The party goers were all living it up at Club Echelon much to Tony's happiness.  Marlena sat at the bar and downed another scotch.  She was bored beyond tears. "You're my wife," his words echoed through her head, "I need you to be there."

She slammed down her glass.  "I've got to find something to liven my spirits."  It was then that she noticed John walking toward the back room.  Normally, that room was set up for a man to join his lady of the evening, but in John's case, he was going to get away from the crowd.  He, too, was looking for something the club didn't offer.

He caught her glance and held it for a moment before finally disappearing out of sight.  She slid off her barstool and sashayed across the room all the while keeping one eye on her husband who was in a crowd of party goers making his rounds.

Moments later, there was a knock at the door.  "Come in," the man's voice called out from behind the mahogany.

"I don't know about you, but this party bites.  I'm finding myself very bored," she seduced.  Her intention very clear.

"You shouldn't be in here."

"I own half of the Dimera Empire, I can be here if I please," she stated.

"Let me rephrase that.  What are you doing here?"

"You know damn well what I'm doing here," she answered.

"I thought I told you that I'd much rather wine and dine you.  Give you everything you want and need."

"Can't a girl have her fun?" she teased as she let her finger slide under his silk tie.

He was eyeing her like a man who wanted her.  Like all the men do who were at the party, or all that meet her for that matter.  Just then there was a tap at the door.

"Countess Dimera, I'm sorry to interupt, but the Count is about to make the toast of the evening.  He has requested your presence," the servant stated.

Marlena sighed irritated.  "Thank you Elianna."

"Seems you have prior engagements."

"We'll finish this another time," she smiled.  Marlena turned to him once again before closing the door behind her, "Are you coming?"

"I'll stay for the toast, but after that... I'm leaving.  There's nothing left for me to do here."

"I beg to differ, but... if you insist.  See ya around, Sailor," she teased.  He couldn't pry his eyes away as she left the room.