Risk

Chapter XL 

Private Talks

Stavros is cornered by Dimitri talking of old business and new. Carly has picked out the woman she believes is the powerhouse of the women there and settled in next to her. Life has given Carly a perspective that some of the other might not have. She'd been the trophy wife for AJ; and, no matter what anyone thought, she'd married for love when she married Sonny-- both times. Using the universal ice breaker, Carly brings out the pictures of Michael. There is even a new picture in her wallet of Michael and Sophie mugging it up for the camera from this morning. The woman, who while decades younger in many ways reminds her of Lila, gushes over the pictures. Saying how precious Michael looks.

"He is. He's my big boy." Carly flips thru her pictures. "And here is a picture of Michael with Stavros and his son Nikolas. They seem to have a thing about building don't you think? Sand, snow... whatever happens to be there."

"Building is good. Better than destroying or tearing apart." The woman says cryptically.

Carly looks at the woman cautiously. The woman wants to say something but what? "I think so too. But isn't also true that when things are done wrong... that they should be fixed?"

"There are many ways of fixing things. Some less painful then others."

"Mrs Pappas, I know you don't know me but I'm getting the feeling you have something to say. I want you to be straight with me." Carly looks around. "Is there someplace where we can talk privately?"

The hostess looks around and frowns. "It is not a good time but this is important. It is important that you know... The solarium. I will show you my orchids."

"Let me tell Stavros where we'll be." Carly nods in agreement. Rising to her feet, she goes over to where Stavros and the movers and shakers are conversing.

"Caroline, You are just in time. Senor Mendez has an interesting proposal." Stavros takes her hand.

"Darling! It's a party. You boys and your business." Carly shakes her head. Standing on her tip toes Carly gives Stavros a kiss on the cheek and whispers in his ear. "Mrs Pappas has info for me. I'll be back in a few minutes." Stepping a half step back from Stavros, Carly smiles at him and then at the group. "Y'all better remember the old saying about all work and no play." Carly teases.

"Makes for a rich man?" Dimitri offers.

Carly laughs. "Why did I know you were going to say that?" Carly turns to Stavros. "I'll be back. Miss me."

"I always do." Stavros agrees gallantly.

"What a sweet talker." Carly comments to the group. She excuses herself and joins Mrs Pappas by a door off of the great area. Together then go down a corridor to the solarium. Inside the solarium is a heated pool and sauna. In this wintery clime it is also the best place for the tropical plants that Mrs Pappas takes such pride in. Carly goes over to the first one struck by the showy bloom and the color. "Oh they are wonderful. I used to help my son's great grandmother with her roses. It's a great way to relieve stress." Carly bends over to smell the orchid but there isn't really a distinct smell.

"Stavros loves roses too. Red if I recall properly."

"Really?" Carly turns to face Mrs Pappas. "I think he mentioned once wanting a rose garden but we've been so busy traveling I didn't take it to heart. Maybe when we get back to Greece, I'll have to drag him out into the gardens."

"You seem like a nice girl..."

Carly snorts. "No, I'm not. I'm really not."

"... Be very careful with Stavros. He has never been a happy man, despite all of the benefits of his upbringing. They are not a happy family."

"It took me awhile but I finally figured out that things don't make a person happy."

"Neither do people. But that has been the Cassadine way... to try to find another to make them happy. It is never successful. And they don't take the failure as their own, as a flaw within them. They strike out at the person that they blame."

"They break their toys." Carly says flatly as she moves on to the next orchid. This one is more spidery. Not pretty really but striking.

"Yes. The union between Stavros and his wife, Lasha..." Mrs Pappas shakes her head. "It was not good for either of them. She was too... quiet and he compensated in other ways."

"He drank too much."

"You are blunt."

"Not normally, but I think we need to be. And don't worry this is just between us." Carly leans up against a wall. "Stavros knows my relationship with my husband was not a happy one. We're both on the rebound and are keeping things... loose."

"You deceive yourself. It is not the Cassadine way to be loose. They hold things tightly... smothering even."

"Mrs Pappas, I know you're looking out for me. And I appreciate that. But I know what I'm doing. Don't think I'm not hearing you but this isnt the first conversation I've had about Stavros. My mother let me have it when she found out too. She used to be married to Stavros' brother, Stefan. I've dealt with Helena and her threats against me and my son because of whom my family is. I got burned on a business deal with Stavros' ex. I do have people in my corner when things go to hell though."

"Then you think this will not end well."

"None of my relationships ever have before." Carly admits twisting her wedding rings. "But that doesn't mean that I'm not gonna try. Stavros has been good to me... and great to my son. We have had our spats--okay. Some real doozies. And it's probably been lucky that we both haven't been truly ticked at each other at the same time. Stavros isn't the only one with a temper." Carly makes an effort at reassurance. "Things are different now. Stavros is still trying to figure things out. He was gone for a long time."

"A leopard doesn't change his spots. He is as he was. I know about those companies that he took in Greece."

Carly straightens. "I know about the companies too. I picked them out for him. I know Stavros has enemies. Powerful men do. My husband would have preferred that I never figure that out and it almost got me and my son killed. Stavros is honest with me on that score. With him at least I know where to look for danger. I'm not like you, Mrs Pappas. I'm not Stavros wife; I have no desire to be. Been there; done that and I'm really over it. But neither am I one of them." Carly nods in the direction of the party. "Not really. I'm not some bubblehead out for all the goodies being with a rich, powerful man can give while keeping my eyes out for the next one. Yes, I want what Stavros can give me. What he has here." Carly taps the side of her head.

"I can't help you when it goes wrong. It would be too dangerous to my family." Mrs Pappas warns.

"And I'd never ask. There is only one thing I want from you."

"Oh?" Mrs Pappas asks suspiciously.

"Clippings and instructions on how to grow these things. They are so cool." Carly grins to lighten the mood.

"This I can do. Let me show you the prize of my collection."

Stavros glances down at his watch and then at the doorway that Carly had gone thru. His distraction doesn't go unnoticed. Dimitri comments. "My wife and her orchids. She has won awards for them. If Caroline has shown interest it could be hours before we get them back." There is a commotion at the front door that draws Dimitri's attention. "I believe that the night skiing is over." There is an influx of new guests. This is the twenty and thirties set.. sons and daughters of the men already at the party. "I don't see Thaao. I did want to introduce the two of you." Dimitri shakes his head. "I don't know where I went wrong with that one. He should be married by now, with children of his own. Taking an interest in the business, rather than flitting from one continent to the next. If he wasn't so often in the presence of beautiful but inappropriate women..."

"Are you sure you want to introduce us, my friend." Stavros says wryly. "I would scarcely be a character reference for you since I remember when you did the same. Or rather heard stories of your conquests before your wife made an honest man of you."

Dimi shakes a finger. "Oh no, you don't. None of my secrets please." He looks over to the door. "There is Jax. I will find out where Thaao is." Dimitri walks over to the new group. "Jax, where is my son? I have people he needs to meet."

"He saw the lights on in the solarium and figured his mum was there. I'm sure he'll be along shortly." Jax scans the gathering quickly and sees exactly who he is there to see. Stavros lifts a glass of champagne and toasts it in Jax's direction before taking a sip. Jax's face goes grim. "Excuse me. I see someone I need to speak to." Jax stalks across the room toward Stavros.

"Jasper Jacks. How... unexpected." Stavros quips. "Champagne?" Stavros hands Jax a flute.

Jax takes it but doesn't drink any. He sets it down on a nearby end table. "You don't seem surprised to see me."

"Caroline tiresomely reminds me to not underestimate you." Stavros sighs as if greatly put upon. "How was South America? Did you enjoy your trip?"

"Hot. No. Where is Alexis?" Jax goes on the offensive.

"Not here."

"Tell me where Alexis is." Jax says angrily-- loud enough to be overheard by the rest of the party.

"Why? She is nothing to you. And really none of your concern. Don't worry. I'll... take care of Natasha." Stavros taunts keeping his voice low.

"Where is she, you bastard?!" Jax makes a move on Stavros grabbing him by the lapels, ready to take Stavros down right then and there, not carrying about the scene he is making. Not one to play, Stavros doesn't bother with the lapels and goes straight for Jax's throat. His hand tightens around the front of Jax's neck squeezing and using it as a pivot point to slam Jax against the wall. "Is this what you did to Chloe?" Jax gasps out clawing at Stavros arm.

"Yes, as a matter of fact it is." Stavros says grimly. "A few seconds longer and you will be on the ground out cold as I left Chloe. Or a couple minutes longer and you will be dead. Already your vision should be darkening around the edges as you near passing out. If you continue to annoy me with your rudeness in my friend's house maybe I won't be satisfied with merely bringing you down but instead will crush your larynx so you drown in your own blood."

"Stavros, please!" Dimitri comes up behind the two combantants. "There are ladies present."

Stavros steps back releasing Jax who sags down doubling over as he coughs to get his wind back. "I see that your trip down to South America didn't show you the error of your ways or remind you of your manners. Natasha is mine to give how I choose. If I want to brick her into a small room and feed her thru a hole where the door used to be... that is my right! Do not annoy me."

"You are the one with no rights!" Jax straightens. "She is my wife!"

Stavros slowly smiles. "Finally. We appear to be getting somewhere. Dimitri, is there someplace where my brother in law can speak privately?"

"Stavros, I really don't think that is a good idea." Dimitri worries remembering what he'd forgotten over Stavros long sleep. There are certain hazards to dealing with Cassadines. And that included knowing where the bodies were buried.... literally. "You are both angry right now... maybe later after you've both had time to think... to calm down."

Stavros puts a hand to his heart. "Oh I promise to not lay a hand on him. And I think Mr Jacks will agree to the same... because he begins to understand that his wife will pay for his rash actions."

"This is between me and you, Cassadine. Leave Alexis out of it."

"No, it's not. And never has been. You are the interloper. This is between me and Natasha."

"I won't let you hurt her!"

"Then don't test my patience; it is in short supply. Even if Caroline says she is working on the problem."

Caroline! Dimitri knows he is in over his head and heads for the solarium.

Thaao slips soundlessly into the solarium. He sees his mother talking to a young woman. A beautiful young woman with golden suntouched upswept hair and trim figure... with legs that go all the way up. She is bending over to check out one of his mother's orchids and Thaao's mouth goes dry at the sight of that luciously curved bottom that seems to cry out for a man's caress. "Mother." Thaao calls out. The goddess straightens and turns around to look at him.

"Thaao darling." Thaao comes over and gives his mother a kiss on the cheek. "I'm sure your father is wondering where you've been. Thaao, you know tonight is important to him." Mrs Pappas scolds.

"And I'm here." Thaao shrugs. "Better late than never." He adds absently. If anything the goddess is more perfect from the front than the back. The sheer black blouse more than hinting at the curves below with it's interesting shadows. Ah if she will only take off that jacket.... "I am Thaao... and you are?" Thaao is already bending over Carly's hand kissing the back of the left one as he notices the rings for the first time. please let her be an unhappy wife that I can take to the heights of ecstasy-- repeatedly.

"Thaao, this Caroline Corinthos." Mrs Pappas says resignedly. Her son might be a dog, but he's her dog.

Thaao straightens. "Corinthos?" The pictures in the tabloids had not done her justice.

"Call me Carly." Carly smiles. She can see Thaao's mind racing making connections. The connections she'd made as soon as Mrs Pappas had said her son's name.

"Caroline! Caroline! Come come I need you back at the party!" Dimi comes racing into the solarium.

"What's wrong?!"

"Jax came into the party and attacked Stavros. Stavros tried to kill him but even now they exchange words."

"Oh fu... dge." Carly mutters. "I was afraid of this. Gotta go. Nice talking to you." Carly strides off toward the party. She is closely followed by Thaao and his parents.

A hushed anticipation has fallen over the party. Finally something had gotten the matrons together with the trophy wives as everyone semi-huddle at the far side of the room like sheep in the presence of a pair of wolves. Jax and Stavros stare at each other ready to go again.

Carly comes into the room and pauses on the threshold. She winces. "Dang, I'm supposed to be the one that brings the party to a screeching halt. Haven't you people read the handbook?"

She hears a voice from the sheep. "Shouldn't someone call the police?"

oh great. No cops please. Carly throws her shoulders back and does what no sane woman should ever do. Ducking away from Mrs Pappas restraining arm, She walks over to Jax and Stavros and gets between the two of them. Turning her back to Jax, she looks up at Stavros. "I thought you were going to wait for me so I could watch?" She protests.

"You were detained." Stavros maintains eye contact with Jax.

"What do you need? You want me to hold your coat? Sell tickets? There already seems to be a crowd." Carly jokes. "I can't decide if Mrs Pappas is thrilled or appalled. I'm sure everyone will be talking about this one."

Jax and Stavros both look over at the crowd on the other side of the room as well as Dimitri's wife wringing her hands. "This would be better handled privately." Jax says grudgingly.

"Michael has a sleepover tonight." Carly reminds Stavros.

"Yes." Stavros walks away and over to the Pappas. "I apologize for the disruption of your lovely party. A family matter, I'm sure you understand. One better settled away from here. Dimitri, I will call you later."

"Of course." Dimitri says grateful to have this mess out of his house. "I'll have the staff get your coats."

Stavros reaches out a hand. "Caroline." Carly takes Stavros hand... tucking it close to her.

"I had a really great time." Carly says Mrs Pappas. "I'll check out that book you recommended."

"It was lovely to meet you." Mrs Pappas eyes are worried. Worried for Thaao's friend but also for Carly. She follows them to the entryway where a staff person is waiting with the coats. Stavros takes Carly's coat from the maid and assists her into it himself. Jax has followed out to the entry way as well and grabs his coat.

"If you want this settled... follow us." Stavros orders Jax.

"Just don't make any sudden stops." Jax snaps back.

Carly stops at the door and turns around before it's opened. She holds out both hands index finger extended on each and pointing toward Stavros and Jax. "No scenes in front of the press. I really don't want a call from my mama in the morning. Are we clear?! Everyone stays frosty until we're back to the house."

"Caroline, move away from the door." Stavros suggests too softly.

Carly sighs and shrugs. "Had to try." She steps away. Stavros reaches around her to open the door. With a hand at the base of her back he escorts her to the always waiting limo. Jax goes out the door and grabbing his keys out of his coat heads for the rented Land Rover. Dimitri waits until the rear lights of the Rover fades into the night before shutting the door.

"What is going on?" Mrs Pappas demands. "What just happened?"

Dimitri looks over at Thaao. "You knew. You knew what was going to happen."

"No. I knew Jax wanted to see Stavros. I didn't find out until today that it was about Stavros' sister. I thought it was about the companies. Business is a game to Jax. Not something to get physical about. Cut a deck over perhaps but not do bodily injury." Thaao can't resist representing his own interests. "The Goddess that was with him... how happy is her marriage? What is their association?"

"You dare speak of adultery in front of your mother?!" Dimitri flushes in his fury.

"Stay away from her, Thaao." Mrs Pappas says earnestly. "It doesn't matter how happy or unhappy her marriage is. She is with Stavros Cassadine."

Back at the chalet, Carly shrugs out of her coat and hands it to the waiting staff. "Which room has the fewest breakables? Nevermind. Will you bring me a pot of tea... and two brandys to the study."

"I'll see to it, Carly." The maid starts back toward the kitchen.

"Thanks." This is going to be a long night. Carly starts pulling the diamond studded bobbie pins one by one from her hair. She stuffs them in the pocket of her jacket and then runs both hands thru her hair. "Aspirin. I'm going to need aspirin too." Carly calls after the maid.

Stavros comes in from the step where he'd waited to see that Jax made the final turn. He shrugs out of his coat and throws it over the chair after looking around for the staff that isn't there.

"I sent her to get get me some tea... and set up brandy in the study."

Stavros grunts. "You should go to bed. I'll handle this."

"I won't say a word." Stavros looks at her in disbelief. "Really. Not a word. But Stavros, don't send me to my room. Been there. Done that. It's not what we're about."

"I am not Sonny Corinthos. Do not compare me to him."

"Then don't act like him." Carly retorts.

"You will not say a word. You will not interfere. This is between me and my sister's husband. One word, Caroline, and there will be consequences."

Carly sidles up next to him rubbing against his arm. "Gonna spank me?" She lifts her brows suggestively making every effort to lighten the mood.

"No, my perverse little cat, you would enjoy that. Not a word while we are in that study. This is your promise." Stavros warns again. Carly makes a motion like zipping her lip and tucking the key in her pocket. Hearing Jax coming up the porch to the front door she turns from Stavros and walks into the study leaving the door open. Before Jax can pound on the door, Stavros opens it. "This way." Stavros turns his back and walks into the study.

Jax slams the door and follows Stavros. The room is lit by only the fire in the fireplace and a single lamp over by the curtained windows. Stavros is already seated in a highback chair near the fire. Carly waves away the maid and takes the brandy from her pouring two snifters. Silently Carly brings one over to Stavros offering it to him and then gives the other to Jax. Jax has observed the pour and hadn't seen any tampering. He takes a sip. Carly steps back from the duo and goes over and pours herself some tea. Picking up the cup and saucer she goes over to the desk and makes herself comfortable behind it. She washes down a couple aspirin and then leans back to enjoy the show. Jax looks uneasily from Stavros then over his shoulder to Carly and then back. Yeah, he'd only had limited contact with Carly Corinthos but her presence and more specifically her silence was making him jumpy. Forcing himself to focus he takes the chair opposite of Stavros. He can't see Carly but figures she is the lessor of his problems. "Where is Alexis... please."

"Before I tell you where Natasha is. We have things to discuss. What are your plans for my sister?"

Jax's jaw drops and he snaps it closed. "I don't see what that has to do with anything."

"I have the right to know how my sister will live, how she will be treated. These are matters that should have been addressed before the marriage by Stefan or Nikolas but we will deal with them now." Carly snorts back a chuckle. Stavros looks at her censoriously. She bites her lip and makes another motion as if zipping her lip but can't help but grinning. This really was going to be fun. "I understand you live in a hotel. This is unsatisfactory. And without staff." Stavros shakes his head. "Privacy, security all need to be addressed. Do you expect my sister to be a serf in her own home? Mr Jacks, you are ill prepared for a wife. Marriage is a serious commitment, not one entered in lightly but never more so than for a Cassadine. We do not divorce you see. Your.. casual attitude to a lifelong commitment distresses me."

"Cut the bull, Cassadine. Just tell me what hoops you want me to jump thru so I can get Alexis back. Gimme the bottom line."

"Very well." Stavros eyes narrow as he considers what would be the appropriate tasks to put before his sister's suitor/husband. "A suitable residence in Port Charles where Natasha can be available to Nikolas; he is fond of your wife for some reason. You will support her in the style suitable for her station. She will not seek employment outside of her marriage but rather be a helpmate to you and a sounding board for my son and family as they may initiate. Natasha will be accompanied at all times by her servant whose wages you will pay but follows only the orders of the Cassadine. You will not seek... comfort outside of your marriage until such time as your line has been assured. She will accompany you on all business until such time as she is with child. Whatever your initial reasons for marrying my sister, it is a real marriage."

"Alexis is a brilliant attorney who loves her job." Jax protests. There is so much to protest but might as well start with that.

"Then I'm sure her informal counsel will prove to be an asset to you. Cassadine women do not work. Their sole priority is their husband and family." Stavros can tell he has Jax dumbstruck and slowly smiles. "If addressing my sister's basic needs are too much for you then walk away, Mr Jacks, and I will continue to care for her as I have these past weeks. This is your opportunity, Mr Jacks. But do not believe that you can mouth assurances to me and then not be held to them."

"Alexis is my wife." Jax tells Stavros what he wants to hear-- what Jax'd been prepared to say, even practiced saying since not finding Alexis on the yacht down in South America.

"Then I will expect to hear from you when you are better prepared. Contact the estate attorneys when you have satisfied my requirements and made arrangements for a renewal of your vows." Stavros rises to his feet ending the discussion. "I will ensure your bride is there. Look on the bright side, brother, it is better to have me as an ally than an enemy. And you really didn't care for your wife's clientele anyway."

Jax stalks out of the chalet slamming the door after him. Carly comes to her feet and applauds and whistles. "Woohooo! And you wanted me to miss that?! You had him on the ropes. I thought you were going to be make him cry it was so good." Stavros slowly grins and starts stalking toward Carly. "What? What? I didn't say a word!" Carly recalls the exact wording of the deal with Stavros. "Un-uh come on that is not fair! It was not a word while Jax was here." Carly starts backing up.

"While it is rude to correct a lady I believe the promise you agreed to was not a word while we were in the study." Stavros corrects as he stalks after Carly who puts the desk between her and Stavros.

Carly fakes right as if heading toward the windows and then races left toward the door. Stavros is not fooled and grabs her from behind by the waist swinging her around as if she was just a child with her feet not touching the ground. Carly grabs hold of his arm and starts laughing at the feeling of flying. "Put me down!"

Stavros sets her down, waiting to be sure her feet are steady beneath her. Then he turns Carly around. He grins at her laughing eyes. "Consequences, my dear. You promised me your silence; now I will ensure it." With that Stavros tilts her head back and presses his lips to hers. Carly parts her lips deepening the kiss. Stavros runs a hand down her side and then with two fingers unfastens the only button of the black silk jacket.

"Stavros..."

"Unless you are telling me either no or Good Night. Then not a word, Caroline." Stavros dares.

Carly looks up at him and then throws her shoulders back, thrusting her chest forward parting the jacket and allowing it to slip down her arms and fall to the floor.

"Are you sure?"

Carly reaches up placing one hand on Stavros heart and the other at the base of his neck. She increases pressure on the back of his neck until he bends down within her reach and she lays a liplock on him that says without words just how sure she is.