Stolen Life

Author: Stefanie aka Roswellian Princess 2001
Rating: Probably R (M&M AU)
Summary: No aliens. Max is a mob boss and Michael is his best friend and
right hand man, or second in command. Maria starts out with Max, but then
something happens.
Authors Note: Unsure about the summary. But the story starts out with Max
and Maria together, but I promise it won't be for long, just the first few
parts. Please let me know what you think.

Part One

Maria DeLuca sidled up to the bar to pick up the drinks for one of her more
rowdy tables.  She sighed deeply and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to
understand how she ended up where she was.  She cam from a very affluent
family, yet here she was, waiting tables in a hazy nightclub.

At 20 years old Maria thought she would be in college, on her way to a
successful life.  But after the sudden death of her parents, when she was
sixteen and her sister, Isabel, was fourteen, it was discovered that her
father had fallen into trouble financially.  It was not until after their
deaths that the debtors began harassing Maria until it took almost every
last penny they had to pay them off.  The only money that remained was her
sister’s small college fund, that Maria refused to touch.  Despite the fact
that she was working in a bar, she wanted something better for Izzy.

After gathering the drinks and turning, Maria looked around the smokey bar
at the drunk patrons.  She had to laugh to herself when she thought of all
the cheesy come-ons and one liners she had heard in her short career as a
waitress.  Her eyes came to rest on Maxwell Evans, the owner of the club, as
he sat at one of the dark tables.  She smiled to herself when she saw him. 
Her night in shining armour.  He was the reason she had a job and had a roof
over her head as well as Izzy’s.

Max Evans had been a fantasy of hers for a long time.  He seemed to be the
epitome of everything Maria looked for in a man.  He was strong and capable,
yet mysterious.  Even though she had come to depend on him whenever she
found herself in trouble, she really didn’t know that much about him.  Maria
  had believed she was in love with him ever since he bailed her and Izzy
out after her parents passed.  She could feel her heart accelerate just
thinking about him.  She felt like a giddy school girl whenever she saw his
handsome face come into the club.

She could remember when her friends would tell her that it was just a crush
on an older man.  But do crushes last for years?

Maria walked over to Max’s table.  “Hey, boss.  All alone tonight?”  She
smiled brightly.

“Yeah, well you know the night is still young,” he smiled.

Maria could feel her heart quicken when he smiled.  She knew he would
probably never look at her as anything beyond the child he helped.  But
lately it seemed that he had been coming in more often when she was working.

“What’s got you in here tonight?  You usually don’t come in on Thursdays. 
And no Michael, I am shocked.”

“Just came to see my girl.”  Max grinned again.  He loved to throw Maria off
guard.  He had known Maria ever since she was a struggling young woman who
needed his help.  His running man, Michael, constantly complained about her.
  Max always wanted to laugh because he couldn’t understand how a mere slip
of a girl could get under Michael’s skin so easily.  Recently though, Max
began to see Maria as more than a child.

“Come on, Max.  You’re gonna make me blush,” she laughed.  “Is everything
OK?”

“Yeah, everything is fine.  I really came by to see you.  I wanted to know
if you wanted to come up to the Penthouse for dinner tomorrow night.”

Maria searched his face to find the joke.  There was no way that Maxwell
Evans was asking her to his apartment.  “I’m sure Izzy and I could come,”
she replied.

“Not Izzy.  Just you, Maria.”

“Oh.  Are you sure?” she asked reluctantly.

“Have you every known me to ask without being sure I wanted to know the
answer?”

“Well, no.  You can pretty straightforward when you want to be.  Is there
any reason?  I mean did I do something wrong here at the club?”

“No, no.  I have just been doing some thinking, and there are some things I
want to talk to you about.  Things that could affect your future.”

Maria could feel her heart drop.  ‘He only wants to discuss my future. 
Which means he probably wants to pay for college or something,’ she thought.
“Sure, Max.  I’ll be there,” she said.

Max stood and kissed her cheek softly.  “Great.  Be there around seven.” 
With that he turned and walked out of the club.

Maria watched his walk out.  With another deep sigh she turned and started
to help another customer.  But the thought that she would be alone in his
apartment with him tomorrow night was never far from her mind.


“I don’t want you over there by yourself, Maria.  You haven’t heard the
stories about Evans down on the docks.”

“Come on, Iz.  He is not the monster that everyone make him out to be.”

Maria had come home and immediately started to go through her closet to
decide on an outfit to wear tomorrow night.  Izzy had found her and
immediately started in on Max, and what a creep he is.

“You know, if it wasn’t for him, we would probably be out on the streets,”
Maria said, hold up a blue blouse for approval.

Izzy scrunched up her nose at the top and continued.  “Don’t remind me. 
Look, I just don’t want you to get hurt.  Who knows who might come after him
when you’re with him.  He’s got enemies.”

“We are going to be at the Penthouse.  Besides it’s not like danger follows
him wherever he goes.”

Izzy sighed.  “I don’t want you to get your heart hurt either.  I know you
have thought yourself half in love with him since he bailed us out.  But I
just don’t think you should get too close.”

Maria sat down next to her sister.  “I really don’t think you have to worry
about my heart being hurt.  He said he wants to talk to me about my future. 
That probably means school, or a different job.  Nothing else.”

“Then why do you care what you wear?” Izzy asked smiling.

Maria shrugged her shoulders.  “No harm in looking cute while we discuss my
future.  Now, please.  Help me find something to wear.”
Part Two

Maria took a deep breath and stepped off the elevator.  The entire way up to
the Penthouse she could feel her hand shaking.  She had known Max for a
while, but she had never been alone with him at his apartment.  Usually Izzy
or that guy Michael were always there too.

When she stepped forward she collided with a hard chest.  Strong hands
grabbed her arms to keep her from falling back onto the elevator.  But when
she looked up her entire demeanor changed.

“Why don’t you watch where you’re going?” Michael asked snidely.

Maria closed her eyes and took a calming breath.  She knew that Michael
lived right across the hall from Max in the other Penthouse, but she never
thought she would have to deal with him tonight.  She wasn’t sure what it
was about this guy, but he new how to push all the right buttons to drive
her crazy.

She shook off his hands.  “Hey, I was just walking.  Why don’t you be more
careful about letting people off the elevator before running them over. 
What are you in a hurry or something?”

“Whatever.  What do you want anyway?” he asked stepping back.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but Max asked me to come over for
dinner.”

“By yourself?”

“What?  You don’t think I am capable of adult conversation?”

Michael raised his hands in surrender.  “Whatever.  Just get out of the
way.”

Maria moved off the elevator and stepped to the side.  When she looked back
she saw Michael pushing the button and shaking her head.  She just rolled
her eyes and went to Max’s door.  With a deep breath she rang the buzzer.

Max opened the door with a grin.  “Hey you.  Wow, you look great.”  He
stepped to the side and took her coat.  She had decided on a simple black
dress that had a low back.  She wasn’t sure what was on his mind, but she
wanted to look elegant either way.

“Hey, Max.”

“Dinner’s almost ready.  Would you like something to drink?” he asked.

“No, I’m ok right now.”

Max sauntered back into the kitchen.  “I really like what you’ve done with
the Penthouse,” Maria said, slapping herself making such a stupid comment.

Max came back laughing.  “Uh, right.”

Maria shook her head.  “Sorry.  I don’t know why but I am nervous tonight.”

Max out his arm around her shoulder.  “Don’t be nervous.  Let’s sit down,
there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

Maria followed Max over to the sofa and sat down.  “Now you’re really making
me nervous.  What’s going on?  You said you wanted to discuss my future.”

“Yeah, I do.  I wanted to discuss a future….a future with me.”

Maria could feel the blood boiling in her ears.  “Future with you?”

“I know we have known each other a while.  But lately I have just felt drawn
to you.  Every night at the club I see you working, getting hit on by those
men, and I just get this feeling inside.  Like I want to take you away.”

“Are you asking me what I think you are asking me?”

“Please, Maria.  Be with me.  Let me take care of you and your sister.  Let
me love you the way you should be loved.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say,” she said quietly.  She turned and looked
deep into his brown eyes.  “I didn’t think there would ever be a time when
you thought of me as anything other than a child.”

“How do you feel about me?” he asked.

Maria giggled and through herself into Max’s arms.  “I have been waiting for
you.  I wanted you to see that I am an adult now.  I have loved you for what
seems like forever.”

Max laughed and hugged her back.  “So is that a yes?”

“Yes!  Yes!”

Part Three

The next year was heaven for Maria.  She was loved by a man who treated her
as though she was a Princess.  Even her sister had finally warmed to Max. 
Maria still had to put up with Michael, but she had began to enjoy getting
under his skin.  She could only remember one of their many fights, and just
smile.

“Maria?  Honey, you home?”  Maria was broken out of her reverie by the
arrival of her boyfriend.

“Yeah, Max.  I’m in the kitchen.”

Max walked in, and Maria could feel her whole world brightening up.  It
seemed that he only had to walk into the room, and all of her problems
seemed to fall away.  Maria stretched up and kissed him softly, then
noticing a figure in the shadow of the doorway.

Michael was lurking behind Max, trying to stay out of sight.  “Hey Michael,
you hiding from me?” she smiled.

“Whatever,” he replied snidely.  He did not want to admit it, but he enjoyed
their arguments as well.  He had never met a woman with such a wit.  Most of
the women he knew were vapid and empty headed.  But Maria always had a good
comeback, and kept him on his toes.

“Michael, why don’t you head over to your place.  We’ll discuss business a
little later.”

Michael gave a quick nod and headed out the door.

“Is everything ok, Max?”  Maria noticed that his smile didn’t quite reach
his eyes.

“Maria, come into the living room.  I need to discuss something with you.”

Max led her into the living room and sat her down on the sofa.  “Max, what’s
going on?”

“Maria, you know I love you right?”

“Yeah.  I love you too.”

“I know.  And you know I want to spend the rest of my life with you right?”

Maria nodded.

Max slid off the sofa and got down on one knee.  Maria’s eyes widened. 
“Max, what are you doing?”

“Please, just let me say this.  Maria.  I love you so much.  I don’t want
anything to ever come between us.  Please, marry me.”  With the last word he
pulled a small velvet box out of his jacket pocket.  Inside sat a small
platinum ring with a single pink diamond in the middle.

“Oh, Max,” she could barely get the words out through her tears of
happiness.  “Yes, I will marry you!”

She threw her arms around his neck and starting kissing him all over his
face.  The couple rolled around on the floor laughing a kissing.


Later that night, Max left Maria sleeping soundly in their bed, and headed
over to Michael’s apartment.  He knew it was late, but he also knew that
Michael would still be up so they discuss business.

Max knocked on the door, and waited for a response.  Michael pulled open the
door and stepped to the side.  “Hey man.”

“Hey.  So I, uh, asked Maria to marry me tonight,” Max stated quietly.

Michael paused and shook his head.  “Are you sure that’s smart with
everything going on.  Did you tell her that she could be a target?”

“Of course not.  She will never know about Kivar, and he will never get to
her.  Kivar will be dealt with before Maria ever finds out the danger of my
life.”

“You know Kivar will never give up.  You took the territory away from him,
he will never let you rest until either he is dead, or you are.  You should
at least let her in on the danger,” he said matter of factly.

Max slammed his fist on the table.  “I know that!  But I will not let this
touch her.”

“Max, come on man.  You know how Kivar is.  If he gets a hold of her, he
will torture her, just to get to you.”

Max laid his head back on the on the couch, losing himself in the memories. 
He had just been a kid when he starting working for Nasedo, the notorious
crime lord.  When he turned eighteen, Nasedo had made Max his right hand
man, much to the dismay of Kivar, his own son.  Kivar was jealous because
Nasedo used to treat Max like he was part of the family, not hired help.

When Nasedo had finally died, he left the entire business and territory to
Max, rather than Kivar.  Kivar became angry and vowed he would make Max pay
for getting in his way.  That had been 10 years ago, and now Kivar had
resurfaced.


“Can you believe it?  I am getting married!!” Maria threw herself on her bed
in a fit of giggles.  Her sister, and best friend, Liz Guerin, were sitting
in chairs trying to hold in their giggles as well.  Maria and Liz had been
close, even though she couldn’t stand Liz’s brother, Michael.  Izzy and Liz
had become close as well, all three sharing their lives together.

“I am so happy for you Maria,” Liz stated.  “If anyone deserves happiness
it’s you two.  I can’t imagine marrying your knight in shining armor.”

Maria smiled at the wonderful memory.  Her parents had been killed in an
auto accident, leaving her and Izzy alone.  But it wasn’t until the estate
had been settled that they realized that their father had gambled away all
of their money.  They would have ended up on the street if it hadn’t been
for Max.  Max and her father had crossed paths on a couple of business
dealings.  When Max heard of the girls’ plight he paid off the debtors and
got them a place to live and jobs.  He made sure they knew that if they ever
needed anything they could come to him.

“Thank you Liz.  Hey, have you heard from your brother Billy lately?”

Liz shook her head sadly.  There was no one in the world she treasured more
than her brothers, but Billy had become a drunk and a junkie.  No matter how
much she cried to him, or how much Michael yelled at him, he just kept
using.  Liz didn’t like to share her hurt feelings with Michael, because she
knew he would take it personally.  The only people she ever talked about
Billy with were Maria and Izzy.

“I haven’t heard from his since he called wanting money, and Michael told
him not to call till he was clean.”

“I’m sorry Liz,” Izzy comforted.  “I’m sure they will both come around.”

Liz wiped the moisture from her eyes.  “This isn’t supposed to be a sad day,
this is a happy day!  We have a lot of planning to do.  So come on girls,
lets get shopping!”

All three girls laughed and headed out the door.

Part Four

The next few months were spent in bliss, planning and coordinating the
wedding.  Even Michael was helping by not getting in Maria’s face about
anything.  Recently Max asked Maria if it was ok that Michael be the one to
shadow her instead of her regular bodyguard, Johnny.

“Why Michael?” she asked one night while they were lounging in their bed. 
The wedding was in a week, and Max had heard very little from Kivar.  It was
the calm before the storm that bothered him.

“I think Michael is the most experienced out of all my men.  I just want the
best protection for you.”  Max shrugged his shoulders indifferently and
tried to change the subject.  “So, have you made the final decision on the
flowers…”

“Max, don’t change the subject.  Is there something I should know about?  Is
there some danger that your not sharing?”

Max hugged her to him.  “There is nothing that you need to be concerned
with.  I would just feel better if I knew that the woman I loved was being
protected by the best.”
“Alright.  As long as he stays out of my way.”

Max nodded.  He knew that his fiancé and his best friend could hardly stand
to be in the same room together.  But with Kivar on the loose he was willing
to make them deal with each other, as long as it kept Maria safe.

He gazed down at his angel.  She had fallen into a peaceful sleep.  He
counted his lucky stars everyday that this creature had deemed him worthy
enough to love.  He would be damned if he was going to let some animal like
Kivar touch her in any way.

****

The day of the wedding dawned bright and crisp.  Maria awoke in Liz’s
apartment, and could not wipe the grin on her face.  Max had stayed at the
penthouse, and despite his protests, Maria wanted to adhere to tradition. 
She promised that she would stay in the apartment and not go out without a
guard.

Recently Maria had the feeling that Max was keeping something from her.  He
constantly told her that everything was fine, but she wasn’t sure she
believed him.  When she asked Michael about it, he just blew her off, and
told her that he didn’t want to hear about her problems.

She climbed out of the bed and walked to the sliding glass door.  Opening
the door she stepped out onto the terrace into the morning sun.  She wrapped
her robe tighter around her body to ward off the chill.  She looked out over
the city and breathed in the clean air.

She took a deep breath and screamed, “It’s my wedding day!”  She couldn’t
help herself she just started laughing.  All of her dreams were about to
come true.  She was going to marry her only love, and live happily ever
after.

“Keep yelling like that and you’re going to wake up the whole town,” Liz
said from behind her.

Maria turned to face her smiling friend.  “I don’t care.  I want to whole
world to know just how happy I am.  I want everyone to share in it.”

“I know.  But we have to get ready.  Michael will be here in an hour to take
us to the church so we can get ready.  The hairdresser will meet us there,
as well as Izzy.”

“Liz if there ever comes a time when I think my life isn’t perfect, please
remind me of this day.  The happiest day of my life.”

Liz nodded and ushered her into the apartment.

****

Michael arrived just in time to usher Maria and his sister out the door. 
Upon arrival to the church Michael posted himself outside the door, not
really wanting to be a part of the women things happening on the other side.

Liz poked her head out and smiled at her brother.  “Hey Michael.”

“Hi.  How’s it going in there?”

“She’s nervous, but that’s to be expected.  How’s Max?”

“He’s never been more sure about anything in his life.”

Liz smiled.  “I’m happy for them.”

“Yeah.  How are you?  Have you heard anything from Billy?”

“Michael, I really don’t want to get into this with you today.  Can’t we
just leave it alone for one day?”

“I don’t like not hearing anything.  Our brother has never gone this long
without any contact.”

Liz put her arms around Michael and squeezed.  He understood she was the one
who truly needed the comforting, so he returned the embrace.  “Don’t worry
big brother, nothing will happen.  I am sure he is just hole up somewhere. 
He’ll call.  And hopefully you two will be able to put everything behind
you.  So we can be a family again.”

Michael remained quiet.  He knew how much his sister wanted to be part of a
family.  But he was also aware that Billy would have to change his ways if
he ever thought Michael would let him anywhere near his sister.

Liz released him and stepped back.  “Maria is in there by herself.  She
wanted to be alone for a few minutes.  Izzy is waiting in the foyer of the
church to walk with Maria down the aisle.  Give her about five more minutes,
then can you escort her down?”

“I think I can handle five minutes alone with her.  Go find your seat.  I
will be stationed in the back, so look for me when it’s all over.”

****

Michael knocked softly on the door.  “Maria.  Hey, come on.  It’s time to
go.”  When there was no response, he waited then knocked again.  He could
hear the wedding march starting, and didn’t want Liz to think it was his
fault Maria was late to her own ceremony.

“Just keep knocking little brother, but I can guarantee Maria won’t be
answering,” said a slurred voice behind him.

Michael turned and faced his brother.  “Billy, what are you doing here?  And
how do you know anything about Maria?”

“Well, this is how it is.  Max’s woman ain’t in there.  My boss has her.”

Michael turned and slammed his shoulder into the door, splintering the
doorjam.  “Maria!”

He could hear Billy laughing in the hallway.  “Oh the great Michael, has one
responsibility and he can’t even keep her.”

Michael spun on his heel and slammed his brother against the wall.  “Where
is she?”

Billy laughed and pulled out a gun, pointing it at Michael’s abdomen.  “Step
back there little brother.”

Michael stepped back, raising his hands.  “Why are you doing this?”

“Because my own family wouldn’t help me when I needed it.  Kivar offered me
so much money, I couldn’t say no.  But it helped that I was able to repay my
loving brother for his generosity at the same time.”

Michael waited while Billy ranted.  He waited for the perfect moment, then
charged the gun.  The two struggled.  Michael pinned Billy against the wall
again, knocking his hand to the side trying to get him to drop the gun.

Billy fought back with more strength than Michael realized he possessed. 
“Billy, just tell me where she is!”

Billy pulled the gun low enough and pulled the trigger.  The echo of the
shot rang through the entire building.  Billy stepped away when he realized
he had shot his own brother.

“Remember this Michael,” he sneered and ran out the back door.

Michael pulled himself up and stumbled down to the sanctuary and through the
flower covered doors, his legs finally giving out at the beginning of the
aisle.

“Michael!” Liz screamed and ran towards her fallen brother.

Max reached his side at the same time.  “Michael.  What happened?  Where’s
Maria?”

“Took her…Kivar…so sorry,” he choked out.

Max grabbed his collar, trying to keep him conscious.  “Come on, man.  What
happened?”

“Billy…works for Kivar…he has her Max.  I lost her,” he said quietly before
slipping into unconsciousness.

Max stood and looked at his men posted around the church.  He could hear Liz
talking to Michael and ordering for an ambulance.  “I want her found.  I
want you to fan out and find her.  This is personal gentleman, I want Maria
back.”

Liz had never heard Max so steely, but she could tell he was barely keeping
it together.  She watched the ten or so guards file out the door, and head
in different directions.

****

Michael woke up a few hours later in the hospital.  When he opened his eyes
he saw Liz sleeping in the chair and Max staring out the window.

“Max?” he whispered.

Max turned, and right then Michael knew there was no news on Maria’s
whereabouts.  “Hey, how are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been shot.  Sorry, bad timing.  Have you heard anything?”

Max shook his head sadly.  “No.  Kivar hasn’t contacted me or anything.”

Just then Liz woke.  “Michael?  Hey, how are you feeling?”  She grasped his
hand and gave him a squeeze.  “Just so you know, you scared the crap out of
me.”

“Sorry little sister.”

Michael looked around the room and his eyes fell on the TV in the corner,
flashing a special report.  Just then Maria’s picture was flashed on the
screen.  “Max!  Look!  Turn it up!”

“…again we repeat.  The body of mobster Max Evan’s fiancé, Maria DeLuca, was
found in the delta on the river.  Ms. DeLuca disappeared earlier today
during her wedding ceremony to notorious gangster Max Evans.  Max Evans…”

Liz got up and turned the volume down before they were inundated with the
many crimes of Max Evans.  “Max?  This doesn’t mean anything.”

Michael nodded.  “Liz is right.  Kivar has no reason to kill her.  She is
worth more to him alive than dead.  Besides you would have been contacted
if…”

Michael was cut off by the shrill ring of Max’s cell phone.  Max looked at
his ringing pocket and pulled out his phone.  “Evans…”

“Are you sure?”

“But there’s a chance that…”

Michael and Liz could only sit back and wait while Max talked.  They could
see the color draining from his face as he spoke.

“I’ll be right there,” he finished, hanging up the phone.

“Um, that was the police station.  They, uh, want me to come down and id the
body.”

“So there’s a chance it’s not Maria,” Liz said hopefully.

“She was still wearing her wedding dress.  Her description matched…” He
struggled to find the words.

He closed his eyes and searched for the strength to move.  “I have to go
down there.”  He looked directly into Michael’s eyes.  “Kivar will pay,
dearly.”  With that said Max walked out of the room.

“It’s my fault,” Michael stated quietly.  “If I had been paying attention
this would have never happened.  Liz, Billy was a part of this.  He said
Kivar offered him money to help him.”

Liz closed her eyes and laid her head on Michael’s arm.  “It’s not your
fault Michael.  Just like Billy becoming a junkie wasn’t your fault.  Billy
makes his own decisions.  Please don’t blame yourself.”

Michael remained quiet.  He could not bring himself to look into Liz’s eyes.
  He was afraid he would read disappointment there.

The siblings sat quietly together until the room became dark.  It was the
ringing of the bedside phone that broke them out of their reverie.

“Guerin…”

“Max, what happ…”

“Where will you be?”

“I should be out of here in a couple of days then we…”

“Are you sure?”

“Call me if you need anything.”

Michael hung up the phone and looked back at his sister.  He could see the
fear etched on her face.

“I’m so sorry, Liz.  It was her.  Maria is dead.”


Part Five

FOUR YEARS LATER

Kivar looked out over the ocean from the balcony of his villa.  He checked
on his men as they patrolled the beaches.  Being the sole owner of the tiny
island off the coast of Cuba, he was worried about people happening upon
them.

A flash of blonde hair caught his attention.  He gazed down at his captive. 
For four years he had kept her here.  In the beginning she fought him with
every fiber of her being.  But two years ago, he presented her with a news
paper clipping from the society page showing the marriage between one Max
Evans and Liz Guerin, she stopped fighting.

That had been the last time she fought him.  He couldn’t help but smile at
the progress he had made with her.  In the beginning she wouldn’t listen to
anything about his love for her.  But lately, she had been more open to his
affections.  He knew that if she was unable to leave and go back to her old
life, he would be able to make her happy.  And that’s truly what he wanted.

When he first abducted her it was solely for the purpose of revenge.  It was
soon apparent to him that she had a fire and a passion that he admired. 
That was what first altered his feelings toward her.  Since the first year
he had been trying to sway her feelings towards him.  He treated as though
she were royalty.  He gave her everything she could possibly need.  About
once a month she would ask if she could go to one of the other islands, but
each month she would be denied.

When the news of the wedding between her fiancé and her best friend came to
her, there was a time Kivar was afraid she would attempt to harm herself. 
She shut herself in her room for days, only allowing in her personal
servant.  She refused to eat her meals with him, or take her daily-allowed
walks on the beach.

Then came a day when she returned to her old routine, without the hate and
fighting.  She would still request permission to visit one of the other
islands, but her requests held less and less urgency to them as the months
wore on.

Now, four years later he finally felt as though she was falling for him. 
Recently, she had started asking him to take her walks with her.  She began
seeking him out for other entertainments as well.  Gone were his lonely
evenings reading by the fire, replaced by evenings spent matching wits with
a woman to whom he found challenging.

He smiled as he watched her approach up the path.  He felt, in his heart,
that is was time to prove his feelings and allow her, her one greatest wish.

“Good morning, Kivar,” she said sweetly.

“Good morning, my dear.  Been out picking wildflowers again?”

“Yes.  There are so many beautiful things on this island.”

Kivar reached out and took her hands.  “I have decided to grant you your
greatest wish, my dear.”

“Oh?  What would that be?”

“I have decided to let you travel to one of the other islands.”

Maria’s eyes widened.  “Really?  Will you be coming with me?”

“Alas, I cannot.  I have business to attend to back in the US.  But Jack or
Marcus will be accompanying you.  I figured you could leave in the morning. 
You should reach the island by mid-afternoon.  I have made all the
arrangements for your hotel, and you will be give an allowance to shop with.
  Does that make you happy?”

“Of course that makes me happy.  Do you think maybe I could go with you
instead?  I wouldn’t have any fun on the trip without you.”

“I’m afraid my trip isn’t for pleasure.  I will be in meetings all day, and
you would be bored.”

Maria smiled and slipped her arms around his neck.  “I understand.  Thank
you.”

****

That evening Maria spent in Kivar’s company, but after supposedly retiring
to ready herself for her trip, she began to plan.  This was exactly the
moment she had been waiting for.  She knew that if she lulled Kivar enough
he would eventually lighten his hold on her.  She was beginning to get
impatient, thinking he would be watching her forever.

Maria glanced around the room, hoping this would be the last night she would
have to spend in this gilded cage.  She gathered her few personal belongings
that she had with her when she arrived on the island.  She opened her drawer
and reached into the very back pulling out a small bag.  She reached in and
pulled out her engagement ring.

She had been able to keep Kivar from taking it from her.  But when she
learned of Max and Liz’s marriage, she quit carrying it with her.  She
stilled pulled it out from time to time, when she was feeling especially
lonely.  She took the chain from around her neck and slipped the ring onto
it.  After attaching the necklace the ring slipped under the collar of her
shirt, to rest against her chest.  The ring was the only possession she had
that she wouldn’t leave behind.

She again looked around the room at all the things that Kivar had purchased
for her over the last few years.  Every morning when she dressed she was
filled with disgust because she was dependent on him for so much.  Every
month a new seamstress would come to island with patterns and new outfits. 
When Maria asked Kivar why the same seamstress never came back, he simply
shrugged his shoulders and changed the subject.

It wasn’t until the second year that she realized what Kivar had truly been
capable of.  The reason she started her plan into motion.  The latest women
had come and brought Maria a whole new wardrobe, along with the latest
fashion magazines.  Maria tried to engage her in a conversation, but the
woman refused.  When it came time for the woman to leave, Maria feigned
illness and retired early.  In actuality, Maria slipped out the window and
down the path, following one of Kivar’s men and the woman.  Once they got
the perimeter of the island Maria watched in horror as the man pulled out a
gun and shot the woman dead.  She overheard him tell one of the others to
bury this one the same as the others.

Maria couldn’t stop herself from becoming physically ill.  If it hadn’t been
for her, these women wouldn’t have had to die.  From that day forward Maria
vowed she would get away.  She also asked Kivar to stop bringing the
seamstresses to island.  She explained that she would rather be completely
isolated from the rest of the world, rather than hear what was happening out
there.  He took that as her acceptance to her position and complied with her
request.

But now Maria was being given the ample opportunity to escape.  With only
one guard with her, she didn’t have the slightest worry that she would be
able to slip away.  She also knew that if he was sending her to an island
big enough to have shopping and hotels, there was bound to be a way for her
to get back to the states, and back to Roswell.

Maria laid on her bed and fingered the ring under her shirt.  She fell
asleep thinking of her freedom and seeing her friends and family again very
soon.

Part Six

The next morning dawned crisp and clear.  Maria was up before the sun,
preparing for her journey home.  There came a soft knock at the door, as she
packed her final items.

“Maria?  Are you up yet darling?”

Maria shuddered when he used endearments.  They made her feel cheap and
useless.  But she was about to prove that she was not someone Kivar thought
he could keep under his thumb.

“Come in,” she replied.

Kivar walked in with a smile.  He walked over to her and wrapped his arms
around her waist from behind, hugging her close.  “Looks like you are all
ready to go.  In a hurry to get away from me?”

Maria stiffened, then forced herself to relax before he noticed.  “Of course
I’m not in a hurry to get away from you.  But I am just so excited for this
trip.  I haven’t been shopping in so long.”

“I knew you would appreciate this.  I just hope when you return we will be
able to truly start our lives together.”  He turned Maria to face him.  “I
know we didn’t meet under the best of circumstances, but I don’t want that
to affect how we feel about each other.  I want you to know that my feelings
for you are sincere.  I would protect you from anything and anyone.  Your
old life, it would have made you unhappy.  But I know I can make you happy
Maria.”

Maria wanted to weep for her “old” life, her stolen life.  She was supposed
to be married to the man she loved and have his children.  Instead she felt
like she was going to have to start her whole life over again, once she
escaped.

“I know your feelings are true, Kivar.  I know that Max would have
eventually hurt me.  I mean, he didn’t even come look for me, and then he
married my best friend.  I will admit in the beginning I was waiting to be
rescued.  But when he never came I gave up hoping.  You have given me a new
chance.  Thank you.”

Maria stood on her toes and kissed him quickly.  “Now, I really need to
finish packing.  Will you be seeing me off?”

“Of course.  I have Marcus going with you, but he has been instructed to not
get in your way.  I want you to enjoy yourself.  I’ll be back in an hour to
take you to the landing strip,” he said.  He gave her one last squeeze then
turned and walked out.

When the door was closed Maria wanted to run and take a bath, but she knew
she didn’t have time.  It was now or never.  If her plan didn’t succeed, she
knew she would be stuck with this monster for the rest of her life.

****

When the plane finally took off from Kivar’s landing strip, Maria felt as
though she might actually be able to breathe again.  She watched out the
window as her captor and her cage got smaller and smaller until she could no
longer make them out.  She turned forward in her seat and faced Marcus, her
guard.

“So do you have any plans for when we land, Marcus?”

“No, ma’am,” he replied shortly.

“Is there anything you would like to do?”

“No, ma’am,” he replied again.

“Not big on the small talk are you?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Right,” Maria said sitting back in her seat, staring out the window once
again.

About two hours later the small plane landed on the bustling island of San
Juan.  The island was small enough that tourists like to come because it was
the closest thing to heaven they could find.  The streets of the villages
were paved in cobblestone, and small shops lined the walkways.

Maria found her hotel and immediately began setting her plan in motion.  She
noticed that there was no phone in her room, and figured Kivar must have
made arrangements ahead of time.  Maria went to the front desk and asked if
she could use the outside line, and she was denied.

Marcus informed her that if she wanted to call Kivar he would arrange it. 
He assumed she wouldn’t want to call anyone else.

Maria spent the first day wandering around the streets, with Marcus always
five steps behind.  Yet whenever she entered any of the shops, the guard
always stayed right outside the door.

Maria happened into a shop that housed shelves and shelves of old books. 
She wandered back towards the back, running into the clerk.

“Oh, excuse me,” she said.

“Now, there’s an accent I haven’t heard in years.”

Maria smiled.  The man looked to be about 50 years old with gray hair and
kind eyes.  “You’re an American?”

“Born and raised.  Moved here about ten years ago when the hustle and bustle
got to be too much.  Don’t get too many Americans around here.  My name’s
Jack, by the way,” he said extending his hand.

“Hello, Jack.  My name is Maria DeLuca,” she replied, shaking his hand.

“What part of the States are you from Maria DeLuca?”

“New Mexico, actually.  More specifically, Roswell.”

“Roswell?  Alien country.  Ever seen one?”

Maria laughed.  “Can’t say that I have.  What did you do in the states?”

“Oh, I was in the military.  Special Ops.  We were in charge of rescuing
trapped men behind enemy lines.”

“Wow.  That sounds like some job.  Why did you leave?”

Jack shrugged his shoulders.  “Just needed a change.”

I understand that.  Actually I am looking to get back to Roswell.  You see I
have been stranded here, and I am just lucky I ran into you.”

“You poor thing.  Who would abandon a pretty thing like you?” he asked
leading her to a worn sofa in the back of the store.

“Jack, I wasn’t really abandoned.  But I do need to get back home.  You see
that man outside?” she asked pointing to Marcus who was standing defensively
in front of the door.

Jack nodded.  “Well we came here together, because I thought he would make
me happy.  But now I just want to go home to my family, but he wants me to
stay here with him.”  Maria had to think fast.  She knew that most likely
everyone on the island would know the name Kivar.  She anticipated that most
everyone would be too afraid to go against someone with such great power and
wealth.

Jack picked up her hand and patted it.  “I see.  Won’t take no for an answer
right?”

“That’s right.  Do you think you could help me?  You see I left without any
word to my family, and I know they must be worried sick about me.”

“I think I know just what to do.  Tonight, when your young man falls asleep
slip downstairs.  I should have everything ready to go.  Just be sure this
is what you want.  I wouldn’t want you to make any snap decisions just
because you two had a argument.”

Maria shook her head.  “Oh no, this is what I want.  I just want to go
home.”

Jack nodded.  “Alright then.  I will be outside the door of your hotel at
1:00am.  If you don’t show up then I will assume you changed your mind, and
there won’t be no hard feelings.”

Maria agreed to time and gave the name and address to her hotel.  She left
Jack with a kiss on his cheek and a grin in her heart.  Finally things were
beginning to shape up the way she wanted to.

****

That night Maria feigned a headache and informed Marcus she would be going
to bed early.  Around 12:45 Maria called Marcus in from the front room of
the suite.

When he walked in the door, she smashed him over the head with a lamp from
the bedside table.  She watched him fall to his knees, then down to the
floor.  She waited a couple seconds to see if he was going to get right back
up.

When he stayed down, Maria grabbed her jacket and bolted out the door.  She
met Jack out in front of the hotel, just as he promised.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked.

“I want to go home,” she answered.

****

Jack had secured a passport and a plane ticket for Maria, both of which were
waiting for her when they arrived at the small airport.

“How did you ever manage this so quickly?” Maria asked amazed.

“I called in a couple favors.  I can’t stand anyone not being with their
family, if that’s where they want to be.”  Jack gave Maria a hug and
directed her towards the plane.  “Be happy Maria.”

“I will Jack.  Thank you so much.”

Maria boarded the plane and was again looking out the window at a man.  But
this man had been her guardian angel.  Meeting him had been pure chance, but
she knew that someone had to have been looking out for her.

She waved to Jack as the plane began to taxi down the runway.  Once airborne
and the islands were left behind Maria took the opportunity to cry.  She
cried for the life she lost, and the life she would never have.  But she was
determined to have a life.  Once she faced her past.

****

The plane landed in New Mexico about twelve hours later.  Maria took the
opportunity to purchase a pair of sunglasses and a floppy hat at the gift
shop.  She was afraid of running into someone who might recognize her, but
there were people she didn’t want to know she was back in town.  If the
wrong people discovered her presence Kivar would find out she had escaped
before she was ready.

When she stepped outside into the dry New Mexico air, she took a deep
breath.  She was finally home.  Maria hailed a taxi and asked it to take her
The Roswell Towers.  She watched the town wiz by as they drove.  She saw her
old haunts and the place where she worked.  It looked like nothing had
changed.

When they arrived at the high rise building Maria paid the driver with the
money Kivar had given her.  She got out and walked in.

The entire trip home she worked over in her head what she would say when she
saw Max.  She had so many questions about what happened the night she
disappeared.  Why didn’t he look for her?  Why didn’t he wait for her to
find her way back home?  And why did he marry someone else?

She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do when she got home.  She couldn’t
really think past the first meeting.  She wanted to be strong but then again
she almost felt like she deserved to have a breakdown.  But she knew, deep
down, that if she wanted to take her life back, she would have to be strong,
and accept the things that have changed while she was gone.

Maria punched in the code in the elevator that would take her to the
penthouse, amazed that Max hadn’t changed it.  When the doors silently slid
open she stepped out and turned to the right, coming to face the door.  She
could hear laughter on the other side.  A child’s laughter.

With shaky hands Maria reached up and knocked on the door.  After a few
moments a small child, a miniture version of Max opened the door.  Maria
wanted to cry when she saw him.  He was beautiful.  He could see Liz in his
eyes, but he was mostly Max.

Then a voice, from the past, called out from behind the child.  “Jaime I
have told you over and over again not to open the door without one of us,”
Liz called.

When Liz came to the door she saw a small women with a big hat and
sunglasses.  “Can I help you with something?” she asked pulling her son away
from the door.

“Hello, Liz,” Maria stated flatly.

“I’m sorry, do I know you?  You seem somewhat familiar.”

Maria removed the hat the sunglasses.  “Well it’s only been four years I
would hope you wouldn’t have forgotten your best friend already.”

“Oh my god, Maria!”

Part Seven

Liz’s mouth open and closed like a fish.  She was at a complete loss for
words.  The woman they had grieved for was now standing right in front of
her.  She laughed and threw her arms around Maria’s neck, unaware of the
lack of reaction from the other woman.

“Where have you been?” Liz exclaimed.

Maria extricated herself from the embrace.  “Is Max home?  I really need to
talk to him,” she said quietly.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nevermind, I will just wait out here,” she said turning to wait in the
hallway.

“Wait, Maria.  Please don’t go.  Have you seen Isabel yet?”

Maria closed her eyes against the tears.  She was afraid to go near Izzy,
afraid that Kivar might use her sister to get to her.

“I haven’t seen my sister yet.  I just got back.  I don’t want her to know
that I’m back.”

“Maria, please.  Come inside.  Max and Michael should be home any minute.”

Maria looked at Liz and followed her inside.  She again came face to face
with the little boy.  “This is my son, Jaime,” Liz said.

Maria bent down on one knee.  “Hello there, Jaime.  My name’s Maria.”

“I had an auntie named Maria, but she died,” the little boy said quietly.

“I’m sorry,” Maria replied.

“I’m going to take Jaime upstairs to his nanny.  I will be right back.  You
wont go anywhere right?”

Maria shook her head.  “I need to talk to Max, and I won’t go til I see
him.”

Liz nodded and took her son upstairs.  Being alone in the living room gave
Maria a chance to look around.  She could tell that Liz had changed quite a
few things, things that Maria wanted to change after they got married.  She
spotted toys piled neatly in the corner, and pictures of the three of them
lining the mantle over the fireplace.  She was facing the fireplace when the
front door opened.  She turned just as Max and Michael walked in the door.

Her eyes locked on Max’s.  Max felt as though the very breath had been taken
from his body.  He rubbed his eyes; sure he was hallucinating.

“Hello, Maxwell,” she whispered.

“Maria?  Is it really you?”

Maria gave a small laugh.  “Yeah it’s really me.”  She wanted so badly to be
angry with him for not finding her, but for this small moment she could feel
nothing but happiness over seeing him again.

Max stumbled forward.  He came within reaching distance before stopping.  He
reached up and brushed his fingers along her cheek.  “Oh my god,” he
whispered.

He took one more step forward, grabbing Maria into his arms.  “I can’t
believe it!”

Michael watched the exchange with mixed emotions.  On one hand he was glad
to see that Maria was alive.  She annoyed the hell out of him, but he was
still sad when they thought she was dead.  But then he looked to the top of
the stairs and saw his sister watching the reunited pair.  He could see the
anguish of seeing her husband in the arms of his previous love.  For his
sister’s sake he hoped that Maria understood that things around here had
changed.

Maria finally stepped away from Max.  Liz took this opportunity to make her
presence known.  She came down the stairs with a smile plastered on her
face.  She was truly grateful that her friend was alive.  But there was a
small part of her that feared Max would leave her and Jaime, now that Maria
was back.  Liz knew that Max loved her, but Maria always had a large part of
his heart.  She wasn’t sure he would be able to resist that.

She came and stood next to Max, slipping her arm through his.  She knew it
was a childish sense of staking her territory, but at the moment she didn’t’
care.

The move was not lost on Maria.  She backed away from the couple.  “So I
hear congratulations are in order,” she said flippantly.  She was trying so
hard to break down.  She didn’t want them to see how much she was hurting. 
That was one thing she learned living with Kivar.  Never let them see how
much they hurt you.

“Maria…” Max began.

“No really.  I’m happy for you.  I met your son, Max.  He’s beautiful.  How
old is he?”

“Jaime’s three, just turned,” Liz answered.

“Three, huh.  Well that’s great.  I am glad to see you were able to move on,
Max.”  Maria tried her hardest to keep the bitterness out of her voice.  She
could feel her eyes begin to well up with tears.  “I won’t stay long.  I
just wanted you to know that Kivar will more than likely come after you.”

“Kivar?  Has he had you this whole time?” Max asked.

Maria couldn’t help herself from bursting out.  “Well you would have know
that if you had bothered to look for me.  But no.  I get taken away, and you
move on to my best friend.  How long did it take you before you decided to
stop looking?  One, two days? I can’t…”

“Maria stop!” Max broke in.  “We thought you were dead.  I identified your
body.  It was you!”

Maria shrugged her shoulders.  “I guess Kivar probably relied on the fact
that you wouldn’t be able to tell your own fiancée from a stranger.  And
apparently he was right.  But that is neither here nor there.  When Kivar
discovers that I am gone he is going to come straight here.  I thought you
should be warned.  So you can, you know, take of your family.”

With her parting shot she turned to leave.  Max grabbed her arm.  “Where are
you going?”

“I can’t stay here.  As long as I am here he will find me.  I won’t go back
there.  I will die before I go back there.”

“Stay, please,” Max pleaded.  “We will protect you from Kivar.  I won’t let
him take you again.”

Maria had to laugh.  “Yes, because your protection worked so well last time.
  Besides you have a family now.  You need to put all your energy into
making sure that little boy upstairs is safe.  Don’t worry about me.”  Again
she tried to leave, but was stopped.

“Maria,” Liz started.  “Please don’t leave.  We thought you were dead.  We
need you here.  I need you here.  Please, you can’t imagine what Izzy has
been going through for the last four years.  Or what Max went through when
we thought you were dead.”

Maria turned swiftly.  “Don’t bring my sister into this.  She is to kept out
of this.  And as for Max, well I would have to say that he handled the
situation pretty well.  What about me?  For the last four years I have been
stuck on an island with a man, who is actually more of a monster.  You wanna
compare horror stories?  I have plenty.”

“Maria, please, calm down.  That’s not what she meant.  It’s just that you
are safer here with us.  More safe than you would be on your own.  Please
just stay long enough for us to work on a plan.”  Max always was level
headed, when he needed to be.  He could also be the most irrational person
on the planet.

After Maria’s tirade Liz didn’t say anything more.  She hadn’t meant to
offend Maria, but she figured if Maria knew what happened when she was gone,
maybe she could see to forgiving them.  That is, unless Max decided to go
back to her.  Liz mentally shook herself.  She wasn’t going to think like
that.  She knew Maria would never intentionally come between her and her
husband.

Maria stood facing the three.  She suddenly felt so tired.  Like her feet
wouldn’t carry her another inch, no matter how much she willed it.  “I will
stay for the time being.  I will find a hotel and hide out there.  But
please don’t tell Izzy that I am back.  It would only hurt her in the end
when I have to leave again.”

“We’re going to see to it that you don’t have to leave again.  We will
handle Kivar.  And you can stay here,” Max replied.

“Max, I really don’t…” Liz began.

“Don’t worry, Liz.  I can’t stay here.”

“You can stay at my place.  It’s right across the hall, and its protected.” 
Those were the first words that Maria heard Michael say the entire time.  He
had remained quite, watchful.

“Thank you, Michael.  It won’t be for very long.  Now, it’s been a long day.
  I really think I should get some rest.”

Michael nodded and opened the door, ushering her out into the hallway.  She
turned back to the couple standing in the apartment.  “I really am happy you
two found each other.”

She let Michael lead out and shut the door behind her.  She stopped herself
in the hallway and closed her eyes.

“Are you OK?” he asked when she stopped moving.

“Yeah.  I’ll be fine.”


Part Eight

When the door shut Max flopped himself down on the couch.  He leaned
forward, rubbing his hand down his face.

Liz came to sit on the table, directly in front of him.

“Max…”

Max looked up.  He could see the worry etched in her features.  He grasped
her hand, bringing it to his lips.

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“Are you OK?  You wanna talk about it?” she asked quietly.

“There’s really nothing to talk about,” he replied standing up and walking
to the large window.  The same window he spent weeks looking out of when he
thought Maria had died.

“Well, I think there is,” she stated, following him to the window.  “How do
you feel about Maria’s return?”

Max turned to face her.  “What do you mean how do I feel?  Of course I am
happy that she is alive and well.”

Liz rubbed her temples.  “Well of course you’re happy.  We all are.  But…”

“Liz, is there something you’re afraid to ask me?”

Liz shrugged.  “I guess I just want to know what happens next.”

“Next with what?”

“With us,” she whispered.  She had turned her back on him.  She couldn’t
help but feel guilty over her thoughts.  Her best friend is alive, but she
was almost wishing she had stayed gone.

Max sighed and wrapped his arms around his wife.  “I love you, and I love
Jaime.  I am not going to leave.  You’re my family.”

“But Maria was your greatest love.”

“I really think Maria was my first love.  But you are the one I love now. 
There will always be a piece of my heart that will belong to Maria, but so
much of it is taken up with you and our son.”

Liz laid her head against Max’s chest.  “I just don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t, honey, I promise.”

****

Michael installed Maria on the couch in the living room.  He promised her
that they would get linens for the extra bedroom tomorrow.  He offered her
his bed, but she declined.  She didn’t want to put anyone out.

Sometime in the middle of the night Maria had given up on trying to sleep
and wandered to the picture window.  Where Max’s window had a view of the
water, Michael’s had a view of the city.  She loved looking at all the
buildings, imagining the lives happening behind the curtains and blinds.  It
was a way for her to forget, even for a second, that her life was not what
she wanted it to be.

She was so deep in thought that she didn’t hear Michael approach behind her.
  “What are you doing awake?” he asked.

Maria jumped and turned.  Michael put up his hands.  “Sorry, didn’t mean to
scare you.  Is everything ok?”

Maria just turned back to the window.  “Everything’s about as good as it’s
gonna get for a while.  Sorry I am so jumpy.  I learned to always be on my
guard when I was on the island.  I was always afraid that if I didn’t pay
attention I would miss my opportunity to get away.  At least, when I
realized that no one was coming after me.”

Michael shook his head.  “We thought you were dead.  Max identified the
body.  He thought it was you.”

Maria shrugged.  “Obviously Kivar knew what he was doing.”

“So what happened on the island?”

Maria walked over to the sofa and sat down.  She didn’t know why she had the
compulsion to tell Michael everything.  She wanted to keep it to herself,
not burden anyone with her horror stories.  But she knew it would probably
be therapeutic to tell someone, even if it’s Michael.

“In beginning,” she started, “I fought him with everything I had.  No matter
how many times he told me that Max wasn’t coming I refused to believe it. 
But eventually it got harder and harder to believe in being rescued.  Then
two years ago Kivar brought a newspaper clipping describing the great
wedding between the man I loved and my best friend.  From that point on, I
quit fighting him.”

“What do you mean quit fighting?  You didn’t actually…”

“No, Michael, I didn’t let him have me; although he wanted me.  He was
always sure I knew how he felt about me.  Believe me, there were times when
I felt so lonely that the thought almost crossed my mind.  But then I would
shake myself.  I always felt ill after thinking those thoughts.  But I did
use his feelings to help me escape.”  She went on to describe her escape and
other stories from the island.  When she told him about the women who came
to island for her tears coursed down her cheeks.  She didn’t seem to notice,
just kept talking.

Somewhere along the way Michael had taken a hold of her hand.  She clung to
it like a lifeline.  Like if she let go she would be lost to the memories,
never to escape again.

“So that’s the whole story.  And here I am.”

Michael nodded.  “What do you plan on doing next?”

“I don’t really know.  There’s a lot up in the air right now.  Once
everything is settled I will be able to make a decision.  I haven’t really
thought that far ahead.  I just wanted to come back to warn Max that Kivar
will try again for revenge.  I wasn’t planning on being here for him to
kidnap again,” she stated heatedly.  ‘No’, she thought.  ‘She would not be
used as a pawn again.’

“What about your family?  Your sister thinks your dead.  Don’t you think
it’s unfair to keep her in the dark?”

“I don’t want Isabel in the middle of this.  That’s why it’s best if she
doesn’t know I am alive right now.  She wouldn’t be able to stay away, and
if Kivar was willing to take me to get back at Max, he would be more than
willing to take my sister to get at me for escaping.  I am not willing to
risk that.”

“What about Max?” he asked quietly.  He was afraid to approach the subject,
but he wanted to know where she stood.  He would be damned if he saw his
sister get hurt.

“What about him?”  Maria suddenly got angry.  Here she thought he might
actually be concerned about her ordeal, when instead he simply wanted to
know if she was going to steal his sister’s husband away.

“God, I can’t believe you.  Here I am pouring my heart out, and all your
concerned with is whether or not I am going to lure Max back to me.”

“That’s not an answer, Maria.”

“No, Michael.  I am not going to try and get Max back.  It’s obvious that he
is happy with his family, and I don’t want to ruin that.  Now if you
wouldn’t mind I am suddenly feeling tired, and would like to get some
sleep.”

Michael took the hint and stood.  He watched her as she stretched out. 
“Maria, I am sorry you got caught in the middle of a fight that had nothing
to do with you.  I didn’t mean anything by what I said.”

“Goodnight, Michael.”

“ ‘Night.”

When Michael finally went upstairs Maria buried her face in her pillow. 
Even when she was on the island she never felt more alone.  She had thought
that feeling would change once she was back with people she knew.  She had
no idea that everyone was going to believe the worst of her.  She made a vow
at that moment.  Once this was all over, she would move away.  Take Izzy
with her and leave.  Start over in a new place where no one knew her.  Maybe
then she would be able to get on with her life.

Part Nine

Maria awoke the next morning and instinctively knew that Michael was gone. 
She checked upstairs to be sure, but her suspicions were correct.  She
opened the front door and was greeted by one the guards.  She gave him a
weak smile.

“Mr. Guerin is with Mr. Evans.  He told me to tell you to stay put.”

Maria fumed.  Who was he to tell her stay put.  She had been watching out
for herself for the last four years.  She didn’t need anyone to tell her to
be careful.

She went back into the apartment and decided to take a nice long, relaxing
bath.  She figured by the time she was ready Michael would be back, and they
could discuss what to do next.

****

Meanwhile, Michael and Max were already in deep conversation over the woman
across the hall.

“I need to know that Kivar will be dealt with,” Max said.

“You just tell me what needs to be done.  I will see that it is handled,”
Michael responded.

Max was pacing back and forth.  Both men had to keep their voices down
because Liz and Jaime were still sleeping upstairs.  Or so they thought. 
Neither one saw Liz standing at the top of the stairs, listening to the
discussion.

“There must be some way to draw Kivar out.  We need him to make a move so we
can get him,” Max began.  “Maybe Maria will know of a way.”

“Do you really think we can trust her to stay put?” Michael asked.

“I know you guys have never really gotten along.  But Maria will have to
understand that she is safer with you.  If she were to try to disappear
Kivar would find her.  Only this time she probably wouldn’t live through
it.”

“I’ll talk to her…”

As Michael was trying to figure out a good way to approach the subject with
Maria Max’s phone rang.

When he ended the call he turned back to Michael.  “That was the office.  I
need to run down and sign a few papers.  Can you keep an eye on Maria and my
family?”

“You know I can Max.”

“Just be careful with Maria.  I don’t want her to get upset and think she
has to leave.”

Michael nodded.  Max grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.  As soon
and Max was gone Liz made her presence known.  “Good morning, big brother.”

Michael shook his head.  He should have known she would have been listening.
  “How much did you hear?” he asked.

Liz shrugged.  “Doesn’t really matter how much I heard.  What matters are
Maria’s future plans.”

“Her future plans?” he quizzed.

“Come on, Michael.  You heard Max.  He doesn’t want her to leave.  I just
know I am going to lose him to her.  She’s only been back one night and
already his thoughts are full of ways to keep Maria safe.”

“Liz, sit down.  You can’t actually believe that Max would ever leave you or
Jaime can you?  He loves you.  You are his family.”

“I know.  But when they were together before I saw them.  I saw how they
completed each other.”

“Yeah, but that was four years ago.  You are what he wants know.”  Michael
got up and started pacing.  He hated to see his sister in such pain.

Liz stared at the floor as the memories of how her and Max came together.

**Flashback**

Maria had been dead for about three months.  No one had been able to get Max
out of the apartment, or even to see anyone in the same amount of time. 
Michael had begun to worry about his boss.  There were things that needed to
be done, but there was no one to do them.

Liz, too, had begun to really worry about Max.  Ever since Max gave her
brother a job she had idolized him.  Max had always seemed to treat her like
a little sister.  He knew her relationship with Michael was very important,
thus he treated her with respect and kindness. She had always thought of him
as someone more than human.  But when he lost his love, she realized he was
just as human as everyone else.

After three months Liz finally decided she was going to try and get Max to
join the real world.  She walked up to his door and knocked.  When there was
no response she knocked again, this time a little louder.

“Go away!” came an angry voice from inside.

“Max?  It’s Liz Guerin.  Come on, open the door.”

Max opened the door slightly.  “What do you want?”

“I just want to talk to you,” she replied.  “There are a lot of people
worried about you.”

Max stepped to the side.  Liz walked into the dark apartment.  All the
blinds were closed, and none of the lights were on.  The only source of
light filtered in between the blinds and the side of the window.  She saw
Max walk back over to the sofa.  It appeared he had been sleeping down
there, as well as spend most of his days sitting there.

Liz walked over and started opening the blinds.  Max roared and grabbed her
arm.  “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I am trying to let some light in here.  You need it.  When was the last
time you were outside?”

“Doesn’t matter,” he said quietly as he went back to the sofa.

“Of course it matters.  You can’t live like this.  Have you been sleeping
down here?”

“I couldn’t make myself sleep in our bed.”

“You’ve gotta move on, Max.  Maria would want you to.”

Max shook his head.  “I just miss her so much.”

“I know, I miss her too.”  Liz sat next to him, placing an arm around his
shoulders.  They remained that way for what seemed like hours.  Liz
comfortingly stroked his back while he just sat quietly.  She hated to see
him hurting so bad.  She had never seen this vulnerable side of him before. 
She just wished there was some way for her to take the pain away, if only
for a few minutes.

Eventually he sat up and looked at her.  “Thank you, Liz.  I guess I just
needed someone to be here, although I wasn’t letting anyone in.”  He bent
forward to kiss her cheek when she suddenly turned her head, their lips
meeting.  Max immediately pulled back.  “Liz, I don’t think…”

“Don’t think Max.  I don’t expect anything.  I just want to make your pain
go away.”  She leaned forward and kissed him again, this time deeper.  “Just
let me help you.”

Max looked deep into her brown eyes.  He knew he could lose himself in those
eyes, even if for only a few minutes.  He nodded, and let her work her
magic, helping him to forget.

***

Three months after they had made love, Liz realized she was pregnant.  Since
their encounter Max began to try and re-enter his life.  He still refused
anything socially, but he was back in charge of his businesses and his
territory.

When Liz realized she was going to have a baby, she knew she had to tell
Max.  She had never told Michael what happened.  She knew he wouldn’t have
approved.

She went to Max’s apartment one night.  When she told him of there
situation, he was shocked, to say the least.  Ever since they slept together
before, there hadn’t been any romantic inclinations either way.  But now
they were going to have a baby.

They were married two weeks later in a small ceremony with only Michael
present.  Liz knew Max didn’t love her, but he was willing to take care of
her and the baby.

A year later, when their son, James Maxwell Evans, Jaime, was born, Max
began to realize that his feelings towards Liz had changed.  He no longer
ached when he thought of Maria.  He felt as though his heart was opening up
to someone new.  Something he didn’t think would ever happen.

**End Flashback**

“So what if he decides that if he can have Maria, he will?” she asked again.

“Let me take care of it, ok?”

Liz walked over into the comfort of Michael’s arms.  “I know you will.  You
always take care of me.”

Michael had a plan forming in his head.  “The only crazy idea I can think of
is that I’m probably going to have to do something crazy like marry her, in
order to protect her from Kivar and keep her away from Max,” he said
laughing.

Liz pulled back and looked at him.  “I’m kidding,” he said.

“No it’s perfect.  Kivar won’t want her anymore because she’ll be married to
you.  But you can’t tell Max it isn’t a real marriage.  He won’t agree to
it.  You have to make him think that she is really your wife, in every sense
of the word.”

Michael stepped away.  “You’re kidding right?  Maria will never agree to
it.”

“She will if you talk to her.  Tell her it’s for her own good.  Tell her
it’s the only way she will truly be safe from Kivar.”

“I can’t believe I am even considering this.  And what about you?  How could
you be pushing this so much?” he asked indignantly.

“Because I know you can take care of her.  And I know once Kivar is taken
care of, you can get the marriage annulled and be free again.”

Just then Max walked back into the apartment.  “Hey, man.  I didn’t think
you would still be here.”

“I was just on my way out,” he responded.  “I’m gonna go check on Maria.  We
will finish our discussion later.”

Max nodded and watched as Michael walked out into the hallway.  Once the
door was closed Michael leaned against the frame.  ‘How do I get myself into
these things?’ he asked himself.  With a deep breath he prepared himself to
go ask the last women he ever thought he would propose to, to marry him.

Part Ten

Maria was just getting out of the bathtub when Michael returned to the
apartment.  He opened the door without realizing that someone was already
inside.

“Hey!  What are you doing?” Maria screamed.  She quickly grabbed the towel
and wrapped it around herself.  “Haven’t you ever heard of knocking?”

Michael was too stunned to make a quick comeback.  He couldn’t get the
vision of Maria’s body out of his mind.  Once he regained his senses he
immediately turned around to give her some privacy.  “Sorry, Maria.  I just
had something to talk to you about.”

“Do you think it could wait until I have a little more clothing on?”

“Yes, of course.  I will be downstairs.”  He immediately bolted from the
room.

Michael ran down the stairs and paced the living room.  He knew he would be
paying for walking in on her like that.  He could feel his palms start to
sweat.  He had never really thought of Maria as a woman before.  She always
this niggling responsibility.  She was always Max’s woman.  But he knew now
that she was definitely female.  And a gorgeous female to boot.

He stopped pacing when he saw her standing at the bottom of the stairs. 
“Sorry about, uh, walking in on you.  I guess I am so used to living by
myself I forgot that you were here.”

Maria gave a small laugh.  “Well it’s good to know that I am so
forgettable.”  She walked past the stammering Michael to the couch, sitting
on the arm.

Michael shook his head.  “No, no.  That’s not what I meant.” He stopped and
took a deep breath.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked when he didn’t continue. 
“Did you and Max have a good time discussing me this morning?”

“It wasn’t like that.  You were asleep and I didn’t want to wake you, since
I knew you didn’t sleep very well last night.  Nothing much was said though.
  We didn’t want you to feel like we were running your life for you.”

“Right,” she said disbelievingly.

“I wanted to ask you.  Why do you think Kivar will come after you?  Like you
said he was using you for revenge against Max.”

“Kivar is not one to give up easily.  He won’t like that I escaped.  He will
take it as a personal insult.  Plus he was in love with me.  Very shortly
after I got to the island he started treating me like I was a guest rather
than a prisoner.”

“I guess you would prefer one to the other,” he interjected.

Maria gave him a sullen look.  “Well of course I would.  I would much prefer
having a nice room, as opposed to a cell.  But just because he treated me as
a guest I was still a prisoner.  Towards the end I began to treat him as
though my feelings had changed as well.  It was the only way I knew he would
lighten the security enough to let me go.”

Michael nodded.  He was impressed with Maria’s intuition.  He never realized
she was as smart as she was.  Maria stopped talking, and looked as though
she was deep in thought.  “Have you ever considered the fact that if he
thought you moved on, maybe he would leave you alone?” Michael asked.

Maria shook her head.  “I would be too afraid that he would hurt my husband
to get to me.”

“You need someone who can protect you.  Someone who can provide for you.”

Maria raised her eyebrows in question.  “What are you suggesting?”

“Well, just give it some thought.  It would be in your best interest.”

“Michael please stop babbling and just spit it out,” she said.

“I think we should get married,” he stated plainly.

Maria was speechless.  For the first time in her life she actually had no
words to say.  She just stared at Michael, her mouth gaping.  After a minute
she finally got her mouth to listen to her brain.  “Are you insane?!” she
yelled jumping up.

“Just hear me out,” he began.  “If you married me then Kivar would think you
moved on.  Then there’s a possibility he would leave you alone.  He’ll still
come after Max, and we will take care of him.  But until then you would be
safer if you were under my protection.”

Maria was pacing and wringing her hands.  So many thoughts were running
through her head.  “Is Max alright with this?” she asked.

“Actually, I haven’t discussed this with Max yet.  I wanted to run it by you
first.  I think Max has been a little weirded out by the whole situation.” 
Michael began to feel guilty about the way he was manipulating Maria.  He
knew, deep down, that this was cruel to her.  But he genuinely wanted to
keep her safe, and keep his sister happy.  It was for those two reasons that
he decided to continue.

Maria nodded.  “I can understand that.  When I came back I didn’t want to
make anyone feel uncomfortable.”

“I know you didn’t.  Max and Liz know that too.  It’s just one of those
situations that can’t be helped.  So what do you think of my idea?”

“It would only be temporary right?  Once Kivar is taken care of we can get a
quickie divorce and go our separate ways?”

“Yes, of course.  Hopefully, we won’t have to be married for any longer than
necessary.”

“Alright, I’ll do it.  But on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“We make everyone believe it’s a real marriage.  That includes Max and Liz.”

Part Eleven

Maria was staring out the window across the city.  She could almost make out
some of the places she used to hang out, places she used to take her sister.
  When she thought of Izzy her heart felt like it was breaking.  She knew
her sister was all alone in the world, but Maria still felt the need to keep
her return a secret.  She heard Michael come down the stairs, though she
didn’t turn to acknowledge his presence.

They were supposed to over to Max’s and tell him they were getting married. 
It wasn’t really a fight she was looking forward to.  She knew Max wouldn’t
fight the situation, but it was still an awkward situation.

“Maria?” he whispered.  He had watched her from the stairs for a few
minutes.  She seemed to be so deep in thought that he didn’t want to disturb
her.

“Yeah?”

“I have been doing some thinking,” he began.

“That’s never a good sign,” she interjected.

Michael gave her a small smile.  He had to admit, conversations start out
with those words, they never end well.

“No, it’s a good thing, I swear.  I was thinking of calling Isabel and
bringing her here.”

Maria jumped up and turned around.  “No!  You can’t!  I don’t want her
involved.”

“Just calm down and hear me out.  Kivar knows you have a sister.  How long
do you think it will be once he finds out we are getting married before he
goes after her to get to you?  If I bring her here, you guys will be
together, and I can keep her safe.”

Maria continued shaking her head.  Her arms were wrapped around herself and
she was pacing back and forth. Michael put his hands on her arms to stop her
in front of him.  She looked up and he could see the unshed tears in her
eyes.  “I can’t, Michael, I can’t lose her.  She’s all I’ve got.”

Awkwardly he brought her against his chest.  He felt her lean into him,
allowing him to comfort her.  For a split second he thought about how wrong
it didn’t feel.  “You’re not going to lose her.  I will make sure of it.”

After a few minutes Maria stepped out of his embrace.  She giggled when she
saw the wetness on the front of his shirt.  “Sorry about that,” she said
pointing to his top.  “I guess a lot caught up with me at that one moment.”

Michael looked down and shook his head.  When his eyes met hers again he
could see the light was slowly coming back into them.  He didn’t know why
but he felt relieved.  Even though she had always been a pain in his neck he
was relieved to see that her pain was lessening.

“I’m just going to go change my shirt, then we can head over to Max’s.  We
need to get this done soon.”

Maria nodded and went to wait by the door.

***

Fifteen minutes later the couple found themselves in the hallway in front of
Max’s door.  Michael looked down at Maria, who had insinuated herself under
his arm, for appearances sake of course.  “Are you ready for this?” he
asked.

Maria took a deep breath and nodded.  Michael knocked on the door.  Maria
was hoping in her heart of hearts that Liz would answer the door.  Facing
Max first was not something she was prepared for.  Unfortunately, the gods
were not being kind to her today.

“Hey Michael, Maria,” Max said when he answered the door.  He spoke to the
pair without taking his eyes off of Maria.  “What’s going on?”

Michael answered first, when it appeared Maria was having trouble finding
something to say.  “We have something we need to tell you and Liz.  Can we
come in?”

“Oh, yeah.  Come in.”  Max stepped to the side to allow them entrance.  They
walked in to see Liz playing with Jaime on the rug.  The little boy toddled
over to Michael and wrapped his chubby arms around his legs.

Michael smiled and bent down to pick him up.  “Hey there little man, how’s
it goin’?”  The little boy giggled and laid a smacking kiss on Michael’s
cheek.

Maria watched the exchange.  It was interesting to see Michael in this new
light.  She never really imagined him being good with kids.  Unbidden a
thought popped into her head.  She wondered if he wanted kids.  But why
would she care?  This is just a marriage of convenience.  Maria had to shake
herself out of that train of thought.

Michael looked over at Maria while she was watching him with Jaime.  He gave
her a grin, and she returned with a genuine smile.

Michael put Jaime back on the floor and watched him stumble over to his
mother.  He stood back up and faced Max.  Michael reached back and took
Maria’s hand, bringing her closer to him.  “We wanted to tell you that we
have decided to get married,” he said bluntly.

After Michael stated the idea the entire room got quiet.  Maria glared at
him for being so direct.

Max was shocked.  “What do you mean you’re getting married?  You mean to
each other?”

“Yes to each other,” Michael responded.  “We stayed up all night talking.  I
want to take care of her.  I want her to be happy, and I think I can do
that.”

Max looked to Maria.  “This is what you want?”

“Yeah, it is.  I think Michael can give me what I want.”

“And what is that?  Did you sleep with her?” he accused Michael.

Maria jumped between the two men.  “You have no right to ask us anything. 
How long was I gone before you jumped into bed with my best friend?  One
week?  Two?”

Max shook his head.  “It wasn’t like that.”

Liz picked up Jaime.  “I’m going to take him upstairs.”

The three watched her ascend the stairs and disappear around the corner. 
Maria lowered her voice.  “You lost any right to my life when you slept with
her.  You may have thought I was dead, but I wasn’t.  It doesn’t change the
fact that you are married and have a child.”  She could feel her heart
pounding.  Michael was standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. 
She knew it was for show, but she relished in the support.

“Maria you don’t understand what it was like.  You don’t want to marry
Michael.  You just got back to town.  You’re scared.  But we can protect you
without you marrying someone you don’t love.”

“Max, I am marrying Michael.  That’s it.  I would like you to be there, but
if you are not, it’s still happening.”

Max hung his head low.  “Can I talk to you alone?”

Maria looked over her shoulder at Michael and nodded her head.  Michael went
upstairs to wait with his sister and nephew.

When he was gone Maria waited for Max to begin.  “Well, what did you want to
say?”

“I wanted to explain to you myself about what happened after you
disappeared.”

“Max, I really don’t want to hear the details,” she answered bitterly.

“Please.  I need to explain.”

He proceeded to tell her the story of his depression and how Liz brought him
back.  “When I found out she was pregnant we married quietly.  I wasn’t
ready for everyone to know.”

“Kivar showed me the clipping.  It was of a big wedding,” she said
curiously.

Max nodded.  “About a year later I realized it was time to open my heart
again.  Liz loved me, and I realized I loved her too.  I never thought I
would be able to love again after I lost you.  But low and behold I realized
that my heart wasn’t dead.  So we decided to have a big wedding with our
family and friends.  That must have been the clipping he showed you.”

“I see.  I’m glad you were able to move on.  I just want to do the same.”

Max nodded again.  “I know.  I just want you to be happy and safe.”

“Thank you, Max.”  Maria turned to the door.  “When Michael comes back down
will you tell him that I went back over to his apartment.”

“Are you OK?” he asked.

Maria looked him dead in the eye.  “I don’t know if I am right now, but I
definitely know I will be.”

Part Twelve

Maria paced the apartment waiting for Michael to return.  When he got home
she was going to tell him that she wanted him to bring her sister.  She knew
she was being selfish, but she wanted to here.

Michael walked in and watched his future wife deep in thought.  “Maria?  Are
you OK?  Did everything go OK with Max?”

“Yeah.  He gave me his explanation about what happened while he was gone. 
It’s kind of funny, I almost feel relieved that he has moved on,” she
scoffed.

“Why is that?”

“You know, I really think my love for him was the love of a naïve young
girl.  Don’t get me wrong; there will always be a special place for him in
my heart.  But I saw his face when he was talking about Liz and their son. 
He seems happy.”

Michael walked over and out a hand on her shoulder.  “They are happy.”  He
knew at that moment that Liz had nothing to worry about.  Maria would never
think to come between her and her husband.  He knew, at the point, there was
an opportunity for him to get out of this marriage.  He could protect Maria
without being married to her.  He knew Liz was safe, but he found himself
staying quiet.  In the two days that Maria has been back, Michael realized
that she was different than before.  She wasn’t the flighty little girl from
the past.  Before him now stood a beautiful, intelligent woman.  And he
decided that being married to her wasn’t the worse thing he could think of.

“Michael?  Are you listening to me?”

Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts.  “What?  I’m sorry, did you say
something?”

Maria gave a small laugh.  “Where were you just then?”

“Nowhere.”

“Ok, well I was asking if you were serious about protecting Izzy if I asked
you to bring her here?”

“Yes, I was serious.  You just say the word and I will get her here.”

Maria wrapped her arms around herself.  “I feel so selfish.  I know I
shouldn’t drag her into the middle of my crazy life, but I need her.  I
thought I could make it without her, but I guess maybe I am just too weak. 
I need her.”

“You know, I think you are probably one of the strongest people I know.  I
can’t imagine very many people going through what you did, and coming out on
top.  You are not weak because you need your sister, you’re human.”

Maria looked him in the eye.  “You better be careful.  You might actually
make me start liking you,” she said laughing.

“Oh well, we wouldn’t want that would we?  You know what would the world be
coming to if a wife actually liked her husband.”

Maria giggled and hugged Michael.  At first he was taken aback by her
actions.  This was the first time she had touched him without his
instigation.  “Thank you, Michael.  Do you think you could call her today?”

“Impatient are we?”

“Well it has been four years.  I have had it in my mind that I wouldn’t be
able to see her, so I just didn’t think about it.  But now, I can’t wait to
see her.”

Michael set her away from him, his hands cupping her cheeks.  “I’ll call her
right now.  I’m not going to tell her why, I will just get her here.”

Maria nodded and went upstairs to wait for her sister’s arrival.

****

Michael could hear the pacing coming from above his head.  He smiled when he
thought about how happy Maria was going to be when she saw Izzy.  He had to
shake his head when he thought of how quickly the girl has wheedled her way
into his head.  When he and Liz came up with the plan, he wasn’t really
thinking of what it could potentially do to Maria.  He was kicking himself
now because he knew he didn’t want to hurt her.  He figured if she never
knew the truth about the original reason for the proposal, then she would
never be hurt.

He turned when he heard the knock on the door.  When he opened the door he
saw Izzy standing there looking impatient.  He had to stop himself from
smiling at the trait, he had seen the very same look in Maria’s eyes.

“Ok, I’m here.  What was so important.  You know I don’t like coming here,”
she stated.

Michael ushered her in.  “You’ll be glad you came.  I promise,” he answered.

Izzy turned to face him her back to the apartment.  “Well spit it out.  I
gotta get going.  I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to.  I…”

“Isabel…” Maria said from behind her.

Izzy froze in her place.  She could feel her heart fall to her feet.  She
slowly turned around.  Before her stood the one person she thought she would
never see again.  She could remember times when she would have gladly given
anything to see her sister again.  “Mar…Maria?  Is it really you?”  The
tears silently coursed down her cheeks as she walked to where Maria stood.

Michael left silently.  He didn’t want to intrude on the emotional reunion. 
Neither sister noticed his exit.

“Hey little sister,” Maria laughed, her own tears flowing.

When Izzy reached Maria she tentatively reached out her hand to touch her. 
She was so afraid that Maria would disappear before her eyes.  When her hand
came in touch with Izzy started to shake.  Maria grabbed her and wrapped her
arms around her shoulders.

“Oh god, Maria.  I thought you were dead.  Please, don’t ever leave me
again!”

Maria squeezed tight.  “I won’t.  You will never be without me again.”

Part Thirteen

The two sisters talked well into the night.  They were sitting on Michael’s
sofa.  Ever since she had arrived, Isabel hadn’t let go of her sister.  They
had spent the last three hours talking about anything and everything that
had happened to them over the last four years.  Maria skirted the issue of
Kivar and the current danger.  Isabel seemed to accept the excuse that Maria
was safe now, and everything was fine.

Maria learned that Isabel had been dating the same guy, Alex Whitman, the
owner of a local computer company, for the last two and a half years.  She
was happy to see her sister so loved and taken care of.

Neither noticed the absence of the man who brought them together until
Isabel began to yawn and get sleepy.

Maria smiled at her younger sibling.  She could remember when they were
younger as Izzy always fought sleep, when she thought she was going to miss
something important.

“Sweetie, why don’t you lay down and get some rest,” Maria suggested.

“I’m afraid to close my eyes.  I’m afraid you wont be here when I wake up.”

Maria leaned over and embraced her sister, for the hundredth time that
evening.  “I promise I will be here when you wake.  Then you can continue to
tell me all about this boy, Alex, that you love so much.”

Izzy layed down, putting her head in her sisters lap.  “Will you stay here
until I fall asleep?”

Maria reached down and stroked her silky hair.  “Of course.  Just sleep.”

Maria continued to stroke her hair until she was sure Izzy was asleep.  She
could feel the tiredness in her own bones.  It had been an emotional few
days.  She gently layed Izzy’s head on the pillow, and covered her with a
throw off the back of the couch.

Quietly she made her way to the front door.  Instinctively she knew that
Michael wasn’t in the apartment, that he had wanted to give them some
privacy.  She opened the door and made her way over to Max’s apartment.  She
reached up and knocked softly.

Michael answered the door.  “What are you doing here?” he whispered.

Maria could tell that he must have been sleeping on their sofa.

“I just wanted to talk to you.  But if you want to go back to sleep I
understand.”

Michael shook his head.  “No it’s ok.  Where’s Isabel?”

“She fell asleep on the sofa.  Can we go back to your place?  I don’t really
want to be over here.”

Michael nodded and grabbed his jacket.  He quietly closed the door and
guided Maria back over to his apartment.  The two slipped quietly past the
sleeping girl and made their way up to the bedroom.  Once inside Michael
directed her towards the chair in the corner, and took a seat on the edge of
the bed.

“What did you want to talk about?” he asked when he realized Maria wasn’t
going to start.

Maria looked up and stared in his eyes.  “First I wanted to thank you for
giving my sister back to me.  I didn’t think I would be able to see her, but
now I feel like I might actually get through this.”

“She needed you as much as you needed her.”

Maria nodded.  “Can I ask you a question?” she asked seriously.

Michael nodded, warily.  “I guess.”

“Why do you want to give up your life to marry me?”

Michael lowered his eyes.  He felt a massive amount of guilt over the plan
that he and Liz concocted.  Especially since that wasn’t really the reason
he was marrying her now.  He knew that Maria would never be a threat to Liz,
not because he married her, but because she wasn’t the type of person who
would break up a family.  He mentally kicked himself for judging her so
quickly. It was obvious she wasn’t the same vapid, empty headed girl she was
four years ago.

“You want the truth?”

Maria nodded.  “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.  You were always
good at telling me how you really felt,” she said quietly laughing.  She was
remembering all their spats, when he would always point out her many faults.

Michael knew they were sharing the same memory, so he laughed as well. 
“Well, in the beginning, wow, this is kind of hard.”

“Just spit it out.  I know you don’t love me, so I want to know what your
motivation was for coming up with this crazy plan.”

Michael took a deep breath.  He knew he had better choose his next words
carefully.  “In the beginning, I really only thought to make Liz feel like
she was safe.”

He didn’t expand on his statement when he saw Maria’s look.  To the average
person she looked very straightfaced, but he could see the fire burning in
her eyes.

“You’ve gotta understand,” he said quickly.  “I would do anything to protect
her, and she was afraid that Max would come running back to you, now that he
knew you were alive.”

Maria remained silent.  So many things she wanted to say were running
through her head.  On the one hand she was angry that they thought she was
the type of person who would come back and take Max away from his family. 
On the other hand she could kind of understand Liz’s position.  Liz was
there when she and Max were together.  She saw how in love they were.  But
that seemed like a lifetime ago.

Michael just watched the different emotions play across her face.  “Maria?”

Maria again focused on Michael.  “Well I guess you must be pretty proud of
yourself.  Now the big evil bitch won’t take away your sister’s precious
husband.  But there was never any threat of that anyway.  I am not in the
habit of breaking up homes.  It’s obvious that Max and I were never meant to
be, otherwise he wouldn’t have slept with my best friend three months after
I ‘died’.”

Michael got up and walked over to Maria, sitting on the footrest in front of
her.  “I am so sorry.  I was wrong to judge you so quickly.  Liz was just
being paranoid, and I let myself focus on her fears, rather than what you
were and had gone through.  I realize now that there isn’t anything for her
to worry about.”

“Then why do you still want to marry me?  If you know that I don’t want
Max.”

“There is still Kivar to worry about.  He will come after you, and as
annoying as you can be, I don’t want to see you hurt for something you have
nothing to do with.”

Maria chuckled.  “Thanks.  I really do appreciate everything you have done
so far.  But I don’t want you to have to give up your life to marry someone
you don’t even like.  I mean, you must have a girlfriend or someone who will
be hurt if you marry me.  And you can’t even stand to be in the same room
with me, so why would you want to be saddled with me?  I just don’t
understand…”

Maria’s words were cut off by Michael’s lips.  It was the only way he knew
to quiet her quickly.  At least that was the excuse he gave himself.  He
ignored the fact that that was all he had been thinking about when he opened
the door and saw her standing there.

Part Fourteen

Maria’s entire world felt as though it was stopped.  She couldn’t focus on
anything but the man who was currently kissing her senseless.  A small part
of her knew she should push him away, but too much of her wanted him to
continue.

She finally succumbed to the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck with a
small moan.  Michael knew the instant Maria had given herself over to the
kiss.  He too wanted to continue, but he knew they had issues they needed to
work out before things got too complicated.

He pulled back, still not releasing her from his arms.  He looked down at
her shocked face and couldn’t stop himself from smiling.  She looked so
bewildered, and adorable at the same time.

Maria regained her composure and pulled herself out of his embrace.  She
could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks.  “What was that for?” she asked
quietly.

Michael shrugged.  “I guess I just wanted you to know that I don’t really
have a problem staying married to you.  That is, if you don’t mind.”

Maria nodded.  At the moment she was having a problem forming a sentence in
her mind.  “I think I need to do some thinking.  Do you think you could
leave me alone for a while?”

Michael sighed.  He was afraid that if he made a move of any kind she would
be scared off.  “Maria, I hope you don’t think that this kiss…”

“No, Michael.  I know.  I just have a lot I need to deal with.  If Izzy is
awake will you tell her that I am sleeping, and I will call her later?”

He nodded.  “I don’t want you leaving the apartment though.  If you want to
go anywhere, let me know and I will go with you.”

“I won’t be a prisoner in your home, Michael.  I understand there is this
threat right now, but I have been a prisoner for four years, and I can’t
stand the thought of being one again.”

“I understand.  You can leave whenever you want, I just want to be with you.
  Please, Maria.  Promise me.”

“Alright, I promise.”

Michael stood and walked over to her.  He leaned down and kissed the crown
of her head.  Walking out he turned.  “I’m here, Maria.  If you need
anything, all you have to do is ask.”

“Thank you.”

****

Michael headed downstairs and saw Isabel waking up.  “Good morning, Iz,” he
said.

“Hi.  Where’s my sister?”

“Um, she’s upstairs asleep.  She told me to tell you that she will call you
later.”

Iz stood up stretching.  “I will be back later for Maria and her things.”

Michael had to stop for a second to make sure he understood her correctly. 
“What do you mean Maria and her things?  She’s not going anywhere.”

“Maria is not staying here with you.  Last time she was with you people we
thought she died.  She can some stay with me and Alex until she gets her own
place.”

Michael shook his head.  “You don’t seem to understand.  Maria’s staying
here with me.  She’s going to be my wife, and she’s not leaving.”

“Come on, Michael.  We both know that you don’t want to marry my sister. 
When she was around before you two could barely stand to be in the same room
together.  I will not lose my sister again.  Tell her that I will come back
this afternoon to pick her up.”

Isabel made her way to the door, but Michael’s voice stopped her.  “She’s
staying here.”

“We’ll let her decide.  I know she would rather be with her family.”  With
that parting comment Isabel let herself out of the apartment.

Michael couldn’t move.  For a moment he thought there was a chance he would
be able to make Maria realize that he could make her happy.  But now, he
knew that it was more likely that she would want to go live with Isabel.  He
knew that he would protect her wherever she lived.  It would be more
difficult if she stayed with her sister, but if that is what she wanted,
then he wouldn’t stand in her way.  Isabel was right.  It was their fault
that Maria had suffered.  He wasn’t going to be the reason she suffered
again.

Then a thought came to him.  If he convinced her to get married right away
then maybe she wouldn’t leave him.  He knew he was being selfish, but he was
desperate.  Michael understood that she didn’t love him, and he couldn’t
compete with her family.  But he was not going to give her up without some
sort of fight.

****

“Sir?  I have a visual contact on the sister.  I haven’t seen any sign of
the target though.  If she is with Evans and Guerin, they are keeping her
under wraps.”

Kivar was thoughtful.  He knew Maria had made her way back to her old lover.
  It was just a matter of time until he got her back.  Of course she would
have to be punished for running away, but eventually she would understand
that it is all for her own good.

“Leave the sister,” he commanded.  “I want Maria.  Get someone on the
inside.  I want Maria, but I also want to take down Max Evans and Michael
Guerin.”

Part Fifteen

When Maria awoke from her nap she laid quietly listening to sounds of the
street. She couldn’t hear any movement coming from downstairs, so she
figured Michael must have left for a while. Rising and stretching Maria made
her way out of the bedroom and downstairs.

She was a little shocked to see Michael sitting quietly staring out of the
window. Hearing her come down he turned to face her.

“Did you have a nice nap?” he asked quietly.

Maria nodded. “I figured you must have left. I didn’t hear you when I woke
up.”

“Yeah I’ve just been sitting here thinking.”

“Be careful you don’t do too much of that,” she said jokingly, although she
could see that he wasn’t in the mood to laugh.

“Are you ok?” she asked.

“What do you think about getting married?”

Maria shrugged. “I thought we decided it would be a good idea.”

“No, I mean today. Right now.” Michael began to feel desperate. He knew
Isabel could return at any time and convince Maria to leave. Why would she
stay?

“Right now? I don’t know. What about my sister? I can’t get married without
her there.”

“I understand,” he started. “But we have wasted a lot of time. Kivar could
be coming any time.”

“I see. You wanna marry me right now because of Kivar,” she stated.

“Yes. Isn’t that the reason you want to marry me? Or is there something
else.”

Maria shook her head. Memories of the kiss were floating unbidden around her
mind. She knew Michael wanted to protect her, but she thought after that
kiss that maybe his feelings had changed a little. “If you think it will be
safer to get married now, that’s fine.”

Michael nodded and rose. “You go get ready and I will make all of the
arrangements. Do you want Max there?” He knew he was risking getting hurt by
asking, but he wanted to know how close Maria thought she was to her
ex-fiance.

“There’s no reason for Max to be there. We can stop by and tell them when
its finished.”

Without waiting for a response Maria went upstairs to get ready for her
wedding. A day she has looked forward to since she was a little girl. She
never thought the man she would marry wouldn’t love her the way she loved
him.


Part Sixteen

Maria had always pictured her wedding day as this grand occasion, complete
with hundreds of guests, flowers and a huge party. Instead it was only
herself and the groom in the chambers of a justice of the peace. Michael was
sweet enough to stop at a corner florist and purchase a small spray of
flowers.

During the ceremony Maria kept glancing sideways at Michael, checking for
any sign of insecurity about their rash decision. She was genuinely
surprised when he seemed completed calm throughout.

When it came time to exchange rings she was again surprised by the beautiful
diamond set Michael placed on her finger. When she looked at him
questioningly he simply shrugged his shoulders. By the end Maria was feeling
almost happy about her wedding. When the Judge pronounced them Mr. and Mrs.
Guerin Michael leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

When he pulled back he had his usual smirk on his face. “Welcome to the
family,” he stated simply.

Maria couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks.”

******************

The trip back to the penthouse was one of the longest of Maria’s life. She
knew Max would be waiting for them, and wouldn’t be happy with the news that
they were already wed.

Once the car reached the parking lot Michael jumped out and ran to open her
door. “Welcome home, Mrs. Guerin.”

Maria chuckled. “Why, thank you Mr. Guerin.”

They made their way to the elevator. “Are you ready to tell Max about the
wedding?” Michael asked.

Maria shrugged. “There’s really no point in putting it off. The sooner it is
public knowledge that we are married the sooner Kivar will make his move and
this can end.”

Michael could feel his heart fall. Maria seemed to be in a big hurry to end
this marriage. But after only a couple of hours of marriage, Michael was
already plotting ways to keep Maria. He was glad he had already told her the
truth, but he was afraid that at some point Liz might use the information to
hurt Maria. A month ago he never would have thought that Liz would be
capable of hurting another human being, but now he wasn’t so sure.

The doors quietly slid open and the couple stepped off, turning towards Max
and Liz’s door. Michael grasped her hand tightly, then reached up and
knocked on the door.

It was to the couple’s dismay that it was Liz who answered. “Michael, Maria,
what’s going on?”

“Can we come in Liz, we have an announcement to make,” Michael stated.

Liz stepped aside to let them in. “Max is upstairs with our son. Please have
a seat, and I will go get him.”

Once Liz was gone Maria took a deep breath. “I don’t know why this is so
hard. I mean, It’s not like they didn’t know we are planning this or
anything.”

Michael wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. “Just remember, I’m
here. You’re not doing anything alone.”

Maria laid her head against his chest. It was in this position that Max and
Liz found them.

“Hey guys,” Max began. “Liz said you had an announcement to make.”

Maria let Michael make the statement. “Maria and I got married today. We
wanted you to be the first to know.”

Max was silent. He had thought he would have time to convince Maria that
marriage to Michael would be unnecessary and a mistake. Before he could
respond Liz was hugging her brother in congratulations.

“Why?” he stated simply.

“What do you mean ‘why’?” Maria asked.

“Why did you marry him so quickly? Is there something else going on?
Something I should know about?”

Maria shook her head. “I am not having this conversation with you again,
Maxwell. What Michael and I do is our business and not yours. We just wanted
you to know that we were married.”

Max walked over to her and placed his hands on her upper arms. “But why him?
I could have protected you. You didn’t need to marry Michael.” All through
his rant he was squeezing her arms, unaware that he was hurting her.

“Max, please…”

“No, Maria. Why didn’t you come to me first? Why run off and get married in
secret?”

Michael could see the discomfort on his wife’s face. “Max, I would suggest
you unhand my wife right now.”

Max ignored the threatening tone in Michael’s voice. “Did you think you had
to run out and marry the first guy to come along? Are you doing this to get
back at me for Liz?”

Michael grabbed Max around the throat. “Let go of my wife, now.”

Once free of Max’s grasp Maria stepped back behind her husband. “Michael,
it’s ok. Please, let him go.”

Michael released his grip. “No, Max,” Maria stated. “I did not marry Michael
to hurt you. I married him because it was time for me to move on. I want the
same happiness you have with Liz. But from now on, I think it would be
better if you kept your distance from me.” With those parting words Maria
walked out of the apartment.

Michael started to follow, but then turned back to Max. “If I ever see, or
find out you hurt her again, I will come after you myself. Best friend or
not,” he said quietly before following his wife.

Part Seventeen

Maria stomped back over to the apartment ranting and raving under her
breath. ‘How dare he,’ she thought. ‘God, to think the entire world revolves
around him?’

“Maria? You alright?” Michael asked from behind her as he shut the door.

Maria turned to face him. “You know what, I am better than alright. The way
Max was acting tonight made me realize that I am not even close to being in
love with him anymore. Sure I’ll always have a place for him in my heart,
but I am not in love with him anymore.”

“Well that’s good to hear since you know you’re married to me and
everything.”

Maria chuckled. “You know, that’s a good point.” Maria walked over and stood
toe to toe with her husband. Slipping her arms around his neck she reached
up and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for marrying me.”

Michael could feel his heart trying to beat right out of his chest. “If you
want to thank me, then thank me.” Before she could respond Michael leaned
down and solidly place his lips against hers. He knew it only took a split
second for Maria to give herself to the kiss.

She tightened her arms around his neck as his slipped down her arms and
around her back, squeezing her closer and closer. Michael had to smile when
he heard the little moans coming from Maria as he deepened the kiss.

It was Michael who broke the kiss, and Maria was pretty sure she wasn’t
ready for that to happen.

“Maria, I don’t want to push you into anything.”

Maria shook her head. “You’re not. I want this.”

Michael set her away from him. “You just had a breakthrough with your first
love. You’re not thinking straight when it comes to your heart. When, and I
mean when, we do first make love I want to make sure you are only think
about us. I don’t want to take advantage of the situation.”

Maria sighed. “Are you sure you are the same Michael who used to hassle me
four years ago? Because you seemed to have grown an awesome sensitive side.”

Michael shrugged. “What can I say? I guess you bring it out in me.” He
pulled her back into his arms for a tight hug.

“Will you at least stay with me tonight? After all, it is our wedding
night.”

“Well, I guess I can. But you better not kick in your sleep,” Michael
replied.

******************

Michael spent the whole night wishing he wasn’t so noble. He swore that if
she wiggled against him one more time he would run screaming. But, as he
watched her sleep peacefully, that he would do anything to make sure she was
safe from harm. If that meant keeping his best friend away, then he would.
He knew he’d better watch himself, because if he fell in too deep then it
would probably be unbearable if she ever decided that this “fake” marriage
was over.

**********************

The next morning Maria awoke to the lovely smells of coffee and bacon
wafting from downstairs. She had to smile when she thought of her husband,
god she had a husband, downstairs cooking breakfast.

But she knew she couldn’t allow herself to get too close to Michael. Even
though it was obvious he wanted her body, she was convinced that was it;
that when Kivar was taken care of Michael would immediately want a divorce.
Maria wasn’t sure she could handle another major heartbreak.

She rose and went downstairs to find Michael standing at the stove wearing
nothing but a pair of warm up pants. She stood quietly watching the muscles
in his back work and stirred this and beat that.

Maria cleared her throat. “Good morning,” she said.

Michael turned his head. “Hey, I wasn’t sure you were going to get up this
morning. It’s already almost 10:30.”

“It was the smells of your wonderful breakfast that woke me up.”

Michael gave her his signature smirk. “Have a seat, it’s almost ready.”

************

Kivar watched from the window across the alley as Maria and Michael sat down
for breakfast, his hands clenched into fists. The camaraderie between the
two was not lost on Kivar. He hadn’t seen Maria smile like that in a long
time. It peeved him that she was sharing her beautiful smile with someone
else.

“When do you want to make your move against Max Evans?” asked Benny, one his
thugs.

Kivar steepled his fingers under his chin. “Very soon. When I am finished
there will be nothing left of Max Evans or Michael Guerin. Then, my sweet,
you will have no reason to not want me.”




Part Eighteen

Liz sat quietly at the dining room table.  Her thoughts so clouded that she
didn’t even notice that it had gotten dark.  Jaime had been put to bed early
with the sniffles and Max had put a late night at the office.  Max.  Liz
closed her eyes and thought of her husband.  The man she loved.  The father
of her son.

Maria.  Liz couldn’t help but physically cringe when she thought of Maria. 
She didn’t really hate her, but she was afraid of her.  Oh sure, Maria would
never hurt her physically.  But it was the power that Maria could wield that
was frightening.

Liz was beginning to think everything was going to be just fine.  Maria
married Michael.  She would have never done that if she had any plans on
winning back Max.  But it was now Max’s attitude that was becoming scary. 
Since the announcement three weeks ago of the wedding Max had been very
quiet.  Almost too quiet.  He played with Jaime and, for all intents and
purposes, came across as a perfectly happy family man.  But Liz knew better.
  She was his wife.  She could see the change.  He smiled, but it never
reached his eyes.  And he never laughed.

Liz thought back to the time shortly after Maria was thought dead.  Max
became withdrawn.  He wouldn’t talk to anyone, and almost never left the
penthouse.  Not even Michael could get through to him.  But Liz did.  She
was able to bring him out of his depression and make him realize that there
was so much to live for.  But now that Maria was back, Liz was still afraid
that she could lose her family.  Because without Max, there was no family.


Maria spent her days spending time with Isabel, laughing, remembering, and
being very frustrated.  Since the wedding Michael hasn’t allowed her to
leave, and she was becoming extremely claustrophobic.  Pretty amazing in an
apartment the size of a large house.  But she felt closed in none the less.

It had taken her almost two years before Kivar would let her wander the
grounds.  And now she was back to being caged.  Oh sure, this time she knew
it was for her own safety, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to at least
go outside.

Isabel came by everyday.  Some days she would spend the evening just talking
to Maria about her life, and others she would be content to simply sit
quietly with her sister, watching a movie or reading.  But she couldn’t
allow a single day to go by without seeing Maria.

She even brought Alex by to meet her sister.  Alex was of course dazzled by
Maria, and Maria thought her sister had found her soul mate.  Alex was very
understanding of the situation and didn’t mind all the time his fiancée was
spending at the penthouse.

Michael came in one evening and found Maria alone for a change.  It had
become routine to see Isabel in his house when he got home from work.

“Hey,” he greeted.

“Hello,” Maria replied coolly.  She wasn’t really angry with Michael, just
the situation.

“Where’s Is?”

“Oh, she had a project she had to get done for class, so she left early.”

Michael nodded and sat next to his wife on the sofa.  “Look, I know the past
few weeks have been tough…”

Maria just glanced at him.

“…and I was thinking that maybe it was time I took my wife out for our first
date.”

Maria’s eyes widened.  The absurdity of the comment was lost, but the
meaning behind it was well comprehended.  “Out?  Like outside, out?”

Michael laughed.  “Well it wouldn’t really be much of a date if we stayed
here would it?”

“But what about Kivar?”

Michael sat back.  “Well I have been thinking about the situation, and
you’re right.”  He put his hands up when Maria would have interrupted. 
“Don’t get used to my saying that.  It will not become a regular habit I’m
sure.  But in this case you were right.  We can’t take care of Kivar until
he makes a move.  And he won’t be making any moves until he has an
opportunity.”

Maria threw her arms around her husband’s neck.  “Oh, Michael.  Thank you. 
I have been going crazy sitting here.”

Michael draped his arms around her shoulders.  “I know.  Now, I made
reservations at Senior Chows.  You have about a half an hour to get yourself
ready.”

Maria jumped up and ran upstairs.  Michael was about to go change himself
when there was a knock at the door.  Michael sighed and went to answer.

Max stood on the other side.  “What do you want Maxwell?  I have a date I
need to get ready for.”

“This will only take a minute,” Max replied passing Michael to enter.

“Well, come on in,” Michael mumbled leaving the door partially open.

“Does Maria know about this date?”

Michael shook his head.  “The date is with Maria.”

“You mean you’re going out in public?  Are you crazy?  Kivar is still out
there!” Max shouted.

“Max,” Michael began calmly.  “Maria is not you’re concern.  I will protect
my wife.  And whether or not we go out in public is none of your business.”

“None of my business?  I care about Maria.  Her safety is my business.  I
love her…”

“Don’t you mean loved?” a voice called from the hallway.

Max whipped around to see his wife standing in the doorway.  “Liz…”

Liz turned and walked back to their apartment.  Max just watched as his wife
walked away.

“You better go after her Max,” Maria stated from the top of the stairs.

“Maria, you can’t go out.  It’s too dangerous.  Kivar is probably just
waiting to get a hold of you.”

Maria stopped at the bottom of the steps.  “I think you better worry about
your own family and let Michael worry about his.  I am not your problem
anymore.  I can take care of myself, and if I need help my husband will help
me.  Now please leave.”

Max couldn’t help but stare.  Where was his Maria who always listened to him
and took his advice without question?  In her place was this self-reliant
woman who didn’t need anyone.

“Maria please listen to me…”

“Maxwell, you better leave.  My sister is probably waiting for an
explanation,” Michael stated from the door.

Max didn’t take his eyes off Maria.  “This isn’t over.  You have to be kept
safe,” Max replied and stormed out.

Part Nineteen

Maria watched Max as he left.  She was speechless.  Here was a man who was
married with a family, and he was acting as though she was his wife.

Michael watched the various emotions play across her face.  “Are you ok?” he
asked quietly.

“You know, I don’t know.  I mean, what is his problem?  He has his own
family to worry about.  And to say what he said?  That he loved me?  I mean,
come one, can that be true?  Can he still?”

Michael let her babble, understanding that she needed to figure things out. 
But his heart dropped when she asked about Max’s feelings.  “Would it
matter?  If he still loved you I mean…”

Maria stopped her rambling.

“I mean, he is married and they have a child,” Michael continued.

Maria walked over to Michael and put her hands on his shoulders.  “It
wouldn’t matter.  He can declare his love for me until the cows come home. 
But I have moved on.  I may have been forced to close that chapter on my
life, but its done now.  I don’t want to go back to what I had with him.  I
want to take of Kivar and get on with the rest of my life.  I have been
living by someone else’s rules for entirely too long.”

“God, I can’t believe him,” Michael yelled.  “He’s married to my sister.  He
promised to love her and honor her.  I don’t understand what his problem
is.”

Maria shrugged.  “I would understand if you don’t want to go out tonight,”
she said.  “Maybe we should do it some other time.”

“No, I am not letting Max ruin our night.  Just let me change really quick
and we’ll go.”


Max walked into the dark penthouse.  Figuring Liz would be upstairs he just
sat on the sofa in the dark.

“So are you leaving?” asked Liz from the window.

Max closed his eyes.  “Of course not.  I wouldn’t do that to Jaime….or you.”

Liz couldn’t help feeling like an afterthought.  “How can I believe you Max?
  I just heard you tell my brother that you love her.  Not loved…but love.”

Max jumped up.  “Just drop it Liz.”

“I can’t!  God, I don’t want to lose you to her.”

Max tried to walk upstairs.  “She doesn’t want me.  She married Michael
remember.  So you have nothing to worry about.”  With that parting comment
Max disappeared up the stairs.

Liz felt as though the very life was draining out of her.  ‘If Maria wasn’t
married does that mean I could lose him?  When Kivar is dead and the
marriage in annulled will my baby no longer have a father?’  she thought.

“No,” she whispered.  “I will not lose him.”


Maria laughed as she watched Michael miss his shot.  “Oh, so close.”

Michael gave her what he hoped was a quelling stare.  Maria just giggled
again.

“God it feels so good to get out.  I feel like I have been in a cave.  I
can’t take much more, Michael.  I can’t live like that.”  Maria made a shot
and watched it bank, just barely missing the number three ball.

Michael understood her feelings.  He couldn’t imagine being told where he
could and could not go.  But what was even worse, was the feeling that
something bad could happen to Maria again.  “I am not making the same
mistake again, Maria.  Last time I didn’t watch out for you good enough and
you lost four years of your life, not mention everything in it.”

“Oh, Michael.  There you go trying to take credit for something you didn’t
do.  I don’t blame you for what happened.”  She walked over to him and
looked directly into his eyes.  “Kivar was person at fault.  He was the one
who took me and kept me.  And for losing everyone in my life?  Well you gave
me back my sister, and you added yourself.  And for Max, well if that was
meant to be then it would have been.  He made his choice when he slept with
your sister.  So unless you talked him into doing that, then you really
can’t take credit for it.”

“But…”

“No.  No buts.  Now you promised me a date.  So lets leave the baggage for a
couple of hours.  Trust me it will still be there when we get done.”

Michael nodded.  “That actually sounds like a pretty good plan.”

Maria gave him a winning smile and walked around to find her next shot.  “So
what are we playing for?” she asked.

“Well lets see,” Michael said coming around to her side of the pool table. 
“If you win then you can talk to Isabel about finding us another place to
live, away from Max.  If I win you have to promise me that you won’t go
after Kivar alone.”



PART TWENTY

“Well lets see,” Michael said coming around to her side of the pool table. 
“If you win then you can talk to Isabel about finding us another place to
live, away from Max.  If I win you have to promise me that you won’t go
after Kivar alone.”

Maria looked at Michael.  Not really a glare, but just looked.  “I have no
idea what you’re talking about,” she said calmly.

Michael sighed.  “Maria, we may not have been that close before you were
taken.  Hell, you drove me nuts.  But that doesn’t mean that I don’t know
you well enough to know that you would do anything to protect the ones you
care about.  And I also know you think that as long as Kivar is running free
that your family is in danger.”

“Yeah but you said that you and Max would take of everything, so I don’t
understand why…”

“Because,” Michael interrupted.  “ Max falls under the category of people
you care about.  You don’t want to see anything happen to him.”

Maria shook her head.  But before she could speak Michael interrupted.  “No,
I know you would never do anything to break up Liz and Max, but you still
care about him.  And to protect him and your sister, you would be willing to
sacrifice yourself to Kivar…”

Maria put her hand on his arm to stop his tirade.  “I wasn’t disagreeing
with you.  Max will always have a special place in my heart.  He was my
first love.  I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with him…”

Michael could feel his heart plummet.  “But,” Maria continued.  “He is not
the only one in this situation I would care about if they got hurt.”

“I know, you want to protect Isabel.  If Kivar got a hold of her…”

Maria wanted to scream.  “Yes, Michael I would protect Isabel, but I would
also protect you.”

Michael’s eyes shot up to meet hers.  “I would walk to fire and hell to make
sure nothing happened to you.  God, you can be so stubborn sometimes.  Yeah,
I worry that Max will be hurt.  And I worry that Isabel will be caught up in
a mess that has nothing to do with her.  But I have nightmares and wake up
scared to death when I think that something could happen to you.  So if a
situation presents itself that will end things with Kivar peacefully, then I
will take it.”

Michael grasped her shoulders tightly.  Maria wanted to flinch, but she
sensed that he was trying to get control.  “Let me get this straight.  You
tell me that you care about what happens to me in the same statement in
which you say you would walk away?  Am I supposed to accept that you could
leave me at any minute and say thank you?  I don’t think so.”

“But if anything happens to you because I left Kivar then I wouldn’t be able
to live,” she cried.  “I have come to love you too much to let anything like
that happen.”

Michael thought that this was the end.  That his life was over.  That he was
going to be struck dead in the next five seconds.  Because that would be the
only reason Maria would ever tell she loved him, right?

Maria watched the emotions play across his handsome face, but he didn’t say
anything.  “Michael?”

Michael gave himself a mental shake.  “You love me?”

“Um, yeah.  I didn’t really mean to tell you quite yet or quite like that. 
But yes, I love you.  I realize that you don’t think of me that way.  But…”

Maria’s babble was cut off by Michael’s mouth.  His hands ran down to her
hips and pulled her into him as his lips caressed hers.

Maria’s arms snaked around his neck.  She finally pulled away to look into
his heavy eyes.  “Michael, I…”

“Stop.  Please let me say this.  I have loved you for so long.  It wasn’t
until recently that I realized I loved you even back when you used to drive
me crazy.  You  are unlike any person I have ever met.  You are so strong
and witty.  You keep me on my toes and always guessing.  And no one has ever
made me feel like I matter.  And you have made me realize that I matter. 
Thank you.”

Maria could feel the tears coursing down her cheeks.  “Oh, Michael…”

“Well isn’t this a touching little scene,” came a voice from behind Michael.

Michael turned quickly to put himself between Maria and Kivar.

PART TWENTY-ONE

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Kivar asked snidely.  “Could it be the
woman who professed her undying love for me then disappeared?”

Michael tried to take a step towards Kivar, but Maria grasped the back of
his shirt, effectively holding him in place.  Her eyes wandered to the six
very large men that were standing directly behind her captor.

“You never should have left, Maria.  Believe me when I say Marcus was not
happy when you left.  Of course, my guard is feeling nothing now.”

Maria felt her stomach sink.  Even though Marcus worked for Kivar, she
didn’t want anyone to die because of her actions.

Kivar gave her an evil smile.  “Will he be the only one?  Or will others
have to die before you realize to whom you belong.”

“Stop threatening my wife, Kivar.  If you have something to say you say it
to me,” Michael growled.

“Wife?  Well that is an interesting turn of events isn’t it.”  With a slight
tilt of his head Kivar signaled his guards.  Three men rushed forward and
grabbed Michael away from Maria.

“Michael…” Maria gasped.  She watched as her husband struggled to get free. 
But the muscle bound goons holding him were no letting go.  One punched
Michael in the stomach to gain his acquiescence.

Kivar walked over to stand in front of Maria effectively blocking her view
of Michael.  “You see, my love, how easy it would be for me to just take
you.  I could have your husband’s neck snapped in an instant.  Is that you
want?  Know you could have prevented his death?”

Maria could only shake her head.  She didn’t even feel the hot tears that
poured down her cheeks.

Kivar reached forward and grasped her chin in a painful grip, forcing her to
meet his eyes.  “I will have you.  But I won’t take you.  I want you to come
to me.  You have twenty-four hours to come to me.  If you fail to come, then
I will dispatch my men to find you.  And when they find you they will,
without regret, kill your loving husband and take you anyway.  And if you
even think of going into hiding I will hunt you down til the ends of the
earth.  And remember how easy it was for me to get to you and your husband. 
Just imagine how easy it would be to get to your sister.”

With a flourish he leaned down and kissed her hard.  He gave her an evil
smile and turned and walked out of the bar.  With one last punch at Michael
the guards followed their boss.

Maria rushed over to Michael.  “Oh my god, are you ok.  Michael?”

Michael was struggling to get up and catch his breath.  Maria looped an arm
around his waist to help him rise.  “Michael, I am so sorry.  I never should
have dragged you into this.  When I escaped I should have kept on running,
never letting anyone know I was still alive.”

Michael pushed Maria away and sat down in a nearby chair.  Maria was hurt by
his gruff attitude.

“Michael please say something,” she pleaded.

“Shut up,” he replied.

Maria was astonished.  “Look, I know you probably hate me right now…”

“I said shut up,” he growled.  “How could you possibly think that after
everything we said to each other before I could hate you?  How could you
possibly say that you would have rather not have fallen in love with me and
I with you?  How could you think that you would be better off without me? 
God, you really piss me off sometimes.”

Maria could feel her eyes tearing up for the unknown number of times that
night.  The last harsh statement was completely negated by everything else. 
She knelt before him, placing her hand on his knees.

“God, Michael.  Of course I am not sorry that I fell in love with you. 
You’re right.  If I hadn’t come back then you and would have never been. 
But you have to understand.  If I had never come back then everyone l love
wouldn’t be in danger.  When I was with Kivar I only had to worry about
myself.  I could handle that.  If something happened then it was just me.  I
don’t know if I can handle something happening to you.”

“I’m pretty well trained you know.  I think I could take care of myself. I…”

“Oh, like you did tonight?” she interrupted.  “If Kivar had wanted to he
would have killed you tonight.  Don’t you get it?  He’s not going to stop
until he has me.”

Michael had an uneasy feeling come over him.  “You are not going to him,
Maria.  We will figure a way out of this.  We’ll leave, together.  He will
never be able to find us.”

Maria shook her head.  “If I run he’ll go after Isabel.  I can’t have that.”

“We’ll think of something, I promise.  I will protect you, Maria.”

Maria nodded.  “Just promise me one thing.  If at the end of the twenty-four
hours we do not have a workable solution you’ll let me go.”

TBC...