The men and women of the Salem Police Department gave a thunderous round of applause as Agent Clarice Parker shook hands with Abe after receiving the distinguished medal for bravery and outstanding service for her major role in solving the kidnapping case. Clarice smiled at the cheering detectives and police officers before turning to shake hands with Bo. His warm brown eyes conveyed the reminder that they were going to have their own private celebration as planned, much later. Hoping no one noticed the blush she could feel on her cheeks, Clarice posed for the camera; the two men on either side of her. From her seat, Hope watched Bo silently, thinking how very handsome he looked in his dress uniform and once again rehearsed what she wanted to say to him as soon as she got him alone. They had bonded somewhat after the sudden death of Mickey and she’d reflected on her uncle and aunt’s long and happy marriage and how they’d lived for each other which made her realise she wanted another shot at her own marriage after all. Bo of course wanted the same; Justin never confessed who slugged him but she knew Bo did it out of raging jealousy. Bo was the love of her life and she needed him to know that before the divorce was final. Motivated by that thought, she moved forward to shake hands with Clarice as she stepped off the podium, the plaque she’d also received under her arm. ‘Congratulations .’ she smiled.
‘Thank
you.’ Clarice fingered the medal round her neck. ‘Though as far as I know, all
I did was do what anyone else would’ve done.’
‘You
did a whole lot for us so better get used to being a hero for
long while.’ Bo brushed back a strand of hair from Clarice’s cheek, causing
Hope’s smile to fade a bit.
‘Uh
Bo, can I talk to you alone?’ she said abruptly.
‘What
about?’ Bo asked as Roman pulled Clarice away to hug her.
‘It’s
private and very important, please. Let’s find somewhere quiet to talk.’
For
now Clarice was surrounded by several
well-wishers so Bo nodded , following Hope out of the hall and walked with her
until they got to his office. ‘So what’s this about?’ he asked as she closed
the door behind them.
Hope
faced him, her expression earnest. ‘I... actually I want to talk about us.’
Bo
folded his arms, frowning. ‘What’s there to talk about? We’re in the middle of
divorce proceedings.’
‘Yes
I know and about that... we’ve been getting along better since we lost Mickey-
I felt we’ve been growing closer since what happened with Dean.’ When Bo didn't
reply she continued, ‘I realise I’ve been unfair with the way I’ve been pushing
you away and I thought about what you said about me always running away when
things get rough. Uncle Mickey never allowed anything to stand between him and
Maggie, they always managed to work things out and they had a wonderful life.
Maggie always said that Uncle Mickey was the only man she wanted to grow old
and that kind of love is ever lasting. I now realise who I have, Bo; the only
man I ever want to grow old with... you. Maybe we had problems before I was
gone and after we got back together but my love for you was always there;
always.’
Even after you slept
with Patrick? Bo wanted to ask but he wasn't
that mean spirited. ‘Hope, what are you
trying to say to me?’ he asked quietly.
Hope
smiled. ‘I want us to try again, go back to the way we were. I love you Bo.’
Moving closer she slipped her arms round his neck. ‘It’s always been you... you
didn't have to hit Justin.’
‘What?’
Bo asked in astonishment, pulling her arms off him.
‘He
didn't have to tell me it was you, I know you very well, remember? Justin’s
family, he’s always been family and that will never change. I want us to call
the whole divorce off and move back in with you. Let’s both go to the judge
tomorrow and tell him we’re willing to give our marriage a try.’
‘Hold
up.’ Bo moved away from Hope, unable to believe what he was hearing. ‘You want
to do what now?’
‘Bo,
weren't you listening... I said I want us to call the proceeding off, start
afresh. Two people who love each like we do shouldn’t throw away precious
memories... or a marriage.’
‘But
you were willing to call it off, weren't you?’ Bo said curtly. ‘I made a speech
sort of like this one the night you moved out with our daughter and what did
you say to me?’
‘Okay,
if you insist on throwing that in my face I was wrong and unfair! I want us to
move forward, I need you Bo, more than ever. I’ve missed you.’ she whispered.
‘I’m sorry it took Uncle Mickey’s death to realise how important you are to me
but it’s true. So... should we stop by the judge’s chambers tomorrow?’
‘We’re
not going tomorrow or day after next, not ever.’ Bo informed her, his face hard
and determined.
‘But
Bo, I thought...’
‘Well
you thought wrong, Hope. I asked you not to leave, not to throw what we had
away but you said we were done.’
‘I was wrong!’
‘You
decided you didn't want to be with me any longer so I decided that you were
right about us calling it a day. You may’ve changed your mind but I haven’t;
I’m going ahead with the divorce.’
Hope
stared at him, stunned. ‘I thought you would be happy, that this is what you
wanted.’
‘I
never wanted you to leave me in the first place but you did.’
‘Are
you still bent on punishing me by bringing that up?’
‘All
you seem to care about is what you
went through during our separation; not one thought about how I felt when you walked out that door
with Ciara; how I had to put up with
everybody’s lectures and your rejection. Can you imagine how I felt all that
time, Hope? Hurt, betrayed and filled with pain!’ Bo shouted. ‘This isn't about
punishing you; I’m just stating clear facts. For a long time I nursed a lot of
hurt and then I came to the conclusion that it actually made sense that we went
our separate ways finally. You bailed when Zack died, when Kayla got shot and I
waited for you to come to your senses. And then Ciara was kidnapped and you
accused me of gambling with her life- something I never thought I would ever
hear from the woman I loved. You said you were done; guess what...I’m done too. I’m not going to do this
anymore, it’s over between us.’
Hope
still couldn't believe it. ‘Bo, you have every right to be angry with me but
please listen, I want us to be a family again.’
‘Well,
things are different now. For Ciara’s and Shawn D’s sakes we can be friends but
if you want more, I’m afraid I can’t give you that.’ As he spoke, Bo knew that
he meant every word. This sudden change of heart from Hope was the last thing
he expected but she was far too late. He loved Carly with all his heart and
soul; she was his future and nothing or nobody was going to stand in their way.
And this evening he was planning on giving her a very romantic night.
‘How
are things different, Brady?’ Hope demanded. ‘Is there another woman?’
Bo
didn't hesitant for a second. ‘Has Justin been trashing me to you again?’
‘That's
not the answer to my question; is there somebody else because I can’t think of
any other reason why you won’t give us another chance! Is there somebody else?’
Bo
glared at her. ‘I don't have to answer your questions because we have nothing
to say to each other.’ He pushed her hand off his arm. ‘Excuse me.’
‘Brady,
don't walk out on me, we’re not finished!’ Hope prevented him from opening the
door. ‘You can’t leave like this.’
Sighing
exasperatedly, Bo turned to face her squarely. ‘There’s nothing left to say.’
‘You’re
willing to let us go... just like that? What do you mean things are different?’
‘Hope,
I don't want to do this with you. We’re only going to end up screaming at each
other and end up getting nowhere. Just accept the fact that we’re never getting
back together and the healthiest thing we can do is move on with our lives and
do our best to get along.’ He reached for the door knob but Hope placed a firm
hand against the door. ‘You aren’t going anywhere until you explain what you
mean when you said things were different now.’ Hope’s face was cold.
‘Hope...’
‘Right
now, Brady. I can keep us here all day if I have to.’
‘Alright,
if you don't want me to spare your feelings and get tough with you.’ Bo faced
her, determined to make himself clear and get out of the room so he could steal
a few minutes alone with Carly before they meet at The Warehouse later for
their romantic night. ‘For a long time I wanted you back with me and start
over... forget about what happened. But feelings change and mine have. I love
you but not the way I once did.’
‘That's
not true...’ Hope stuttered, her voice shaking.
‘Face
it Hope, we’ve outgrown each other!’ Bo snapped. ‘I’m done being the one
chasing after you trying to fix our marriage and wait for you to decide whether
you want us to stay together or not. This time; I’m jumping ship before I sink
any further.’
‘Bo,
come on... you can’t mean this!’ Hope pleaded.
‘Listen
to me, Hope and listen good because I’m not planning on having this
conversation again; it’s over! The divorce proceedings gone through far for us
to do anything about it anyway and I need some stability in my life for once!’
Bo didn't want to be cruel but she’d asked for it.
‘But
I’m willing to fix it this time and it’s because I love you.’ Hope pressed on, willing
for his face to soften and take her in his arms. ‘I’ve never loved anyone as
much as I love you Bo. Can’t you forgive me?’
‘There’s
nothing to forgive Hope. It’s just too late for us.’ Bo stared her down,
unmoved. ‘I’m sorry but there it is. Excuse me.’
Hope
waited for him to close the door behind her before giving way to tears. Bo
heard the sound of her crying but kept on walking, firmly turning away from the
past. Falling back in love with Carly had surprised him but he had no regrets.
If Lawrence and Vivian hadn’t taken her away from him, she would’ve been his
wife, Hope’s sudden return regardless. Carly wouldn't have bailed from any rough
patch not would’ve given Patrick the time of day. He knew where his heart lay
and he was more than happy now. He was sorry Hope was upset but he wasn't going
to allow her to make him feel guilty.
Carly
was standing at her desk in her office, going through a file. ‘Hey... hey...
you know very well you aren’t supposed to do any work today.’ He admonished, slipping
his arms round her.
She
smiled, holding on to the lapels of his jacket. ‘I’m not working, just going
over a few things.’
‘Well
that’s good, because I won’t have you get too tired for what I got planned for
us tonight.’
‘Which
I still don't know exactly! Come on, the suspense is killing me!’ Carly
pleaded. ‘Please... not even one little hint?’
‘No...
no... you’re going to have to wait till the exact time.’ Bo stroked her hair,
smiling down at the green eyes twinkling at him before kissing her deeply,
feeling her arms slip round his neck. As promised they’ve been discreet, only
Roman knew they were a couple and he’d loyally kept their secret. Keeping his
hands off her turned out more difficult than he thought possible, reminding him
of how they started years ago. Not that they’d planned to wait that long after
his illness but they’d battled Victor and the various obstacles he’d thrown
their way. Not this time though.
Clarice
broke the kiss, rubbing his lower lip with her thumb. ‘We’ll have to lock the
door and draw the blinds if we keep this up, you know.’ She murmured. Being
with him and everything about him felt so surprisingly familiar to her but
instead of putting it down as mere déjà vu, she figured it was because he was
the soul mate she’s been searching for all her lonely life. He made her so very
happy that she wanted to shout it from the rooftops and she couldn't wait to
make love to him at last and spend the rest of her life with him; after she had
a word with her superiors when the time came.
‘I’m
game if you are.’ he whispered back, pressing his forehead against hers.
Knowing full well he was teasing, she grinned, shaking her head. ‘Yeah right... our first time on my desk.’
‘What...
you think I can’t do it?’ he growled, pushing her backwards to plant her on the
desk, moving her skirt up her thighs as he planted another heated kiss on her
mouth.
Roman
watched them from the door left ajar, shaking his head ruefully. ‘Get a room,
you two.’ He murmured, shaking his head as he walked down the hall. ‘Oh no...’
he halted as Hope walked towards him. ‘Roman, where’s Bo?’ she asked, looking
resolute again.
‘Uh,
he stepped out a few minutes ago. Why?’ Roman fervently hoped Bo won’t spread
Carly on the desk and things immediately becoming very ugly once the happy pair
became vocal.
‘I
need to talk to him about something very important, before it’s too late; if
you know where he is, please tell me.’
‘Whoa
Hope, what’s going on? What’s the urgent thing you want to talk about with
Bo... if I’m allowed to ask that is?’
‘No
Rom, you aren’t.’ Was the rude reply. ‘So you don't know where Bo is?’
His
little brother was probably in the middle of Round One by now. Roman managed to
compose himself, firmly refusing to picture Bo and Carly entwined. ‘No Hope, I
don't.’ He replied, his voice curt. It suddenly occurred to him that Hope was
changing her mind at the last minute and he was willing to stand by his brother
if she was going to cause trouble. From the way Bo looked so happy and peaceful
these days it meant he was finally having getting stability in his life and
he’ll be damned before Hope upset him all over again with her shenanigans. He
still had regard for Hope but Bo’s happiness was more important.
‘Fine,
I’ll call him later.’ Sullenly, Hope walked away. She still didn't believe what
Bo had said about not loving her anymore, she needed to discuss it with him
again.
Roman made a mental note to advise Bo about
locking the door the next time he decided to indulge in ‘office sex’; Hope walking
in on them was one thing, half of Salem police department doing so was another.
Meanwhile
contrary to Roman’s belief, Bo and Carly hadn’t gone that far, though very
close to; both so consumed with desire that they had to disentangle themselves
with great effort.
‘Tonight...’
Bo promised huskily, kissing her repeatedly. ‘Just you wait.’
‘I
intend to.’ She replied softly.
:::::::::::::
It
was drizzling when Bo arrived at Carly’s loft that night; his arms laden with a
bouquet of long stemmed roses and a picnic hamper. To her surprise, he told her
to slip into something a bit more formal and not come out until he told her to.
Filled with eager anticipation, Clarice found a simple green silk dress, short
at the knees, slipping it on. She then applied a little makeup, some perfume
and brushed her hair before sitting on her bed to wait. Finally Bo came
upstairs. ‘You can come out now.’
‘Are you going to end the suspense now?’ she
asked with mock exasperation.
‘You’ve
been more than patient so come reap the results.’ Taking her arm, he led her
down the iron wrought staircase to her living room and she gasped in delight at
the sight. The room was lit by several scented candles, a candlelit table with
their dinner laid, along with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and the
roses placed at the centre of the table. ‘Oh my God... I don't know what to
say.’ She said softly, a hand against her chest. It was absolutely perfect... a
beautiful, romantic setting.
‘Then
don’t try to.’ Bo slipped his arm around her shoulders, pleased to see she
loved what he’d done. A close re-enactment of their date at The Wings ballroom
that got ruined by Victor; but one of their priceless memories. He had more in
store for her. ‘Can I sit you, my lady?’ he moved to the table and pulled out a
chair for her.
‘Why
thank you, good sir.’ She replied, happily playing along. When she sat down, Bo
leaned over and kissed her yet again; his lips passionate and demanding against
hers and she eagerly kissed him right back. ‘I love you so much.’ she
whispered.
‘I
love you too, princess.’
Carly
pulled back a bit, staring at him. ‘What did you just call me?’ she asked.
‘You
don't like it?’ Bo watched her carefully. ‘I thought it suited you... because
you’re so beautiful.’ It was actually one of the reasons why the pet name had
stuck; he’d first called her that on her birthday because the old classic tale
‘The Princess and the Pea’ had come to his mind when she complained of the
lumpy mattress she had to sleep on and it had turned out it was all because of a pebble underneath it.
Clarice
hesitated, thinking about the crystal figurine of a woman resting on her
nightstand; wearing a tiara and a ball gown...
‘Was
that why you gave me that figurine for Christmas, because it reminded you of
me?’
Bo
touched her face, nodding. ‘I didn't know what I felt for you then, but yeah...
it did. You don't mind if I call you that?’
No
one’s ever called her that yet why did it sound vaguely familiar? Clarice
agonised. She couldn't understand it at all. But she wasn't going to let
another nagging sense of déjà vu ruin their evening. So instead she smiled. ‘No,
it’s flattering and very sweet.’
Bo
saw the way her face looked at the name; another cloudy memory that will surely
come back to her more clearly as they progressed; in time she would be Carly again
and she’ll be able to tell him exactly what Lawrence did to her. Right now he
was very glad to call her by her old pet name again. Stroking her hair and
kissing her forehead, he took his place opposite her and took the chilled
champagne from the ice bucket.
When
dinner was over they moved to the blanket Bo had spread near the fire place. It
was now raining heavily outside; the raindrops pattering against the windows.
‘Wow...
it’s really pouring now, I’m so glad you got here before it really came down
hard.’ She said, resting against Bo. ‘Thank you for doing this; everything’s so
perfect... the food, the wine, the candles... you.’
He
smiled his face against her hair. ‘You’re more than worth it, princess. You
should know by now I would do anything for you.’
Clarice
smiled, her eyes closed. In the present romantic setting she felt like they
were the only people in the world, their very own special world. ‘This is
probably what heaven feels like. Being in the perfect spot with someone you
love so much and just be in the moment.’
Bo
tensed, waiting for her to say more; half hoping she would say- the place where all that is not music is
silence. But instead, she rested her head against his chest, fingering the
silver chain he always wore. ‘I haven’t felt this sense of peace before. It was
always work and one mission to another; being alone.’
‘Why
would anyone as beautiful as you want to be alone?’ Bo asked, rubbing her bare
back.
She
shrugged. ‘I kept men at arm’s length most of the time. There were good ones
but... I was never exactly in tune with them, emotionally or physically and
also because of my line of work, I didn’t have the luxury of trusting easily. I
never let anyone close until you.’ She looked up at him. ‘You’re my soul mate,
Bo. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you.’
Touched by her words he stroked her face with his
fingers, loving her so much. ‘For the rest of the time I’ve got here on earth
Clarice, I’m yours and nothing or nobody will ever come between us, I promise
you.’
‘Are
you absolutely sure this is what you want?’
‘What’s
this, you don't trust me?’
‘It’s
not that... I do. But Hope, you’ve been together for so long; you have children
and a history.’
‘People
with longer marriages than ours have been known to fall apart like we did. If
you’re blaming yourself for what happened between me and Hope, that’s crazy.
You’re not the other woman, you comforted me when I needed a friend and we fell
in love. We’ve got nothing to be guilty or ashamed about. When the divorce is
final, everybody will know we’re together and simply learn to accept it.’
‘Including
Ciara? It’s one thing to accept me as a friend but as her father’s girlfriend?’
‘Princess,
stop worrying so much, please.’ He chided. ‘Ciara understands the situation,
how she feels about you won’t change when we tell her. She’ll be glad to have
you more in her life, you’re her hero.’
Clarice
smiled. ‘I love her too; I really hope we’ll be able to forge a wonderful
relationship.’
‘You
will, don't you fret anymore. In the meantime, how about we enjoy the rest of
our evening?’ Pushing
her gently on the blanket, they kissed and cuddled for several minutes; Clarice
moved under him, moaning as he touched her breasts and planted kisses down her
neck, feeling his hardness against her thigh. ‘Let’s... go upstairs.’ She whispered
breathlessly.
‘Come
on...’ He got up, pulling her to her
feet. Blowing out the candles first, they went up to her room; hand in hand. Bo pulled her against him and resumed kissing
her deeply, pulling her hard against him. After holding back for so long he
wanted to tear her clothes off and make love to her with wild abandon. But
common sense prevailed the burning hunger within him; Lawrence probably raped
her several times before her amnesia and the last thing Bo wanted was to invoke
horrible memories of that beast by being hasty and rough making love to her. Keeping
his mouth on hers, Bo reached for the zipper of her dress, drawing it down
slowly and then peeling the garment off, breaking the kiss to look at her. Clarice’s
cheeks went pink as his eyes and hands swept over her body but she held on to
him, her arms round his waist.
‘You’re so beautiful…’ he murmured,
drinking in the sight of the familiar body; his heart clenching at the small
scars that weren't there years ago; either from Lawrence or her ‘assignments’.
He touched one and Clarice pushed his hand away. ‘It’s ugly...’ she murmured
self consciously.
‘Scars of battle... and bravery.’ He
contradicted gently. ‘Which makes them beautiful, everything about you is
beautiful.’ Brushing back her hair, he resumed kissing her, moving over her
cheeks and neck. Her fingers trembling, she unbuttoned his shirt, peeling it
down his shoulders and Bo shrugged it off, his breathing quick and unsteady.
Clarice touched him in wonder. ‘You’re… so incredible…’ she said softly, her
fingers exploring his chest. ‘More than I imagined. For a long time I’ve
fantasized touching you like this.’
‘Me too.’ He whispered, touching her
neck, moving up to her face. ‘All those times you were in my office… all I
could think about was flinging you on the desk, making love to you. I’ve wanted
to make love to you for so long.’
‘Make love to me, Bo. Make me yours...now.’ she whispered, clinging to him. Holding her round the waist, Bo walked her backwards to the bed and sat her down; stroking her hair as she kissed his stomach, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his pants. Lowering her on the bed he moved over her as she shifted to the center, their mouths fusing hungrily and aggressively, hands feverishly caressing each other. Clarice ran her fingers through Bo’s hair, shivering as he planted kisses along the side of her neck; loving the erotic, spiky feel of his beard grazing her skin. Bo moved his lips to the top of her breasts, unfastening her bra and kissed the soft undersides, savoring the sound of her breathy gasps as he devoured her breasts. Clarice moved restlessly under him; delicious sensations running through her body; the feelings he invoked in her more sensual and scorching than her wildest dreams about him and she sank further and further in the vortex of passion. Bo moved down to kiss her stomach, peeling off her panties. Clarice reached for him but he took her hands, placing them back on her sides. Tracing her navel with his tongue, he moved down, nudging her legs apart. While the storm raged outside, white-hot passion raged in the bedroom. Clarice twined her arms and legs around her lover as he moved inside her, going deeper as he drove them both into the scorching hot inferno, crying out his name. Hands feverishly caressed, mouths met and clung desperately. Bo whispered words of love against her lips, burying his face against her soft neck as he went on pleasuring her; two bodies, two souls entwined in heated, boundless passion...
‘Make love to me, Bo. Make me yours...now.’ she whispered, clinging to him. Holding her round the waist, Bo walked her backwards to the bed and sat her down; stroking her hair as she kissed his stomach, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his pants. Lowering her on the bed he moved over her as she shifted to the center, their mouths fusing hungrily and aggressively, hands feverishly caressing each other. Clarice ran her fingers through Bo’s hair, shivering as he planted kisses along the side of her neck; loving the erotic, spiky feel of his beard grazing her skin. Bo moved his lips to the top of her breasts, unfastening her bra and kissed the soft undersides, savoring the sound of her breathy gasps as he devoured her breasts. Clarice moved restlessly under him; delicious sensations running through her body; the feelings he invoked in her more sensual and scorching than her wildest dreams about him and she sank further and further in the vortex of passion. Bo moved down to kiss her stomach, peeling off her panties. Clarice reached for him but he took her hands, placing them back on her sides. Tracing her navel with his tongue, he moved down, nudging her legs apart. While the storm raged outside, white-hot passion raged in the bedroom. Clarice twined her arms and legs around her lover as he moved inside her, going deeper as he drove them both into the scorching hot inferno, crying out his name. Hands feverishly caressed, mouths met and clung desperately. Bo whispered words of love against her lips, burying his face against her soft neck as he went on pleasuring her; two bodies, two souls entwined in heated, boundless passion...
:::::::::
It was drizzling again when Bo opened
his eyes; spooned against Clarice. She lay in his arms, her face half hidden by
her tousled hair.
‘Good
morning,’ he whispered against her cheek.
She
smiled sleepily, turning in his arms. ‘Good morning. Last night wasn't a
dream?’
‘Mmm…
I don’t think so.’ Draping his thigh over hers, he kissed her repeatedly.
Clarice clung to him, welcoming his kisses, moving down to plant kisses on his
chest. ‘Last night was so beautiful…and romantic.’
‘I
aim to please,’ he took her hand, kissing her fingers one by one. ‘Mostly because
you inspire me.’
She
giggled, kissing him again. ‘It’s still raining outside. You’re not in a hurry
to leave, are you?’
‘It
happens to me my day off…and yours too.’ He smirked suggestively. She grinned
back. ‘So what do you suggest we do, boss?’
‘I
can think of loads of things and it doesn’t involve getting out of this bed any
time soon.’ She shrieked as he grabbed her, pinning her under him again.
‘You’re
insatiable, Commissioner.’
‘You’re
unbearably sexy, Agent Parker, that’s why.’ He growled, losing himself in her
all over again. Ten minutes later, they lay exhausted and spent against each
other. ‘I’m going to summon some strength now by taking a shower and then check
what I have in the fridge.’ She climbed out of the bed. ‘Coming?’
‘Miss
the chance of taking a shower with you? Lead the way.’
She
smiled at him tenderly, pulling his head down for another heated kiss. But as
he turned to go into the bathroom, her smile faded as she stared at the tattoo
on Bo’s back; of a dagger. Her mind went back to the recurring dream of the
faceless man with a tattoo on the exact spot…