I always loved that Ric supported Elizabeth's art enough to get her a gallery showing. Even if he did have ulterior motives. For this fic I decided however to go another route.
I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Four
Elizabeth stood her studio trying to decided how much to pack. To be honest she was tempted to get rid of most everything including the studio itself. This place held so many memories. Some of them were good but most of them she would rather forget. 'Like the crypt.' She thought looking at the heavy steel door. That was defiantly something Elizabeth wished she could forget.
"Have you packed anything yet?" Ric questioned as he entered the disorganized studio. He couldn't tell if she had packed anything or not. Elizabeth's studio was always in disarray.
"No. I was just thinking."
"About what?" Ric asked pulling her body back against his. He held her tight in his embrace. It amazed Ric how perfectly she fit in his arms.
"What do you think about me giving up my studio?" Elizabeth turned to face him as she spoke.
Ric brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I'm not going to pretend I'm not happy. This isn't the best neighborhood but sweetheart are you sure?"
"Yeah, I think so. This isn't my home anymore. My home is with you." Elizabeth said smiling up at her husband.
"I feel the same way. I just want you to be sure. Your friends already hate me." Ric said rubbing her back.
"Since when do you care about what other people think?" Elizabeth asked an eyebrow raised in disbelief.
"I don't." Ric smirked. "I just don't want you losing people you care about because of me."
"If they can't be happy for me then it's there loss." Elizabeth said with a shrug.
"You are so amazing." Ric said softly as he watched he begin to sort through some old paintings. "I love you."
"I love you too." Elizabeth said smiling brightly as she pulled out a very old paining. "Wow. I forgot I even had this."
"What is that?" Ric asked moving to look at the painting as well.
"An old painting." She replied softly. Just looking at it brought back so many memories. They only supported Elizabeth's idea that she should let go of the studio.
"This is really good it should be in a gallery somewhere." Ric said admiring his wife's talent.
"Thanks but it's not mine."
"You didn't paint this?" Ric asked confused. He was certain that Elizabeth painted the unusual work.
Elizabeth shook her head sitting the painting aside. "No. I did but I gave it to someone along time ago."
"Oh. It's really good."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said blushing slightly from the compliment. Ric was always so supportive of her art. It made her feel like she could do anything. "I've been holding it for them for so long I forgot about it."
"Maybe you should give it back." Ric pointed out giving her a gentle kiss. He wondered who the person was but wanted to trust Elizabeth's love so he did not ask. "Especially if you're giving up your studio."
Elizabeth thought about what Ric said for a few moments. She and Jason were barely speaking and the painting was his. Maybe this could finally bring closure for Jason. And maybe herself too. "You know what? That is a great idea. Would you help me have it delivered?"
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"Jason you have a delivery." Francis said as the blond enforcer stepped off the elevator.
"Did you check it out?" Jason questioned trying to think of what it could possibly be.
"Yeah it's clean. I set inside." The bodyguard assured his boss quickly.
"Thanks." Jason said shutting the penthouse door. He immediately
recognized the shape and size of the package. Jason ripped the brown
paper off underneath lay 'The Wind'. One of the last physical reminders
of his friendship with Elizabeth. He opened the attached note and read
it.Jason,
Thank you for being my friend for all those years. The fact you were
there to listen to me means more than I could ever explain. You showed
me how to stand on my own and I will always appreciate that. I am sure
you know by now that I married Ric. I know you hate him and I can
understand why. Please do not try to rescue me. I love Ric and I am
very happy. I hope you recognize the painting. I had almost forgotten about it. You
know have a home to put it in. I hope when you look at it you are
reminded of our friendship and the people we used to be. Good-bye,
Elizabeth
Jason crumpled the note and cursed. He could not believe Elizabeth was so naïve and just plain stupid. Ric Lansing was a monster. How could Elizabeth forgive him let alone marry the guy? Jason never thought Elizabeth would let herself be deceived and manipulated like this. He thought she had learned her lesson with Lucky.
Rage coursed through Jason. He knew that despite what Elizabeth said she was going to need his help again. Maybe not today but someday soon. Jason was just going to have to remind Elizabeth what a good friend he could be. Then he could deal with Ric Lansing permanently.
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"Ric I have to go in. My shift started five minutes ago." Elizabeth said pouting slightly as Ric tried to pull her back into his grasp.
"Fine but you have to promise me one thing." Ric said finally letting her leave his arms. He still did not understand the need to touch Elizabeth whenever she was near. It was almost like a drug one Ric would happily admit being addicted to.
"What?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Resign from Kelly's today." Ric challenged Elizabeth. He knew his wife well enough that she hated being told what to do. So Ric decided to a take a more subtle route.
"Okay listen." Elizabeth said laughing quietly at Ric's eagerness. "I realize waitressing isn't a career path. But what am I going to do with myself? I don't have the temperament to be a homemaker."
Ric reached out and ran a hand through her silky hair. "No. You have the temperament for an artist. So you'll be an art studio creating art. Maybe even finish school. I know that's important to you."
"I do want to finish." Elizabeth admitted biting her lower lip. Ric could see she was starting come around. "It seems like things keep getting in the way."
"Not anymore. All you have to do is go in there and quit." Ric urged his wife.
"I promise to think really hard abut it." Elizabeth said with a soft smirk of her own. She knew what Ric was up to. Elizabeth was touched that he cared so much about her happiness.
"Eliz..."
"I can't leave Bobbie short handed." Elizabeth insisted cutting him off. "She's been so nice to me over the years."
"You are such a good person. I understand but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up." Ric warned Elizabeth softly letting her know he wasn't done trying to convince her yet.
"Of course not. Persistence is one of your best qualities." Elizabeth said kissing him several times before pulling back. "I love you."
"I love you too." Ric told her before finally letting her walk into the small restaurant.
"Brilliant impersonation of a happily married man content with his life. Just not convincing enough to fool me." Faith said snidely as she walked out of the shadows.
"What do you want, Faith?" Ric ground out not taking his eyes off Elizabeth.
"That fleeting glimmer of rage I used to see in your eyes, it's not fleeting anymore is it? It's burning you alive."
Ric suppressed the urge to groan. The last thing he needed was anyone especially Faith questioning him. "Go away, Faith."
"Come Ric. Doesn't your little wifey see it? Or does our little waitress mistake that for passion?" Faith goaded trying to make Ric lose his cool. Maybe then that little nothing he married would realize Ric had not changed and that he never would.
"Don't you ever get tired of ingratiating yourself in to people's lives and listening in on their conversations. I mean it's really pathetic."
"Right. You just keep telling yourself that. In the mean time if you decide to go up against Sonny again or even if you just want a little moral support you know where to find me." Faith said before turning to walk away.
"Listen to me." Ric said grabbing her arm tightly. "I know exactly how to deal with Sonny and I don't need any help from anybody. Least of all you." Ric told the blond venomously before stalking out of the courtyard.
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Ric stood quietly at the doorway watching Elizabeth paint. He knew she wasn't aware of his presence yet she was too focused on her work. Soft music played in the background as she painted. Her cloths protected by one of his dress shirts. It was a beautiful site. Ric leaned back on the door his weight shutting it. Elizabeth's attention was immediately drawn to the noise. "Hey. I didn't hear the door how long have you been standing there?"
"Not long. I love to watch you paint. You know when I was looking for a house I tried to imagine this exact scene." Ric admitted walking across the room to Elizabeth. He reached out caressing her face before running his hand over her back.
"Well this house has really good vibe. I'm completely feeling my painting." Elizabeth said wiping her hands on towel in an effort to remove the paint.
"It does have good energy. Doesn't it?" Ric said moving closer to Elizabeth until they were nearly touching. He could feel desire starting to flow through him. He peppered Elizabeth's cheek with kisses.
"Besides fear is not a bad motivator either."
That immediately got Ric's attention. His brain started spinning all sorts of horrible scenarios. "Fear? Fear of what?"
"Being rejected. Not finishing in time." Seeing the confusion on Ric's face Elizabeth continued. "This is one of the pieces I have to submit to PCU for next semester."
"You're going back to school?" Ric said a smile instantly graced his handsome face. He was thrilled that Elizabeth had decided to finish school.
"If they like my paintings."
"You don't have to worry about that. You are going to be brilliant." Ric reassured Elizabeth his hands traveling up to cup her face his finger sliding into her hair.
"You're shirt. My paint." Elizabeth rambled as Ric placed kisses across her jaw.
"My wife." Ric said softly tilting Elizabeth's mouth to meet his own. Slowly, tenderly Ric kissed Elizabeth. He ran his tongue across her lips seeking entrance. When Elizabeth parted her lips, Ric explored the warm recesses of her mouth. A sudden almost painful wave of hunger hit him. Ric pulled slowly back his hands still cradling her face. "I'm sorry. Are you okay? Are you all right? I... I do not want to rush you. You know it's..."
Elizabeth pulled his lips back down to her. After several, more kisses, she drew back so that their eyes could meet. "I want you."