A/N – Thanks for your comments!

Chapter 21

Eva slowly breathed in through her nose and then let it out. "I don't know what I would have done, but knowing what she must have gone through when they were doing all those horrible things to her is killing me. She must have been so scared. I'm more upset about that than anything else. I know it's not your fault and Tico still might have tried to hurt us if you had just let the police handle it, but we'll never know. The only thing for certain is that she suffered while I was lying in her bed sleeping."

Lisa wanted to pull her into her arms. "Baby, we're so sorry. Please don't shut us out. That's all I ask. I don't think I could live with that."

Her red and puffy eyes shifted until they fixed on Jason and when her lip quivered he almost growled as he reached her in two steps and embraced her. When Eva's legs gave out, he picked her up and sat in a chair and held her.

Clarence moved towards them and got on his knees. "You were daddy's little girl. I doted on you and spoiled you like you were a treasure. I would die for you. Do you know that? I'm sorry for not believing in you. I'm sorry that she paid the price because of the business I chose to build. This is on me and I've never forgotten her. That is partly the reason for this merger; to keep you safe and make sure that something like that never happens again. I love you baby girl and you're killing me right now. I need us to be okay."

Eva opened her eyes and lifted her head and her gaze locked with her father who had tears in his eyes and she let out a sob and reached for him and he pulled her off Jason's lap and onto his as he rocked her and apologized for her loss over and over. Lisa and sat on the other side and hugged them both while Jason put his head in his hands. That is brutal and he just hopes that Eva truly understands. If it were his child, he would have done the same thing. Children deserve to grow up without the violence and shouldn't have to pay for their parent's choices, especially with their lives. It was why he always struggled with thinking about having a child. The danger is real and palpable.

Clarence slightly retreated so he could look at her. "Please say that you can forgive me."

"I love you. I'm upset and scared that this man is going to get to me. I forgive you, but do you understand why I'm mad?"

"Yes, I do and I'll work with Jason to figure out a way to protect you."

Jason stood and pulled her up and then did the same for her dad. Lisa hugged her daughter tightly, whispering in her ear as she comforted her.

"Can we talk about security at the wedding?"

"Yes. Let's go into the kitchen," Jason said.

Lisa sat next to her daughter. "I've been working with everyone to make sure things run smoothly."

"Thank you."

"Did you have your last fitting?"

"Yes. I lost a little weight, but they are handling it."

"You're nervous."

"I'm terrified. I feel like everyone's life is in danger and suppose they take Jason from me?" She closed her eyes as her mother's hand gently rubbed her back to soothe her.

"You have to try and have faith. I hate that instead of just being joyous about the occasion, you are fretting. I get why, but still."

"I'm trying not to dwell on it, but it's hard."

There was pounding on the door and then it flew open. Johnny stumbled inside and Evangeline got up and helped him into a chair. "Jason!"

He ran into the living and rushed to his friend's side. "Where are you hurt?"

"My leg. I think it has a piece of metal in it. A car forced us off the road about a mile away."

"How did you get here and who was with you?"

Johnny grew quiet and then looked at Evangeline. "John."

Her mouth dropped open. "Where is he?"

"Max dropped him off at the hospital and then we came here."

"Is he's alive?"

"Yes, but it's bad. We flipped a few times and he wasn't conscious."

Evangeline cut away his pant leg and grimaced.

"There's a doctor on the way," Max said.

"Can we get him into the guest bedroom?" Lisa asked.

Max got on one side and Jason on the other.

"And why didn't you stay at the hospital?" Eva asked.

"I didn't want to take the chance that they'd make me stay. We have too much going on."

"Do you want to go to the hospital or I can just find out how he is?" Clarence asked his daughter.

Jason appeared at the bottom of the staircase.

Evangeline turned to look at him.

"I'll take you," Jason said.

"Are you sure? It could be a trick to get me there," Eva said.

If the situation wasn't so dire, her comment would have made him smile. She was thinking very strategically and he liked that. "I'll be with you and a few guards. Knowing Tico, he probably thinks that we would just take John to a safe house."

"I'll get my purse."

"We can take her if you want." Lisa understood the awkwardness of the situation.

"No offense, but I don't want to let her out of my sight."

Lisa slightly smiled.

"Why don't you come with her for moral support?"

"I would like that." She appreciated the olive branch.

"I'll go check on what is keeping her."

He ran upstairs and found her in the bathroom. "You okay?"

Her hands were on the counter and she was leaning forward. "I'm just a little scared." Regardless of how things turned out, part of her would always love John.

He turned her around and embraced her. "I'll be right by your side."

"I think that is too much to ask."

"If Hannah got hurt, would you be there for me?"

She smirked. "You play dirty."

"Dirty…hmmm—we might have to revisit that later."

Her eyes filled with lust and then she grabbed his face and kissed him.

"Come on. Let's go before I take you on this counter while your parents are downstairs."

He led her to the front door and they headed to the hospital.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

When they got to G.H., John's new girlfriend was sitting in the waiting room and watched curiously as Epiphany approached them.

"I suppose you are here about John?"

The model stood and moved towards them. "Why are you here?"

"Excuse me?" Evangeline said throwing her a little shade.

"You heard me. He's finally starting to get over you. Can't you just leave it alone?"

Jason can tell that this isn't going to end well.

"You have no right to ask me to leave. Regardless of the fact that John and I are no longer together, we will always have love for each other and care about one another. Since I'm not in love with him, you have nothing to worry about." With that she turned towards Piph. "How is he?"

"He's stable. I'm not going to lie, it was touch and go. He has a broken leg, ribs, and a serious concussion."

"Is he awake?"

"They just took him to recovery after repairing his leg."

"Can I see him? Please. I called his brother, but he was in surgery so I left a message."

"Follow me."

Jason grabbed her hand and they went to the room where he chose to stay near the door. Two guards, James and Marco are at opposite ends of the hallway.

John is still out of it from the drugs. "Evangeline."

"Hey." He is bruised and there is a cut on his forehead. She slipped her fingers under his hand. "I was worried." His eyes are barely slits and he is breathing erratically.

"Missed you."

"Your girlfriend is in the lobby. I don't think she likes me."

John smirked. "She's jealous."

"Why? You've moved on."

"No."

'What?"

He squeezed her hand. "I love you. Don't leave me."

"John?"

He had fallen asleep and she pulled her hand away and slowly turned to face Jason.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"I know you heard what he said."

Jason shrugged as he strode towards her. "I can't really blame him. As long as he's respectful to you and doesn't try anything, I'm good. Do you want to stay?"

"No. I don't think we should for a lot of reasons. I'll talk to John when he's feeling better."

"Okay."

When they went back to the waiting room, the model stood.

"He passed out, but I do think he wants to see you."

The woman nodded and moved past them.

"Cold room…," Max muttered.

"How is he?" Lisa asked.

"He looks horrible, but he spoke to me."

"I'll give her a minute and then I'll go back there," Clarence said.

"Why don't you head home? I'll call you if there is a change," Lisa said.

They embraced and then Jason led her to the elevator and they got on.

"Did I ever tell you that I have an elevator fantasy?"

Jason smirked. "No."

"Do you think you could help me with that?"

"Right now?"

She chuckled. "No, but I was thinking you can make it happen at Harborview."

"I'll work on that. Your mother informed me that she's kidnapping you in two days and I'm not allowed to see you until the wedding the next day."

"It's tradition."

His brow rose. "Do I look traditional to you?"

She grinned. "It's one night."

"I don't want to sleep without you."

"Well, just think of how explosive it will be on our wedding night."

He kissed her.

The doors opened and Emily chuckled. "Get a room."

Jason smiled against Eva's lips. "What are you doing home?"

"Earth to Jason, you're getting married in three days."

"Thank you, Captain Obvious."

Emily busted out laughing, never thinking her brother would quote her like that. "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"

They embraced.

"Did you come here to see Monica?"

"Yeah. Can I see you later?"

"It's crazy, but just stop by."

"Okay. Love you."

The elevator doors shut before he could reply back, so they made their way to the car.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Evangeline let Emily into the penthouse. "Come on in. Jason will be here soon."

Emily handed her a gift and then moved past her.

"You didn't have to get me anything."

"Well, it's probably not what you think."

They sat across from each other as Evangeline opened it. She took out the small photo album and thumbed through it with a smile on her face. There are baby pictures of Jason and a few more from before the accident and then several additional ones after; some with a surprised expression when Emily caught him off guard. There are two of him on his motorcycle and one while he was sleeping. He looked so peaceful. "Thank you. I don't even think I have a picture of us."

"Well, that will change, especially after the wedding."

"True."

"You probably have heard some things about me that give you pause."

"I know you had a rough time and that you're a lot better now."

"It was horrible. I kind of lost myself and my bearings. Nikolas always believed in me and supported my career choice. When all else failed, I used that to help me focus and get back on track. He was the love of my life."

"Is it awkward to be here for the wedding?"

"That's a fair question—maybe a little, but I'm so happy for my brother. I really wish I hadn't pushed him away."

"Is that partially why you wanted to be here?"

"Yes. It has been a long time and I miss everyone. After this semester is finished, I think that I should come back."

"Well, I know you probably have other girlfriends, but I want to be there for you. I don't have a lot of people around me besides my family and Jason."

"My mom filled me in on your situation and I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this right now. I'd like to be there for you too."

Eva softly smiled. "Thanks! I've been so nervous about Tico hurting someone I care about that it has been hard to sleep well or focus."

"Hopefully, we'll make it through without incident."

"Yeah. You have a final fitting tomorrow, right?"

"Yes. I don't think I've lost or gained, so it should be fine."

There was a loud noise from upstairs and Emily is shocked when Eva jumped up and ran, so she followed.

"What are you doing?" Eva asked as she hurried towards Johnny who is slumped against the wall.

"I had to use the bathroom and I got tired."

"Men," she said before putting his arm around her shoulder. Emily moved to his other side and they got him to the bed.

"Emily, this is Johnny O'Brien."

"You work with my brother, right?" He is definitely familiar, but Jason kept her away from the business as much as possible.

"Yeah."

Once he was propped up, Emily grabbed a bandage next to the bed and some antiseptic.

"You're bleeding."

She took off the existing bandage, cleaned him up, and then replaced it.

"Thanks."

"I don't mind the practice, but sorry you got hurt."

"Get some sleep. If I know you, tomorrow I'm not going to be able to keep you here," Eva said.

Johnny grinned. "Very true."

Layla rushed into the room. "I can't leave you for five minutes and look what happens."

"Hey, baby."

She clucked her tongue and then rushed to his side. She had been completing a task for the wedding and couldn't get good phone reception, but came back as soon as she could.

Emily chuckled and disposed of the old bandage and followed Eva downstairs.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." He grabbed her hands so she'd stop moving. "Layla, it wasn't serious."

"You were run off the road and John is a mess. That could have been you."

"But it wasn't and I'm going to be okay."

Her head lowered and tears sprang into her eyes and Johnny was momentarily speechless. "Layla, look at me."

Slowly her eyes became visible and a tear rolled down her cheek and then she shook her head like she was shaking her feelings away.

"Whatever you are doing, stop."

She tried to stand, but he pulled her back.

"Layla, I'm not going to let you shut down. I know you're upset, but you know what I do and sometimes, I'm going to get hurt."

"I thought I could handle that, but now…" She had just almost lost her sister and now Johnny being hurt and John as well. It was too much.

"I can't lose you. Don't you realize that I'm crazy about you?"

Her mouth dropped open and then closed.