Elizabeth and Jason are thrust together unexpectedly. The stakes are high and they go on a roller coaster of a journey before it comes full circle and they face the one person who could destroy life as they know it.

AN – I'm back. I'm always so nervous to post new stories. I hope you like this one. You'll get details as you go along.

Chapter 1

Julian happily watched his only child walk towards him. Elizabeth means everything to him and he has hated being away from her. Her schedule is hectic, often leaving her little time to just relax or visit. If it wasn't for the fact that she loved her job and was so passionate about it, he'd probably insist that she move to Port Charles permanently. "Welcome home."

Liz practically jumped into his arms. "I missed you so much." He is the only family that she has left, therefore, she cherishes every moment that she gets to be in his presence. Her father is driven and passionate about his business and the arts. He inspires her.

Her perfume lingers in his nostrils, reminding him of her mother. It is a way that Elizabeth tries to connect with her even though she is gone. He took a step backwards, so that he could take another good look. He swears she never ages, a trait he wishes he carried. "I really missed you too."

She peruses his handsome face, noting the fine lines that have started to invade the skin around his eyes. It is a good sign that he laughs a lot. Other than that, he looks exactly the same and it comforts her because he is her hero. Over the years, he always had her back and she loved the way he carried himself with a slight arrogance and mischievous glint in his eye. He taught her to have confidence in herself and that she could accomplish anything. She took in her surroundings. Julian had purchased the house earlier that year and she had been looking forward to seeing it in person after viewing several photos. "It's nice. I like it." It was probably way too big for him, but she would have loved it just for the art alone. Her father's taste in fine art is what greatly influenced her career choice.

Julian was pleased. "I'm glad that you approve. I think you'll like your room."

"I see there are more guards than usual." It was something that couldn't be missed as they were visibly scattered around the property.

"It's a necessary precaution. I have a shipment coming in."

Elizabeth didn't approve of her father's business dealings at all. She was only involved in the various art galleries that her father owned; running them and painting whenever she could. As an accomplished artist at twenty-six, she is well on her way to an exciting and renowned career. Even when she was a child, she was always sketching something or coloring. Her daydreaming sessions reached epic proportions by the time she was a teen. In her mind, she would visualize her future, her next painting, even getting married. It was her favorite thing to do. Julian recognized her talent and overactive imagination early on, giving her art lessons when she was very young. As a result, she was already doing shows in high school. After that, she went to college and picked a dual major of art and finance. Her father never understood how she could be so artsy and logical at the same time. Her mother, Faith, had died during childbirth and he had done the best that he could raising her on his own. It wasn't always easy, but Elizabeth was a curious child and shared her father's love for museums and historical places. It bonded them in a unique way.

"You'll have a couple of guards. The truce with Corinthos/Morgan has been broken. I'm just not sure who is to blame, but they think that I blew up one of their warehouses when I didn't."

"Okay. I want to go into town tomorrow, so just tell me who is going to take me."

He was relieved that she wasn't going to fight him, but could still sense her uneasiness. "Have I told you how beautiful you are lately?"

Liz grinned. "Thank you, daddy."

"Let's go out to dinner tonight."

"Are you sure that it's safe?"

"I'll make it safe." There is no way he'll allow her to be hurt. Life had been cruel to him where love was concerned and he had already lost too much. He was deeply in love with her mother and it took him a long time to move on after her death.

"You have a date then."

liIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

A proud look graced Julian's face as Liz walked down the staircase. The black dress that adorned her body stopped mid-thigh and had a thin belt. The lace sheer overlay extended to the back and her stilettos finished the outfit perfectly. "That dress looks stunning on you."

"Thank you." She is known to sometimes take risks with artistic clothing, but this look was actually more classic. Her father always swore she could have been a designer because she has such a good eye.

"Let's go."

They were driven to the Metro Court with a litany of guards. Until the true threat is located and dealt with, Julian is not taking any chances.

liIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

As they breezed into the restaurant at the Metro Court, all eyes were on her as she carried herself gracefully towards the hostess. Carly noticed and quickly approached them instead. "Julian," she said with a big smile. He is beyond hot and she would love nothing more than to ask him out, but Sonny had told her that he is off limits for now. Even though she isn't dating the mob boss anymore and the relationship had only lasted six months, the lines had been drawn and she'll never do anything to endanger her son, Michael Quartermaine. Their courtship had been very public, so Sonny tries to make sure she'll never be a target.

"Good evening, Carly. You look beautiful as always."

It suddenly felt a little hot. "Thank you."

Sonny watched the scene unfold as Jason followed his gaze and stared at Elizabeth with curiosity.

"Who is he with?" Jason asked.

"I'm not sure."

"And who is your lovely date?" Carly asked.

"I'm Elizabeth and he is my father."

Carly admired her dress. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Elizabeth. Would you like to be out on the balcony or inside?"

"The balcony will be fine," Julian said. When this is all over, he is going to ask Carly out on a date. They had been flirting for the last month and despite her horrible taste in men to date, he is thinking he'd like to change that for her.

"Follow me."

Elizabeth eyes locked with Jason's for a second from across the room, making her wonder why he is staring at her so intensely.

"Ignore them," Julian whispered to her. "That is Jason Morgan and the other man is Sonny Corinthos."

So, they are the enemy. "Good to know."

"Your server will be right with you."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said nicely, making a mental note to find out what she could about the woman since her father definitely seemed interested.

liIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Sonny and Jason finished up, so the mob boss approached Julian and Elizabeth's table.

"Julian."

He clenched his jaw. "What do you want Sonny?"

"Are you going to be rude and not introduce your guest?"

Elizabeth could feel the tension and decided that she wanted no part of it. She put her napkin on the table and stood. "Pretend I wasn't here," she said before brushing past him and walking towards the ladies room. Coming around the corner, she clipped Jason and a guard came out of nowhere and pulled her to his side, making her glare. "I'm fine."

"Your father asked me to stick by you. Sorry if I overstepped." He took a few steps backwards.

Jason sucked in a breath. She is beautiful in an ethereal kind of way. He likes that she wears minimal makeup and the fullness of her lips. They knew that Julian had a daughter, but this was the first time they had actually seen her. There are rumors that he is opening an art gallery downtown and Jason is aware that she is an artist. Her teeth sunk into her lower lip and he unconsciously licked his.

"Sorry," Elizabeth said, practically running into the bathroom to escape his presence. The man certainly knows how to fill a suit. His cerulean eyes are beautiful, making his face more than memorable, but he is definitely not an option. Jason is the enemy and she'll abide by that. Her dad would probably have a fit if they commingled and it isn't like she has a lot of time to squeeze him in anyway. She quickly went to the bathroom and washed her hands before returning.

liIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Julian smiled at her. "You okay?"

"I'm good."

"Sorry about that." He truly didn't like his business touching her.

"It's okay dad. I'm used to it," Elizabeth said before taking a sip of her wine.

The lights suddenly flickered and Jason and Sonny momentarily gazed at each other. Everyone in the restaurant froze, wondering what could have caused them to be pitched into darkness. There aren't that many people in the dining room and they are seated on the opposite side to give Sonny and Julian privacy.

Julian stood. Something is wrong and he isn't going to wait to find out the cause. This scenario had played out far too many times and never ended well. "Let's get out of here."

Jason heard the distinct sound of blades slicing through the air before grabbing Sonny and diving to the floor. The din from the helicopter is deafening as he pushes the table on its side, effectively protecting them, but the glasses and plates weren't so lucky "Everyone get down," he yelled.

Julian and Liz are still close to the balcony and had almost made it to the floor when bullets pierced the air. They flew in every direction and Liz screamed as her father's body recoiled when one maliciously tore into him. What seemed like an eternity was over in seconds and it flew away leaving them to cope with the aftermath. Not missing a beat, Elizabeth moved Julian's head onto her lap and tried to access his wound which she could barely see.

The emergency generator kicked on and some lights started to flicker, slightly illuminating the room. Jason could see Elizabeth and their eyes met.

"Help him," she yelled.

It was like her voice unfroze the room as people started to scramble towards the elevator and stairwell. Jason and Sonny eyes locked again and the enforcer waited for his instructions. "Go," Sonny said. It is a risky move because they are in public, but losing Julian would not be good for business. They had an alliance.

Jason crawled over to them.

"Get her out of here," Julian said through clenched teeth as he clutched his side.

"No. I won't go!" He needs her and God knows she needs him to be okay.

Julian and Jason's eyes met, the enormity of the situation silently communicated. "You know what you need to do."

"Your guards are dead," Jason said. When the bullets were flying and they ran towards their boss, they ultimately ran to their deaths.

Sonny had crawled over to them when he heard the helicopter retreat. "I'll stay with him. Max is right over there."

Jason turned back to Julian. "If I disappear, you won't hear anything for a while."

"I can live with that," he said letting out a strangled noise. "Elizabeth, please go."

Tears are stinging her eyes as she recoils from being asked to do the unthinkable. "You're hurt. I can't leave you."

Her voice is strained and he knows she is on edge. "They are going to find you and kill you. Jason will protect you. Please go."

"Why should I trust him? Didn't you say they were our enemy?"

Julian grimaced as the pain seared through his torso. "I know what I said, but it was all for show. We were trying to smoke out who we thought was responsible for the recent attacks. Please, you can trust him."

Jason stood and held out his hand. Liz kissed her father and then reluctantly took it.

"Go now," Sonny yelled.

He tugged her and they rushed towards the service elevator. It was imperative that they leave before the cops arrived. Instead of pressing the button, Jason darted into the stairwell.

She threw up her hands. "Why can't we take the elevator? I have six inch heels on."

Jason groaned and Liz yelped as he threw her over his shoulder and she got a great view of his ass.

He ran down two flights of stairs and then ducked into a hallway and ran to another elevator and put her down. When they got inside he pushed a button and she frowned, confused as to why they are going up instead of down.

"What are you doing?"

"I have a suite here."

She rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. "How convenient…"

"If we go downstairs right now, they are going to haul me down to the station. The place is swarming with cops. Once it calms down, I'll make some calls and we'll get out of here."

He stepped out and tentatively moved forward, checking the hallway first before resuming. They rushed to the door of the suite and he quickly got them inside. Liz looked around and then plopped onto the couch. It is nice and has all the amenities. Jason is tense and seems to be distracted and then he froze before taking action. Her mouth drops open as he starts to remove his clothes.

"What are you doing?" she asked. Jesus, his chest is magnificent.

"Get undressed."

"What? No," she said pushing herself up.

His stormy eyes fixed her in place. "The cops are here. You need to get undressed down to your underwear now or there will be no one around to protect you," he growled. He could hear Carly stalling them in the hallway. He would recognize that voice anywhere.

Liz angrily kicked off her shoes and slipped out of her dress. "Happy?"

Jason's openly peruses her, sending shivers from her head to her toes. She is hot and clearly took the time to choose the right lingerie to match her outfit, which he thinks is very sexy.

Elizabeth wanted to smack the smirk off his face and purposely watched him step out of his pants, hoping he was just as uncomfortable, but Jason could care less. It is just a body to him. He haphazardly threw them, not caring where they landed. Hurrying towards the couch, he pulled her against him as he sat down. "Sorry about this."

She sighed and messed up his hair.

"What did you do that for?"

"So it looks like we were making out."

The door jiggled and Liz quickly straddled him and Jason laid a kiss on her that left her seeing stars. They weren't pretending anymore. It was hot and primal and they are definitely into it. She could feel the heat of his chest searing into her skin as he feasted on her mouth. His hands wandered down to her ass and he squeezed her cheeks as she squelched a moan. Damn him.

The door flung open and Carly almost swallowed her tongue as she watched them kiss passionately.

Ronnie and Lucky stopped in their tracks.

"Jason?"

Their lips ripped apart and Liz squealed and pressed herself up against his body, burying her head into the crook of his neck. She was not expecting such a large audience and while it didn't faze her that Jason had seen her, the added guests are beyond her comfort zone.

"What the fuck?" Jason yelled.

"I'm sorry—they made me." Carly turned and glared at the two bozos. "Can you please give them a minute to get decent?"

Lucky barely heard her. The woman on the couch is beautiful and he decides that he needs to know her name.

Ronnie pulled Lucky back. "You have two minutes."

Carly shut the door and spun around. "Are you crazy?" she growled, making sure she wasn't too loud.

Jason looked annoyed as Elizabeth tore her body away from him and stood up, quickly stepping back into her dress. Carly got a good look at her and her eyes grew big. "That is a Jerome."

"Carly, I'm aware of that," he said before going in search of his wayward slacks. Liz pointed and he grabbed them from off the floor. "She's in trouble because of the shooting and I need to get her out of here. Are you going to help or be a pain in my ass?"

Carly's eyes narrowed as she defiantly crossed her arms. "Sure, it's okay for you to date a Jerome, but God forbid I have a life. I already called Diane. She's on her way up."

"How did you manage that?"

"Speed dial, they didn't see me and I made sure she could hear what I was saying." Carly had purposely mentioned the hotel and the suite number.

Jason is impressed. She might be his friend, but she is also the most conniving woman he had ever met. "Good job," he said as he zipped up his pants.

And sure enough, he heard Diane bellow. Carly grinned and opened the door.

A/N – Let me know what you think so far. Thanks for reading.