The heel of her exquisite Manalo Blahnik stiletto rapped out a rhythm that was a direct expression of both Faith's impatience and unease.

      'This is not happening…'

      One night. One incredible, passion-filled, unforgettable night they had shared. More than a joining of bodies, it had been a connecting of souls. What, pray tell, would be the odds she would encounter him again? Silently, she cursed herself for not heeding her gut feeling to refuse Sabrina's offer to spend the summer with her in Port Charles. But true to her nature, she could not refuse a friend, especially one in need.

      She still was astounded that over the course of the past six weeks she'd not crossed paths with him. No matter. After tonight, she knew there'd be no escaping him. Or what they shared. What they felt.

      Still.

      Her thoughts like the bodies of those in the elevator were jostled about as the cab arrived in the lobby. Much to her dismay, they were the only two people who remained inside. They would be headed the same place, Faith noted morosely. The entire ride down, they'd said nary a word to each other. Then again, words were not necessary on his part. His obsidian gaze spoke volumes. It spoke of things never forgotten. It spoke of things not realized. It spoke of things she knew with complete certainty he had every intention he would in no ways leave unresolved between them.

      It spoke of promise.

      No matter. Leveling a cool, detached gaze at her former lover, Faith was focused on one thing and one thing only. Once the doors were open, she was out of there like a bat out of hell. As the doors sprang open, with blinding speed Faith darted out into the foyer.

      A strong, skilled hand proved she had not been fast enough. His touch seared her very soul. Branding her, just as it had that night from long ago, as his.

      "Come now, Faith," Stefan Cassadine chided as he crushed her body to his. "Did you really think it would be so easy?"

      Was she imagining things, Faith wondered, or did it seem as if the very air had been sucked out of her lungs? Or was that nothing more than her body's response to the sound of his voice? His touch?

      His kiss??