A/N: So, this chapter has been long in the making. I hope you enjoy it.

Charlynn

Chapter Ten

"I look like a grape. I'm going to a ball, a real, genuine, lavish ball, something I thought only people like Cinderella and soap opera characters attended, and I'm going to look like a giant piece of fruit."

"Psh, Webber," Johnny O'Brien dismissed, giving her hope, while reading a magazine – her People magazine – "you're anything but giant."

She couldn't help it. She knew it was childish, petty, and that it would not make her feel better, but, in her annoyance, she picked up the closest thing available which turned out to be a nearly full bottle of water and chucked it at the sardonic bodyguard's face. It missed him, but, as she watched it sail by his, in her opinion, overly large head, nearly hitting him and making the aggravating man jump off the bed to avoid decapitation by beverage, a very small, particularly vindictive part of Elizabeth felt vindicated. However, the satisfaction was fleeting.

"Would you just chill," her friend instructed almost pleadingly. "I know that you're upset that he's not back yet, but, if Morgan said he'd be there, he will."

"I know, I know," she agreed, closing her eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath. "I trust Jason, and, even if he breaks his promise to me, I know that he would only do that if he absolutely couldn't help it. I just…I don't want to let him down."

"What do you mean?"

Breaking her gaze with his through the mirror and fidgeting nervously, the young artist mumbled under her breath. "He called me his girl."

"Speak up there, Webber. I couldn't hear that."

"I said," she repeated, glowering at her friend and contemplating the merits of hurling her hairbrush at the guard, "he called me his girl."

"Well, it's about damn time Morgan made an honest woman out of you," Johnny teased, reclaiming his seat on the edge of her bed and leaning back on his elbows to get comfortable. Wiggling his eyebrows at her, he teased, "but I have to tell you, I never pegged you as the type to swoon over the whole caveman routine. 'Me your man; you my woman," he mocked, frowning and lowering his voice as he tried to impersonate the early form of the human race.

"It's not like that," Elizabeth argued. "Jason respects me. It was just his way of telling me that we're…together."

"And that's why it's important to you that you knock his socks off tonight," the Irish man realized, filling in the gaps for himself. "Don't tell me you're going to try to seduce him this evening, that this entire circus of finding the perfect dress was just so that you could get your groove on?" Her blush was the only answer he needed, and, in response, she saw him shudder. "Never before have I felt luckier to not have to work the night shift. I do, however, feel sorry for whatever poor schmuck is on door duty later."

"You don't have to be a pig about it, Lurch, especially since you and the other stooges have been pushing us together now for months."

No nodded in concurrence. "Point taken."

"And excuse me for being attracted to my boyfriend and wanting to show him how I feel," the brunette nanny continued as if he hadn't conceded. "I realize that most of you gun-toting, soft-hearted lugheads around here treat women as objects to be revered and admired from afar, but I'm not made of glass, I like sex, and I have needs of my own to fill. Men don't have that portion of the market market cornered all for themselves."

"Whoa, Webber, simmer down," the bodyguard urged her. "Haven't you ever heard of a little expression called TMI? I'll lay off teasing you about your relationship with Morgan if you promise to never, and when I say never I mean N-E-V-E-R, never talk to me about your needs again."

"Agreed."

"Now, I can't believe I'm going to say this, but can we please just talk about your dress again," Johnny asked of her. "It feels like the safe topic at this point."

Looking up from the vanity where she was getting ready," the younger woman asked, "do you think he'll like it?"

"Jason," he questioned rhetorically. "Well, for one thing, I can guarantee you he won't realize how much time and effort we put into picking out that dress. He won't know about how you went to the library and looked up old press photos to see what kind of dresses people wore to this shindig, he won't understand the very painful three hours we spent in the shoe store finding those breakneck hazards to your health that you call heels, and he definitely won't care about the fact that I was forced to have a pedicure at the salon this afternoon when you had your hair and nails done because Helga the Hungarian Hellcat wouldn't take no for answer and had a disturbing fetish for tickling bunions, but what I can tell you is that as soon as he sees you in that dress, to him you'll be the only woman in the room, and he'll have a hard time resisting his every urge to take it off of you the moment you're in his arms."

Chewing her bottom lip, Elizabeth looked up at her friend with watery eyes. "That was actually a pretty nice thing to say, O'Brien. I didn't know you had it in you."

"Don't expect it again anytime soon," he advised. "I have one compassionate, non-sarcastic moment every year, and I just gave it to you."

Teasing him, she quipped, "I feel honored."

"Seriously though, Webber, you look good."

"Thanks, Lurch." Standing up, the blue-eyed nanny made her way across the room towards the open doorway. "I'm going to go and get Michael up from his nap, so I can get him dressed for tonight. Will you do me a favor and try calling Jason again?"

"You know that he probably won't answer, don't you?"

"I do," she stated regretfully, "but we have to try anyway."

"Maybe I should just take a picture of you right now and text it to him," the guard suggested. "That should inspire him to remove the lead from his ass."

Elizabeth simply smiled at her older friend in amusement before turning and walking out the door. With her back to him, she playfully teased, "I can't believe I'm taking fashion advice and compliments from a man who wears shiny, jewel-toned suits. I think I should just skip the ball and go straight to the hospital and have myself admitted for a full mental exam and complete physical workup."

She heard him return her barb with a quick witted one of his own, but she paid him no mind, instead focusing on the task at hand. After all, if Jason was going to return in time to go to the benefit with her, she didn't want to keep him waiting.

"This was a bad idea," Elizabeth whispered to the three overly-protective men surrounding her. "Everyone's staring at me."

"Cue Carly Simon," Max quipped, earning himself a dark glare from the brunette nanny and two confused scowls from his coworkers. "Talk about being a little narcissistic there, Webber. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe they're staring at me?"

"Yes, because no one can take their eyes off of a chubby man dressed up as a penguin."

"Watch it, Donovan," the youngest of the three guards threatened his blonde friend. "We still haven't decided who gets perimeter duty yet."

"That's right, we haven't," Johnny agreed. "So why don't you haul your self-important butt outside and make sure the building's secure. Thanks for volunteering, Giambetti." As the leader of the trio watched his fellow employee stomp away grumbling under his breath, the blue eyed artist observed the entire spectacle with amusement written clearly across her face. "As for you," the Irish man stated, facing his young charge, "they might be staring at you, but it's not because you're doing anything wrong. You just stepped into the room with three heavy armed men at your side and a baby in your arms who not only has connections with one of the wealthiest families in upstate New York but also one of the most infamous. And just wait until Morgan shows up…."

"That's if he shows up," she corrected him. Looking between both men still standing before her, Elizabeth asked, "have either of you been able to get in touch with him?" Negatively, they shook their heads. "What about the pilot?"

"He hasn't filed a flight plan, but, in the coffee business that's not unusual," Francis replied, the sympathy he felt for her evident in both his tone and countenance. "However, even if Jason doesn't make it, he would still want you to have fun. Go say high to your Grandmother," he suggested. "She's certainly been trying to get your attention since we walked through the doors, and, while you're socializing, I'll find our table and Johnny-boy here will be your stand-in escort."

"I will?"

"You helped her pick out her dress," the blonde bodyguard pointed out, "so that practically makes you her date already. Besides," he continued, "you're better at this whole mingling thing than I am anyway."

"You do have a point," the senior employee mused, rubbing his chin confidently. "Between the two of us, I do have the better personality, not to mention the fact that I'm unusually debonair with the ladies and, if I do say so myself, more handsome than you are."

"Now who's vain," Elizabeth teased, wrapping her free arm through the Irish man's and leading him off in the direction of her Grandmother. "We'll see you in a few, Francis."

"Just so I'm prepared," Johnny asked his young charge, "how mad is your Grandmother going to be that I'm here with you?"

"Why, Lurch, are you afraid of my little, old, frail, and timid Grams?"

"She might qualify for the special birthday's segment on the Today show, but there is nothing frail or timid about Audrey Hardy."

"I wouldn't say that to her face," the petite artist instructed. "She's not too fond of Willard Scott."

"Good to note, but that still doesn't answer my question." Lowering his voice because of their close proximity to the woman in question, Johnny pressed, "should I have worn a cup?"

She couldn't help it; Elizabeth giggled, both accomplishing the guard's goal of relaxing her and making her Grandmother frown in her direction. "Don't worry, O'Brien. Grams isn't a sticks and stones type of girl; she'll just lash you with her forked tongue."

"That's what I was afraid of."

Before the brunette nanny could retort again, Audrey interrupted their conversation. "Hello, Dear. I see you brought your work with you…again. Didn't you think this was a prestigious enough event to leave the criminals at home tonight?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. Johnny, Francis and Max are security experts, Gram, nothing more, nothing less."

"Perhaps it's the reason Mr. Morgan feels it's necessary to employ security personnel which makes their presence so unsavory. Speaking of Mr. Morgan," the older nurse pressed, either ignoring the flash of hurt that clouded her granddaughter's face or simply not noticing it, "where is he?"

"Mr. Morgan is running late," Johnny spoke up for the first time. His answer was concise and to the point, and his stance, rigid back, hands folded in front of his body, and chin lowered slightly in deference, screamed reticence.

"Well, maybe we'll be lucky enough this year and he won't even show up."

"Now, Audrey," a friendly redhead playfully chastised as she walked up and joined the group, "play nice. Jason's not so bad, and, no matter what, you know as well as I do that he'll pledge a generous donation, and tonight's about putting our differences aside and raising money for a good cause, not continuing tired grudges." Smiling warmly, she turned and held out a hand towards Elizabeth. "Hi, I'm Bobbie Spencer, Michael's Grandma." Elizabeth's face scrunched in puzzlement as she glanced between her young ward, her bodyguard, her grandmother, and the stranger standing before her. "I'm Carly's Mom."

"Oh, I'm sorry," the young artist immediately apologized. "I didn't realize… It's nice to meet you. I'm Elizabeth Webber, Michael's nanny."

"I know. Jason's told me so much about you already." With another bewildered expression from the blue eyed brunette, the red head continued. "He brings Michael over to see me on your days off."

"That's ridiculous. He's your grandson; you should be able to see him whenever you want. Please," the college student offered, "stop by at the penthouse anytime to visit. You're always welcome there."

"I didn't realize it was so easy to get into Fort Knox," Audrey quipped, earning an icy glare from her granddaughter.

"If you're a wanted guest," the Irish guard spoke up, his words pleasant in tone but containing an underlying inhospitable meaning, "then we bend over backwards to make you feel comfortable and wanted."

"If you'll excuse me," the younger of the two nurses spoke up sensing the tension between her coworker and the young nanny, "I just saw someone I need to speak with. It was a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth."

"Likewise, Miss Spencer."

"Please," the red head asked of her, "call me Bobbie."

The brunette art student simply nodded in acquiesce before facing her grandmother once again. "I really wish you wouldn't attack and insult my friends, especially in front of other people."

"Well I really wish that you wouldn't flaunt your association with Mr. Morgan and his men," Audrey countered. "Don't you realize what people are whispering about you behind your back because you came in here with three bodyguards and the heir apparent to the Port Charles mafia?"

"Alleged mafia," Elizabeth corrected, scowling daggers at the older woman.

Changing tactics, the older woman appraised her granddaughter's outfit. "And your dress, dear."

"What about it?"

"It's strapless."

"It's also June, Gram," the younger woman argued. "What, did you want me to wear something with sleeves?"

"That would have been more appropriate," the nurse countered, "especially with the cutout that shows your legs."

"Webber's got great stems," her guard and friend complimented. "It was my idea for her to show them off."

"You have no idea how much that explains." Turning to her granddaughter, Audrey continued. "Really, darling, I offered to help you find a dress…something that would have been more tasteful."

"There's nothing wrong with the way I look," Elizabeth maintained, standing up for herself. Squaring her back, she looked her grandmother in the eye. "Yes, it's strapless, but since when did it become a crime to show your shoulders? As for the cutaway that reveals my legs, it's my understanding that the host of this event always ends up in her underwear. Compared to that, I'm practically dressed conservatively."

"Perhaps in Mr. Morgan's circle, but in polite civilization …"

"Well, would you look at that," Johnny interrupted in an attempt to stave off another argument between the two slightly temperamental female family members. "I think Michael wants to go and visit poor, socially inept Francis over there. He looks lonely, doesn't he, sitting at that big table all by himself?"

"Oh, really, Mr. O'Brien," the medical professional inquired, "and how can you tell what a baby wants or does not want?"

"Mikey here is an excellent silent communicator."

"Why don't you take him over there then," Audrey suggested, "and leave my granddaughter here with me so that we can continue our discussion in private."

"Besides arguing the point that the Nurses Ball does not constitute a private environment, I'm afraid I can't do that, Mrs. Hardy, for three reasons."

"And they are?"

"Well, first of all, Webber and I, we're like Bert and Ernie, Bogie and Bacall, MJ and Nike; we can't be separated," the Irish guard explained. "In fact, I'm only leaving her side tonight when Jason gets here."

"That's if Mr. Morgan even bothers to show up," the older woman practically taunted.

Ignoring her, Johnny continued. "Secondly, wherever the kid goes, your granddaughter goes, too, because she's the only one who can keep him this calm. And, finally, this is a rented tux. There's no way I can run the risk of getting baby spit up on it."

Pursing her lips in dislike, the nurse remarked, "classy."

"Grams, that's enough," Elizabeth finally exploded. "The show's going to start soon, so we need to get to our table. Enjoy your evening."

Without another word, the young nanny twirled around on her heels and sauntered away with a jaunty, proud tilt to her upturned face. She didn't need to look to know that the bodyguard was following her; he always would, and the knowledge of his staunchly loyal nature and constant friendship made her relax as she tried to enjoy the party she had been looking forward to for so long. Even Michael seemed to sense the tension leaving her body and stopped squirming in her arms. There was only one problem: Jason still wasn't there, and her hope that he would make it was quickly disappearing.

"Quartermaines narrowing in like a pack of mangy dogs at seven o'clock," Max announced before promptly shoving the entire hors d'oeuvre he was holding into his mouth and chewing loudly.

Offering up his services, the oldest of the three guards set his flute of champagne onto the table and stood up. "I'll run interference, try to distract them," he proposed, "but the two of you should get Webber up and moving around the room. Make it harder for them to spot and corner her again. With Michael in her arms, sleeping, they're not going to give up on seeing and talking to her until the intermission is over."

With that said, Francis left and the other two men pushed back their chairs, climbed to their feet, and helped their friend and charge stand as well. "Let's hit the dessert buffet," the Italian guard suggested hopefully.

"Jesus, Giambetti," Johnny chuckled, "if you don't slow down, we're going to have to cut you out of that tuxedo. You already polished off your own meal and picked at Webber's leftovers, not to mention made a pretty big dent in the appetizers being offered up, but I know for a fact that you also had a steak dinner before you left your apartment this evening to pick us up at the Towers."

"How do you know that?!"

"Donovan told me," the Irish man replied flippantly.

"Well, for your information, I have a fast metabolism," Max defended himself and his large appetite. "Plus, my Mom always tells me that I should eat whenever I feel hungry, because I'm still growing."

"Yeah, thicker."

"Alright, alright," Elizabeth stepped in between them while stifling her laughter. "You two are worse than a married couple." Looking at the youngest bodyguard, she reassured him. "Don't listen to Johnny, Max. He's just jealous of your…refined palate. And, as for you, Mr. Hypercritical," she chastised the senior guard, facing him "don't think that I didn't see your pit stop at the dessert table on your way back from the bathroom a few minutes ago."

"If you're always this observant, maybe you should be the one guarding us."

"You wish, O'Brien," the young artist quipped, tossing her comment over her bare shoulder as she walked away from the table, "but, for now, you're going to have settle with me leading you around on a tight leash and playing referee, and, as your referee, I've decided that we're going to let Max get his dessert and then, afterwards, the two of you are going to join me on the dance floor."

"Oh, I don't know about that," the heftier of the two men shied away.

"Oh, come on, Max," she cajoled pleadingly. If paying attention, the petite nanny would have realized the guard was looking over the top of her head and not directly at her. "You know what they say - it's better to make a fool out of yourself than it is to be a wallflower."

"Not if your job effectiveness depends upon your ability to be intimidating," the Italian man responded. Before she could reply, he left their small group and disappeared into the crowd.

"What about you, Lurch," she propositioned the only remaining bodyguard with a smile that didn't quite reach her dim and depressed blue eyes, "care to embarrass yourself for a few minutes? I know Michael's sleeping in my arms, but I can still sway to the music, and when are you going to get another opportunity to step on my toes and not suffer any retaliation?"

"Can't," Johnny's answer came quickly. This time Elizabeth did notice that he was looking past her at something and not at her. "I…um…have to go to the bathroom."

"But you just got back?"

"Nature calls, Webber."

"Hey," she protested, "what happened to your pronouncement that for the evening we're practically Siamese twins?"

"Change of plans," he answered before turning around and, following Max's example, disappearing into the throng of other guests milling around the ballroom.

Looking down at the sleeping baby in her arms, the brunette nanny complained, "well, that was just rude." Deciding she was going to dance anyway even if she was all by herself, she moved to step forward, looking up from her infant ward and directly across the room into the smoldering, crystal blue gaze of one very late, very handsome, and very kissable Jason Morgan.

His tux was slightly rumpled as if he had changed into it at the last minute while still on his way to the party, his hair was disheveled and practically begged for her fingers to run their way through it, not in an effort to tame the wild, golden locks but simply because she had missed the feeling of it running swiftly through her grasp, and his face was covered in a fine, blonde stubble, obviously unshaved since the day before. In one word to Elizabeth, he looked delicious, and, before she knew what she was doing, her grip on Michael tightened, and she was running into his open arms, ignoring the curious and plainly disapproving stares around them, and warmly welcoming him home with a very affectionate kiss.

Pulling away slightly breathless, Jason let his forehead rest against hers. With his eyes closed in delight, he whispered, "I'm sorry."

"For what," she asked, her voice deep with unexpressed passion. "You're here with me like you promised, and you're safe. As far as I'm concerned, there's only one thing you could do to make this night even better."

"What's that?"

"Take me home," Elizabeth requested. Suddenly, the dull sheen of unshed tears haunting her bottomless blue eyes all evening had been replaced with a mischievous and sensual sparkle. She could tell her plea had surprised him, but it had definitely been a good surprise.

With a slow, seductive smirk, Jason agreed, "sure. Just let me hand in my check, and then we'll go home."

"I'll go gather up the boys," she offered, moving to step away, but his outstretched hand stopped her.

"Just in case I forget to tell you later," he lowered his head to nuzzle it into the silky, exposed skin of her neck, ignoring everything and everyone around them, to whisper, "you look beautiful, Elizabeth."

Her response was spoken just as softly. "Thank you."

Without another word, they parted, Jason to seek out Lucy while she found the three bodyguards to tell them that they were ready to leave. Five minutes later, as the group of six, a man and woman obviously dating, three boys disguised as adult members of society, and a baby, left the ballroom, the donation of a million dollars presented on the behalf of Elizabeth Webber and Michael Morgan was announced to a room full of gossiping partygoers. The gesture would prove to serve two purposes.

Not only did it let Elizabeth know how much she meant to the man in her life, but it also, unintentionally, gave the town of Port Charles just one more reason to be secretly fascinated with the lives of the people hidden away high atop Harborview Towers, but, hey, life wasn't perfect. After all, you win some and you lose some, and understanding the depth of Jason's feelings for her more than made up for the scandal their revealed relationship had proven to be for the other guests at the ball. In her opinion, the night had been a wonderful success…that was only going to get better.

She felt the rough flesh of his fingertips whispering across her back as he reached for the zipper hidden out of sight on the gathered bodice of her delicate dress. Leaning back against him, Elizabeth rested her supple form against him, savoring the sensation of her silk gown as it fluttered against her bare form and fell, like liquid, to the carpeted floor of the penthouse's master bedroom. Her entire being felt on fire as Jason took his time arousing her. Letting her eyes drift shut in ecstasy with the feeling of his ministrations on her body, the young artist existed solely on passionate awareness.

In the back of her mind, she knew that they were essentially alone. After a long night at the ball, Michael was fast asleep in his room and wouldn't wake for many hours, and Jason had practically commanded the guards away for the rest of the evening, tightening security in the lobby of the building but sending home the man who was supposed to be posted on the penthouse door. So, without worry of being interrupted, she let herself enjoy what his talented digits were doing to her vulnerable form.

The carpet under her cushioned her tired feet which were still encased in the silver, t-strap heels she had worn that evening, the cool breeze blowing in from the harbor and billowing the sheer curtains on the balcony doors caressed her burning skin in what she could only describe as the adoring embrace of nature, and Jason's insatiable palms massaged her body, starting at her baby-soft shoulders, inching lower over her quivering décolleté still hidden from his view by the strapless, ivory bra she wore, over her taunt, shivering abdomen, and unto the honeyed, smooth expanse of her thighs, memorizing it as only a lover could. He surrounded her.

The feel of his hands haunted her entire body as she silently begged for his touch to be everywhere on her at once. The taste of his mouth was still present on her lips and, when desperate to experience him again, she would let her tongue run over her lips and savor him the only way she could until he finally returning his mouth to hers. The smell of his purely masculine form assaulted her mind and body, enveloping her into a world where only the two of them existed. The sound of his deep, aroused breathing was music to her ears, and, when she strained her willpower and focused upon her surroundings, she realized her own ragged and desperate breathing matched his. The sight of his arms holding her pulsating form tightly to him sent butterflies of promise deep into her core. Despite the fact that she wanted to return the favor and awaken every one of his senses as well, Jason held her secure and wouldn't let go, continuing his attentions and ignoring her very few moans of protest that managed to escape between the whimpers and mews of pleasure and desire.

Finally, when it felt as if she could not last another moment longer without crying out for more or begging him to stop, the actions of his brilliant fingers too torturous to bear, his mouth descended upon her shoulder and started to follow its own sensual path down the exposed length of her naked back. As his lips drugged her relaxed form into a state of numb, sheer bliss, his hands continued to tease her until they, finally, slipped underneath the waistband of her matching thong panties and freed her of their constraints. Feeling the silk sliding down her legs, Elizabeth opened her gaze to watch the thin scrap of material pool at her feet, but, instead of the embarrassment or even shyness she had expected to feel when so exposed in front of Jason, all she felt was an overwhelming desire to be with him and a sense of contentedness.

With only her strapless bra and heels on, she felt him drop a chaste, almost innocent kiss onto the small of he back before gliding his still fully dressed form up her body, letting her feel the exact effect she had upon him, while, at the same time, turning her around in his arms and capturing her parted lips in a searing, provocative, time-stopping embrace. As his tongue entered the sizzling recesses of her mouth, dueling, struggling, mating with her own, his hands slipped down to unfasten the final article she wore, leaving her completely nude to his appreciative gaze.

Stumbling backwards, she pulled Jason after her as they hastily made their way towards his king sized, luxurious bed. Finally capable of undressing him, the diminutive brunette made quick work of pushing his tuxedo jacket off of his shoulders, loosening and removing his tie, and unbuttoning his crisp, white dress shirt. By the time her back hit the silk sheets of the bed, only his lower body was still dressed, and, together, they worked to rid him of his pants; she unfastened his black trousers while he kicked off his shoes and socks.

With only his boxer-briefs left on, he blanketed her body, the hair of his legs hinting of their intimacy as it brushed up against her as their limbs became tangled, the hard, golden planes of his stomach stroked over top of the alabaster velvet of her abdomen, his sculpted chest brushed and tantalized even more life into her already painfully stimulated nipples, and his arms rested on either side of her head, virtually trapping her underneath his body exactly where the both of them wanted her.

For several moments, the new lovers simply stared into each others eyes, his intense, ice blue gaze locked on her deep, sapphire one. Silently, they communicated to each other everything they needed and desired from the other, and words became superfluous. Dipping his head down to capture her mouth with his, Jason sipped from her slowly like he was savoring a fine wine, and she luxuriated in his touch. In the same breath, he was sweet yet ardent, gentle yet demanding, everything she had dreamt of.

As their lips waltzed together to a melody known only to lovers, Elizabeth was surprised when he suddenly switched their positions. Straddling him, she was, at once, in control. Although the feeling was unique for her, it was also dangerously seductive, and she, immediately, enjoyed the power it granted her. Leaning over him, she let her mouth trail a sumptuous path down his body, starting at his neck where she sucked his pulse point, bit his bobbing Adam's apple, and then soothed the sting with a sweet lick of her tongue against the bite mark and traveling across his chest where she paid extra attention to his nipples and down onto his rigid, washboard stomach, stopping only when she encountered the waistband of his underwear. Dipping her fingers into the cloth barrier, Elizabeth stood up on her knees and, finally, finished undressing the otherwise naked man before her, tossing the boxer-briefs away, and lowering her body on top of his once again.

His mouth instantaneously sought out hers as soon as her form was flush against his again, but, instead of the tender embraces from before, their fervor had increased and, with it, their kisses became aggressive, insistent, and completely intoxicating and addictive. While their tongues danced with each others, his hands teased and massaged her breasts, worshipping the plump mounds, while she let her nails run up and down his torso, leaving red streaks in their path as evidence of her eagerness and zeal. She could feel his arousal against her thighs, and it only seemed to increase her passion and impatience.

Unable to take the cruel torture of foreplay any longer, Elizabeth took matters into her own hands, breaking their embrace and lifting herself over Jason's quivering body and lowering herself on top of him. Her advance had been unexpected, abrupt, and impulsive, and, as she felt him surge inside of her, she knew he not only appreciated the sudden assault but had been thirsting for it as well.

At first, their pace was leisurely, slow and sensual, but, as their passion gave away to desire and then progressed into lust and obsession, it increased until the point where no other idea was conscious in her mind except for thoughts about the man beneath her. While her body could feel his hands guiding and helping her lift her hips and his mouth upon her heaving breasts, Elizabeth's brain could not fathom anything but the pleasure spreading through her withering and throbbing form. Jason was everywhere. He was inside her body, wrapped around her, invading her mind, her heart, and her soul, but she still wanted him closer.

Wrapping her arms around his sweaty back, she pulled him into a sitting position and held him against her, crushing her chest to his, seeking his lips with her own, and running her fingers through his damp and uncontrollable hair. Just as she thought she would faint from the sheer power of the feelings of delight and ecstasy wracking her petite frame, her orgasm was upon her, sending her into a total and utter oblivion of bliss. Nothing in her life before had prepared her for that moment, but, as the first and only tear of wonder and joy slipped from her tightly clenched eyes, she realized that the newness of her feelings was a part of their charm, that it added to their bloom of beauty. Opening her gaze and locking eyes with Jason told her that he had just experienced something as glorious as she had, and that just made the sensation of complete contentedness even more powerful. To know that they could give that peace and exhilaration to each other made Elizabeth realize what loving someone actually meant.

Still lost in the pleasure of her release, she melted into his embrace as Jason wrapped his arms tightly around her body and laid them down together on the bed. On his back, he held her against his side, her free hand on his heart while her head rested in the niche between his neck and shoulder which seemed made exactly for her. Turning her face into his body, she placed a sweet, gentle kiss against his jaw line, breathing in his essence before relaxing entirely and letting her eyes drift shut again.

For several minutes they laid there, neither feeling the need to talk, and savored the silence together. As their heart rates steadied into a normal pace and their breathing slowed down, Elizabeth could feel Jason's hand whispering back and forth and up and down her naked, sultry, steamy back, occasionally dipping down to tickle the exposed, velvety flesh of her derrière. Sleep came easily to the two of them that evening, and, as she slipped into a state of satisfied slumber, Elizabeth realized that from that point on, if she wanted to, she would be able to fall asleep in Jason Morgan's arms every evening. The thought was both liberating and astonishing at the same time, but, more importantly, it made her feel safe, it made her feel cherished, and it made her feel loved, and she hoped that her presence in his arms made him feel the same way.

A/N2: For those of you who enjoy physical representations of important dresses, her is the gown I picked out for Elizabeth. Now, remember that this Elizabeth is rather independent, high-spirited, and confident...not to mention she's out to catch Jason's eye.