Danger And Death Stalked Their Every Move...
But Luke And Laura's Passion Still Flamed...

ON THEIR ISLAND OF LOVE
by Phyllis Thaler

After a dangerous swim through shark-infested waters, Luke, Laura and Scorpio finally reached the island. "I'm exhausted," Laura said. "I think we should settle down for the night so we'll have the strength to deal with the Cassadines in the morning." Her companions agreed, and they spent their first night on terra firma, far away from the rolling decks of the Titan.

The days that followed were a curious blend of business and pleasure for Luke and Laura. They were painfully aware of their mission on the island--to infiltrate the Cassadines' compound and save the world from the deadly weapon they were inventing. Yet even though danger lurked ahead, the young lovers felt perfectly secure in the strength of their love. They could face anything and everything together!

So they found time to enjoy their solitude in the lush paradise. It was reminiscent of Eden; palm trees and tropical flowers abounded, and a waterfall cascaded into a sparkling pool below. Laura fashioned a colorful sarong, using material she had brought along from the yacht. Luke took a long, loving look at Laura's tanned skin, gleaming blonde hair, and beautiful smile, and suddenly felt like the luckiest man in the entire world.

"Laura, honey, I feel like I'm Tarzan and you are my beautiful Jane," he whispered, pulling her close and kissing her tenderly. "I always knew we could conquer the world together. This time, we'll be saving an awful lot of innocent people from needless destruction. If our plan works, and we get back to civilization alive--I won't sleep until I make you my lawful wedded wife."

Laura broke away from Luke's embrace and reminded him that there wasn't much time for games. "Luke, you know I want to spend the rest of my life with you," she said. "But right now, we have to concentrate on outwitting the Cassadines. Tomorrow, let's try to sneak past the sentries and invade Cassadine's subterranean operation."

But Laura awoke without the strength to do much of anything the next day. She was feverish and sweating, and was unable to eat or drink. Luke was beside himself with worry, and he turned to Scorpio for help and advice. "Look at her, Robert, she's talking to herself out of sheer delirium," he said. "It's no wonder--it must be a hundred degrees out here, and she can't even lift a glass of water to her mouth. If anything happens to Laura, I'll never forgive myself--never!"

Fortunately, Luke had worried prematurely. With Tiffany's help, he and Robert managed to nurse Laura back to health before long. Then, they set about formulating a plan for entering the secret compound.

Armed with home-made smoke bombs, Luke and Laura hid in the shrubs and waited until the perfect moment to release their ammunition. "Now!" Luke shouted, and the bombs exploded and created a smokescreen that blinded the guards and gave the heroes just enough time to enter the door of the mysterious compound.

They worked quickly. After putting on bulky weatherproof suits, Luke and Laura began to search for the control room that was responsible for putting Port Charles in a deadly deep freeze for so many weeks. Before they could accomplish their mission, however, Mikkos' henchmen caught up with them.

"Well, what have we here?" Mikkos smirked, wondering how he would dispose of the courageous fools. "Did you really think that barging in here would have done your friends in Port Charles any good? I intend to rule the world, and I will do so--without any meddling on your part. In the meantime, savor these few hours-they will be your last on earth!"

But Luke had a knack for getting out of tight spots--he did it when he evaded the Left Handed Boy, and he triumphed again this time. Convincing Mikkos he was really on his side, Luke managed to radio Ballantine in Port Charles and tell him the location of the secret installation. Then, Luke, Laura and Scorpio overpowered the guards and locked Mikkos in his own deadly freezer, sending him to join Alexandria and Tony in the world beyond.

"We've done it, Luke!" Laura exclaimed, as they made their way out of the ravaged compound. "We've triumphed over evil and saved the world from doom! What would I have done if you weren't by my side, darling? I wouldn't have lasted a day without you."

"Ah, and the best is yet to come, my dear," Luke vowed, gathering Laura into his arms. "Now, we can go back home and resume our lives together. You know, Laura, the whole time Port Charles was held captive, I could only think of you. I want to be with you forever, so I can spend the rest of my days proving how very much you mean to me."

Basking in the moonlight, Luke and Laura settled down into the soft grass and embraced. Their passion was just heating up when they heard a strange whirring overhead. Lesley and Rick had come to take their long-lost daughter home, and their helicopter swooped down and landed on her island of love.

"Well, darling, this will have to wait for another time," Luke laughed, watching the craft touch down.

"It's all right, Luke, we can wait," Laura assured him. "We have a lifetime of love ahead of us."