The Affair

Stefano’s Game

“So in other words…she took advantage of the situation.”

“I don’t know if I would say that…but I will say she made her intentions quite clear.”

“Honey, I have always known what are her intentions are…she has wanted you from day one. But that’s her problem and when the time is right…I’ll let her know I know.”

“I’m so glad everything is out…I mean I didn’t sleep a wink last night…worrying about what I did.”

“You know what…let’s not waste any more time talking about this.”

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

He hadn’t noticed it before but there was a small slit in one of the walls…just large enough for a tray of food to pass through. One minute there was nothing and the next minute a tray of food appeared. The food was probably drugged but he had to take the chance…he hadn’t had anything to eat since early yesterday. Roman grabbed the tray and quickly devoured the food and the coffee. If the food or coffee was drugged he would soon begin to feel the effects. Nothing to do but wait it out.

It wasn’t long before Stefano was standing before him. “So Roman, are you ready to begin?”

He had to control his temper…losing control wouldn’t help him get any answers out of Stefano. “What is it you want with me?”

“Roman, you misunderstood…I don’t want you…you’re just going to help me get what is rightfully mine…John Borne.”

He couldn’t have heard him correctly. “What did you say?”

“I said…you’re going to help me get back my greatest creation…John Borne.”

Now he knew Stefano was certifiable. “You can’t be serious. He’s a human being not a piece of property to be owned.” All that John had gone through, brainwashed, missing years, Stefano’s pawn…he never really realized until just that moment how much Stefano had taken from John. Whenever he thought about Stefano it was always about what he lost…what Stefano took from him. On some level he realized what John had suffered through but he could never get past the fact John stepped into his life and claimed it as his own. But now…he could understand why Marlena, Bo and Abe tried to make him get past his jealously and at one time hatred for John. At least he had a family, he had a past he could remember, and he had never been thought of as a piece of property.

Stefano watched as a range of emotions crossed Roman’s face. “Ah Roman, I can read you like a book. You’re outraged and disgusted but believe me I’m doing you a favor.”

“You’re absolutely crazy if you think I’m going to help you destroy John’s life. I will never help you.”

“Believe me…you will help me and you’ll thank me in the end.”

Even though he promised himself he wouldn’t lose his temper, Stefano’s last statement drove him over the edge…he would thank him for ruining another man’s life. “You sick, twisted bastard,” he shouted as he began to pound on the wall separating him from Stefano. “I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”

He was growing weary of Roman’s theatrics. “I would think a man in your predicament would be careful about threatening someone’s life…especially if that someone had your life in the palm of his hand.” He walked closer to the wall, standing right in front of Roman and said, “I could kill you right now, get rid of your body and no one would ever know. And who would take care of that pretty wife of yours or your children. Do you intend for the twins to live in Colorado forever and Carrie with Anna?”

That stopped Roman dead in his tracks. “If you or anyone who works for you goes anywhere near my family I swear there won’t be a place on this earth you can hide. I’ll find you if it’s the last thing I do.” How the hell did he know where his children were? Unless…of course…it was Stefano, it had to be…who else had that kind of power to set everything in motion? “You shot John and me. It was you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. It wasn’t me. I just told you I want John back…I don’t want him dead. I didn’t have anything to do with the shooting. I will tell you this though…whoever it is…it’s personal…he or she wanted John dead.”

Nothing made sense to him. Stefano said he didn’t have anything to do with the shooting and for some strange reason…he believed him. But if it wasn’t Stefano…who could it be?

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

Marlena looked at her watch and realized they were running out of time…the nurses shift change would begin soon and she hadn’t given him her surprise. She reached down and pulled out the overnight bag. “I brought you something.”

“I noticed the bag when you walked in…I just didn’t have time to ask you about it.” He was like a big kid getting a birthday present. “So…what is it?”

Marlena smiled, “Even though I know how much you love wearing hospital attire, I thought you might like to wear something different.” She opened the bag and pulled out a pair of his pajamas. “Voila.”

John laughed, “Just what I wanted.”

“Wait…there’s more. I also brought you a few personal items. Things I thought you might be able to use.” She tossed him the bag.

As he looked through the bag he laughed harder. “Doc, how’d you know?” Included inside the bag were his toiletries, a couple of pairs of regular boxers and his famous trademark silk black boxers.

“Because my love, I know you.”

“Now all I need is to take a shower and I’ll feel like my old self again.” He threw the covers off him.

”John, wait…it’s been a while. I know how much you want to take a shower, but you have to take it slow. First try standing…and then we’ll see about the shower.” Marlena moved closer to him…ready to help him.

He slowly threw his legs over the side of the bed and attempted to stand. The minute he stood upright he had to grab onto Marlena.

“Just what I thought,” she said as she helped him back into bed. “You have to take it slowly.” She could see the anger and frustration he felt.

He hated feeling weak and helpless.

“John, it’s going to take a little time…that’s all. You’ll probably be able to take a shower tomorrow. Until then, I guess you’ll have to deal with a sponge bath.”

At the thought of a sponge bath he perked up. “Can I pick the person I want to give me the bath?” Things were looking up.

“Depends on who you have in mind.”

“A blonde hazel eyed woman with a body that any man would kill for.”

“This blonde hazel eyed woman…she means a lot to you or is it a purely physical attraction?”

“To be perfectly honest…I can’t ever seem to get enough of her but it’s so much more than that…I love her.”

“And does she feel the same way about you?”

“I know she loves me…but the physical attraction…I’m not sure she has it for me as bad as I have it for her.”

“I think you’d be safe in assuming she wants you as much as you want her.”

“As much as I’d like to take your word for it…I’m going to need some kind of proof.”

“What’d you have in mind?”

“I’m sure you can think of something.”

“I have an idea…or two.” Her hand slowly made its way underneath his blanket…finally resting on his thigh. “Have I convinced you yet?”

“Almost…but I think I need a little more convincing.”

“Is that right?” Slowly, ever so slowly her hand moved along his thigh until finally all she had to do was extend her fingers and she would be able to touch him. “How about now?”

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

Enough talking…it was time to begin. Stefano turned to leave.

“Stefano come back here. I want some answers.”

“What you want my dear Roman, is irrelevant.” He walked out of the room leaving Roman standing there completely at a loss of words.

Bart was in the control room waiting for him.

“Is everything ready?” asked Stefano.

“Yes boss,” replied Bart. “I don’t understand why we’re doing this but it’s all set up.”

“I don’t pay you to understand…I pay you to follow instructions. Are you sure you followed my instructions?”

“Boss, I did everything you told me to do and how you told me to do it. It’s exactly like you want. Roman is definitely in for a surprise.”

“Good.” He clicked on the speaker connected to Roman’s cell. “Since you can’t leave yet, the least I can do is provide you with some kind of entertainment.” He pressed the remote control in his hand and the TV came on. “I don’t get good reception here, but there is one channel that comes in and out. Enjoy.”

Now what was he up to? Obviously there was something Stefano wanted him to see but he wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Because cameras were set up in every corner of his glass cell, Roman walked over and stood in front of one of them. “You’re wasting your time…I’m not interested in anything you want to show me.”

“What happens if he doesn’t watch Boss?”

“He will…it’s in his nature. He’ll try to ignore it, but his curiosity will get the better of him. Watch and learn.”

Roman picked up one of the chairs in his cell, turned it away from the TV and sat down. At first all he heard was fuzz…no other sound. Without even thinking he turned around in his chair to see what causing that sound.

“Gee boss, you were right. Guess that’s why you’re the boss.”

There was nothing on the screen but fuzz. As he watched, the picture began to clear up little by little. He could make out shapes…it looked like two people…but he couldn’t be sure and so far there was no sound. The picture seemed to be getting clearer but he still couldn’t see the people clearly…hell he didn’t even know what he was watching. It looked like a man and a woman…but who were they and why did Stefano want him to watch this tape. Every few minutes it seemed the picture would become a little clearer…it was definitely a man and a woman, still couldn’t make out the faces and from the looks of it they were having s*x…there was something vaguely familiar about them though.

Once again Roman stood in front of one of the cameras, “Stefano,” he shouted, “I didn’t realize you were into pornography but I will add that to the list of charges I’ll be filing against you when I escape. You can turn this off…I’m not like you…I don’t get my jollies by watching two people have sex.”

Just then…for just a second, the sound kicked in. He thought he heard the woman, whoever she was, moan and just for an instant he thought she sounded just like his wife, Marlena…but that was impossible. Roman rushed back to his chair and sat down.

Stefano was playing games with him…that much was obvious. Damnit Roman, he told himself, you can’t let him get to you…that’s what he wants. He wants to break you…you have to act smarter than this…you can’t react to every little stunt Stefano pulls. Remember…you have to beat him at his own game. He knew Stefano was waiting for him to lose his temper; however, Roman had other plans. It would be a cold day in hell before he gave Stefano the satisfaction.

Roman sat back in his chair, crossed his legs, placed his hands behind his head and watched the TV screen. His body language suggested a man without a care or worry in the world. The couple was still distorted but at least the background was beginning to clear up. Maybe if he watched closely he would be able to figure out where this was filmed.

“I’m not much on watching porn,” he said to no one in particular, “but I have to admit…you were right…this is entertaining.”

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

Stefano and Bart were still in the control room…monitoring Roman’s reactions.

“I don’t think it’s working boss, he doesn’t seem to be mad.”

Sometimes Stefano wondered why he kept Bart around…he never saw the big picture. “You i***t! Can’t you see it’s all an act? He thinks I staged this whole scenario just for him.”

“Geez boss, I don’t know how you do this.”

“Just shut up and watch. It’s about to get interesting.”

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

“Right now, I’m inclined to believe you,” said John as he felt her hand make its way up his thigh.

“I was hoping you’d see it my way.” She kept her hand stationary…so close…yet not close enough.

She was toying with him and he knew it. Two could play that game…he changed the subject, completely ignoring her hand on his thigh. “So Doc, when do you think I’ll be able to get out here?”

“Depends,” she began to trace small circles on his leg, “on how soon they complete all the tests they have to run. If you’re lucky…another day or two.”

John shook head, “I don’t know…I don’t think my luck is working for me today.”

She leaned over and kissed him while still tracing small circles on his leg. “Honey, the day is young…you never know…your luck could change sooner than you think.”

“Not soon enough…not soon enough.”

“It’s all about patience…what’s that saying? Good things come to those who wait.”

“I prefer another proverb: Actions speak louder than words.” He pulled her to him, “Show me.” Their faces were only inches apart.

The intensity of his gaze, the unmistakable desire in his voice, and the electrical charge between them…all these factors sent a shiver throughout her body. She was frozen in the moment…unable to move, unable to breathe. “John,” her voice barely a whisper, “If you don’t let go of me right now, I won’t be able to stop myself.”

“I want to make love to you, Marlena,” said John. “I want you.”

“John as much as I want to make love to you right now, you and I both know we can’t. We have to be careful…and I’m not just talking about someone walking in on us; I’m also talking about you…your well-being.”

“Doc,” he said as he intertwined their hands together, “I’m fine.” He placed one pair of their hands over his heart the other pair of intertwined hands over her stomach. “You, Boaty and our baby girl are my reasons for living…for being. I would never do anything to jeopardize our life together.”

His voice resonated with so much passion and conviction she almost gave in to him. “John, do you remember what happened after I woke up from being in a coma? Do you remember how badly I wanted you to make love to me but you wouldn’t? You were afraid something would happen to me…that it would slow down my recovery. Well…that’s the same way I feel right now. I don’t want to do anything that might slow down your recovery.”

“Doc, this is not the same thing and you know it. You were in a coma for six weeks…while I was only in one for a week. Big difference.”

“A day, a week, a month…whatever…the body still needs to recuperate. But,” she looked him squarely in the eyes before she continued, “later on this afternoon, after I’m finished and after all your tests have been run for the day…I just might give you that sponge bath.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“I never do.”

“I’m going to hold you to that promise.”

“That promise, however, is contingent on you being a good boy and following all of the doctor’s orders.” She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the side of his neck slowly moving her lips towards his mouth…murmuring, “You know I’ll check…so don’t think you can fool me.”

With his eyes closed and lost in her kisses, John whispered, “I promise I’ll be good.”

As her lips finally reached his mouth, she captured his bottom lip and pulled at it gently. Their mouths opened simultaneously as their kiss which began sweetly soon escalated into something more passionate. John’s hands, as they had done countless times before, began to make their way up her body…until they reached their final destination. Marlena trembled at the touch of his hands as John slowly began to run his fingers back and forth over her breasts. So caught up in the sensations he was creating within her, Marlena’s hands began a journey of their own, underneath the covers, up his thigh until finally she was able to take him into her hands and slowly began to stroke him.

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

It’s about time, he thought, the picture was slowly coming into focus with each passing second. Whoever videotaped this, had intentionally edited the tape making it hard to identify the place or the people…until now. He was able to clearly make out the furniture in the room…a room that was vaguely familiar to him. As the camera panned the room, Roman concentrated on the surrounding walls, the furniture, anything that would give him a clue to where the film was shot. And there it was…a door…but not just any door…one that slid open.

He’d only been there a few times but he recognized the door…and as the camera continued to pan the room, everything came together. This was John’s loft…or at least what Stefano wanted him to think.

Suddenly the camera moved back to the couple…their faces were still hidden but something about the woman reminded him of Marlena. She appeared to be pinned against the door. Stefano had really outdone himself this time…he must have had a model of John’s loft built and hired a woman who resembled Marlena. Any minute he expected to see someone who looked liked John…tattoo and all…Stefano was capable of anything. He wanted to scream at Stefano and tell him he knew this was all a charade but for now he would play along. Finally the camera pulled back and it was just as he thought…the man had a tattoo on his shoulder…one just like John. He was supposed to believe this was John and Marlena in his loft. For the next few minutes, the scene remained the same…she was pinned against the door and they appeared to be arguing.

Just as he was becoming bored…everything changed.

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

“Doc,” he said as he pulled back and grabbed her hand, “if you don’t stop, I won’t be able to control myself.”

She looked at him, her eyes filled with desire, “John, I’m sorry…I’m sending you mixed signals. One minute I say we can’t and the next minute I’m doing everything in my power to seduce you.” She moved and stood at the foot of his bed, “I think I should leave…your nurse will be in soon to check on you and I think it’s best if I’m gone.”

He looked up and smiled at her, “Doc, you never have to apologize for wanting to make love.”

“Still…I should go.” She turned to leave.

“When will you be back?”

“I’ll stop in some time this afternoon…I promise.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” With that, Marlena left John’s hospital room and headed for her office.

As soon as she left, John threw the covers off, held on to the chair next to his bed and attempted to stand. A wave of dizziness hit him as soon as he was upright…but he fought his way through it. Even though his body was still weak…he was able to stand for a few minutes. Realizing he was pushing his luck, John climbed back into bed and made a vow to himself…he would take it slowly…and before the day was over he would be standing on his own…and then he would make love to Marlena.

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

“You’re here to be fucked.” He couldn’t believe his ears, he must have heard wrong. The voice sounded just like John. Roman watched as the man continued to pin the woman’s hands above her head as he nudged open her legs with his knee until he was able to press himself into her.

Already reeling from what he was witnessing and hearing…he was completely thrown for a loop when he heard the woman say “I love you.” If he didn’t know any better he would have sworn that it was Marlena…but that was impossible.

Roman sat back in his chair as Stefano’s drama continued to unfold in front of his eyes. He could see and hear everything. The two people on the screen were dead ringers for John and Marlena.

The man continued his tirade against the woman by saying, “What we have between us is great fucking.”

Roman watched as the woman began to cry…the man, however, seemed unaffected by her tears. He was angry, cold and completely unmoved by her actions. And even though he knew she was an imposter…someone pretending to be his wife, he felt sorry for her. He listened as she pleaded her case, “Don’t say that…don’t demean our relationship.”

Relationship…he thought, what the hell was she talking about. But before he could fully comprehend what she was saying, the man answered her, “Are you saying the s*x between us isn’t amazing? That every time we’re near each other all we want to do is f**k. That I’m nothing more to you than a walking, talking and incredible f*****g machine.”

The woman continued to cry as she listened to the way he described their relationship, vehemently denying his version. Roman listened as the man became meaner with each statement he made. “So I’m not the best f**k you’ve ever had in your life.”

He’d had enough…this was ridiculous. Never in a million years would he believe this was Marlena and John. Marlena would never betray him…she may have loved John at one time…but that was in the past.

And then her next statement floored him, “You’re the best lover I’ve ever had.” Even though he knew it wasn’t Marlena, she looked like her, she sounded like her, even her body language said it was her; and it hurt all the same to hear her say that he was a better lover. Roman was so hurt by her statement that he failed to hear the next few exchanges between the man and the woman. He simply sat there and stared at the screen. It wasn’t until he realized that the woman’s body language had changed significantly did he start to pay attention to the couple on the screen again. Whatever happened between them…he missed it…but he knew one thing…she was no longer crying…she was angry…hell she was furious. He couldn’t believe the words that came out of her mouth, “I decide…me and no one else, who, when and where I want to f**k and it’s damn sure not you.” Marlena never, ever used that kind of language. Stefano had miscalculated in a big way. He felt better…as if her using that kind of language was his proof that this woman on the screen who looked liked Marlena was in fact an imposter. He watched as the two people continued to throw verbal barbs at one another…each one more personal and hurtful than the one before. If he didn’t know it was all an act for his benefit he would have thought these two people really had issues to settle between them. The way they talked to one another, the looks, the tone they used…everything they did and said spoke volumes. Once again he focused in on their conversation:

“At last,” his voice full of sarcasm, “the real Marlena Evers Boaty appears.”

“Well you’re right about one thing. I am the real Marlena Evers but you, you’re nothing like the man I love …you’re not John Borne at all.” Roman involuntarily flinched when he heard her profess her love for John.

“That’s where you’re wrong. The man you see standing before you is the real John Borne.”

What the hell were they talking about…the real Marlena Evers…the real John Borne. He didn’t understand a damn thing. What was Stefano trying to prove?

“Is that right? You’re the real John Borne…don’t insult my intelligence. You’re nothing like him. You might look like him but that’s where the resemblance ends.” Roman could see her becoming angrier by the second.

“You think so…you think you can leave here without getting what you came for, what you always want from me, without me f*****g you…now who’s insulting who.”

There was more back and forth between them…things he didn’t understand until finally he heard John say, “You want me no matter what. I give you what you crave, what the good Roman Boaty is incapable of …the kind of f**k you dream about late at night when you’re lying in bed next to him unable to sleep. You know the kind of f**k I’m talking about…the kind we did in your office last week.” Roman watched as John leaned in and whispered something in her ear. He saw the way she reacted to whatever it was he whispered.

Roman had seen and heard enough. “Stefano,” he screamed, “What the hell kind of sick joke is this? Am I supposed to believe these two people are John and Marlena? If you believe that then you’re more delusional than I already think you are.” He stood up and threw the chair into one of the walls…nothing happened. “Come down here, I want some answers dammit…and I want answers now.”