Liz lay there with her head on Paul’s chest, almost asleep from the sheer pleasure and comfort of being in his arms again. Paul was lightly dosing too, some of the best sleep he’d had in weeks, now that she was in his arms again. Suddenly, Liz sat straight up in bed and gasped, startling Paul out of sleep.

"What is it, baby?" Paul mumbled sleepily, trying to gather her back into his arms.

"Ah, shit, I gotta get back down to the studio! The girls are probably done with the basics of yours and Gene’s body suits and are wondering where the hell I went! I told them I was going on lunch hour THREE hours ago!" Paul couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

"Is that all? Well, just tell them you had lunch and couldn’t resist a little bit of dessert on the side," he said with wicked grin, "Besides you are the boss!"

"Oh man... Paul... you are something else all right," she said, playfully swatting at him. He quickly dodged her and swatted her on the behind as she got up to get dressed. Liz retaliated by jumping on him and straddling him, holding his arms above his head and tickling his ribs mercilessly.

"Ok, OK I give! You Win! " He gasped in between laughs. She turned him loose and they both got dressed and headed out of the bedroom. All of a sudden, Liz heard what sounded like laughing with moaning mixed in.

"OH shit!" she said, giggling to herself. Gene and Terri both stuck their faces over the edge of the sofa with wicked grins on their faces. Paul laughed at Liz who was slightly embarrassed. She had forgotten they were in her apartment, thanks to Paul.

"Um, hi guys," she said, quickly with an embarrassed smile and quickly exited out of the door with Paul close behind.

Gene watched them go, and looked at Terri with a grin. Both of their hair was mussed and in their faces, indicating the extent of their pleasure. Affectionately she pushed Gene's hair out of his eyes and tucked it behind his ears, while he gently kissed her forehead.

"Well done sweetie," he congratulated her.

"Well, I aim to please. I should be thanking you for a… hem… very interesting viewing of American Pie…"

"I was congratulating you on such a brilliant plan, and it's successful execution," Gene chuckled. "Although the other recreation was very interesting too…"

"Maybe we should go down and see if they've done your costume yet…" Terri laughed as Gene reached down and handed her blouse to her. They began to help each other get dressed again, both glowing in mutual admiration for the successful completion of their plan. Both hoped this would get Paul and Liz on the right road to reconciliation.

When Gene had finally finished the last button on Terri's shirt, and she helped him on with his black blazer, they nodded to each other. Grabbing a hairbrush from her purse she pushed Gene down into a sitting position and started to brush his hair. He was amused at her putting his hair back into place, enjoying the feel of the hairbrush tugging through his soft black strands. Terri loved the feel of his hair, and when she'd fixed his ponytail, he turned and brushed her hair. Hers was fine and soft, and smelled of vanilla shampoo.

Taking her hand, he led her downstairs again to the shop.

Paul and Liz walked into the studio getting amused glances from the other two girls there. Liz smiled at the two of them and walked into the other room.

"Well, here it is, all ready for you to try on," She said to Paul, indicating the black body suit hanging there. Paul gave her a small smirk and took it form the hanger and off to the fitting room he went to try it on. About that time, Gene and Terri walked through the door and Gene picked up his body suit and walked of in the direction of the fitting rooms as well. Liz smiled at Terri.

"Terri, I wanted to thank you two for doing this. I know you’re going to tell me that it wasn’t a plan, but I know it was."

"Yeah, it was, I will admit it. You two needed to see each other again. Paul was miserable day in and week out, and every time I talked to you, he seemed to be all you wanted to talk about." Terri said, smiling warmly.

"I know, I missed him more than I thought. I never stopped loving him, you know…." Her voice trailed off at the sight of Paul and Gene walking back out in their newly -made body suits. Liz let out a low whistle and Terri licked her lips.

"Fits like a glove, baby.." Liz said, winking at Paul and sliding her hand down his chest. He gave her a mischievous grin.

"Mmmm, yeah…" Terri said, running her hands up and down the tight spandex, making Gene gasp and give her an I’ll-get-you-for-that-later look. Sherri and Lisa looked at the four friends with amusement. Sometimes this job was quite interesting; they were beginning to see.

"They look poured into these suits, don't they?" Liz chuckled to Terri.

"Most definitely…" Terri added, unable to keep her hands off Gene. Not that he minded where her hands were wandering now.

"Just wait till the rest of the costume gets done… and then you'll have even more to play with, baby," Gene spoke in that low Demon voice that drove a tingling shockwave through all the females in the room.

"Oh man there he goes," Paul burst out laughing.

"Now… we'll get to work on your tunic and send the order out for your boots," Liz said to Paul. As she moved away, he jumped at the feel of her hand pinching his shapely butt.

"What about Gene's armor. I bet that's going to be a challenge…" Terri asked.

"Separate contract place," Liz explained. "Right Gene?"

"I trust you doll. But Terri here… I have to keep an eye on," Gene said, playfully grabbing Terri and restraining her against him.

"Argh! I'm being mauled…" Terri laughed, tickling Gene in the ribs until he let her go.

"Now… how about this fabric?" Liz asked Paul, holding up a sheer purple fabric. It was slightly diaphanous and light as gossamer.

"Perfect," Paul smiled, feeling the texture of it.

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

Paul and Liz lay in bed together, holding each other tightly. Paul hadn’t wanted to leave her and they had soon found their way back to her apartment and each other. Paul kissed her softly and held her against his heart. He didn’t ever want to let her go again…ever. He looked to see Liz in deep thought.

"What are you thinking about, baby?" he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.

"About this… about us, Paul." she said, looking at him.

"What about us, baby?" he said kissing her forehead.

I love you so much, Paul, but I can't help being scared of what might happen again." Paul sighed. She still doubted him.

"Then let me stay with you these next few days. Whatever it takes, I will convince you that I am here forever." She nodded and they kissed, and kissed again, their bodies heating up with the passion they felt for each other. Paul pulled her astride him and filled her with his passion as they were again made one. They rode wave after wave of ecstasy until they collapsed together exhausted. He’d convince her he loved her. He had to.

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

For the next few days Paul stayed at Liz' apartment, enjoying her company. There were many sights in New York City that he showed her, regarding KISS old haunts. Each night they made passionate love, and awakened the following morning satisfied in each other's arms. Liz would cook him breakfast, or he would treat her to the same in bed. Uppermost in Paul's mind was the plan to convince her to return to Los Angeles with him, and time was running out. As soon as KISS costumes were complete, he and Gene would have to pack up and return to the West Coast. He treasured every moment with Liz, in case she would not… no he could not even entertain the thought of failure. He had to make her his again!

As for Gene and Terri, they stayed in the Plaza hotel in one of the large lavish suites. They would often meet up with Paul and Liz to have lunch together, or go sightseeing if Liz was free. However, Paul preferred to remain with her most of the day while she was working, just to be near her.

One morning, after a week of absorbing sights and sounds, Gene and Terri rode in a taxi through Manhattan toward where Liz's apartment was. Gene pointed to a loft high up in one of the buildings to one side, "There's where Paul and I started this whole thing…"

"I know it very well," Terri smiled. "That's the third time you've pointed it out. I would love to be able to write the story myself of you and Paul… in your Wicked Lester days…"

"Plenty have, already. But I'm sure they couldn't do it as much justice as you would," Gene nudged her.

"You're too sweet," she laughed. "I'm not that great…"

"I don't lie, do I?" Gene purred, pressing a soft kiss to her ear. The taxi finally pulled up to stop by Liz apartment building. Extracting his wallet from his pocket, Gene rooted through the wads of cash and pulled out the fare plus tip.

"Damn Gene haven't you ever heard of using American Express,' Terri teased him as she gaped at the amount of cash he always carried. Gene got out first, and then extended a hand to help her out.

"Drivers hate that," Gene commented.

"It's hard to believe Paul drove a cab, once," Terri chuckled. The couple strode up to Liz apartment, and entered. Already they saw Eric chatting to Lisa, in full makeup and the black bodysuit of his costume.

"You didn't say you'd be painting on makeup," Terri commented. Liz strode up and gave her a hug.

"Hi! If you'll just run upstairs I set up a room for makeup…"

"Thanks," Gene nodded. "Are there any photographers here yet?"

"Well the cameraman arrived," she announced. "But he's getting shots of Paul painting up…"

"And Ace?" Terri chuckled.

"Late," Eric announced.

"At least something's back to normal," Gene muttered, then turned to Terri. "See you a little later…"

"Have fun painting up…" she laughed, and nudged him.

Paul finished putting the final touches on his makeup and thought of Liz. If he couldn’t convince her to go with him, this would be their last night together for he and Gene would be leaving the next morning. He walked downstairs and joined the other guys in front of the camera. Liz grinned as she looked at him ~damn he’s fine~ she thought. She watched him pose this way and that, those dark brown eyes making love to the camera, and suddenly wanting him really bad. He had told her that he loved her and that was something he really hadn't been able to tell her before. She sure as hell knew she loved him. Tonight would be their last night together and he would be gone in the morning. It was then that Liz knew she couldn’t let him walk out of her life again. Teri noticed that her friend was deep in thought as she had her eyes glued to Paul's fine form in makeup and costume. The whole band looked great thanks to her expertise. She couldn’t help wondering what Liz was thinking.

"Pose… that's it. Let me get Eric and Ace on the floor, Gene, and Paul behind them. Perfect…"

"How long do we have to freaking crouch here," Eric groaned. "My knees are killing me…"

"Just think you missed out on the first time around," Ace cackled to him. They were posing in the four faces reminiscent of the Dynasty cover years ago.

"Yeah, as in they made Paul and Gene stand in the back so their knees wouldn't give out, right?" Eric laughed. Ace cackled at the joke, nodding with appreciation.

"Nice one Eric. You hear that?"

"I'm younger then you so forget it," Paul shot back.

"Yeah whatever," Gene grumbled. "Can we get on with this?"

Finally the picture was snapped. The photographer urged them into a new setting as the backgrounds were shifted, and the guys directed into new poses. Ace was told to stand with one hip facing out, and Gene to spread his arms menacingly while Paul stood his hand on one hip, and Eric crouched like a panther about to pounce.

"Perfect!" the photographer cried. "Awesome…"

From the other side of the camera, Liz watched Paul being maneuvered into an individual setting. Terri watched Gene being shifted before a very gothic background, resting a dragon boot on top of a guillotine rack and leaning against it. Paul fared far better with the fairy-tale castle throne he reclined upon. She heard the sigh emitted from Liz, and moved next to her friend.

"Penny for your thoughts…" said Terri.

"Oh uh… sorry…" she muttered. "What?"

"You seem… distracted…"

"Well, it's not everyday that my designs have been so unusual and so well realized," she sighed with satisfaction.

"You just like looking at Paul in spandex, admit it," Terri teased.

"Just as much as you're drooling over Gene…" she quipped back. "I see that look in your eyes!"

"But Liz… are you staying or going?" Terri asked. She regretted her direct question, and cursed Gene's frank influence in her life and vocabulary. He'd taught her to come right out, say what was on her mind, and sometimes that was the worst thing to do.

Liz sighed and answer, " Oh, Terri, I don’t know. I love that man more than life itself. I just don’t want to be hurt again. Yet I don't want him to walk out of my life again."

"Liz, what will happen tomorrow…"

"What do you mean?" Liz asked.

"I think you do…" Terri challenged her. "Tomorrow Gene and Paul and the others go back."

Liz sighed and looked at Paul again. Damn why did he have to be so handsome? Why did he have that hold on her? She knew why. It was because whether they were together or apart, she loved him. Paul strode over to her when the band took a break and swept her up in his arms, planting a quick kiss on her lips.

"Having fun watching the photo session, baby?’ he whispered.

"Yes," she said a distracted smile on her face. Clearly, something was on her mind, he thought, as the cameraman called them back.

Terri watched them with concern, until someone put their hands over her eyes and she felt hot breath on her neck. "Guess who," someone growled low in their throat.

"Someone, who thinks he's a smartass," she answered. "And someone who looks extremely delicious in leather and spikes…"

"Right on both counts," Gene answered, sliding his hands down from her eyes to her shoulders. Gene playfully wrapped the long cape attached to his costume around her and pulled her close. The armor was hard and smooth next to her back, his hands doing very naughty things under the red fabric of the cape wrapped around them both.

Ace strode over with a bottle of Evian water, chugging it as Eric Singer looked toward Liz and Paul. They heard Terri's laughter coming from one side, and went over to take a look.

"You finished worshipping the God of Thunder?" Ace asked her.

"Not something that I can easily complete in five minutes," she laughed.

"Something's worried me about Paul. He looks really out of it," Eric muttered.

"That's Ace's job," Gene laughed.

"Gene…"

"I know what you mean…" Terri sighed. "I don't know if she's coming back with us or not…"

"Shit, I hope she does. Or else, one plan will have gone down the damn tubes…" Gene muttered with frustration.

Paul noticed that Liz had been acting weird since the photo shoot and he knew something was on his mind. She had been thinking the same of him because it was clearly visible that he was distracted by her being there. They made their way back to her apartment and Paul knew then that it was now or never.

"Liz, baby we need to talk... I know something is bothering you." He said, motioning her to sit by him on the couch. "What is it?"

"Oh Paul, " she whispered, "I love you so much... I know what you are going to ask me. I’ve known it since you first came here. I have been doing some thinking, and I just don’t know if I can do it… If I can go back to LA with you..."

"What's not to know baby? We love each other, I’ve slept better this week than I have in six months and I know you have. I don’t know if I can go back to L. A. and leave you. You belong with me. Let me show you…" his voice trailed off as he began to kiss her softly.

"Oh damn…" she cursed under her breath. It was so hard to say no when his lips were so perfect and soft. Out of her throat he coaxed a moan, moving his lips down her cheek to her neck, and then pushed her shirt off her shoulder. She gasped at the feel of his lips on her soft skin, inhaling her perfume. He ran fingers through her soft gold hair, brushing it aside. Unbuttoning her blouse he stroked his fingers over her breasts and pushed the blouse off her shoulder to bare herself to him. Into her cleavage, he pressed a single kiss, then stopped to peer deeply and intensely into her eyes. Inside she melted, and spread her arms as he kissed down to her navel. He unbuttoned her pants and pushed them down, and she leaned on his shoulders to step out of them.

"Can anyone else make you feel so good?" Paul whispered, kissing her thighs. He stroked his hands over her backside. He removed her remaining clothes, so that she was fully visible. With his dark eyes, he feasted on her soft skin and curves that he had memorized. The intensity in his gaze further weakened her resolve, and she went to his open arms. Her fingers pulled at his shirt, struggling to unbutton it. Soon his appearance matched hers, and he relished the feel of her hands on him. Sighing he reached down and picked her up effortlessly into his arms. She kissed him soundly as he carried her back to her room, and then lay her on the bed.

Lowering himself to her, he covered her with soft kisses and licks. After each stroke, her skin was set ablaze with a wash of sensation. She screamed and arched her back as his tongue found her need and caressed it to a place beyond description. Once she came reeling back to him, he moved up and gently parted her soft knees.

"You belong to me, my love… can you deny what I make you feel?"

"No… I can't…" she sobbed.

"Please… come with me… let me know that you will never be apart from me," he urged, his eyes peering deep into hers. "Let me love you…"

"Take me Paul… make me yours again," she begged.

They came together as on their first time. She cried out with the scream of an angel as he moved inside her. As one being, they merged, rocking in passion until they could not contain it. In a wave of light she felt her climax flash and settle, as potent as sun on a blistering summer's day in her eyes, and as gentle and silent as moonbeams on a summer's night.

She fell against his chest, as he entered her again and again, bringing her to new heights of pleasure she had not experienced with any other man. Her every nerve ending tingled with the force of his love for her. When at last the lovers fell apart, sweaty and sated, Liz sank into a peaceful sleep.

"I love you Paul," she whispered as he stroked her hair aside.

"I love you too baby. And I want you with me…" Paul said. Before he could hear her answer, she was fast asleep in his arms.

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

Liz slowly opened her eyes as the sun beamed in through the partially opened curtain. She looked over to see a still sleeping Paul beside her and smiled to herself. How could she not love him? How could she not want to be with him? She slowly slipped away form him, trying to get out of bed without waking him, but was pulled back and gathered into his arms again.

"Just where do you think you are going?" she heard a mumble and felt a kiss on the back of her neck, it made her shiver.

"Well, handsome, if you expect me to get on that jet with you, I need to take care of some last minute business and pack. " she said, smiling to herself. Suddenly Paul was wide-awake and flipped her over so he was lying on top of her.

"You’re really coming with me, baby? Do you mean it? He looked at her as if he thought she may be joking with him, or that it might be a dream and he’d wake up to find her gone.

"Yes, Paul, I mean it, I love you almost more than I love my own life and I can’t deny the fact that we belong together. You’ve proved to me in so many ways since we saw each other again, that I know its real." Paul looked at her, and she could almost swear she saw a tear in his eye before he blinked it back. He didn’t say a word, he just held her to him as they kissed, and kissed again.

"I love you too, baby," he whispered, "more than anything."

Later that morning, after packing and tying up what loose ends that remained, Liz was ready to go. She had sold the part of her business to her two assistants, who along with their shares would continue to run it. They had both worked under Liz as apprentices and had recently finished their own design degrees. They both bade their friend a tearful farewell and watched her get onto the plane with Paul, Gene, and Terri.