A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you like their hotness.

Chapter 13

The next night, there is an impromptu business dinner which is much dressier than normal. Evangeline slipped into the yellow dress she had previously brought and when Jason walked into the bedroom, he froze in his tracks as his eyes raked up and down, taking in her sexy curves.

"You like?"

"I love."

She blushed. "Can you zip me up?" Her man looks devastatingly handsome.

He slowly stepped behind her. Her back is exquisite and he couldn't resist leaning over to kiss it.

"Jason…"

"I know." They are running late. Whatever she had been doing in the bathroom paid off because she looks stunning. "You're just so beautiful."

Eva smiled and turned. "You're biased."

"Anyone who doesn't think so is blind. Come on."

She grabbed her purse and they quickly made their way to the car. "So, who are we meeting with again?"

"The Santi's."

"From Pennsylvania?"

"Yeah."

She had never met them, but they had a reputation of being very dangerous. "Are you sure you want to do business with them?"

"Not really, but if you don't at least entertain them, they'll turn on you."

"They still might."

He held her hand. "I'll protect you."

"And who is going to protect you?"

Their eyes met and he could tell she is concerned. He had done his homework and knew the family and what they are capable of. "I'll be fine. I'm really good at what I do."

"I know. I'm just—"

"—worried?"

"Yeah."

They pulled up to the Metro Court and headed into a small ballroom. Everyone is dressed to the nines. Layla hurried towards them. "You look fabulous."

"Thanks. So do you."

Jason is pulled to the side by Skye and Eva plotted with her sister to mess with her fiancé. When he returned, she told him she'd be right back and went to say hello to her mom.

"You look handsome," Layla said. Jason in a tux is very hot.

"Thanks. You look very nice too."

She frowned and slightly turned. "I don't know. How does my ass look in this?"

Jason's eyes almost popped out and his jaw fell open.

Evangeline cracked up and his eyes snapped to her, realizing that they were playing a joke.

"Your face was priceless," Layla said before walking away.

Jason shook his head.

"What was that about?" Sonny asked.

"You don't even want to know."

"You've got your hands full with those two."

"Don't I know it."

Johnny approached them. "Why were you looking at my girl's ass?"

Jason choked on his drink and Sonny laughed.

Evangeline had to wipe a tear away.

Vicky sat next to her. "Well, you look happy."

"Just playing a joke on Jason."

Her head tilted. "And he didn't shoot you? That's progress."

Lisa chuckled. "Incoming…"

Jason held out his hand.

"Hi Jason," Vicky said.

"Hello. It's good to see you. Mind if I steal my fiancé away?"

"Not at all."

He pulled her off to the side. "You are in trouble."

She laughed. "You can punish me later."

His eyes narrowed and then he leaned forward as he turned her so that her back faced the wall and then brushed his hand against it, making her shudder. "Oh, I plan on it, but now, I have to go ask your mom how my ass looks in these pants."

He started to walk away and her mouth snapped shut and she stopped him.

"What?"

She giggled. "Don't you dare."

Forgetting where they were, he kissed her passionately as he held her face.

"Dear Lord," Vicky said pretending to fan herself.

Danya sat next to her. "That was definitely hot."

Lisa followed their gaze and smirked. "They have been getting to know each other."

Vicky pursed her lips. "I don't think we have to worry about them getting along."

Jason came up for air and leaned his forehead against hers. "Sorry."

She licked her lips. "Never apologize for kissing me senseless."

John watched as he sipped a drink, dying a little inside. His date slipped her hand around his waist.

"Who's that?"

"An old friend."

Clarence took it all in and then went back to the table because the Santi's had arrived.

"Tico."

"Clarence, it's good to see you. This is my wife, Aviella and my brother Manny and his wife Veronica."

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

He introduced them to everyone at the table and as they were seated, Tico's eyes fell on Eva and Jason.

"That's Jason Morgan and my daughter Evangeline."

"He looks smaller than I imagined."

Clarence ignored the slight. "Regardless, he's a dangerous man."

Tico stared at Eva a little too long for Clarence's liking.

"Would you like to accompany me to the bar?"

"Sure."

Eva sat next to Vicky while Jason joined the guys. She greeted the new women and they chatted about fashion.

Jason was handed a drink and then introduced.

"It's an honor to finally meet the legend," Tico said.

"You have quite the reputation too," Sonny said as he watched them shake hands.

Most of the conversation, Jason didn't say a word and just listened. One thing he learned, was that Tico was quite full of himself. Manny seemed more normal, but he had a reputation for going off the handle. Tico also had a great poker face. He knew he was being studied and reacted accordingly. There was something about him that Jason didn't like which said a lot since he was pretty good at sizing people up.

"Jason."

Eva's voice snapped him back into the present. She realized he hadn't heard her and leaned closer. "You have a call."

He nodded and grabbed his phone, following her out onto the balcony. His cell rang and he answered. "Hello?"

"Hello, darling, I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner. I just wanted to tell you some news before you heard it elsewhere."

"What happened?" Lila's voice seemed strained, immediately putting him on guard.

"Your grandfather is in the hospital."

"Is he okay?"

Lila closed her eyes. "I don't know yet. We think he had a heart attack."

"Are you—Do you need me?"

"I'm fine. Monica and Tracy are here. Alan is with Edward."

"That's not what I asked."

Eva started to rub his back, trying to calm him.

"I would love it if you swung by the hospital after your dinner is finished."

"I'll be there in an hour."

"You don't have to rush."

"Yes, I do. I love you."

A tear flowed down her face as the fear tugged at her heart. "I love you too."

The call ended and Jason closed his eyes as Eva hugged him.

"I'm going with you."

"I know. Thank you."

Lisa approached them. "Is everything alright?" She had seen them exit abruptly.

"It's Edward. They think that he had a heart attack."

"Oh Jason, I'm so sorry. Please send Lila our love."

"I will. I'm going to go tell Sonny that I'll be leaving in an hour."

He left and Lisa held her daughter's hand. "I don't think you should stay. He'll never forgive himself if something happens."

"I'll go speak to Sonny."

She found him with Skye near the bathroom. "Hey, have you spoken to Jason?"

"No. Is there a problem?"

"Edward was taken to the hospital and Lila is very upset."

"Oh no," Skye said.

"They think it's a heart attack and she didn't ask him to leave now, but to stop by later."

Sonny sighed. "And you think he should go now?"

Eva nodded. "Do you think it would be a problem?"

"No. Clarence and I can hold down the fort. Take a guard with you for backup."

"Okay."

Jason is talking to Johnny, so she headed over there.

"Sonny said we can go now."

Jason is surprised she had spoken to him. He had looked for him, but couldn't find him. "You didn't have to do that."

"I know, but I think we should. Lila—if something happens she is going to need you."

"Alright, we'll say goodbye."

They walked towards the table. Jason is quiet and Eva is scared that he's mad that she had interfered.

"We're going to go."

Lisa stood and gave him a hug. "I hope he's okay."

"Thanks."

Tico stood. "It was nice to meet you and your lovely fiancé."

Eva smiled. "It was nice to meet you too."

"Perhaps you'll have dinner with me and my wife before we leave town."

Jason is surprised. "I'm sure that can be arranged."

Aviella shook his hand. "We'll look forward to it."

Jason took a hold of Eva's arm and lead her to the elevator. He couldn't help but wonder what game Tico is playing. It would make more sense if he had requested the dinner with Clarence and Sonny.

Eva cleared her throat and stepped away from him so she could face him. "If you're mad at me, well—too bad. Nothing in that room is more important than your family and—" She was cut off by his mouth as he kissed the hell out of her.

The elevator dinged and he released her so abruptly that she lost her balance and he had to steady her. She blankly stared at him, making him smirk and then they strode across the lobby and slipped into the back of the car. Milo jumped into the passenger seat.

"I'm not mad at you. In fact, I should thank you. Parties aren't my scene."

"Then why did you seem so intense?"

"Tico. I don't trust him or like him."

"Oh. I actually agree. He kept staring at me."

He pulled her closer. "Well, you are hot."

She smiled. "I'm glad you think so."

"Always."

"You are pretty hot yourself. That tux really does you justice."

He averted his eyes and she realized he was a little embarrassed.

"Wait until I'm sick and my nose is runny and my hair is all over the place."

He shot her a look. "That's really disgusting. I'll wear gloves and a mask."

She smacked his leg. "Meanie."

"I'm not a fan of snot."

Milo chuckled. It was nice hearing his boss joke around. It is a rare occurrence in front of his men.

"Well, you can't shoot it to get rid of it so you'll just have to feed me soup and buy lots of tissues."

"Soup?" he made a face. "I couldn't poison you in good conscience."

"Soup is good."

Milo slightly turned. "Soup is Jason's kryptonite."

Eva shook her head. "You haven't had mama's soup. It's really good."

"I think I need a drink. Milo, make sure that I'm never hurt or germed, please."

"I'll try my best."

They pulled up to the hospital and got onto the elevator.

"I think we're a little overdressed."

"Slightly. Can I take off my bow tie?"

"Not until Lila sees you."

He made a face.

"Trust me, you are a sight to behold."

He shrugged.

"You were the hottest man in the room tonight."

"I think your sister would disagree."

"We dropped her on her head a lot."

Jason grinned and then they moved into the room. He could see his family talking to a doctor and they quickly made their way over there. "By the way, Milo is wrong. You're my kryptonite."

Her head jerked towards him and when she saw no smile, she bit her lip to contain hers.

Lila turned and greeted them. "You both look so gorgeous. Leo and Alan were about to give us an update."

Leo cleared his throat. "We're going to have to operate. He has a clogged artery. They are prepping him now."

Lila looked pale. "May I see him?"

Alan took hold of her arm and walked her back.

"Is he conscious?" Jason asked.

Monica nodded. "Yes. They are trying to keep him comfortable. It was so scary. I'm sorry your dinner was interrupted."

"It's okay. I'm where I'm supposed to be."

Emily hurried towards them. "Jason!"

He hugged her. "It's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you too." Leaning back, she took in his appearance. "You look so handsome. I was already on the way here from London." She is studying abroad. "How is he?"

"Stable," Monica said as they hugged.

"Emily, this is my fiancé, Evangeline." She gave her a big hug. "I've heard so much about you."

Evangeline couldn't say the same and wondered why. "We'll have to do lunch."

"Definitely."

"How long are you staying?"

"A week and then I have class. I'll be home for the wedding."

"Good."

Jason watched as a very pale Lila made her way back to them. "Shit," he muttered and then took off. Right before she hit the floor, Jason caught her and pulled her into his arms. "Help me!"

Monica was right there taking her pulse as Epiphany grabbed a gurney.

"Can you lift her?"

Jason pulled her up and gently laid her onto the bed before stepping back. He is breathing hard and Emily started to cry.

Eva stepped in front of him. "Look at me."

Lila had disappeared from view so he gave her his attention.

"She's probably stressed out and," she looked over at Monica, "has she eaten?"

"We hadn't eaten dinner yet."

"I'll go to the cafeteria and get her a sandwich and some juice."

Emily wiped her face. "I'll come with you."

Jason met Milo's gaze and was satisfied when he followed the women. Monica led him to a chair and he loosened his bow tie and took it off and then unfastened a button. "I can't…"

"She's going to be fine. She has to be."

After a few minutes, Epiphany approached them.

"She's fine. I think she was just overwhelmed. He stopped breathing while she was there, but we got him back."

Monica leaned against Jason and he put his arm around her. "She hasn't eaten since this morning. They went to get her something."

"She's in bay two. You can bring it back. Patrick wants to monitor her for a little while."

Evangeline handed Tracy a bag.

"Thank you. I'll take it to her."

"You should go too," Eva said.

She squeezed Jason's hand and he hugged her before walking away.

"They are so close," Emily said. Lila thought Jason hung the moon and he adored her.

"I know."

The women walked to the chapel and sat reverently in a row.

"She saved me. I didn't think I would make it when Nikolas died. I had lost everything."

Monica slipped her arm around her. "She hated sending you away."

"It was for the best. I was drowning."

Eva felt like she was intruding, but then Monica grabbed her hand.

"We have to be strong for Lila."

Emily nodded.

Eva stood and sat at a little piano in the corner and began to play and sing Amazing Grace as they prayed.

Tracy sunk into the back row, openly crying. Her parents are her world.

During the second verse, Jason and Lila joined them. She had insisted she was fine and didn't want to be hooked up to machines. He had at least gotten her to eat half the sandwich.

She closed her eyes, listening to Eva's gorgeous voice, and when she was finished and stood, Lila was right there, hugging her.

"Thank you. That was so beautiful."

"Why don't you sit."

Lila nodded and sat in the front row. "Edward isn't very religious, but he has been known to say a prayer when necessary. I can't even bear the thought of him leaving me."

Jason sat next to her. "He's stubborn and will fight."

"I hope you're right."

They stayed there until Epiphany slipped into the room.

"Is he—"

"He made it. He's in the ICU as a precaution, but he's stable."

Lila began to cry and Jason held her. "Thank you so much."

"Leo will be in shortly."

Monica hugged Tracy as she wept.

Skye entered the room carrying a bag. "I thought you'd be more comfortable in these," she said handing it to Eva.

"Thank you. These heels are starting to hurt."

Skye hugged Lila. "He's in our prayers."

"Thank you. Why don't you take Eva to get changed?"

"Where's my outfit?" Jason muttered.

Skye grinned. "We rarely get to see you all dolled up, so you're not escaping until you get home."

He rolled his eyes. "Be careful."

"I'll go with her."

They left and Lila touched his arm. "You don't have to stay. I know you hate hospitals."

"I do, but I love you and I'm not leaving yet."

Monica slightly smiled. For the next hour, Jason doted on his grandmother until it was time for her to go see her husband. They had set up a bed, knowing she wouldn't leave and that was fine with her. There was no way she was leaving his side.