blake added softly unable to keep the grin from his face completely.

“I hope so Blake.” Maria replied her friendly expression freezing for a moment as she caught sight of Alexis bidding farewell to the rest of her family.

“What’s the matter?”

Serious Maria took his arm and pulled him slightly apart from the group.

“Blake…I don’t want to interfere but don’t hurt her, not again. Alexis puts up so many mirrors to deflect people from how she truly feels yet she is still as easy to hurt as anyone else. She is vulnerable especially where you are concerned, if you do not care for her…if you do not wish to see her again be kind…tell her soon.”

“I…” Blake began shocked by Maria’s insight, he was sure his and Alexis’s little interlude in the orchard had passed by without anyone the wiser yet it seemed their excuse of talking a long walk down to the beach hadn’t fooled Snr Maria.

Unable to resist asking Blake added. “How?”

Scoffing Maria slapped his arm playfully. “Please Blake I am the mother of six children, three of whom are grown, two of them married. I have seen that slightly guilty smile before and heard the beach excuse more times than I care to remember…I’ve even used it myself from time to time. That and those grass stains on Alexis’s dress had to come from somewhere.”

Bowing his head in embarrassment Blake tried to avoid her piercing gaze. “I don’t know what I want…Its too soon, too unexpected but I promise I will try not to hurt her deliberately.”

Sighing as she accepted his honest reply reluctantly Maria nodded leaving him standing alone to bid farewell to Alexis and Blake watched as she drew the younger woman into a tight hug.

“Safe sailing…I’d try for a quick crossing I wouldn’t be surprised if we are going to have a bit of rain.”

---

“A bit of rain MY ARSE.” Alexis spat as she stomped down into the cabin her drenched hair clinging to her face before returning a moment later with three life preservers.

“It’s only rain.” Blake scoffed yet when Alexis scowled at him he slipped the life jacket on and tightened the belt, watching as Alexis half cajoled half commanded Amanda into hers before ordering her child to sit in the safety of the cabin.

Perhaps she was being over protective but with her child on board perhaps Alexis was right to try and set a good example. Besides the closer they got to shore the choppier it was getting, the on shore thunderstorm seemed to be packing quite a whollop.

It was certainly make their approach difficult, the heavy rain limited their visibility and the darkening sky certainly did nothing to help matters. There were times when the building waves even cut off their view of the shore and in those moments Blake felt his stomach lurch. They had to be careful, come in too close before they reached the safe harbour of Acapulco bay and they risked running the little boat aground on some rather nasty rocks and Blake had little desire for a dip in the Pacific.

He was so preoccupied with trying to plot their course Blake didn’t see the large wave until it practically smacked into them, slamming the small boat sharply too one side and Blake gripped the rudder tightly to avoid being flung about.

“MUMMY!” Amanda’s terrified scream went right through Blake and for a moment he was certain his heart actually stopped beating.

The waves were so rough and choppy it took him a moment before he could even spot Alexis and then it was only a flash of orange and Blake thanked God for Alexis’s foresight and motherly nagging. The lifejacket would keep her on the surface even in this stormy sea.

“ALEXIS.” Blake called out trying to manoeuvre the boat round, fighting against the wind, which was trying to push him in the other direction.

Cursing he turned to a shaking Amanda his harsh orders jolting the girls out of her stupor. “Get below deck…Get the life-ring, make sure it’s tied to the mast good and fast.”

Nodding Amanda immediately moved to do as he asked her young face set in determination, and Blake felt a flash of pride. She was her mother’s daughter alright. A moment later Amanda was thrusting the float into his hands and taking hold of the rudder holding their course with all her strength, allowing Blake to tie down the sail and move to the bow squinting against the lashing rain.

Finally he caught another glimpse of orange and a waving arm and heaving the ring he threw it towards Alexis, cursing when a wave immediately pushed it back towards the boat. Gripping the wet rope Blake dragged the float back his arms shaking with the exertion as he heaved it out of the water.

“Bring her round again.” He yelled back to a shaking Amanda who tried to follow his commands.

A few moments later and he caught sight of Alexis again, and with all his strength threw the float towards her relieved when this time it landed only a few feet away. It was a tense few seconds waiting to see if Alexis would reach it and the moment Blake saw her arm slip through the middle of the float he began the exhausting task of hauling her back in.

It took far longer than he wanted but finally Blake was able to lean down, bracing himself against sudden lurches and practically drag Alexis back on board.

Shaking and chattering with cold she felt wonderful in his arms and Blake held her close, finally able to breath once more. He had come close to loosing her, really loosing her and the thought shook him to his core.

“Mummy…” Amanda’s plaintive plea broke the moment and Alexis moved slightly to pull her distraught daughter into her embrace.

“Shush baby I’m fine…It’s alright.” Alexis murmured petting her daughter’s wet hair back from her face.

Allowing mother and daughter a moment Blake tried to pull away surprised when Alexis’s grip on his arm tightened.

Glancing up he met her gaze, unguarded emerald eyes giving him a tantalising glimpse of the depth of feeling she had tried so hard to hide.

“Thank you.” Alexis whispered gruffly her voice breaking with emotion. “Thank you Blake.”

Leaning forward Blake crushed her lips against his own kissing her desperately, trying to convey his fear and relief when words failed him. Kissing every corner of her mouth Blake pulled away panting, his body trembling just as violently as Alexis’s, as he held not only Alexis but a sobbing Amanda safely in his arms.

“Don’t you ever do that again.” Blake scolded her suddenly causing a stunned Alexis to snort with laughter.

“I won’t…Next time I feel the urge for a dip, it’s the swimming pool I promise.” Alexis deadpanned shaking with laughter and the cold. “Now what does a girl have to do to get the hell out of here…It’s bloody freezing.”

Finally able to force himself to let her go Blake staggered back to the rudder, they were completely turned around but with effort he eventually had them back on course. Yet try as he might to keep his eyes on the horizon Blake felt his gaze drift more than a few times to his precious passengers.

He had been such a fool. They had wasted so much time and it had almost been too late, he might have lost her for good this time.

Well no one had ever been able to accuse Blake Carrington of being slow on the uptake before. He had been given a sign, and his own heart had filled in the rest. This times things would be different, this time he wouldn’t make the same mistake.

---

[ss9]

Part 14:
---

“Blake I told I’m fine...I don’t need a doctor.” Alexis spat pushing Blake’s hand away from her forehead.

“I just want a hot bath.” She added tapping the cab driver on the shoulder and trying to get him to change directions and head out of town to the Villa Rosa

Scowling as Alexis remained stubborn and ignored his quite sensible suggestion Blake realised it was pointless to try and argue with her.

“Fine no doctor, but my hotel is closer so that is where we are going.” He added before ordering the bemused taxi driver to keep heading for the hotel.

“But my clothes...”

“Can be dried whilst you take your bath!” Blake countered proving he could be just as stubborn as her when the need arose.

“What about Amanda?”

Sighing as he ran his hand through his own wet hair Blake resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He was doing it for her own good, the sooner she got of those wet things the better and it had nothing to do with the fact that he didn’t want to let her out of his sight for a moment nor the decidedly un-unclely interest Charles Kingston seemed to take in Alexis’s wellbeing.

Blake realised his reasoning was perhaps hinging on paranoid, Dr Kingston had been involved in Alexis’s life far longer than him, surely if his interests were more than friendship he would have acted on them by now? Yet sometimes people did hold back from pursing someone, often for noble reasons, but Blake wasn’t prepared to gamble on Charles Kingston’s nobility just yet.

“I have a suite, there are two bathrooms, Amanda can use the shower room whilst you take a bath. The hotel can launder you clothes and send us up some hot food at the same time!”

“And what are we supposed to wear in the meantime?”

“The hotel can provide complimentary bathrobes you know that.” Blake countered batting down her every objection.

“And what about you...you’re soaked as well? Or do you plan on catching pneumonia instead?” Alexis pointed out sensibly fixing him with a look that he was far too familiar with, that smug ‘I’ve found the fatal flaw in your reasoning Mr Carrington’ look. It was a look Blake had always found irritating and yet now he was almost nostalgic, it felt wonderful to bicker with her.

Well to bicker with her and know he would win.

So smiling smugly Blake leant forward holding onto his argument ending retort for a moment, enjoying the way Alexis shuffled nervously yet didn’t try to pull back.

“That’s quite simple Mrs Carrington; my bath is big enough for two!”

---

Closing the bathroom door behind him Blake savoured scene before him. Alexis was lo lling about in his tub, washed dark curls now pushed back from her face, her eyes closed as she soaked contentedly, one arm folded back and cushioning her head as she dozed. She hadn’t been in there long enough to prune but her skin was flushed pink from the heat, well what he could see was rosy and for once Blake cursed whoever invented bubble bath.

Pushing up his sleeves he crept closer and picked up a sponge dipping it gently in the water so he didn’t disturb her before running the sponge across her shoulders squeezing out the water and warming her exposed skin.

“Hmmm Blake that had better be you.” Alexis’s muttered comment caused Blake to smile.

Leaning forward he placed a butterfly kiss on the exposed slope of her neck before resuming his duties with the sponge, paying careful attention to the crook of her elbow, the hollow of her collarbone and curve of her side, tracing the pink skin reverently with his fingertips afterwards.

“Hmmm if this is room service I have certainly been staying in the wrong hotels.” Alexis added dozily causing Blake to snort with laughter.

“Just remember to tip extravagantly.” Blake muttered teasingly in her ear, pleased when Alexis finally opened her eyes and studied him lazily through her lashes.

“Well that might be difficult...I don’t seem to have my purse on me at the moment, or do you accept payment in kind?”

Enjoying her teasing Blake tried to appear to consider her offer seriously. “Well it’s not hotel policy but in the circumstances...What did you have in mind Madam?”

Smiling seductively up at him Alexis slid a hand up his chest, around his neck and into his hair pulling his mouth down to meet hers. Kissing her lazily Blake wasn’t surprised when Alexis’s fingers plucked at his shirt buttons, and he shrugged it off willingly; the rest of his clothing following a few moments later.

He was about to join her in the tub when Alexis pulled away, a frown marring her face. “Amanda...”

“Is crashed out on the sofa in the main room, happily watching rubbish on television and tucking into a hamburger that is half the size of her.” Blake added guessing what had suddenly triggered her coolness.

“But what if...”

Raising an eyebrow Blake ran his hand down her side, this time slipping into the water and exploring hidden territory.

“It didn’t seem to worry you earlier...” He commented, the memory of their afternoon lovemaking in the open air at the forefront of both their minds. “But if you would prefer it I can lock the door?”

“Please.” Alexis answered a shy smile playing about her lips that reminded Blake of a much younger girl; the one that been shocked when her new husband hadn’t been able to contain his enthusiastic reaction to her fashionable bikini and insisted on proving just how much he liked it right there in the swimming pool of their honeymoon villa.

Stepping into the bath Blake wasted no time in pulling Alexis into his arms his hands sliding down her back and holding her tight in his embrace. Instead of kissing her immediately Blake studied her face closely, ignoring Alexis’s expression of surprise.

“You are more beautiful than ever.” He whispered softly. “Prettier than any other woman I’ve ever known...I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”

The radiant smile was the only sign he needed to know his words had conveyed the right message yet Blake had any lingering doubts Alexis’s husky reply soon dispelled them. “Show me.”

---

[ss9]

Part 15:
---

Sighing as he stretched out Blake could feel hazy sunlight on his face and he yawned lazily. Yet he couldn’t move freely, there was a dead weight on his left shoulder and pins and needles in his arm. Shifting Blake tried to free himself frowning in his half sleepy state as the dead weight moved, curling into him whimpering at his movement.

Blinking the sleep from his eyes it took a moment for Blake to believe what he was seeing, he was certain he was dreaming; one of those long forgotten dreams, the ones he had denied ever having, even to the extent of convincing himself.

Alexis was lying beside him, curled against his side, her head pillowed on his shoulder and her hand lying innocently on his chest directly over his heart.

Lifting his right hand Blake let it hover millimetres above her skin, the warmth from her body finally convincing him she was really there and not just a vivid dream. Lowering his hand on top of hers Blake stroked her long fingers, down her wrist and along her arm. Skimming across her shoulder to trail up her neck and into her curled hair, stroking it back from her face.

A smile tugged at his lips as a sleeping Alexis screwed up her face, irritated by his featherlike touches she buried her face into his shoulder, her eyes screwed shut against the early morning light.

Leaning down Blake nuzzled against her cheek, dropping kisses on random pieces of exposed skin as his hands smoothed down the elegant curve of her bare back. Just to be able to touch her freely once again, to feel her heart pounding strong so near his own, it was too perfect to be real.

Finally his attentions gained a reaction as Alexis arched against him, her emerald eyes blinking open sleepily before widening suddenly in surprise. For a moment she seemed to be going through the same realisation as him, that this was real, they had found their way back to each other.

“Blake?”

“Guilty as charged.” Blake answered his voice gruff and broken from sleep and lack of use, yet his eyes twinkled with warmth. “Good Morning.”

“Morning.” Alexis mumbled in reply, burying her face back into his chest, her eyes drifting shut once more.

“Hey…” Blake muttered in mock hurt. “That’s all I get, barely a greeting and you drift off again?”

“Too early.” Alexis retorted sleepily not once opening her eyes yet the smug curve of her lip hinted she wasn’t completely serious.

Huffing slightly Blake toyed with a devilish idea, pretending to settle back down to sleep himself he waited until her breathing evened out before drawing circles in the small of her back. Waiting until she squirmed Blake stilled that hand and then with his other began to stroke the soft sensitive skin inside her elbow.

“Blake stop it.”

“Stop what?” Blake asked innocently tracing the length of her spine lightly.

“You know exactly what.” Alexis mumbled against his chest causing him to smile at the sensation and her petulant tone.

“I don’t…Perhaps you should enlighten me.” Blake retorted suggestively.

Sighing Alexis opened her eyes and glared up at him through her lashes. “It will be war.”

“I think I can handle anything you throw at me.”

“So sure of yourself Mr Carrington.” Alexis muttered before a sly smile tugged at her lips and she shifted in his arms, sliding the hand that had rested innocently on his chest down beneath the sheets.

“But can you deal with anything I handle Blake?” She added saucily as Blake started at the sudden intimate contact.

Groaning Blake closed his eyes and enjoyed her teasing, “Hussey.”

“Well if you want me to stop I will…Waving the white flag already Blake?” Alexis added as she used her nails.

Growling Blake reached down and grasped her wrist tightly, causing Alexis to squeak in surprise as he flipped them, pinning her beneath him. Kissing her firmly until they were both breathless Blake pulled away yet kept her trapped.

Biting her lip playfully Alexis smiled, her eyes drifting south where a certain part of him seemed determined to get her attention. “That’s quite a flagpole you’ve got there Mr Carrington.”

Leaning down Blake kissed her again, this time taking his time feeling as Alexis melted against him her body arching up to meet his own. Releasing her lips grudgingly Blake nuzzled against her neck before muttering low and suggestively in her ear.

“Indeed but it’s not a white flag I intend to run up it.”

---

[ss9]

Part 16:
---

Sighing Blake resisted the urge to pace. He knew it had been a bad idea to come back here yet Alexis had been insistent and grudgingly he had to admit she may have had a point, she did need more than the one set of clothes. Still he had been able to delay the inevitable as long as possible, insisting on a long lazy breakfast on the balcony.

He had thought sharing the time with Amanda would have been awkward, it wasn’t often he went from sharing his lover’s bed to a family breakfast with scarcely a break in between. Yet if Amanda was aware of what had passed between him and her mother she didn’t seem unsettled by it, nor had she demanded all of Alexis’s attention and they had fallen into a comfortable banter.

Alexis chiding Blake into eating his eggs before they grew stone cold, Amanda sneaking another blueberry muffin when her mother’s back was turned and sharing a conspiratorial smile with Blake as he provided a valuable distraction. Memories long buried were resurrected, forgotten jokes remembered and new bonds were being forged.

If anything the only one that seemed remotely unsettled was Blake himself, and that was over how easy and normal everything had felt.

By the thought echoing in his head that he could easily become used to this.

That it might be nice to hear the sound of children playing in the mansion again.

To come home to a wife and family every night and not just memories of one.

That Blake Carrington Jnr sounded like a solid respectable name for any baby brother that just happened along.

His discomfort had only become real when they had arrived back at the Villa Rosa, to a fuming Charles Kingston. He had been waiting for them in the lobby, one of his staff having alerted him they were on their way up the drive. Dr Kingston hadn’t even raised his voice he had simply requested Alexis join him in his study, the immediately was unspoken but obvious.

So now Blake was pacing, feeling like a teenager who had been judged and found wanting by his girlfriend’s father.

“Is Uncle Charles very cross?”

Turning on the spot Blake was surprised to see a nervous Amanda waiting in the doorway, hugging a large black book to her chest.

“I don’t know?” Blake answered honestly awkwardly glancing at the closed door then back to Amanda, surprised when he felt the instinctive need to protect her flair up. “Shall we go sit on the terrace and wait for your mother?”

“Alright.” Amanda replied with a simple shrug of her shoulders and the two fell in side by side as they wandered out into the sunshine.

Noticing the large book as Amanda continued to clutch it to her chest Blake asked. “What have you got there?”

“Oh it’s mother’s album…I just…I know I shouldn’t have taken it without asking but…well…”

Noticing her nerves Blake sat down on the bench and patted the space beside him. “It’s alright Amanda you can ask me whatever you want.”

“It’s just you look like the man in here and well you last name is Carrington and…” Amanda broke off biting her lip, her eyes cast down as she opened the book to a familiar looking picture, one that Blake himself had a copy of yet he had no idea where his now was.

It was a black and white picture, taken many years before at the beginning of their marriage. A smiling Blake had his arms around a beaming Alexis who was cradling a smiling baby, a baby that Blake had tried so hard to forget. Adam, even the memory of his lost son caused his heart to ache.

“Yes that is me. Your Mother and I were once married.” Blake admitted gruffly unable to tear his eyes away from those smiling faces. They were so happy once, if they hadn’t lost Adam…

Blake watched as Amanda flicked through the album, the years passing as if by magic, he saw his baby girl born and grow up, his second son born and Blake marvelled at the bright eager boy shining out from the picture, so different from the shy pale lad that Blake now thought of as Steven. His quiet withdrawn son, so different from his bright outgoing sister. When had he changed? How had Blake not noticed?

Suddenly the photographs changed, instead of a smiling pair of children there was a new baby.

“That’s me.” Amanda added excitedly pointing at the picture.

“I really was that tiny once too…Although I was a week early, Mummy always jokes it was because I wanted to make sure I arrived in time for Easter so I got extra chocolate on my birthday.”

Smiling indulgently Blake nodded absently, his eyes locked on the image of Alexis holding her new daughter, a smile gracing her face that Blake could tell didn’t reach her eyes. The sense of sadness pervaded even this most poignant of scene’s.

Yet the pages turned and Alexis grew brighter, and Amanda grew older. Holiday snaps, family parties, the first day at school, birthdays…

Shaking Blake stared down at the photograph; it was innocent enough; Alexis and Amanda smiling as they leant over a birthday cake to blow out the candles yet it was enough to make Blake turn pale. The writing on the birthday cake…Happy 12th Birthday Amanda.

---

[ss9]

Part 17:
---

“Alright Blake we’re alone and you have my undivided attention, what the hell was so important you dragged me away from calming Charles down?” Alexis demanded pulling her arm out of Blake’s firm grip and stepping further into the sitting room the breeze from the open terrace door catching wisps of hair that danced in her face.

“Let me jog your memory, thirteen years ago was there something that slipped your mind?” Blake demanded his fists clenched as he resisted the urge to scream in her face, to demand answers. “Something you forgot to mention?”

Frowning at his cryptic question Alexis sighed walking to the sideboard and pouring a small sherry. “No…If I recall I was a little busy being thrown out of my own home.”

Clenching his teeth Blake resisted the urge to throttle her. “One last chance Alexis, to tell me now what you should have told me back then.”

Snorting Alexis shook her head, curls bouncing with the movement. “As I recall you didn’t want to hear anything I had to say to you back then Blake, all my words fell on deaf ears, but why are you bringing this up now. Stop talking in riddles and tell me what I have done wrong?”

Sneering in disgust Blake paced the length of the room, glancing back over his shoulder at a bemused Alexis yet her continued ignorance did nothing to placate him, instead it fuelled his anger until unable to contain himself he spat back.

“I gave you a chance Alexis, a chance to tell me what you should have told me then, what you could have told me at any point over the last two days but which is now becoming quite clear to me you never had any intention of enlightening me…”

“Blake?”

Ignoring her question Blake ploughed on his voice growing louder and rougher and he turned to face her his face red with fury, relishing the way her face paled as he stalked towards her. “Or didn’t you think it would interest me in the slightest to know I had another child?”

Stepping back as if he had slapped her Alexis gaped at him. “How…Blake…” She added reaching towards him, yet Blake pushed her pleading hands away.

“No Alexis…No Blake, no battering of eyelashes or false apologies or tears you don’t mean, no soothing words or touches. I don’t want you near me.”

“Blake please let me explain…”

“Explain what? How beneath contempt you are?” Blake hissed back shaking his head as the idea settled. “God what an idiot I have been, I forgot the real you Alexis, the scheming manipulative little slut I married. I let myself forget, let myself be seduced by those eyes, by this softer act you been playing. But not anymore, I remember just how low you can go but I think you’ve managed to find a level of scum, keeping my own child from me…”

Reeling from his words Alexis tried once more to reach out to him. “Blake please...”

“No!” Blake retorted. “No…It’s been staring me in the face since I met her, the familiarity, reminding me of someone I know I knew yet I couldn’t pt my finger on. The only person I didn’t think of was myself! – How could you do it Alexis, lying to your own child, telling her she has no father when you knew damn well I am her father!”

“Did I?” Alexis retorted sharply cutting Blake off mid rant and he stared at her in stunned silence.

“What?”

Snorting at his uncertainty Alexis stalked closer, close enough for Blake to see the high colour on her cheeks and the unnatural brightness to her eyes. “I’m amazed that you seem to be so certain Blake, I mean considering what you called me…A little slut…How can you be sure you are her father?”

“Are you saying she isn’t mine?” Blake muttered suddenly pale, his mind racing over the math. Amanda said she was born in Easter, Alexis had left in October, even if the baby was early she must have been almost two months pregnant when he threw her out. No there was no other answer. “You’re lying you were pregnant when you left |Denver!”

“Yes but was it by you, that is the million dollar question.”

“Grimes.” Blake spat the name like a curse unable to stop the memories that sprang to mind and the pain and humiliation that followed. “Are you saying that Grimes is the father…That scum…”

“No what I am trying to say you god damned obstinate man that I didn’t tell you when I found out I was pregnant, and no I didn’t know I was pregnant before I left Denver, because at the time I couldn’t be certain who was the father.”

“You…You…”

“Slut, whore…Go ahead Blake I’ve heard them all before.” Alexis spat back. “I’ve never claimed to be proud of my behaviour, I shouldn’t have cheated on you with Rodger…”

“How noble of you to finally admit it.” Blake cut in sarcastically.

“Damn it you are not without blame in this Blake, you certainly gave me enough reason to be unfaithful.”

Holding up his hand to try and stem the tide of her tirade Blake had no desire to go back over this old ground. “But the baby Alexis, why keep her from me…”

“What else could I have done? Tell you I was pregnant or come back to Denver with a baby in my arms…”

“YES!” Blake screeched unable to understand why she hadn’t. It could only have been a means of punishing him, nothing else made any sense.

“Even if I wasn’t sure she was yours, you would have preferred I lie to you, pretend the child was ours?”

Hesitating Blake swallowed nervously unable to completely suppress the nagging honest voice that screamed ‘No’. “It might have been a beginning…”

“And if it became obvious over time that she wasn’t yours, could you have raised her, loved her like your own child? What would have happened to our family, to our marriage then?”

“If you think I would take out her mother’s crimes on a child…” Blake began unable to completely dismiss her argument.

“That is not what I am saying.” Alexis cut in not allowing him a moment to regroup, to think. “I couldn’t take that risk Blake, it wouldn’t have been fair to you, and it wouldn’t have been fair to Amanda; it wasn’t until she was older that I could see you in her. By then it seemed too late to do anything, I didn’t think you would believe me, I just thought it would be better…”

“If she grew up thinking she had no father at all!” Blake cut in his anger growing as Alexis tried to excuse herself, he was wrong she hadn’t changed, she was still the same selfish greedy viper he had been well rid of. “You didn’t do it for Amanda or to spare me…Admit it Alexis you kept us apart to punish me for throwing you out, for divorcing you, for exiling you from Denver.”

“And my small children!” Alexis spat back, shaking her head wildly. “Oh let us not forget that small fact.”

“They were better off…”

“Says you!” Alexis hissed. “Oh you stand there all righteous anger, the saintly Blake Carrington accusing me when you are just as guilty and if we are comparing crimes even more cruel than I!”

“Me?” Blake gasped stunned by the sudden change and her attack.

“Yes you…You kept my children from me Blake just as I kept Amanda from you but what you did was far worse, at least I spared my child. You can’t miss or mourn what you’ve never known.”

“She deserved a father, I deserved to see her grow up.”

“And Fallon and Steven deserved a Mother…Tell me Blake how long did it take them to recover after you sent me away, have they ever gotten over it? How much damage did you knowingly and deliberately inflict on our children and you have the nerve to stand there and call me a monster!”

“They barely mentioned you.” Blake retorted angrily, pushing away memories of his children’s tears, sleepless nights, of overhearing questions about Mummy that his confused children hadn’t dared to ask him. “We don’t even speak your name, you’re dead to them.”

“It would have been easier if I was, at least then you might have let them mourn me, they wouldn’t have had to grow up wondering where and why Mummy left, if I loved them…”

“Dear god I wish you had!” Blake muttered bitterly watching through narrowed eyes as Alexis drew back in horror.

“You don’t mean that…”

“Lady I do.” Blake hissed his face thunderous. “You’ve made me the fool once too often Alexis well no more…I must have been out of my mind to even entertain the idea we could start again…That you could ever be the sort of wife I deserve…”

“You arrogant bastard.” Alexis retorted. “You think you just have to snap your fingers and I’d fall at your feet. Who said I’d even take you back if you asked?”

Unable to answer, unable to think straight when all he could feel was rising anger. Blake refused to listen to her excuses, her explanations were all deceit. Pointing his finger he waved it aggressively in Alexis’s face, enjoying the subtle flinch as she pulled away from him. “I think you have said more than enough Alexis…I don’t want to hear anymore of your lies but I can assure you, YOU will be hearing from my lawyer…”

Stepping back Blake turned unable to bear looking at her a moment longer, at those wide eyes, accusing and cutting into him. “Amanda is my daughter, we both know it and she is going to get the chance to know her father, even if I have to spend every dollar I own dragging you through the courts.”

Striding towards the door determined to find a phone and ring Andrew Laird at once Blake tried to ignore the sound of Alexis following him, to shut out her shrill demand to “Stay the hell away from my daughter Blake…”

Yet even he couldn’t ignore her when he felt her fingers grasp and tighten on his arm. Lifting his arm he tried to shake her off, like an unwanted attachment, yet Alexis held on tightly and Blake could feel his control slipping. Whirling round to push her away, even Blake was surprised by the sharp sound of skin against skin, his face scrunching in confusion as Alexis crumpled to the floor.

“Ale….”

“MUMMY!” Amanda’s shrill scream cut Blake’s question off and alerted the stunned adults to their hidden audience.

“It was an accident…I didn’t mean…” Blake blustered stepping forward, horrified when Alexis crawled away from him holding her face as Amanda rushed in from the terrace to her mother’s side and Alexis pulled her close; allowing Blake to fleetingly see the damage. A bloody split lip and red hand mark the width of her cheek.

“Alexis I…”

“You’re sorry Blake?” Alexis mumbled through her bruised lip shaking her head and comforting her distraught daughter. “Of course you are…Always sorry after the fact.” She added bitterly.

Unable to meet her accusing gaze Blake felt sick to his stomach, it had been an accident. It had been…He kept reminding himself, he hadn’t meant to strike her, just force her to let go…It had been an accident, he wasn’t one of those men who hit women, no matter what the provocation. It was an accident…It was …It was…He wasn’t a monster. Yet one glance at his trembling daughter and he wasn’t so sure.

“Amanda you shouldn’t…I didn’t want you to find out like this…If I’d know you were there.”

“You wouldn’t have hit my mother?” Amanda retorted and Blake was shaken by the iciness in her gaze, her green eyes as cold as her mothers. “I hate you…I wish you never came here…We were fine before you came…Why don’t you just leave us alone?”

“Amanda please…We’ve already lost so much time. I made a mistake and I’m sorry but we can’t let this come between us, you’re my daughter I know you are.” Blake pleaded horrified as Amanda shook her head and muttered stubbornly.

“You are not my father.”

“Amanda I am.” Blake tried again, crouching down to try and reach out to his daughter, sickened as she flinched away from his hand as if frightened he would strike her as well. “I would never hurt you sweetheart.”

“No just my mother.” Amanda retorted quickly, in that moment she was every inch her mother’s daughter, her tongue as quick and as cutting. Shaking her head Amanda held tighter to Alexis. “I don’t have a father…I don’t need a father…I don’t want a father. I don’t want you!”

Stunned by her vehemence Blake staggered back glancing between his daughter who buried her head into her mother’s chest and a trembling Alexis. Catching Alexis’s gaze Blake was surprised to see tears brimming in her eyes, and he watched as one escaped, falling on her bruised cheek.

“Alexis please…Talk to her…You know I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Do I Blake?” Alexis answered throatily tearing her eyes away from him. “Just leave.” She added softly but with an underlying of steel. “Get out Blake, just forget this weekend ever happened, god knows I plan to. Go back to that big empty house of yours and leave us in peace.”

---

[ss9]

Part 17:
---

“Alright Blake we’re alone and you have my undivided attention, what the hell was so important you dragged me away from calming Charles down?” Alexis demanded pulling her arm out of Blake’s firm grip and stepping further into the sitting room the breeze from the open terrace door catching wisps of hair that danced in her face.

“Let me jog your memory, thirteen years ago was there something that slipped your mind?” Blake demanded his fists clenched as he resisted the urge to scream in her face, to demand answers. “Something you forgot to mention?”

Frowning at his cryptic question Alexis sighed walking to the sideboard and pouring a small sherry. “No…If I recall I was a little busy being thrown out of my own home.”

Clenching his teeth Blake resisted the urge to throttle her. “One last chance Alexis, to tell me now what you should have told me back then.”

Snorting Alexis shook her head, curls bouncing with the movement. “As I recall you didn’t want to hear anything I had to say to you back then Blake, all my words fell on deaf ears, but why are you bringing this up now. Stop talking in riddles and tell me what I have done wrong?”

Sneering in disgust Blake paced the length of the room, glancing back over his shoulder at a bemused Alexis yet her continued ignorance did nothing to placate him, instead it fuelled his anger until unable to contain himself he spat back.

“I gave you a chance Alexis, a chance to tell me what you should have told me then, what you could have told me at any point over the last two days but which is now becoming quite clear to me you never had any intention of enlightening me…”

“Blake?”

Ignoring her question Blake ploughed on his voice growing louder and rougher and he turned to face her his face red with fury, relishing the way her face paled as he stalked towards her. “Or didn’t you think it would interest me in the slightest to know I had another child?”

Stepping back as if he had slapped her Alexis gaped at him. “How…Blake…” She added reaching towards him, yet Blake pushed her pleading hands away.

“No Alexis…No Blake, no battering of eyelashes or false apologies or tears you don’t mean, no soothing words or touches. I don’t want you near me.”

“Blake please let me explain…”

“Explain what? How beneath contempt you are?” Blake hissed back shaking his head as the idea settled. “God what an idiot I have been, I forgot the real you Alexis, the scheming manipulative little slut I married. I let myself forget, let myself be seduced by those eyes, by this softer act you been playing. But not anymore, I remember just how low you can go but I think you’ve managed to find a level of scum, keeping my own child from me…”

Reeling from his words Alexis tried once more to reach out to him. “Blake please...”

“No!” Blake retorted. “No…It’s been staring me in the face since I met her, the familiarity, reminding me of someone I know I knew yet I couldn’t pt my finger on. The only person I didn’t think of was myself! – How could you do it Alexis, lying to your own child, telling her she has no father when you knew damn well I am her father!”

“Did I?” Alexis retorted sharply cutting Blake off mid rant and he stared at her in stunned silence.

“What?”

Snorting at his uncertainty Alexis stalked closer, close enough for Blake to see the high colour on her cheeks and the unnatural brightness to her eyes. “I’m amazed that you seem to be so certain Blake, I mean considering what you called me…A little slut…How can you be sure you are her father?”

“Are you saying she isn’t mine?” Blake muttered suddenly pale, his mind racing over the math. Amanda said she was born in Easter, Alexis had left in October, even if the baby was early she must have been almost two months pregnant when he threw her out. No there was no other answer. “You’re lying you were pregnant when you left |Denver!”

“Yes but was it by you, that is the million dollar question.”

“Grimes.” Blake spat the name like a curse unable to stop the memories that sprang to mind and the pain and humiliation that followed. “Are you saying that Grimes is the father…That scum…”

“No what I am trying to say you god damned obstinate man that I didn’t tell you when I found out I was pregnant, and no I didn’t know I was pregnant before I left Denver, because at the time I couldn’t be certain who was the father.”

“You…You…”

“Slut, whore…Go ahead Blake I’ve heard them all before.” Alexis spat back. “I’ve never claimed to be proud of my behaviour, I shouldn’t have cheated on you with Rodger…”

“How noble of you to finally admit it.” Blake cut in sarcastically.

“Damn it you are not without blame in this Blake, you certainly gave me enough reason to be unfaithful.”

Holding up his hand to try and stem the tide of her tirade Blake had no desire to go back over this old ground. “But the baby Alexis, why keep her from me…”

“What else could I have done? Tell you I was pregnant or come back to Denver with a baby in my arms…”

“YES!” Blake screeched unable to understand why she hadn’t. It could only have been a means of punishing him, nothing else made any sense.

“Even if I wasn’t sure she was yours, you would have preferred I lie to you, pretend the child was ours?”

Hesitating Blake swallowed nervously unable to completely suppress the nagging honest voice that screamed ‘No’. “It might have been a beginning…”

“And if it became obvious over time that she wasn’t yours, could you have raised her, loved her like your own child? What would have happened to our family, to our marriage then?”

“If you think I would take out her mother’s crimes on a child…” Blake began unable to completely dismiss her argument.

“That is not what I am saying.” Alexis cut in not allowing him a moment to regroup, to think. “I couldn’t take that risk Blake, it wouldn’t have been fair to you, and it wouldn’t have been fair to Amanda; it wasn’t until she was older that I could see you in her. By then it seemed too late to do anything, I didn’t think you would believe me, I just thought it would be better…”

“If she grew up thinking she had no father at all!” Blake cut in his anger growing as Alexis tried to excuse herself, he was wrong she hadn’t changed, she was still the same selfish greedy viper he had been well rid of. “You didn’t do it for Amanda or to spare me…Admit it Alexis you kept us apart to punish me for throwing you out, for divorcing you, for exiling you from Denver.”

“And my small children!” Alexis spat back, shaking her head wildly. “Oh let us not forget that small fact.”

“They were better off…”

“Says you!” Alexis hissed. “Oh you stand there all righteous anger, the saintly Blake Carrington accusing me when you are just as guilty and if we are comparing crimes even more cruel than I!”

“Me?” Blake gasped stunned by the sudden change and her attack.

“Yes you…You kept my children from me Blake just as I kept Amanda from you but what you did was far worse, at least I spared my child. You can’t miss or mourn what you’ve never known.”

“She deserved a father, I deserved to see her grow up.”

“And Fallon and Steven deserved a Mother…Tell me Blake how long did it take them to recover after you sent me away, have they ever gotten over it? How much damage did you knowingly and deliberately inflict on our children and you have the nerve to stand there and call me a monster!”

“They barely mentioned you.” Blake retorted angrily, pushing away memories of his children’s tears, sleepless nights, of overhearing questions about Mummy that his confused children hadn’t dared to ask him. “We don’t even speak your name, you’re dead to them.”

“It would have been easier if I was, at least then you might have let them mourn me, they wouldn’t have had to grow up wondering where and why Mummy left, if I loved them…”

“Dear god I wish you had!” Blake muttered bitterly watching through narrowed eyes as Alexis drew back in horror.

“You don’t mean that…”

“Lady I do.” Blake hissed his face thunderous. “You’ve made me the fool once too often Alexis well no more…I must have been out of my mind to even entertain the idea we could start again…That you could ever be the sort of wife I deserve…”

“You arrogant bastard.” Alexis retorted. “You think you just have to snap your fingers and I’d fall at your feet. Who said I’d even take you back if you asked?”

Unable to answer, unable to think straight when all he could feel was rising anger. Blake refused to listen to her excuses, her explanations were all deceit. Pointing his finger he waved it aggressively in Alexis’s face, enjoying the subtle flinch as she pulled away from him. “I think you have said more than enough Alexis…I don’t want to hear anymore of your lies but I can assure you, YOU will be hearing from my lawyer…”

Stepping back Blake turned unable to bear looking at her a moment longer, at those wide eyes, accusing and cutting into him. “Amanda is my daughter, we both know it and she is going to get the chance to know her father, even if I have to spend every dollar I own dragging you through the courts.”

Striding towards the door determined to find a phone and ring Andrew Laird at once Blake tried to ignore the sound of Alexis following him, to shut out her shrill demand to “Stay the hell away from my daughter Blake…”

Yet even he couldn’t ignore her when he felt her fingers grasp and tighten on his arm. Lifting his arm he tried to shake her off, like an unwanted attachment, yet Alexis held on tightly and Blake could feel his control slipping. Whirling round to push her away, even Blake was surprised by the sharp sound of skin against skin, his face scrunching in confusion as Alexis crumpled to the floor.

“Ale….”

“MUMMY!” Amanda’s shrill scream cut Blake’s question off and alerted the stunned adults to their hidden audience.

“It was an accident…I didn’t mean…” Blake blustered stepping forward, horrified when Alexis crawled away from him holding her face as Amanda rushed in from the terrace to her mother’s side and Alexis pulled her close; allowing Blake to fleetingly see the damage. A bloody split lip and red hand mark the width of her cheek.

“Alexis I…”

“You’re sorry Blake?” Alexis mumbled through her bruised lip shaking her head and comforting her distraught daughter. “Of course you are…Always sorry after the fact.” She added bitterly.

Unable to meet her accusing gaze Blake felt sick to his stomach, it had been an accident. It had been…He kept reminding himself, he hadn’t meant to strike her, just force her to let go…It had been an accident, he wasn’t one of those men who hit women, no matter what the provocation. It was an accident…It was …It was…He wasn’t a monster. Yet one glance at his trembling daughter and he wasn’t so sure.

“Amanda you shouldn’t…I didn’t want you to find out like this…If I’d know you were there.”

“You wouldn’t have hit my mother?” Amanda retorted and Blake was shaken by the iciness in her gaze, her green eyes as cold as her mothers. “I hate you…I wish you never came here…We were fine before you came…Why don’t you just leave us alone?”

“Amanda please…We’ve already lost so much time. I made a mistake and I’m sorry but we can’t let this come between us, you’re my daughter I know you are.” Blake pleaded horrified as Amanda shook her head and muttered stubbornly.

“You are not my father.”

“Amanda I am.” Blake tried again, crouching down to try and reach out to his daughter, sickened as she flinched away from his hand as if frightened he would strike her as well. “I would never hurt you sweetheart.”

“No just my mother.” Amanda retorted quickly, in that moment she was every inch her mother’s daughter, her tongue as quick and as cutting. Shaking her head Amanda held tighter to Alexis. “I don’t have a father…I don’t need a father…I don’t want a father. I don’t want you!”

Stunned by her vehemence Blake staggered back glancing between his daughter who buried her head into her mother’s chest and a trembling Alexis. Catching Alexis’s gaze Blake was surprised to see tears brimming in her eyes, and he watched as one escaped, falling on her bruised cheek.

“Alexis please…Talk to her…You know I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Do I Blake?” Alexis answered throatily tearing her eyes away from him. “Just leave.” She added softly but with an underlying of steel. “Get out Blake, just forget this weekend ever happened, god knows I plan to. Go back to that big empty house of yours and leave us in peace.”

---

[ss9]

Part 18:
---

Blake sat at the hotel bar, watching the passing world through the bottom of his whiskey glass.

Yet he sat apart from the revelling masses wearing his misery like a cloak, scowling at those enjoying themselves. The young honeymooning couples, the happy families, seemed to linger just to scorn him

Leaning back he watched the seniors out of the corner of his eye playing Dominos Alexis scornful words coming back to him how he would fit right in. Yet even the Domino players seemed happier than Blake with all his health and money.

His empty house, his empty life. The hateful look in his youngest child’s eye still haunted him and he took another swig to try and drown it out.

“Campari & Soda.” A familiar voice demanded down the bar and Blake squinted through his alcoholic haze, catching a switch of long dark hair. Carla wasn’t alone, a gaggle of handsome young men, and some not so young but clearly wealthier gentlemen hung on her every word.

“So whose getting this one?” Carla giggled batting her long lashes at the waiting hordes surprised when Blake called out, surprising even himself.

“Put it on my tab…Least I can do.” He added raising his own glance in a silent toast.

Yet if Carla got the message that Blake preferred to be left alone she chose to ignore it leaving her disappointed group of admirers and gravitating to Blake’s side. Looking up and down the bar pointedly Carla sniffed before muttering. “Where’s the little woman…Not given you the heave ho already?”

Snorting Blake finished his whiskey and ordered another ignoring the barman’s muttered “Are you sure sir?”

“Give me my damn drink and keep your damn advice to yourself.” Blake muttered sullenly seizing the whiskey and swigging it back. Enjoying the way it stung the back of his throat and the pleasant numbness that settled in his brain, smothering his pain, his disappointment, his indecision.

“She has hasn’t she?” Carla sneered unattractively. “Well you’re better off without her.”

Shrugging Blake swirled the amber liquid around the bottom of his glass, mesmerised by the way the light refracted through the glass and alcohol. Yet all the pretty lights in the world couldn’t silence the words that echoed in his thoughts…Empty house…Empty life…

He drowned out Carla’s words, not caring that she complained about everything from the hotel, to the weather, to her co-stars, to the lack of entertaining night life. He just wanted to forget, forget this weekend ever happened…

“We should go to Vegas.”

“What?” Blake muttered scowling as the barman refused to meet his gaze and serve him another drink.

“You have a jet…Let’s go find a party!” Carla insisted and Blake blinked slowly processing her words.

He really should head to bed, drink off the whiskey but the idea of returning to the bed that only that morning he had shared with Alexis…That still had her scent clinging to his bathrobe.

“Yeah why not….” After all what did he have to go home to?
---

[ss9]

Part 18:
---

Blake sat at the hotel bar, watching the passing world through the bottom of his whiskey glass.

Yet he sat apart from the revelling masses wearing his misery like a cloak, scowling at those enjoying themselves. The young honeymooning couples, the happy families, seemed to linger just to scorn him

Leaning back he watched the seniors out of the corner of his eye playing Dominos Alexis scornful words coming back to him how he would fit right in. Yet even the Domino players seemed happier than Blake with all his health and money.

His empty house, his empty life. The hateful look in his youngest child’s eye still haunted him and he took another swig to try and drown it out.

“Campari & Soda.” A familiar voice demanded down the bar and Blake squinted through his alcoholic haze, catching a switch of long dark hair. Carla wasn’t alone, a gaggle of handsome young men, and some not so young but clearly wealthier gentlemen hung on her every word.

“So whose getting this one?” Carla giggled batting her long lashes at the waiting hordes surprised when Blake called out, surprising even himself.

“Put it on my tab…Least I can do.” He added raising his own glance in a silent toast.

Yet if Carla got the message that Blake preferred to be left alone she chose to ignore it leaving her disappointed group of admirers and gravitating to Blake’s side. Looking up and down the bar pointedly Carla sniffed before muttering. “Where’s the little woman…Not given you the heave ho already?”

Snorting Blake finished his whiskey and ordered another ignoring the barman’s muttered “Are you sure sir?”

“Give me my damn drink and keep your damn advice to yourself.” Blake muttered sullenly seizing the whiskey and swigging it back. Enjoying the way it stung the back of his throat and the pleasant numbness that settled in his brain, smothering his pain, his disappointment, his indecision.

“She has hasn’t she?” Carla sneered unattractively. “Well you’re better off without her.”

Shrugging Blake swirled the amber liquid around the bottom of his glass, mesmerised by the way the light refracted through the glass and alcohol. Yet all the pretty lights in the world couldn’t silence the words that echoed in his thoughts…Empty house…Empty life…

He drowned out Carla’s words, not caring that she complained about everything from the hotel, to the weather, to her co-stars, to the lack of entertaining night life. He just wanted to forget, forget this weekend ever happened…

“We should go to Vegas.”

“What?” Blake muttered scowling as the barman refused to meet his gaze and serve him another drink.

“You have a jet…Let’s go find a party!” Carla insisted and Blake blinked slowly processing her words.

He really should head to bed, drink off the whiskey but the idea of returning to the bed that only that morning he had shared with Alexis…That still had her scent clinging to his bathrobe.

“Yeah why not….” After all what did he have to go home to?
---
His head throbbed, his mouth tasted like a sewer and Blake wished he could just roll over and die.

What had he been thinking?

What had he been drinking?

Blinking his eyes Blake was surprised by the darkness, the room was unfamiliar.

He wasn’t in his own bedroom.

He wasn’t in his Acapulco hotel suite.

Where the hell was he?

Yet there was a warm body next to him. A warm naked body.

“Alexis?” Blake groaned yet his companion snoozed on and Blake lifted a hand to wipe the sleep from his eyes.

It wasn’t Alexis asleep next to him, it was Carla.

And that wasn’t the only surprise. Staring at his hand Blake could have sworn the room was spinning.

Something was there that shouldn’t be…Something that he hadn’t worn in years and his blood ran cold.

A wedding ring.

---