Chapter 8

Surprise

Johnny showed Dara inside the dark, quiet penthouse. Usually, Sonny was there to greet her, but this time, she faced a flickering fireplace and an empty living room. She opened her mouth to question Johnny. The bodyguard slipped out the front door before she could say a word to him. Unease inched up her spine. What the hell was Sonny up to?

Mindful that Keesha might be upstairs, Dara didn't call out. She edged further into the living room. She was about to head for the staircase, but a movement on the sofa stopped her. Changing direction, she headed for the couch where she found Sonny. He was flat on his back, eyes closed, and a faint smile on his face. His chest moved slowly. His breathing was even and deep. Of all the rotten tricks, she thought with a smile. He's asleep!

Dara sat beside him. He mumbled something and turned onto his side, facing her. The collar of his black, silk shirt dipped open, revealing his golden tan skin. The flesh proved to be too tempting. Without hesitation, she deftly unbuttoned his shirt and skimmed her palm along his firm, hairless chest. He groaned and his eyes slowly opened.

"Are you trying to start something, Counselor?" Dimples flashed. His hand covered hers, guiding it down his body. "Wouldn't this be the best place to start?"

She pulled her hand free and wagged her finger at him. "Foreplay is always the best place to start."

"Oh?" he said, folding his arms behind his head. "You don't like my version of foreplay. You never complained before."

"I never had reason to," she commented. "You should go back to sleep. Johnny can take me home."

"It was just a nap." He moved into an upright position. "I'm awake." He stood and took her hand. "I have a surprise for you."

Dara held in a squeal of delight. "You bought the leather pants!"

He chuckled and squeezed her hand. "No. I think you'll like this surprise more than those ridiculous pants."

"I don't know," she murmured. "Judging from the view, I think I'd like you in leather pants. At least once…for five minutes tops."

"Keep going," he said, shaking his head. "You're making me blush."

"That'll be the day," she said, her laughter mixing with his.

They reached the top of the stairs. Sonny turned to her and pressed his forefinger against her lips. "Ssh."

Thinking he meant Keesha was there, she nodded. He pulled her past his bedroom and to the one next door. Before they went inside, he rested his hands on her waist and drew her close to him. He whispered in her, "The surprise is inside this room. I'll explain everything later, but please…whatever you do, refrain from that squealing thing you're so fond on. You can do that later in my room."

She rolled her eyes. He grinned and kissed her. A few moments later, they went inside.

Dara's mouth dropped. The former bedroom that she and Sonny had christened so thoroughly had been converted into a nursery! A Tigger night-light cast a warm glow over the room. Images of cartoon characters adorned the walls. The smell of baby powder filled her senses and right smack in the middle of it all was a crib with a precious little baby sound asleep inside.

She dropped Sonny's hand. Her feet moved on their own and took her straight to the crib. A mass of dark, brown curls covered the tiny head. The baby lay on her side with her thumb in her mouth. Her little baby belly moved up and down with her breaths. Dara pulled the cover up over the chubby legs and was struck by a sense of familiarity. She stepped back and Sonny pointed to his room. She nodded and they left.

He closed the door and asked, "Do you know who that is?"

She frowned and folded her arms across her chest. "Should I?"

He shrugged.

Dara's eyebrows shot up. "Is that baby yours?!"

He released a surprised laugh. "No, she's not my little girl. I'm watching over her until her parents come back."

"This is a game, isn't it?" She questioned. "We're gonna play twenty questions until I figure it out."

He shrugged again, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He kissed her cheek and sat on the edge of the bed and waited.

"Oh, brother," Dara complained under her breath. "Okay. I give up. Who are her parents?"

"Come here." He beckoned to her with his forefinger. "You should be sitting down for this."

She accepted his extended hand and joined him on the bed. "If you're trying to make me nervous, you're doing a good job."

He squeezed her hand. "Her name is Faith. Her parents are Jason and Dawn--"

"What?!" Dara jumped to her feet. "Where are they? I can't believe she came back and didn't call me!"

"She's not here," Sonny said, standing. "Neither of them are. Jason brought the baby here and asked me to take care of her."

"Why? What's going on?"

"Cassadine has your sister," he said quietly, "and Jason left to get her back."

"Oh, my God."

"Yeah. Prayers would be good right now." His arm wrapped around her waist, and he led her back to the bed.

As they sat, she asked, "So, he's got her locked up in Wyndemere? I should go--"

"No," Sonny interrupted. "She's not there. I sent someone over this morning just in case. Only a few servants are working there."

"Then where is she?" Dara questioned. "Where does Jason think she is?"

"Greece, and don't even think about following him. I can't let you do that."

"But she's my sister," Dara choked. "I can't just sit here and do nothing to help her."

"I know," he said gently, "but helping me take care of their baby isn't nothing. Jason won't be alone. I have cousins in Greece who are waiting for him. They'll bring her back."

"I'm holding you to that," she said.

"Dara," he murmured, cupping her cheek, "you can hold me as much as you want."

She blinked back sudden tears and took him up on his offer.