*~*3 months later*~*
Dominik bent down and brushed away the fall leaves from the the headstone. He removed the old flowers and carefully placed new ones, with a single white rose on top of the headstone.
Francis Xavier Vitali
He slowly moved to the newer headstones, a great sadness overwhelming him. Tears glistened in his eyes, but a warm presence beside him gave him the strength he needed to do this. Gently he traced the engraved letters, feeling the coarseness of the surface against his cold fingertips.
Danté James Vitali
"I miss you," he whispered, feeling his throat tighten with emotion. Behind him, Sabrina's heart constricted as she lay her hand on his shoulder. The last few years had not been kind to Dominik and the losses he experienced would have broken most.
But Dominik had never been like most. He was something special.
"But you're with Mama and Papa now and I know that all of you are together and happy," he said with a watery smile. His eyes flickered to the headstone beside Danté's.
Theresa Elana Vitali
After Danté and Moreno had passed on, the grief was too much for Theresa to handle and she had slipped away in her sleep a few weeks after her brother and son were placed in the ground.
Sabrina watched with quiet admiration and affection for Dominik as he spoke in hushed tones to his Mother's grave. He was so strong in the face of tragedy and loss.
Perhaps too strong.
The wind picked up suddenly, sending a brisk gust of air at Sabrina. She shivered in response and despite the pangs in her heart at the memory, she was drawn back to the time Dominik had shown her how he handled grief in the past.
"Ready?" his soft voice interrupted her thoughts as he rose.
Sabrina nodded wordlessly, swallowing the lump in her throat. As Dominik turned away, she quickly dabbed the tears that threatened to spill with a crumpled tissue and shoved it back into her pocket.
A glint caught Dominik's eye as he passed Danté's headstone. With a frown, he grabbed the tiny gold pendant that sat at the top of the headstone. Examining it curiously, his eyes darkened with recognition.
"What is it?" Sabrina asked.
"It's a school pin. The school where my brother first met Vincent Tyson," Dominik seethed angrily. "How dare he come here and mourn the man he betrayed." Taking a step away from Sabrina, he clenched his fist around the pin tightly. "If Vincent Tyson is looking for an enemy, he's found one if he continues to disrespect this place with his presence."
A chill ran down Sabrina's spine at Dominik's cold vow. No longer did he sound like a man grieving the loss of his brother.
He sounded like a man bent on revenge, allowing the hate and pain to slowly grow and consume more of him until there was no turning back.
He sounded like Danté.
**************
Harborview Towers-Vincent Tyson's Penthouse Suite
Vincent stared through the bay windows of his study, formerly the study of Sonny Corinthos who'd sold it to him nearly 3 months earlier for a fraction of the price of what is was valued at. Sonny had gone so far as to offer the furniture as well, but Vincent had thrown it all out. It was more of a symbolic gesture than a distaste for Sonny's interior decorating choices. No longer was the warmth of the red tones present in the home, instead it had been replaced by darker, colder colors. Vincent sighed heavily, noting how it reflected the feelings of the new owner.
He'd never found a trace of Tori since she'd originally disappeared. No leads, no amount of monetary rewards drummed up any kind of information. It was as though she'd dropped off the face of the earth. The pain of losing Danté had been difficult, but the unknown whereabouts of Tori and the lengths he'd gone to find her had garnered him a reputation as a man who could make you weep by simply tossing a hard look in your direction. He was respected and feared by those who served him and those who did not. Calmness on the streets had finally been achieved for Port Charles and the mob returned to what it had been once before under Sonny Corinthos's tenure.
Still, Vincent could not let go of the lingering questions and feelings about Tori. He cared for her deeply, perhaps he'd even secretly loved her, but hadn't dared put much thought to it when Danté was in charge.
But things were vastly different now. Certainly there were high points to his new life.
But there were also the devastating lows.
Gone was the comfort of conducting business from the shadows.
Gone was the small joy of having friends you could trust.
Gone was the ability to find love and keep it safe.
Vincent's eyes dropped down to the amber liquid in the crystal glass that was nestled in his right hand. He dipped his head back, swallowing the harsh liquor in one gulp, feeling it burn the length of his throat.
"Time to move on." Still, a nagging suspicion lingered in the back of his mind. The past was not entirely finite. It seemed as if things were just getting started.
**************
New York City-The 4 Seasons Hotel
"This is certainly better than what I expected."
Tori gazed out into the moonlit night and inhaled the air from her 14th floor balcony. She'd been here nearly 4 weeks and still heard nothing from the man who'd made all the arrangements concerning her life for the past 3 months. After recovering from her injuries, she'd been bounced around the East Coast, kept under tight security. She'd waited for Vincent to come bursting in through a door and rescue her but much to her dismay, he never arrived.
And by the looks at the Lifestyles and Gossip column of a local paper, he seemed to be doing quite well without her. She thought bitterly of the picture of him and the 2 beauties who'd escorted him to some soiree a few nights ago. In fact, he seemed to be having the time of his life.
So much for guilt over Danté, she bemused with a shake of her head. So much for many things she was sure she knew Vincent wouldn't do.
"Bastard," she declared to the cold air. If she ever got the opportunity to meet up with him, she'd make him pay for abandoning her.
But rules were rules. No Port Charles contact in any way shape or form, especially when it concerned Vincent Tyson. If she had a nickel for every time the man warned her of the restrictions, she'd be far richer than what he had offered her as added incentive for leaving the country for good.
She'd originally planned on London, but changed her mind after seeing a few pictures of the South of France. Her one way flight was tomorrow night and with the assets given to her and the promise of a luxurious villa waiting for her on the Coast, she was set to start her life over.
Without Vincent.
Within a few minutes, Tori had changed into her Vera Wang, barely there evening attire and was set to go spend her evening in the hotel dining area. The man had allowed her to leave her room, but just this once. Tori glanced at herself in the full length mirror and grinned hungrily. One last night. She'd make it worth her while.
The ringing of her cell phone interrupted her sensuous plans, much to her chagrin. "What?" she snapped into the phone.
"Perhaps you'd like to rephrase that," came cold voice. Tori tensed immediately.
"Sorry, I'm just ready to head downstairs," she apologized quickly.
There was a pause before the man spoke again. "Remember the rules," he started before Tori cut in irritably.
"What happens to me if I don't?" she challenged. Another pause came before there was a throaty chuckle on the other end that sent chills down Tori's spine.
"Enjoy your evening. Be ready to leave by mid afternoon tomorrow."
There was a click as the man hung up. Tori placed the receiver gently into the cradle with a shiver. She'd pushed him when she shouldn't have. She knew better. She wasn't dealing with anyone ordinary, she knew that already, but there was something more about this man that she couldn't quite place. She'd never been so terrified or intrigued in her entire life until she'd stared into the blackness of his eyes. She'd gotten the message loud and clear the first time.
Do. Not. Touch.
"Don't worry, he knows you were just messing around," she assured herself aloud as she stepped out of her room, slipping the key card into her purse. It didn't take long for the moment on the phone to pass as Tori was escorted to her seat in the ritzy dining lounge by the handsome host. She flashed a flirty smile his way before perusing the menu, taking a few sips of the chilled water. With a busy crowd, she knew it wouldn't be long before she reeled in a catch.
"Is this seat taken?"
Tori felt the tingle run down her spine in response to the sultry voice that asked the question, surprised at how quickly it came. With expert precision, she turned her head to examine her prize. With a gasp, her mouth went dry as she feasted her eyes on the specimen before her. Drop dead gorgeous was an understatement. He flashed her a dazzling smile and gracefully took the seat across from her. Her eyes roved over him, examining every aspect she could see without appearing too obvious. Clad in what looked like tailor made Armani, he definitely didn't leave much to her imagination. He was a powerful man, that she was sure of. Her mouth went dry as her gaze locked onto his.
"Hello," she managed, trying to appear nonchalant.
Her guest smiled, the gesture making her heart beat faster than its already rapid pace. She felt a deep flush creeping into her cheeks but it could not be compared to the white heat that was building within her. Only a few seconds had passed and already she was prepared to pounce him right now.
"You are?" he asked, his voice trailing off.
"Tori," she supplied. "And you?"
The guest leaned forward, sweeping her hand in his and brought it up to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against it. Another gasp escaped Tori's lips.
"Joseph Sorel. I know you Tori, and I know all the wonderful things you and I can do together."
His eyes sparkled a challenge that seemed to hypnotize Tori. She found that even if she wanted to, she couldn't say no. He paused before speaking again. "Starting tonight."
******************
*~*3 more months later*~*
6 months.
6 long months since the days of Danté Vitali and his girlfriend Tori passed. 6 long months since Anthony Moreno met the fate he had promised to others.
And 6 long months since he'd made an oath to Dara that he'd changed.
Just as he'd thought that early morning 6 months ago, it had been hard. The sessions with Kevin Collins had not been easy ones, but Sonny had gotten through them, knowing that Dara was on the other side of the office doorway, ready to offer him an encouraging smile as he emerged after each appointment.
She'd been there when the doctors told him he'd never walk properly again, that he'd have to use a cane for the remainder of his life. She'd held his hand tightly and cried with him when they were alone.
She never gave up on him, even when he had. She'd come to the physiotherapy sessions, always smiling, always giving him the energy, the belief he needed to press on even as the tears of arduous pain streamed down his face.
And with each hard earned step he took, the deep emotional wounds within him began to slowly heal, allowing him for once, to see the brightness of his future.
He had changed.
So had Dara.
No longer was she a woman who held herself as if she'd been cold her entire life. She allowed her arms to open wide and accept what each day brought her. If Sonny had the courage, then she would too. Life would be a wonderful journey that she would not shy away from anymore.
And as each day passed, the bond that Sonny and Dara had created strengthened and their renewed love for each other deepened to a place neither had ever been before.
So it was no surprise to either when late one night, after an evening at the theatre and dinner at Dara's favorite restaurant, they found themselves on the brink of the next step in their relationship, uncertainties and nervous anticipation swirling around them.
*~*
I feel you
Your sun it shines
I feel you
Within my mind
*~*
With a trembling hand, Dara took Sonny's and led him to a place she'd taken no man before. Pushing open the door, they entered her bedroom, a place Dara had considered her private sanctuary from the mind numbing chaos of life.
A sanctuary she now wanted to share.
Sonny took in a slow breath, his lungs expanding to welcome the peace that this place had given Dara. "It feels wonderful in here," he commented softly. The serenity of the room almost frightened him, but as Dara's had squeezed his, he knew that nothing could hurt him here.
*~*
You take me there
You take me where
The kingdom comes
You take me to
And lead me through Babylon
*~*
With grace and care, they undressed each other, as if wrapped up in a cloak of timelessness. It was not a means to an end, but a soul searching desire to caress what they had not touched in so long.
As if being in the presence of something so fragile it might break, their hands danced along planes of hot flesh, remembering the contours of a physique they knew all too well. Soft moans tore from the back of their throats as the familiar stirring of need began to swell from within.
A prelude to the beautiful dance their love would make.
Sonny's mouth desired everything. Placing one hand at the small of her back, his lips left soft imprints as it trailed along Dara's lithe frame. The hollow of her neck, the softness of her collarbone and to her ample breasts. His tongue darted out, tasting the smooth flesh until his teeth clamped onto its peak. A sigh passed through Dara's lips as Sonny nibbled gently, occasionally tugging on the hardened nipple before bathing it with a feathery lick. Soon, the other breast cried out for attention and Sonny responded, Dara's sighs now turned to whimpers of satisfaction.
Dara's fingers dug into Sonny's shoulders as he knelt down, his tongue lazily moving down to her stomach. Placing a gentle kiss against the warmth, his eyes rose to greet hers.
"Your beauty," he whispered, tears glistening as his hand rested gently against the distended abdomen. Dara smiled down at him, the look of pure adoration in his eyes moved her so tremendously that she carefully sat down against the side of the bed, not wanting to fall.
"Our beauty," she replied just as quietly as he rose. "We created it together."
*~*
This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love
*~*
Ever so gently, he picked her up and placed her in the middle of the bed, his mouth descending on hers in what was the first of many searing kisses they would share that night. Again his lips sought out her touch, this time an urge built into each kiss. Dara responded with the same urgency and now, they began to respond to the feverish hunger they craved. Dara's fingers reached down, kneading the hard flesh of Sonny's chest. She gently tweaked his nipples, the gesture eliciting a sharp intake of breath from both before her mouth claimed one and then the other as she suckled, hearing Sonny's raspy breath as she teased and pulled. His hands clutched onto her as her tongue dipped lower and bathed slow circles around his belly button, her hand clasping his aroused member. Sonny arched his back, letting out a shuddering breath.
*~*
I feel you
Your heart it sings
I feel you
The joy it brings
*~*
Few words needed to be spoken. It seemed as though their souls had joined long ago and did not find any reason to do much more than what their hearts desired.
Sonny's tongue began a slow descent down her frame, but he did not stop until he reached the entrance of her cavern. He inhaled the intoxicating juices which beckoned him eagerly. He pressed gentle kisses along the inside of her thighs, feeling her quiver at his touch.
Sonny raised himself back up to where Dara lay back. With excruciation precision, his mouth and tongue danced to a tune only Dara could hear. After a few minutes, Sonny paused, his face creasing with apprehension.
"What?" Dara's hand cupped the side of his face.
"Tonight, I'm going to love you," he promised.
"I know," she replied with a gentle smile.
"No," he insisted, "I'm going to love you. Really love you."
The serious declaration stopped Dara and she sucked in her breath as his eyes glittered ferociously. Instinctively, her hands clutched onto the bedspread, bracing herself for whatever Sonny delivered.
Sonny smiled as he felt her tense momentarily. He was nervous too. Never before had he done this for a woman. He had been a selfish lover in the past, never giving the woman he was with what she truly desired.
Freedom.
Delirious freedom.
As Sonny's cheek grazed along the triangle of her soft curls, he knew that he would not fail her.
She had his heart and he knew she would never let it go.
Just as he would never relinquish hers.
Gently his tongue caressed the outer folds of skin, the touch making Dara jerk with unhinged approval. Slowly, the tip pushed past the folds, entering her hot moist center, searching for the jewel in the crown. Dara's chest heaved as his tongue darted in and out, teasing her in a torture she didn't want to stop.
*~*
Where heaven waits
Those golden gates
And back again
You take me to
And lead me through oblivion
*~*
Tears sprang forward, trailing down the sides of Dara's face as Sonny found the pearl he'd been seeking. He knew. He knew her so well it made her weep with joy. Ever so slightly, his tongue began to rub the nub. Dara let out a cry of intense pleasure and her hands released the sheets and grabbed the back of Sonny's head, pressing him further within her. Sonny continued his dance as he teased, licked, tugged and even nipped every once in a while until Dara's body began to tremble violently as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her and her juices poured out. Her eyes flew open and flicks of light entered her view, mesmerizing her as she trembled in his arms.
*~*
This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love
*~*
Sonny rolled onto his back, pulling Dara on top of him. Her mouth crashed down on his, demanding from him what they both wanted. She licked the still fresh juices from his lips, a thrill rushing through her as she tasted herself. These were the things she knew he did to push her a little closer to an ecstasy all her own. Her fingers ran down his sweat soaked body before she lifted herself above him. As she lowered herself onto his shaft, she saw his eyes flicker, matching the deep groan that emerged from him.
With the love they had nurtured, their fingers laced together as their bodies became one. In unison, they began to slowly rock, savoring the feel of their joining, the spine tingling friction they created as they began to move with increased speed.
*~*
I feel you
Your precious soul
And I am whole
I feel you
Your rising sun
My kingdom comes
*~*
With each thrust, a part of Sonny began to unlock. He could feel the same in Dara as she bucked against him wildly, pushing him deeper inside her. Their pace increased even further, their delighted cries becoming the music to which they moved. In the sanctuary of a room both had come to treasure, they raced towards the bright light of earth shattering jubilation. Sonny screamed for Dara as Dara screamed for him as they tore along the path.
*~*
I feel you
Each move you make
I feel you
Each breath you take
*~*
And it was at the edge of sanity, that with one final crashing of the thunderous wave each brought, that they shed the last of their fears and dove with a deafening roar into the endlessness of freedom.
Together.
*~*
Where angels sing
And spread their wings
My love's on high
You take me home
To glory's throne
By and by
*~*
It was a prophecy of things to come.
*~*
This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love
*~*
And as they drifted off into blissful sleep, they knew that tonight had confirmed what they had known all along.
They were home.
And never, would they ever leave.
******************
Port Charles Harbour-Helena's Yacht
"Madam? I have the wine you selected chilling, I'll turn down the bed, "Andreas called seductively as he began to pull back the sheets of the fine Chinese fabric.
"Excellent. Pour it out, I shall be ready in a moment!" Helena replied with a throaty chuckle of delight. She never tired of Andreas's endless desire to romance her. Despite missing Ari from time to time, she never regretted removing him. Betrayal was fatal in her world. Helena carefully removed the teardrop earrings and placed them on the vanity table, suddenly struck by how dark it had gotten in the room.
She barely had time to move before she'd been thrown up against the wall, pinned a second later by her attacker. A flash caught her eye as the knife was expertly placed against her neck. With wide eyes, she finally was able to look at who had dared to enter her home like this.
But she was not prepared for the cold eyes that bore into her clear blue ones. She gasped with genuine fear, and he smiled icily as she shivered against him.
"Hello Helena," the man hissed. "You had not planned on a moment like this, had you?" His eyes flashed, daring her to respond.
Helena swallowed painfully, finding her throat parched. Even attempting to gain leverage would result in death. "No, I had not," she admitted evenly.
The man chuckled, his lips thinning with anger. "I discovered the truth long ago and now I have all that I need in the palm of my hand. You have never been on the receiving end of my wrath, but you will," he promised darkly, pressing the cool steel against her pale skin.
"Madam!" came Andreas's horrified cry as he rounded the corner. He'd not taken one step towards her before the sound of a hammer being pulled into place stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Not so fast," came a gruff order as he pressed the cold barrel against the back of Andreas's neck. Andreas complied, wondering who these two strangers were and what did they want?
"It's alright Andreas," Helena soothed him as she glared menacingly at the young captor who stood behind Andreas. A curious thought entered her mind. She recognized this man, very faintly, but from where she wasn't sure.
"Thank you Jace. Now I can issue you my warning," the man said coldly, his gaze capturing Helena's attention once again. "You will leave Port Charles and return to Greece. You will never return and you will never touch another soul with your poison. Do you understand me?" he growled fiercely.
Helena nodded quickly, but her face held the unmistakable glare of a woman who did not intend to go so quietly. The man laughed and shook his head.
"I know you Helena, I know what you're capable of, but do not press me on this matter. You know me and you know what I am capable of."
With a short nod, he and Jace left the yacht, leaving the two captors shaking, their warning still fresh in their minds.
"Madam, are you alright? Who was that vile creature?" Andreas spat as he led her to the bed. Helena's eyes glittered murderously. Her lips pressed together tightly as the brief encounter ran through her mind over and over again.
"Madam?"
"Get me a file!" Helena spat out suddenly, catching Andreas off guard. He nodded quickly. "On who Madam?" he queried nervously. He'd never seen her like this before. She seemed almost possessed with a seed of deep hatred radiating from her.
"Castor Vasileios."
Helena's voice was tight and firm. The words rolled off her tongue as though she'd had spent her entire life rehearsing them for this moment. Andreas nodded again, jotting the name down on a note pad. "Of course Madam, but who was that man? What shall I do to him?" he asked, eager to seek revenge on her behalf.
That was Castor Vasileios!" Helena shouted with irritation. With a huff, she stalked out onto the deck, taking in deep breaths to calm herself. "I'm sorry Andreas. It's painful for me to discuss this."
Andreas joined her at the railing, allowing a few minutes of silence to pass before he spoke again.
"Who is Castor Vasileios Madam?"
Helena turned slowly, the haunted expression on her face sending a chill down Andreas's spine.
"Castor Vasileios," she started, her voice trembling, "Castor Vasileios is my brother."
Song used-I feel you by Depeche Mode