Michelle looked at the clothes laid out on her bed. She still couldn't believe that she had let Sarah talk her into the black leather ensemble. Sarah's words replayed in her ears, "No...not short enough....No.....you wore red the last time.....No.....it looks like a grandma dress,"

"Well then what do you want me to wear? Since none of my choices seem to be good enough?" Michelle heard herself say to her friend.

"This!" Sarah said with a sheepish grin as she pulled this tiny black leather mini and matching black leather cropped jacket from behind her, "This is just the ticket!"

"You are kidding right? Me in that? I don't think so!"

"Come on just try it on," Sarah prodded.

"I can't wear something like that."

"And why not?"

"I just can't."

"Try it on!" Sarah wasn't about to give up on this one. She could just see Danny's face now when Melanie met him at the door in this number.

"Fine....but there's no way I'm buying it......."

Michelle let her fingers run along the supple material recalling how it fit her like a second skin. And how Sarah wasn't about to let her buy anything but that. She hadn't known where her brain was as she handed over her credit card to the sales associate. Back in Springfield she would have never dreamt of purchasing something this outrageous let alone wearing it. The whole look had Drew Jacobs written all over it. Michelle had definitely let Drew handle the leather at home. She had to laugh now though thinking just where that had gotten her. Alone and without a man. Not something she was looking to repeat; however she still wasn't so sure she would have the nerve to actually put the outfit on when the time came.

Michelle walked over to the stereo flipping the switch flooding the room with sound in an attempt to calm her ragged nerves. Ever since Danny's invitation she felt as if she were walking a tightrope in her mind. On one hand she was filled with titillation at the thought of actually going on a real date with this man who since the day she laid eyes on him had occupied her every thought. Yet on the other there was this intense apprehension for all the let downs of her past. She could help but wonder if this was the set up for just one more fall in her life.

She inched the volume up a bit further in vain to drown out the voices of doom and gloom. She didn't want them to win, not this time. She wanted more from this go around then just another notch in her long list of failures. After all she had gone through, surely she deserved a little happiness.

Michelle stepped under the pounding stream of hot water. She let it's extreme heat penetrate the cold place in her chest, that place being her heart. Her absentee father followed by Jesse's betrayal with Drew had left her heart stone cold, a virtual block of ice. No amount of scalding water was about to change that.

She had encased herself in this invisible wall that was somehow supposed to protect her from the all those things bad in her life. Unfortunately that was a far cry from how it really had worked out.

With each hurt and disappointment that befell her another row of stone was added until Michelle's barrier towered miles above her. What she once thought of as protection was now her prison. It had been ineffective in keeping her shielded from those things that would harm her but rather isolated her to the point where Michelle didn't know what to trust. She so desperately wanted to get lost in these budding feelings for Danny but she didn't know who or what to believe anymore.

This was the second shower that had grown cold while Michelle let her mind wander, "Damn," she scolded herself as she wrapped a towel tightly around her shivering body, "You have to get a grip on yourself." she said to the reflection in the mirror, "This isn't Springfield anymore. There is no one here out to hurt you. So lighten up for heaven sakes."

Michelle padded her way from the bathroom to the bedroom. Her eyes went to the leather outfit laying on the bed. Still apprehensive about Sarah's "perfect outfit", Michelle went about the business of getting ready for her date.

First was the make-up. She was torn as to what kind of statement you was looking to make. She had to laugh thinking that anything had to be better then the image of her tossing her cookies in the parking lot of Danny's club. Finally she decided on simple but elegant. If this did turn out just to be a "shop talk" kind of thing she didn't want to look the fool by being way too made up.

Second was the hair. No matter what she did that night her unkempt curls had a complete mind of their own. After a total meltdown on her part, Michelle ended up with a mock French twist kind of thing going on. She had to admit it actually looked rather good. Not that she would have said that forty minutes before. The soft tendrils that fell around her face gave her just the desired effect.

The last thing to do now was get up the nerve to put on her clothes. She again looked at the black leather outfit. "What the hell!" she finally spouted, "You only live once right?" she asked the air around her.

Michelle pulled the supple material over her jet black hose positioning the skirt on her hips. As she inched the zipper up it was as though she became one with the leather. Next came the black and white striped spandex tank. The top was just short enough to leave her belly button exposed. Michelle caught a glimpse of her reflection in the full length dressing mirror that hung on the wall. It didn't look like the Michelle she knew but the was no denying that if this outfit didn't get Danny Sampson's attention the boy must be dead.

Hurriedly she pulled the jacket on and retouched her lipstick just as the doorbell sounded throughout the apartment. "He's early," she said looking at the clock on the bedside table. She had been hoping for a bit more primping time. Michelle slipped on her black pumps as she headed for the front door.

"I thought you said eight o'clock?" she countered opening the door.

"WOW!!"

"Agent Lucas," Michelle was startled to see him standing in front of her. She hadn't seen him nor heard from him since their little spat at the bookstore days ago.

"Jeremy please. You look sensational. May I come in?" he asked entering without waiting for an answer.

"I guess," she returned having little choice in the matter, "Is there something I can do for you?"

"No not really. I just was checking to see if you were still mad at me," he shifted uneasy as his eyes combed her body. His desire for her filled him again. He knew it would have been better had he just stayed away.

"I was never really mad, per say. I just didn't understand why you were so angry about me making friends."

"My job is to protect you. I guess I was just a bit over zealous."

"I would have to agree."

"So like I said. You look sensational. Where are you off to on a Thursday night looking like that?"

"To a club to check out a new band," Michelle returned not at all comfortable with his line of questions.

"So you and that friend you were telling me about the other day?" he prodded forward.

"No.....Sarah has other plans tonight."

"I see then you are just the social butterfly are you now?" Michelle detected a note of sarcasm creeping into his tone again, "So you got a hot date then right?"

"And what if I do?" she countered not backing down this time. Enough was enough already.

"Well all I can say is please remember be careful," Jeremy Lucas did his very best to keep the green eyed monster in his soul in check.

"I will. If you don't mind I really need to finish getting ready. Thank you for stopping by to check on me. But I don't think that will be necessary anymore. I have your card if I run into anything I can't handle."

"Well enjoy yourself." That was all Agent Lucas was able to say before Michelle closed the door on his face.

Danny opened the passenger side door and let Melanie slide inside. If it hadn't been for her honey blonde locks and white stripes of her shirt she would have melted into the black leather interior of his car.

"Would you mind it terribly if we had dinner at The Two Step? It's only been under my direction for a short time now and I want to be sure that it's running smoothly before we head out to check out this new band?" Danny asked hoping not to sound like too much of a cheap skate seeing as how it was his club and all.

"No that's fine. Actually I have never had dinner there in the times that I have been there so far."

"Then you are in for a treat. Reggie is a hell of a chief."

They rode in silence as Danny swung the car in the direction of the club. Michelle was far too nervous to inniciate the conversation and Danny was far too interested in her shapely legs to concentrate on the road much less talk.

"Ah Daniel.....Melanie," Albert met them at the door to the restaurant, "I have a table waiting for the two of you."

"Uncle Albert where is Samantha?" Danny asked scourging the room for his hostess.

"Not to worry Daniel. Everything is under control. Sammie had a family emergency. I'm the host tonight."

"Maybe tonight isn't such a good night for us to do this," Michelle said looking at Danny's angry face.

"Nonsense!" Albert said, "I have been doing this for many years. One night will certainly not do me any harm. Besides Daniel here deserves some time off for a job well done."

"Danny?" she asked looking to read his reaction.

"No Uncle Albert is right. This place was his long before I showed up. He knows his way around here. He certainly doesn't need my instruction."

"Now go enjoy yourselves."

Danny pulled out a chair and motioned for Melanie to sit. He was quite the gentleman she had to admit. Much more polished then anyone she had met in quite some time.

"How about some wine before we order?" Danny questioned raising his hand for the bartender.

"None for me thank you," she groaned recalling her last attempt at alcohol.

Danny couldn't help but laugh at the expression the beautiful girl before him wore on her face, "So you have sworn off liquor I see? Well I have to say you are smarter then the average Joe. From what I recall it took me at least half a dozen times of being sicker then a dog to get the hint."

"I'm a quick learner."

"I bet you are. What would you like to drink then?"

"A mineral water would be fine."

"A mineral water it is then. You don't mind if I have a drink do you?"

"No...please do."

"Joe, a mineral water for the lady and I will have a scotch neat."

"Right away."

Again there was silence between them. It was as if neither knew what to say to the other. Each one fearing that if they opened their mouth to speak the illusion would be shattered.

"Thank you," Danny said as their drinks were placed in front of them. "Would you like to order?" he felt so inept right now the feelings coursing though him at the moment were worse then any of those he had as a teenager. It was surreal.

"Sure," she said. In all her life she had never been at a loss for words. That was until she was within three feet of this man. It was though she lost complete control of her mind and body. "What do you suggest?" she asked trying to keep her voice even as not to reveal how truly nervous she was.

"I'll order for both of us if you wouldn't mind."

"Please do. This is your restaurant. I assume you would know what's the best," She could have kicked herself. She was sounding like a total idiot.

"I'll be right back. I will deliver our order to Reggie personally."

"That'd be great."

Michelle took a sip of her water as Danny went in the direction of the kitchen. 'This is going well.....NOT!!!!' she thought to herself.

She spied Sarah and Matt Johnson coming through the door. Michelle had never been so relieved in all her life. At least now maybe she wouldn't have to sit there alone sounding like a bumbling fool.

"Sarah," Michelle called from across the room, "Sarah!"

"How's it going?" Sarah asked, "That outfit is totally hot. Danny all hot and bothered yet?" she joked.

"I wouldn't know."

"Excuse me? Wouldn't know?"

"We haven't gotten past the small talk yet. I'm so bad at this," Michelle cried.

"Would you relax. My god girl you look like you are standing in front of a firing squad or something."

"I wish I could. It's like all of the sudden I'm back in Junior High at one of those dances where the girls stand on one side of the gym and the boys on the other neither one of the groups making it to the middle of the floor."

"Well I hate to say this but it looks as though your boy is crossing the gym as we speak."

"Shit! Sarah help me."

"Sarah....hi," Danny said as he came back to their table. "Would you like to join us?" he motioned to one of the empty seats at the table.

"No really I can't thank you though. Matt and I are here for dinner."

"You both could join us couldn't they Danny?" Michelle asked hoping for any distraction.

"Sure," he returned wondering if she was finally having those second thoughts about being out with him tonight.

"No.....really you two enjoy your evening. Thank you for the invitation. I'll talk to you later Melanie." With that Sarah had gone to join Matt at a table across the room.

There it was again. That silence that even in the room filled with people and noise was so apparent. Michelle sipped on her water and watched the animation of the room around her. She wanted to get lost in the commotion. Anything but to sit there across from Danny not having a clue what to say.

As the waitress placed their salads before them Michelle was thankful for something to do other then stare at his handsome face. She could have gotten lost in the depths of his inky black eyes. On first inspection they were hard and driven but if you looked deeper you could see the softness that was hidden. Michelle found herself wondering what had caused the gentleness to be glossed over. Why this man who on the surface appeared to lead a perfect life had eyes of steel.

"I'm sorry...what?" she said at the question that had gone unheard.

"I asked if you would like another drink."

"No I'm fine thank you."

So far this was not turning out the way that Danny had hoped for. They had been sitting at this table for a half hour already and nothing but inane small talk if it had even been that had passed between them. That's not how he had wanted it. He had this irrepressible urge to tell this woman everything about him and that scared the hell out of him. Never before in his life had he wanted to do that.

Secrets, hushed rooms and codes of silence had always been what he had lived by but right now he didn't want any of them. Danny wanted nothing more then to be the man he was pretending to be. He wished with all his heart that Danny Santos had never existed. That Danny Sampson, night club owner was the person he had always and forever been. Maybe just maybe for tonight he could forget about the box that he had been forced to live in and spread his wings and enjoy what it meant to be a man and not the man of the hour.

"Danny? Are you all right?" she asked placing her hand softly on his. Her flesh against his sent a tingle up and down his arm.

"Yeah.....yeah I'm fine. I'm sorry though I didn't mean to space out like that."

"I guess we are both a little nervous, huh?" she asked finally deciding to break the ice and see if they would sink or swim.

"Am I that obvious?" he laughed.

"Not any more then me. How about we say we start again?"

"I'd like that," he said with relief.

"Me too."

From that point forward it was as if the barrier between them was gone. Sarah watched from across the room as the two people at that table had transformed from statues into real live breathing people. She looked on as they laughed and carried on like two people who had known one another their entire lives.

Sarah looked back at Matt. Yes he was extremely handsome, funny and she enjoyed his company, but she was more then certain that they didn't look anything like those two across the room.. From where Sarah sat Danny and Melanie looked like two halves of one whole.

Jenny watched as her husband and Carl moved about the restaurant and the adjoining club. She motioned for another glass of wine. More and more she found herself drinking to find some solace in what was now her life.

Without a moments notice her world as she knew it had been completely turned upside down. She felt as if she had lost another piece of herself with Danny's arrival. That some way, somehow that old life had claimed her husband.

In all reality she knew that wasn't true. Albert had not walked backed into the Mafioso but she felt he left her just the same. He shared a closeness with Danny that she could never achieve with him. Maybe that was her own fault. Maybe it was due to the fact that she had never wanted to know. Never had the lust for power that Carmen had had. Right now Jenny didn't know who was better off because in her mind Miguel was dead but in many ways Albert was to her as well.

"A shot of Oozo," Jenny heard herself say to Joe.

"Oozo???" Joe questioned.

"What are you deaf? Don't understand English?" she spat at his questioning her request.

"No Mrs. Sampson. I understand," Joe said pouring the clear liquid into a shot glass motioning to Albert at the same time.

Jenny tossed her head back and let the flaming licorice flavored liquid set her throat on fire.

"Pour me another," she spouted slamming the shot glass on the bar.

"I don't think so!" Albert growled.

"So what now you don't understand English? Would you prefer I spoke in Spanish?"

"Jenny get a hold of yourself for God sakes!"

"And if I don't?" she countered angrily.

"You are making a spectacle of yourself."

"SO WHAT!?!?! You don't even know I'm alive half the time. So now all of the sudden you care?"

"I have always cared Jenny."

"Not as much as you cared about 'la familia'. You made that abundantly clear when you took my son......MY BABY and you brought him into be made!" Jenny's cries were now drawing the attention of those surrounding them including that of Carl Beck.

"JENNY THAT'S ENOUGH!!"

"Why did you do have to do that to him, Albert? He was such a gifted boy. He had so much more potential then the life you fed him to!!!!!!"

"JENNY STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND STOP IT!!!!!"

"You think by letting Danny stay with us you can replace Richard. You think that he can be the son you lost!?!?!" the tears were now streaming down Jenny's cheeks but nothing was going to stop her alcohol induced triad, "YOU REALLY THOUGHT THAT I WOULD JUST ACCEPT CARMEN SANTOS' SON WITH OPEN ARMS IN PLACE OF MY BABY!??!?! CARMEN SANTOS WAS NOTHING BUT A POWER HUNGRY, BLOOD LUSTING WOMEN!!!! I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT HER SON!!!!!"

Before his wife could do anymore damage, Albert yanked her hard by the arm dragging her into the kitchen. In fifteen minutes Jenny had ripped to shreds what had taken fifteen years to build. Everyone in the place had heard the name Santos. Texas or not Albert knew all too well that sooner or later that name would come back to haunt them and Jenny had now just hastened the likelihood of that event.

"Do you realize what you have done?" he asked shaking her, "Do you know what you have just destroyed for us and for Danny? DO YOU!?!?!?" Albert screamed.

"Danny Santos....huh?" Carl said as he slipped away quietly. He didn't have a clue what this meant to him yet but from Albert's reaction to it he knew it had to mean something.

Danny wound his car through the crowded parking lot of The Yellow Rose of Texas. He had used the ride from his club to this one to steal glances at Melanie.

He couldn't take his eyes off of shapely form. Her leather skirt rode low on her hips revealing just enough of her flesh to cause his pulse to quicken and mind to race. He couldn't recall ever seeing a sexier woman in his life as Melanie Branson. The image before him now mixed with the one from nights ago was more then he could handle. Danny imagined what it would be like to hold her skin against his own. He could feel his lips exploring the crux of her elegant neck as his fingers moved through the curls that had escaped from their hold atop Melanie's head. His intense vision was causing heat to raise from his loins. Danny shifted positions to find some relief from his growing desire for Melanie.

He was thankful that he had finally found a resting spot for his car giving him something to think about other then just how much he desired the woman who sat beside him.

"Wow, this place is packed. If the parking lot is any indication of their popularity, I think you should do whatever it takes to get them to play at The Two Step," Michelle laughed.

"Jackson said they had a decent following. He wasn't kidding. Shall we?" Danny asked motioning towards the awaiting club.

"I think we better or we just might not get a seat at this rate."

"No, Jackson assured me that he would reserve a table for us," Danny said as he opened the door for Michelle to exit his car.

"And may I ask just who is this Jackson?" Michelle said wondering exactly what kind of royalty he may have been.

"Jackson is a friend of my Uncle Albert's. I guess you could call him the band's manager."

"It's nice of you to give them a listen."

"Looks like it will be well worth my while."

"I think you just might be right."

"ID's please," the bouncer said in monotone.

Michelle once again felt the knot tighten in her stomach. She wasn't sure if she would ever really get over the fact that she was always afraid of being found out. Agent Lucas' words of caution resounded in her head.

"We are guests of the band," Danny returned.

"I don't have any guests listed."

"Check again, the name's Danny Sant....Sampson," Danny stuttered for a moment flustered that he had almost made a slip. Maybe subconsciously he wanted to. He had come here to free himself of the chains that surrounded him but in essence he had yet to actually to that. To really emancipate himself he had to come to terms with who he truly was. And if he wanted Melanie Branson to be a part of his future she had a right to understand his past. That was if he could make sense out of it himself. "Jackson Packerd was to have a table reserved for me."

"Nope...nothing on here man."

"This is ridiculous. I am here doing him a favor!" Danny growled a little too quickly.

Michelle stood along side of Danny watching his whole demeanor change within an instant. Gone was the gentle man that had just been talking to her. He had been replaced with a man that possessed a razor sharp tongue.

"Danny," she said softly, "I'm sure that it's just a mistake."

"Well I am doing him a favor."

"Would it be possible for you to locate Mr. Parkerd so we could get this straightened out?" Michelle was the calming force between the two angry storms.

"I'm not to leave the door," the bouncer countered not willing to give an inch.

"You know what just forget it!" Danny shouted, "I don't have time for this. I have my own damn club to run!!!!!" With that being said Danny turn on his heel and strode away from the door not looking to see if his date was in tow or not.

It was like that monster that he was trying to exercise from his being reared it's ugly head with vengeance. There was nothing he could do to stop the scene from playing out. As much as he professed to hate the world he came from, he had grown accustomed to being treated in a certain manner and it was going to take a hell of a lot longer then a couple of months for that to go away if it ever truly did. He couldn't help believing that he commanded respect. He knew that he wanted the best of both worlds and he wasn't about to get that.

"DANNY WAIT!!!!!" he heard the voice call to him. Danny turned to see Jackson standing with Melanie. "Well you just made a hell of an impression," he scolded himself as he headed back towards them.

"Your date here was just telling me about the mix up at the door. I'm sorry. Things have been really nuts here this evening. I did leave your name with the manager but he had to take off tonight. So the assistant didn't know anything about it. It's just a zoo here," Jackson did his best to apologize at the angry man who stood before him.

"What did I tell you Danny? It was just a mistake," Michelle said softly again as she mover closer to him. Without even touching him she sensed the tension in his frame.

This didn't really make much sense to her. It wasn't that big of a deal from where she stood. But the expression between the two men was that of predictor and prey.

"Please, don't let this ruin the evening. The band is really excited about your being here tonight," Jackson spoke again.

"Come on Danny. Let's just forget about it okay?" Michelle said tugging at Danny's arm.

"I'll be sure to have a bottle of the best champagne sent to your table," Jackson added thankful for the pretty girl on Danny's arm.

"So then we do have a table?!?!" Danny countered harshly.

"OF COURSE. Like I said Danny this place is nuts tonight. I mean with the holiday just around the corner all the crazies are out," Jackson had grown a bit weary of apologizing for the third or the forth time now.

"Fine send the bottle."

"Your table is to the right of the stage. I'll be sure to let the band know you are here."

"Yeah you do that," Danny quipped.

Danny placed the champagne bottle in the bucket of ice after pouring a glass for himself and Melanie. She didn't even bother to protest this time. The fire in his eyes was still burning far too brightly for her at the moment.

She sat across from him doing her best to read him. Yet she was failing miserably. In a flash the man before her wasn't a person she remotely knew or wanted to for that matter. It was a harsh dose of reality that came crashing down on her with tidal wave force.

She by no means knew anything about him except that he was extremely handsome. But just how far would that carry them if he was about to fly off the handle about something as insignificant as his name being omitted from a list?

The awkward silence from earlier again encircled them as Michelle felt unable to reach him. Those black eyes that had a hint of gentleness hid within them were harden pieces of coal now.

The band took their place on stage for the first set. Michelle watched as Danny sat starring at the members but not really seeing them at all. He was in his own private world where very few were welcome. She was sure she would regret trying to enter but she couldn't stop herself.

"Danny?" her hand made contact with his arm.

"Huh?" he mumbled.

"Are you all right?"

The question was a simple one by nature, but the answer however wasn't simple in the least. He saw by her face that she was utterly confused by his irate behavior. Even now to him he didn't understand it either.

It was frightening how simple it was to slip back into a personality that he wanted to be rid of. How....why had he gotten so furious with Jackson. He knew all too well what happens when the night starts off with one mishap......it always seemed to have a snowball effect.

"I'm sorry. This really isn't how I wanted our first date to turn out," Danny said looking in her soft mahogany eyes. He didn't know if it was a combination of nervousness or him just trying to protect himself that had caused his asinine behavior but it was time to put a stop to it.

"Me either. They say the third time is the charm," she smiled sweetly. "Hi, I'm Melanie Branson and you are?" she extended her hand across the table.

"Danny Sampson. It's nice to meet you. Would you like to dance?" The band had kicked into a round of slow songs. Danny wanted to take this opportunity to get lost in her.

"I'd like that."

The slow set had turned into one with a more driving beat all the while Danny and Melanie remained fixated to the dance floor. There Danny didn't need to talk he let his body do that for him. Without any words it was simpler, he could delude himself into thinking that he was just an ordinary man with ordinary dreams. That wasn't the case at all, Carmen had seen to that.

Ben Warren sat in the far corner watching the door to Millennium open and close repeatedly. He was awaiting his dance with the devil so to speak. He wasn't left with much choice. Losing his position as District Attorney and having his dear brother Ross turn him into the pariah of Springfield, left his well running dry.

Besides the thought of actually working for Carmen Santos didn't appall him actually it was quite intriguing. The way this meeting had come about was quite odd to say the least. Given all he knew about Michelle Bauer's involvement in Carmen's sons death he found it strange that suddenly she would have sought him out.

He had done some checking of his own. He most certainly wanted to be sure he wasn't walking into a set-up. Through a few contacts that he still had in Chicago and New York word on the street was that Carmen's heir apparent had just disappeared. Ben found that more then odd. There was nothing said about a hit being made on Danny Santos or even something connected to Mick's death it was as if Danny had just vanished into thin air.

Ben's curiosity had gotten the better of him when Carmen Santos herself had called him saying she had something that she wanted to discuss with him. He wasn't about to turn such an opportunity down.

Ben saw Carmen Santos enter with henchman Dietz in tow. She slipped the black mink off her shoulders to reveal a black cocktail dress that forced Ben to sit a little straighter in his seat. She was a striking woman, alabaster skin in complete contrast to her ebony tresses.

Ben Stood as she made her way towards his table, "Good evening Mrs. Santos."

"Mr. Warren," she said in a seductive tone. Just hearing his name roll off her tongue made Ben wonder exactly what it was this woman had on her mind and up her sleeve, "Dietz, leave us," She instructed.

Dietz obeyed without protest but none the less didn't like the locked eyes of the pair before him. He hadn't a clue as to what his boss was thinking. He didn't much like the fact that she had chose to keep him in the dark with regards to this meeting.

"Can I get you a drink?" Ben asked as he offered Carmen her seat.

"White wine."

"I shall return."

Carmen watched as Ben made his way to the bar. What she was about to do was highly unusual but she had been pushed to the wall leaving her no choice but to push back.

Danny's leaving her the way he had had started an unrest that she needed to put a stop to immediately. The last thing she wanted or needed was a turf war. She had overplayed her hand sometime ago, and the heads of the other families weren't liking the fact that Danny hadn't taken his rightful place.

The Commission had only agreed to Carmen's placement on the condition that once Danny was of age he would stand where his father had once stood.

Carmen knew that wasn't about to happen. Which left her wide open to losing everything that she had worked her whole life for. She had just as much if not more brains than the men that surrounded her but she had not been born one of them so that left her at a great disadvantage.

"Thank you," she said as Ben took his seat across from her.

"Might I ask why it is you wanted to meet with me?" Ben decided to take the position of aggressor while it was still up for grabs.

"I have a business proposition for you Mr. Warren."

"Oh really?" Ben leaned back in the chair arms folded against his chest.

"Yes. Right now there is some unrest among my associates and I feel that you are the man to help me put a stop to it."

"And exactly why do you think that?" Ben's curiosity was seriously peaked now.

"You and I see things in a very similar fashion. Wouldn't you agree?" Carmen gestured sipping on her wine.

"Similar? In what way?"

"We know what angles to play to achieve a specific goal. I have watched you Mr. Warren and I believe that you and I could set Springfield a blaze. That is if you are interested."

"Exactly what is it you are offering Mrs. Santos?"

"Well it's common knowledge that you can't even get a job in the public defenders office," Carmen said with a smirk. Leaving Ben wondering if there were more forces working against him other then his beloved brother, "I would like to offer you a position as my private counsel."

"Private counsel? And you don't have men for the job already?"

"I have attorneys but what I am looking for is a man with vision to see things the way that I do. I think that you are that man Mr. Warren."

"And what if I turn out not to be? Will I meet with some untimely accident? Or perhaps maybe one evening I will end up in the middle of some deal gone wrong?"

"I don't have any idea what you are talking about," Carmen said eyeing him cautiously over the rim of her glass all the while her eyes saying much more then her words, "I suspect you listen far to closely to the rumors on the street."

"That maybe I do," Ben chided.

"You and I will be working very closely. Will you have a problem with that arrangement?" again the seductiveness of her voice got the better of Ben.

"I've had far less attractive bosses," Ben joked.

"I assure you Mr. Warren this isn't a game. I am business from the word go," instantly Carmen's tone was sharp as nails.

"I had no doubt."

"Can I be assured that you are on board?"

"Well I will say that you have my curiosity."

"Don't forget curiosity killed the cat Mr. Warren. All you need to know is that if you join forces with me there won't be a thing that you will want for."

"I like the sound of that."

"I will be in touch," Carmen said getting up.

"I will be waiting," he countered.

Ben sat back as he watched Carmen and Dietz exit the club, her image burned in his eyes. He knew she was the devil in carnet but that wasn't about to stop him from joining her in her ring of fire. Her offer was far too mesmerizing for him to turn down.

Michelle sat at the table as she watched Danny talking to the band. It was hard to miss the lead singer flirting mercilessly with Danny. It took every ounce of strength she had not to walk over to them and let this girl have it.

She and Danny had finally gotten past whatever had been between them. Again emerged the Danny she had seen at the restaurant earlier that evening. He was laughing and talking like the incident at the door had never taken place.

Michelle wasn't about to let this girl waltz in and screw that up for her. Funny it was like watching a bad rerun of her past life. Only difference being Danny had replaced Jesse and this Alexa person had replaced Drew. Michelle knew how the first version ended and she wasn't about to let this one end in the same fashion.

Alexa's forced high pitched laughter set Michelle's nerve endings on fire. She watched Danny being sucked in by her feminine wiles. Before she knew what was happening the green streak down her back had propelled her to where Danny and Alexa were standing.

"So do you have a new band for The Two Step?" Michelle asked in midst of Alexa's words.

"Melanie," Danny turned to her, "I'm so sorry. We were just working out the details but yeah I think we have a deal."

"You bet we do sugar," Alexa's voice was so sweet that Michelle imagined she go into sugar shock at any minute, "Daddy says your club is the hottest in all of Texas!" she cooed.

"Oh god gag me," Michelle thought to herself.

"I think both Jackson and Albert exaggerate just a bit," Danny countered, "But if you can pack my place the way you do this one I think that we will be well on our way."

Michelle couldn't believe that Danny was playing right into her hands. What had taken her all night to achieve with him, Alexa had managed in all of fifteen minutes. Michelle vaguely wondered if there was steam coming out of her ears yet.

"I'd do anything for you sugar!" Alexa cooed once more as she easily draped her arms around Danny's neck.

Michelle stood there wide eyed as she watched the scene unfold before her. Here she was supposedly Danny Sampson's date and it was as if at the moment she was invisible.

Before she let herself be made a fool of any further, Michelle headed in the direction of the bar, "Could you call me a cab please?" she asked the man behind the counter.

"Sure thing," he returned.

"What are you doing?" Danny's voice came from behind her.

"What does it look like I am doing? I'm finding my own ride home. It appears to me that you are going to be rather busy this evening!" she said huffed.

"WHAT!?!?!"

"Oh what did you expect a threesome?" Michelle couldn't believe she had heard herself say that.

"You are kidding me right?"

"You looked awfully cozy back there."

"It's all part of the game........................"

"So what I'm a game then too?" she asked trying not to cry.

"NO!!!!!!" he was amazed that she would even think that.

"Could have fooled me!" she countered angrily, "I mean I had to work like hell to even get you to talk and the minute you were around her it was like you were flapping your gums." Michelle knew how utterly ridiculous she sounded but she didn't care. She had pinned some many things on this one lousy date that she wasn't about to walk away without speaking her mind.

"It's different with her."

"Oh that's a ringing endorsement!"

"No that's not what I meant!" Danny called after her as she made her way to the awaiting cab outside, "MELANIE WOULD YOU WAIT A DAMN MINUTE?!?!? Let me explain myself."

"Not necessary. I understand perfectly. You certainly don't need to draw me a picture!"

Danny slammed the cab door shut and motioned for the driver to leave as he threw a twenty dollar bill on the passenger seat.

"What did you do that for?" she shouted.

"So I could do this!" Danny scooped her in his arm before she knew what had hit her. His mouth was crashing down on hers with such an intense desire that she was breathless.

Michelle pushed in vain against Danny's chest. Emotions of anger and breathlessness coursed through her veins. Danny wasn't about to release her from his grip. His own emotions were running high as well. It had been a bold move on his part but he propelled forward none the less. He let himself get caught up in the heat of the moment, in the heat of their anger.

Michelle struggled against his lips but with each passing second she found herself being drawn deeper into his embrace. Her anger quickly turning to passion, to fire.

Danny parted Michelle's lips with his tongue savoring the sweetness of her. Their tongues collided with great force. Each searching the other. A gasp of air escaped from Michelle's lips as Danny pushed deeper.

She felt giddy as he ran his hands along the tight fabric of her top. Each touch from his fingers sent her nerve endings singing. When she closed her eyes to revel in his caress it was as though she saw bursts of light before the dark canvas of her closed eyes. These were sensations that she had never before encountered. They frightened her but at the same time tantalized.

Gone was the anger at Danny's words, gone was the jealous streak that had engulfed her, all Michelle could center on was the pleasure that was teeming throughout every inch of her body.

"Do you know just how beautiful you are?" Danny whispered when their lips finally parted.

Michelle was too lost in her own senses to form words and thoughts. All she could do was quiver as Danny tightened his grasp around her lean frame.

"You are one hell of a spit fire," he smiled looking down at the petite girl in his arms. There was no mistaking that she was hell fire when she wanted to be. He might have finally found his match in Melanie Branson.

"Was that meant to be a compliment?" she quipped her sense of reason finally catching up with her.

"From where I come from yes. Yes it is." Danny pulled back to examine the expression on her face. The last thing he wanted was to start in on round number two. He wasn't about to release her from his arms. She fit there was such ease that he was afraid to breath for fear of this being nothing more than a grand illusion.

"You know you have a lot of nerve Mr. Sampson!" she spat wriggling her way out of his embrace. On instant she regretted leaving the warmth and odd security that she found there.

"Oh you don't say? Let's be sure that I am understanding this right. I was the one putting together a deal for this band to play at my club and you accuse me of looking for something sexual!" Danny spouted back.

"I do have eyes you know. It wasn't hard to miss the fact that she wanted to jump your bones in there. Oh yeah I forgot," she slapped her forehead in mock ignorance, "that men are clueless!!!!" Michelle shouted all the while wondering just why it was she was provoking this but again when all she really wanted was to feel his lips on hers.

"Well it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that a one Miss Melanie is jealous!"

"ME?????........JEALOUS!!?!?!? Not in your wildest dreams!" she was furious with herself for being so transparent.

"Then what's the problem?" Danny wasn't about to let this drop. He was enjoying the game far too much.

"I don't have a problem. You were the one who kissed me remember?????"

"That I did but I hate to be the one to break it to you Melanie.....I was hardly kissing thin air you know," he did his best to hide a smile that was lurking below the surface.

"You just took me by surprise," she stammered, "What was I supposed to do........................."

"How could you think that anyone could compare with you?" Danny asked cutting her off, "I have been trying like hell all night not to ogle you like some crazed teenager."

"What?" Michelle gasped afraid to believe the words.

"The only person I am interested in is you, Melanie. Sure I'll let Alexa play her little game. That's all it is for me. If you hadn't been so busy letting the green eyed monster consume you," he closed the gap between them before lifting her eyes to meet his, "You would have noticed that the entire time she was doing her best to get under my skin I was starring at you."

Danny hadn't any idea where the words and thoughts were pouring forth from. It was as though a flood gate had been opened and all his trapped emotions came rushing out.

"Really?" she was still too astonished to say anything more.

"Yes really," this time the kiss Danny placed on her lips was less filled with hunger for her but in a way far more passionate.

"God you must think I am a complete idiot," she sighed burying her face in his shoulder, "I mean first I get drunk and sick on you and now I pull a jealous girlfriend........"

"I like jealous girlfriends," Danny cut her off again.

"You are kidding right?"

"Does this look like the face of a man who's kidding?" Danny asked all smiles.

"I guess not," Michelle hesitated.

"You guess not?" he echoed, "Well maybe this will help you to believe," Danny brought his lips to hers for the third time that night.

"I like the way you think Mr. Sampson," Michelle said with her best Texas drawl countering his kiss with a deeper one. This time it was her turn to bring forth the passion that had been welling inside of her since the first night that she had laid eyes on him, "How about you take me home now?" she said seductively as she began leading Danny in the direction of his car.

Michelle found herself in the thralls of passion with Danny before she knew what was happening. It was like some force beyond her control had taken over leading her forward to places that before this she had been afraid to venture to.

The candle light flickered throughout the living room casting shadow and light on all things there. Danny starred intently at her as he rose to his knees. He slid his hands onto her shoulders and eased her leather jacket to the floor revealing the fullness of her breasts as her tank top clung to them. Danny swallowed hard around the lump forming in his throat as he brought his lips to the softness of her neck. Michelle bit at her lip in an attempt to keep her ragged breathing in check. Each move of his lips against her hot flesh forced frosty pulses up and down her spine.

Danny eased his body above hers as Michelle leaned her weight against the front of the sofa. His urge to be one with this amazing creature was getting the better of him. All sense of reason was lost to him as he rested his bulging manhood against her.

Michelle was well aware of the fever that was hidden underneath the black denim. Effortlessly she freed his silky shirt from the constraints of his waistband, Michelle wound her hands to the hardness of his chest. Her fingers entwined in his coarse chest hairs. Gently she grazed across his nipples watching as Danny's eyelids fluttered with pleasure. It wasn't until she actually caressed them that she felt his body shudder.

Danny's shirt found a resting place on the floor next to the black leather jacket. Michelle tried to hide her amazement at the Adonis perched before her. She let her eyes drink in all the features before her. Danny's muscles were rock hard and cut to perfection. Everything about him made her want to feel his flesh against hers. She leaned forward letting her tongue trace the tuff of black hair that disappeared into the depths of Danny's jeans. He took a sharp breath inward as she toyed with his belly button. Danny thought he was about to go insane with mounting anticipation.

Readily Danny worked Michelle's black and white tank over her head to reveal the sheer fabric of her black lace bra. For a moment he reveled in the picture before him. She completely and utterly took his very breath away. Michelle arched her back bringing her breasts within his reach as if begging for his touch. Smoothly and methodically he caressed them first through the black lace then slipped the straps from her shoulders to expose them to him.

Danny cupped his mouth fully around one nipple then the next teasing at first then suckling each. Michelle could feel herself growing hot and wet.

Michelle drew the leather skirt high around her waist as Danny nestled himself against her most feminine spot. He ran his hands along her supple thighs as his finger crept under her garter until he was able to toy with the satiny fabric of her panties. She gasped as his fingers brushed against her without knowledge or power over her own body she brought her hips closer causing his hand to be lodged between them both. She licked her lips as the electric pulses raced throughout her being.

She had lost all control over what she was doing. The only thing that was in her mind right now was just how much she desired this man before her. That how she would have gotten lost in him if she could. She had never experienced anything remotely like this with anyone before. No she wasn't experienced by any stretch of the means and she had thought that her times with Jesse had been extraordinary. However they paled in comparison to the sensuous experience she was encountering now.

As Danny began to unbuckle his belt, the thoughts of Jesse had forced reason back into Michelle's train of thought. In one fail swoop the magic and mystery of the moment had been shattered and she couldn't get out from under Danny fast enough.

"Melanie?" Danny asked unsure of what the hell had just happened.

"I'm sorry but you have to go........I mean I just don't have sex with someone on the first date......you have to go...please just go," she did her best to hold her tears at bay as her words spilled forth.

"Melanie?" he said again as he did his best to gain his composure. He was having a difficult turning off his desires. It was like throwing the emergency break on a speeding train it was still slow in coming to a halt.

"Just go....please," hurriedly she picked up her jacket and threw it over her nakedness.

"I don't understand," was all Danny could muster. And after he said it he knew how foolish his words had been.

"You may be used to this kind of thing but I certainly am not. I'm not a whore you know!!" she spat picking herself up off of the sofa and heading for the kitchen. She needed to put some distance between them. Even though she had come to her senses, that still didn't lessen her appetite for him.

Danny looked on as she raced away from him as if he had some infectious disease that she was afraid of contracting. He pulled on his shirt and made his way to where she stood with her back to him. Tentatively he rested his hands on her shoulders, "I never thought that," he whispered. Underneath his touch he could feel the rise and fall of her shoulders as though she were crying, "Melanie, what? What's the matter?" he gently turned her to face him to see she was indeed crying, "I'm sorry. I didn't...I don't......" Danny was at a loss for the right words. He was beside himself not knowing what was really happening here and she wasn't offering much in the way of an explanation, "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked when the tears had run dry.

"No, I think it would be best if you just went home."

"I don't understand what happened. I'm sorry for sounding like a pig but here goes nothing. You were into this as much as I was what happened?"

Michelle starred at the handsome face that looked back at her. He deserved an answer to that question. She just didn't know how to meld her true life experiences into her current life so that it would all make sense.

"There's not a simple answer to that question," she finally concluded aloud.

"Try me," he returned knowing all too well that life was never what it appeared to be, "Why don't you go change into something a little more comfortable and I'll make us a pot of coffee and you can tell me or not?"

"I don't know," she hesitated.

"Melanie, listen I meant what I said earlier," she returned his remark with a quizzical look, "I want to get to know you. What happened here tonight whatever it was or wasn't doesn't change any of that."

When Michelle emerged from her room in sweats and a T-shirt, Danny had a pot of steaming coffee and two mugs on the glass top table in the middle of the living room.

"Thank you," she said as her handed her over her cup.

"Before you start I want to apologize if things got out of hand earlier. I was fully to blame for that."

"No...no you weren't. As you so artfully pointed out before you weren't kissing thin air, Danny," Michelle let the hot liquid fill her body with warmth, "I am just as much to blame here. I'm sorry if it appeared like I was leading you on. I never meant it like that."

"I understand."

"I'm glad one of us does," she smiled as the tension between them began to lift again, "I just recently got burnt pretty badly. I mean the man that I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life, have babies with, fell in love with someone else. The worse part was if happened right under my nose and I didn't even see it."

"That really sucks. I'm sorry."

"I thought that I couldn't love anyone the way that I loved him. I gave every part of my being to him...you know what I am trying to say?" she asked as Danny nodded, "Well then you come along and you set off a tidal wave of feelings and emotions that I thought didn't exist for me anymore." Michelle was certain that she was going out on a limb but she didn't want Danny to think that he had done something wrong. He had to understand that the scars that Jesse left behind ran very deep.

Before Michelle could continue, Danny drew her into the crux of him arm nestling her between his body and the sofa back. He wanted more then anything to erase the pained expression that she had worn while she had described what had happened to her.

"There's no need for you to explain anything else. I can't imagine what that must have been like for you." He leaned in and kissed the top of her curls.

Michelle felt completely secure in his arms. For the first time since Jesse had dropped his bombshell she felt at peace. "So please know that what I did and the things I said tonight had nothing to all to do with you," Michelle turned to look into his black eyes.

"I think I'm getting a pretty clear picture now. And let me tell you something Melanie, I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to do. I just want the chance to get to know you and where ever that may take us I say great."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me for something that you deserve." Danny looked at the time it was going on half past two, "Hey it's getting really late. I should be going," he remarked as he began to stand up.

"No stay please. I mean this is the most bizarre first date I have ever had. I would really like it if you stayed. I would like to get to know you too."

"Are you sure?" Danny questioned.

"Positive."

Albert sat in the wing backed chair in the corner of his bedroom watching his wife sleeping. Her outburst at the club still a vivid memory in his mind.

"What possessed you to be so foolish?" he asked the still figure under the covers.

Albert hadn't realized how deep his wife's resentment towards him and everything that his old life represented ran. How much she hated that Carmen still had a son. It didn't matter to Jenny that Danny wanted nothing to do with his mother. In all reality he despised Carmen even more then she did. That didn't make a difference. All Jenny could see was that Carmen had a son and she did not.

In his attempt to move past that life that had claimed his son, Albert had virtually erased him. And now that was coming back to haunt him, haunt both of them. At the time his memories were too painful to discuss so he buried them deep inside him. He hadn't let any room for Richard to live on in them. Albert hadn't been able to deal with the fact that his blood lust as Jenny so aptly put it had cost him his son. He was so hell bent on having someone to take the reins from him that in essence he fed his son to the wolves. That's why helping Danny now had grown so important, maybe too important to him.

Maybe Jenny was right, maybe he was trying to atone for his sins with his own son through his nephew? He didn't know if that were true or not but he didn't want to see Carmen do to Danny what he had done to Richard. Pigeon hole him into a box that wasn't of his own choosing.

Albert had never asked what his son had wanted. Never thought he any bigger goals then his father. At the time Albert saw nothing more appealing then the family's business. He was repeating the same rite of passage that his father had done for him and Miguel.

Frederico Santos expected that his sons would be the next in line to carry on the family tradition that his father and his father before him had.

It was now in the wake of many tragedies, that Albert saw things far more clearly. He couldn't help wondering if Miguel would approve of what he was trying to help Danny do. His brother had been the driving force in his being able to leave without fear of retribution. So Albert wanted to believe in his heart that Miguel would understand.

Now if he could just get his wife to. The scars that Richard's death and the life that had caused it ran long and deep in his wife's soul. He doubted that they could be mended. He had to try for Danny's sake as well as their own.

It wasn't an easy thing to stay grounded in the world they now lived. Albert had renounced his old life upon Richard's death but he knew in his heart if Richard had not died, Albert would now be sitting at the head of the table.

It had taken a great deal of strength on his part not to claim what was rightfully his when his brother was murdered. It made his blood run cold to this day to think about Carmen sitting there controlling the empire that Miguel and he had built.

Having Danny around him only served to make him realize that even though he wasn't part of that life any more that that life was still part of him. And the fact that his wife knew that as well was something that frightened him.