this took some time... maybe some of you gave up? for those who waited patiently we thank you for sticking around. There is a little time jumping/flashback going on so I hope it doesn't confuse any one. ALWAYS will take another slant now. It remains an alternate history as we try to weave what actually happened on the show and what we thought SHOULD have happened :) all feedback is welcome and appreciated.

ALWAYS

Elizabeth hadn't been the same girl Alli met a few days ago. She had a swagger, still a little sad, but seemed over all lighter. He liked her newfound confidence. Lake didn't have a lot of experience with mothers, besides his own. When he thought about a mother returning home to her children after a long absence it made sense Elizabeth would be happier.

Though he'd planned to go back for clues, the idea of it bored him now. He'd accomplished his main objective, to establish a bond with Webber. If she had something on Morgan, he'd find out. After his encounters with her, seemed most likely what she had on him was a place in the criminal's heart. Would have been a better assignment if Morgan had shown up so he could test out his theory.

Lake needed to get to the real career advancing assignments over in Port Charles. He phoned headquarters and insisted that they get him a flight back tonight.

"You have eyes on Morgan?"

"Yes, but Raynor hasn't approved—"

"I don't give a fuck about Raynor. Morgan's there on the East Coast, right? RIGHT. So, what's the point of me being here? Fly me the fuck back now."

"Yes sir. I'll move your reservation. Check your email in 5 for new info."

"Thank you." Lake snapped the cover to his secure cell phone shut. "Baboso."

Raynor had tasked Alli with designing the network spying on the PC Mob but sent him away before checking on its implementation. It felt like Raynor used him and then got rid of him, sending him as far away as he could. He was eager to get back to see how it was going and make sure the cocky new kid the lead agent seemed to favor hadn't fucked anything up.

Tossing his duffel on the bed, Lake starting packing. Intermittent thoughts of Lizzy in that provocative oversized shirt teasing him, he couldn't get the grin off his face. She was so tiny but didn't come across frail at all making her quite attractive to him. Webber would fall for him, if Alli had anything to say about it. It would be his consolation prize for getting sent to Siberia. He really wanted a taste of her. He felt confident she'd be as sweet on his tongue as Belgian chocolate or as spicy as his abuela's hot sauce. Either flavor would satisfy his pallet.

***

Guard#1 & Guard #2 replayed the voice mail from Jason Morgan about ten times. They even listened on speakerphone to make sure they were hearing the same thing. Was it possible Lake had jogged past one of them? Could he have gone straight to her house without coming back to change? None of it seemed possible.

"Let's go in and see."

"Where? His hotel room?"

"Yeah."

"Why, do you think Morgan lied?"

"No. I mean just to see if his sweats are there, to see if he got past us or went straight to her. I don't know about you but I have to know."

Begrudgingly both agreed, they had to see if he'd somehow returned and avoided their post. If he had, there would be no escape from Morgan's wrath. They were doomed any way you sliced it.

***

Cody was floored when he listened to the two guards excuses. The guards had waited to tell Cody what happened before surfacing to face Morgan. It took awhile for the lieutenant to call them back. Finally he did and the guards laid it all out for him. The explanation didn't take too long.

It made sense to Cody, under circumstances, the guard couldn't follow Lake on his jog, but missing him on his return to the hotel was unacceptable. The one good thing they'd done might be the only thing to save them.

His best guys were reserved for more important assignments. The men he sent were good enough to follow one woman around, at least he thought they were, and they looked the most likely to blend in with Californians. The job had taken a turn, though, and gotten more complicated.

The lieutenant would have to stand up for them. They were his guys. He'd picked them for the job so ultimately their fuck up was his fuck up. In his heart of hearts he wasn't really afraid. Morgan was a reasonable guy. Jason had always displayed understanding and calm under most dire of circumstances.

He knew the number to the vacation rental but using it would be a last resort. He'd taken the time to page Morgan to a secure line. Finally it rang.

"They better be dead." Jason's voice was cold and dry on the other end of the line. It shook Cody's confidence.

Elizabeth was upstairs packing so Jason didn't have to edit his words.

This might be harder than Cody thought, "That can be arranged."

"No need. I'll do it myself. Then you and I need to talk," the tone of Jason's voice designed to chill Cody to the bone.

"Sure boss." Cody took a short, shallow breath; his chest was tight.

"Are they ever going to have the balls to face me or do I have to hunt them down?"

A slight perspiration began to dampen Cody's neck, "They wanted to talk to me first. I just--" The lieutenant was cut off.

"If Lake had seen me I would have had to take him out on the spot. IN FRONT OF ELIZABETH." Jason didn't yell, but somehow made the last sentence so intense Cody lost his ability to swallow.

"Look, I understand their side of it but they are my guys so I'll take responsibility for the fuck up. After I take care of them, I'll disappear."

Jason stayed silent considering his offer.

Cody wiped at the beads of sweat as seconds ticked off. He had to play his Ace. Now he was trying to save himself too.

"There's something else. After getting your call they went into his room to verify he was gone. They managed to copy as many files as their flashdrives would hold. The dumb ass agent left his laptop signed in."

Jason soaked it in. He knew it was a peace offering. At least the guards hadn't fled. The data might be nothing they could use. He'd have to get it to Spinelli to analyze. Confident Cody was smart enough to learn from his mistakes, Jason considered him, at least presently, more valuable alive than dead.

"Have one wipe their room then pick Elizabeth up. He's to take her to the airport. The other follows Lake. When she is safely on board they can drop the tail on Lake. Whoever is available first comes back to take me to the jet. Then they gotta come back here and clean the house. I mean clean it, not just wipe it for prints. It's on you what happens to them from there."

Jason hung up knowing that his Second probably didn't exhale till the line went dead. He didn't care. He'd take out all three of them if it came down to it. One more mistake like that could ruin everything.

He snapped out of it hearing Elizabeth come down the stairs struggling with her bags. It was so like her to not ask for help. In quick step Jason was at her side to unburden her of the luggage and shopping bags. Keeping her purse she held on to the airline ticket. Elizabeth needed it in her hand where she could feel it, know that the ticket was real and they'd soon be parting.

Noticing his brow was heavy she knew Jason was somewhere else in his mind so she didn't make any small talk. Lizzie had a lot on her mind too. They smiled at each other contented with the others silent understanding.

***

Several hours later Elizabeth lay with her head in Jason's lap. He stroked her long hair doing his best to assuage her while he thought about what she'd said. They were both on the jet and had been in flight for about two hours.

Jason couldn't imagine how he could do it: live with her or live without her. Both seemed impossible but living without her was what he would have to do. No other way to keep her and the boys safe. Every time he lost sight of that fact something, or in this case, someone would always remind him.

The time they'd spent together was amazing. Each time she'd shared herself and her heart with him was special and evoked a unique memory of him inside of her. After making love for the fourth time they laid entwined on the couch. The weathered western shirt she wore had finally secured a place of affection in his heart. In that moment no one could have pried him away from her without the fight of their life. Now he wasn't sure which way to turn.

Jason put his flawless memory to work recalling the events that led to them to flying home together. Just four hours ago Elizabeth simply glowed giving his life meaning to know he'd helped ignite it. Her voice was so innocent talking to him as they cuddled on the overstuffed couch. He remembered every exchange between them...

"Jason. I wish you loved me as much as I love you…" her soft feet brushing his legs in absentminded circles; the lazy strokes lulling him.

"Whose to say I don't?"

"I just don't think it's possible for anyone to Love as much as I love you."

He gave her a crooked smile. All he could think was how wrong Elizabeth was. He loved her more than any human could love another. He'd buried it for so long. Now that it was out, there was no way to stuff it back down. He was forever Elizabeth's always.

She'd looked deep in his eyes and he let her. He willed her to see what he couldn't put into words and found her smiling like she'd discovered the secret in his soul.

Her kiss was so soft, "Jason?"

"Hum?"

"I wish you wanted a tattoo."

"A tattoo? Why?" Now she was being funny...

The jet hit a pocket of air and rocked them but it didn't wake her, if she was even sleeping. It brought his mind back to the present moment. Jason gazing at her resting figure curled up next to him. He'd get a tattoo if she wanted him to, but he didn't need it. She'd already marked him for life.

Jason continued to weave locks of her air between his fingers as he returned to his thoughts...

"So I could draw one for you. Then a part of me would always be with you and you could never forget me."

As Elizabeth giggled drawing something on his chest Jason smiled too. He was amused by her concern, as if he could ever forget her. The brush strokes of her fingers felt like mild shocks of electricity. It forced him to hold his breath and left him wanting more.

"I really like your sketch." Jason told her and watched her blush.

"You saw it?"

"Yeah. That's why I didn't get the warning you'd come back to the house. I was concentrating on it and didn't feel my phone buzz."

She traced the seam of his lips with her fingers.

"Really?" she asked.

He nodded wrapping his digits around hers to press her talented fingers into his lips.

"I don't know what inspired it", she told him, "but I had to be thinking about us. That's all I've thought about here... You and the boys. I'll leave it as a gift to the owners. Hey do you think they'll mind if this place a mess?"

"I doubt it. Pretty sure I can make arrangements to have a cleaning service coming by. Besides, she made a good deal on a vacation rental in the off season." Jason smirked.

"How would you know? Did you set this up? You did, didn't you!!!" She took back her hand so she could punch Jason's bare bicep. She hit hard for such a small thing. "Did you have Spinelli email me the brochure?"

"Yeah. But you picked it. I didn't have control over that, just wanted you to have options. I needed you to be somewhere I knew the guards could keep an eye on you and not have their cover blown."

"It's a beautiful house." Looking around she pondered it some more, "Is it even a vacation rental?"

"Sort of. Um, it's one of those house swap deals."

"Hum. So where is the family that is suppose to be in my house?" She didn't appreciate the lengths he went to manipulate the situation.

"Don't get upset" He tapped the tip of her nose with his finger and smiled. "An artist lives here. She's in a villa in Spain for two weeks and very happy about it. Everyone got what they needed." He kissed her lightly. She was so adorable when she tried to be stern with him but her doe eyes gave her away every time.

Melting instantly, Elizabeth kissed him back, "I have to pack huh? But I don't want to…" Licking her bottom lip and drawing Jason's eye, "If I lived with you we could hire someone to do all that stuff, right?"

"If you wanted to we could." He drew his hand down her arm and over her bare hip. Nothing else he'd experienced felt like she did.

"I mean, just so we could lie next to each other longer… I don't want to go Jason." Her eyes filled briefly.

Suddenly Jason's stomach growled like a drunken lion.

"What was that?" She laughed. "Is my baby hungry?" She looked grateful to turn her forming tears into laughter before he could say anything. She dabbed the corner of her eyes subtlety.

Jason only grinned mildly. He'd noticed her moment of sadness but was happy it vanished as soon as it had come. His stomach growled again making her laugh. He was hungry so what. Body noises didn't tickle him like they did kids, and apparently some adults.

"Want to order pizza or something?" she asked, still grinning from ear to ear. "Do we have time?"

Jason was so very deeply indebt to whatever force brought them back together and to see her laugh. He wanted to make it permanent. All he could do was drink her in. He didn't even notice the protests of his empty belly.

"Jason, pizza? Would you prefer to go out, or get something on the way to the, um, airport?"

Feeling it was time to move or they'd never get motivated, Jason sat up. Elizabeth sat up too, holding on to him. He wrapped his arms around her in kind. Taking time to place tender kisses on her hair he let her vanilla aroma satiate him. It was as appetizing as any meal. He disengaged from the hug and looked at her.

She was still raw inside. Her joy at being with him was covering it like a bandage, but he knew. Jason also knew he was going to have to be the practical one and get them going…

If only he'd gotten them out of the house sooner…

Their last love making session in the shower was so raw. It left them clean and satisfied to the bone. They could finally concentrate on leaving. While Elizabeth packed, Jason had finally talked to Cody and made arrangements for Elizabeth to be picked up. He'd even found a can of stew and drank it like it was a protein shake. It was just nourishment.

One of the guards would be there soon to take Elizabeth. The other was following Lake to the airport. Even though they claimed to see Lake check out with his bags… the guards didn't have a great track record of keeping tabs on the agent.

For the flight Elizabeth wore a loosely fitted grey sweat pant/hoodie outfit with white detailing. Her hair was pulled back casually. Jason was forced to wear two-day old boxer briefs (though he hadn't spent much time in them) and the last new blue crew neck tee shirt. He thought of Spinelli's attempt to pack him a bag. He would never know and get the chance to say, "I told you so."

Jason set her bags at the front door. Elizabeth went through the house making sure she hadn't left anything behind when the phone rang. It was a startling sound. Nowadays a cell ring was familiar but this was the landline so it was louder.

Elizabeth gave him a curious look as she went to answer it.

"Hello?"

Jason watched the pink that he'd put in her cheeks drain out.

"Elizabeth?" Jason moved to her side as she lowered the receiver covering it so the caller couldn't hear them.

"Jason. It's for you…" but she didn't give him the phone. She kept her hand over the receiver and seemed to look right through him. What was spooking her? He reached for the phone but she refocused and jerked it away from him. "No." She looked him dead in the eye, "Jason. It's Mr. Crai- um, Jerry. Jerry Jacks." And made to hang up.

Before she could set the receiver in the cradle, he got the phone from her, leaving Elizabeth disoriented.

"Yes." He said into the phone, not willing to believe it was Jerry till he heard the voice for himself.

"Ahhh, so nice of you to come to the phone. I didn't know if you would."

Jason stayed silent. She was right it was presumed-dead Jerry Jacks. He tried to reassure her, but it was just as strange for Jason. Jerry was supposed to be at the bottom of Port Charles main harbor; Jason had not just witnessed the explosion, he barely escaped it himself.

"Well, I see this will be a one way conversation if don't skip the pleasantries and move straight to the point of my call."

"I'm listening."

"It was rude of me not to escort you and Sweet Sam off the freighter last time we saw each other, but as I'm sure you will recall, I was a little tied up."

Jason could feel the anger in him build with each word Jerry spoke. He wished Elizabeth would stop looking at him with worry but he didn't want her out of his sight either.

"It all worked out. Everyone thought you died."

"Yes. And I suppose it should stay that way. Would please a great deal many people I dare say. But alas, being dead is dull. The people who killed me have forbidden me to resurface yet but no one said I couldn't sneak out to see an old friend."

"Get to the point Jerry."

"I have a bon voyage gift for you. May I give it to you?"

"No."

"Yes Mr. Morgan, with due respect, you will want this, though it's not something that can be wrapped in a pretty bow. Accepting this gift may keep the ones closest around you safe. Can you meet me now?"

"Whatever it is Jerry, I don't want it."

"Let's take a walk along the beach…. The Lovely Miss. Webber can join us if you like."

He's HERE? Jason went into enforcer mode immediately. He didn't move a muscle but Elizabeth saw it in his eyes and the energy around them changed. It morphed her too. She stopped worrying about Jason and started wanting to protect him.

"Just you and me Jerry. When?"

"Anytime, I'll wait outside till you can join me." The line went dead.

He didn't have a gun.

He had no back up.

Elizabeth had no guards he'd be leaving her alone.

He suspected Jerry would only be antagonized into doing something rash if he didn't meet with him.

Jason's life had not been threatened.

Jerry had information to pass on.

Either because he needed a pawn to carry it or it could have to do with Jasper Jacks and Carly, Jerry's brother and sister-in-law, the psychopath's only know Achilles heel.

"Jason, what do you need me to do?" She was ready to do anything.

"Did you notice a small enough knife or anything in the kitchen that could be a weapon? Fit in my pocket?"

"No, oh, besides some parry knifes. They're kind of dull."

Jason moved to the kitchen and she followed. He started opening drawers till he found knifes but they were all unsuitable.

"Will this do?" He looked at Elizabeth who'd opened a few drawers herself. She held up an ice pick.

Jason moved to her and kissed her cheek, "I'm so sorry…." He took the pick into his lethal hands regretting her seeing him like this.

"Jason, please, I'm signed on. I don't care about any of this. You do what you have to do and I will wait for you to come back." She kissed him on the cheek like he'd done to her, "Jerry's just a man. Maybe he acts like a monster, but still just a man. Don't worry about me."

Where was her fear he wondered. There wasn't bravado in her tone, just resolve and strength.

Elizabeth continued, "What does he want?"

"To meet."

"Where, when?"

"He's here."

"Outside?" That shook her a little.

"He said he was."

"Jason this is so creepy. That man is twisted. Be careful."

The enforcer started to make for the windows, checking out side for Jerry and any accomplices he might have while shutting the curtains as he passed. Out side seemed desolate.

He spoke to Elizabeth as she followed him, "The guards will be here soon. Hide and don't come out for anyone but me OK?"

"Ok"

He sent a quick picture to the guard on his way warning him of danger.

Standing at the front door she wanted to embrace him but he wasn't Jason her lover right now, he was working and she didn't want to distract him. He made her heart stop when his eyes suddenly softened for a moment and he bent to kiss her. She took in the wetness of the kiss and placed a hand on his chest. Comforted to feel his steady, calm heartbeat. Elizabeth was determined to stay calm as well.

Just as he turned the knob, Elizabeth thought of something, "Don't let him get to you if he brings me up. I'm OK. Just remember that, when he plays his games, I'm OK. I'm not afraid."

A part of him was studying the first taste of life as a couple living in his dark and twisted world. He didn't want anything to change her or harm her. She trusted him completely and it was good. He needed to know she wouldn't run off and come up with her own plan to counter his.

Jason left her leaning up against the door looking around for a place to hide. He watched her from the window. Chewing her bottom lip he though Elizabeth looked like she was fighting the urge to go with him. Stay Elizabeth, he thought, please do as I ask so I don't have to worry about you. As if reading his mind her lithe body slip off to stow away somewhere in the antique beach house.

***

The lean older brother of Jasper Jacks stood on a dune letting the salty wind twist his sand colored curls about his head. The roar of crashing waves drowning out the static in his head. He stayed in view of his car and on the house Morgan would approach from. The firearm he'd brought was firmly in his hand within the pocket of his dark navy pea coat.

Jerry knew all about Elizabeth and Jason. He'd known for some time. Back when he'd been engaged to Bobby Spencer he'd been on the periphery of their budding friendship. It was right around the time of his first negotiations with the FBI.

Imagining life as a slab of wood, Jerry saw himself as the sharp edge of a jigsaw. He sliced through life cutting out such convoluted pieces that no one could put the puzzle together. Not even all the organizations he'd worked for could keep track of Jerry Jacks, a.k.a. Mr. Craig, a.k.a. Mr. Moreau, and so on. None of the power bases he'd done work for (or against) was sure if they could kill him for fear of their precious secrets getting out.

Jerry traded in love for a life lived without lines. At least he was alive and not behind bars. He liked to think he catered only to himself but the fact was Jerry sold his soul along time ago. The truth was Jerry lived in a prison of his own making where he played the roles of both jailer and prisoner.

He almost didn't recognize Jason when the enforcer stepped on to the porch. Was he wearing blue? Where was his jacket? Jerry checked his watch noting he didn't have long. When he looked up a mere four seconds later the enforcer had closed much of the distance between them. Breaking into a jog, the wet sand didn't seem to slow the mob boss in the least.

"That's close enough," Jerry announced keeping the barely winded Jason Morgan out of arms reach.

"What do you want Jerry?" his voice competing with the wind.

"Did you know, out there," gesturing towards the Pacific Ocean, "is a plastic island? Seriously. It's reported to be the size of Texas. All the plastic flotsam and jetsam end up there, in the doldrums. Amazing what we waste, isn't? Enough plastic to cover the grand state of Texas."

"Tell me why we are here."

"Good, happy to get straight to it. I don't have long before my hosts will come looking for me anyway. See I slipped away, like a ghost." Jerry smiled at his reference to being a dead man walking. "This is for my brother, you see, and his darling wife, who I believe is also someone dear to you?"

Jason made no acknowledgment. He was focused on Jerry's eyes and the gun in his pocket.

"I need you to look after my brother and his family. I would if I could, but my hosts would disapprove of me showing my face in Port Charles at this juncture."

"I'll bring a message to your brother if you tell me how you knew I was here."

"I'm afraid I won't have time for questions. I need you to listen. Don't trust the FBI." Jason's tiny curl of his lips did not go unnoticed by Jerry, "They are using you but not for what you think. I need you to NOT get in their way or it could be disastrous for the people of Port Charles. And if you don't think you can do that, can you send Carly, Jax and Morgan away?"

"What is supposed to happen? Can I stop it?"

"No, I'm afraid even Port Charles' dark hero can not stop this one. It's easiest if you simply do as I say. Stay out of the FBI's way. As a gesture of honor I will give you one more piece of advice. With the obvious exception of Carly, don't turn your back on any of the women in your life be they friend or foe… Or lover."

Jason gave the minuscule hint of awareness as a red dot on Jerry's forehead suddenly appeared. The lazar scope of the returning guard trained his gun barrel down on the psychopath. Should he give the OK? Was Elizabeth safe?

"Please ask your man to kindly lower his weapon."

Both men stood his ground unflinching. They each had a nagging instinct to live but neither was afraid of death.

"You should know, sweet Baby's Breath Elizabeth is my guest right now. I can be a good host and let her go when I am safely out of range or you can signal to your man to kill me, and your lover right now. It's your choice Mr. Morgan." The Aussie turned to go, the dot following him. Jason stood still as an Oak. He didn't believe Jerry had Elizabeth, he was pretty sure Jerry came alone, but he wasn't positive. He wanted two things equally: to kill Jerry and to run back to the house for Elizabeth.

Jerry turned back to add, "Jason, love is a rare thing unlike plastic. Don't waste it. The fact that you still believe in it, gives an old man like me hope. Elizabeth is something special… Believe me, you and I aren't the only ones to take notice lately. Don't let her out of your sight."

He wouldn't call Jerry's bluff today. With lightening speed Jason signaled for the guard to retreat pointing at the house and took off running. He lost track of Jerry Jacks immediately. He had to get to Elizabeth.

When he reached the house the first thing he heard was the guard was calling her name. #2 yelled for her again but went unanswered. The house was too quite.

"Elizabeth?" Jason yelled. "Elizabeth!"

The two men both heard a rustling sound come from the kitchen. Jason reached it just in time to see Elizabeth crawl out from cupboards under the sink. She held a can of Raid with her finger on the trigger. The guard chuckled to himself. Jason smiled proudly rushing to her side.

As he helped her up he took Elizabeth in his arms. They held on to each other in a way that made the guard feel like he was intruding so he backed away. Before he was completely out of the room Jason told him to take Elizabeth's bags to the car, she was going with him on the jet. Jason wasn't about to let her out of his sight heeding Jerry's only piece of advice that made any sense.

"Thank you. Thanks for doing as I asked." He said as he rocked her.

"Jason, what did Jerry want?"

"I don't know really. He's afraid for his brother but I don't know why."

"Did he threaten you? How did he know we were here?"

"He didn't threaten me, not really. I don't know how he knew…" His concern for Elizabeth fading now she was in his arms. Going back to his conversation with Jerry, Jason's thoughts drifted. What was he up to? The puzzle kept getting more and more pieces with no clearer picture. Was he kidding himself that he could keep his family safe?

"Don't do this." Liz pulled away from Jason. "Look me in the eyes Jason."

He pulled his thoughts back to her and looked into her sincere cerulean eyes.

"Jason don't start wondering if you can keep us safe. You can't, nothing is 100% guaranteed safe, not even the expiration date on milk. You have to fight for us. Fight Jason." She pulled herself back into his embrace. She wasn't even sure if he heard her.

***

The lovers barely spoke on the drive to the small airfield. They barley let go of each other for longer than five seconds either.

Once on board the small plane Elizabeth found the catering to be surprisingly appetizing. She made sure Jason ate too. It was her first time on a jet. The fantasies were all under more romantic circumstances of course. One's where she imagined The Prince courting her while she played coy as the winged carriage sailed over the clouds surrounded by stars.

The clouds below and the starry sky were the only things to come true. She was with her Knight but he was distancing himself from her. Jason only concerned himself with her comfort. He'd held her hand, asked if she needed anything, but nothing more substantive.

What else she could say to him? Fear was their enemy yet Jason was supposed to be the fearless one. He always said it wouldn't work if she were scared, but what about him? Wasn't it time for him to fight for his family?

She wouldn't go against Jason, but she wouldn't stop fighting for him even if it was a one sided battle. How was she supposed to walk away from what they had? How could she continue to let the most amazing man stay away from a child he loved more than life?

Just one more night together would have helped. She wanted Jason to get used to her being there for him more than just one night. But there wasn't time. And then there was the call from Jerry Jacks.

They'd reached cruising altitude when Jason noticed her shiver. He beckoned for her to sit next to him. Though she was frustrated, Elizabeth curled up next to her lover placing her head on his lap. She quivered again remembering their last time together...

"I'll get something to eat along the way. Unless you want to order pizza?" She shook her head. "Mind if I take a shower?" Jason asked.

"Of course not." She let him stand while she wrapped the western shirt around her.

It was hard for her to watch him walk out of the room. She could feel a hint of desperation nipping at her. Feeling empty inside was more painful than childbirth, more painful than a broken heart and being without Jason made her feel empty inside.

Allowing him to go upstairs to shower was the decent thing to do but she couldn't stay away. Elizabeth restrained herself as long as she could before following his footsteps.

"Jason?"

He heard the soft knock on the bathroom doorframe. Opening the shower door Jason saw a demure Elizabeth. His expression looked as if he'd suddenly realized he'd been waiting for her and wondered why she'd taken so long. Dropping the western shirt she felt the steam wrapped her translucent skin like vapor gauze.

As the water splashed off his solid frame it gave Elizabeth the sense of movement though Jason's tan bare body stood rigid. His smile invited her in, if she dared. His eyes told her he would ravish her slender frame making her beg for him. One step forward would put her at his mercy…

Elizabeth shook her head realizing she was at his mercy again. This time she was begging Jason to fight for them. Jason removed his hand thinking she wanted him to stop stroking her hair. She hoped he'd choose her and the boys this time. She would willingly die for their family, but would he let her? Reaching blindly for his hand she found it. Instinctively drawing it down, she placed his warm palm over her belly. A knowing came over her. That feeling again, a sense of their family expanding by one...

…Elizabeth took two steps towards the shower and paused. He watched her bite on her bottom lip as water splashed on to the floor. He was hungry all right, starved as a matter of fact, but for her. Before Jason seemed aware of what his feet were doing he'd stepped out of the shower, water cascading down his muscled body to create a river on the tiled floor. He took her in his arms aggressively and wreaked havoc on her neck. He growled 'I love you's' into her ear as he pulled them both back into the shower like a wild animal with his prey. Her nails dug into his arms.

"Jason…" she whimpered as the divine begging had begun.

continued......