Part One

“Why Luis? Why did you come all the way to Paris? To show me this,” she said. Pointing at the piece of paper in her hands. A piece of paper she refused to believe. Sure, Jean-Luc was a jerk. But she didn’t believe for a moment he was involved in what Luis suggested. A drug ring. “A phone call would have sufficed.”

“Well…you see. There was a little problem with that method seeing as you hung up on me!” he yelled in exasperation. “You hung up on me and blocked all my calls. What else was I supposed to do? Let you die?”

Her blue eyes flashed dangerously, and she tapped her finger against her chin as if in thought. “Um…I don’t know. Maybe called the police, Supercop,” she jeered.

“You are impossible. You know what? I don’t know why I wasted my hard-earned savings buying a ticket to fly over here. You are too stubborn to listen to a word I’m saying.”

“Oh the nerve! You calling me stubborn. Why you…you…ugh! Why don’t you go back to where you came from? As you can see, Officer,” she sneered, “I am perfectly fine. I don’t need you interfering where you’re not wanted or needed,” she spat. Getting right in his face.

“You are S-T-U-B-B-O-R-N! Even if I’m way off base here, what’s the harm in being a little more careful? Until you know for sure your life’s not in danger. What do you have? Some death wish?” he asked incredulously.

His words struck her dumb. But only for a moment. “For your information, the only wish I have is not to see your face. Ever again. You’re just like the rest of them. Users. No-good, dirty users. Pretending to be interested in me when all you wanted…”

“What?” he asked. Grabbing her by the arms and shaking her lightly. “What did I want, Sheridan? How did I use you? I thought I told you I wasn’t like those other men. The ones who hurt you. Where is this coming from? Be honest with me, dammit.”

She looked into his eyes in surprise. He almost sounded sincere. Like he had never said such hateful things about her. Such hurtful words. Almost. The memory of the pain she felt hearing him brag about how easy it’d been to fool her still stung. It was still too raw. “Why should I be honest with you? When all you’ve done is feed me a bunch of lies? Go back to Harmony, Luis,” she pleaded in a strained voice. All her heart wanted her to do was beg him to stay. Convince her he didn’t mean it. It was all a mistake. A misunderstanding.

He looked at her. Really looked at her. And saw the sadness in her eyes. For the life of him, he couldn't figure out what had put it there. He wanted to know. So he could fix it. Make things better between them. Somewhere in the farthest reaches of his heart, he knew he couldn't live with himself if he let her walk out of his life forever. But what good would that do when she could barely stand him? "Sheridan, tell me. What did I do? Please. I need to know what I did to cause you so much pain," he whispered. His grip on her upper arms loosening. He reached up a hand to wipe away the tear that slipped down her cheek. He hated to see her cry.

She closed her eyes. Willing her emotions not to get the better of her. She wanted so much to throw herself into his arms. Pretend that night never happened. She could almost believe...But her father's and Julian's words echoed in her brain. They'd warned her. And she hadn't listened. She wasn't going to give him another chance to make a fool out of her. With new resolve, she made her decision. "You don't need an explanation because you already know what you did. Cut the innocent act, Luis," she said. Yanking her arm from his hold. "I never want to see you again," she lied. And turned her back on him. Running again.

Her words stung, but he couldn't just leave her. Not until he was sure she wasn't in any danger. He followed after her. Almost losing her in the crowd. Something didn't feel right. The hair on the back of his neck stood up as he scanned the surroundings. Looking for the source of his unease. His dark eyes catching the sunlight glinting off metal. He barely had time to register what was happening before the first shot rang out. "Sheridan!" he screamed frantically.

Panic rose in her heart at the sound. "Luis!" Her screams were lost in the rush. As people scrambled to get to safety. She turned around. Her eyes desperately searching for him. All she could think of were her words from just seconds ago. It was a lie. The biggest lie of her life. And she was afraid she'd never get to tell him that. "Luis!" she cried. Then he was there. In front of her. And she threw her arms around him. "Oh, Luis."

"Come on," he said. Taking her hand and pulling her after him. "We've got to get out of here." She didn't argue. Didn't complain as they ran down an alley. Hoping to find some escape. Somewhere to hide. They ran. Not stopping until the terrible scene was far behind them.

"I think we've lost them, Luis. Don't you?" she asked. Stopping in her tracks. And it was then she noticed the paleness of his face. He clutched his abdomen in pain and staggered forward. Her eyes widened in horror as she watched him move his hands away. "Oh my god! Luis!" she exclaimed. Rushing to his side to support him. "No," she cried as he slumped against her. This isn't happening, she tried to convince herself as she stared at her hands. "No," she sobbed as she stared at her blood covered hands.

Part Two

“Sheridan,” he gasped. His face pale. Sweat on his brow. “Get out of here,” he said. Imploring her with his eyes to listen. For once. She could still be in danger. His gut told him she was the intended victim of the shooter. And that shooter couldn’t be too far behind. “Now. Before they catch up with us.”

“Who Luis? Before who catches up with us? If you think I’m leaving you here, alone, you must be out of your mind, Officer. No. I’m not leaving,” she said. Brushing her knuckles tenderly across his cheek. Resisting the powerful urge to kiss him. Throw herself into his arms.

He stared into her blue eyes. His own brown eyes filled with confusion. “Why go through all the trouble for me?” he asked. “A ‘user’. You said yourself you never wanted to see me again. So why the sudden change of heart?” he asked. Clutching her hand and refusing to let it go. Willing her to look at him. Give him some clue to what she was really feeling. She was a complete mystery to him.

She couldn’t do it. Couldn’t look him in the eye. There was only one reason for her actions. And she wasn’t ready to admit it to herself. If she did, she was afraid all her hard work would be for nothing. All her carefully constructed walls would crumble. Fall to the ground. And there’d she be. Once again with a man who was only using her. She couldn’t take that chance again. How many times could a heart shatter before it was impossible to put it back together again? She took a wavering breath. “Don’t flatter yourself, Luis. I’m not cruel. It’s not in my nature to do what you’re suggesting.”

He released the breath he’d been holding. She was lying. Not telling him the whole story. He could feel it. Tell it. He grabbed her chin. Forcing her to look him in the eye. “I’m on to you, Princess. You can’t lie to me forever. I’m a pretty persistent man.” She jerked her chin from his grasp and moved away from him. Determined to put some distance between them. She couldn't think clearly when he was touching her. She gasped in surprise when he pulled her back against him into the shadows and covered her mouth with his hand. Every muscle in his body tense. Her blue eyes searched his for answers. Filling with fright when she heard it. The sound of a gun being cocked.

She trembled in his arms. Not daring to breath. He removed his hand from her mouth and put a finger to his lips. Signaling her to keep quiet. She nodded her head. Slipping her hand into his and squeezing it tightly. Praying they wouldn't be found. They heard two men conversing. In French. She looked to Luis in surprise. They were after her. The realization that Luis was telling the truth made her feel faint, and she sagged against him. Issuing a relieved sigh when the two gunmen finally gave up. Leaving them. Safe for now. "They were after me," she whispered. A look of astonishment on her pretty features. "Why Luis?"

He shook his head and took her hand in his. "Not now, Sheridan. We don't have time for this. We don't want to take the chance they'll come back. You know Paris better than I do. Think. Do you know of any place where we'll be safe? Somewhere I can see a doctor?" he asked. His tired eyes boring into hers.

She tugged her hand free. Running a hand through her golden curls. Where could they go? Where would they be safe? Luis needed to see a doctor. Soon. But they couldn't go to a hospital. She racked her brain for possibilities. Solutions to their current dilemma. "Marie!" she said excitedly. "She and I roomed together at boarding school. She has an apartment here in the city. Her husband is a doctor, Luis. They'll help us. I know they will. Come on, Luis. The appartment's not far from here."

He stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Sheridan. Wait. Are you absolutely certain you can trust this woman? And her husband? Are you sure they won't ask questions? We need to keep a low profile. At least until I'm sure you're out of danger. I can't be much help to you like this," he said.

Her eyes drifted down to the spreading crimson stain on his shirt, and she was reminded again why time was of the essence. Marie had been the closest thing to a friend she had had her entire time spent at boarding school. She was positive she could be trusted. But Jacques...Jacques she wasn't so sure about. She shook those thoughts from her head. It would have to do. They had no other choice. "Marie won't let anything happen to us, Luis. I trust her," she said. Easing an arm around his waist. Aiding him as they emerged from the shadows. If Luis noticed her failure to qualify Jacques as someone that could be trusted, he failed to indicate it. She sighed in relief. She wasn't altogether sure what to expect. But right now...she'd take her chances.

Part Three

She smiled slightly in Luis’s direction as she raised a shaking hand to the door. Taking a deep breath and knocking. Please, Marie, she thought. Please be home. She couldn’t deal with Jacques alone. He set her nerves on edge. She couldn’t explain it. But she had a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with his treatment of Marie’s four-year-old daughter. Catherine. Her god-daughter. He was so…indifferent towards her. Almost cold. Truthfully, she’d never understood what Marie saw in him. He wasn’t even a good father figure. And if there was love there, she’d never witnessed it. She took a deep breath. Trying to will the disconcerting thoughts out of her head. Glancing once more Luis’s way. The opening of the door startling her. “Catherine,” she smiled.

“Sheri!” Catherine squealed. Launching herself into Sheridan’s arms. Squeezing her neck tight. And jabbering a mile a minute. Sheridan laughed at the look on Luis’s face. Sobering at the look on Catherine’s face when she discovered they were not alone. “Sheri?” she whispered. Her green eyes widening at the sight of the blood on Luis’s shirt. Her little body tensing with apprehension.

“Catherine! Who is at the door?” Marie yelled. Stopping in her tracks when she lay eyes on her childhood friend. “Sheri!” she exclaimed. Kissing Sheridan’s cheek. “I didn’t know you were Paris. What a pleasant surprise! Oh,” she gasped. A hand covering her mouth. "You're not alone," she said. Studying Luis curiously. Her face paling when she saw the blood on his shirt. "What happened?"

"Marie, can we discuss this inside?" Sheridan asked. "Someplace more private," she said. Nodding at the elderly woman walking slowly down the hall. Trying to be inconspicuous. And failing miserably. It was the third time in as many minutes she had walked past them.

"Of course," she said. Ushering them inside and shutting the door behind them. "Catherine," she smiled brightly. "Why don't you go in your room and draw Sheri one of your masterpieces? I'm sure she'd like one to go with the picture of her you drew last summer," she said. Tucking a loose dark curl behind her daughter's ear. Catherine eyed Luis with suspicion for several seconds. Then smiled at him. "I hope you feel better soon, Monsieur."

The smile on Marie's face faded as soon as Catherine was out of sight. "Sheri, what is going on here? Who is this man?" she asked. Indicating Luis. "And who shot him? Why is he with you?" she finished breathlessly. Her dark eyes searching Sheridan's.

Sheridan took a deep breath before speaking. "His name is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. He's a...friend...from Harmony. You remember. The small town I grew up in," pausing to let Marie digest the information. "Luis came across some information linking Jean-Luc...linking Jean-Luc with a drug ring. He tried to warn me over the phone that I might be in danger, but I refused to listen to him. I wouldn't take his calls," she confessed. Her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "So he flew to Paris to warn me. Only I ignored him again. Until someone shot at me. They shot at me, Marie, but they hit Luis instead. He needs help," she said. "I'm sorry," she said. Lowering her head. "He needs help, and I couldn't think of anywhere else to go. We shouldn't have come here."

"Sheri," Marie said softly. Taking Sheridan's hands in her own and squeezing them reassuringly. "I'm your friend. Don't think that way. You did the right thing. Luis," she said kindly. "My husband Jacques is a doctor. He can help you. And in the meantime," she said. Returning her gaze to Sheridan. "You and Luis can hide out here. Luis can have the spare bedroom you usually stay in, Sheri. And you can stay in Catherine's room with her."

"No!" Luis said suddenly. Making them both jump. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "But until I know for sure there's no more threat on Sheridan's life, she's staying with me," he said. Not even flinching at Sheridan's shocked expression. "No arguments," he warned when Sheridan opened her mouth. "I'm not letting you out of my sight," he said. His mouth set in a grim line. Not breaking his gaze with Sheridan. A slight smile coming over his lips at the fire in her blue eyes. She was going to fight him every step of the way.

Part Four

“Ugh! Can you believe the nerve of that man? I swear…if Jacques hadn’t have walked through that door…I would have…Argh!” Sheridan huffed. “Marie!” she exclaimed. Staring at the shimmering blue gown in her hands. “Don’t you have anything else? Anything less…revealing? I can’t wear THIS. I can’t,” she said. Thrusting the satin gown back into Marie’s hands. “That jerk in there,” she said with a nod of her head, “might get the wrong idea.”

“Sheri,” Marie said. An amused smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “That man is so out of it right now…he doesn’t know you from his mother. Luis doesn’t strike me as the type to come on to his own mother, non? Your worries are silly, Sheri. The drugs Jacques gave him…let’s just say your friend will feel no pain,” she laughed. “Besides,” she continued, “I don’t think he’s a jerk at all. He saved your life, Sheri. That has to count for something.”

The look in Sheridan’s blue eyes softened. But only momentarily. “He saved my life because it’s his job, Marie. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald has no personal interest in me,” came her muffled retort as she slipped the gown over her head. “So you can stop it with those looks. And secret smiles. Luis has an image to protect as one of Harmony’s finest. That’s all. Now,” she said. Kissing Marie’s cheek. “I’m off to wish Catherine good night. Good night, Marie,” she whispered. Studying Marie’s dark eyes. “I know you mean well. But please. For me. Let it go.”

“Okay,” Marie sighed defeatedly. “If you insist. But Sheri,” she said with a shake of her dark head. “Sheri, you’re lying to yourself. And Luis.” You can’t keep it up forever. You’ve finally met your match. Someone just as stubborn as you. And you’re more afraid to trust yourself than you are him. Wake up, Sheri. The man has more than a passing interest in you. You are so much more than a job to him. How she wished she had the courage to say those words aloud to her friend. But as long a day as she’d had, Sheridan’s had been even longer. “Tell Catherine I’ll be in to read her a bedtime story later. I’m going to check on Jacgues and Luis.”

She met Jacques outside the door to the guest room. “How is he?” she asked. Looking past his shoulder to where Luis lay. The lamp casting a soft glow over his features. Peaceful in slumber. “Jacques?” she repeated. “Is he okay?” Jacques ignored her. Stalking off in the direction of their bedroom. She followed him silently. Cringing when he practically slammed the door behind her. Bracing herself for whatever happened next. In a quiet voice, she asked a third time. “Is Luis going to be alright?”

“Luis?” Jacques said. Acid in his tone. “Luis is it? Tell me, Marie, what right do you have to open our home to a complete stranger?” he asked. His arms stretched wide, motioning to their surroundings. His mouth set into a tight line. “I thought I told you your friend,” he said with barely disguised disgust, “wasn’t welcome here. Anymore. That extends to the people with her, you understand?” he ground out. Grabbing her by the arms and pulling her to her feet.

“You just don’t like Sheridan because she sees you for what you are,” Marie hissed. “You’re nothing but a bastard, Jacques. I don’t know why I married you in the first place. You don’t care about me. And I think disdain is the kindest word I can use for your feelings for Catherine. And Jacques…Sheridan is my friend. I know you don’t understand the meaning of the word, but I do. That means when she needs help, I do whatever I can to aid her. Luis saved her life today. I think the least I could do was extend my home to him. Help him in whatever way I could to repay him. It is MY home, after all, Jacques. You may have the upper hand on a lot of things in this marriage, but not this one. It’s my home. So…if you have a problem with what goes on within these walls, get out. NOW!” she shouted. Wincing as his grip on her arms tightened. Then he released her. Throwing her back down on the bed.

He took his suitcase out of the closet and started opening drawers. Emptying them. Hurling the clothes in the case in anger. “I’m going to stay…I’m just getting out of here for a few days,” he said. “And when I get back…those two,” he said. Pointing down the hall toward the guest room, “better be out of here. I mean it, Marie. And you’re right,” he shot back over his shoulder as he opened the door and strode down the hall, “this is your home. But other than that, you are nothing without me. Nothing. Where would you be now if I hadn’t have walked into your life all those years ago? Hmm? Non,” he said. Caressing her cheek with the back of his hand. Smiling evilly when she shied away from his touch. “I didn’t think you’d want to revisit that time in your life. So you see, cherie? You’re stuck with me. This home is the only thing that you will ever call your own again. Oh…and that little brat of yours, too. Her father was smarter than you think, Marie. He knew what he was doing when he abandoned you both. He knew all along,” he laughed as she slammed the door in his face.

Sheridan quietly slipped the door to the guest room shut. Her heart in her throat at what she had just overheard. She closed her eyes against the tears. She’d felt all along Jacques was as false as they came. But she’d tried to squelch those feelings. For Marie and Catherine’s sakes. Now, instead of the triumph she’d always thought she’d feel when proven right, she only felt heartache. For her friend and her goddaughter. How could he say such things? Jacques did NOT possess a heart in that miserable body of his. She was now sure of it. She swiped at the tears on her cheeks. Exhaustion invading every cell in her body as she walked over to the bed and crawled under the cool sheets. She propped herself up on her elbow and watched Luis. Reassuring herself that he was indeed okay. She ran her fingers through his dark hair tenderly as she watched the rise and fall of his chest. Then she kissed his forehead sweetly with a sigh. And turned around. Shutting her blue eyes. To the world. To all the pain. Not seeing Luis’s dark eyes open once he was sure she no longer watched. Not hearing his soft whisper full of longing. “Sheridan.”

Part Five

He scarcely dared to breathe. She felt too good in his arms. If this was the last time he’d ever hold her..he wanted to make it last. Her golden hair tickled his chin with every breath he took. Her hand lay over his heart. Appropriate, he thought as he stared up at the ceiling. Willing his mind to overrule his heart. Because if he followed the yearnings of his heart, there’d be no turning back. He trailed his fingertips up and down her silky back in feather-soft strokes. Stilling his movements when she sighed contentedly in his arms. Snuggling deeper into his embrace. How had they ended up in this predicament, he wondered as he remembered the night before. Her tears. The distance she’d put between them. He didn’t know what to make of the woman in his arms. He wanted so much to understand her. Erase all her past hurts. With a pang, he realized he wanted to do this. Hold her in his arms. Every day for the rest of his life.

Without thinking, he placed a kiss to the top of her head. Breathing in the scent of her hair with a sigh. Give it up, Luis, his mind reasoned. You’ve finally met someone more stubborn than yourself. But his heart wasn’t listening when he found himself gazing into her sleepy blue eyes. Devoid of all the hurt. The pain. For the time being. She said nothing. Only stared at him. And he could no more fight what happened next than he could stop the sun from shining. He traced the contours of her beautiful face. As if memorizing them. Lovingly. He felt the breath leave his lungs as he watched her blue eyes change hues right before his very eyes. Her lips were a whisper against his as he delved his hands into her hair. Pulling her closer.

He rolled them over. Never breaking the tentative connection they shared. Brushing his lips along the line of her cheek. Feathering kisses tenderly across her brow. Her closed eyes. “Sheridan,” he whispered as she slipped her arms around his neck. “Sheridan. Look at me,” he pleaded. Threading his fingers through hers. “I have to know,” he said softly. Her eyes were cloudy with confusion and something else as she tried to make sense of his request. No, dammit, he cursed inwardly as he realized she was doing it again. Shutting herself off to him. And her feelings. Whatever they were. “Please, don’t do this again,” he whispered. His brown eyes shut tight against the reality. She didn’t trust him. That’s what it boiled down to. She slid her hands from his grasp. Turning her back on him. Again. He pounded his pillow in frustration as she silently left the room. Startled when he heard a tiny curious voice. “Do you love Sheri?”

He looked up. Beckoning her forward. Catherine’s green eyes studied him warily. She clutched her rugged old teddy bear in her arms like it was a talisman. Luis couldn’t help it. He couldn’t stop the laughter that was bubbling up within him . “I thought you decided you liked me,” he teased. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Catherine giggled. “Oui,” she answered. Coming to a stop right in front of him. “Does it hurt anymore?” she asked. Reaching out a tentative hand and touching the white bandage. “Oh, that,” Luis said. “Not too much. Your Papa made it all better.” The smile on Catherine’s sweet face faded and her entire face fell. “Hey,” Luis said. Tipping her chin up with his fingers. “That’s a great looking bear you have there. What’s her name?” “HIS name,” Catherine giggled at the feigned look of astonishment on Luis’s face. “He has lots of names,” she said. “Well…aren’t you going to tell me one? What? No?!?! Why not?” “Okay,” she said. Leaning up on tiptoe and whispering in his ear. “But you got to promise not to tell anyone,” she said solemnly. “You promise?” “Promise,” he swore. Grabbing her and tickling her tummy. Making her squeal helplessly.

“You didn’t answer my question,” she said sometime later. As they lay back against the pillows watching the rising sun make patterns on the wall. He was amazed she remembered. He was just amazed with her. Period. “Well…are you?” she singsonged. And it was funny. He could lie to everyone else. Hell, he’d even lied to himself. But he couldn’t look into her green eyes and deny it. Not outright anyway. “I don’t know,” he settled. Tugging at one of her dark curls. “You do,” she giggled with an impish grin. Bolting off the bed and running down the hall. He just held his head in his hands and groaned. Muttering under his breath. “Am I THAT transparent?” Cursing when another voice intruded on his private thoughts. “It’s clear to everyone but the one you love,” Marie sighed. Settling down on the bed beside him. “Wipe that shocked look off your face, Monsieur. Don’t even try to deny it. Especially after what happened this morning.” “She told you,” he said. “Why so surprised, Luis? I am her friend. And she needs one terribly right now. Our Sheri is so confused. And it’s all because of you.” “She isn’t the only one,” Luis laughed. Mirthlessly. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand what makes Sheridan Crane tick.”

Part Six

“No,” Catherine giggled from her seat on the kitchen counter. Huffing in exasperation as another dark curl escaped from the ribbon in her hair. “That’s not how you do it, Sheri. You put that in first,” she said. “Catherine,” Sheridan laughed in amazement. “How did you get so smart?” Adding the rest of the ingredients in the mixing bowl. In proper order, of course. Sheridan rested her forehead against her goddaughter’s and gazed into her green eyes. Catherine looped her arms around Sheridan’s neck. “Je ne sais pas,” she said with a quirk of an eyebrow. She wrapped her little legs around Sheridan’s waist as she lifted her in the air. And they began dancing. Twirling around and around until they were dizzy. Breathless. The sound of their laughter floated in the air. “Sheri, Sheri,” Catherine squealed. “Stop. Please. I’m dizzy,” she giggled. Green eyes sparkling.

“Oh, Catherine,” Sheridan smiled. “You’re my favorite goddaughter. You know that?” “But Sheri…I’m your ONLY goddaughter.” “C’est vrai,” Marie laughed. Entering the room with a smile. “Glad to see you’re feeling better,” she whispered as she hugged Sheridan close. The light in Sheridan’s eyes dimmed as she remembered. She’d almost made a terrible mistake. Almost let Luis back into her heart. She couldn’t let that happen again. “So…” Marie said. Changing the subject in an effort to bring back the earlier lighthearted atmosphere. “Should I be afraid, Catherine?” she asked her daughter with a wink. “I’m offended,” Sheridan huffed in mock indignation. “Look. At least this time your neighbors down the hall aren’t beating down the door afraid the apartment’s on fire. I had help from this wonderful little chef here,” she said. Tweaking Catherine’s nose and setting her back on her feet.

Luis watched the whole exchange unnoticed. She was wonderful with Catherine. A natural. So happy and carefree. Unguarded. He missed that. Before..before whatever happened between him, he felt like he was getting to know THIS woman. The real Sheridan Crane. Would she give him another chance? It didn’t seem likely, he thought in disappointment when Catherine yelled “Luis!” And she transformed right before his very eyes. Her blue eyes shifted away from his as he slowly crossed the room. He cleared his throat. Willing the tension to dissipate. “Good morning,” he said. “Something smells good.” “Luis,” Catherine said excitedly. “Sheri made it,” she said. “Oh she did, did she?” he said in a teasing voice. “I thought Sheri,” he said, adopting Marie and Catherine’s name for her, “didn’t know how to cook.” “I didn’t say I don’t know how to cook at all,” Sheridan explained. “I’m just not very good at it. That’s all,” she said. Taking a seat at the kitchen table.

Catherine took the heaping plate of chocolate chip pancakes from her mother’s hands and trudged over to the table. “Viola!” she said with a flourish. Grinning mischievously at Luis before taking the seat next to Sheridan. Marie smiled to herself. Catherine rarely took to strangers so well. It looked like her little daughter had a crush on Monsieur Lopez-Fitzgerald. And she didn’t blame her. “Mmm,” Luis said. Taking a bite. “Not bad, Princess.” Smiling on the inside when Sheridan’s blue eyes flashed in irritation at the nickname. Growing alarmed as the look in them started to change. “Princess?” Catherine asked curiously. “Why does he call you Princess, Sheri?” “Catherine,” Marie warned. Sensing Sheridan’s discomfort at the question. “No, Marie. It’s alright,” she said. Looking at Luis the entire time. Hurt clouding her blue eyes. His words echoing in her mind. Spoiled princess. “I’m sorry, Catherine,” she said. Getting up from the table and escaping the room. The conversation. The company. “Luis,” Catherine said sadly. “Go after her.”

He waited only a few minutes before granting Catherine's request. “Sheridan,” he said. Knocking on the door to the guest room softly. “Sheridan. Let me in. Please.” He leaned against the door wearily. He was so tired. Of it all. "Look, Sheridan," he called. "At least tell me what I said that was so wrong. So I can apologize." He clenched and unclenched his fists in frustration when he was met by silence. "So don't tell," he said. His heart heavy as he sighed. His shoulders sagging in defeat. "Look. Whatever I did...whatever I said to hurt you...I'm sorry. Sheridan? Did you hear me? I'm sorry. Dammit!" he swore. "Would you at least let me in so I can apologize face to face?" His anger rose when still he was met with...nothing. "I'm coming in. Whether you like it or not. On the count of 3. 1.....2.....3" He twisted the knob. And the door squeaked on its hinges as it swung open. "Sheridan?" he said. Scanning the room for her. No sign of her. Maybe she was in the bathroom, he thought. Stalking across the room. She was going to listen to him. Willingly or not. He was ready to lay all his cards out on the table. He flung the bathroom door open and found it empty. And his heart hammered in his chest as he realized she was gone. "No!" he yelled. As he saw the drapes from French windows flapping in the breeze. They were open. She had done it again. "Luis!" Marie called. Startling him. "What happened?" "Where is Sheri?" Catherine asked. Worry in her green eyes. "She's gone," he said tonelessly. "Sheridan's gone."

Part Seven

Her blue eyes darted back and forth suspiciously each time someone new came through the café’s doors. She sighed heavily. Bringing her cup to her lips, but setting it back down as she realized she wasn’t thirsty. Not at all. The cup was just a prop. She didn’t want to advertise to the whole world how pathetic she was. How Sheridan Crane’s heart had been broken yet again. Her face was too recognizable around here. The last thing she wanted was to give them more fodder. Something else to chew on.

Guilt rose within her as she thought of the worry Marie and Catherine must be going through. She held her head in her hands. Tears lurking just behind her lids. She didn’t want to concern them. But she couldn’t take it anymore. Couldn’t be so close to him. His kisses made her weak, and she hated herself for that. He was wearing her down, and the only thing that had saved her this time was the awful reminder of his words from that night on the wharf. Then at breakfast. Princess. He’d called her a spoiled princess that night.

If he hated her so much…only wanted to use her…why did he even care if she lived or died? What was it to him? She felt like her world was spinning out of control. She threw some money down on the table and stood up. Walking to the door and leaving. She wasn’t fooling anyone, she realized. Least of all herself. She wandered desolately down the streets. Aimlessly. Startled when an old man jumped out in front of her. Wordlessly offering a single red rose and a kind smile.

She searched in her purse for money to pay him with, but he refused her money. Disappearing again into the throng of people. It was almost like he was never there, she thought. Looking at her reflection in the mirrored window in front of her. If it weren’t for the red rose she held as proof in her hand, she might have started to question her own sanity. You’re not going crazy, Sheridan, she reassured herself. Smiling sheepishly. Her smile faded quickly, and her heart started racing when she glimpsed a man standing behind her. Watching her every move intently.

Sheridan, she said to herself. Maybe you ARE losing your mind again. But she didn’t really believe it. Something about the man just felt wrong. And her suspicions were raised even more when she slipped inside the door to the next store. A boutique. The man followed her. She watched him. Afraid her heart would pound right out of her chest as he narrowly missed seeing her. She exhaled in relief when he left the boutique, and she remained unscathed. “Merci,” she said to the young woman behind the counter as she paid for the hat. Her disguise.

She stepped outside. Praying he wasn’t out there. That he wouldn’t see her. Her mouth went dry as he passed her by. Nary a flicker of recognition in his small dark eyes. Oh my god, she thought. Covering her heart with her hand. Willing it to slow down. That was too close. What now, Sheridan? Think. Think. You have to get out of here. Back to Marie’s. Without being followed. She couldn’t bear to think of anything happening to her friend. Or her precious goddaughter. A crowd is better. Don’t let him get you alone, she thought.

By some miracle, her legs supported her trembling body as she walked the rest of the way to Marie's building. With a shaking hand she pulled the hat off. Revealing her blond hair again. Almost there, she told herself as she took the stairs. Straining her ears to listen for any signs she was being followed. Fighting the urge to scream when she heard footsteps echoing. Always pausing when she stopped. I can't do this, she panicked. I can't. I never should have run away again. He's going to kill me. A single tear seeping from beneath her closed lids and trailing down her cheek as she took a deep breath and stepped around the last corner. Screaming in horror as a pair of arms grabbed her. She was going to die.

Part Eight

She struggled against him. Determination shining in her blue eyes. She bit the hand that covered her mouth, and her eyes widened when she heard her captor swear in pain. “Dammit! You stupid woman!” She paused. Her hand on the door knob. And slowly turned around. “Jacques!?!?” she gasped. “What are you…why did you grab me like that? You scared me,” she said. Meeting his cold stare with one of her own. “Because,” he ground out. Holding his hand gingerly. “Marie called me in a panic. Your friend wouldn’t let her call the police.” She lowered her head in embarrassment. “What’s going on in there? Jacques? Is everything okay?” she heard a male voice call out. Luis, she thought. Shutting her eyes. She didn’t want to see the look on his face when he saw her. “It’s fine, Monsieur Lopez-Fitzgerald,” he answered. Stepping out into the hall and pulling her with him.

“Sheri!” Catherine exclaimed. “I was so afraid,” she pouted. Throwing her little arms around her neck. Sheridan gently wiped the tears away from her green eyes with her thumb. “Don’t you ever do something like that again,” Marie warned harshly. Hugging her tightly. “You had us ALL worried.” Sheridan’s gaze slowly shifted from Marie’s concerned dark eyes to Luis’s. His dark eyes were unreadable. His jaw set in a tight line. “I’m sorry,” she whispered guiltily. Her blue eyes never leaving his face. He said nothing, and she felt her heart sink. “You’re forgiven,” Marie said. Placing an arm about her shoulders and leading her inside the apartment. “Are you coming, Luis?” Catherine asked. Holding out her tiny hand. “Soon,” Luis promised. “I need to do something first,” he said. Staring at Jacques.

“Was she being followed?” Luis asked. His dark eyes searching Jacques. He didn’t trust this man. Just a feeling he had. “Non,” Jacques answered. Averting his dark eyes from Luis’s penetrating stare. A little warning signal went off inside Luis’s head, but he chose to ingore it for the time being. She was back. Safe and sound. And right now that’s all that mattered. He turned to leave. Not failing to notice that Jacques declined to follow. He gave him a curious look. “It’s none of your concern, Monsieur, but I have a patient to attend to. The one you and my wife dragged me away from with your silly concerns. I must be going now. I want you and that crazy woman to be out of here when I return tomorrow. You understand me?” he said in a menacing voice. “Crystal.” “It’s good we understand each other, Monsieur. Au revoir.”

“Sheridan,” Luis said quietly. Stopping in front of the chaise where she sat. Sipping from a cup of tea. Marie looked up. Stilling the soothing movements of her hand upon Sheridan’s back. “She’s been through enough, Luis. I think that’s punishment enough. Someone was following her.” Luis drew in a surprised breath. Gratitude swelling within him that she made it back to him in one piece. But also anger. That she had done such a foolish thing in the first place. “Sheridan,” he said again in a carefully controlled voice. “We need to talk. Now,” he said. Not meeting her blue eyes. Sheridan rose from her seat and silently walked down the hall to the guest room they shared. Catherine watched her go with solemn green eyes. “Be nice,” she warned. And Luis felt a smile small come to his lips as he knelt at Catherine’s feet. “I thought you knew I was a nice guy,” he said. Tapping her nose. Catherine giggled. “Oui.” And you, too, Marie, he thought. Staring into her dark eyes. I’d never intentionally hurt her. Despite what she thinks. Marie smiled at him as he passed. And Luis was happy Sheridan had a friend who cared so much.

He found her staring out the French doors she had made her escape through earlier. She looked as weary as he felt. He fought to control the urge to take her in his arms. Tell her everything. “That was an incredibly stupid thing you did,” he said as he slipped the door shut behind him. “Especially after yesterday. What will it take, Sheridan?” he asked. Grabbing her by the shoulders and spinning her around to face him. “It seems bullets aren’t enough. Apparently you think you’re invincible. You were followed. Do you honestly think the person following you had innocent thoughts and intentions?” She shook her head weakly. And he felt a tug at his heartstrings seeing the tears collect at the corners of her blue eyes. But he continued. She needed to hear this. Even more than he needed to say it.

“You selfishly ran away. Worrying us for no good reason. Can you imagine how devastating it would have been to Catherine or Marie if you hadn’t been so lucky?” Or me, he thought as he shook her lightly by the shoulders. “Can you?” he demanded. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. Tears falling freely now. “I was selfish. And stupid. There was no excuse for the way I behaved. You should never have saved my life in the first place, Luis. I didn’t deserve it. You should have just let me…” He cut her off. Covering her lips with his own and kissing her passionately. As if his life depended on it. He pulled away. His breathing ragged. “Don’t you EVER say that again,” he said. Leaning his forehead against hers. “Never,” he whispered in a gruff voice. Pulling her into his arms and hugging her tight. Sheridan’s eyes fluttered shut. Reveling in his strong, safe embrace.

Outside in an alley, the man with the small dark eyes looked suspiciously from side to side as he hissed, “Jacques. I thought you were on our side. I thought you wanted Ms. Crane dead as much as we did.” Jacques brought the cigarette to his lips. Then said. “I am. But I have a better idea. You ready to hear it, little brother?” “Oui,” Pierre answered with an evil smile. “I’m all ears. Tell me all the details. I can’t wait to hear your plan. Soon, Sheridan Crane will be dead. And no one will be able to point a finger at me and Roger. Tell me about this perfect plan.” “Well,” Jacques began, “I have the perfect way to get rid of Ms. Crane. And my wife and her brat of a daughter.” Pierre smiled appreciatively as Jacques filled him in on all the details.

Part 2