Destiny Chapters from 9 on

[eleganceatheart]

i am posting this for angelic gurl
Chapter 9: Ready For Love


Courtney felt the sun’s rays bearing down on her, urging her eyes open. Turning she took in the empty bed with surprise, the fractured pieces of last night’s events resurfacing in her mind. Groaning, Courtney buried her head in the nearest pillow, trying to push away the instant smile that tugged at her lips, at the thought of his arms around her waist and his lips on hers. A sweet smell wafted towards the bedroom, drawing the blonde upward and towards the kitchen. Leaning against the doorway, she took in the scene with an amused _expression, biting her lip to hold in the laughter threatening to spill over. Jason clattered around the kitchen, going from cupboard to cupboard, with little success. Flour covered his face and he seemed to be at his wits end, as he circled the kitchen towards the stove. Courtney couldn’t help but laugh, which drew Jason’s cold gaze onto her, her laughter only getting louder at his attempt to appear angry. Advancing menacingly towards her, Courtney stopped laughing, her hand shot up, at first he thought to ward him off, but then he noticed her index finger pointing at the oven. Black smoke billowed from the machine; Jason’s cursing the only sound being heard over the fire detectors insistent beeping. The kitchen was a fury of activity, as they both tried to end the ear-numbing racket and stop the smoke.



Sitting back in a dining room chair, Courtney looked over at Jason, who appeared defeated and about ready to kick the oven.

“Hun, what made you think you and an oven teaming up would be a good idea?” Courtney inquired, trying to contain her smile. Jason only shook his head, shrugging and sinking into the seat beside her. Her hand stroked up and down his arm in a comforting motion, his eyes slowly seeking out hers. She smiled withdrawing her hand and busying herself with cleaning up the mess, leaving him to watch her preoccupy herself with everything but the situation at hand. Switching on the radio as another distraction she immediately froze as the song surrounded her, memories coursing through her mind.



I am ready for love
Why are you hiding from me
I’d quickly give my freedom
To be held in your captivity



“So what do you think he’ll be like” Courtney inquired as her and Jason swayed along the penthouse’s kitchen floor. Jason smiled pulling her closer, and placing a hand on her growing stomach.

“I think he’ll be smart and athletic…”

“Football, baseball, basketball or hockey?”

Jason seemed to think over his options “ All of them” Courtney slapped his chest lightly , a smile tugging at her lips.

“Whatever he wants to be I will support him,” Jason conceded, watching her glowing smile only grow.



I am ready for love
All of the joy and the pain
And all the time that it takes
Just to stay in your good grace
Lately I’ve been thinking
Maybe you’re not ready for me
Maybe you think I need to learn maturity
They say watch what you ask for
Cause you might receive
But if you ask me tomorrow
I’ll say the same thing



“I love you so much Jason”
“I love you too,” He stated, dropping a kiss onto her forehead, before pulling her closer.

The two drifted along the floor, fitting perfectly into each other’s arms.



I am ready for love
Would you please lend me your ear?
I promise I won’t complain
I just need you to acknowledge I am here



Courtney looked up at Jason, tears slowly brimming in her eyes; he came to stand in front of her. Courtney looked at his outstretched hand, the melody washing over her, the heartbreaking words, mixing with equally heartbreaking memories. All she wanted was to be in his arms again, the ache that had dulled over time became insistent once again and she couldn’t resist taking his hand. His pulled her to him, their body’s swaying to the music, as if no time had passed.



If you give me half a chance
I‘ll prove this to you
I will be patience, kind, faithful and true
To a man who loves music
A man who loves art
Respect’s the spirit world
And thinks with his heart

I am ready for love
If you’ll take me in your hands
I will learn what you teach
And do the best that I can



Courtney couldn’t help but realize how well they still fit into each other’s arms. With tears slowly sliding down her cheeks, her heart breaking with every word. Jason pulled her closer holding her shaking form, trying to subdue the pain that still haunted both their hearts.



I am ready for love
Here with a offering of
My voice
My Eyes
My soul
My mind

Tell me what is enough
To prove I am ready for love
I am ready…



The song slowly ended, but neither could be the first to pull away. An outsider looking in on the scene would see a couple so desperately in love they could not part. Courtney knew the truth; she knew they were being weak and clutching onto the past, but her heart felt so at home in his arms. For 2 years emptiness had lived inside her and it was slowly fading, as was her resolve to end everything. Am I ready for love? She asked herself the songs words haunting her. For a moment the room stilled and she pulled back, just enough to look into his eyes but remain in his arms. She saw everything in them, the past, love and sadness, and for once she smiled through her rapidly falling tears, astonishing Jason. The look in her eyes was clear, and without speaking she lowered his head, their lips meeting in a slow unsure kiss. The kiss quickly grew deeper and their bodies seemed to meld into one, neither wanting to break the passionate embrace when the need for air presented itself. Jason pulled away first, searching her eyes for regret, all he saw was two sparkling ocean blue pools of… love. His breath hitched in his throat and all he could do was watch while she pulled the necklace from beneath her shirt and turned around. He took it as permission to unclasp the chain, and handed it to her. Courtney smiled, wiping the tears from her cheeks and doing something neither expected, she handed her wedding ring to Jason and closed his palm.



Jason opened his hand to look at the silver band, tears welling up in his eyes. Looking back at Courtney in disbelief, he watched as she simply smiled.

“It’s yours to do with what you want,” She whispered, removing her engagement ring and placing the large meaningless diamond on the countertop, before turning back to Jason.

“I would really like it if you chose to put it back on my finger” She finished, a few tears finding their way down her cheeks, Jason only looked at her in shock, the whole scene turning out differently then he expected. With unsure steps he was back in front of her, his unsteady hand reaching for her equally shaky fingers. Slipping the silver band onto her wedding finger once again, made both of them hold their breath, all the pain sliding away. Courtney smiled looking at the ring in silent awe, she knew it had belonged there the whole time but somehow it took almost 2 years to make her see it. They stood staring down at her hand for what seemed like an eternity, neither daring to speak or break the intense connection. Courtney yelped in surprise as she was lifted off the ground; Jason’s arms wrapping around her tightly while he spun her around. Laughter filled the air, the purity of it making them realize how much time they had really wasted apart. Setting her down Jason rubbed his thumb along her cheek, her own hand covering his. I am ready, Courtney realized, her smile growing while Jason leaned down, capturing her lips in a scorching kiss.



Please tell me what u think!

[eleganceatheart]

Chap.10: Taking the plunge



It wasn’t something that happened to her every day, dreams coming true. Yet here she was lying in his arms beneath the afternoon sun, amidst the warm tropical breeze. The waves came high enough onto the beach that they tickled her toes; the fear of getting drenched long forgotten in the warmth of his embrace.

“Giraffe” Jason whispered, pointing towards the puff of white cloud floating overhead. Courtney gazed upwards, nodding when she recognized the shape. It hit her how domestic they would seem to the outside world, lying on a beach and trying to find recognizable shapes in the clouds, but to her the fast paced city life couldn’t hold a candle to this.

She leaned further onto his chest, his arms instinctively entwining tightly around her waist. She felt his finger rub across her wedding ring, as if to check that it was still on her finger.

“Elephant” Courtney turned her head to watch Jason squint in an attempt to see what she had.

“It’s more like a lion lying down,” Courtney laughed, entwining their hands and tucking her head beneath his chin. Jason couldn’t resist the contented sigh that passed his lips, his world beginning to re align after all the sleepless nights and heartbreaking resurfacing of memories.

“What are you thinking about” Courtney’s soft voice broke through his reverie, pulling his attention back to her angelic face, staring at him expectantly.

“That this is the way it’s meant to be” Her smile seemed to gleam brighter then the sun, setting him at ease instantly.

“I was just thinking the same thing” He leaned down capturing her lips with his own; their heated embrace broken by a cold gush of water. Courtney yelped at the unexpected shower, her clothes soaked through and through; damp hair sticking to her face. Jason ignored the sudden cold shock, watching his wife with a bemused _expression; one he knew would annoy her to no end.

She pushed the strands of blonde from her face, trying not to chock on the water that had filled her mouth, despite the unpleasant experience Jason continued to look at her like she was the most desirable thing in the world.

“What are you looking at?” Courtney inquired, her barely contained smile shining through; his only response was a macho shrug, as if to say nothing important. The sparkle in his eyes told a different story, but the oceanic depths also revealed a mischievous gleam that Courtney had come to know. Without anywhere to back up, she surrendered, waiting until he inevitably picked her up and walked further into the water. She glanced down into the crystal clear water seeing the shadow of his body holding her dangerously above it.

Sighing she raised her head from the shoulder “ Well go ahead, I’m wet already” Jason raised an eyebrow at this statement their gazes connecting for the briefest moment.

“I thought you hated the water”

The matter of fact mixed with shock in his voice caused her to grin, her fingers tracing a circular pattern on his drenched t-shirt.

“I do, but I trust you” Courtney bit her lip and plugged her nose, feeling their bodies plunge beneath the water. Opening her eyes underneath she resisted the urge to close them again with the sudden irritation, but he was there, grabbing her hand and pulling her back to the surface. Taking in the sudden breath of fresh air, Courtney ran a hand through the sopping mess Jason’s hair had become, realizing that this was one of the only chances she would have to touch it at all. Sliding the hand down to cup his cheek in her palm, she watched him lean in closer to the touch, their lips centimetres apart. Despite the growing chill of the barely lukewarm water and the heavy weight of their clothes, they kissed enjoying the near burning feel of the sun’s rays mixed with their unquenched desires.

Pulling back, Jason lifted her into his arms once again, seeing her nod before they took the plunge once again, it just seemed to fit.



Courtney looked out onto the scenery from the porches railing; the sun slowing dipping below the horizon and giving way to a large silvery moon. Stars cascaded across the darkened sky, casting a twinkling glow on the world below. Watching the day turn into night set Courtney at ease, whatever world lived beyond the confines of this small island fading away into a distant memory. Jason towelled his hair off in the doorway watching with mild interest, the moonlight cascading across her form, ivory skin illuminated in the darkness.

“I know your there” She whispered, turning her head slightly to look into his eyes. Warmth spread over her entire being at the sight of his baby blues clouded over in desire. The moment had been building; she could feel the tightening in her stomach, nervousness grabbing her unwillingly. He seemed so calm like a lion on the prowl, his sleek movements towards her side, standing teasingly within arms reach but keeping his distance all the same. Taking a deep breath she turned ever so slowly towards him, her heart racing like she was preparing to kiss for the first time. He was more direct though, his lips descending onto hers in a quick movement. The sweet savouring time had long passed and an urgent need surged through them. Courtney broke away first gulping air like she had been beneath the sea for an eternity. It was still so unreal, the way her heart felt like bursting every time their eyes met, their love was stronger then ever and it scared her. Turning her back on Jason, she resumed watching the waves roll in on the beach, squinting to see the crystal blue water in the dark. Jason’s arms found their way around her waist, tugging her lightly within his embrace. Courtney could feel the familiar comfort that began to invade her body, lulling the insecurities that still plagued her.

“What’s wrong” Jason asked, resting his chin against her shoulder. She shut her eyes, calming her breathing and trying to force the bad thoughts from her mind. She had everything she wanted, the man of her dreams and a beautiful tropical paradise. Why couldn’t that be enough?

“What if your wrong” The simple statement escaped her lips before her brain could even calculate the consequences. Jason’s arms dropped from around her waist, leaving her open to the sudden chill in the air. Her eyes dropped back to the ocean, avoiding Jason’s puzzled gaze. He gripped her shoulders turning her body to face him, whether she wanted to or not.

“What do you mean about me being wrong?”

Courtney sighed, rubbing her eyes tiredly, “ How do you know this is what you want, I mean what if were just hanging on to some image of our past. What happens when you realize were not the same, that you don’t want me the way you did,” Courtney rambled her eyes focusing on the doorframe above her husbands shoulder, acutely aware of her avoidance of any part of him. She immediately regretted her words at the sound of an exasperated sigh passing his lips. What she didn’t expect was to be hoisted into the air and placed on the porch railing. Adjusting to her new seating position, she understood it’s purpose, Courtney was now at eye level with Jason and left with no option but to maintain eye contact.

He grabbed her hands within his, awkwardly shifting from side to side, while trying to find the right words to say.

“ Do you remember what I said to you when we got married?” She nodded mutely gaze downcast, waiting for him to continue.

“I said that nothing could make me stop loving you. When you walked down that isle I knew no one would ever own my heart but you” He stepped closer, edging her chin upwards with his finger.

“When you became Courtney Morgan, I became whole… nothing has changed, it never will” Tears escaped the blonde’s eyes, the beauty of his words reminding her of the happiness they had once shared. Jason extended his hand, helping Courtney off the perch, before sweeping her into his arms.

“Jason what are you doing?”

“ I thought it was obvious I’m playing prince charming” An involuntary giggle escaped her lips at his self-assured words.

“I was thinking if you wanted to we could go consummate our marriage once again for old times sake” Jason could see a slow blush creep into Courtney’s cheeks before she dipped her head and nodded. The moment their gazes locked her previous problems faded away, their lips slowly coming together in a passionate kiss. Jason managed to manoeuvre himself towards the door and into the villa. Their bodies fell onto the bed, forcing them to pull apart briefly for air. Flushed and panting, Courtney shut her eyes as Jason stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb gently.

“You sure about this?” He whispered, pulling her into his loving gaze with little effort. Courtney nodded her head, slowly snaking her hand into the silky hair at the nape of his neck and pulling him down for another searing kiss.

[eleganceatheart]

Chapter 11: Crimson Snowfall


Carly glanced at her watch, twisting the slender band between her forefingers, in an attempt to pass the time. Kevin sat on the couch, nursing his swollen eye with an ice pack. The penthouse was quieter then usual, giving Kevin the impression that Carly was not happy. The dark blonde couldn’t repress the scowl that found it’s way to her face; the whole evening plummeting because of the no show, that was Brenda Barrett. Sighing, she fell back into the other side of the couch, glancing towards Kevin with mild trepidation.

Running a finger along his bruised cheek, she finally spoke “ Are you feeling any better?”

He shrugged, sinking into the leather cushions in hopes of finding a better position.

“I’m alive, guess that’s better then nothing”

“I’m sorry” Carly offered honestly, for the briefest moment feeling a pang in her heart for all the trouble Kevin had gone through.

A thought bolted through her mind, causing her to whip around and nearly smack him

“ Why are you still here?” She continued with renewed force, at his puzzled _expression.

“I mean Brenda and I have put you through the ringer these past days, I thought you would have already been running for the hills by now”

“There aren’t many hills around here,” Kevin replied off handedly, smiling in spite of himself.

“Almost makes me feel bad for sending…” Carly cut off her sentence before Kevin could realize the events going on behind his back.





Brenda stormed in a minute later, her curly mane covered in snow, as was her expensive leather jacket, which she shrugged off angrily. Carly could feel the calm demeanor she had lulled into slowly dissipating; replaced by the seething hatred she had been experiencing moments earlier.

“Your late” Brenda only rolled her eyes in response, hands settling on her hips in a defensive stance.

“Thanks for stating the obvious Carly babes, it’s a freaking blizzard outside this penthouse, if you haven’t noticed” The brunette brushed a few of the melting flurries from her skirt, trying to remain calm under the dark blondes poignant glare.

The tension was broken when Sonny stepped through the doorway, distractedly looking over a file within his hands. The rooms’ occupants fell suddenly silent at his unexpected arrival, Carly’s eyes instantly shooting towards Brenda, who seemed engrossed with running her hand along the mahogany desk, at her side.

Sonny glanced up catching the uncomfortable look on his wife’s face, followed by an equally uncomfortable one on Kevin.

“Who are you?” The mobster inquired, pointing towards the fidgeting man on the couch.

“Kevin, Sir, I’m a-a supposed to marry your sister” He stood, awkwardly reaching forward to offer Sonny his hand, which he only stared at before turning towards the wet bar. Sipping his newly poured drink, Sonny looked Kevin over with sharp eyes, watching him squirm, as if he was a child sent to the corner for a time out. Kevin was intimidated; all of Courtney’s stories about Sonny had seemed to conveniently lack the whole dark, cold demeanour, part.

“Aren’t you a little short for my sister” Sonny finally spoke, downing another sip of his liquor, while observing Kevin gape at the statement.

Brenda raised her eyes in disbelief at the insult laced with an innocence only Sonny could pull off with a straight face. The two one time lovers shared a secretive glance, both of them looking away the minute Carly cleared her throat.

“We better get going”





Brenda and Kevin were out in the hallway already when Sonny called Carly back giving her a stern look, obvious disapproval written over his face.

“Be good,” he warned, defeated by his wife’s innocent hazel orbs.

“Aren’t I always?” Carly silenced him with a kiss, stopping the obvious answer from escaping his lips. Pulling back, Sonny held her to him a little bit longer, resting his forehead against hers.

[eleganceatheart]

“I love you not her” The simple statement brought tears to Carly’s eyes, her heart thudding in her chest at a more rapid pace.

“I know” Pulling back the dark blonde composed herself, smiling when Sonny momentarily refused to let her hand go.

“I’ll be home soon, I promise”

With that, Carly slipped her small hand from his grasp, making her way from the penthouse the pair by the elevator.





Kevin could not believe his eyes; dread quickly settling into his stomach at the sight of his newest form of torture. Before he could turn away and run back into the cold evening, Carly and Brenda were at his side, leading him further into the garish establishment. Fluorescent lights hit the centre stage; all different colours illuminating the platform and making it seem tackier. He couldn’t seem to get rid of his discomfort, It could have something to do with the fact that the guy leading us to our seats is wearing nothing but a leaf over his… umm… lower region, Kevin decided, attempting to avoid making direct eye contact with any part of the other man. Once seated, he could not resist prying the clubs politically incorrect shaped menu, from the waiters’ hands and using it to cover his quickly reddening face.

“Ignore my friend, it’s his first time” Carly patted Kevin’s shoulder reassuringly, while the barely dressed employee nodded in understanding, a fleeting look of compassion gracing his features.

“Don’t worry we get newbies all the time, by the way the next guy up is single, he really likes your type” The man was whisked away to another table, allowing Kevin to peer above the menu to glare at Carly.

“Did he just suggest what I think he suggested?” He asked in disbelief, reaching for his beer with a mortified look.

“Hun, he was just trying to offer a suggestion, you can’t help the way you swing, maybe he could see that your repressing something” Brenda replied, shrugging and taking another sip of her martini.

“I am not… I am not even going to dignify that with an answer, I’m engaged to Courtney, which is all that matters”

The announcer broke into the conversation, his booming voice catching everyone by surprise. Ladies crowded near the front intent on getting the best seat in the house as a police officer walked on stage. Kevin watched in stunned silence, realizing that if the dancer were really a cop, he would be arresting himself for public indecency. He kept his eyes down not daring to look at the display, currently enrapturing the club filled with women.





Carly took a sip of her drink hoping it would calm her nerves, the evenings earlier events still fermenting in the back of her mind. The unusually quit nature of Carly, mixed with her unenthusiastic response to Kevin’s obvious discomfort, caused a tinge of worry to work its way through Brenda, despite her better judgment. Rolling her eyes the brunette slid along the booth, startling Carly by sidling up to her with ease.

Brenda raised her bronzed colored hand to Carly’s pale forehead, checking it against her own, all under the woman’s suspicious gaze.

“What the hell are you doing?” Carly whispered harshly, removing the shorter woman’s hand from her forehead.

“I’m checking to see if you have a fever”

“Why?”

“Cause your acting un-Carly like”

The dark blonde-haired woman shrugged focusing on the clear bottom of her glass, as if trying to fall into it.

“Carly…”

“Look I’m sorry I’m not being the life of the party, I can’t stand having to sit next to you when I know very well your panting after my husband like some bitch in heat” Carly exploded, earning the attention of not only Kevin but most of the easily distracted spectators. Sighing, the frazzled blonde pushed passed Courtney’s fiancée and towards the front entrance, not looking back.

Kevin turned to Brenda trying to decode her emotionless features, only seeing the rapidly forming tears in her large almond shaped eyes. Letting out a shaky breath she rose turning to look at Kevin “I have to go talk to her, here” Brenda placed a few dollar bills on the table and patted Kevin’s shoulder “Do what comes naturally” With a wink she too disappeared. Leaving Kevin to cower in the booth under the many waiters impressed stares “ Now I wish I never got the gym membership” He muttered, letting his head loll back against the leather cushioned booth.





Brenda pushed her way through the crowd and outdoors, nodding towards Marco who pointed to Carly’s partially shadowed form on the sidewall. With hesitation, she stepped forward, squinting through the rapidly falling snow in hopes of making out the woman’s facial _expression. With little luck, Brenda stepped under the garish yellow streetlight reaching her hand out and placing it on Carly’s shoulder. Carly stiffened, whipping around and effectively shrugging the hand off, anger and sadness marring her pale features.

“What do you want?”

“To tell you I’m not after your husband,” Brenda replied simply, bowing her head to glance at the toe of her high-heeled boot, as it scratched against the pavement.

“ Please you expect me to believe that after all you’re pining, you’ve just suddenly decided, to what, give up and become a nun. Come on Brenda, do I look like a natural blonde to you?”

Brenda turned away, shaking her head and lowering her body into a sitting position against the wall.

“You want to know why I was late.”

“Not really but your going to tell me anyway” Carly acknowledged, crossing her arms against her chest.

“I went to see Jax, after talking with Courtney I realized what I had with Sonny was wonderful but in the past, so I went to the cottage. I don’t know why, I mean, the whole situation screams idiot right. Anyway I stood in the cold, finally working up enough courage to knock” Brenda paused trying to find her bearings, noticing how Carly had edged closer, showing mild interest. Pushing herself up the wall, the shorter woman glanced around the parking lot, hearing the pulsating beat emanating from the strip club.

“He was with a hooker, some cheap woman he picked up on a street corner” Brenda blinked back tears, her hand finding it’s way through the unruly mass of curly hair on her head.

“ Not that it wasn’t an interesting story, but what does that have to do with Sonny?” Carly’s voice had noticeably lost its edge; slight compassion finding its way into her eyes.

“ I just realized that my life was supposed to be with Jax, I threw it away by kissing Sonny. Just because I lost my happy ending, doesn’t mean I’m going to steal yours. No matter what you think of me I do have the capability to move on” Brenda smiled timidly, watching Carly’s arms drop to her sides, slight embarrassment coming over her.

“Look I may not like you but I can learn to live with you” Carly offered begrudgingly, outstretching her hand and waiting to see if Brenda would take it.





Kevin’s eyes darted around the club trying to find the fastest route to the exit. He had already fought off the advances of half a dozen waiters and one stripper. Not one woman had even made a tentative step towards him, causing him to grow even more frustrated with the situation. When the announcer walked onto the stage again, Kevin could imagine ripping the microphone from the man’s hand and announcing to the hordes of available women that he was not gay, but also not available, Kevin added mentally. Another man had begun making the trek towards the lone man’s table, leaving Kevin to do nothing but prepare himself for the inevitable. This was all happening under the watchful gaze of Johnny, who did made no attempt to aid his employers, soon to be brother in law. The bodyguard knew where his loyalties lied and it definitely was not with some, bleached blonde fiancée of the moment.





Brenda accepted Carly’s outstretched hand, smiling at the welcomed resolution of years of fighting.

“Can we go inside I’m getting cold” The brunette stated, her teeth chattering from the icy wind that had begun to blow over the town, bringing with it more snowfall.

“Well maybe if you did not dress like some teenybopper, you would not be nearly so cold” Carly commented good-naturedly, earning a mock glare in response.

“Not all of us can dress like grandma”

Carly could not help the slight laugh that passed her lips involuntarily, as she led the way back towards the club. Brenda watched, as Carly seemed to stumble back, teetering from side to side, her eyelids drooping closed before she sunk to the ground.

“Carly!” Brenda screamed, running and kneeling at the fallen woman’s side, her hand instantly flying to the back of the woman’s head, where blood had slowly began to seep out and onto the pavement. Brenda glanced up to see Marco already dialling for an ambulance, leaving her to put pressure on the wound in hopes of stopping the flow of blood.

“Come on Carly, hold on okay” The brunette whispered through her rapidly falling tears, cradling the woman’s head in her lap, barely aware of the crimson staining her clothes as blood slid through her fingers.

“Hold on Carly, please”