Disclaimer…I do not own GH or the characters….No copy write infringement intended….Entertainment purposes only….
Author's Note: I appreciate all your kind words of support and prayers! Thank you! My family and I are managing to slowly rebuild. But we all are unharmed and in the end that is all that matters. The outpouring of concern was amazing! Again, thank you!
Also, for those reviewing, I love hearing what you are thinking and what you think of the story! All the comments, favorites, and follows are greatly appreciated!
Chapter Thirty-Six
Lightening streaked through the dark sky followed by a loud boom of thunder. The chaotic mood of the occupants in the hospital room matched the unpredictability of the storm raging outside perfectly. Drowsy from the medication the nurses had been administering in her IV, Maxie muttered a prayer, begging for the past twenty-fours to be a nightmare and to wake up tomorrow with all the new developments erased from existence.
Fidgeting restlessly, not sure what he could do to ease her turmoil, Dillon tightened his arms around her trembling frame. She looked so forlorn lying in the bed with tears streaming down her face. "Shh. Come on, Max. You need to think of your baby. All this stress can't be healthy for the baby."
A muffled sob escaped her lips. "It's not true! It can't be, Dil! Coop wasn't capable of stalking and killing anyone. Diego was the sadistic bastard who wreaked all that havoc, not Coop!"
He smoothed strands of her hair away from flushed cheeks before resting his head on top of Maxie's. News of Cooper's suicide and confession had rocked all of Port Charles. But the evidence uncovered on his computer verified what he'd written. Edward and Monica were beside themselves at the mansion, trying to grasp the idea of having been blaming the wrong person for Emily's murder. Dillon ached for his family. But his heart broke for the young woman currently sobbing in his arms.
"You'll get through this, Maxie. All your family and friends will support you in any way you need. You aren't alone."
Her fingers curled into tiny fists. "It had to have been a mistake. Mac made a mistake! Right? Please tell me that Diego was the TMK! There's no way I am carrying a murder's baby!"
Dillon flinched. Even the mention of the South American still raised his blood pressure. Unfortunately Mac had explained to Dillon about the confession and proof of Cooper's crime after Maxie had banned him from her hospital room while yelling hysterically it was all lies, that someone had planted the material. "I'm so sorry," he whispered again.
"I need Georgie," she cried. "I need my sister! Why isn't she here yet?"
"Alexis has been calling nonstop but so far she can't reach anyone on the numbers you gave her. Even Hayes isn't responding."
A shimmer of hope sparked in her gut. "Logan will never allow Coop to be railroaded like this. He'll prove that someone is setting Coop up. They're brothers! He'll fix this! I know he will! He won't allow Coop to be framed!"
Letting her rant and twist facts around Dillon held back a sigh. No matter how hard Hayes might try, the evidence spoke for itself. It also hadn't escaped his notice that Johnny just happened to take Georgie and Baylor away right before things fell apart. He didn't know if Zacchara planted the evidence or found out before hand and wanted to get them as far away as possible when everything exploded. Not only had Cooper's crimes been on the news, but also Baylor's paternity. It seemed Maxie's boyfriend had previous knowledge of Georgie and Diego saved on his computer. Mac tried his best to keep that tidbit under wraps but someone in the PCPD leaked the information to the newspapers. Anything concerning the mob generated a lot of press coverage, and the police commissioner's daughter hiding the fact Diego had been alive and having a child with him was no exception, and her marrying the head of the Zacchara Empire only added fuel to the fire.
Eyes growing heavy as the sedative started to work its way through her bloodstream, Maxie clutched his hands. "Have Brook call Georgie, Dillon. Please! I need her here supporting me. I can't do this alone."
"You aren't alone," he assured her.
"She needs to set things straight," Maxie slurred as her eyes started to droop. "She had a killer's child, not me. I won't. I could never give birth to a murder's brat."
Waiting until her body went limp he ran a hand through his hair. He hoped Georgie could reach her once she came home. Nobody else had succeeded in making Maxie face reality. But if she repeated that last remark, Dillon feared Georgie might strangle her. What little he'd been around his ex since her return made it obvious she adored her daughter, even when it was thought her father was a serial killer.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Elizabeth tossed the newspaper at Jason when he entered the kitchen with Francis trailing behind him. Johnny had been with them searching through the rubble left at the site of the fire but had left earlier to get everything prepared for Sarah's arrival.
"Did you read this?"
Automatically knowing the article she referred to, Jason pinched his nose. "Yes. I already warned Zacchara it made the news."
"It's just wrong, Jason! To advertise Baylor is the heir to the Alcazar estate. Won't others see that as an opening to gain everything she's entitled to?"
"They could, but the most danger was from the families," Francis answered while grabbing a couple beers and tossing Jason one.
"And they're no longer an issue, not after Georgie married Johnny and he took control. Anyone else considering making a move will be dealt with. Georgie and Baylor are as protected as they can be, Elizabeth."
She frowned, not completely satisfied with that.
Francis could tell her mind was spinning all the different ways her friend could be affected. "Are you excited to have Sarah living back in Port Charles again?" he asked, trying to distract her.
"Surprisingly enough, yes. It's still odd that my uptight sister married OB, who can't be serious about anything unless its work related. They're a strange couple but actually suit each other." She glanced at the clock. "What time was OB picking her up?"
"In about two hours. He said he'll bring her over in the morning for breakfast." Jason smirked at the disgusted face she made. "What?"
"I don't even want to think about it," she grumbled.
"Oh please," Francis snorted. "She isn't some innocent O'Brien's corrupting."
"Yuck! That's my sister! The last thing I want to think of is her and OB having sex!"
"Like you don't?"
Jason glared at his friend while trying to contain his amusement at Elizabeth's facial expression. "Shut up, Francis."
The older man grinned after draining his beer. "I got to head out anyway." Becoming more serious, he met Jason's eyes. "Cody and I will be taking care of what you decided. You two have fun pretending to be celibate." Ducking the apple Elizabeth threw at him, he laughed before hightailing it out of the house before she could retaliate for the teasing.
"Our life was much calmer before him and O'Brien reappeared," Jason pointed out while embracing her.
Elizabeth smiled. "Yeah, but I still missed them. You did too."
Savoring the feeling of her pressed against him, Jason nuzzled her neck. "Where are our boys? It's too peaceful for them to be here."
"Edward and Monica needed a bit of cheering up after everything that's been revealed today. When your grandfather asked I couldn't refuse. Ritchie drove them over to the mansion about an hour ago."
Pulling her closer Jason mentally thanked the old man. He snaked an arm around her waist and inhaled her sweet scent. "Hmm. I can definitely think of a better way to spend our free time than standing in the kitchen."
Elizabeth's stomach clenched at his husky tone. "You can, huh?"
"Yep."
She yelped when Jason unexpectedly swept her into his arms and took long strides toward the stairs. A sly smile curved her lips before she nipped at his earlobe, her breathing increasing. "I like how you think."
"Of course you do." When her small hand brushed over his growing erection he groaned harshly. The way she provoked him never failed to amaze him and he hoped it always remained that way.
Relishing the feel of his muscular arms pressing her body to his hard chest, Elizabeth trailed moist kisses down his neck while growing damp with anticipation of the pleasure he brought every time they were together.
In their bedroom he sat her on her feet before shedding his t-shirt and kicking of his boots.
"Oh." Pure female appreciation of the site before her had Elizabeth licking her lips. Admiring his body always left her craving the sensation of his hands on her bare skin.
Lust and desire shined in her dark blue eyes causing Jason to curse softly before backing her against the wall. "You like what you see?" he asked while gripping her hips and rubbing his pelvis against her.
"Uh huh." Leaning forward she ran he tongue over the seam of his lips and wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Just the sight of your muscular abs gets me wet."
Bunching the skirt she wore in his fist, Jason slid a finger under her panties and groaned at feeling her already ready. Pushing one finger into her tight sheath and hearing her moan he rubbed her nub before adding the second digit. Her walls rippled around him, making it known she was already close. But Jason wanted to feel Elizabeth explode around him.
Protesting the loss as he removed his fingers, Elizabeth whimpered, reaching for the button on his jeans. Hurriedly pushing the offending article of clothing out of her way she gasped when he jerked her up and pinned her to the wall. Breathing raggedly, she wrapped her smooth legs around his waist and attacked his mouth while he impatiently ripped her panties off, gaining access to what he desired. "Jason!"
His fingers dug into her delicate flesh as he guided her body where he wanted before slamming her down onto his cock. Grunting at the exquisite pleasure of being buried completely in her warmth, he kept his thrusts hard and deep, knowing it was exactly what she wanted too from the long moans reaching his ears.
Giving into the intense passion and need he evoked, she threw her head back as her release grew closer. Heart racing, breathing labored, and writhing in his arms she whimpered incoherently, seeking the ecstasy his touch promised.
"So good, baby, you feel so good." Lifting her hips higher to change the angle of penetration he intently watched her eyes flutter and her chest heave. "Mine! Always and forever."
Frantically nodding, unable to speak, Elizabeth clutched his biceps, her nails sinking into the tanned muscles as she lost control.
The sight of her succumbing to the sensations coursing throughout her body, knowing he'd caused the intense release she currently was experiencing, Jason growled and slowed his movements, enjoying the way her body contracted and rippled around him. When her eyelids slowly blinked opened and her glazed blue orbs locked on his, he lowered his mouth to her plump lips. Rocking into her warmth Jason groaned while tasting her sweetness before allowing himself to indulge in his own release.
Caressing his strong jaw she sighed contently. "I love you, Jason."
"And I love you." Protectively caressing her belly, he added, "All of you."
OoOoOoOoOoOo
"But she survived the surgery?"
Unable to read her expression, Johnny just nodded. The urge to keep quiet on the new developments occurring in Port Charles had been strong, but in the end he decided to tell Georgie about Robin and Donley's attack, as well as Maxie's breakdown after hearing the truth about Barrett. Waiting until Baylor fell asleep, he'd asked Logan and Milo to stay at the suite while they took a walk in the nearby piazza. Currently sitting on a bench near the fountain that she'd mentioned after exploring the first day, Johnny held her hand and waited. Struggling not to ask about the similar injuries she'd been treated for, at least according to O'Brien, he clenched his jaw. Prague remained a subject strictly off limits.
Conflicting emotions had her rubbing her temples. After several minutes of letting the news digest Georgie met his steady gaze. "Have you finished up all the business with your uncle?"
Face impassive, he nodded. He feared she would revert back into the role of picking up after everyone but didn't give any indication. The choice to stay or return needed to be hers and hers alone. But if Georgie asked to go home Johnny wasn't going to allow Maxie to browbeat her sister into propping her up.
"I can't go back and be want they expect." Her voice cracked. "I know Maxie must be devastated, but I just can't, Johnny."
The barely whispered statement eased his tension. Scooting closer he draped an arm around her slender shoulders, pulling her to him.
"I'm being selfish, I know…"
"No you aren't," he interrupted forcibly. Johnny rubbed a hand up and down the arm furthest from him, hoping to sooth the guilt clearly obvious in her admission. "Georgie, you can't be anyone except yourself. And you deserve this break, so does Bay. I hate to be cruel but how will making yourself miserable help you or Baylor."
"It wouldn't."
"No, it wouldn't. Going back and trying to pretend nothing happened will accomplish nothing but pain. Maxie's going to have to accept what happened and find her own inner strength. It's not you responsibility to fix things. And Robin made it clear how she felt a long time ago."
Listening to the soft splashes of water as it flowed in the fountain she laid her head on his shoulder. Their connection still confused her but there was no doubt it existed. In just the short time that had passed Georgie had to admit no one else had ever accepted her just as she was without wanting to change something about her. The depth of what she felt for Johnny scared the daylights out of her. She'd fell in love him so fast. The past few days she's wondered what might have happened if they'd been around each other more when he first arrived in Port Charles? Would her life still have taken all the twists and turns? But even if she could erase the past, Georgie knew she wouldn't. Trading Baylor for an uncomplicated life wasn't even an option.
Drifting back to the topic of discussion she nervously chewed her bottom lip. She hated that Maxie was suffering, but there was no way she could pretend sorrow over Cooper's death. Johnny was right. Going back would only destroy her emotional wellbeing.
Johnny suddenly stood, pulling her up as well after threading their fingers. Dwelling on things she had no power to change would not solve anything. He refused to let others ruin their time away, especially with almost all her defenses lowered since they arrived in Milan. "Let's take a walk."
"We should go back. Bay could wake up."
"Please!" Johnny grinned crookedly. "Baylor has Hayes wrapped around her pinky. They'll be fine even if she does wake up. Between him and Milo she'll be pampered."
She giggled. "Amazing huh? Logan being at a brunette's beck and call. Never thought I'd see the day he doted on anyone like he does her."
Johnny's eyes darkened briefly before clearing. Anthony's words had silently taunted him since their confrontation in the park. He'd been unable to shake his father's suggestion and had been carefully observing their interaction ever since. What he saw was a closeness between the two that he'd never expected. It was true Logan treated Georgie as nothing more than a good friend whom he respected but Johnny had seen the emotions in the other man's eyes when Georgie wasn't paying attention. As long as Logan never acted on the attraction Johnny could let it go because he trusted Georgie, but if he crossed that line or even hinted at it Johnny wouldn't hesitate to correct his mistake.
Knowing he had to shove away the thoughts before reacting rashly he approached another subject. "I'd like to introduce you and Bay to Uncle Rudy while we're here. He's really the only family I have left that isn't mentally unbalanced. You'd like him, Georgie."
Dodging a group of teenagers congregated in the middle of the sidewalk, she bit her lip before grimacing. There were times she wished she could act more like Maxie, lying without remorse. "I've met your uncle, Johnny."
Stunned at the hesitant admission he stopped and lifted an eyebrow in confusion. "What? When? I've been with him unless I was with you guys."
Her hand trembled slightly in his. Understanding dawned in his dark eyes as she bowed her head. "Johnny," she whispered, "you know as well as I do that you never make a move into someone else's territory without their knowledge unless you want to start a war."
Having overlooked one of the basic rules of business, Johnny exhaled harshly. Steering her to a secluded table at a closed café, he mentally berated himself for not thinking of the possibility. Rudy's territory was vast and included Prague. "He never even acknowledged he knew who you were in all the conversations I've had with him since we got married."
She swallowed. If he got pissed at his uncle because of her, Georgie would feel horrible. "Lorenzo asked him to keep it to himself, Johnny, and he gave his word."
Skimming his thumb over the knuckles of the hand he still held, he bit back a growl. He should've realized Lorenzo took precautions to hide his involvement. No organization wanted to be scrutinized by the WSB. "Uncle Rudy never let on to the fact he even knew your name. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He always honors his word." Cupping her chin and tilting her head so that he could see her face clearly, he leaned in and gently brushed their lips together. "If you aren't comfortable seeing him again I'll understand. I don't want to do anything to cause you more pain."
"Johnny, avoiding him doesn't solve anything, especially considering he's the only family you have left. I'll be fine. I just didn't want to put him in an uncomfortable position of pretending not to know me when you introduced us."
"Okay, but just so you know he's not my only family. You forgot to include you and Baylor. Remember becoming Georgianna Zacchara?"
Butterflies danced in her stomach at the name. After learning the truth of her parentage and surviving the hell caused by the WSB, Georgie had purposely maintained distance between herself and everyone except her daughter. Johnny had shattered her resolve and she was thankful for his determination in not giving up. A part of her soul had been extinguished and was slowly coming back to life.
"Sometimes I wonder how everyone missed this side of you before," she playfully teased.
"Easy." Johnny stood and wrapped his arms around her from behind once she rose too. Resting his chin on her head, he enjoyed the feel of her soft curves. "I never found anyone worth sharing it with until I spotted this gorgeous creature at GH one evening."
Rolling her eyes she laughed. "Whatever. I was a crazy mess that night."
"Nope. You were worried about Bay but still sexy as hell in those snug jeans that hugged your ass perfectly." His tongue traced the shell of her ear while his breath fanned her flushed skin. Smirking when a low moan slipped free followed by an involuntary shudder, he started steering her toward their hotel before he gave into the urge to find the closest secluded alley and bury himself in her welcoming body. While he wasn't modest by any stretch of the imagination he didn't think Georgie would be up for what he had in mind out in public.
When his phone vibrated again he made a mental note to have one of the guys back home relay the message Georgie wasn't coming home early. She deserved this time just for her and he wasn't going to let anyone interfere. Her decision to stay after he brought up Maxie and Robin was enough for him to know she couldn't face her sister yet.
All thoughts of anything related to Port Charles fled when her tiny hand cupped him through his pants after the elevator door slid closed. Pinning her to the wall, he threaded his fingers in her hair before growling in anticipation of things to come.
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"Care to explain why you have not fulfilled your end of the bargain, Mr. Jacks?" Helena demanded coldly.
Jerry's temper simmered but he knew better than to unleash his wrath on the Ice Queen. No sane person purposely angered the old bat. Her level of viciousness rivaled the most sadistic person imaginable. "Maybe because she was not at the carnival like we all assumed."
"Excuses! That is all we hear from you! The rumors of your skills couldn't be more off!" Nik sneered. "You have one week from today to make your word good, Jerry."
"Or what, Nikki?" Jerry faced the arrogant prick and narrowed his eyes. "I agreed to take a job working for Helena, not you. I don't take commands or threats from sniveling, spoiled asses."
Helena silently observed the verbal sparring match as it escalated. Nik was close to overstepping his bounds with a man that she needed to finish her orders. The only reason her grandson's request had not been denied was because it didn't interfere with her own scheme. However, she had no problem crushing his dreams if he pushed Jerry to the limit of his restraint. "Enough!" she loudly ordered.
Disgust rolled his stomach. "As I previous stated, Helena, I will not fail. I just have to determine the best way to infiltrate her security. Her guard rotation is actually very good." He shot Nik a menacing glare when he snorted. "As for you, I can't snap my fingers and make things work out on your schedule. Not if you want this executed with plenty of time for your relocation."
Before he could snarl in response, Helena held up a hand. "Nikolas my dear, you will have the woman you desire, but patience is a virtue you need to practice. Rushing Mr. Jacks will only tip your hand. Now go check on Luke's worthless son. You are to keep him in line. If he leaves the island Morgan's men will snatch him up. Go make sure he understands the risks."
She waited until he reluctantly left the study. Immediately the evil gleam Jerry knew so well appeared. "My grandson has been around those sniveling Spencer's far too long. The whining is atrocious. How long before you can deliver what I hired you for?"
"Honestly, I can't be certain until they are back in the States. I expected her to come running when her cousin was injured. Zacchara must be keeping her uninformed. But when Georgianna Zacchara is back on US soil, I have a plan."
"It better work successfully," she warned shortly. "Too much depends on her."
Jerry didn't respond. Questioning the old woman more often than not resulted in death. "And what about Nikolas's plan."
Regally moving to the window, she stared out at the turbulent water surrounding the island. "Unfortunately I can no longer indulge his fantasy. My plan must be successful for our own safety. He will be angry but that cannot be helped at this point. Do as I instructed and ignore anything that contradicts my goal."
Looking forward to the entitled man's reaction when he learned his grandmother screwed him over, Jerry grinned slyly. "Of course. Anything else?"
"Keep an eye out for Natasha's whore of a daughter. Samantha has been silent for an abnormal amount of time. Either she's dead or up to something that will backfire on all of us. If you find her, eliminate her. A loose cannon will not be allowed to create drama when we need to keep a low profile right now."
Perverse excitement hummed in his veins. Killing Sweet Sam would not be a hardship at all. "My pleasure."
"Wait." She stopped him when he turned and approached the door. "Have our men located Alcazar? I need him to be found by the time Georgianna returns."
Jerry frowned. The young man's ability to lay low made it difficult tracking him. "I know he escaped from old man Zacchara. The man's been subdued since he lost the weapon he meant to use against his own son. We're looking, but Diego's evading our efforts so far."
Eyes hard, she dismissed Jerry from the room. She didn't need to tell him the consequences if Diego was not reigned in by the time she was ready to initiate her plan. Diego Alcazar would be thanking her when she gave him exactly what he was seeking. And in return Helena would be more powerful than all her enemies and most importantly, unstoppable.