Holding Ali's hand in the back of the limo, Sam was thrilled to see a genuine smile on her face. The re-introduction of Jack into their lives had taken a toll on his girlfriend, leaving her subdued and sullen these last few days. This was not the Ali Sam was used to and he didn't know how to combat the lingering depression.

He could not blame her.

The anticipation of her ex-husband's interview had almost been worse than the event itself. Sam and Ali discussed over and over what Jack might say and how far he would be willing to go to meet his goals. They tried to get at his motives, his timing, his potential manipulations.

In the background, unbeknownst to Ali, Sam's father had a team of lawyers trying to squash the interview, delay it, have the parts about Ali removed or at least softened. With time against them, they couldn't even get an advanced copy to prepare a counterattack.

So Sam and Ali sat down in front of the TV with the rest of America to watch the master of manipulation expose himself to the country. Sam held Ali's hand then as well. It wasn't enough but he wanted to assure her that no matter what, he was with her. Pushing aside his own feelings, Sam focused on Ali. This time he wouldn't miss anything.

The interview started with the basics, Jack smiling at the camera, looking every bit the successful businessman. His custom-made dark suit fit him like a glove, his black hair was freshly cut and his baby blue tie matched his eyes perfectly. He looked like the man men envied and woman wanted.

Jack Blackhorne was the center of attention and he was loving it. The woman interviewing Jack laughed at his little jokes, tilted her head in understanding as he answered her softball questions. She responded in delight as he announced his intention to run for governor. Then she paused and took on a serious demeanour as she started to delve into the topic of his divorce.

Ali tightened her grip on Sam's hand as Jack's face took on the look similar to a penitent child that knew saucer eyes and apologies were the only way out of trouble. He made excuses, obsessed with his work led him to spend late nights at the office.

Jack hesitated as if overcome with emotion. His voice wobbled as he admitted to not realizing he was ignoring his wife's needs. If you didn't know him, it would be easy to believe he was regretful.

But Sam knew Jack. Had seen the beast up close. Sam's stomach twisted at the sight. He knew that Jack Blackhorne purposefully and cruelly ostracized his wife, isolating Ali from friends and making her life a living hell in a gilded prison. It was a good thing the man was a continent away because Sam wanted to rearrange Jack's face.

Then came the question all reporters ask.

"If you could talk to your ex-wife right now, what would you say to her."

Jack cleared his throat and poured his puppy dog eyes into the camera. "Alexandria, I'm so sorry for what I put you through. I never meant to hurt you. I...I know I did," pause for dramatic effect, "but I see the error of my ways now. I know it is too late, but I'd do anything to have you back in my life."

Sam forced himself to breathe normally, remain calm. He knew Ali would never go back to him.

But that didn't mean Jack couldn't still influence her. She was going through the motions of life, but not actively taking part. She hadn't left the apartment for days, coming up with excuses, mostly around needing to finish her book. Sam didn't know what to do.

When his cousin Charlie had texted, asking him to come out to the club, Sam saw an opportunity.

Running around the other side of the limo, Sam opened the door for Ali. Taking her hand, they made their way down the roped-off section outside the club, quickly aiming for the entrance.

The usual paparazzi hollered questions at them as cameras flashed like a disco ball around them.

"Sam, what's your father think of Jack Blackhorne's chances?"

"Ali, any comment on your ex-husband's recent interview?"

"Ali, who's the mystery man you were with the other day?

Lowering her head and tucking it into Sam, Ali tried to avoid the catcalls and cameras.

"C'mon Ali, just one kiss for the camera?"

They had almost reached the door when Sam stopped short. The last question made him think of all the photos he had been forced to view as the establishing shot in article after article through retelling Jack and Ali's story these past few days. Jack and Ali smiling for the cameras, the perfect power couple. Jack with his arm on Ali's waist, kissing her cheek. It made Sam's chest hurt, both with anger and jealousy.

Suddenly he wanted to erase those images and give the feeding frenzy something new to digest. Here was the perfect opportunity to eradicate Jack from the headlines. It was time that he saw pictures of Ali with him everywhere he turned. Sam tried not to admit to himself he might also be doing this to quell the other image of Ali that was making headline news – the love of his life being comforted by a tall dark stranger on a street in New York City.

Ali was still in motion when he stopped and Sam had to tug her to turn around. He hoped Ali would follow his lead. They had kept a low profile since getting together, trying to protect each other's privacy and establish their approach to dealing with the media – steer clear to keep the gossip at bay. What he was about to do was going to violate that.

For a flash, Ali's eyes went wide with what Sam wasn't sure. Confusion? Fear? But it was a moment only Sam saw. Without hesitation, the mask of perfection that Ali had created over the years slammed into place and her dazzling smile greeted him and the catcalling men and women straining to get their attention. Sam's heart ached at how easily she could switch on this mode and that he had forced her into this. He doubted his actions, regretted them instantly but it was too late to turn back now.

Stepping forward and tucking Ali into his side, Sam placed his forehead against her temple. "A kiss for the camera?" he whispered in her ear.

Sam felt her private reaction to his words, a shiver rattled through her. Publicly Ali placed her hand on Sam's chest and angled her face towards him, playing her part perfectly. Sam's regret grew. Was he now no better than Jack, the man he was trying to erase? Is this the same type of move that her ex-husband used to hurt Ali – forcing her to perform in front of a crowd to please his own ego? Would she hate Sam for this?

He could scoop Ali up, whisk her away and protect her from all of this. But the damage was done. The crowd were licking their lips in anticipation of the exclusive expose. Sam bent down to innocently kiss Ali intending to swiftly give them what they wanted, getting out of this situation and then once alone again, begging Ali for forgiveness.

But Ali had other plans.

As soon as his lips touched hers, Ali threw her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him causing Sam to wrap his arms around her waist for support. Heat, from embarrassment mixed with desire, rose within Sam and he could not help but respond to her passionate embrace.

It's not like Sam forgot about the photographers snapping shot after shot a few feet away, it was just they didn't seem to matter anymore. Ali felt so warm and wonderful in his arms. This was no act.

And then it was over, the bubble burst and Ali's lips retreated. She dropped her hands to his arms and pressed her cheek against his chest, facing the cameras. It took Sam a moment to gather enough courage to turn himself towards the paparazzi and smile.

Lights flashed blindingly as an anonymous voice yelled, "Ali, are you in love with Sam now?"

Sam held his breath.

Hi all! D. L. Croisette here.  Oh Jack, you do love to cause problems.  

Did you know Jack gave another interview?  It's in my "Interviews With Your Favourite Characters" Book.  The fun part is you can ask Jack your own question.  

You can read the interview here. ----->