Corrupted Memories – By Jessy

Nightmares

 

“No… No… NO!” His screams filled the night as he lay dreaming of the unknown. He tossed and turned, trying to rid his mind of the horrible visions that plagued him in his sleep.

 

Hearing his cries of terror, she got out of her own bed in the next room, and came running. How could this have happened to us, she asked herself for what felt like the thousandth time. She switched on the bedside lamp, and watched his writhing figure for a brief moment. Since his wife had died, he had been having dreadful nightmares. She could only assume that they were about Marlena. She wondered again when he would get over it, and be ready to move on – to move on with her. She gently stroked his still sleeping forehead, trying to rid some of the sweat that covered it. She knew what was coming next… it was the drugs that made him hallucinate…

 

He watched the sleeping beauty as her mind tried to make sense of memories that were no longer hers. He touched her face, and noticed the faint trace of the tears that had fallen during her sleep. Her long blonde hair shone in the dim lamp light. He bent over to inhale the honied scent. He always knew that she was a beautiful woman, and he had always loved the spark and the fight in her… But now he was truly happy… her willingness and placid ness suited her better than her usual feisty nature. Now he could get close to her – without the fear of her pulling away in disgust.

 

She tried so hard to focus in her dreams. The masked man was slowly walking away. “No… don’t go…” she tried to scream with no success. Those were eyes would always haunt her – the piercing blue eyes that belonged to her hero. She awoke with a start, wiping the beads of sweat from her damp forehead. Sitting up she closed her eyes, willing her mind to remember – to commit those eyes to memory. Eyes that she couldn’t remember seeing in reality, but that were too vivid to be just a dream. Even though she knew who she was and where she belonged, she couldn’t help thinking that there was something missing in her memory. Why did it sometimes feel as if her memories were somehow incomplete as if they were not her own?

 

When the figure emerged from the darkness, she smiled sweetly, forgetting all about the horrors of the nightmare just passed.

Separated

 

John opened his eyes and saw the vision before him. In a dress made from silk, stood his lovely Marlena. He reached out to her, his eyes wide in shock.

 

“Marlena?” He asked uncertainly, knowing in his mind that she wasn’t real – couldn’t be real, but wanting to believe that she was real with all his heart. “Doc… is that really you?”

 

Kate stood, tears in her eyes, as she acted out the charade once again. She held out her hand to John. “Yes darling, I am here.”

 

John took her hand and pulled her towards him in a crushing embrace. “You are here… you’re not dead… Doc, I’ve missed you so much…” Tears filled his eyes as he took her blonde hair between his fingers and kissed the long strands.

 

“I’ll never leave you, you know that John… but you have to go on, you have to keep living.” Kate smiled and hoped that John would take her advice and move on. She imagined his rough tanned hands running down her body… making love to her. She closed her eyes as if in anticipation.

 

John took her face in his, grasping it as if she would disappear forever if he let go even for a second. He crushed his lips to hers in a searing kiss that left them both wanting so much more. He kissed her again, this time more slowly and skilfully, before moving to her neck and shoulders. “I love you… I love you…” he was murmuring feverishly over and over again between kisses.

 

Kate opened her eyes and looked at the man in front of her. Passionate and caring and the man of her dreams… Yet broken and alone. Kate pulled away from his caresses, knowing that she could not take advantage of him this way. When he made love to her… it would be to her and not to Marlena. She would make him forget that his wife ever existed.

 

John felt her pull away and opened his eyes, gazing into the bronze eyes of his lover. Kate could see the raw and undisguised passion blaze out of them. If he would only look at her that way.

 

“Doc?” John questioned. “What’s wrong?”

 

“I have to go John…”

 

“NO… you can’t go… I need you!” Tears pooled in the dreaming man’s eyes. He tried in desperation to grab her before she could disappear again, but Kate anticipated his move and stepped swiftly away.“I have to John, but remember that I will always be with you! You have to move on… you have to be happy!” Kate walked out of the room, tears filling her own eyes at the thought of the pain that John was going through. She heard his cries of anguish as she disappeared down the hallway.

My Life Now

 

When Marlena awoke, she felt drained. Her dreams of the masked man had continued into the night. She wondered what her husband wasn’t telling her. Since she had awoken from her coma, Marlena had felt like something was missing in her life. The amnesia had passed quickly and she soon remembered Stefano and the life that they had shared together.

 

Her first memory flash had been of their wedding when she had thought that he was Roman… the second had been of their affair, making love on the plane as Stefano was about to leave Salem forever. Now she could remember their whole lives, their daughter Belle… their unending love. Yet still Marlena didn’t feel complete. She had tried to hide it from her husband so as not to upset him… but Marlena didn’t know how much longer she could keep it from him.

 

When she remembered her past, she remembered a great passion… of making love whenever she saw him… feverishly… urgently. Now when she looked at Stefano… her husband… only fondness and pity arose. There was no love, no passion, and no spark. How could things change so quickly? How could such overpowering passion just die?

 

Marlena hoped that as she recovered, that passion would reignite. After all, she had undergone major surgery following her accident. Marlena carefully dressed while pondering her situation. She wanted to look good for him. He had been so sweet and loving and caring since she had come out of the coma, and she wanted to please him as much as she could bear to. She chose a red sundress that hugged her curves in all the right places. She put on her brightest smile and went down to meet him for breakfast.

 

He was waiting anxiously for her when she strode carelessly into the room. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her this morning. He smiled inwardly when he realised that this was just for him… she dressed like this just for him. He couldn’t help but give her a long appreciative stare. She noticed his look, and turned once around playfully. “You like?” she asked flirtatiously, batting her long eyelashes innocently.

 

Stefano didn’t answer right away, choosing instead to savour the delight that he was feeling in seeing her curvaceous form clad in the exquisite sun-dress. His eyes roamed lustfully up her smooth legs, imagining his hands replacing them. He looked at the swell of her breasts, where the light material barely covered her, and again he imagined his hands there instead, heightening her to the peak of passion.

 

Marlena suddenly became unnerved by his stare. She guessed that he was trying to undress her in his mind, and she could see his eyes glazing over with desire. She realised that the dress probably wasn’t such a good idea. She giggled nervously… “Earth to Stefano…” she started, but before she could finish her sentence he interrupted. “Sorry my dear,” Stefano apologised. “You look absolutely stunning.” He moved closer to her, taking both her hands in his. Marlena glanced warily at him, thinking that he was going to act on his desires. But, he merely leaned in and gave her a lingering kiss on the cheek, and led her to the breakfast table.

 

“Did you sleep well Marlena?” He asked sweetly as he pushed her chair into the table.

 

“I am still having those dreams… I must look terrible this morning.” Marlena put her hands to her face, trying to cover the lines that had manifested themselves on her face the night before.

 

“As always, you look beautiful… like my queen!” Stefano kissed her hand gently and took his own seat.

 

Marlena looked deeply into his eyes, trying to find some trace of what she was feeling on her husband’s face. Maybe they had both fallen out of love with each other… could that be the cause for her doubts? But after this morning’s display, Marlena was sure that this wasn’t the case. Stefano was hopelessly in love with her and wanted her in every possible way. Marlena thanked heaven for the time that her accident had bought her. Because she was still recovering, she had yet to be physically active with her husband. He was too much of a gentleman to show how disappointed he was, but Marlena could see it in his eyes at times – this morning when she had come into the room… last night when she had awoken from her nightmare. If he had known how she really felt he would have been even more disappointed. Making love to Stefano was the last thing in the world that she could imagine right now. But she knew that it was only a matter of time before he would demand an explanation… and her time was running out.

Moving On

 

“You had a nightmare again last night!” Kate and John were having

coffee at Salem Place.

 

“I know… I dreamed she was here again.” John shook his head sorrowfully. Kate took his hand and squeezed it comfortingly.

 

“Are you OK?” she asked with concern.

 

“Yeah, I’ll be fine… I’m just glad that you are here to help me through this.” John smiled at her, a smile that made Kate go weak at the knees.

 

“I think that was the first genuine smile that you have given me since Marlena died. Has something changed?”

 

John stopped drinking his coffee, and looked directly into Kate’s eyes. He kept a hold of the hand which she was trying to pull away from his. “Something has changed but I would like us to be alone when I tell you what it is. Will you come someplace with me?”

 

Kate’s eyes opened wide with surprise. This sounded serious but good. Maybe John was planning to move on with his life. “I will go anywhere you want me to go.” John helped her from her chair and led her by the hand to the pier.

 

When they arrived there, John turned to the water and stared out for a long minute. Just as Kate was about to talk, he started explaining. “This place was very special for Doc and I, and I know that it was

special for you and Roman as well.”

 

“Yes it was special for us…” Kate agreed.

 

“I remember in 1991 when Marlena came back to me. I thought she was dead… she had been gone for 5 years… and I remember seeing this vision… and thinking that she was a ghost.”

 

Kate moved towards John and rubbed his shoulders soothingly. “It was a special time John.”

 

“Yeah it was. She was real. She had come back to me again. And I remember thinking then that we could overcome anything… that we would always find our way back to each other. When she died I came here so many times, hoping beyond hope that I would have another miracle and that she would come back to me again. And after last night I realised that I was holding onto a ghost. Marlena can’t come back because this time she really is dead… and so is Roman.”

 

John looked at Kate to gauge her reaction. Kate only nodded calmly. He turned and took both her hands into his, absently running his thumbs over them in a circular pattern. Kate involuntarily closed her eyes with the feelings that he was creating. “Kate… are you with me?” Kate opened her eyes and saw his concerned blue eyes looking into hers. “Are you OK?” he continued.

 

“I’m fine. I was just thinking about Marlena and Roman…” she lied.

 

“I know that I have to let Marlena go. And I realised that the one person who has been there for me through the worst of the pain and grief has been you. Kate… I want to try to move on, and I want to try to move on with you.” John looked searchingly into the woman’s eyes.

 

“I want to try to move on with you too.” She replied simply. “John… I have been ready to move on for so long… I was dreaming that this moment would come.”

 

John looked at Kate in surprise, feeling self-obsessed for not realising how she was feeling. “I’m sorry for putting you through that. You know, I can’t promise anything. I will always love Marlena, but I desperately want to grow to love you as much as I loved her. If anyone can help me get over her, it’s you Kate.”

 

John leaned in and kissed her lips sweetly but passionately. Kate’s eyes fluttered open and she stared into his eyes, not believing that her dream had finally come true… that John was kissing her as Kate and not as Marlena.Uncertainty

 

Breakfast this morning had been difficult.  Marlena had tried not to think about how her husband no longer awoke any passion in her, and he had stared at her for the entire meal.  As soon as it was over, Marlena excused herself and strode up to her room to change her clothes, professing that it was cold out and that she wanted to go for a slow walk.

 

Stefano had looked at her curiously, and Marlena was almost afraid that he would ask to come with her.  She felt much more comfortable now in her black sweatpants and tee-shirt and her running shoes. Waiting until she had gone past the garden, Marlena broke into a jog.  She was feeling much better since her accident, but she had yet to tell Stefano about it as he would begin to expect that she would share her bed with him. Running was the only thing keeping her sane at the moment.  Always waiting till she was out of sight, Marlena was running for 5 kilometres a day. It gave her time to think, to figure out what to do about her life. She was miserable and there was nothing she could do about it.  Her daughter Belle hadn’t even been to visit her since her operation, although Stefano had produced a few letters from her asking after Marlena and professing that all was well. Marlena glanced down at the huge diamond solitaire ring that adorned her finger, and glancing back towards the house, she slipped it off and placed it in her pocket.

 

Halfway through her run, Marlena heard a sound in front of her.  It was a rustling in the nearby bushes. Fearful, yet curious all the same, Marlena ventured closer, and frowned delicately when she saw who was there.

 

“Well, well, well…” Tony spoke with a sneer on his face.  “Out for a bit of strenuous exercise are we?” Marlena’s blood chilled with the implication that her husband’s son was obviously making.  “Wait until I tell my father,” he continued when Marlena failed to respond.

 

“I feel much better today,” Marlena spoke cheerfully, hoping that Tony would keep his mouth shut.

 

There was something about him that Marlena didn’t like.  From the time she woke up from her surgery, Tony had been hanging around her and turning up when she least expected her.  Sometimes she felt like he was shadowing her, and there was something about the way he stared at her so intensely that she would never get used to.

 

Tony interrupted her from her reverie.  “Don’t lie to me Marlena! I know that you have been sneaking off to go running for at least the past week.  Why don’t you tell Stefano that you are up to… taking your relationship to the next level?” Tony had an evil glare in his eyes as he taunted her.

 

“That’s none of your business!” She snapped curtly.  

 

“Maybe it is my business… Maybe you don’t find your husband attractive any more… Maybe…” Tony had inched toward Marlena so that his face was only inches from hers.  He placed his index finger on her face and traced the outline of it, lightly brushing her lips as he did so.

 

Marlena shuddered and moved away angrily.  “Maybe what?” She stood with her hands on her hips.

 

“Maybe you’ve tired of the old man and want the younger version.  You know… I would take you to my bed any day… remember that!” With that Tony walked away, not even trying to disguise the triumph on his face.

 

Marlena glared after him for a while, kicking herself for not responding sooner.  What she wanted more than anything else was to slap that smirk off Tony DiMera’s ugly face.  She hoped that he wouldn’t tell Stefano about her daily jogs, but she was encouraged by the fact that Tony seemed to want her as much as Stefano did.  He wouldn’t tell Stefano, she was sure of it.

The Plot Thickens

 

Stefano watched his ‘wife’ through the double sided mirror on the wall in his secret room.  She was totally unaware that he was watching her as she changed her clothes for dinner. Stefano had decided to take her out tonight as a celebration of their love – he wanted to consummate this relationship as soon as possible.

 

Once she gives herself to me… he thought gleefully, she will never go back to that imbecile John Black!  He watched Marlena as she changed into a sleek blue dress. She seemed to be looking for something more modest, but Stefano had seen to it that all of the evening wear that he had purchased for her, would hug her sexy figure to perfection.  She threw a black jacket over the top of the dress and added the finishing touches to her make-up.

 

Stefano smiled a self-satisfied smile.  Soon his Queen of the Night would be his forever.  His plan was going perfectly. Marlena seemed to regard him with respect and love and he knew that together they would be able to overcome any obstacle.  If and when Marlena regained her memory, she would be so enraptured with him that she would never look back.

 

Stefano turned to Rolf.  “Are you sure that everything went well with the implant?” He asked with a trace of anxiety in his tone.

 

“Yes Stefano… trust me!  There is no way that Marlena will ever remember that John is the man that she loves.  All of her memories have you in the place of John. She loves you!”

 

“Yes I know … but if that is the case, why has she not come to my bed yet? She and John could hardly keep their hands off each other.”  Stefano paused as he imagined Marlenas hands running down his back, begging him to take her.

 

“Because she is still recovering from the operation.  I am sure she feels weak and unsure about everything that has happened.  She will come around.”

 

“She’d better Rolf!  And if she does remember anything about John… I will blame you entirely.”  Stefano adjusted his bow-tie and prepared to meet his lovely Marlena in the entrance hall.

 

Marlena stepped out of her room, feeling rather uncomfortable in the reveling blue dress that she had found in her closet.  Could I have worn these clothes before the accident? She asked herself in surprise. I don’t have anything in there that covers a decent amount of skin.  As much as Marlena didn’t want to admit it, her memories told her that in the past she would have loved to dress this way for her husband.

 

As she bent down to pick up the shawl that she had accidentally dropped, Marlena noticed the scrap of paper on the floor.  Picking it up, she opened it… and almost fainted at what she saw.

 

******************************************************

Tony DiMera skulked back up the hallway, an evil grin lurking on his face.

Learning About John

 

“Remember Marlena, you have a lot of enemies in Salem.”  Stefano’s parting words echoed in her head, as she waited at the airport for her escort.  Marlena hadn’t wanted to tell Stefano about the note that she had received outside her bedroom door, but as she looked at it now, she realised that she had been right to tell him.  She fingered the note and studied the six simple words that appeared on it. You can find him in Salem! She looked at the photo that had been attached to the note, trying for the hundredth time to focus on the man’s features.  But it was hopeless… the only feature that was unmistakable on the blurry photo, were the deep blue eyes. They were the eyes of the man in her dreams.

 

When Stefano had questioned her again about her dizzy spell the night before, Marlena had decided to come clean with her husband about the message.  Although she wasn’t sure that she still loved him, she knew that she could trust him with her life. She always had.

 

“Marlena, hi!” Lexie DiMera waved to Marlena.Marlena was broken from her thoughts, and smiled at the attractive woman in front of her.  “You must be Lexie? I’m sorry that I don’t remember you, everything is pretty fuzzy in my memory at the moment.” Marlena looked apologetically in Lexie’s direction.“Do you remember anything?”

 

“Just my husband…  and specific events… but the only face that I ever see clearly is Stefano’s!”  Lexie smiled sympathetically at her former best friend. Marlena hesitated. “Except for…”

 

“Except for what?” Lexie probed.

 

“It may sound silly… but I have been seeing the face of a man in my dreams… and the only part of him that I can ever remember is his eyes.”

 

“That doesn’t sound silly at all.  Excuse me while I just make a phone call.  I’ll be right back!”

 

Marlena tried to concentrate hard as Lexie walked away, trying to see her face in at least one of her memories.  But it was no use. She watched her as she spoke seriously on her cell phone and waited.

 

***************************************************

 

“I think that she is remembering John.” Lexie spoke concernedly.“Yes, yes… I know she is remembering him.”

 

“She sees his face in her dreams… but not clearly.”

 

“Tony, the imbecile, gave her a photograph of John and planted the idea of going to Salem into her head.  Alexandra, you must make sure that Marlena believes our story about her history with John.”

 

“But what if she talks to him about it? What if he makes her realise that she’s married to him?”

 

“She won’t talk to him if she believes our story.  She is more stubborn than John.”

 

“How will I handle everyone else in Salem?”  

 

“Most of them are away for Mimi’s wedding.  Hope Brady will be your biggest problem. Just watch Marlena carefully until I get there in a few days.”

 

“OK Stefano… I hope this works.”

 

Lexie frowned as she hung up the phone.  How did she get herself into this mess, she wondered.  A couple of years ago, she would never have done anything like this… until Stefano had helped her to have a baby.  Now she was indebted to him and Stefano would never let her forget it.

 

***************************************************

 

“Here we are in Salem Place”  

 

“You know… this does look familiar.” Marlena looked around at her surroundings.

 

“Of course it does, honey!  You practically lived here!” Lexie laughed and linked her arm through Marlena’s.  “What do you say we have a coffee?”

 

“Mmmnnn, that would be lovely.  But first… can I just talk to you for a minute?”  Marlena took the folded photograph from her pocket.“Of course you can… what’s up?”

 

Marlena held out the photo.  “Do you know who this is?”

 

“It’s John.” Lexie looked at Marlena seriously.  “Are you telling me that John is the man that you remember?”

 

“I guess so… he has the same eyes.” Marlena searched Lexie’s face for a hint of why she would be dreaming about him.  “Stefano said that John and I have a history…” she probed gently.

 

“You could say that.  John has been in love with you for years Marlena.  He tried so many times to take you away from Stefano.”

 

“How?” Marlena frowned, as she suddenly remembered being held prisoner in a cage.

 

“Well, he kidnapped you on numerous occasions.  He thought that he could make you love him, but your love for Stefano was too strong.”

 

“I remember being locked in a cage,”  Marlena began. “But I can’t see his face.”

 

“That was when he held you captive in Paris.  You know…” Lexie took Marlena’s hands in hers. “It is because of John that you lost your memory in the first place.”

 

Marlena sighed sharply.  “Stefano told me about that.  He told me that John has supporters in Salem, that none of them believe that he ever tried to hurt me.  He told me that I would have enemies, because I hurt John.” Tears formed in Marlena’s eyes, which she tried to brush away.  Why was she here, where all of this pain could be dredged up again?

 

“John told everyone that you married him years ago.  He forced you into it so that you could save Stefano from death.  It wasn’t legal, so don’t fall for his tricks OK?”

 

Marlena nodded, wondering how she could have mistaken the man in her dreams as a hero.  When Stefano had told her that John was evil, she had refused to believe it. She was never scared of him in her dreams – if anything, she felt safe with him.  But now, hearing the whole thing from Lexie was like waking up. This John obviously had a negative hold on her emotions – that was why she remembered him.

Face To Face

 

“Where have you been?” Kate stood with her hands on her hips, ready for a fight.

 

“I’m sorry, honey! I was getting the rest of my things from Marlena’s penthouse.”  John leaned over, raising his sunglasses from his eyes, to give Kate a peck on the cheek.  “I ended up looking at photos.”

 

“It’s always about Marlena, isn’t it John?”  Kate looked away, shocked with herself that she had said it, yet satisfied to get it off her chest at last.

 

John glanced down, looking into his cold cup of coffee, and wallowing in memories.  “I’m sorry Kate! I told you that I wouldn’t be able to get over her in a day. I still love her and I always will.”

 

Kate took his face between her hands and forced him to look up at her. “Do you love me?”

 

“Of course I love you… just in a different way.  I will never love anyone the way I loved Marlena… but she would have wanted me to find someone to share my life with.  That is all I can offer you right now.” John smiled sadly, thinking that he was about to lose her too. When she didn’t reply, John looked up at Kate, who was staring at something behind him.

 

“What is it?” John took Kate’s hands in his, and squeezed them in concern.

 

“No… it can’t be…” Kate’s face had turned as white as a ghost.  John turned, and stared in amazement at the figure behind him.

 

**************************************************

 

She was like a vision, standing at the counter of the coffee shop, her back turned away from him.  Her flowing blonde hair had grown and sat freely on her back. She wore a black off the shoulder dress, which showed off her perfectly tanned shoulders.  He had a generous view of her shapely legs, which was improved by the lengthy slit that ran up

her dress.  

 

Even before she turned around, John knew that it was her.  How he was sure, he could never be certain, because he had thought that he had seen her over and over again since her death.  But this time it was different. He shook his head over and over again, trying to determine if she was indeed real, trying to shake any dreams or visions out of

his imagination, but still she remained there.

 

Time seemed to stand still as she turned around, and John was finally able to glimpse her angelic face.  She was laughing at something that the waiter had said, and John was uplifted to hear the sound of his wife’s happiness.  He looked her up and down in that endless moment, noticing that she was pale and thinner, yet as beautiful as ever. He memorised the shape of her face, her hair outlining it’s frame.  He imagined the honied smell of her tresses, and the softness of her face against his. Her almond shaped eyes seemed full of worry, even though she smiled, and John imagined those hazel pools, staring into his blue ones.  He watched her full lips as she spoke and imagined them pressed against his own. He had an ample view of her breasts, as she bent to pick up something that she had dropped, and John imagined taking her to his bed, savouring the sensations of her softness cuddled beside him.

 

As she began to walk to a table, John suddenly regained his senses.  All of those fantasies could become reality if he would just get up and go to her.  He seemed to be glued to his chair, his eyes fixed on the apparition before him. As sure as he was that Marlena was as real as he was, John was reluctant to let this moment end, to let this remarkable feeling fade.  If she would stand there forever, John might have just gone on looking at her in pure rapture for a minute, an hour, even a day. But she wouldn’t… and she had yet to notice him.

 

Never in those few moments of joy did John once ask himself why she was here, how she could be here, or why she hadn’t come to him yet.  As he stood to go to her, he hazily heard Kate say something, but he failed to make sense of whatever it was. Just as she was about to sit, he was within touching distance of his wife…

 

*************************************************

 

Marlena felt uneasy as she noticed a figure getting closer to her.  From the corner of her eye, she could make out a well-built frame, handsome face and brown hair.  She spoke to Lexie, acting composed yet wondering who he could be. She didn’t want to turn to look, as she had seen him sitting with a woman at his table, who was probably his wife.  

 

Before he had noticed her at the counter, Marlena had been staring unashamedly at the back of the attractive man.  She couldn’t help noticing how his powerfully built muscles clung to his tight black tee-shirt. She found herself wondering what he would look like with his shirt off.  Suddenly Marlena had a vision of a similar shirtless back, and of herself tracing the lines of the muscles. She closed her eyes to concentrate when she noticed something odd about where her hand was resting on his back.  Try as she might, Marlena couldn’t focus in on what it was on the man’s right shoulder blade. When the waiter had asked for her coffee order, Marlena had opened her eyes and turned away, blushing deeply and deriding herself for staring at another man.  Sure, he was attractive, but she was a married woman, for heavens sake.

 

**************************************************

 

“Doc?” He whispered, as his hand reached out to touch her face.  It was then that she looked at him fully, staring into his eyes that were hidden behind his sunglasses.  She was confused, as the name that he had called her circled around and around in her head, calling for her to remember something from her past.  Before she knew what was happening, the striking man had encircled her small frame and was spinning her around and around, sobbing uncontrollably as he spoke her name over and over again.

Temporary Madness

 

Marlena felt herself losing control as she smelt the all too familiar smell of the man’s body as he hugged her close.  She felt herself becoming quickly lost in the embrace, sensing a passion that she hadn’t felt in a long time. She lingered for a second longer than she should have, and allowed herself to be a captive of this man.  Before she could stop him, he pressed his hot lips to hers in a chaste yet desperate kiss.

 

Marlena shook herself out of her daydream and pushed the man away from her with enough force for him to stop his assault on her hungry lips.  He was obviously confused, considering that he apparently thought that she was someone else. Someone called “Doc!” Marlena searched his face for some kind of recognition, seeing only features that she didn’t remember ever seeing before.

 

“Doc, honey?”  There it was again, that name!  A name that sparked a tiny hint of recognition in Marlena.  She closed her eyes trying to place the name with a memory of her past.  But again, she came up with nothing. The man looked slightly bewildered when she pushed him away, and he reached out to again touch her face.  Marlena knew that she had to put a stop to this.

 

“I’m sorry Sir but I think you have me confused with someone else!”

 

****************************************************

 

John reeled in panic when he heard those words come out of the mouth of his beloved wife.  He looked at her in astonishment, as he tried desperately to touch her face, her hands, any part of her so that he could keep that contact with her soft skin, but she kept backing further and further away, making that impossible for John.

 

“No… I don’t have you confused with someone else.  Why are you doing this?” John asked, trying again to take her hands into his.  She stepped easily out of his reach.

 

“Marlena… what‘s wrong?  Tell me what‘s wrong!” He pleaded with her to give him some clue as to why she was pushing him away.“Do I know you?”

 

*****************************************************

 

Marlena’s face paled when she heard the man use her name.  So he does know me, she spoke to herself, trying to piece it all together.  His kiss still burned on her lips, and the touch of his warm skin still danced upon hers.  She couldn’t think straight, the smell of his body still infecting her senses. She watched as he took his glasses off his eyes, searching her eyes for a spark of recognition.  

 

She was taken aback by the appearance of his eyes.  They were red and bloodshot and looked as if he hadn’t slept for days.  The doctor in her suddenly emerged and she was certain that the man in front of her had a drug or alcohol problem.  No wonder he was so delirious.

 

“Are you ok?”  Marlena stared into those eyes with concern filling hers.  “Can I help you with something? You look like you need help.”  Marlena noticed the woman from his table standing beside him. She appealed to her with her eyes, begging her to get him the help he needed.

 

“Marlena?” The woman spoke, her eyes suspiciously fixed on Marlena.  “Don’t you recognise us?”

 

“No… I’m sorry… what’s your name?”

 

“Kate.”

 

“I’m sorry Kate… I can’t remember much of my past.  Can you help him?” Marlena indicated John with her eyes, and saw him suddenly look at her with anger filling his eyes.

 

“Why… why are you doing this?” He suddenly erupted in fury, stepping closer to her and grabbing her arm.

 

Marlena stepped back, frightened by the desperation that had suddenly taken possession of him.  “I… I don’t know what you mean…” she stammered, appealing to him with the childlike quality that her voice had suddenly adopted.

 

“You… you come back here… and you break my heart again!  When

is this going to stop, Doc?  When are you going to stop tormenting

me?”

 

Marlena broke away from the unrelenting grasp that had become almost painful.  She turned from the once appealing man, and picked up her bag, running away with tears filling her eyes.  

 

******************************************************

 

She didn’t turn to see, the heartbroken man behind her fall to the ground in despair, with Kate close by his side.

Aftermath

 

“Who was that?” Marlena asked breathlessly, when Lexie finally caught up to her.  The tears were staring to ebb, as she fought to make sense of the situation that had presented itself.

 

“Honey… that was John!”  Lexie placed a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder and smiled to herself as she thought how perfectly the plan had worked so far.

 

Marlena’s eyes widened in shock, although she knew that she should have guessed it.  “J… John…” she stammered, almost unintelligibly. “He was so… so… desperate!”

 

“I warned you.  John is obsessed with you!  He truly believes that you and he are together.  He believes that you are his wife Marlena.”“You know… he almost had me convinced Lexie!  The pain in his eyes when I told him that I didn’t know who he was, was almost unbearable to me.”  She clutched her hands to her heart, gesturing the pain that she had felt those few short minutes ago.

 

“Don’t fall into his trap…”

 

“At least I can be certain of one thing.” Marlena smiled and again took the crumpled photo out of her pocket.  She smoothed it out, almost lovingly.

 

“What’s that?” Lexie asked nonchalantly.

 

“John isn’t the man from my dreams.”

 

***********************************************

 

John was sinking further and further into his depression, as Kate tried to comfort him.  “Why won’t she stop haunting me? I had a conversation with a ghost in the middle of Salem Place!  I honestly believed that she was there! Marlena… my beautiful wife.” John put his head in his hands and moaned in sorrow.  “But this time…” he spoke again to no-one in particular. “This time she didn’t know me… she didn’t want me. Why didn’t she want me?”

 

Kate knew that she should tell John the truth about Marlena.  She knew that she should tell him that it wasn’t a dream, and that Marlena had been there in Salem Place, but she knew that when she did that she would lose John forever.  Even though his beloved wife didn’t remember him, and didn’t seem to want him, Kate knew that John would pursue Marlena until he died. She would have to make her move as soon as possible, so that John would be hers forever.

 

***********************************************

 

“What do you mean, John isn’t the man in your dreams?”  Lexie asked startled by Marlena’s comment.

 

“That wasn’t him.  I could never ever forget the eyes of the man in my dreams… the man in this photo… and that wasn’t him.” Marlena’s eyes sparked with the hint of a challenge and Lexie knew that she should not dispute her.

 

Marlena clutched the photo as Lexie drove her to the motel where she would be staying.  Marlena had wanted to stay at her penthouse, but Stefano had warned her that John would be able to find her easily if she stayed there.  She gently touched her lips, savouring the memory of John’s hot kiss, and blushing as she imagined taking things further with him. She shook herself from her licentious thoughts, wondering why she was fantasising about a man who hurt her so badly.  She tenderly touched her upper arm where he had grabbed her and could feel the beginnings of a bruise appearing there.

 

Marlena felt her anger rising towards John, but also towards herself for having such lustful thoughts.  She concluded that it was because she couldn’t even remember the last time she had shared her bed with a man, and that the thought of sharing it with her husband did nothing for her – in a way, it even repulsed her.  Marlena shuddered as she thought of Stefano’s yearning stares of a few days before – how was she going to avoid the situation for any longer?

 

Stefano was going to join her in a couple of days, and Marlena knew that by then she either needed to get back  her memory, or leave her husband. She was sure that as soon as she remembered her whole history with him, she would get back her desire for him and be happy once again.

 

*************************************************

“Make love to me John?” Kate requested soothingly, as she slowly removed each and every piece of John’s clothing.

 

“I’ll make you forget all about Marlena.”  Kate covered his lips softly with hers before he could protest.  

 

“I don’t want to forget about her… I love her…” John’s mumbled protests were drowned out by the repeated assault on his lips and face that Kate was producing.

 

“Yes you do… remember, she doesn’t want you… you want me!”  Kate could feel John’s passion rise as he kissed her back with desire and desperation.

 

“Oh Doc… I want you so badly.”

Confrontations

 

John awoke to the sound of the birds happily chirping outside his window.  He looked around, and noticed that he had spent the night at Marlena’s penthouse.  After Kate’s attempt to seduce him, John had blindly jumped out of bed with her and stumbled out into the night.  It was too soon to make love to anyone. Marlena was still the foremost thing on his mind, and he knew that it would have been unfair to Kate to go through with it.

 

He ended up standing outside the penthouse, looking up in the rain, hoping to relive a special moment in his memory when they had been there together.  He had snuggled into her bed, drinking in the scent of her that still filled the satin sheets, and believing for a small moment in time that she was still alive.

 

************************************************

 

Marlena awoke early and decided to take a long walk before Lexie arrived to pick her up.  Even though she had been warned against wandering the streets of Salem alone, Marlena needed to clear her head and have some time to work through the events of the past few months, with Stefano… with John.

 

Suddenly the streets of Salem looked all too familiar and she sensed that she knew these places well.  When she stumbled upon her penthouse, Marlena knew that she had been there before. She slipped into the elevator and stood outside the front door, knocking in the hopes that someone would be there to let her in.

 

*************************************************

 

“OK… OK… I’m coming!” John had just stepped out of the shower when he heard the knocking at the front door.  Slipping on a pair of jeans and grabbing a t-shirt he threw open the door half dressed.

 

“Doc?” John’s face turned ashen white when he saw who greeted him.  “Is that really you?” He reached out to touch her flesh to assure himself that his mind really wasn’t playing tricks on him.

 

**************************************************

 

“Oh it’s you!” Marlena exclaimed, taken aback by the shirtless man in front of her.  She contemplated turning around and leaving before she entered into a situation that she just may not be able to get out of.  From all reports John was a dangerous man, completely obsessed with her, and willing to do anything to have her. She decided against leaving, so long as she could gain control of the situation.

 

“Hi, I’m Marlena” She held out a friendly hand towards John as a gesture of her good-will.  Seeing the aghast look on his face, she quickly explained. “I know that you already know me, but I had an accident and I have lost most of the memories of my life in Salem.  You’re John right?”

 

“Honey… you are my wife!  Where have you been these past few months?”  John reached out to her.

 

“I’m not your wife, John.  You need to get over this obsession that you have with me!  I am a happily married woman, and I am only here to find out about my past.”

 

************************************************

 

John almost choked when he heard the words coming out of Marlena’s mouth.  He couldn’t believe the coldness, the callousness. If she didn’t want to be with him, couldn’t she just have told him nicely?

 

“Marlena?  I know that you are happily married – to me!”  John had a sinking feeling in his gut as he watched  Marlena’s reaction. He could almost sense anger in her brown eyes as he held her stare to try to make her understand.

 

“No – How can I be married to you when I am married to…?” Marlena stopped before she said Stefano’s name.  She could hear his warning in her head – if John knows that we are happy together he will try to kill me.

 

“Who… who are you married to?”

 

“Forget I said anything OK?” Marlena turned away from John’s heavy gaze.  “Could you please put a shirt on?” She spoke irritably, when she caught herself looking at his wet muscular body.

 

John looked hurt, but pulled his shirt over his head.  

 

“You really don’t remember me?”  He pleaded with her, staring deeply into her distant eyes, trying to get a glimpse of the woman that he had married.  

 

“No.” Her tone was almost sulky now.

 

“You say that you don’t remember your life… so how in hell can you be so sure that you aren’t married to me?”  John took her hands in his, and held them tightly as she tried to pull away.

 

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I remember my wedding and I remember my life with him.  My husband is the only thing and the only face that I do remember. I don’t want any trouble – all I want is to find out some facts about my life and then get on with it.”  John released her hands.

 

“You want facts… I can give you facts… come inside?”  John turned and fumbled on the table for proof of their life together, but when he turned back around with his prize, Marlena was gone.

 

***********************************************

 

He clutched their wedding photo to his chest, trying to make sense of all that she had told him.  Trying not to fall apart, he considered his options. Marlena had amnesia, and she was obviously confused about the memories that she was having.  Could she be remembering her first wedding to Don, or her wedding to Roman? Could she think that either of them was her husband? John sighed deeply when he remembered her moving away from his touch, almost disgustedly.  Why was she so repulsed by him? John knew that he would have to come up with a plan to make all Marlena’s memories come flooding back – memories of her life with him, so that they could once again be together.

Unexpected Visitors

 

Marlena felt three pairs of eyes on her when she walked in the door of her motel room.  Stefano rushed forward and took her hands with his.

“Marlena, darling, thank goodness you’re back!” He exclaimed, as he pressed his lips to hers for a kiss.  Marlena was slightly taken aback by the gesture but she returned his embrace, pulling back before it could go any further.

 

“What’s wrong?”  

 

“When I arrived and Lexie told me that she didn’t know where you were I thought that maybe John had gotten to you?” Stefano watched Marlena closely as he spoke, trying to discover her feelings about her true husband.

 

“I did actually run into him,” Marlena started as she glanced at Lexie and Tony who were staring at her.  “He tried to tell me that I was married to him, just like you said he would. You know, he’s almost too convincing…”  She trailed off, staring absently into the room.

“You didn’t fall for his tricks did you?” Lexie piped up.

“NO… of course not!  I know that he’s not my husband.  I think he is just trying to use my amnesia as a way of getting to me.”  

 

“Just be careful around him my dear!  You never know what he might do if he gets desperate.”  Stefano moved closer to Marlena and drew her close to him.  “I don’t want to lose you! You are my life…

 

remember that!”  Stefano kissed her again, this time more passionately.  As uncomfortable as she felt with the gesture, Marlena responded so as not to arouse her husband’s suspicions about her feelings towards him.  Her thoughts were far away as she felt his kisses deepen, and she wondered why she felt a sense of anxiety when he was close to her, almost threatened.  She came to her senses as she opened her eyes and placed her hands to Stefano’s shoulders in order to push him gently away.

 

“We have company…” she smiled when he was about to protest.  Marlena stepped away from Stefano after he released her, and mumbled her apologies to Lexie and Tony who was looking smugly at her.

 

“Stefano… can I talk to you?” Lexie broke the silence.  Stefano threw an annoyed glance in her direction and stepped up behind Marlena.  His arms encircled her waist and he whispered seductively in her ear. “We will continue that later…”  He kissed her cheek and followed Lexie into the other room.

 

Marlena slowly opened her eyes with relief when the close contact was broken.  She felt herself panic when she tried to take in the meaning of the words that Stefano had just spoken.  She found her eyes come into contact with Tony’s, who was laughing softly to himself. Marlena scowled and strode purposefully over to the mini-bar, pouring herself a strong drink and downing it in less than a minute.

Before Tony could comment, there was a knock at the door.  Marlena placed her hand over her head, hoping beyond hope that it would not be John.  She couldn’t take another confrontation this morning. With the way she was feeling now, Marlena thought she would be happy if she never saw him again.  Marlena paused at the door, trying to work up the courage to open it.

 

“Are you going to answer that?” Tony spoke gleefully, enjoying the torment that he could sense in the woman before him.

 

“Who is it?” Marlena spoke, ignoring her son-in-law.

 

“Marlena… it’s Hope.  Can I come in?”

 

Marlena opened the door to face the slim, brown haired, brown-eyed woman.  She studied her intently, knowing that a memory was in reach, just waiting to bubble up to the surface.

 

“Please Hope, just leave him alone!  He is my husband and I won’t stand for this.”

 

“Then why did he make love to me on your honeymoon?”

 

Marlena gasped and placed a hand over her head, willing the throbbing pain of the memory to disintegrate.  

 

“Marlena… Marlena… are you OK?”  Hope was standing beside her, trying to support the woman’s weight, as Marlena swayed as if ready to collapse.  Marlena banished the memory and straightened herself up.

 

“I’m sorry… I’m OK! Thanks!” Marlena extracted herself from Hope’s grasp.

 

“Are you sure? Why don’t you sit down?”

 

“No, I’ll be OK!  What can I do for you?”

 

“John told me that you were back!  I wanted to come and see for myself that you were alive… and you are!”  Hope grabbed Marlena for a quick hug.

 

“I’m sorry Hope… I don’t remember much about my life before my accident.  When you saw me just now that was the first vivid memory that I have had since I woke up.”  Marlena sat on the couch, her eyes darting around the room, searching for Tony. She couldn’t see him, and she hoped that he would stay away for a while.

 

“That’s a good sign Marlena.  John must be so excited that you are back. Why aren’t you staying at the Penthouse with him?”  

 

Marlena eyed Hope warily.  “John and I are not together Hope.  I know that he misled everyone in Salem about our supposed marriage but I am happily married to someone else.”

 

Hope’s eyes widened as she heard the cold way that Marlena talked about the love of her life.  “What do you mean married to someone else? Who has been planting these ideas into your head? Do you mean to tell me that you didn’t remember John when you saw him?”

 

“No I didn’t.  If he was married to me, don’t you think that I would remember him?  And as for someone planting ideas into my head… I remember my life with my husband… and it’s not John.”  Marlena stood up defensively.

 

“How about we have a nice, romantic…” Stefano trailed off when he saw who was sitting on the couch with Marlena.  He had just entered the room, having finished his conversation with Lexie.

 

“Stefano…” Hope stared at him, praying that his being here didn’t mean what she  thought it did.

 

“Hope was just leaving…  Thanks for the welcome home.” Hope rose to leave, a million questions pressing on her mind, yet realising that this wasn’t the time or place to bring them up.

 

“Any time you need to talk… feel free to give me a call.” Hope jotted her number down on a scrap of paper and pressed it into Marlena’s hand.  She gazed at Marlena with compassion and kindness, hoping to portray her anxieties to her. Now she could only hope that Marlena would confide in her.

Discovering Love

 

John adjusted his tie as he waited for Hope to meet him at Tuscany.  He smiled when he remembered all the times that Marlena had adjusted it for him.  He closed his eyes, trying to imagine that she was there, her warm breath tickling his neck and sending his senses into overdrive.  Hope had called him this afternoon and asked him to meet her as a matter of urgency tonight. He assumed that it was about Marlena, and he hoped that perhaps she would be here – that he would be able to feast his eyes on her luscious body.  He imagined the moment when she would come into the restaurant, searching desperately with her eyes. She would be dressed in white, and her skin would be glowing in the candlelight. Her eyes would find him, and express to him that she loved and remembered him.  Then she would run into his arms and kiss him passionately, the tears of both joy and sorrow cascading down her cheeks, and making her look even more beautiful than she had ever been.

 

“John… John” His fantasy was interrupted when Hope approached him.  “Dreaming about Marlena?” Hope squeezed his shoulder.“Yeah… I want her so badly Hope!  I just don’t understand what is happening here. You know the weirdest thing is that she thinks that she is married to someone else.  How could she think that?”

 

“John… why don’t we find a table?”  Hope smiled as they approached the counter.

 

“You know I was thinking that maybe she remembers her wedding to Don… or Roman… and can’t remember anything since that time, but then again she seems to be adamant that she doesn’t love me… why?”  John paused for a breath, and Hope took the opportunity to interrupt his ramblings.

 

“John… calm down!  Everything will be clear in a few minutes.”  Hope steered John to a table near the door – the perfect table to observe the entire restaurant.

 

******************************

 

“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” Stefano whispered to Marlena as he opened the car door for her and watched her step out.Marlena smiled, looking deeply into his eyes, and noticing the love and pride that reflected back at her.  Now she could sense nothing of the uneasiness that she had felt before. Stefano had spent the afternoon with her, romancing her with an exotic picnic and a walk around the park, trying to make her forget about the past couple of stressful days.  He had been a perfect gentleman, and Marlena respected him for that. She had come to a decision tonight while she had been dressing for the romantic dinner at Tuscany. From now on she was going to forget about her reservations towards her husband and begin to rebuild their lives and their marriage.  She didn’t know if it would work, but she made a promise to herself that she would give it her best shot.

 

Stefano leant over and kissed her cheek tenderly.  “I love you so much Marlena.”

 

“I love you too.” Marlena was surprised at how easy the words had come out of her mouth.  Just a couple of days ago, saying those words to her husband had seemed almost impossible.  She hoped that this was a positive step towards her future happiness.

 

“Every man in the room will be jealous that I am with the most beautiful creature in the world…”

 

***********************************

 

When Marlena walked into the restaurant, John didn’t register who her companion was.  All he could focus on was his beautiful wife, smiling radiantly and looking sexier than she ever had before.  She unwrapped her crimson scarf, displaying her perfect shoulders to the world. The dress was made from rose pink satin, with no sleeves and an opening at the back.  The skirt flowed around her legs, but John could see the outline of her feminine hips beneath it. Her hair was secured with pins atop her head, a few stray curls cascading down to caress her swan-like neck.  John was amazed at how every time she walked into a room, he was stunned, and he felt like the luckiest guy in the world to have her as his wife. John ached to go to her and tell her that she was exquisite and that he yearned for her.  But he couldn’t. He missed being able to take her home at the end of the night and hold her all night long.

 

******************************************

Marlena glanced over at John’s table when she noticed that he was sitting there with Hope.  Trying not to stare, she shifted her eyes away almost as quickly as they had travelled there.  From the corner of her eye, Marlena saw the intense stare that John was giving her, almost like he was undressing her with his eyes.  Marlena wondered why she didn’t feel more uncomfortable about that and realised that the attraction that she felt for him was real. From the moment that his lips had touched hers yesterday in that searing and desperate kiss, Marlena had been thinking about his constantly.

 

*********************************************

Hope watched John carefully when Marlena walked into the room.  She expected fireworks when he saw her with Stefano, but two minutes had passed and he was still just staring ahead, as if in a trance.

 

“John, are you OK?”  John dragged his eyes away from his goddess long enough to see the concern in Hope’s face.  

 

“She’s so beautiful… I just want to grab her and take her home with me,” John clenched his fists.

 

“Woah there cowboy!  Look…” Hope pointed at Stefano, who had his arm tucked securely around Marlena’s waist and was leading her to a table.

No Turning Back

 

John looked shell-shocked when he noticed Stefano standing so close to Marlena, holding her like he himself wished to be holding her.  His first instinct was to jump up and confront them, but Hope held his arm to restrain him, mumbling that if he wanted to win her back, scaring Marlena was not the best way to do it.  He studied their every move as they walked to their table and sat down, Stefano holding Marlena’s chair out and kissing her cheek as she sat down. He almost lost it when he caught Stefano glance triumphantly in his direction, wanting nothing more than to take out the old man then and there.

 

“Isn’t it disgusting?” Hope’s voice registered through his mind’s screams.

 

“I don’t even know what to call it… how could she… does she…?” John spoke through clenched teeth.  “I should have known that Stefano was behind this.”

 

“She thinks that she is married to him you know!”  Hope flinched slightly, awaiting the fireworks.

 

“Oh god… so that means that Marlena has… has…” John placed his head in his hands, a complete sorrow engulfing him.  “Been intimate with him… tell me it’s not true?”

 

Hope grasped his hands and tried to calm him down.  “We don’t know that for sure John. Marlena is very confused right now and I’m sure that that is the last thing on her mind at the moment.”

 

“Oh come on Hope… do you think that the old man would stand for that?  I’ll bet you anything you like that he is laying on the moves

 

every chance he gets.  How could she sleep with that monster?”  

 

“John, you don’t know that for sure.  And even if she has, Marlena will remember her life with you and come back to you!”

 

“Yeah but what’s that worth.  The Marlena I know could never live with herself after making love to Stefano.  She will destroy her life… and in the meantime I have to sit by and watch her do it, powerless to stop it.  God, she looked so happy tonight.”

 

“You know, there is a reason that I brought you here tonight.”  Hope smiled encouragingly at John.

 

“Oh… don’t tell me there’s more…?”  John lifted his head and saw the sneaky look in his friend’s eyes.

 

“It’s date-swap night tonight on the dance-floor…”  

 

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”  John looked at Hope in confusion.

 

“Well… we all dance… and then the DJ announces that it’s date-swap time.  You can pick any girl you like and dance with her.” Hope looked in the direction of Marlena’s table.  “At least you will have some time to talk to her… maybe she will remember you this time, hey?”

 

John smiled in appreciation.  “I’ll just have to make her remember our love.”

 

************************************

 

“Are you having fun, my darling?” Stefano reached his hand across the table and entwined it with Marlena’s.  He was feeling so lucky to have her sitting across from him, believing that she was married to him. Stefano had noticed a change in Marlena today, like she was finally ready to accept her destiny with him forever.  Seeing John must have convinced her that she belonged with Stefano. He chuckled to himself as he imagined John’s behaviour when he saw her. He would have been overjoyed, and then demanding when he realised that she didn’t want him.  Hopefully it had been enough to convince Marlena that he was as dangerous as she had been warned he would be.

“Yeah this place is amazing.…”  Marlena studied her husbands face as he seemed lost in thought, feeling happy for the first time in ages.

“I was just thinking about the only thing that would make this night even more special than it has already been.”

 

“What’s that?”  Marlena looked at Stefano curiously, the beginnings of a smile forming on her face.

 

“If you would agree to marry me again?”  Stefano reached into his pocket and took out a small box.  Opening it slowly, he offered it to her.

 

Marlena was stunned when she saw the exquisite solitaire diamond ring that her husband was presenting her with.  This was the last thing that she had expected tonight.

 

Seeing that Marlena was overwhelmed, Stefano spoke.  “Since you lost your ring in the accident, I thought that it was about time I replaced it for you… and what better way to do it than renewing our vows.  I want us to be as strong in our love now Marlena, as we were at the beginning. I love you darling.”

 

“Oh Stefano…” Marlena was touched by his words, and she was determined that she would give her marriage a shot.  “I will…” Stefano smiled and placed the ring onto Marlena’s finger, leaning over the table for a brief but heated kiss.

 

“Now my lovely lady, will you give me the honour of this dance?”  Stefano led his fiancé to the dance floor.

Renewed Passion

 

“Pick your partner for the next dance – it’s date-swap time!”  The announcement boomed out across the dance floor and John got ready to make his move.

 

Before Marlena could register what was happening, Hope was in Stefano’s arms, and John had whisked her across the dance floor.

“You look beautiful tonight Marlena.” John’s voice was husky as he savoured the feeling of her body close to his.  He stared into her eyes, expecting to see disdain, but instead finding confusion.

 

“It’s not for you!”

 

“I know… but that doesn’t change the fact that you are exquisite.”

 

“Thank you.”  John pulled her closer to his body, wanting to feel as much of her as he could.  He drank in the scent of her smooth hair as he did so, finding himself becoming lost in the familiar sensation.  He clutched Marlena’s dainty hand, wanting nothing more than to feel it’s softness against his lips, but he resisted and positioned it around his neck, placing his own free hand securely around her waist.

 

 

Marlena almost found herself melting into John’s touch, her head seeking his shoulder as if it was where it belonged.  She was amazed at how different she felt in this man’s arms than when she was in Stefano’s… how relaxed… how calm… how natural.  Marlena tried to pull away slightly from his strong embrace, but John wouldn’t loosen his hold. Even if it was only for a short while, he wanted to experience the thrill of holding his beloved Marlena in his arms.  If anything, he pulled her lower body closer to his, hopeful that the familiar sensation would spark some recognition in her. He gazed into her eyes and almost rejoiced when he saw a trace of desire in them, the lids appearing heavy as they always did just before they had been about to make love.

 

When Marlena looked directly into John’s eyes she gasped. All at once her hunger for John vanished, as she realised what she had failed to notice all along. Her face turned pale as she stared into the bright blue eyes of the masked man from her dreams.

 

“What’s wrong? What is it?” John asked concernedly, as he tightened his grip on the woman that he loved.  “Marlena, are you alright?”

 

Marlena focussed her eyes back on John.  Her head was reeling from the realisation that she had been dreaming about him all this time, and that she hadn’t recognised him when she met him in Salem Place yesterday.

 

“You… you… I know you…”  Marlena’s voice became a whisper and she temporarily lost herself in those amazing blue orbs.  She threw her arms around him and closed her eyes, getting lost in fantasy as she remembered her most recent dream.

 

********************************

 

“I am yours forever.  Let me take you away from here?”  The piercing blue eyes comforted her, as Marlena’s anguished cries diminished.  She looked up and took his face into her hands, searching his masked face for reassurance.

 

“Show me your face?” The plea was whispered tenderly, more of a entreaty than a demand.  “How can I follow you if I don’t know who you are?”

 

“Because I am yours, and you are mine.”  Her hands travelled to his hair, and she slowly untied the knot that held the mask in place, her mouth so close to his face, yet not touching it.  As the mystery man was revealed to her, he captured her mouth in a searing kiss and Marlena knew that she would follow him anywhere.

 

********************************

 

“Marlena… Marlena…”  Marlena opened her eyes and found herself looking up into John’s face, her eyes still glazed over from the memory of the sensual dream.  “Hey… you look dazed – is everything ok?” John released his hold of Marlena slightly as she once again found her feet on the dance floor.

 

“I’m fine John.  It’s just…” Marlena faltered, not wanting to reveal her feelings to him.  From all accounts, John was not a man to be trusted.

“Just what?” John’s stare was meaningful as he willed her heart to remember him.  “You do remember me don’t you?  You said… you said that you know me” John momentarily stopped his slow movements, trying to grasp the reality of the situation.

 

“No… No… I don’t remember you.  I didn’t know what I was saying. I just haven’t eaten much today.”  Marlena placed a cold hand to her still-white forehead. “Maybe I should sit down.” Marlena tried to pull away from John’s tight grasp, and he released her slightly.  

 

“I know what you need.” John spoke, taking her hand, and absently rubbing it to keep it warm.  “Come with me…” John pulled Marlena across the dance floor and out to the balcony.

 

Marlena was surprised at herself for allowing John to lead her outside.  Here there would be no witnesses if he were to try anything with her. Stefano had warned her again and again not to let John get the better of her.  But Marlena couldn’t help following him. The whole way across the dance floor, while her tiny hand was enclosed in John’s strong one, her head had been telling her to cry for help, but her heart was singing a different song.  Now she was uncomfortable… and cold… as she looked out into the lake beyond, trying to deny the feelings that she was having.

 

John noticed that she was shivering as the moonlight reflected off her skin.  He removed his suit jacket and placed it around her shoulders, half-expecting her to shrug it off.  But Marlena took the coat and pulled it further around her, drinking in the scent of John as she did so, her thoughts again travelling to anything but innocent thoughts.  

 

“Why do you think that you are married to Stefano?” John asked gently, placing his finger to Marlena’s chin to force her to look into his eyes.

 

“Don’t do this John.”  She looked away almost guiltily.

 

“Don’t do what?  I am concerned about you… I love you… and you love me.”

 

“No I don’t love you!” Marlena spat the words out viciously, angry at herself for allowing herself to fantasise about a man that she didn‘t even know.  “I love Stefano… I am married to him, and I am renewing my marriage vows to him next week.”

 

John looked as though he had been hit in the stomach.  His face sank, as he grabbed both of Marlena’s hands with vigour, noticing the rock that now adorned her finger.  “Don’t do that Marlena. Please…?  You will destroy your life.  Stefano is a dangerous man…”

 

“He’s not a dangerous man John.  He’s my husband.” Marlena tried to convince herself and she felt her eyes fill with tears when she saw how broken John looked standing in front of her.  Her words had caused that pain.

 

“I’m your husband.  How can you not remember that?  How can you not remember our love?  We are soul mates Doc.”

 

“John… I’m sorry, but I have to ask you not to pursue me.  Nothing you can say or do will change my mind about marrying Stefano again, and I don’t want to make this harder for you or anyone else involved.”

 

“You mean that you don’t want me to make it hard for you!  You do have feelings for me, I can see it in your eyes.  I could feel it when we were dancing.  I know you and your body so well… and even if your mind doesn’t recognise me, your body does.  Doc… listen to what your heart is telling you… don’t do this.”

 

Marlena listened as John spoke, despising herself for being so transparent.  What John was saying was the truth – her body had betrayed her attraction for him while they were dancing.  She lashed out, stepping away from him jerkily. “I hate you John. You have caused me and my husband so much pain.  The feelings that you can see in my eyes aren’t feelings of attraction…” She laughed cruelly. “They are feelings of pity and contempt.  Now listen to me carefully, because I don’t want to say this again… I will never ever be with you as long as I live.”  Marlena turned hurriedly, hurling John’s jacket forcefully into his chest .  

 

Before she was able to open the balcony doors, John closed the space between them.  Within a few seconds he seized Marlena’s upper arms, pulled her towards him, and spoke in a hoarse whisper.  “You will never hate me. I’ll prove it to you.” John looked into the hazel eyes, which now darted doubtfully between his eyes and his lips, no doubt suspecting his intentions, and half-dreading, half-welcoming the next move.  Before she could stop it John drew her lips to his in a crushing kiss. Marlena struggled to pull away from his brutal lips, but when he forced her mouth open with his tongue, she found herself responding and welcoming his growing passion.   For each of them the world became a blur as the kisses continued, stronger and more fiery with each one. John murmured her name from the depths of his throat, and Marlena was making soft throaty sounds which indicated how much she wanted this.  She lost herself in his taste, his smell, his passion. John’s hands left the back of Marlena’s neck and travelled downwards to her bare shoulders, and the roughness of his large hands sent shivers of delight through her entire body. She ran her hands over his muscular back, admiring the hardness.  

 

 

Suddenly, Marlena regained her senses, and she pulled back abruptly as if she had suddenly been burnt by his touch.  John, who wasn’t ready to break the contact yet, reached for her in confusion. Marlena stepped back hurriedly, her lips and her body still ablaze from the most passionate five minutes that she had ever experienced.  “Marlena…” John mumbled desperately, searching her eyes which were ablaze with desire.

 

Marlena adjusted her gaze into one of coldness and emptiness.  She returned his stare and stepped further away from him. When she saw his blue eyes she almost melted, but she stopped herself and turned away.

 

“I will never love you.”  The cutting words coming from her beautiful lips were like daggers to John’s heart.  When Marlena had responded to his kisses, he was sure that she must be remembering him.  But when he looked into those eyes, there was nothing there at all – nothing of the loving and caring Marlena that he knew.  Maybe she did now belong to Stefano – if she didn’t remember him after sharing such an intimate moment – how could he continue to hope that she would ever remember?  It was all that John could do not to break into convulsions as the woman he loved walked away from his heart.

 

********************************

 

Marlena waited until she was out of sight of John and then abandoned all of her feigned composure.  She saw Stefano out of the corner of her eye and steered herself towards the bathrooms. Once safely inside, Marlena sunk against the wall, finally coming to rest on the cold hard tiles of the floor.  Marlena felt the tears gush down her cheeks and she hugged her knees to her chest. She could still feel the love and the passion that John had thrown into those kisses, and as much as she didn’t want to admit it, all she wanted to do right now was run into his arms and beg him to make mad passionate love to her.  Something about the whole experience had felt so right… so familiar, yet as she searched her memory Marlena couldn’t find him anywhere. She glanced at the massive diamond that adorned her finger and sobbed when she realised how confused she was. How could she remarry Stefano when she had such impassioned feelings for another man?  Standing up Marlena realised that she had to stick with her decision. She would remarry Stefano and forget about John. She had no reason to trust John, and every reason to trust Stefano, and lust alone was not enough to build a life on.

Broken

 

Marlena went straight to her bedroom as soon as she arrived home.  Tonight’s confrontation with John had been exhausting, and she knew by Stefano’s silence that he either knew or suspected tonight‘s events.  Marlena walked over to the door to lock it, so that Stefano couldn’t confront her tonight. But as she reached the handle, she felt the door being pushed backwards, and she saw her husband standing in the doorway.  

 

“What were you doing with John tonight?” He asked angrily, his eyes flashing.

 

“That’s none of your business.” Marlena could feel a migraine coming on and she was not in the mood to discuss tonight’s events.  All she wanted to do was to curl up in bed and sleep.

 

“It is my business Marlena!  You are my wife… and tonight you were making out with John like some cheap whore.  The way you were going at it was making me nauseous…” Marlena looked down at the floor, angry and ashamed, tears filling her eyes.  Stefano grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him. Marlena stubbornly refused to look into his eyes.

 

“Look at me.” Stefano demanded.

 

“Why should I?” Marlena suddenly looked up into Stefano’s eyes and saw the fury that existed in their depths.  Marlena was frightened but refused to let her husband intimidate her.

 

“How could you do this to me Marlena?  Did he make you feel good, huh?” Stefano held her frightened gaze, knowing but not caring that he was at risk of losing her by acting this way.  His rage had taken hold of him and he couldn’t seem to see past it.

 

When Marlena pulled away and returned to looking at the floor, Stefano demanded again,  “Well… did he?  You won’t let me touch you… and suddenly you are off with this madman, letting him basically have his way with you.  So tell me… did you enjoy it?”

 

Stefano brutally grabbed Marlena’s wrist, twisting it just enough to make her not want to move an inch for fear of it breaking.  She clawed at his strong hand with her free one, in an attempt to make him release her, but his hold only became more unrelenting.  She gave up with a sob and looked defiantly into the enraged eyes of the man that she was married to.

 

“OK… yes I enjoyed it.  God! Are you happy now?”  Marlena sobbed

uncontrollably as she admitted to Stefano what she hadn’t been able to acknowledge to herself.

 

“What did he do to you?” Stefano was by no means finished with the conversation and continued to goad her.  

 

“We… he… just leave me alone Stefano…”

 

Stefano pulled Marlena’s body flush with his.  He crushed his lips to hers, forcing her mouth open, and plunging his tongue into it’s depths. Unlike when John had kissed her tonight, the movements were severe and violating.  

 

“Did he do that?” Marlena didn’t answer, shocked at her husband’s

behaviour, her eyes wide.  Stefano raised his arm and back-handed

Marlena hard across the face.  “I asked you a question. Did he do

that?” Her hand travelled to her burning cheek.

 

“Yes.”  She spoke in almost a whisper, the tears flowing freely now.  “He kissed me but I promise that’s all that happened. I’m sorry!”  Marlena tried in vain to stop what she was sure was about to happen.  She struggled hopelessly as Stefano pushed her violently onto the bed, crushing her weak frame with his entire weight.  Taking hold of her dress, he effortlessly ripped it down the front, exposing her full breasts.

 

“NO… don’t do this Stefano.” Marlena was weakening physically and panicked that he would take her like this.  

 

“Can’t you feel how much I want you?… I have waited for so long for this…” Stefano ground his hips into hers, displaying to Marlena how ready he was for her… how turned on he was.   His hands painfully groped her heaving chest. Marlena suddenly regained her strength and pushed him as hard as she could. Stefano fell to the floor with a thud. He panted, calming down slightly as he surveyed the broken woman before him.  He slowly stood up, watching his beloved Marlena wrap the bedclothes around her semi-naked frame, tears staining her cheeks, and a deep sadness engulfing her. He suddenly realised what he had done and walked towards the bed, attempting to lay a comforting hand on her shaking shoulders.  Marlena scooted across the bed, out of his reach.

 

She eyed her husband warily as he retreated from her bedroom. Every shred of love that she had gained for Stefano over the past few weeks was now gone.

Memories

 

Looking back afterwards, Marlena could never fully recall what had happened that night following the altercation with Stefano.  How long she remained on the bed, holding herself she would never know. All she remembered was that sometime during the night she managed to untangle herself from the bedclothes and get dressed.  Her hands were so shaky that she couldn’t believe that she was able to do up the buttons of her jeans, but her desire to get out of the room and into the fresh air was undeniable. Slipping out the window, Marlena disappeared into the night beyond.

 

She found herself at the pier – a place which held no meaning for her mind, but considerable meaning for her heart.  A sense of familiarity overtook her as she gazed out into the ocean, watching the black depths of the sea ebb and flow eacefully.  Sitting on the bench near the water, Marlena drew her knees into her chest and hugged her body close to her, fresh tears slowly trickling down her cheeks.  What she planned to do now Marlena had no idea. All she knew was that she couldn’t face the thought of going back to Stefano. Maybe she could spend the night watching the stars from the bench, drowning herself in sorrow.

 

**********************************

 

It had been months since John and Marlena had last been together.  When Kristen had brought Roman back into their lives on the day of their wedding, they had assumed that it would only be a temporary set-back, and that soon they would be free to live their lives together.  As the months had passed, John felt like Marlena was drifting further and further away from him, and closer and closer to Roman. At last tonight he had received the phone call that he had been waiting for.

 

“John… it’s Marlena.  Where are you?”

 

“Hey Doc… I am just getting the last of my things from Kristen’s house.  I will be at the Salem Inn if you need me.”

 

“Can you stop by at the penthouse on your way?  There’s something I want to show you.”

 

John was filled with trepidation when he reached Marlena’s penthouse. What if he went inside and she told him that she had chosen Roman?  How could he survive without her? He took a deep breath and tapped on the door, preparing himself for any eventuality. When there was no answer, he called out in concern.  “Doc… are you in there?” He knocked again and realised that the door was ajar. Pushing it open, he crept in, praying that she was all right.

 

The lights were dimmed and soft music was playing, but Marlena was nowhere to be found.  Searching the darkened apartment, John reached for the light switch and found a folded up piece of paper, which he unfolded with bated breath.  

 

Don’t move!  I have a surprise for you!

 

John drew in a breath of anticipation, finding himself becoming excited from just the promise that the note held in it’s simple words.  He walked slowly over to the couch wondering where his beautiful prize was hiding. All at once he felt her soft hands covering his eyes, her supple body pressed up against his.  He could smell the fresh scent of her hair and he turned his head slightly to drink it into his senses. John’s hands travelled behind him, and he pulled her as close to him as he could in this awkward position.

 

“What’s my surprise?”  John’s voice was husky as he spoke, lust-filled thoughts possessing him.

 

“Patience honey.  All in good time.”  Marlena breathed the words so softly that John wasn’t even sure she had spoken them.  “Close your eyes.” She demanded close to his ear, her hot breath tickling his heated skin.  Slowly she removed her hands from his yes, sending them down his face and neck to caress the skin playfully.  Finishing the attack,

she reached around to the front of his shirt, slowly releasing each and every button sensuously.  “Can I turn around now?” John moaned, delighting in the feelings that Marlena was inducing with the simplest of touches.  “I want to see you… I want to kiss you…” He turned his head as far as he could and opened his eyes to look at her, but he could only see a glimpse of the beautiful seductress.  “Turn around John… or I won’t give you the surprise that I promised you…” John felt Marlena’s exquisite lips press against his earlobe, and his eyes closed almost involuntarily.  Again and again she heightened his desire as she placed open mouthed kisses along his jaw line, travelling to his neck and to the hardened muscles of his back and shoulders. John noticed that Marlena’s breathing had become laboured, and he knew that he would soon be able to take control of the situation.  From behind him, Marlena turned John’s head towards hers, and placed her lips onto his for a brief but passionate kiss. “Stay there until I tell you to turn around.” She murmured, suddenly breaking contact with John’s hot body. She stepped backwards, adjusting her clothing and closing her eyes briefly in anticipation of what was to come.

 

“This is your surprise…”  John turned around slowly, savouring the delight and anticipation that he was feeling.  He grunted softly when he saw her standing in front of him, the transparent red lingerie leaving little to the imagination.  His eyes hungrily roamed her luscious curves, travelling first up her tanned and perfect legs, his gaze resting briefly on her scantily clad centre, before continuing their journey up to her breasts which were hard with expectation.  Finally his blue eyes met her brown ones, and he stepped towards her, closing the distance between them. “You are such a beautiful woman. How did I get so lucky?”

“So… do you like your surprise?” She whispered softly into his lips before he hungrily took possession of them in a long-awaited kiss that was filled with months of pent-up love and lust.  Breaking apart reluctantly, John let his eyes travel downwards, and he replied. “I do… You are as sexy as hell when you play the seductress. Then again I’d like it better if you had nothing on.”  Marlena’s eyes darkened with desire and she whispered. “That was the idea.”

 

In one movement, John lifted Marlena effortlessly.  Her legs wrapped around his waist as he lowered her onto the couch.  Before joining her, he removed his jeans and boxer shorts, showing Marlena how much her earlier assault had left him wanting her.  Marlena glanced down at his erection, her eyes widening when she saw how ready he was. Sliding on top of her gently, John again took possession of Marlena’s mouth, their tongues duelling and arousing their need for each other more and more.  John’s rough hands travelled down Marlena’s aching body, grazing her breasts, as his mouth found the hollow of her throat and traced wet kisses along her swan-like neck.

 

When his hands reached her hips, John lifted the skimpy red top from her body, pulling it smoothly over her head.  His mouth found her breast and lavished sweet kisses over every inch of it, before reaching it’s nipple and attacking it with his teeth and tongue, until it could become no harder.  Marlena arched into him, moaning in pleasure and desire as John repeated his attack on the other breast. “John… please…” She urged him to continue, wanting to feel him inside her, wanting him to fill her and satisfy her.  “Patience…” John looked up from his assault on her breast and was filled with satisfaction when he saw how affected she was by this. Kissing her lips heatedly, he looked deeply into her eyes and smiled cheekily. “Remember what you did when I walked in the door?”

 

She nodded wildly.  “Well this is payback…”  As John continued on his journey down Marlena’s body, she grasped his back, pushing her nails into his powerful muscles in order to relieve her frustration.  She cried out in ecstasy when he reached her sweet centre, and before she knew what was happening, John had removed her almost non-existent panties, and had placed his tongue on her sensitive nub.  He felt Marlena’s hands on the back of his head push him closer, and he increased his speed as his tongue swirled over her most sensitive area. When she felt him enter her with his tongue she almost lost it.  “John… I want you… inside me… please?” she panted softly, desperately, and John found her lips, pausing to give her a fiery kiss before positioning himself to enter her.

 

With one thrust, John entered Marlena, causing her to cry out in pleasure.  As the intensity heightened, Marlena matched his thrusts with her own, and they moved as one.  Just as they each reached their peak of lovemaking, Marlena screamed John’s name and they released together, collapsing in oblivion when the sweet love-making was over.

 

John awoke in a sweat.  The dream was so real. He felt like Marlena was actually there beside him.  But it was just a memory – a vivid memory, but a memory just the same. He pulled his shirt over his head and walked down to the pier in order to clear his head.

The Pier

 

*************************

 

Marlena felt like she was floating down the aisle, towards her future husband.  Smiling radiantly as she reached him, Marlena held out her hand for him to take. He looked so overwhelmed as she approached him that she knew she would have to help him through the ceremony.  He had told her only that morning that she was so wonderful that he didn’t feel like he deserved to marry her. Now all doubts were gone as he took her hand and led her to the altar – where they would be joined in love forever.

 

Marlena tried not to cry as she finished expressing her love for him. “Some people never find it. But us – well, we got a chance to have it twice in a lifetime. And knowing what it’s like to be without you, for a day, for a month.  I was… for seventeen months, three weeks, and two days… that’s how long I hurt, and my heart ached to be with you.” He reached over to touch her beautiful cheek that sparkled with tears. “…But all of that just makes this time and what happens from this moment on all the more special. We’re more than lucky. We’re more than blessed. We are twice blessed. I love you. I love you.”  He gulped and began his vows of love to Marlena.

 

“Doc, circumstances have kinda dealt us a funny hand and there are things from my life, which includes our life that I don’t remember. But I remember the first time I saw you – after I came back again. You were in the hospital, working. I had no idea of one thing about my past, but there was still a connection. My heart stopped. You can take a human being and do a lot of things to him, but you cannot take away his love. I love you. It is that simple. A lot of the people here might have thought that all the time you were in the hospital, lying in that bed, that I might have lost you,  or that I’d already lost you. I didn’t. I couldn’t lose you.” Marlena wiped the tears from his face, wanting to touch him so that she would know that this wasn’t a dream. “You’re my life. Sweetheart, you’re my reason to get up in the morning, for laying down at night. But you know what I would do? Every day, I would talk to you. I would watch your children grow, looking for some evidence of you in them. And I would cry, for what we were missing…. We were meant for each other, Marlena. I’m just so happy that we found each other. I love you.” He leant over and kissed Marlena’s sweet lips and rejoiced that they were finally remarried.

 

***************************

 

“What about Marlena?”  She stood, her face a picture, covered with dirt and blood, her eyes surrounded with the lines that were evidence of the trials of the last few days.  He stared back at her with disbelief and love shining from his eyes. Closing the distance between them, Marlena sobbed and threw herself into his arms, rejoicing that her husband had returned.

 

***************************

 

“Life is moving so slowly and it’s all your fault.”  Marlena undid the top two buttons of her nightgown. She was in the hospital following a 6 week coma.

 

“How’s that?”  He stepped closer to her from behind.

 

“I keep thinking about you all day long, about what it’s like waking up with you… and what it’s like…” She turned to face him, desire written all over her face. “to go to bed with you…”

 

“Sound like pretty nice thoughts to me.”

 

Marlena placed her hands on his chest, looking up at him with pleading eyes.  “I want to be home with you right now.”

 

“The doctor said that you’d be going home real soon.” He ran his hands down her upper arms.

 

“It’s not soon enough for me… not soon enough…”  Marlena drew closer to him, leaning up for a kiss.

 

******************************

 

Marlena awoke disoriented, not knowing where she was.  She felt the cold air stinging her face, and her wrist and face throbbed with pain.  She sat up on the bench, looking around, pulling her legs up and hugging her arms around herself, partly to stop the dull ache that filled her heart, and partly to shelter herself from the cold air.  The dreams filled Marlena’s heart with hope that she might soon remember her past, but as she tried to focus in on the face of her lover from her dreams, she came up with a blank – just like every other dream that she had had about this man.  

 

“Damn… why can’t I remember?” Marlena screamed into the night air, the tears cascading down her cheeks.

 

She heard footsteps approaching, and she lay her head on her knees, not knowing or caring who they belonged to.  “Marlena…” The voice spoke as it approached her. Marlena rolled her eyes slightly when she heard his voice.

 

“John… how do you always know where to find me?” She spoke sarcastically through her tears.

 

“I didn’t expect to find you… But this is our special place you know?  Maybe we were both drawn here to find each other.” He sat down beside her, trying to gaze into her eyes through the darkness, but she refused to look up.  “What are you doing here?”

 

“I needed some fresh air. I ended up here.”  Marlena spoke softly.“Even if you can’t remember our love, it’s inside you trying to break free.  Why else would you be drawn to the pier?” John placed his hand gently on Marlena’s face, drawing it from where it rested on her knees.

 

“Please… I can’t do this right now.  I just need some time to think through things before I decide what to do.”  Marlena looked at John with her tear filled eyes, pleading with him to drop it.  He simply nodded, knowing in his heart that Marlena was right. He noticed the bruises on her face, and turned it gently to get a better look.  “What happened? Are you OK?” He gingerly touched the tender area where Stefano had hit her.

 

Marlena drew in a sharp intake of breath.  “I’m sorry honey… Does it hurt much?” Tears trickled down Marlena’s face.  John was treating her with such kindness and tenderness that she couldn’t cope.  “Hey… hey…”

 

John could feel his beautiful wife’s pain as she cried with confusion and pain.  He placed his arms around her and pulled her close to him, wanting to shield her from whatever was hurting her.  Marlena collapsed against his chest, the fresh tears soaking John’s clothes and she felt so safe and sheltered.

 

“Don‘t leave me…” She whispered before closing her eyes and falling asleep in the arms of her true love, exhausted from the trying events of the day.

 

“I promise Doc… I’ll never leave you.” John kissed the top of her head as he savoured the feeling of having her in his arms.

Defeated

 

Marlena awoke in a bed that she didn’t recognise.  She looked down and noticed that she was only wearing her bra and underwear.  She couldn’t remember getting undressed – and she couldn’t remember getting here.  Had she been drinking? Marlena placed her hand to her forehead in bewilderment. The last thing she could remember was leaving Tuscany with Stefano, following her brief tryst with John.  She sucked in a pained breath when her hand brushed her cheek, and at the same moment she noticed the blackened area on her wrist where she had obviously been grabbed.

 

Jumping out of bed in haste, Marlena ran to the mirror and stared at herself in pure shock.  There was a blackened area around her right eye that extended to her cheek. Her mascara had run, and her eyes were puffy and swollen as if she had been crying.  She looked down at the rest of her body and noticed some reddened areas on her upper arms and breasts. She sobbed quietly as she tried as hard as she could to remember the events of last night, but to no avail.  Observing her clothes on the end of the bed, Marlena hurriedly threw them on and left the room. Only then did she realise where she was – at the penthouse -where she had run into John only yesterday morning. She was in John’s apartment!

 

***************************

John was singing to himself as he prepared breakfast for the woman he loved.  He arose early, having not slept well due to the lumps in the couch. After he had put Marlena into bed last night, all he wanted to do was crawl in beside the sleeping beauty and hold her all night long.  But he knew that she was in a fragile state and he retreated from the room, swearing to himself that he would stay on the couch no matter how much it killed him to be away from her.

 

**************************

 

“Honey, who did this to you?”  John asked gently raising her wrist and tenderly caressing it.  He saw her flinch and he gently raised the palm up to his lips, kissing it lovingly before placing it back down on her thigh.  He pulled her closer to him and Marlena relaxed against his chest.

 

“He was angry… he saw us at Tuscany…” Marlena turned her head slightly to look into John’s eyes, tears forming behind her hazel orbs.

“Stefano?  Stefano did this to you?” John angered, forcing the words out through clenched teeth.  As much as he despised Stefano, John had never expected that his archenemy would stoop this low.  Where Marlena was concerned, John had always been able to trust that Stefano wouldn’t physically hurt her, until tonight.

 

“He… he… came into my room, ranting and raving about how he saw us on the balcony.  He said that I was a w… w… whore…” Marlena choked out the last word, fresh tears streaming down her bruised face.

“Oh god…” John took her face into his hands.  “Look at me Doc?” She lifted her eyes to meet his.  “You are not what he called you. You could never be anything but good and kind and loyal and honest.  I know you.”

 

Marlena smiled slightly.  “So you keep saying.” Tonight had changed her feelings about John.  The way he looked at her… the way he spoke to her… the way she felt when she was with him…  It made her forget about everything around her. Maybe this was what her dreams had been trying to tell her.  

 

“Do you want to tell me the rest?” John probed gently, not wanting to force her confidence.

 

“He asked me if I liked it when you kissed me, but I wouldn’t answer him… I was so ashamed about what we had done… how I had acted with you.” John stroked her shoulder comfortingly.

 

“Then he grabbed me and… and then… I was on the bed and I couldn’t move.  I thought that he was going to… going to…” Marlena’s body convulsed with sobs, the memory of the experience wreaking havoc on her emotions.  

 

“I’m so sorry honey! I should have been there to protect you… I swore that I would always protect you… even if you don’t remember that.

”Marlena remained silent, the last of the tears fading away as she took comfort in John’s arms.  ““I will take you away from Stefano. I won’t let him hurt you again… I promise you that.”

 

“You know I felt that tonight when you kissed me.  I couldn’t lie – I couldn’t tell Stefano that I didn’t like it – because the fact is I did.”  

Marlena looked up at John and her eyes searched his doubtfully.  She found shining back at her all of the promise and the certainty that she needed, and her lips blindly sought out his for a comforting kiss.

 

*******************************

 

John couldn’t believe how he had felt last night when she had kissed him.  Marlena had initiated such an intimate moment that it had left him reeling.  He came out of the memory.

 

“I love you Doc… and I know that you love me.  We’ll be together soon, you’ll see!” John heard Marlena’s footsteps on the stairs and he smiled.  He finished pouring the orange juice and took off his apron. Then he heard the front door close quietly.  He ran out into the lounge room as fast as he could, yanking the door open, and just missing the elevator, which now held his beloved.

 

And she was gone again!

 

********************************

 

Stefano smiled triumphantly as he placed the small black remote control into his pocket.  Marlena would forget that last night ever happened, and he could pick up with her where he had left off, on the verge of getting everything he wanted.  Soon Marlena would walk through the front door and the she would be his…Soon she would be his wife, his queen of the night, and his lover. And John would be defeated… the loser in every sense of the word.

 

As if on cue, there was a light tapping on the front door, and there she was.

The Next Level

 

“Are you sure you are OK my darling?  I don’t want to push you if you are not ready.”  Stefano pulled away from the heated kiss, and Marlena mumbled in protest.

 

“I mean, you have been through an ordeal this week…” Marlena pulled Stefano back to her for another passionate embrace.

 

“I… am… fine…” she panted between kisses.  “Make love to me?”

Stefano smirked in triumph as he surveyed the beautiful woman before him.  Standing there in only a skimpy pink nightgown, Marlena was a vision, her eyes full of desire as she returned his heated stare.  He briefly patted the right pocket of his pants where his black remote control safely rested.

 

Just as Marlena removed her nightgown, the loud knock at the door sounded.  Marlena approached Stefano as he glanced towards the door. “Don’t even think about it… I need you to love me…”  Marlena purred, and placed her hands on his chest, parting his shirt with her seductress’s caresses.

 

“Open up old man.”  John’s angry voice boomed through the room.  “Marlena are you in there?” The knocking turned to pounding, and Marlena rolled her eyes with annoyance.

 

“I have to get that darling.  He won’t go away until I open the door.  Cover up and I will be back soon.” Stefano handed Marlena’s nightgown to her, which she took reluctantly.

 

Stefano walked slowly but purposefully to the door.  “Where is she?” John demanded, storming past his nemesis into the room beyond.

“By all means, come in, John.”  Stefano smirked. “Marlena is not here John.  Is that all you want?” John turned to look at Stefano and noticed his dishevelled appearance, and assumed that he had been drinking.

 

“How dare you touch her!” John roared, and rushed at Stefano, pushing him into the door with rage.  His hands grasped Stefano’s throat vehemently. “How can you claim that you love her… and do what you did to her last night?  You should have seen her last night after your little attack.”

 

“I don’t know what you are talking about John.” Stefano was gasping for breath as he clutched at John’s hands, begging for release.  His eyes betrayed him, as John’s face came dangerously close to his. “I know that you hurt her… she told me.”  John’s eyes flashed dangerously as he retained his deathly grip on Stefano’s neck.  

 

Suddenly it hit him.  Stefano was playing a part… for someone’s benefit.  He released his grasp on the old man, who grabbed at his neck and gasped for air.  He turned, desperately searching the room for a sign of her. Rushing to the first door, John frantically pushed it open, his eyes taking a minute to adjust to the darkened room.

 

He could feel her presence before he could see her, but he wasn’t prepared for the sight that met him.  Clad in only a very skimpy pair of black panties, Marlena sat on the bed facing the doorway. Her hair was wet and hung loosely around her shoulders.  Her eyes were closed, as if in anticipation for what was to come. John took a deep breath, almost forgetting his purpose, but quickly recovered when his anger resurfaced.  Pulling a robe from the doorframe, John threw it at her almost naked body. “What are you doing?” He asked angrily, approaching her as Marlena opened her eyes and noticed John standing there.  She quickly grasped the robe and covered herself up, her face blushing a deep pink in embarrassment. “I don’t think that is any of your business John.” She turned away from him.

 

“Stefano tried to rape you last night… and I find you here… almost naked… and in his bed?  What is going on?” John stormed over to where she was standing, his posture and eyes demanding an answer.

“John… you are really something, you know that?”  Marlena sneered contemptibly.

 

“What is that supposed to mean?”

 

“I wake up this morning in your apartment.  I see pictures… hundreds of pictures of you and I… pictures that have obviously been fabricated… because I have never been with you.  I have bruises on my wrist and body and face. What do you think that it means?”  

 

John’s face turned white as he again found himself searching Marlena’s eyes in horror.  “You mean… you can’t remember what Stefano did to you? You think that I…?” John spoke in almost a whisper, believing that the nightmare couldn’t get worse.   Marlena was here in Stefano’s bed… because she didn’t remember his attempted rape last night. How could life be more cruel?

 

John blindly reached for Marlena’s hands, which she drew away quickly.

 

“Just get out… Get out…” Her eyes had become dangerous as she screamed wildly, and John stepped backwards, tears blinding his eyes, as he almost ran from the room.

A Plan

 

Two days later

 

“John, I really don’t think this is a good idea.  You could be arrested.”

 

Hope was concerned at John’s irrational behaviour.  John continued to gather the supplies he needed for his plan.  To him it was foolproof.

 

“Hope, if I could just spend some time with her, Marlena will remember that she loves me.  That night on the pier she was starting to remember, I know she was.”

 

“Then Stefano did something to erase her memory of his attack…”

 

Hope looked thoughtful, as she pondered what John had told her.  “You know, he has done this to all of us before… he brainwashed you into thinking you were Roman… he erased my memory of being Hope and turned me in Gina… now he’s playing with Marlena’s memories.  We need to find out how he is controlling her.”

 

“Yeah I have thought about it.  There was only a small time period in which he could have done something to her mind.  Between the time she went to sleep at the penthouse and the time she woke up. There was no way he could have gotten into the Penthouse – the security system is too good, and I was awake all night.”  John ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

 

“Maybe he is controlling her with some kind of device… like when he chipped Vivian’s tooth.  Remember… he had a remote control?”

 

“That’s right… do you think he could be doing that to Doc?  That sure would explain how she woke up with no memory of the assault…”

 

“It could also explain why you found her naked in his room.”

 

John’s eyes became angry as he remembered his beloved Marlena waiting for Stefano.  “God Hope, I hope and pray that she hasn’t taken that step with him.”

 

“Me too… for both of your sakes.  I know what it’s like to find out that you were intimate with Stefano… and it’s not a nice feeling…”

 

“I’m so sorry Hope, I didn’t mean to remind you of that.”  John hugged her comfortingly when he noticed the sadness that had suddenly engulfed her.

 

“Don’t worry… When I saw Marlena yesterday she told me that Stefano had gone away for a few days to make some wedding arrangements.”

 

“I can’t believe that she will be marrying Stefano in three days.  This has to work Hope! She has to remember.”  

 

“She will… God wouldn’t be so cruel to let her marry him.  Things will turn out fine. And I will help you…” Hope had a determined look in her eyes as she decided to take a stand against Stefano.

 

John looked up in surprise.  “What are you going to do?”

 

“I’m going to find out how Stefano is controlling her.”

 

******************************

 

“What do you think Lex?”  Marlena twirled in front of the mirror at the bridal shop.  She smiled radiantly as she glimpsed her reflection. “Stefano is going to love it.  You just look so beautiful.” Lexie tried to fight the uncomfortable feeling that she had inside, when she thought of Marlena marrying Stefano.  By ‘renewing’ their vows, Stefano was making sure that Marlena would be officially married to him.  

 

She thought about her earlier conversation that she had with Stefano about the wedding.

 

********************************

 

“How can you be legally married to Marlena when she is legally married to John?” Lexie sighed.

 

“Ah my dear… that was all set into motion the day that Marlena married John. They are not legally married – the priest was a fake.”  

 

Stefano rubbed his hands together, delighted with himself for his part in the scam.

 

“Stefano, how could you?”  Lexie was shocked at the extent that her father would go to in order to have Marlena.

 

“I knew that one day I would have the chance to be with her… and I wanted it to run as smoothly as possible when that opportunity arose.  In three days, Marlena will be mine…”

 

*******************************

 

“I’m about to become Mrs…” Marlena didn’t finish her sentence, her face turning pale as she suddenly had a compelling feeling of dejavu.  She could see herself in the mirror, her face younger and more radiant… as she fainted to the floor.

 

“I’m about to become Mrs Roman Brady… again!”  Marlena laughed exultantly as she examined herself in the mirror.  Her eyes sparkled with delight and her cheeks had a healthy glow. There was a feeling of complete and utter happiness in her heart as she prepared to marry the man of her dreams.

 

Marlena’s eyes fluttered open as the sweet memory faded.  She clutched her throbbing head, trying to hold on to the details from the dream.  She stood up, holding onto Lexie for support.

 

“I’m fine…” She smiled at the concerned woman.  “So is this the one?”

 

She twirled, looking in the mirror.

 

“I think so…”  

Mrs John Black

 

“I miss you too.” Marlena smiled into the phone as she prepared to hang it up.  She made her way back to her bedroom so that she could finish getting changed for bed.  She saw the wedding dress sitting on the bed, and she held it up to have another look at it.  She smiled wanly as she replayed the memory that she had had this afternoon at the dress shop.  She examined her face carefully and for the first time noticed how lean and pale her cheeks were.  There was none of the sparkle in her eyes that she had seen in her memory.

 

She decided to try on the dress again, hoping to spark some more memories.  Standing in front of the mirror, Marlena repeated her name over and over again.  “Mrs Stefano Dimera. Mrs Marlena Dimera…” She sighed, wondering why she wasn’t feeling blissfully happy.  Before this afternoon, Marlena had been telling herself that she just wasn’t a person who could reach the peak of contentment – that she could never feel pure bliss.  But now, since her memory, she knew she could – because in that memory she was – her heart had been full, almost as if it would burst. And somehow John’s face drifted into her mind.  “Mrs John Black.” Before she could stop it, the words had been uttered, and despite herself Marlena smiled.

 

Breaking herself from the unhealthy train of thought, Marlena emptied the contents of the other bag that lay on her bed.  She held up the white satin negligee that she had purchased this afternoon. Why she had been drawn to that negligee Marlena wasn’t sure, but as soon as she had seen it, she knew that it was something that she had to have.  It would be perfect for her wedding night. Marlena clutched the negligee and sank onto her bed, closing her eyes almost involuntarily and falling into a restless slumber.

 

******************************

 

“You are such a beautiful woman Doc.”  He slowly rose from the bed, removing his shirt as he approached her.

 

Marlena stood in the candlelight, her back facing him, applying a dab of perfume to her exquisite neck.  The white negligee moulded to her body, covered only by a satin robe. He reached her and placed his arms around her waist, leaning into her neck to breathe in the scent.“What does this perfume remind you of?” Marlena asked sexily, her head lolling back to rest briefly on his shoulder.

 

“Our wedding night.  Flying to Hawaii and making love to you at 35000 feet…”

 

“Good for you” She breathed, and stepped towards the mirror to give her hair a quick brush.  

 

He followed closely, again pulling her towards him.  “I want to remember that night with you…” He whispered hotly into her ear.“I’d like that.” Marlena tilted back her head, exposing her long neck, and inviting his next move.  Not waiting any longer he brushed his lips against her shoulder and removed her robe from her creamy skin…

 

******************************

 

“Doc…” He entered the room, carrying a tray of champagne, strawberries and cream, clad only in a black satin robe.

 

“What, is something wrong?” She asked playfully, turning fully to face him.  The white negligee revealed all of her best features to him, and he was aroused by it.

 

“Woah Doc…”  He voiced his approval.

 

Marlena smiled  “I bought this when I thought that we might be getting back together… I thought you’d like it… and when that didn’t happen I put it away… I thought I’d never wear it.”

 

“Well you are… and I want to toast it…” He handed her a glass of champagne.  “As I want to toast us…And to our future.” Marlena smiled in bliss and prepared for a wonderful night of lovemaking.

 

******************************

 

Marlena opened her eyes, her body aching with heat. How she wished that she could remember the mans face.  Her heart raced as she again closed her eyes and tried to relive the ecstasy that she had just experienced in her dream.  She tried to focus on Stefano, but again all she could see was John. She told herself that she was just nervous about her wedding night.  After coming close to making love with Stefano before John burst in the other day, she had told him that she wanted to wait – so that their wedding night would be special.  She thought back to her raunchy behaviour with Stefano and wondered where it had come from. At the time, all she had wanted was for him to rip her clothes off… but now, when she thought about it she was slightly repulsed, and not just because John had caught her.  The thought of making love to Stefano scared her like it never had before. She absentmindedly rubbed her bruised wrist, then shrugging off the feeling she fell back into a dream filled slumber.

Caveman

 

Early the next morning, Marlena awoke to a loud knock on the door.  She sat up in confusion, still in a dreamlike stupor. The memory of her latest dream still preyed on her subconscious.

 

“I will take you away from here.  We will be together forever.” This time the masked man had removed his mask, revealing to her his true self.  His blue eyes sparkled as he gazed at her adoringly. Yet still his face was hazy.

“I want you…”

 

The knock sounded again, louder and more insistent, and Marlena rose from the bed where she had last night collapsed still dressed in her wedding dress. “I’m coming…” she mumbled softly.  She stumbled to the door, throwing it open in a bewildered state.

 

“Don’t tell me to leave… please.  I need you to hear me out.” John pushed one hand into the door so that Marlena wouldn’t be able to shut it on him.

 

“You came…” Marlena stared at him in adoration.  “You said that you were going to take me away and you are here just like you promised.”  Her eyes were glassy and vulnerable, and she drew closer to John as if taking strength from him.  “Marlena… is everything ok?” John looked at her in confusion, pulling her into his chest in a crushing embrace.  He buried his head in her hair, smelling the sweet scent and placing affectionate kisses atop it.

 

Marlena suddenly awoke from her half-conscious state, finding herself in John’s arms.  She pulled back in dismay. “What are you doing?” She demanded of John, her hands travelling to her hips.  She felt the soft satin of her wedding dress and smoothed it out.

“I’m getting changed.”  Before John could utter a word, Marlena turned and strode to her bedroom.

 

John guessed that Marlena had been sleepwalking when she opened the door.  Nevertheless he was encouraged by the way she seemed to recognise him… the way she drew her strength from him.  He told himself that she must be remembering him, if only in her subconscious. He took a deep breath, hoping that he would be able to convince her to go along with his plan for the day.  Hope had told him that Stefano wouldn’t be back until later this afternoon, so he had approximately 8 hours to make Marlena realise that she loved him.

 

“You’re still here.” Marlena spoke, disappointment evident in her voice, when she emerged from the bedroom.  

 

“I need to talk to you.”

 

“Why, why, why, why, WHY?” Marlena spoke hysterically, finally snapping.  Her fists were clenched, and her face an angry red.“Honey…” John spoke concernedly.

 

“DON’T call me honey.”  She spat, before calming down slightly and collapsing onto the couch.  She looked up at John’s miserable face and continued. “I’m sorry John, you just push all the wrong buttons with me.  What do you want?”

 

“I want you to spend the day with me.”

 

“Why would I want to do that?  I am getting married tomorrow and I have so much to do.”  Marlena stood and paced the room.

 

“Because you owe it to yourself and Stefano to try to remember everything that you can about your past.  You owe it to yourself to find out if I am the one that you want to spend your life with.”

 

Marlena threw her hands in the air.  “John… How many times have I told you that I love Stefano?  I am marrying him tomorrow whether you like it or not, and I’m sorry if you are having difficulty understanding that.  You are just going to have to get over it.”

 

“I understand that’s how you feel.  So what harm would it be to spend the day with me?”  John challenged, watching Marlena carefully.

 

“Are you scared that you will fall in love with me?”

 

“Now why would I be scared about that?  I know you think that you are God’s gift to women but here’s a news flash. You’re not that good!”  Marlena’s face had inched closer to John’s as she posed the challenge.  John acted quickly, bringing his mouth to hers for a stolen kiss. Marlena felt herself starting to respond, but pulled back abruptly.  

 

“Admit it Marlena – you wanted that kiss.”  John demanded.

 

Marlena considered slapping him, but knew that it would just prove his point.  She couldn’t admit to John that she wanted him more than she could remember ever wanting anything before.  She didn’t want to admit that she was scared to spend the day with him, not because she was afraid of how he might hurt her, but because she was afraid that she might lose herself to him in more ways than one.  She blew out an annoyed breath, hoping that her cheeks were not blazing red. “You have such an ego John! That kiss meant nothing to me.”  John didn’t fail to notice that Marlena had struggled with the word kiss.  She wanted him, he could feel it.

 

“Then you have nothing to be scared about, do you?”  He winked cheekily. “Come with me.” John took Marlena’s arm and practically dragged her from the room.

 

“I’m not coming with you John.”  She struggled to break free from his grasp.

 

“You have no choice baby.”  John lifted her effortlessly and threw her over his shoulder.  

 

Marlena kicked and screamed, yelling abuse as she felt herself being carried further and further away from the motel.  No one took any notice of the woman in peril and soon she weakened, angry tears squeezing from her eyes. Despite the passing thought that he may have assaulted her the other night, Marlena knew that she was safe with John.  The more she had considered the option that he had attacked her, the more ludicrous the idea sounded. Now she had no doubt that he was innocent, yet here he was acting like an untamed caveman. Most of all she felt humiliated and embarrassed that she was allowing him to treat her like this, and she hated that the romance of it all excited her.

Dangerous Liaisons

 

They had been driving for an hour and John was starting to become uncomfortable with Marlena’s silence.  As soon as he had secured her into the car, she had turned towards the window and refused to speak to him since.  “Are you hungry?” John eyed the stubborn woman, hoping to get a response. Nothing. “Do you need a toilet break?” John took one hand from the steering wheel and placed it over her hand.  Marlena coolly removed it, glared at him, and then returned to looking out the window.

 

“Are you going to ignore me all day?  A little immature don’t you think?” John smiled to himself.  He knew how stubborn she could be, but he also knew how to get to her.  He turned the radio on and inserted the CD that he had brought with him.  ‘Unchained Melodies’ began to play through the speakers. This was a song that was special to him and Marlena, and he hoped that she would be affected by it.  As he suspected, the moment the music started playing Marlena’s head jerked and she briefly looked at him, before returning to her reverie.

 

“This song is very special to these two special people.  Roman and Marlena, this is for you!”

 

“Roman…”  The word escaped her lips unconsciously.  She looked up

in confusion, not understanding the fleeting memory that she had just experienced.

 

“You remember?” John turned the music down and looked at Marlena.  She returned his gaze, and then looked down.

 

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”  She pushed her lips out sullenly. She was still mad about his caveman act and she wasn’t about to confide in him about her vague memories.

 

“You remember being married to me… You remember me as Roman?”  John pulled the car over so that he could look at her.

 

“You just don’t give up, do you John?”  She unbuckled her seatbelt, suddenly feeling uncomfortable being so oppressively close to him.  She opened the door, and paced beside the car. John followed her out, close to cracking, and grabbed her arms forcefully.  “Admit that you remember me… that’s why I brought you out here,” he growled.

“John…” Tears filled her eyes.  “I don’t know what I remember.  

 

Everything is so hazy…I have only been having flashes.  Why do you have to make this so hard?” John looked into Marlena’s eyes and saw the sadness engulfing her.  He pulled her into his arms, wanting to take away all of the pain.

 

“I’m sorry baby.  I won’t push you anymore!”

 

Marlena pulled out of his embrace and got into the car.  “Let’s just get this over with.”

 

********************************

 

John pulled the car into the roadside diner, and prepared to exit the car.  “I’m using the bathroom, and then I am going to get something to eat. Care to join me?”  He turned to face his sulking captive. When he got no response from Marlena, he shrugged his shoulders and stepped out of the car, making his way to the bathroom.

 

Marlena was livid.  How dare that man treat her like this.  How dare he force her to come here against her will.  How dare he throw himself at her and kiss her like he had just an hour ago.  Marlena placed her hands to her lips, feeling them still burn at the memory of his lips on hers.  How was she going to last the day? Marlena forced her thoughts back to Stefano and the wedding but it was short-lived.  She looked outside and noticed a group of men who were watching her through the diner window. Smirking to herself Marlena opened the car door and adjusted her shirt so that her cleavage was evident.  Swaying her hips deliciously she kept her eyes on the men as she sauntered purposefully over to the diner.

 

John had just exited the toilet when he saw Marlena walking towards the diner.  His eyes travelled to her marvellous hips and he smiled as they moved from side to side.  John followed his love and entered the diner. He scanned the busy restaurant for her, and angered instantly when he saw the group of men surrounding her.  

 

“Oh aren’t you just so sweet?” Marlena giggled flirtatiously with the man who stood beside her.  He looked dangerous, the leather jacket and shaved head warning the swarm of hopefuls around the beautiful woman to back off.  “I’d be even sweeter if you blew off the jerk that you are going to marry and would go out with me…” Marlena looked down at her hands, pretending to study the ring on her finger.  She raised her head slightly, her eyes low but piercing, and her voluminous lashes fluttering seductively. “I don’t think so…” Her voice was low, and slowly the other suitors dispersed, leaving only one angry looking John standing at the table.  Suddenly she noticed him standing there, the look on his face one of pure rage. Stammering she turned her attention from the biker and gulped as she imagined what John would say. She had never seen him this angry before, even when he had found her half naked in Stefano’s bed.  And then before any words were spoken, John’s face relaxed and he slid into the booth across from her. “I’m sorry that I took so long honey…” John placed his hand over Marlena’s and drew it to his lips in a possessive gesture.

Marlena pulled her hand away hurriedly, glaring at him, her eyes smouldering with resentment.  “I’m sorry… Who is your friend honey?” John eyed the man with feigned disinterest.

 

“Liam Smith…”  The man’s voice was hostile.  “Is he bothering you sugar?” The man turned his attention back to Marlena.  “Oh… I’ll be fine! He’s just travelling with me.” Her voice turned to a whisper and she leant in close to the biker.  “He thinks that I am in love with him.” “I’ll be over there if you need me.” The man retreated, leaving Marlena and John in a fuming silence.  Their eyes locked, the jealousy and pain evident in ones eyes, and the irritation and challenge evident in the others.

 

John was the first to break the silence.  “What is wrong with you?  That man looks dangerous.  Are you trying to get yourself hurt?”  Marlena looked away, knowing in her heart that what John was saying was true.  She looked up angrily. “You have no say whatsoever in what I do with my time and whom I spend it with.  Excuse me…” Marlena stood up and moved to the next table. John leaned over and spoke to her. “You were trying to make me jealous weren’t you?”  

 

Marlena’s eyes flashed dangerously, and she clamped her mouth shut so that she wouldn’t explode.

 

********************************

 

“Hey honey, wanna dance?”  The biker stood close to Marlena and offered her his big hand.  She glanced triumphantly backwards to John, feeling his eyes on her, and she took his hand.  “Sure I will…”

 

John watched carefully as Marlena and Liam made their way to the middle of the dance floor.  His heated gaze rested on Marlena’s body as she swayed to the music. He wished that he could be the one with his hands on her body, pulling her close to him.  His eyes closed involuntarily as he danced with her in his mind. When the song ended, John slowly opened his eyes and panicked when he realised that Marlena was no longer on the dance floor.  He jumped up and ran outside, desperate to find her.

 

“No… I said stop…”  He could hear Marlena’s voice as he rushed around the back of the diner.

 

“I can’t stop now… Don’t tell me that you are nothing but a cock-tease?  You’ve been asking for it all morning. The way you swayed those hips, the way you’re breasts were straining against that tight blouse.  If your boyfriend isn’t big enough to take you… then I will!”

“John… Help me!” Marlena’s voice was strained, the fear evident, and John rushed towards her.  He grabbed the biker and pulled him off her, shoving him as hard as he could into the wall. “Don’t you ever touch her again… do you hear me?”  The hatred spewed from his mouth as his uneven tone demonstrated the panic and the fear he had felt for Marlena only moments before.  The biker nodded, his eyes wide, and scurried away.

 

John moved close to Marlena, breathing rapidly.  His eyes were full of relief but also a sense of betrayal and loss.  He took his jacket off and handed it to her without a word. Marlena wiped her tears from her cheeks, and took the jacket, placing it around her exposed shoulders.  “Are you OK?” John took Marlena’s face between his hands, examining the damage. She nodded uncertainly. “Are you?” The question was a whisper.

 

“Just go to the car.” John commanded.

 

As Marlena walked away, she heard John roar as he pounded his fist into the wall.

Starting to Heal

 

“I’m sorry John…” Marlena broke the strained silence.  She watched the blood trickle gradually down John’s hand and arm.  Tears slowly filled her eyes. “I didn’t know that he would try that… It was just a bit of fun…” John glanced over at her and observed her sadness.  They had arrived at the cabin ten minutes ago and not a word had been spoken since then.

 

“It’s OK.  I was just scared for you that’s all.”  Marlena smiled gratefully, and picked up the first aid kit that lay nearby.

 

“Let me see that…” she demanded as she stepped closer to John.  She took his bloodied hand, and turned it over in her own soft hands.  John winced when he felt her tentatively touch the wounded area.

 

“I’m sorry… I need to clean it.”  Taking a wet cloth Marlena slowly and gently cleaned the wound.  She could feel his eyes on her as she tenderly caressed his hand.  She was sitting only inches away from him, and John’s face had travelled closer to hers.  Marlena looked up nervously, and met his eyes. “I didn’t get to thank you for saving me… So thank you!” She turned her attention back to her task.

 

“I would do anything for you Marlena.”  She trembled slightly at his words, but forced herself to concentrate.  Taking some antiseptic, she grasped John’s hand firmly and placed it hesitantly onto the cut.  John groaned in pain, and his eyes closed.

 

Every nerve ending in his body stood on edge when he felt Marlena’s cool breath on his hand as she blew on the stinging wound.  Just that simple gesture caused John’s senses to overheat and all he wanted to do was throw her down and make love to her.

 

“How does that feel?” Her soft voice penetrated the silence, and Marlena seemed to have no idea what her intimate touches had done to him.

 

“How does that feel?”  Marlena’s hot breath had become ragged as the closeness of his body affected her.

 

“What?”  He stammered, trying to control his raging hormones.“On a scale of one to ten, how does it feel?”

 

“Ummm….” John wasn’t able to think clearly.  Marlena dropped his hand and moved behind him.  

 

“Well?” Her husky breath whispered in his ear.  

 

“It’s a one – the pain has pretty much gone!”  Suddenly John felt Marlena’s lips graze his ear and he shuddered.  

 

“I want you…” Her lips travelled to his jaw line and she attacked the skin there.  “I want you to make love to me.”

 

John opened his eyes to Marlena’s quizzical stare.  “I said… how does it feel?”

 

“Ahem…” John cleared his throat, hoping that it would sound normal when he answered her, the fantasy still foremost on his mind.  

 

“Fine…” he replied.  

 

“How is it on a scale of one to five?” Marlena’s hands began to again caress the wounded area.

 

“Down to a one – you have the magic touch Dr Evans.”  All his pain forgotten now, John couldn’t help touching her with his free hand, and it travelled to her soft hair.  He stroked it lovingly. Marlena looked up into his eyes, and saw the passion that was enclosed in them. She unconsciously leaned in towards him and felt herself being drawn closer and closer to his enticing lips.  When they were about to touch, Marlena quickly turned her face so that the kiss couldn’t eventuate.

“I just need to put a bandaid on that, and then I am done…” Her voice was shaky as she again turned her attentions back to John’s hand.  Dexterously she unwrapped the bandage and placed it over his cut. She stood and stepped away from John, folding her arms displaying her discomfort.

 

“Where are we anyway?” Marlena pretended to study an object that was far away out the window.

 

“West Virginia.” John stood, realising that the enchanted moment had been broken.  “We came here when we first met – and then on our honeymoon.”

 

“Our honeymoon…” Marlena rolled her eyes in disbelief, but had an uncanny feeling that she did indeed remember this place.  Every time John spoke about being married and their wedding, the warnings of Stefano ran through her mind and she couldn’t help but take a step back.

 

“Yes Marlena… we were… I mean… we are married, and I am going to make sure you remember that. I thought we could go on a picnic…”

 

John made his way to the kitchen to prepare for the alfresco lunch.

West Virginia

 

Marlena watched John warily as he left the room.   She couldn’t shake the feeling that she had been here before… she couldn’t help feeling that something important happened in this very cabin.  She wandered around thoughtfully, trying to take in everything – every sight, every sound, every smell. She looked at the bed, and imagined herself in it.  She looked at the table and imagined herself sitting at it… yet no memories surfaced. She grasped her glass of water tightly as she willed the memories to flow. The phone’s persistent ringing caused Marlena’s thoughts to be interrupted.  She glanced towards it and eyes it uneasily. “I’ll get it…” John rushed into the room, throwing the dishcloth over his shoulder as he did so.

 

“Do you want me to get that?” She asked as she glanced toward the bathroom.  

 

“Nah I’ve got it…” He rushed out into the room, purposefully slinging his shirt over his bare shoulder.  Marlena stood behind him, admiring his muscular physique.

 

“Hello… Hello…” His voice sounded on the phone, as Marlena’s eyes remained riveted on the semi-naked body of the man in front of her.  Lust filled her eyes, and her hand absently travelled to her mouth as she imagined those muscles pressed up against her. The shirt slipped and fell, and Marlena was suddenly broken from her trance.  The tattoo… the phoenix… he wasn’t who she thought he was. Suddenly fear overcame her…

 

The sound of a glass shattering made John spin around immediately.  He looked to the floor, where glass now covered the floor, and then up at Marlena’s ashen face.  “John…” she stammered as she swayed dangerously. “Honey…?” John was by her side in a second, supporting her weight as she again fell into a memory.

 

“Roman…” Marlena’s world felt strange as she called her husband’s name.  All she wanted right now was for him to help her. With each passing second, the world became blurrier and blurrier.  Marlena gripped the table for support as she heard him speaking to her.

 

“Marlena… honey…” In a moment he had reached her.  “Let me get a chair for you.”

 

“No… I’m OK honey…” Marlena placed her arm around her husbands shoulder to support her weight.  Then she fainted dead away.

“Marlena… Marlena…”

 

She opened her eyes and found herself lying on the bed, a concerned John sitting beside her.  “Are you OK?” He asked and pressed the wet cloth to her forehead.

 

“Yeah… I think so…” Marlena moved to sit up and felt slightly hazy.  “I have been having these weird dizzy spells every time that I have a memory.”

 

“You had a memory?”  John offered Marlena his arms so that she could

stand up.  

 

“This cabin… I do remember being here… only the rest of the memory is so hazy…”  Marlena rubbed her arms, a frown penetrating her face.

 

“It will come… do you think you are up to a picnic?”

 

“Do you think that you are up to… a little…?”

 

“I’m up to it.”

 

******************************

 

He found the spot where they had picnicked all those years ago on their honeymoon.  John surveyed the area with satisfaction, and noted that although it had changed since that blissful day in 1986, the atmosphere was still the same.  He could still remember Marlena’s laugh as she chased him through the woods, and the heaven that they had experienced together that afternoon. He spread the picnic rug and began their trip down memory lane.  

 

After a lovely lunch of champagne and sandwiches, Marlena was stuffed.  She wondered why John had brought her here, and she hoped that it wasn’t to seduce her.  They had spent the hour talking about nothing in particular, but Marlena felt closer to John than she had felt to anyone in a long time.  She was particularly glad that he hadn’t mentioned the wedding or his love for her during the afternoon. Marlena closed her eyes as she sank against the rock.

 

“I love you so much.” Marlena moved closer to him on the picnic rug, her head turned so that she was facing his ear.

 

“How much?” He grinned, amused at the enthusiasm of his new wife.

“I love you all over…”  She leaned in closer and stroked his face with her hands.

 

“Really?” His tone was playful as he eyed his wife curiously.

 

“Mmm..hmmm.  I love your ears.” Marlena placed a soft kiss on his right ear. “And I love your eyes…” She brushed her lips delicately over his closed eye.  “I love your nose…” Her lips followed suit and tenderly caressed his nose. “And your mouth… oh how I love your

mouth…” Her full lips descended on his waiting ones and time stood still.

 

********************************

 

“Marlena… are you OK?”  He helped her up from the ground.  The dust covered her clothes and face and she grabbed him desperately.  

 

“I’m fine. Are you OK… let me look at you…”  Her hands travelled his chest and arms, trying to find any damage from the land mine that had just exploded.  

 

“I’m not hurt Doc.  We did it… we escaped them again…”  He smiled at her with his blue eyes shining.  Marlena threw her arms around him tightly, the tears freely flowing.  “I don’t want to do this anymore… not anymore.” She buried her face into his neck.  He laughed and spoke sarcastically. “You mean, this isn’t your idea of a good time?”  Marlena pulled back and looked into his eyes. “I’ll give you my idea of a good time… give me your face.”  She crushed her lips to his desperately, wildly. And Marlena knew that she would never let him go.

Passion Denied

 

“Why are we here?” Marlena followed John onto the jet, her eyes questioning.  

 

“This place holds a lot of memories for us Marlena…” John reached for her hand, and she took it, relishing the feeling of his warmth.  The drive home had been so relaxing… John had been so sweet and had stopped pushing her to remember. Now all he wanted was to make her fall in love with him again.

 

“It’s beautiful…” She gasped as she entered the plane and saw the candles that lit up the room.  John walked over and poured some champagne. “I want to take you on a quick flight and then dinner…”  John handed the glass to Marlena, and she took it.

 

“What about Stefano?… He’s flying in tonight.  I need to be home to meet him.” Marlena’s thoughts travelled back to her fiancé and their approaching wedding.  

 

“Don’t worry about Stefano… I’ll have you home before he misses you.” John raised his glass and prepared to make a toast.

 

“To you Marlena.  To the right choices… and your everlasting happiness.”  Marlena smiled appreciatively and sipped from her glass.  

 

“This tastes…” she brought the glass to her nose and smelt it thoughtfully.

 

“Familiar?” John offered.

 

“Yeah… I have had this before…”  Marlena closed her eyes, trying to bring the memory to the surface.

 

“We have had this champagne before… on our wedding night… in this very plane.” John led Marlena to the couch and prepared for take-off.

 

Something about the couch made Marlena feel very uneasy.  Suddenly she imagined herself lying on it. The throes of passion evident in the way her body thrashed and moulded to the soft fabric.  The sounds of lust evident in her voice, and the soft groans that came from above her. She felt the heat radiating between her body and her lovers.  The feeling of desperation and total desire overtook her.

 

John took her hand as her eyes glazed over.  “Are you with me?”

 

“Oh my god… what was that?” Marlena gasped as her daydream ended.  She took her champagne from the table and drank it down. “What did you remember?” John probed gently.  By the look in her eyes, John was pretty sure that he knew what it was. The way her face flushed slightly during her memory.  The passion that they had shared on this very plane and on this very couch, was a passion beyond compare. John could still remember every single touch, every kiss, every breath, every sound, every sensation.  He could see her writhing beneath him, her face full of passion, her lips swollen from the brutality of the kisses that they had shared, her eyes red from crying. He could smell the honey of her hair, the scent of her perfume, the freshness of the rain.  He could hear her shallow breathing as he took her to the heights of passion, her guilty sobs, her soft moans which involuntarily passed her lips. He could still taste her skin, the sweetness of her lips, the salty tears that covered her cheeks. He could feel her hands on his back, the softness of her breasts, the rise and fall of her rapid breathing beneath him.  John looked at Marlena with desire evident in his eyes. His breathing had become more laboured.

 

“I was on this couch… I was here… I was… It felt so… so… good.”  Marlena fought to gather her senses.

 

“We made love on this couch.”  John took her hands in his, willing her to remember.

 

“I don’t remember who I was with… I just remember being here…”  

Marlena pulled her hands from John’s.  “Can we please talk about something else?”

Dinner and Dancing

 

“Welcome to New Orleans my lady.”  Marlena squealed in delight when she alighted the plane with John closely in tow.  “Tonight I am going to take you out for a good time.”

 

“Oh John… you are so sweet.  I have always wanted to go to New Orleans.”  

 

“I know.” John winked.  “And you have been here before.”  

 

************************************

 

“This song is dedicated to a special couple that is here tonight.  They will prove that love can overcome all obstacles.” The DJ winked at John as the dedication brought hope into his heart.  Suddenly the sweet melodies of “Caught up in the rapture” sounded.

 

“Will you give me the honour of this dance?”  John smiled brightly as he offered his hand to Marlena.  She looked up at him, confusion setting in as she vaguely recognised the song.  She took his hand, almost naturally and followed him to the dance floor.

 

Time stood still as Marlena felt herself floating in John’s arms.  She placed her head on his shoulder and she closed her eyes to everything in the outside world, everything but the feeling of being safe in his arms.  Her hands snaked around his neck and she held him tighter, closer. She felt his lips kiss the top of her head and she revelled in the feeling.

 

John sighed as he felt Marlena snuggle into him.  His hands travelled lower until they rested on the small of her back, pulling her into him just a little bit more.  His head rested atop hers and he couldn’t help but plant small kisses in her hair from time to time, cherishing her, loving her.  John felt Marlena’s leg nudge it’s way between his, trying to get closer to him. The bulge between his legs began to awaken at the closeness, but he ignored it, instead delighting in the smell of Marlena’s hair against his nose.

 

All too soon the music ended, and the lovers were roused from their spell.  Sighing slightly Marlena slowly untangled herself from John and stepped backwards.  Their hands remained joined as they wandered silently back to the table, throwing lingering looks in each other’s direction.

 

“How would you like to go to the club to have a few drinks?” Marlena breathed a sigh of relief.  She thought that he might be taking her home now, and she wasn’t ready for this night to be over – this wonderful, sensual feeling that had invaded her very soul could not be denied.  

 

*****************************

 

“Here you go…” John handed the glass of wine to Marlena and led her to a quiet corner of the club.

 

“It’s so noisy in here…” Marlena screamed to be heard, and she sipped her drink.  “That’s what you said last time…” John winked at her. “Then I took you upstairs and we made love in the hallway.”  He rubbed her arm suggestively, a mischievous glint in his eye.“No you don’t buster.” Marlena laughed heartily, and mockingly removed his hand from her arm, throwing it back at him.  “I’m going to the bathroom.” Marlena made her way through the crowd. She was puzzled by her own behaviour. If anyone else had said that to her, Marlena would have told him where to go, but here she was actually flirting with John.  In just one day she had gone from hating and mistrusting him, to feeling so comfortable with him that she could laugh at what she could only assume were half-masted advances towards her.  And her physical attraction towards him was undeniable.

The Green Eyed Monster

 

“You’re drunk!” John took the empty glass from Marlena’s hands, and looked into her eyes.

 

“I don’t get drunk thank you very much.  Perhaps I am slightly tipsy…” Marlena giggled as John rolled his eyes.

 

“Well, what do you expect when a girl is getting married in one days time?  This is like my hen’s night… You have a problem with that?”

Marlena stood and dragged John by the hand to the dance floor.  “So, does that make me your last fling?” John allowed himself to be pulled by his ‘wife’ and he swept her into his arms, partly to stop her from falling, and partly because he just wanted to hold her.  The night was drawing to an end and John knew that soon he would have to return her to Salem… and Stefano. He was disheartened by her talk about getting married… obviously his plan to romance her had failed – she still planned on marrying Stefano.

 

“Maybe it does…” Marlena smiled cheekily and began to snuggle into John’s strong arms.  “And maybe it doesn’t…” The tinkle of her laughter filled the room.

 

“What do you mean by that?” John raised his eyebrows inquisitively.

 

Suddenly the music stopped and the DJ announced the event of the night.  “Welcome to Club Sahara… Tonight get heated up for the sexiest competition in New Orleans. To start our night with what promises to be a bang, please welcome Jake and Isabella who were last years hottest body shotters.”  Applause filled the room as Marlena and John moved from the dance floor and the couple made their way to the centre.

 

“For those of you who don’t know what the body shotting contest entails… or have never tried it before… please prepare yourselves to heat up the room with the sexiest body shot of the night.  The winning couple will receive free drinks at Club Sahara for a year, and a $1000 cash prize. Get your numbers and get ready…”

 

John watched Marlena out of the corner of his eye as her gaze remained riveted on the couple performing.  “So do you want to enter with me?” John spoke in a husky voice. “I could use $1000.” Marlena turned to John, her eyes wide, her drunkenness suddenly vanishing. Her face flushed when she realised what he was asking her.  His lips would be on her body and they would be on display for the whole club. Her body begged her to say yes so badly, but her mind told her that she was an engaged… married woman and that she couldn’t take that step.

 

“No way. Don’t even think about it…” She turned away so that she wouldn’t reveal her true feelings and desires.   

 

“Fine… I’ll have to find myself another partner then.”  He winked and sauntered away, scanning the room for a partner.  Marlena watched enviously as John prowled the room. She scrutinised every move that he made… and she hoped that he wouldn’t manage to find anyone to compete with him.  Even though she couldn’t have him, Marlena didn’t want John’s lips or hands to be on any other woman’s body.

 

“Couple Number 20.”  Marlena had been simmering for the past half an hour as John spoke in soft tones to the woman beside him.  He had managed to find himself a partner, a 28-year-old big breasted, blonde-haired bombshell, who laughed at everything that he said.  Marlena huffed when John introduced Becky to him, refusing to meet his eyes. She glowered, and declined to take part in the conversation, even thought John tried his hardest to involve her.  After a while John had stopped trying and him and Becky had moved further and further away from Marlena during the course of the night, delighting in their riveting conversation. No doubt so that they could have a little privacy, Marlena thought as she steamed in jealously.  She watched Becky’s hand travel seductively up his muscular arm. John was such a jerk… he had brought her to the club and as soon as she had turned him down, he had moved on to bigger and better things.  Or should I say bigger and younger things, Marlena asked herself.  Maybe Stefano was right after all – John was just playing with her.  Abruptly Marlena stood, planning to leave the club with or without John, but before she could tell him so, he and Becky had made their way up to the stage.  He didn’t even look at Marlena as he took his partner and prepared her for a body shot to die for. Marlena’s eyes were riveted to John as he licked Becky’s collarbone and placed the salt where his tongue had been. She fell back into her chair involuntarily, getting lost in the display before her. She watched as John licked the salt from Becky’s body and she noticed the woman’s ragged breathing.  Marlena closed her eyes and imagined that it was her that John was assaulting in that way. She didn’t even notice the applause as the body shot was over almost as quickly as it had begun.

Body Shots

 

Suddenly Marlena heard John’s sexy voice in her ear.  “Your turn…”

 

he commanded, as he took the lemon from his mouth and placed it onto the table beside Marlena.  She looked up at him with eyes that were dazed from alcohol and desire. Then she looked at Becky who was standing closely behind him, caressing his muscular back.

 

“No…” she breathed with uncertainty.  “I told you that I am not doing it.” She glared at Becky, who abruptly stopped her light touches on John’s body.  John seemed unaware of the fact that she was even behind him, thinking only about the woman that was rejecting him again.

 

He frowned at her resistance. “You…” He moved his mouth close to her ear, making sure that his breath tickled her senses, “…won’t be doing anything… I will!”  He winked and pulled Marlena to her feet.  “And we are going to win…”

 

Marlena struggled frantically as she felt herself being pulled closer and closer to the centre of the room.  She was still angry at John for partnering with Becky and to be completely honest, she was insulted that she was his second choice.  Marlena’s mind raced as she told herself that he had actually asked her first, but her resentment would not be tamed, and so she struggled ceaselessly the whole way, pulling backwards as John’s vice-like grip forced her forwards.  She felt herself float as she was lifted into the air momentarily, coming to rest on the counter top of the bar. She looked at John’s determined gaze as his body’s weight on her legs trapped her there, and she knew that John wasn’t going to give in.  Her heart pounded as she watched him accept the tequila and lemon from the judge.

 

John’s eyes travelled her body, and he licked his lips in anticipation of what he was about to do.  She still struggled slightly beneath his weight but it was with less resistance now, and John knew that Marlena was going to succumb.  Before this was over John would have her begging for more, and he would thoroughly enjoy it too. His eyes came to rest on Marlena’s mouth, her lips were slightly parted from the intensity of the struggle between her mind and her heart.  They travelled then to her breasts and he admired the way her black dress revealed her ample cleavage.

 

Marlena ceased struggling completely when John slowly parted her legs so that he could stand between them.  “You need to loosen up…” he murmured hotly. Positioning himself close to her, John took the lemon wedge and placed it between Marlena’s parted lips.  She offered no opposition, and took the fruit in her mouth willingly, securing it between her teeth. John’s eyes darkened with desire as he looked her up and down, scrutinising every curve.  His right hand purposefully brushed its way slowly up Marlena’s thigh, disregarding the black material that covered it and travelling underneath it. It then continued its journey up her body and traced the outside of her right breast, and he didn’t fail to notice the slight gasp that escaped from Marlena’s lips.  John glanced at Marlena to gauge her reaction and he smiled to himself when he saw that her eyes were closed, her head slightly relaxed so that her neck rolled backwards.

 

Marlena expected to feel John’s rough tongue on her neck, and she awaited the sensation with anticipation, exposed and willing.  Her head snapped forward in surprise when she felt John’s lips graze the soft skin of her ear. He laced his fingers through her hair and pulled it backwards so that her whole extensive neck was on display to him and the room.  Marlena complied willingly, lolling her head as far back as it could go, her eyes fluttering closed as she felt John’s rough hands caress the tender skin of her neck. He gradually placed a trail of open mouthed kisses from Marlena’s ear to the exposed swell of her breasts, which now heaved with desire.  

 

Marlena felt a tingling sensation as John gently and thoroughly sprinkled the salt over her skin. She was about to explode as she awaited the contact from his hands on her skin, but John took great pains to complete his task properly.  He paid particular attention to her breast, making sure to cover the area with the white powdered salt. Marlena threw her head forward and opened her eyes, revealing the unmasked passion that now lay in their depths. John caught her heated gaze and returned it with an equally passionate one, the whole world now only a distant memory.  His lips descended onto her neck, as he seductively swirled his tongue over the salted area, taking his time to make Marlena squirm beneath its hotness. When he reached the exposed area of her breast, John’s tongue plunged out, roughly assaulting her sensitive flesh. He found her cleavage, and blew down its exquisite depths, before raising his head.  John felt his chest heaving as he fought to gain control of his body and his desire to throw Marlena over the counter and ravage her. He knew that with the way she was responding right now, there would be no objections, but he also knew that here was not the place.

 

He took the tequila from Marlena’s quivering hand, and downed it in one gulp.  She placed her sweaty palms face down on the counter, trying to keep herself from falling in ecstasy.  She felt his mouth suddenly descend on hers, first placing tiny kisses around the perimeter and then covering her lips, and taking the lemon sensuously from her trembling ones.  John let his mouth linger on hers for a moment longer than necessary and he held her stare as her hooded eyes contacted with his.

 

All at once the contact was finished, and the room erupted with applause, the DJ exclaiming that the heat in the room was now stifling.  Marlena didn’t move, her gaze remaining steadily on John. He took a step back from the stunning woman and smiled triumphantly. He had wanted to have her begging for him, and here she was unable or unwilling to move – John knew all the signals, he knew her body so well – she wanted him.  

 

Marlena told herself to move, to stop being ridiculous, but her body wouldn’t comply.  Right now all she wanted, all she desired, was for John to tear her clothes off and take her – right here on the counter top.  The lack of contact with his body made her want to throw herself at his feet and beg him to kiss her, hold her, make love to her.  Marlena knew that she had to get a grip – to get control over her body.

 

Suddenly she felt John’s strong arms encircle her waist and lift her from the counter top.  Marlena was so grateful when she looked up into his eyes and saw only love and compassion, and no gloating.  He lowered her to the ground and steadied her as she fought to stand on her trembling legs.

Guilty Conscience

 

Marlena leaned up and placed a passionate kiss on John’s lips.  He stumbled backwards in surprise, but recovered quickly and allowed his tongue to duel with hers.  Pulling her desperately backwards, John removed his lips from hers and practically dragged her up the stairs.  Marlena followed willingly, trying to keep up with his pace and anticipating the feeling of his lips on her body.

 

When they reached the hallway upstairs, John couldn’t take it anymore.  Swinging around, he pushed Marlena roughly into the wall, pinning her delicate hands above her head with one strong hand.  She held his gaze, the aroused flush on her face evident, and awaited the assault that she knew would follow. In one swift movement, Marlena felt John’s lips bruising hers, crushing her mouth back with equal passion.  She let her tongue urgently suck his, all her pent up need for him exploding in one perfect moment. She tried to wriggle her hands free, but John’s vice like grip was unrelenting. “Don’t move… this is all about you baby.”  The command was husky and full of promise, and John’s hand travelled to Marlena’s soft breast, kneading it in the way he knew she liked it.

 

Marlena moaned with pleasure when John’s expert hands explored her breast.  She felt the bulge of his erection pressing against her, awaiting release. Everything, this whole situation felt so right… so natural.  Stefano would never be able to make her feel this way. Stefano… Stefano…

 

The voices interrupted their passion, as people started to filter up the stairs.  John pulled away from Marlena, straightening his hair and clothing as he watched her do the same. He tried to maintain contact with her creamy skin, cursing the skies for not allowing this to happen.  He looked at Marlena for reassurance that this interruption wouldn’t see the end of their brief affair, but what he saw was disheartening. Marlena had a guilty look on her face as she glanced downwards at her diamond ring.  John stepped closer to her to reassure and comfort her.

 

Marlena jolted back when John’s hand touched her shoulder.  Ignoring the streams of people who were now congratulating them as the winners of the body shot contest, Marlena rushed quickly down the stairs, with John following closely in silence and disappointment.

 

*******************************

 

She knew that she should leave but his voice had bewitched her.  “That’s what the word Buddah means… awake… it’s how the whole thing started with one man who woke up.”  His eyes pierced hers with an intensity that only she knew. She couldn’t move and forced herself to speak, searching his eyes for an answer, one that she already knew.  “Why are you telling me that story?”

 

“Because that’s how I feel when I am with you Doc… awake… alive… and nothing and nobody on this earth makes me feel that way…””Don’t do this to me…” Her words were whispered, but it was a plea that she knew was of no use – it wasn’t him doing anything to her – it was her inability to deny the true feelings in her heart.

 

“I know you wanna go, and I’m not gonna stop you… but please, there is one thing I need to say, alright?” He looked into her eyes for confirmation, and she couldn’t refuse.  “You know what I was going through when Isabella died… how I was walking around like a zombie, I was dead inside… until that night on the plane when you and I made love…” Marlena looked away, the mere memory of the experience preying on her guilty conscience.  “You gave me life again Doc… and if nothing more comes out of this I just want to say thank you.” Marlena’s watery eyes met his for an instant, and then scared that she would give herself away, she turned to face away from him. He took two steps closer towards her, and continued, “If you want me to leave I will.” He placed his hand onto her cheek and turned it towards him.  “Is that what you want?” Marlena looked into his eyes and knew that she could never deny him. She would risk her future for one night with this man. And she was lost.

Lost

 

The tears flowed freely as Marlena hugged her pillow to her chest.  She was back in Salem… following an agonising plane trip home from New Orleans.  John had hardly said a word until the moment that he had dropped her home.

 

*******************************

 

“Are you still going to marry him?”  The tremor in John’s voice filled Marlena with confusion.  She looked down at her hands, fiddling with the ring – the pledge of her love for another man.

 

“I have to.”  The words seemed not to have even crossed her lips they were so quiet.  “I’m sorry John.”

 

“So what…?”  John flung his hands through his hair, looking up at the woman before him with an agonised expression.  “Today meant nothing to you, is that what you are telling me? You remembered things… you… we… Marlena we almost made love…”  His hands travelled to her shoulders, grabbing her forcefully to try to make her understand.

 

“I know… and that shouldn’t have happened John.  I can’t be with you… I don’t trust you… not really…”  The lies were flowing easily now. Marlena knew that she was convincing John, but could she convince herself?

 

“That’s not true.  Stop lying to yourself.  You love me, I know you do!”

 

*********************************

 

John downed another drink… knowing that now alcohol was his only option.  He knew that it was the only way to stop the pain. Marlena was going to marry Stefano, and there was absolutely nothing that he could do to stop it.

 

*************************************

 

“I was drunk John!  God… what do you think happens when two people have too much to drink?  They make-out, they forget themselves…”

 

“No, you are wrong.  They act out their secret desires.  I’m your secret desire Marlena.”

 

“No, you are wrong John.  People who are drunk do things that they always regret in the morning.  I will regret today for the rest of my life.” Marlena’s eyes were cold, even though inside her heart was breaking.  “I have to go… and I don’t want to see you again… ever.”

 

Taking her jacket and one last look at the dejected face of John, Marlena turned on her heels and practically ran inside.

 

**************************************

 

He had lost Marlena forever.  So much for his fool-proof plan.

I Need You

 

He stood in front of her, wearing nothing but his mask.  She stood up, circling around him, admiring his hot body.  The phoenix tattoo on his right shoulder made a stark contrast to his bronzed skin.  Marlena drew her hand towards the mark and stroked it lightly, before reaching for the tie that separated his face from her.  Unknotting the mask gently, the man slowly turned. His face was finally clear.

 

Marlena woke in a sweat.  “John…” Her breathing was uneven as she clearly remembered the dream.  Jumping out of bed she knew that she just had to go to him.

 

****************************

 

“Marlena…” John’s eyes were questioning as he tried to guess the reason for her late visit.  She was dishevelled in appearance, her hair tousled, her face puffy. She had thrown on jeans and a jumper while she walked out of the door.  His first thought was that Stefano had tried to hurt her again, but she didn’t look terribly upset. Mostly he noticed the hesitant look in her eyes.  “Are you OK?”

 

“John… I… I’m fine.”  

 

“Why are you here?”

 

“I… I… I had to come.”  The words escaped in a breathless whisper.  John gazed deeply into her eyes, hoping that he hadn’t misunderstood her meaning.  He stepped aside gesturing for her to come in and Marlena walked slowly past him. She suddenly realised what she must look like, and she ran her hands through her hair to smooth it.  “Sorry…” she muttered apologetically and indicated her appearance. “Maybe I should just go home.” John could see how uncertain she was. He took her wrist to stop her from pacing, turning her towards him.  “Hey… don’t worry… you look beautiful in anything. And right now… you look more beautiful than I have ever seen you.” Marlena looked into his eyes gratefully.

 

“I… I just needed to see you.  I needed to be close to you.” Her voice became a whimper as she tried to explain her impulsiveness.  

 

“I’m glad you came.” John held his arms out and waited for Marlena to enter them.  She almost ran towards him and grabbed him desperately, crushing herself into his warm chest.  John’s arms closed and engulfed her small body. He drank in her scent and thanked god for delivering her to him.

 

Gently, he took hold of her chin, searching her eyes before his lips descended on hers for a sweet kiss.  Marlena welcomed his lips, and opened her mouth, begging for his tongue to enter. John complied, slowly invading her mouth, his tongue duelling lovingly with hers. The intensity grew as the lovers lost themselves in passion.  Marlena’s hands raked John’s back frantically, her nails sending his senses into overdrive. His movements too became urgent, as his hands left her hair, and travelled slowly down her body, coming to rest on her womanly hips.

 

He pushed her away slightly, feeling empty as soon as his lips lost contact with hers.  She moaned in protest, and pulled him back into her, capturing him again for another searing kiss, soft sounds escaping from her throat as she lost herself in him.  John’s hands found Marlena’s face and he cupped it tenderly. “I want you…” he breathed against her lips. “You are so beautiful.” Marlena’s hazel eyes were filled with desire and John knew that she felt the same way that he did.  His hands brushed the side of her neck and his lips followed suit, placing soft yet satisfying kisses on her exposed skin. Marlena relaxed her neck and felt it drop forwards as her passion heightened. John’s lips found her ear and he nibbled delicately on the sensitive area.  Marlena’s breathing quickened as she let the assault continue. Her fingers found the front of his shirt, and she fumbled with the buttons, wanting to feel John’s skin against her own. John’s kisses stopped briefly, and Marlena took the opportunity to completely remove his shirt, walking around him seductively as she rid him of the oppressive article.  She stopped at his right shoulder, taking her time to gently caress the phoenix tattoo that resided there. Somehow she had known that it would be there.

 

She continued walking around him and stopped in front of him, then stepped out of his reach before he could touch her.  Taking hold of her jumper, Marlena pulled it over her head, revealing her bare breasts beneath it. The nipples were dark and hardened.  She tossed the jumper onto the floor, and her hands found her jeans, deftly undoing them and stepping out of them. John’s eyes darkened considerably when he saw that she was wearing nothing beneath them, and that the dark triangle between her legs glistened invitingly.  

 

John strode towards the naked beauty and lifted her effortlessly.  He practically ran up the stairs, desperate to make love to her. He threw her on the bed and removed his boxer shorts, revealing his stiff manhood to her awaiting eyes.  Not waiting for an invitation, John lowered himself onto the bed, his lips finding hers for a scorching kiss.

 

**************************

 

Stefano paused outside Marlena’s door, caressing his remote control, with an evil grin crossing his face.  He turned the handle and entered quietly. Tonight he would have his way with her and then she would be his.  He stepped silently closer towards the bed, not noticing immediately that she was not there.

 

“Damn.” The curse filled the room, and somehow Stefano knew that she was with him.  Somehow she had found her way to John. He had underestimated the extraordinary love that his archenemy shared with Marlena.  He clutched his remote control between clenched fists, his knuckles white with rage. Suddenly he chuckled evilly, as he found the button that he wanted and pressed it down firmly.  “I have still won, John! Tomorrow Marlena will be mine.”

Uncovered

 

Hope picked up the handset of the phone, pondering whether or not to call John at this late hour.  She had driven past the penthouse only an hour ago and none of the lights were on. John must still be out with Marlena.  Hopefully that was a good sign. Maybe she had remembered him and they were making up at this moment. Hope took her hand away from the phone.  She started to formulate a plan about how she could stop Stefano from manipulating Marlena into marrying him. She breathed a sigh of relief when she thought about what Lexie had told her – Marlena and Stefano hadn’t yet been intimate.  Hope closed her eyes, trying not to remember the time when she had slept with the bastard.

 

*************************

“Lexie… I need to talk to you…”  Lexie turned when she heard Hope’s voice, hoping that she could get away before a confrontation arose.  

 

Ever since the baby mix-up Hope and Lexie had not gotten along very well.  And by the tone of her voice, Lexie knew that what Hope had to say was not going to be pleasant.

 

Hope saw her former friend as she hurried away, and she broke into a run, breathing heavily by the time she reached her.  She took her arm gently, and Lexie slowly turned to face her.

 

“What do you want Hope?” The look of annoyance on her face was apparent. She didn’t try to hide it, as her eyes glared at Hope.”I need… to… talk to you…” Hope struggled to catch her breath, and she bent, holding her knees with the effort.

 

“Are you OK?” Lexie spoke with concern when she saw the state that Hope was in.  “Do you need to sit down?” She took Hope by the shoulder and led her to the bench nearby.

 

“Thank you… I am pretty exhausted… I have been up all night… trying to figure out a way to help John…”  Lexie opened her eyes in feigned curiosity, not giving away the fact that she knew anything about it.

 

“Help John with what?”  

 

“Stop acting so coy Lex… I know that you have been hanging around with Marlena.  What is going on?”

 

“I don’t know what you mean, Hope…” Lexie stood and folded her arms defensively.

 

“You know exactly what I mean.  How can you condone what Stefano is doing to her… to them?  Is this some kind of sick misplaced loyalty that you have to your biological father?”  Hope watched Lexie as her eyes shifted from side to side. She knew that she had hit a tender spot.

“Well what about Marlena and John… They are your friends… they are Abe’s best friends.  What would he say if he knew what you were helping Stefano to do to them?” Lexie was startled at the revelation, and snapped her head forwards to look into Hope’s eyes.

 

“I don’t know…” She shrugged, and looked at the ground ashamedly.

“It’s not too late Lexie… we can’t let Marlena marry Stefano… she will be destroyed.  When she finally gets her memory back, imagine what she will be going through. This will hurt everyone… Marlena… John… Stefano… Abe…”  Tears formed in Lexie’s eyes. “You’re wrong… Marlena won’t regain her memory. Stefano has made sure of that. She will be happy with him…”  

 

“Who are you trying to convince… me? Or is it yourself?  You know as well as I do that Marlena will never be happy with Stefano.  And then there’s John to consider… what about what he will be going through?”

 

Lexie turned, the tears cascading down her face.  “I have to go, Hope. I can’t help you now.” Hope took Lexie’s hands gently in hers and squeezed them, stopping the woman from walking away from her.  She appealed to her with her eyes.

 

“Lexie… I can see it in your eyes that you don’t want to help him.  I know that you care about John… and you care about Marlena… and if you really cared about Stefano, you wouldn’t let him hurt so many people this way.”  Her voice was soft and pleading. Then usingLexie’s silence to her advantage… she continued. “All I need you to tell me is how Stefano is doing it… how is he controlling her?  You don’t have to do anything else… by all means play along with Stefano’s little games… just give me the information that I need to stop this madness… and save Marlena from making the biggest mistake of her life.”

 

*******************************

 

Hope grinned slightly when she thought of the ingeniousness of Stefano’s plan.  The plan which she could now hinder, thanks to the information that she possessed.  She undressed and carefully unstrapped the tiny device that was pinned to her bra. Pressing the small button, she closed her eyes, and waited.  She smiled when the playback was perfect. She listened…

 

“Hope… what can I do for you?”

 

“Stefano… I want you to stop this madness.  You need to leave Marlena alone.”

 

“I don’t understand why you come in here filled with accusations Hope.  Just because you have a problem with me… it doesn’t mean that my wife does too…”

 

“Cut the shit, Stefano.  Marlena is not your wife… any more than she is in love with you.  This plan of yours won’t work you know. John and Marlena have a love that is too strong to be manipulated…”

 

Stefano chuckled evilly.  “Hope, Hope, Hope… You are so wrong.  Marlena hates John. She thinks that he is trying to kidnap and hurt her.  She thinks that he is obsessed with her. She will never go back to him. Oh my dear… I love it when you have those fiery eyes.  If only things would have worked out between us…”

 

Hope shuddered when she remembered how Stefano’s slimy hands had

touched her hair.

“Don’t touch me Stefano.  How can you claim to love Marlena when you are laying the moves on me?”

 

“Don’t flatter yourself Hope.  Marlena will always be my queen of the night… and when I finally have her in my bed I will be a complete man.  I have been working towards this for so many years… and finally… tomorrow, she will be mine forever.”

 

“But Marlena is married to John. Your marriage will be invalid.”

 

“Ah Hope… I can tell that you don’t have the mind of a mastermind.  I have everything under control.”

 

“What makes you think that I won’t go and tell Marlena and John about your little plan?”

 

“It wouldn’ make any difference Hope. Marlena believes every word that I say.  She mistrusts everyone and everything in Salem. And as for John… he can’t stop it.  He can’t make her love him… not when she loves me…”

 

“You are deluded Stefano… Marlena will remember that she hates you… and she will leave you.  She and John will be together again.”

 

“That’s where you are wrong Hope.  Marlena will never know the lengths that I have gone to in order to have her in my life.  And if by some chance, she does remember… I will keep her by any means possible. Now if you’ll excuse me Hope… I have some business to attend to.”

 

Hope pressed the stop button on the device and hugged it to her body.  Now, for her plan. How was she going to get Marlena to listen to it and believe it?  First thing’s first… She would make a copy of it… she didn’t want it falling into the wrong hands.

 

Hope drifted to sleep, the tiny tape secured onto her body again.  She would need her sleep tonight if she was going to find a way to get that remote control from Stefano tomorrow.

Only Emptiness

 

Marlena felt it surge through her body.  It was a strange feeling, almost as if she had been hit by lightening.  One moment she was laying on the bed, writhing and moaning softly as John attacked her naked, heaving breasts. And the next her body went rigid.  The desire vanished, the moment for lovemaking gone.

 

John felt it too.  The moment Marlena stopped responding to his greedy caresses, he sat back onto his heels, searching her confused face for a sign of what she was feeling.  He gasped when he saw the emptiness of her stare. Her brown eyes gazed forwards, focussed on a distant object, as her body started breathing normally.

 

“Doc… what is it? What happened?” John took her face between his hands, trying to force Marlena to meet his gaze.  

 

“I… Who… are you?”  She looked down at both her own and then his naked form, her eyes becoming wide both from shock and confusion.“Oh no… no, no, no, NO…” John stood, placing his head in his hands.  “Marlena… what has happened to you?”

 

“I have to go… he’s waiting for me!”  

 

“You can’t go to Stefano.  He’s controlling your mind.”  John pleaded with her as the woman before him hurriedly dressed.

 

The silence was deafening.  His pleas were falling on deaf ears, ears that either didn’t want to, or couldn’t hear.  John’s only hope now was that Hope would find the device that Stefano was using to control his wife.  

 

“Marlena… remember something… If you ever need me… I will take you on whatever terms you are prepared to offer.  I will always be here for you!” John cried silently as Marlena prepared to leave his life for the last time.

 

******************************

 

She was a vision standing before the mirror in the brides room.  Her perfectly made-up face displayed no signs of the emptiness that she felt inside.  Today was her wedding day, and Marlena felt numb – she couldn’t explain it. The last thing she remembered was arriving in Salem, the past week was forgotten, but Marlena knew that there was something missing.  Something important had happened in the past few days. She rubbed her temples hoping to relieve the headache that had been lingering for the whole morning. She pursed her lips and finished applying the touches of lipstick.  

 

“You look beautiful.” Lexie smiled warmly as she viewed the exquisite woman before her.  Marlena smiled at the compliment and turned a full circle so that Lexie could take a good look.  The white satin dress contrasted beautifully with Marlena’s tanned skin. The fitted bodice was studded with small diamonds that sparkled in the light of the room, and tied at the back in an intricate fashion, showing off her perfect back.  The full skirt billowed slightly outwards – the heavy material falling gently on her hips and reaching the floor. Her long hair was loosely piled at the back of her head, and small flowing curls caressed the nape of her neck. Entwined in her blonde locks were small diamonds and the look was completed by a lace veil that was secured with pins to the back of her head.

 

A knock at the door sounded, and Lexie answered it, returning to the room with three small packages.  Marlena laughed gleefully and clapped her hands with anticipation. She tore open the first package and gasped when she found the intricate diamond necklace and earrings.  She opened the note:

 

My darling Marlena,

 

My love for you has no end.  I am overjoyed to be making you my wife again today.  You fill me with happiness and devotion. Wear these as a symbol of our love.

 

Your loving husband,

Stefano

 

“Open the next one…” Lexie urged, smiling despite her reservations.  She handed the second package to Marlena, who again tore into it.A stack of photos fell out.  Marlena gulped and turned them over in her hand, flicking through them, her face turning whiter by the second.  There she was with a tall, dark and handsome man, looking younger and radiant on her wedding day. There she was in a Santa photo, kissing him.  There she was holding a baby in her arms, the mans adoring face close to hers. She flicked and flicked, tossing each photo onto the ground as she did so, close to fainting.  “Who… who… is that?” She stammered.

 

“They are fakes Marlena.  That is John, the horrible, manipulative man that Stefano told you about.  He’s trying to hurt you – he’s trying to stop you from marrying Stefano.” Tears almost filled Lexie’s eyes as she lied to her friend.  She would never forgive herself for this. “Open the last package…”

 

“I’m not sure I want to…” Lexie crossed her fingers, hoping that the final package would bring Marlena’s memory rushing back to her.  As much as she wanted Stefano’s approval, she didn’t want Marlena to suffer for it. She watched as Marlena’s trembling fingers slowly unwrapped the box, coming to rest on a simple gold heart necklace.  She didn’t know why but she was drawn to it, and she placed it around her neck, completely forgetting about Stefano’s extravagant gift. She didn’t notice the tiny black tape that sat at the bottom of the box as she prepared to walk down the aisle.

 

*****************************

 

Hope sat in the church, praying that her plan had worked – that Marlena had remembered everything.  She hoped that the package had arrived in time and that Marlena had listened to the tape – then the interruption to the wedding wouldn’t be so public.  She glanced over at the band, praying that she wouldn’t have to call on them for assistance. She wondered where on earth John was… after trying to contact him all morning, she had finally given up in despair and left a message on his answering service.  She would just have to play out her plan without him. Before the end of the day, John would be a happy man again. Now all she needed to do was to buy some time to find the remote control and release Marlena from Stefano’s evil clutches. She spied Stefano at the front of the church and watched amusedly as her ingenious plan was played out before her eyes.  

 

*****************************

 

John pounded on the church door.  He was desperate to find her – to save her from making the biggest mistake of her life.  He had tried to get in by every possible method, but the security was just too tight. Marlena was lost to him forever.  John hung his head and dragged himself away. He couldn’t bear to watch as his wife lost her soul to their biggest enemy.  He shook his head… he hadn’t heard from Hope… it was hopeless after all.

Left at the Altar

 

“Excuse me, Mr Stefano DiMera Sir… I am from the tux hire company.  I’m so sorry to have to tell you this, but I was told that your jacket was tampered with…”  The short bald man quivered as he spoke.

“What do you mean… tampered with?” Stefano barked in a loud voice, his face turning beet red and stepping closer towards the nervous man.  

 

“Actually…” he stammered, glancing quickly at Hope.  “Someone phoned and said that they had… had…”

 

“Had WHAT?”

 

“Linedthepocketswithpoison.”  The words came out in a string, and Stefano had to pause before he understood.

 

“I just need to have a look.” Before Stefano could object, the small man had placed his hands into the pockets of the tuxedo.  “What’s this little gadget?” He pulled the black remote control from the pocket, waving it around slightly so that Hope could see it.  His tone was interested, and he pretended not to notice the look of alarm that had crossed Stefano’s face.

 

************************

 

Hope chuckled to herself.  The look on Stefano’s face said it all.  This was what she had been looking for – the key to Marlena’s freedom.  She watched as Stefano barked at Jake to give it back to him, and almost shrieked when she anticipated the disaster that was about to take place.  The remote was being pulled in both directions, Stefano’s fat hands gripping it like a lifeline, and Jake’s small hands pulling it back. Suddenly Jake went tumbling forwards and the remote control flew high up into the air.  It was like slow motion as both Stefano and Jake dove towards it, tripping each other over in an attempt to secure the device. Falling just short of their reaching hands, the remote control crashed to the floor, and shattered into pieces.  

 

************************

The bridal march sounded from the organ… and Hope glanced up from the small shattered object on the floor, to Marlena standing at the end of the aisle.  She smiled, yet there was no depth in the brown eyes of her friend. She tried to gauge if there was any anger there… but all she could see was emptiness.  Marlena hadn’t found the tape.  God help me, Hope thought as she skulked slowly to the front of the church.

 

“We are gathered here today to join together…” The priest stopped when the sounds of the tape over the loudspeaker sounded… The look on Marlena’s face went from confusion… to disbelief… to sadness… and all within the time it took for the tape to play out.  Hope didn’t even notice the reaction of Stefano, the rage that burst forth in a loud scream… the tone despairing yet determined… enraged yet apologetic… as he appealed to Marlena to hear him out.

 

****************************

 

“How could you?” The words came out in small sobs, and Marlena looked up at Stefano with tear-filled eyes.  Her head was pounding as she replayed those words in her head again and again and again. I will keep her by any means possible… by any means possible… possible… possible…  Her head pounded as she sobbed, the tears surging down her hot cheeks.  Her hands travelled to her hair, where she grasped at it with abandon, trying desperately to cause herself some physical pain… if only to take away the emotional.  She vaguely noticed Hope beside her, her arms placed around the lamenting bride, but she didn’t register anything. Her skin burned and then crawled when she felt the cold hand of Stefano touch her shoulder.  “Marlena… you can’t believe this…” His pleas fell on deaf ears, ears that were screaming with pain and would not allow the tainted argument to break through. “How could you… How could you?” She said it over and over and over again, rocking her body comfortingly, like a child trying to escape reality.  

 

Somewhere in her subconscious, Marlena felt Stefano’s hands trying to hold her, trying to appeal to her… and suddenly an unmatchable fire filled her to the very core.  The wrath that surged through her, was a rage that she had never felt before… that she would never expect to feel about another human being. The room was silent as the sobs suddenly stopped, and the only sounds that could be heard were the heaving breaths and the hammering pulse that accompanied Marlena’s outrage.  She drew herself up to the maximum height, her back straight, her neck high, her head stiff and challenging. Her eyes were steely and cold… and Stefano almost shuddered when he saw that look of disdain; of total and pure hatred, as it consumed her. Yet he knew that he still had to have her.

 

“Come with me Marlena… it is useless to resist…”  From somewhere in her subconscious she heard the words come from her enemy.  They were demanding and controlling, as if he knew that she couldn’t stop him from having her.  Yet the words seemed to come from so far away… the world of rage, of pure and absolute revulsion had its claws locked so tightly on Marlena’s soul, that there was no room for fear.  She was suddenly filled with an incomprehensible strength both of body and will. When Marlena felt the restraining hands of Stefano on her shoulders, in an attempt to drag her towards him, her hands flew up to his, tearing them away from her, gouging her own flesh as she did so.  In one moment Stefano was three steps away from her, and Marlena edged closer, her icy stare piercing into his fearful eyes. He had only seen her like this once before… when she was possessed by the devil. Marlena drew her hand as far back as she could and brought it crashing onto Stefano’s cheek with all of the strength that she possessed.  He took her by surprise, when he backhanded her, causing her to react by placing her cool hand onto her cheek, the stinging resounding throughout her face. She closed her eyes, and was hit by a sudden memory…

 

“And uh… you pointed it at me… and you pulled the trigger, but you missed.”

 

The sound of Marlena’s shocked sob filled the small hospital room, as she cowered onto her bed, shrinking away from the man sitting next to her.  “I couldn’t have done those things…” her head shook in disbelief. “Walking into the reception… naked?” She searched his face for the truth. The feeling of total despair overtook her, dampened only slightly by the fact that he was there to share the burden with her.  

 

“Oh God.” Marlena collapsed to her knees, the splitting pain again filling her already pounding head.  She caught a glimpse of the small gold chain that hung at her neck and grabbed it, focusing all of her remaining energy on it.  “You are remembering him… aren’t you Marlena?” Hope’s gentle voice penetrated her senses. She looked up with a hazy awareness, and caught the evil eye of Stefano, as the wheels turned slowly in his head formulating his plan.

 

This time the splitting pain was worse than it had ever been before.  Marlena thought that he head would explode. Her breathing stopped, if only momentarily… and the memories came flooding back to her… filling her entire being with more nonsensical details.  A voice filled her head… it was Stefano’s voice… and the pictures flowed. They were scattered memories, but they all told Marlena the same thing – Stefano Dimera was evil!

 

**********************************

 

“I want you Marlena… and I will have you.  One night with me and you will forget that John ever existed.”

 

“You killed my husband.  I am going to make sure that you never hurt anyone ever again…”

 

“John will rescue me.  He loves me too much to believe that I am dead.  He will never stop looking for me.”

 

“The only way to save John is to give yourself to me, body and soul.”

 

“Please don’t do this Stefano? I will do anything you ask.  Pleasedon’t have John killed?”

 

**********************************

 

John… John…. John… John… John…  The all important word flew around Marlena’s memory like a wisp of air, it was there, but was inaccessible.  It flirted with her entire being… needing to be recognised, yet eluding her time and time again.

John

 

The bewilderment that Hope could see in Marlena’s eyes, was akin to that of a caged animal.  She didn’t know why this was happening to her… her life for the past few months had been a lie… yet she couldn’t find the truth.  She saw her fists clench and unclench as if the repetitive motion would will back some form of sanity. Hope knew that it was time to take the next step.

 

The music seemed to be coming from a place far away at first, but as Marlena tried to focus on it, it began to invade her senses.

 

Love lifts us up where we belong

Where eagles fly

On a mountain high

 

A strong feeling of dejavu almost overtook her senses.  She turned, looking around the church, looking down at herself in her dress, looking up at the priest.  She felt like she was spinning and spinning, almost like dancing. And then she was transported to

another place.

 

“I love you John… There were times when I thought that we would never be together… times when everything seemed hopeless… times when I thought that our love could never be.  But here we are, standing here… in the church… and we are finally going to be married. Finally all of our dreams are coming true and we will be able to live out our lives like we always should have… I love you…”  The day was perfect… The sun shone through the stained glass windows of the church and painted it with all of the colours of the rainbow. It was almost as if there was no one else in the room at all, as Marlena and John spoke their vows to each other… their vows of a love forever true.  His face was almost angelic as he looked down at her adoringly; a look that spoke of his unmatchable love for the woman before him. He kissed her hand, and she felt the butterflies rise up throughout her entire body. “You know Doc… I think that from the first moment that we met, we have been drawn to one another; fated to spend the rest of our lives together.  There were so many years that we were apart, and for so many reasons. But throughout those years we always yearned for each other… we always called out to each other through our hearts. I have been waiting so long for the day when I could finally call you my wife… and I will never let you go… not as long as we both live.”

 

In that moment, her world became clear.  The memories started to flow… another and then another and then one more.  She remembered the years before she ever met John, the years with him, and the years without him.  She remembered the past few months with Stefano… and the past few days with John.

 

“John….” The word came out in a kind of strangled scream, as Marlena searched frantically for him with her eyes, like she thought that he was hiding in the empty church.  Mostly all of the guests had left by now, and all that remained were Marlena, Hope, Lexie,

 

Stefano and his two groomsmen. Hope saw the look of pure rage on Stefano’s face when he heard it.  He moved threateningly towards the distraught Marlena, his hand reaching into his pocket slowly as he did so.

 

Just at the last moment, before Stefano reached her, a look of total fear filled Marlena’s face.  She whipped her head around towards Stefano, almost losing her balance due to his closeness. One firm hand grasped her shoulder, and before Stefano could continue his attack, she had wrenched it from his grasp and started running towards the back of the church.  The syringe flew into the air and fell to the floor, its contents smashed by the force of the blow. Hope could only watch in fear as she herself was restrained by one of Stefano’s men. “Run Marlena… find him…”  she whispered the words over and over again as the world became dark.

 

**********************************

 

John could feel his throat burning as he drained the bottle.  The comforting and familiar sensation of the whiskey as it slid down to his stomach, caused the world to become a blur as his eyes became heavy-lidded with intoxication.  He fingered the small scars that still remained on his skin from his recent drug habit… a drug habit that could only be kicked by Marlena’s presence. The familiar twinge of addiction tugged at his soul, as he searched for anything and everything to take his mind off his wife’s marriage.  Panicking, John realised that he couldn’t do this to himself… he couldn’t become addicted to drugs. He had made Marlena a promise – he would be here

for her if she ever needed him.  He needed to make sure that he was sober when she did call… and he knew that she would, if not sooner… then later.   With an almighty roar, John hurled the empty bottle across the room, collapsing onto the bed and falling into a fitful slumber.

The Escape

 

Marlena ran without looking back, out the doors of the church where she had been about to make the biggest mistake of her life.  She didn’t stop to think that Stefano would come after her… all she could think about was getting to John and telling him that she was sorry for all the pain that she had put him through.  She barely noticed the rain that now poured down in droves, or that she was soaked to the bone before she even reached the bottom of the steps. She stopped, and looked around for a car or a bus… but she could see nothing through the thick fog that had settled.  Suddenly her brain registered the commotion in the church and she knew that Stefano was going to come after her. She looked back, the fear filling her eyes… all thoughts of John banished for a moment… as she saw him descending the stairs. She kicked off the ridiculous high heels that were her wedding shoes, picked up the bottom of her dress, and ran as fast as her legs could carry her… towards safety… towards John.  

 

Her senses were hyper-alert and she could hear and smell and feel everything around her.  She heard a car door slam… and Stefano’s voice over it all. “Get her… she can’t go very far…”  Marlena couldn’t remember ever feeling as terrified as she was right at this very moment. Where is John? She thought to herself.  He promised me that he would never let anyone hurt me…  And as soon as the thought crossed her mind, Marlena chided herself for being so selfish.  After all she was the one who had chosen this path… she had chosen not to believe John, despite all of his best efforts to make her.  Before she knew it, a strong hand reached out and grabbed her forcefully. She felt the lace of her veil rip as she tried to pull herself away.  Crying, she turned to face her attacker, and saw one of Stefano’s henchman. Stefano stood close behind giving orders. “You are coming with me Marlena.  Put her into the car…” Marlena only looked at him, the strength leaving her body as the fear enveloped her.

 

“Fight him… don’t let him do this to you again… to us again.”  John’s voice filled her head, as she felt her body being lifted up and placed in the black car.  “I won’t let him do this… John, he won’t do this to us again…” Her words were muttered sternly, and with a new strength, Marlena fought herself out of the strong man’s grip.  She felt the extreme sense of pain, as he quickly grabbed for her again, but instead swiping her midsection with his fist. Marlena doubled over, and then recovered… taking off into the deep thicket that surrounded the road.  At least here she would be sheltered from sight. “Go to all the places where John Black could be. She will go there. She will search for him.” Stefano’s voice carried through the day. Marlena made her way through the thick scrub, not even aware that her skin was being torn and bruised by the thorns that adorned the plant.  She was only vaguely aware of the pain in her feet, as her stockings became torn and bloodied from running on the ground. She wasn’t sure if the rain or her tears were the cause of blinding her vision, but she couldn’t see even a metre in front of her. The wheels were turning in her head… she could go to the police station, and she would be safe until someone contacted John for her.  But Stefano could have some of the cops on his payroll. Marlena knew that she would have to tell no one where she was until she was safely back with John. So she headed to the only place where she knew John would look for her. Almost crawling in the open air, Marlena made her way slowly down to the waterfront – even the water expressed the fear that filled her soul, as it crashed violently with the wind.  She found a secure place to wait, and sat on the heavy wooden planks… John would be here soon, and then everything would be okay.

 

*********************************

 

“John… where the hell are you?” Hope pounded on the penthouse door, her thoughts still jumbled from the sedative that Stefano’s men had given her.  Her head and body both ached, and she could only hope that Marlena had escaped. By some miracle she had made it to the penthouse… but she had been knocking for ten minutes, and John hadn’t answered her.  She turned the handle, and was surprised to find that it was unlocked. So she walked in.

 

“John? John?”  She screamed as loudly as she could, and then heard the heavy footsteps as John came down the stairs.  “Hope… what the hell is going on?” John held his head, which was pulsating from the effects of the alcohol that he had consumed hours ago.  He looked at his watch, and sunk onto the couch. Marlena was married by now… married to Stefano, and on her way to her honeymoon. “How was the wedding?”  He spoke in a flat tone, hiding the emotion that filled his heart.

 

“It didn’t happen John… that’s why I have been here knocking on your door for ten minutes.”  

 

“What?”  John jumped up from the couch as if he had gotten an electric shock.  “What happened?”

 

“I sent her a few little gifts… I tried to contact you yesterday.  She found out the truth about Stefano. But that’s beside the point right now… Stefano is after Marlena.  He knocked me out with a sedative before I could see that she had gotten away safely… but the last time I saw her she was running out of  the church…” John’s eyes widened in astonishment.

 

“Where is she then, why isn’t she here?”  He questioned.

 

“Stefano was after her John.  God it’s been three hours. He might have her by now… Think, where would she go to find you?  Where would she go knowing that anywhere you could be was being watched?”

 

“I know…”  John kissed Hope on the cheek, grabbed his jacket, and ran out of the penthouse.

 

“But John, you won’t be safe… you need to go somewhere… you need to get Marlena out of Salem…” The words were lost.  John had already stepped into the elevator.

 

Maybe this time he would get his pier reunion with the woman he loved!

 

“I’ll just have to organise it myself…” Hope muttered to herself, as she made her way upstairs to pack some clothes for John and Marlena.

Ultimatum

 

John knew that she was there even before he could see her.  He could sense her presence, the same way that he had sensed her so many other times.  It was the bond that held them together… that would always lead them back to one another.  A sudden thought struck his mind, as he realised that he hadn’t asked Hope if Marlena remembered him.  He guessed that he would soon find out.

 

He looked around anxiously, searching for his wife.  Then he saw her, crouched beneath the platform above, her body almost completely hidden from view of the passer-by.  He moved around so that he could see her and he saw the scared eyes looking back at him.

 

Marlena had known that John arrived, even before she could hear his footsteps on the wooden planks of the pier.  She had tried to stand, but her frozen knees wouldn’t allow her, the prolonged crouching position taking its toll on her ability to move.  She tried to speak, to call out his name… but her voice lacked sound, a direct result of having remained silent for so long. She saw him as he came around to face her, and for the first time noticed the rain as it poured over his body, soaking him to the bone.  She cleared her throat and spoke in a throaty voice. “Where have you been?”

 

Tears filled John’s eyes at the sight and sound of her, the voice so trusting, so gentle, as if she had known that he would be there.  “I came as soon as I heard.” He knelt in front of her, taking her face in his hands, gently brushing the rain from her cheeks. “I know.” Marlena nodded her head in agreement, and closed her eyes to revel in the sensation of being so intoxicatingly close to her husband.  She leaned in, searching the space for his warm lips, inviting him to kiss her. He wasted no time as he reached for her desperately, taking what she offered… and more. His tongue instantly found hers, the deep sensuous strokes causing him to emit a muffled moan. Yet still he deepened the kiss, their movements becoming deeper and more passionate as they lost themselves in each other.  They broke apart when they could no longer breathe, and Marlena collapsed into John’s chest, the exhaustion overtaking her.

 

John immediately noticed how fragile she was, and he gently picked her up in his arms, carrying her to the safety of the warehouse beside the pier.  They were both dripping wet, the warm and dry environment of the warehouse was a welcome change from the cold conditions outside. He placed Marlena on the bench, and knelt in front of her, concerned by the violence of her tremors.  “Tell me what happened?”

John removed his wet shirt and found some dry rags.  He lifted one to her face and gently wiped away the moisture that had gathered there.  “He lied to me… He lied to me so that I would marry him.” John stroked her arm as he reached behind her to unpin the remains of the torn lace veil that adorned her head.  He wrapped a nearby blanket around her, and leaned down to inspect her feet. When he saw how torn the skin was John looked up at her in dismay. He took out his cell phone and dialled Hope’s number.

 

“Hope… I found Marlena.  She’s cut up pretty bad. I need you to do me a favour…”

 

“John, thank god you called.  Look, I have organised a few things for you and Marlena.  You need to get her out of Salem. Stefano is watching your house… he wants her no matter what he has to do.”

 

“I should have known that he wouldn’t give up so easily.  Hope I need to get Marlena warm and cleaned up. We are at the pier.”

 

“I got you a car that Stefano won’t be able to trace.  I will drive to the pier and park it in the parking station.  Everything you need is in there. There are also directions to the cabin where you will be staying.  You have to get out of there.”

 

“I know.  Thanks Hope.”

 

Marlena heard the conversation with a heavy heart.  “John… what did Hope say?”

 

“That we need to get out of Salem.  Stefano is watching the house.” John sat beside her and placed a comforting arm around her.

 

“How could I have believed that monster?”  The grief filled her voice as she cradled herself into his arms.  “I should have believed you. I should have let myself follow my heart.”

 

“Shhhhh baby.  Everything will be OK.  I am going to get you out of here and get you cleaned up.  Then we will get out of Salem for a while.”

 

*****************************************

 

They arrived at the cabin only 20 minutes later.  Stefano would never search for them here… it was too secluded, too surrounded by woods.  John placed a sleepy Marlena on the bed and saw her glazed eyes as she watched his naked upper body, the muscles rippling with every movement.  She reached down to where he knelt in front of her, and tried to pull him upwards, to her awaiting lips. John smiled… knowing that the powerful painkillers that he had given her had worked miracles.  “Hold still for a moment Marlena…” He spoke in mock frustration, and her hands ceased their movements. John reached for her feet and inspected the damage. He filled a tub with warm water, a dash of disinfectant mixed in, and placed her feet in it.  She cried out almost instantly… the sting reaching her exposed flesh, and she pulled her feet out of the tub in protest. John knew that he would have to do some convincing for her to keep her feet there, so he stood in front of her, and in one movement pushed her feet back in and took her lips in a passionate kiss.  She whimpered as her hands found John’s back, caressing his warm chest, while his laced through her hair, pulling her head backwards to expose her long neck to his awaiting lips. He placed open-mouthed kisses along her skin, and it warmed his heart to feel her desperate response.

 

John pulled back, knowing that it would be taking advantage of her to continue this little tryst.  Marlena was heavily influenced by painkillers at the moment, and he wasn’t even sure if she had her memory back yet.  He pushed his desirous thoughts from his mind, and returned to his task of cleaning her up. He pulled her feet from the bloody water and bandaged them gently, placing tiny kisses on each toe and then travelling to her ankle.  He crawled onto the bed beside her and began to unlace the soaked wedding dress, trying desperately not to touch her exquisite skin, in order not to be tempted to make love to her. But it didn’t work. John could hear Marlena’s laboured breathing as she leaned into him, obviously as affected by his movements as he was.  “Honey…” he breathed into her ear, his voice raspy. “Mmmmnnn…” Marlena turned her head slightly and stared at John, causing his breath to catch at the sight of her aroused… ready for him.

 

“You need to get out of this dress, and into something warm.”  He cleared his throat, and stood from the bed, intent on his task of rifling through her bag to find some pyjamas.  He looked at a skimpy pink lace nightgown, and shook his head… the image of Marlena wearing it was too much for him.  He stuffed it back in the bag and found what he was looking for – warm flannelette pyjamas. She would still look cute as always, but not nearly as irresistible as if she was wearing the pink number.

 

He felt her as she edged up behind him… her cold hands encircling his chest, and her face cuddled into his back.  “You are so cold. We need to get you warm. Come on, could you please put these on?” John turned and looked into Marlena’s eyes.

 

She smiled and with a seductive pout she offered him her ultimatum.  “If you want me out of this dress… then you will have to take it off me.”

Seductions

 

“Well, do you want this off me?” Marlena smiled her most seductive smile, one that she knew could bring John to his knees.  She felt light-headed and absolutely amazing, and she wanted nothing more than for John to take her to bed. She couldn’t even feel the pain in her feet anymore, John’s medicine had taken care of that for her.  Marlena closed her eyes briefly, remembering the kiss that they had shared only minutes ago.

 

John’s mouth dropped open at the blatant proposition that his wife had just made.  Under normal circumstances he would have jumped at the chance to get Marlena into bed, but as he watched her standing there, he knew that he couldn’t allow himself to take advantage of her state of mind.  Those painkillers that he had given her were enough to knock anyone around, and Marlena had never had much of a tolerance to alcohol, let alone a powerful drug. John struggled as Marlena edged closer towards him, impaired slightly by the bandages that adorned her feet.  His head told him that it just wouldn’t be right, but his body screamed for release, the release that he had been dreaming of for months.

 

He gazed at Marlena standing before him, and saw her hazel eyes focussed on him, challenging him.  He was amazed at how alert she seemed, even though so heavily under the influence of drugs. He looked her up and down as she stood before him, looking angelic even in her messed-up state.  Finally she reached him and she placed her hands onto John’s chest, raking her nails lightly up and down the taut muscles, knowing that he wouldn’t deny her. Marlena smiled slightly when she saw his eyes flutter close, and felt his arms encircle her waist, pulling her to him in an almost painful embrace.  He placed his lips on hers for a tender kiss, and then took her arms and placed them by her sides.

 

“Come on baby… you need to get warm.” John picked up the pyjamas and held them out to her, seeing the pout that she donned and grinning.  Marlena always did that when she wanted something from him – she knew that it drove him crazy. “Not this time Marlena. You need to get undressed.”  

 

Marlena looked at John with yet another suggestive smile, and she purposely captured his gaze with the sultry look that appeared in her eyes.  She lifted her arms above her head, and slowly slid them down her body, pausing at the hips, before travelling back up to her shoulders. She pushed the white satin from her shoulders and let the wet garment fall to the floor.  John just gawked at her, standing there in her lace-up corset, matching underwear, and garter, which held up the remains of her torn stockings. He averted his eyes, trying desperately to ignore the pounding of his heart, and decided to find something to keep himself occupied while Marlena finished disrobing.  He walked into the bathroom, and began to run her a hot bath, needing something to distract him from the burning image of Marlena wearing nothing but lingerie. He heard her walk in behind him, and gasped when he felt her naked breasts press into his back, her arms surrounding him. John pulled away almost violently, and turned, trying not to look at her as he did so.  

 

“I ran you a bath,” he muttered.

 

“Are you going to join me?” Marlena purred as she reached for him again.

 

“Doc, we can’t do this… not tonight.  You have had such an exhausting day, and you are hurt, and heavily under the influence of those painkillers that I gave you.  Honey… just have a bath and then you can rest.”

 

“No.”  Marlena folded her arms and turned away, fighting the tears that threatened to fill her eyes.  She squealed when John reached her in an instant, picking her up with his strong arms, and dropping her into the waiting bath.  He kissed her forehead lightly, satisfied with his latest movement, and walked away… ignoring the indignant look that adorned Marlena’s features.

 

She sank into the warm bath, delighting in the feeling of the water caressing her skin. All thoughts of John’s rejection soon left her, and Marlena closed her eyes, falling into a dreamlike state.  

 

John’s heart constricted when he peeked in and saw her there, her head reclined, her eyes closed, the hint of a smile on her lips.  He paused at the door, and called her name. “Marlena…?” When she didn’t answer he approached the bath, his eyes sweeping her body, the compassion filling him as his gaze came to rest on the cuts and bruises that covered her.  Overcome with love, he bent to kiss her forehead, and picked up the washer, covering it with soap. He took the now soaking bandages from her feet, and picked up her right leg, running the sponge along it in gentle strokes, cleansing her.  He paused to kiss each blemish on her usually flawless skin, losing himself in the sensual experience. He looked up at her face, her mouth now turned upwards in a blissful smile, her eyes still closed. He continued his motions on the other leg, not noticing that her eyes were now open, watching his every move.  He moved upwards, and heard the slight moan escape from her mouth. He stopped his caresses and looked down at her, taking her lips with his for a tender kiss. He gazed into her sleepy eyes as she smiled at him, and he lifted her gently from the tub, wrapping a towel around her securely. He carried her to the bed, never once taking his eyes from her as she rested her head onto his chest, allowing herself to close her eyes and lose herself in him.

Unconditional Love

 

By the time John had carried Marlena to the bed, she was breathing heavily and snuggling closely into his chest.  John held her there for a moment, not wanting to release her just yet. Instead he watched her sleeping form and bent to touch his forehead to hers.  Her scent intoxicated him and John breathed in deeply, placing her gently down onto the bed. Instantly she snuggled up into the pillows, relishing the warmth that she found there.  John knelt beside her and pulled the covers up to her chin, placing a gentle kiss on her brow, and letting his lips linger a little longer than was necessary. He watched as she turned towards him, reaching blindly outwards for him.  She was half-asleep, and John smiled as she mumbled his name almost incoherently. That had to be a good sign… she was calling out to him in her sleep. He wanted nothing more than to awaken her with kisses and make slow passionate love to her… to become man and wife again in every sense of the word.

 

He heard her let out a slight whimper and he knew that she was having a bad dream… he pulled her into his arms and held her closely, rocking her body against his.  He was so wrapped up in the feeling of her pressed against him, that he didn’t notice her awaken, until he felt her hot lips pressed up against the skin of his chest. John’s eyes shot open, and he looked down at Marlena, as she placed a trail of open-mouthed kisses across his torso. Her hands snaked their way around to his back, where she ran her nails lightly over his tense muscles. John moaned her name, as he lost himself to the sensations that Marlena was causing. “Honey…” he murmured as he felt himself begin to lose control. “We can’t do this right now…”

 

Marlena continued her seduction, as she heard John start to respond. A self-satisfied smile crept over her face when she felt John’s hand on the back of her neck, pulling her upwards and towards his awaiting mouth. Immediately Marlena parted her lips to allow him access to the depths of her mouth, and her tongue met his with an intensity that she had never felt before. She didn’t know if it was the cabin… or the drugs… or simply the fact that she had regained her lost life, that made her want him so badly… that made her desire John in a way that she had never before.

 

She grasped the back of his head as tightly as her limited strength would allow, keeping his lips locked onto hers.  But John didn’t seem to have a problem with it. He was so completely and utterly spellbound by his wife that he couldn’t have pulled away even if he wanted to.  His hands travelled around to her bare back, where the towel had slipped downwards, and Marlena felt his rough skin against hers, kneading her tense muscles. “Oh baby, you are so tense…”  Marlena rolled her head backwards and closed her eyes as John’s hands continued their heavenly attack, and his lips found the soft skin of her neck. “You… taste… so… good…” The words were breathed and punctuated between soft kisses.  “Make love to me John?”

 

The murmured plea filtered through John’s dazed senses, and he glanced deeply into Marlena’s eyes.  He swore that he could see love in those eyes, hidden beneath the mask of passion that cloaked them.  He took her hand in his and pressed the palm to his lips.

 

He stopped suddenly, noticing the sparkling diamond that adorned her finger.  In an instant his world was shattered again… and he knew that he could not go through with this right now.  He could not do something that Marlena would regret in the morning. If she remembered him it could have been so much different… the bed their only place of residence for the entire duration of their stay at the cabin.  He pulled away from her suddenly, clearing his throat. “We can’t…”

 

Marlena looked up and stared into John’s eyes, touching his chin to force him to look at her. “Don’t you want me?” Her voice was small and childlike, as she pouted to get her way.  She always knew how to get to him… and even through her amnesia, she had always unconsciously driven him crazy. John felt his groin tighten even further at the sound of the usually strong and driven Marlena… entreating him to surrender.  But he forced himself to stand up from the bed. “You need to get some sleep, honey. It’s been a big day.”

 

He cringed at the annoyance in her voice, as she folded her arms and stared at him accusingly. “What are you my father now?”

 

“No I am the man who loves you with his whole heart and soul.  The man who is concerned abut you and wants you to rest.” Her stared straight into her eyes and saw them melt, as she looked up at him longingly.

 

“I don’t need rest.  I need you…” Her arms once again reached out for him, snatching at the air when he stepped out of her reach.

 

“I am not going anywhere.  I am just not going to…” John paused.“Not going to what?” Her voice was raised and agitated again, and John knew that it was the effects of the drugs shining through her usually placid persona.

 

“Not going to… be with you in that way… not tonight!”

 

Her eyes filled with tears, and she folded her arms, the picture of misery.  The nakedness of her creamy white skin made John want to crawl in beside her and give his wife what she wanted… what he wanted.  Hell, what they both needed. But he knew that he couldn’t; not yet. Not until she told him that she not only wanted him, but that she loved him, and she remembered him.  Not until she was in her full senses, her mind unclouded by drugs. He reached down to touch her angelic face, still so beautiful even though she was sulking. If anything the red flush that existed there made him desire her even more.  

 

Marlena turned her head away, her whole body on fire as his hand touched her face.  “Don’t touch me…”

 

“Marlena, please?” John entreated, kneeling beside her.  “Come on honey… its for the best…”

 

The silence screamed through the air, the only sound now the soft muffle of her sobs.

 

“Just go away.” The words were so quiet that John was almost certain that he had imagined them.  He didn’t want to leave her, not like this… not in this state.

 

Marlena sensed that John was still there, unmoving.  Her body was now turned away from him, and she wanted nothing more than for him to leave her alone.  The shock of the ordeal that she had been through over the past few days had finally sunk in… and John’s rejection had merely topped it off.  Her head was now starting to clear from the haze of the drugs, and the despair had begun to set in. And John… John didn’t want her any more. She had been tarnished by Stefano and she didn’t know if he could ever forgive her for that sin.  She had pushed him away time and time again, when he was only trying to help her… only trying to stop her from making the biggest mistake of her life. One that had almost cost her everything that she held dear. Now she was certain that it had cost her John’s love.  Sure he wanted her… she knew that by the way he responded to her kisses… the way his body filled with fire when she touched him. But he had lost respect for her, that she was sure of… and that was the one thing she couldn’t bear to lose.

 

She felt his hands reach out to touch her shoulders, and the warmth almost made Marlena turn around and try to seduce John again.  Instead, she was filled with a rage that she afterwards could not comprehend. She swung around violently, and with an inhuman strength she pushed him away from her, watching him stumble backwards and catch himself with his hands. “Get away from me…”

 

Her shrill scream filled the room, and as John slowly recovered himself he came towards her again, unwilling to see her so distraught… wanting so much to make it better.  His hands touched her heaving shoulders, his heart breaking at the sight of Marlena with her head in her hands. “Baby, you can lash out at me all you want… but it’s not really me that you are angry with…”

 

“Oh is that so Mr Black? I’m sure you know everything there is to know about my feelings.”  

 

“I didn’t mean it that…”

 

“If you can read all of my thoughts, then I am sure you’ll know that this one is coming…” Marlena raised her eyes to his, the icy look in the brown orbs, causing John to shudder.  “I hate you John Black… I hate you.”

 

John couldn’t bear it any longer. He knew that Marlena wasn’t thinking clearly right now, and he couldn’t bear to see her lock herself away from him.  He placed his strong arms around her, and pulled her into his embrace, feeling her fists hit into his chest as she struggled to get away. “I hate you… I hate you… I hate you…” The words reached his ears over and over and over again, but John refused to let go of her.  “I love you baby…”

 

Marlena felt herself soften at the sound of John’s devoted pledge.  “I will always love you… no matter how you feel about me…” She stopped struggling and buried her head into his neck, the sobs continuing as his chest became covered in her salty tears.  John kissed the top of her head softly, and stroked her hair tenderly as he willed her to relax into his embrace.

 

Slowly her cries subsided, and only the sounds of her heavy breathing and occasional sniffles accompanied John’s words of love to fill the silence.  “John…” Her voice was hoarse and she pulled away to look up at him, expecting to see some resentment reflected in his eyes. But all that she could see was a haze of concern, and absolute devotion, and she knew that she had been wrong to think that John

didn’t love her.

 

“Mmmmnnn?” Came his murmured reply, as he held her stare.

Marlena looked down as she said the words. “I didn’t mean it… I do love you…”  John felt his heart jump with joy, and he placed one finger under her chin. Her eyes met his, and he knew that it was true. “I love you too baby…” He descended upon her waiting lips and met her for a tender kiss.

 

He lifted her into his arms, and placed her into the bed, crawling in beside her and wrapping his arms around her body, her back snuggled securely against his chest.  He started to rub her back slowly, knowing that she needed to sleep, and he heard her sigh with contentment before falling into a peaceful slumber.

I Remember

 

When John awoke, he smiled as he found himself lying next to Marlena… for the first time in so many months.  He blinked slowly as he let the early light of the day seep into his entire being, and then he gazed down at the woman in his arms, smiling as he saw the angelic expression on her face.  Her soft hair was buried into his neck and her face was shielded from the intrusive light by his body. Careful not to wake her, John gently adjusted her onto her own pillow, and stepped out of the bed.  He whistled quietly as he took a shower and dressed himself in his jeans. Then he prepared breakfast for Marlena, every now and then glancing at her beautiful sleeping form.

 

Marlena felt the sun as it shone into her eyes.  She moaned slightly, annoyed that it was morning already.  She had a pounding headache, and her legs and feet twinged with pain.  She turned over, and pulled the blankets over her head… trying desperately to block out the daylight.

 

John watched as she battled with the sunlight, smiling as the little moments all came floating back to him…  her deep hate of the morning being one thing that he adored about Marlena. John took the breakfast tray that he had arranged for her, and kneeled beside her, slowly removing the covers from her face.  He leaned in and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “Good morning sleeping beauty…” He spoke playfully, as she opened one eye and gazed at him. “John…can’t you see I’m sleeping?” Her husky voice filled John with desire… as he imagined making love to her yet again.  He had always loved making love to her in the morning… both still exhausted from the night before… the sweet gentleness filling them both with a sense of profound love for the other. “Honey, come on… I made you breakfast…” John nuzzled his face into her neck, as she sat up slowly.

“You did?” The slight hint of a smile filled her face… as she looked eagerly down at the tray beside him.

 

“Are you hungry?” John pulled the tray out of her reach… as Marlena reached for it.  “Starving…”

 

“So do you want this?” He smiled cheekily.  “Cause it will cost you…”

“Oh, so now I have to pay for your services, do I?” Marlena raised one eyebrow challengingly.  

 

“That depends… what are you willing to offer?”

 

“Well… I seem to recall one morning when we…” Marlena was startled when John cut her off, his face turning ghostly pale as he searched her eyes.  

 

“You mean… you remember?” Marlena smiled as she took his face in her hands and leaned in closely to him.  

 

“Yes John… my darling husband… I remember everything.” She placed her lips upon his for a chaste kiss.  

 

In an instant John had deepened the kiss, probing her mouth with his tongue to gain access to her mouth.  Marlena complied and moaned softly as their tongues met. She sighed as he slowly suckled her bottom lip, before pulling away.  “How are you feeling?” He asked suddenly, as if he had just remembered that she was hurt.

 

“Wonderful now…” Marlena pulled his lips back to hers for another searing kiss.  Again John pulled away.

 

“I mean… really… how are your feet…?”

 

“John… anyone would think that you don’t want to be with me…” Marlena sat back against the headboard with her arms folded, her lips turned downwards into a sexy pout.  John sat on the bed beside her, and took her face in his hands. “I am just worried about you honey… You went through such an ordeal yesterday. I just need to know that you are okay.  We don’t have to rush into anything.”

 

“But John…”  John placed a finger on her lips, to hush her protests.“When I am satisfied that you are okay… then we will make love…”

 

“But I know you want to… I can feel it.” Marlena reached down and stroked the growing bulge in John’s jeans.

 

He jerked away roughly, and began to pace the floorboards.  “Why do you have to make this so hard for me?” He ran his hands through his hair.

 

Marlena merely looked at him, stunned… unable to speak a word.  John had never acted this way before when she tried to seduce him.  He looked over at her sitting on the bed, naked, and waiting for his touch.  He knew that he had to get out of there, before he gave into her. John knew that he had to wait until Marlena was completely recovered before he would allow himself to make love to her again.  Because when he started, he knew that he would never be able to stop. He made his way to the door, and without looking back, he strode outside, muttering under his breath that he needed some air.

 

Marlena slumped backwards, defeat painted all over her despondent features.  She tried not to let herself cry, but the tears slowly filled her eyes as she realised why John didn’t want to be with her.  

In The Woods

 

Marlena collapsed onto the couch, letting the tears flow freely.  He

should have been back by now… he should have been there to help her

through the pain that she was feeling, knowing that yesterday she

had almost sold her soul to their most hated enemy.  She had almost

given herself to him freely… and how she shuddered when she thought

that she had almost made love to him so many times.  At that thought

Marlena took herself to the shower, in an attempt to cleanse herself of

the dirtiness that she felt when thinking about Stefano in that way.

 

************************

 

John had finally managed to calm down from the constant state of

arousal that he had found himself in since last night when Marlena

had tried to seduce him.  The freshness of the cold air of the woods had

cured his aching groin for the moment.  As he made his way back to

the cabin, he was finally able to think clearly.  She remembered…

Marlena remembered their life together… and she wanted him.  Soon

he would be with her again in every sense of the word… as soon as she

was recovered, John knew that he would no longer be able to keep his

hands off her.

 

************************

 

She looked at her watch and sighed sharply, as she towel-dried her wet

hair.  She was starting to get worried about him.  She stood up from

the couch and made her way to the window, peeking out to try to catch

a glimpse of him as she had done so many times over the past couple

of hours.  Her feet started aching as she walked tentatively on the

cuts that covered them… and she made a decision.  Going to her bag

and finding her slippers, she eased them onto her feet, and ventured

out into the woods to find him.

 

***********************

 

John arrived back at the cabin, to find that it was empty.  A deep

sense of panic filled him as he glanced around the room, cursing as

he noticed the discarded bandages on the floor.  He sat and waited on

the couch, thinking that she probably just needed some fresh air, as he

had.  He wouldn’t be surprised if she was upset with him after this

morning… he hadn’t even explained his reasons for needing some

time alone.

 

After twenty minutes of waiting impatiently, John stood up and

paced the room like a caged animal.  He looked out at the sky and

saw the black cloud that had covered it… and he knew that if he didn’t

find her soon, Marlena would be out in the rain again… she would be

in danger of getting sick.  She was already in such a fragile state of

health having been through such an ordeal.  Grabbing two heavy

coats, he strode out into the rain… anxious to find Marlena and have

her back with him safe in his arms.

 

*************************

 

Marlena looked upwards, and felt the soft drops of rain as they fell from the sky.  She had been walking for what seemed like hours, trying to find John, but failing miserably.  She rested on a boulder, as her feet screamed at her… informing her of how much they ached. Oh, John, where are you? She had turned around a while ago, in an attempt to trace her steps back towards the cabin, but to no avail.  She had just become more and more lost as all her sense of direction suddenly failed her.

 

Her salty tears mixed with the soft rain as she started to cry.  She was lost in the middle of the woods, and John had no idea where she was… he wouldn’t even know where to begin looking for her.  “John…” she screamed his name, hoping that if he was looking for her, he would

hear her.  

 

************************

 

John didn’t know why he was drawn in the direction that he was going, it was so off the usual path… but somehow he could sense her pulling him that way.  If he knew Marlena… John knew that she would be lost by now, and probably panicking that she couldn’t find her way back. Just stay where you are honey… He hoped that she would hear him telling her… that their connection was still strong enough for her to trust her instincts.

 

Just as he was about to give up in despair, he heard the sound of her soft sobs… as the rain started to come down heavily.  He placed his jacket on and quietly approached her. Her back was facing him as she leaned forwards into herself, hugging her knees… the picture of absolute misery.  He laughed to himself as he thought of racing to her and swinging her in his arms… showering her with kisses… and telling her how much he would always love her.

 

He heard her quiet mumbling between her sobs.  “Oh, John, where are you? Why aren’t you here with me?”  He stepped closer to her, in absolute silence, wanting to savour this moment.  And in one instant his arms were around her… engulfing her entire body as he whispered soothing words in her ear.  “I’m here baby…”

 

Marlena jumped as she felt his strong arms surround her, her heart pounding as she tried to recover from the shock.  She unwrapped her hands from around her knees and placed her hands onto his, turning her face as she did so to look at him.  “John…” she spoke softly as he gazed down into her eyes.

 

“It’s okay now honey… I’m here… and I’ll always be here…”  He took one of her hands in his and placed it over her heart in a touching gesture.  He nuzzled his face into her hair as she relaxed into him, laying her head back onto his shoulder, savouring the sensation of having her in his arms again.

 

After what seemed like a lifetime of sitting there in the comforting embrace, Marlena turned her head to face him… the slight hint of pain written on her face.  “What is it, Doc?” John touched his fingers to her face, studying it for a clue as to what had gotten her so upset. “John… about this morning…” She looked downwards and studied the surface of the rock.  “I know why you pulled away from me… and I just wanted to prmise you that I won’t let it happen again… I didn’t even consider how you must be feeling… I’m sorry…”

 

“What do you mean, Marlena? How do you think I am feeling?” John looked at her in utter confusion, noticing her sudden refusal to look at him. “Look at me…” He didn’t mean to sound so demanding as he seemed to bark out the command.  He was so worried about her… and she always did this when something was hurting her.

 

Marlena heard the tone in his voice and she felt her anger rise again.  The hot tears welled up in her eyes and she blinked them back, gulping back her sobs as she tried desperately not to allow herself to cry.  She stood from the rock and hobbled away from him… turning finally to face him when she was at a safe distance. John stood also and tried to follow her, but with one gesture of her hand, she stopped him.  “Don’t…”

 

“Marlena… what is going on with you? I simply asked you a question… how do you think I feel?”  His temper flared as he tried to reason with her.

 

“John… why do you do this? Why do you act so calm and loving and kind… and then treat me this?  Why did you even come here?” She turned away from him so that he wouldn’t see her tears. She knew that she was being irrational and that she should be thanking him for finding her… but she was angry, not at him, but at herself… and he was the only person in firing range.

 

John sighed as he tried to step closer to her.  “How am I treating you? Marlena, I care about you… I only want the best for you…”

 

“Oh so now you only care about me… you don’t love me?” She shrugged his hands off her shoulders as she twisted his words.

 

“Honey… that’s not what I meant and you know it.  I don’t know why you are so angry with me…” He took another step towards her.

“I just… I’m so… I…” She tried to search for the right words, as she spun to face him.

 

“You what?” John was finally within touching distance again as he moved his hand to her face.

 

“I just… I know that I hurt you so badly by almost marrying Stefano… by not believing you when you told me that he was lying.  I should have listened to my heart then, I should have listened to what you were telling me…” John placed his hands on hers, in an attempt to stop her ramblings… to stop her from blaming herself.  “And I know that I can’t blame you for what you are feeling towards me at the moment… I can’t expect you to forgive me right away… I don’t know… I just… it hurts that you don’t want me…” Marlena turned away from him and walked back towards the boulder.

 

John laughed softly, unable to hold back the amusement any longer.  He stared at the broken woman who had her back to him, and he knew that in one moment he could take away all of her doubts.  Taking one deep breath her strode towards her, grabbing her arm and pulling her flush to his body. Her face turned red as she gazed up into his blue eyes, the intensity causing her to shudder.  “Let me go…” She started weakly, but Marlena knew that she didn’t want him to let her go. She wanted this moment to last forever.

 

“I will… after I prove to you how much I love you… how much I want you…” His words were husky as he pulled her mouth roughly to his for a long-awaited kiss.

Raw Desire

 

John pulled back, his hands still securely holding Marlena’s upper arms, as he stared at her.  He could see how affected she was as she slowly fluttered her eyes open, her lips parted sensually.  “How can you even think that I don’t want you?” John spoke brusquely, as his chest rose and fell heavily, his groin aching with dire need for her.

 

Marlena’s hands hung limply by her side as her hooded eyes darted between John’s eyes and his lips.  John noticed how the small droplets of rain gathered at the tips of her eyelashes and then trickled off.  His hands travelled to her face, and he wiped away some of the water that remained there, as he still looked at her expectantly… waiting for her answer.  

 

“I… uh…” She couldn’t speak… her brain refused to formulate any rational thoughts.  She couldn’t even remember what they had been fighting about. All she could think about was his lips on hers, her desire to have his hands on her body.  She was acutely aware of his thumbs as they moved to her collarbone, tracing it gently. She knew without a doubt that he wanted her… the lusty glaze in his eyes as they darkened over, the way he was standing there so completely spellbound proved that.  

 

John grasped her upper arms again, so tightly, not willing to let her go for even a second.  Her breasts were heaving and John could sense her arousal. “Kiss me…” she demanded. She didn’t have to ask twice.  In an instant, John’s lips descended onto hers and she parted her mouth enticingly, inviting him to deepen the kiss. His tongue shot out to caress hers, seductively,,, and with a passion that neither of them had felt for a long time.  She moaned her approval softly into his mouth, as his hands found her face and caressed the soft skin there, stroking the wet hair from it.

 

Marlena began to lose herself in him and she wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him closer and keeping him there.  She ground her body into him and she could feel his arousal… so much more pronounced through his wet jeans. Marlena pulled back from the kiss, panting… licking her lips in anticipation of what was to come.  She looked into his eyes and knew that she had won… that he was all hers… he had been entrapped by their love. There was no turning back now.

 

John couldn’t fight it any longer. He was going to have her.  She wanted him… he wanted her… and it was only natural for them to express their love.  He let his hands caress her face… slowly at first, before travelling down to trace her delicate collarbone.  He placed his lips upon hers for a maddening kiss that left them both breathless. The looks of desire that were passing between them were electric.  John grinned and laced one hand through her wet hair and the other on the side of her long neck, his touch causing her eyes to flutter closed. Suddenly he pulled her neck backwards almost forcefully, as her eyes shot open in surprise and stared up at him.  Now her neck was fully exposed and John slowly ran his hand over it, brushing it lightly with his fingertips, before placing his lips over its delicate surface. She could feel his tongue as he lapped at her neck, and moaned loudly. Her hands found his wet jacket and she struggled to unzip it with fingers that were trembling with desire.  She stopped momentarily as John’s teeth found her earlobe, and gently tugged and sucked on it… making Marlena tense with need for him. Her ragged breathing filled the space around them… until the loud clap of thunder made them both jump in fright.

 

John pulled back completely from Marlena as he looked up into the dark sky.  Suddenly lightning crashed all around them. “I think we need to take this back to the cabin…” He spoke matter-of-factly, still looking up to the sky.  He lowered his eyes to look at her, and felt his entire body spark when he saw her.

 

Marlena stood there grinning, her upper body completely naked… her shirt and her bra tossed carelessly on the ground.  She approached him slowly, predatorily, ignoring the sounds of the storm that surrounded them. John just looked at her, his mouth wide open, as he stammered his response. “M… Marlena… what… what are you doing?”

 

She reached him and pressed herself against him, her bare breasts pushing into him.  “Oh I don’t know… we shouldn’t let something little like a storm stop us from expressing our love…” She purred seductively.  She took his hand from where it hung by his side and placed it over her breast, supporting it there until he took the initiative.  His free hand reached up to cup the other one, and suddenly he felt himself bending down to kiss them. Marlena arched her back, allowing him full access, and her moans once again filled the air.  She reached down and caressed John’s increasing bulge through his jeans, eliciting deep-throated growls from him.

 

The thunder crashed again… John pulled away and grabbed the spare coat.  He threw it to her, muttering for her to put it on. “But John…”

 

Marlena pouted in disappointment.  “I wasn’t finished yet…”

 

John stepped behind her and placed his big hand onto her mound, allowing it to linger there, as he whispered into her ear. “Neither was I…” He released her and helped her to zip up her jacket as she glanced at him with lust shining from her own.  He picked her up and she squealed with laughter as John began running as fast as he could back to the cabin.

Point Of No Return

 

After a while he slowed, the rain and the woman in his arms slowing him down considerably.  Marlena muttered her protests. “Honey… I can walk… we will get there quicker…”

 

“No way… I am not letting you go…” John looked down and saw the bright smile in her eyes as she cuddled up against him, rewarding him for his tenderness.  She began to kiss and nibble at his neck, and John moaned loudly… trying to resist the urge to put her down and take her right here in the woods. “Marlena… come on… are you trying to kill me here?” He muttered in a childlike tone.

 

“That would be a negative Mr Black…” She smiled as she continued her assault.  “Well then what do you call this?” The playful tone in his voice did not go unnoticed by Marlena, as she fiddled with John’s jacket zipper frustratedly.  “I’m trying to seduce you…” She cried in triumph as she finally released John’s zipper and placed her wet hands against his chest, delicately stroking the hair that resided there. “… Then I can kill you…” She whispered the words so quietly that they were almost lost before they reached his ears.  Only Marlena could make those words sound so… so seductive… so enticing. Finally he couldn’t take anymore. He swung her down out of his arms and pulled her flush up against him, grinding himself into her. “If you wanted to seduce me…” He pushed his groin against her flat stomach, allowing her to feel his full arousal… his penis straining against the tight material of his jeans.  “… Then you have succeeded.” He crushed his lips to hers for an almost violent kiss, which she met with vigour and passion… needing him more than she had ever needed anyone before. John’s hands encircled her firm bottom, and he squeezed firmly, as Marlena wrapped both of her legs around him… allowing John’s hands to support her weight. She lowered her mouth to kiss him again, as John stumbled forwards in the storm… desperate to finally get to the cabin so that he could have his way with her.

 

“God, you are so hot…” He breathed, as Marlena bent to kiss his neck… travelling lower and lower until her tongue teased his chest, his shirt now open and exposing his flesh to her.  Every now and then she would squeeze her legs around him tighter… showing him how ready he was for her. He felt himself shudder as she looked up at him with hooded eyes, and smiled an aroused smile.  “Only for you…” she breathed and she attached her lips to his, in a kiss that again momentarily stopped John from moving. “God, you have become quite the seductress honey… maybe I should resist you more often…”

 

She laughed… the sound of her laughter tickled John’s ears… and acted as the most potent aphrodisiac.  It had been so long since he had heard her laugh… genuinely and with complete and utter happiness. “Don’t make a habit of resisting me baby… I just might give up on you!” She spoke the words in between soft kisses to his chest.  “Don’t ever give up on me baby… you know that I want you… God… I just want you so damn much!” Again the sound of her contented laughter filled the air, and when he looked into her eyes he could see the happiness shining through. A single tear fell down his cheek, which she wiped away tenderly.  “What’s wrong, honey?” she asked concernedly, her seduction momentarily forgotten. “Don’t ever stop laughing Marlena… I have missed hearing you laugh like this…”

 

Marlena felt the tears fill her own eyes as she sighed with absolute devotion and returned to her painful task of turning John on.

 

John almost cried out with relief when they finally made it back to the cabin.  He hadn’t realised how far they had gotten until he was desperate to make it back.  He still held Marlena’s upper thighs as her lips moved against him. “Oh thank god…” he breathed.

 

He ascended the steps to the front door and backed her up against it, the thud reverberating throughout both of their bodies.  He placed his lips onto hers brutally and their tongues duelled… the already long-drawn-out foreplay… had left them both so ready for satisfaction.  Marlena reached her hand backwards and turned the doorknob… the relief that they were finally there sounding through the whimper that escaped into John’s mouth.  

 

Ignoring everything but his incredible need for Marlena… the feeling of having her there in his arms and waiting for him… John threw Marlena backwards onto the bed.

 

Instantly she felt cold, having lost the body-to-body contact that she and John had shared since the hot encounter in the woods.  She could feel the wetness at her centre as she waited patiently for John to join her. She watched as he removed his jacket and shirt, and unbuttoned his jeans, all the while staring intensely into her eyes.  At last she could stand it no longer… and she sat up and attempted to pull his lips to her awaiting mouth. John kissed her only briefly before pulling backwards, and removing his jeans completely. “John… come on baby… I need you…”

 

“You forget something Marlena…” he smirked as he looked down at her, sitting on her knees on the soft bed.  “What’s that?” she attempted to pull him towards her again. “You forget that I don’t like to be teased… and I think that what you were doing to me on the way here… counts as merciless teasing…” He edged closer to her and took hold of her legs, pulling them out from under her so that she was lying down.  He placed her arms above her head as he crawled over her body, making sure not to touch her with his bare flesh. “What did I do?” Her eyes widened in feigned innocence, as her body writhed beneath him, enticing him to act on his desire. “I think I would call what you were doing with those exquisite lips…” He traced her lips with one hand, pinning her arms above her head with the other.  “…torture… the kissing, the nibbling, the sucking… oh god, the sucking…” He placed his lips onto hers and sucked at her bottom lip slowly, releasing it and looking down at her, only to find that her eyes were closed.  “John… I’m sorry… I really am.” She struggled with John to get her arms free. “I’ll never do it again…”

 

“Oh you had better…” John smiled as his free hand moved to unzip her jacket, and travelled beneath it to find her highly erect nipple.  He dipped his head and stared at her naked breasts for a minute, as she begged for his touch. He ran his tongue lightly around the edge of her heaving left breast and slowly circled inwards… at an almost painfully unhurried speed.  Just as he was about to reach the centre, he moved backwards and repeated the process again… this time seeming slower than the last. Marlena arched her back as high as she could, begging him with both her body language and her words to continue.  She sighed when his teeth found her darkened nipple and bit lightly on it, before allowing his mouth to enticingly suck it. He repeated the process with the right nipple, lavishing it with as much attention as he had the left.

 

“John… please…?” Marlena breathed the words, as she arched her chest high off the bed.  His hands reached behind her to support her. She could feel his smile as he continued his torturous assault.  “What, so soon? Doc… I want this time to be special…” He pulled back, his mouth finding hers for a passionate kiss, soft throaty moans sending them both to the point of no return.  Tonight was going to be a night that they would never forget.

Together Again

 

He entered her slowly… their teasing touches and kisses finally sending them into a frenzied need for one another.  Marlena gasped in pleasure as the memories of their lovemaking came rushing back to her and she realised how much she had missed the total and utter passion and fulfilment that accompanied it.  Tiny beads of perspiration rose up on her creamy skin as John started to move within her. She couldn’t help but gaze up at him, his eyes closed in concentrated passion. Marlena reached up to touch the rippling muscles of his shoulders as he braced against the bed, her touch causing John to open his eyes and gaze down at her.  He watched her body language… the language of love and desire. The way she bit her lower lip and closed her eyes every so often… the tiny breathless gasps that escaped her… the rise and fall of her heaving round breasts… the movements of her hips as they rose to meet his thrusts. John reached down and caressed her face, and their eyes met in a gaze of absolute devotion and love.  

 

They started moving faster as one body, their need escalating to boiling point.  Marlena could feel it… she was so close and she tried to hold back… she wanted them to reach the heights of their passion together.  But John could see her hesitation and he reached down and slid one finger across her clit, picking up speed as she writhed and moaned beneath him.  And then she came hard and fast… her body shuddering beneath his. “OH god John…” she screamed in her passion. “You are so beautiful…” John murmured the words huskily into her ear after she had stopped her thunderous shaking. Then he began to move inside her again… so close to his own release.  Marlena sat up slightly and nibbled on the skin of his sweaty chest, murmuring her encouragement as John neared orgasm. Then with one final thrust, he came and collapsed onto her body, whispering her name and planting his face against hers.

 

He pulled out of her and rolled onto his side.  Then he pulled her naked body up against his chest, her back pressed into him so intimately.  He pulled the covers up over them. “I love you so much… have I told you that?” Marlena spoke sweetly, turning her head so that she could see him.  “I love you too, sweetheart. I never ever want to have to be away from you again…” He placed a kiss into her hair.

 

***************************

 

“Do you really forgive me?” Marlena turned in his arms, facing into him.  They had lay in silence for several contented minutes… basking in the feeling of being in one another’s arms again.  She tangled her fingers into the hairs on John’s chest and played with them, her eyes focussed on what her hands were doing.  “Honey…” John spoke gently. “Look at me…” Marlena raised uncertain eyes to look at John and she gasped at the look of unadulterated love that existed in his blue orbs.  “There is nothing to forgive. Stefano was controlling you… I am just glad that you realised in time that you didn’t love him…”

 

“Me too… because there is no where that I would rather be right now than in your arms John.  I love you with my entire soul… and that reunion was the best yet.” John raised an eyebrow playfully, noticing the playful grin that rested on her face.  “Oh yeah?” He spoke in a husky whisper, placing his lips against her ear.

 

“Yeah… well so far… what else have you got?” She reached down between John’s legs and cupped him, massaging his erect member as it came to life from her touch.  

 

“Are you sure that you are up to it?” John could hardly get the words out, his breathing shaky as she played with him…

 

“I’m sure…” She placed her lips onto his and they began a night of intense love… the reunion long overdue.

 

*******************************

 

John rolled over and found the bed empty.  The morning sun filtered through the window.  He sat up and looked around the room. Marlena sat by the window, looking pensive as she reflected on all that had happened to her.  She felt John’s muscular arms enfold her body and she allowed herself to relax into his embrace.

 

“Good morning, pretty lady…” He whispered huskily into her ear, gently biting her soft skin as he did so.

 

“Morning…”  She sighed briefly, forgetting about her disturbing thoughts of just a moment ago.

 

“You okay?” John turned her around in his arms, and stared into her eyes, his full of concern.

 

“I just don’t know how we are going to get past all this.  I can’t believe that I thought that I LOVED him… I almost let him make love to me…” Marlena turned away from him and folded her arms across her body, shivering as she remembered Stefano’s hands on her body.

 

Again John folded his arms around her and kissed her cheek.  “Baby… forget about Stefano… forget about the past. Just focus on your future with me. Because I love you more than life itself… and we can get through this together.”

 

“I know that… and I love you too John… more than anything.  I want nothing more than to be with you forever. But…”

 

“But nothing… I am not going to let us spoil this wonderful day by talking about DiMera…” He smiled playfully as he turned her in his arms.  He placed his lips against her ear and breathed into them, tugging gently on her earlobe as he did so. “WE… have… MUCH… more important things to do…”

 

“Oh yeah?” She smiled as she felt her breathing quicken in response.  “What did you have in mind?”

 

“Remember that bath that you wanted me in the other night?” He watched as she raised her eyes in interest.  “Mmmm hmmmm…”“Well I thought that we could do it properly this time…” He picked Marlena up and slung her over his shoulder, her squealed laughter filling the cabin.  “Oh my god John…”

 

************************

 

“Mmmmmm… I’m so relaxed…” Marlena spoke drowsily as John massaged her sensuously as she sat against his chest in the bathtub.  She tilted her head back so that it lay on his shoulder. “You are so exhausted… you feeling okay?” John murmured against her soft hair.  “Mmmm… I am fine. I am better than fine… I’m with you.” The warm water drifted over them, soaking their skin. John placed soft, tender kisses over Marlena’s flesh, and whispered sweet nothings into her ear, lulling her into a peaceful sleep.  Then he sat with her asleep in his arms in the bathtub, thanking god for bringing them back together.

 

*********************

 

Stefano paced the room, his temper flaring.  “Where is she? Why haven’t you found her yet?” he screamed at his henchmen, who had returned yet again without Marlena.  “I think you need to face it Stefano… John Black has her…”

 

Stefano picked the man up by the throat and pushed him into the wall.

 

“Are you saying that my daughter is lying? Are you saying that Lexie lied to me?”

 

“No… no… no Sir.  I don’t know… maybe she just thought that John was going away…”  Stefano released the man, stroking his chin thoughtfully.  Lexie had told him that John had left Salem, unable to bear the thought of watching Marlena with his mortal enemy… but there was also no sign of Marlena.  Maybe the man had a point… maybe John had gone away with Marlena… maybe she remembered everything and they were making love at this very moment.

 

Stefano flung his hands out, unwilling to finish his thought process.  “Find her… she is out there somewhere. FIND HER!” He would find Marlena… and when he did, he would find some way to make her tell him the truth.  If John and Marlena were together… he would find out. And after he had done that… he would deal with Hope!

 

*****************************

Best Laid Plans

 

“What did Hope say?” Marlena asked, looking up from the book that she was reading.  John had just hung up the phone, and he sauntered over to where Marlena sat on the blanket on the ground, basking in the sun.

 

“I don’t want to talk about that… I want to enjoy my gorgeous wife…” John winked, and ran a calloused hand down to Marlena’s breast.  She took a sharp intake of breath and closed her eyes, smiling as she did so. Then she felt his lips on her neck, and she almost gave in to her desires.

 

Then with great effort, she pushed his hand away, and readjusted her white sundress. John looked at her, his lip protruded, trying to imitate Marlena’s pout.  “Honey… that doesn’t work when you do it…” she laughed, and as if to prove her point, Marlena pouted, and saw John visibly melt at the site of her. “See…”

 

“Okay, okay, I got your point.  But why did you stop me? Don’t you want me to ravage your sexy body?” he spoke huskily, and ran his hand up her thigh pushing the material up with it.

 

Again she pushed him away.  “Just TRY to control yourself John.  I don’t think it’s healthy for a man your age to be so horny… ALL THE TIME…” she spoke playfully.

 

“A man MY AGE? MY AGE… what is that supposed to mean?… Oh lady, I am so hurt…” He feigned shock and placed a clutched hand over his heart, falling backwards onto the rug.  Marlena merely laughed. “Okay, so you’re not that old…” she admitted, pulling him up and placing her lips onto his for a firm kiss. “And you know, I wouldn’t have it any other way…” Her eyes shone, and she screamed when John was suddenly on top of her, pinning her to the ground.  

 

“John… stop… come on.” John’s hands found her ticklish areas, and he was relentless, as Marlena laughed uncontrollably.  “Admit it… admit that I am not that old…” John demanded.

 

“Okay… okay… I admit it.  You… are… young…” Marlena fought to get te words out between breathless gasps for air and giggles.  John

stopped, but didn’t move from where he lay on top of her.  He stared into her eyes, losing himself in their depth. Her face was flushed from laughing, and he reached and tucked some stray strands of hair behind her ears.  Then he bent down, his lips seeking hers. “You’re insatiable…” Marlena breathed, just before his lips reached hers. Then she pulled his head down to hers and partook in a passionate kiss.

 

******************************

 

“So, now that you have had your way with me…” Marlena giggled, raising her head to look at John.  “Tell me what Hope said.”

 

John and Marlena lay naked on the blanket, the sun smiling down on their bodies.  John tucked his face into Marlena’s hair. “Do we have to talk about that?” he whined.

 

“Yes. Tell me… I want to know…” Marlena sat up and pulled her dress back over her body, and John dressed himself too.  

 

“Stefano is still looking for you.  He thinks that you are alone, and that I left Salem by myself because I couldn’t bear the thought of watching you married to Stefano… Lexie apparently told him that to throw him off our trail.”  Marlena’s face had fallen at the thought that Stefano was still looking for her. John took her face in his hands, and forced her to look at him. “Baby, it’s okay. He is still looking around Salem for you.  He believes it. And as long as you are with me, I won’t let anything happen to you…”

 

Marlena smiled wanly, and put her arms around John’s neck.  “John… he will never stop looking for me. I think that maybe we need to put a stop to this.  I think that we need to stop him from hurting anyone ever again.”

 

“How?”

 

Marlena pulled away, and looked directly into John’s eyes.  “You aren’t going to like this. But I want to go back there… I want to pretend that I don’t remember you… and that I am confused about my feelings for him.  Then when I am back in his life, I can find some evidence that will enable us to put him away…”

 

“No… there is NO WAY I am letting you go back there…” John raised his voice, and clutched Marlena’s upper arms with his hands.

“But John… it’s the…” He cut her off.

 

“Absolutely not.  We will find another way.”

 

*************************

 

Marlena took a deep breath as she paused outside Stefano’s motel room… the one that she had shared with him just days ago.  Right now she wished that John had talked her out of doing this, but she had been insistent, and finally he had agreed. Marlena knew that John was on standby if she needed any help… she wasn’t scared for her safety.  But she was scared about having to face Stefano again.

 

Taking one last deep breath, Marlena knocked on the door.  

 

*************************

 

John paced the room like a caged animal.  He was only two doors away from her, but he was scared.  He didn’t want Marlena to have to relive the pain of the past few months.  He hoped that she was strong enough to get through this.

 

*************************

 

Stefano breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Marlena standing at the door.  Instantly he was worried about her. She still wore her wedding dress, now torn and dirty.  Her hair was in tatters and small cuts and bruises covered her skin. He didn’t pay attention to the look of hurt and betrayal that shone through her eyes, the slow tears that were welling up in them as she looked at him.

 

Stefano was only glad that she was not with John… and if she was not with John, then he had hopes that Marlena didn’t remember what she had shared with John.  He pulled her into his arms, and crushed her with his embrace. “Marlena… I was so worried about you…” he said, murmuring into her hair. Stefano didn’t fail to notice how Marlena stiffened beneath his touch, but he knew that it was only natural.  “How could you?” she asked softly, and the tone of her voice broke his heart. “How could you lie to me like that?”

 

“Is that why you came here? To ask me why I did this?” Stefano led Marlena over to the couch, where she sat down.  To him it seemed that Marlena was in a daze. He wondered where she had been the past few days. “I don’t know, I am so confused.  Now that I don’t have you… I don’t have anything…” She placed her head in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably. “What about John?” Stefano watched Marlena’s face carefully, as her head shot up.  “I know the name, and I keep trying to make myself remember him… but there is nothing there. And I tried to find him after… the… the wedding… but he had gone. If he loved me as much as he said that he did, he wouldn’t have gone…”  Marlena pulled her knees up and rested her head against them. “I don’t know what to do… I don’t know who to trust…” Stefano’s heart went out to Marlena and he realised that maybe he would still have a chance to make her his. If he played his cards right, he could convince the confused beauty that he could be trusted after all.

 

“Shhhh…” He soothed, as he came beside her, and softly stroked her hair.  “I think that you need a long, hot bath, and some sleep. Then you can decide what to do, okay?”  Marlena looked up at him gratefully, and nodded her agreement

Uncontrollable

 

Stefano watched and admired as Marlena slept peacefully in the huge

bed.  Her limbs were curled tightly into a ball and her breathing was heavy.  He couldn’t help himself as he came close to her and stroked her cheek, which was slightly wet with moisture.

 

His heart broke when he realised that she had been crying as she had fallen into an exhausted slumber.  And from what he had seen, Marlena was not lying to him. Right now, Stefano could almost bet upon the fact that Marlena was telling him the truth… and he smiled evilly as he whispered, “John… it looks like you have lost the prize once and for all…” He bent down to kiss Marlena’s soft lips, and smiled as she sighed and moved in her sleep.  

 

He gazed at the red dress that she would be wearing to dinner tonight, all laid out for her on the end of the bed.  He could just imagine her in the dress, all of her curves outlined to perfection. He left the room, taking a last glance at her beauty before he closed the

door.

 

*******************************

 

“Marlena… NO…” He screamed as he watched Marlena falling for Stefano’s seductions.  She wore a sexy red sequined dress, that left little to the imagination. She was dancing with Stefano… and his fat hands rested against the small of her back.  Her knee was pressed between his legs, and their faces were so close that John himself felt suffocated. “Marlena… don’t listen to him… he’s lying to you, honey…”  The sound of his voice echoed throughout the almost empty ballroom, yet still Marlena did not seem to hear him.

 

John retched as Stefano and Marlena began to kiss… their tongues visible as they sucked and probed at one another’s mouths.  And then… her legs were wrapped around his waist and he had her pinned against the wall. “Oh Stefano… I don’t know what I ever saw in John… I should have listened to you all along…”

 

“Marlena…” John awoke, screaming her name.  His brow was covered in sweat, and as John came back to reality, he realised that the sheets were soaked in his perspiration.  He rubbed his forehead to get the image of Marlena and Stefano out of his mind. But somehow, he had an uneasy feeling about this whole thing.  All of his better judgement was telling him to burst into Stefano’s room right now and take Marlena far far away… from Salem… and from Stefano. But the rational part of his mind knew that Marlena would give him hell if he were to do that.  No, he would just watch and wait. He would shadow their every move… so that he would be there when and if she needed him.

 

Suddenly, John’s ears caught the sound of Marlena’s voice in the hallway, interrupted occasionally by Stefano’s European accent.  John wanted to rip the man to shreds, right here… right now. He took a calming breath, and then opened the door slightly. He saw her back as she walked with Stefano to the dining room.  He almost lost his cool when he saw the red backless dress that she wore, her blonde hair falling down around her silky shoulders… his fat hand resting on her back. John, man, it was just a dream… he told himself over and over again as he rushed to dress into suitable dinner attire.  He knew that he would have to watch this very closely, if for nothing more than his own sanity.

 

****************************

 

Marlena glanced back at the doorway to Stefano’s room, trying not to make it too obvious in case he was watching.  She had seen John watching them during dinner. He had been very well hidden, but her keen eyes had searched him out.  God, how she wished she could see him. But they had promised not to see one another until this whole mess was over with.  

 

Marlena paused at the entrance to John’s room, and placed her hand on the door… trying to occupy the space that he was in, if only for a moment.  Briefly she wondered what he was doing in there. She closed her eyes and hoped that he was thinking of her… but she was almost certain that he was.  She had seen the gleam in his eyes when he had looked at her in this dress.

 

All in all, tonight had gone relatively well.  Marlena had been able to subdue some of Stefano’s fears about her intentions.  She had pretty much convinced him that she was willing to hear him out… to let him try to explain away what he had done.  Marlena almost laughed at how gullible Stefano was when it came to her. His ego was just so massive, that he thought that he could win over anyone.

 

Suddenly, Marlena heard the door to John’s room open, and she stepped back in shock.  John looked almost wild as he moved… but he stopped as soon as he saw her standing at his door.  Their eyes met, intense blue, and deep hazel. For what seemed like a long while, they just stood there, lost in each other’s eyes.  It was like a magnetic field between them that stopped them from moving. “Oh god…” John spoke first, in a kind of a growl, and Marlena felt her lips parting in anticipation.

 

Like the magnetic field that had stopped them from moving only moments before… it was now pulling them together with an inexplicable force.  Gone was any strength of resolve to stay away from each other. John’s hands grasped for Marlena’s flimsy red shawl that covered her shoulders, and he pulled her to him, slamming her body into his with the force.  “John… we can’t… Stefano…”

 

Marlena panted, trying her hardest to stop this from happening.  Their lips were drawn closer and closer together, and John’s eyes roamed Marlena’s body.  “I can’t believe how hot you are…” he murmured huskily, as he pulled Marlena into the room and slammed the door closed behind him.  “Do you know how DAMN hard it was to watch you with him?” He slammed Marlena against the wall, his hands lacing with hers and pinning them above her head. Then his mouth found her slender neck.  “John… we… oh god… promised…”

 

Marlena’s protests were dying quickly and soon she found herself with her head thrown backwards against the wall… her body writhing for more.  

 

“Oh honey… I need you…” Marlena begged as John’s mouth toyed with hers, chasing his lips as he kept moving them out of her reach.  Suddenly they met in a scorching kiss, and tongues and mouths danced together in a frenzied desperation. She felt the cool air on her thighs as John nudged her dress up around her waist, and then heard the unmistakable sound of his zipper undoing.  She looked down at John’s erection, which stood forth… waiting for satiation. She tried to wriggle out of her panties, but John was too worked up to wait long. Instead he ripped them off her, and Marlena gasped as his fingers cupped her wet centre.  “Oh baby… you are so wet…” She merely nodded and looked into his lust-filled eyes. John helped her to arrange her long legs so that they surrounded him, and with a sudden thrust, he was inside her… filling her to the brim. “Oh John…” she started to moan, as he began to pound in and out of her. “Remember this when he tries to get you in bed… remember… that… YOU… are MINE…”  John started to move faster and faster inside her, and he felt that they were both nearing the edge. “I am yours… only yours…” Marlena whispered in his ear, right before her body shook in orgasm. He followed, and together they collapsed against the wall.

Secrets

 

Marlena’s head rested against John’s naked chest as they sat together in the afterglow.  For a moment all that they thought of was each other… all memories of Stefano were a distant memory, but as it finally hit them where they were Marlena groaned into John’s chest.  “I have to go…” she whispered reluctantly, starting to move away from him. John stopped her, pulling her back towards him and into his lap. “You are not going anywhere. I’m not done with you yet…” He took one of her nipples in his mouth and Marlena started to giggle, swatting him away playfully.  “Is that all you can think about? You have a one track… oh god…” She couldn’t finish her sentence as John’s movements became more seductive. He lifted his face and took her lips with his. “You love it…” With sweeping movements of his calloused hands John proceeded to explore every inch of Marlena’s naked body.  

 

They couldn’t deny one another as Marlena’s nails raked John’s back in exquisite torture, and slowly they shifted positions so that Marlena was on top.  They started moving together in a sensual rocking movement, as John’s hands travelled to Marlena’s hips to guide her as they moved. His lips caressed her breasts and then her mouth until first he came and then she followed.  “Stefano is going to be looking for me…” Marlena struggled to get the words out amongst her laboured breaths. “Doc ,I’m worried about you being around him. Please, just give up this little scheme… we can go away somewhere… we can start again.” John couldn’t explain his sudden fear of losing her, and his desperate pleas were his attempt to hold onto her.“John, we can’t do that honey.  I don’t want to be running forever. I promise you that I will be careful… but we have to promise each other that we won’t do this again.” Marlena stood and John reluctantly let her go, watching as she dressed herself. “Okay, you win. But you have to find out where he keeps his important papers, and then you need to find a way to tell me about it. We can get them together. Will you do that for me?” John stood and held Marlena by the shoulders, gazing into her soulful eyes.  Marlena nodded, and gulped back her tears. She didn’t want to have to say goodbye to him again. “I love you Doc…” John’s hands encircled her face.

 

“I love you too… so much…” They inched closer and kissed sweetly, Marlena’s tears running down her cheeks.  When it had ended she turned quickly and fled the room, not wanting to linger and be persuaded to stay.

 

*************************

 

When Marlena awoke the next morning, her entire body yearned for John.  

Disappointed when he wasn’t beside her in the big, soft bed that she found herself in.  She decided that today she would set her plan into motion, find the evidence that they needed to ensure that Stefano would go to jail for life, so that she could once again be with John.

 

Showering and dressing hurriedly, Marlena made sure to cover the bruise on her collar bone with make-up, trying not to dwell on the happiness that she had felt being in John’s arms last night.  Still fingering it, Marlena smiled as she stepped out of the room. Gasping when she ran straight into Stefano, who was on his way to greet her.

 

“Ah, my lovely Queen,” Stefano began, as Marlena dropped her hand to her sides as if she had been burned, the smile falling from her face.  The movement and the change in behaviour didn’t go unnoticed by Stefano, as his gaze found the love bite and focused on it, his face turning white with concern. “What happened to you, Marlena? Are you okay?” Trying not to noticeably shudder with revulsion, as his chunky finger found the bruise and moved her top away so that he could see it in it’s entirety.  “I was just wondering that myself,” Marlena spoke, keeping her tone flippant, and her face bemused. “It must have happened while I was sleeping… although I can’t imagine how…” She smiled at his concern and threaded her fingers through his, effectively removing them from their close proximity with her breasts. “It doesn’t hurt, honest…” she promised, flashing him a smile that would make any man go weak at the knees.   

 

“So tell me,” she continued, noticing that Stefano’s mind was still working overtime, his

eyes staring at the bruise.  If he guessed what it really was, she was in big trouble… and so was John.  “You must have come up here for a reason – why did you come to see me this morning?”

 

Suddenly his face relaxed, and his gaze moved up to hers, his smile wide as he spoke.  

“I wanted to see if you would join me for breakfast…” he invited.“Of course I will. I’m famished!” Taking the arm which he offered, they went to breakfast.

 

******************************

 

“Well, well, well,” Stefano chuckled, his hands rubbing together in delight as he imagined the possibilities with Marlena now that she had accepted him.  “This is moving along faster than I thought…” Since he had taken Marlena to dinner three nights ago, she had once more transformed into the lovely, placid woman that he had once known.  Oh, Stefano admitted freely that he loved her fighting spirit, but this Marlena – appreciative, sweet and loyal – was the one that he knew could accept him and possibly love him back. The fire might return in the bedroom, he found himself thinking, imagining all of the ways that he could evoke such unrepressed passion.  And just the thought of touching the silky skin, and having her slender hands wrapped around him, made Stefano hard with desire.

 

This time, he knew that he would have to wait until she was ready. This time, he knew

was his final chance to win her.  And even though Marlena was soft and pliant right now, he would have to tread carefully – let her come to him this time.  Only then would the time be perfect.

 

*****************************

 

“DAMN!” Marlena cursed, throwing down the folder of papers that she had just searched.  It had been three days… three days since she had seen John, and three days since she had vowed to find the papers that would ensnare Stefano, and three days of pretending to find that repulsive man attractive.  Today was the first day that he had so much as left her alone for more than five minutes during the day, and after an hour of searching, still she had come up with nothing even remotely useful.

 

Throwing the folder back into the bottom drawer of the desk, Marlena groaned and decided to give up.  She would go back to John and tell him that it was pointless, then they could finally be together. Bumping her head, Marlena cried out in pain, before slapping her hand across her mouth in despair.  Crouched down behind the desk, she waited to see if she had been heard. But after a few minutes with no reaction, she slowly stretched into a standing position.

 

Moving stealthily to the door, Marlena almost missed the cupboard that now lay open next to the safe.  But as she turned to check that the room was in the same order that it had been when she had invaded it an hour ago, her eyes widened in astonishment as she realised the significance of the cupboard.

 

She didn’t even dare to breathe as she crept towards it, afraid that if she made a noise, something would stop her from finding the secrets that she somehow knew

were in there.