A/N – Thanks for the comments! I appreciate all of them! * NaxieFan48 – Glad I could help with your heating bill lol!

Chapter 37

Jason stepped into Helena's study. Her eyes lifted from the paper she was reading and her forehead smoothed out as a smile crept onto her face.

"Hello."

"Hi," he said before sitting across from her. "Thanks for meeting with me."

"It's always a pleasure. Would you like something to drink?"

"No. I'm fine. I need your help."

The paper fluttered out of her hand as she gave him all her attention, knowing this was probably quite serious if Jason was seeking her out. "Go on."

"I need—Elizabeth's parents, I know where they are."

"I see."

"And I also know where James is being held."

Her legs crossed as she leaned back in the chair, contemplating how to reach Jason without offending him. "You want revenge, so do I." James needed to die and she really wanted to be a part of that. And considering what Elizabeth's parents did, she wouldn't mind seeing them six feet under too.

"We have an idea to infiltrate the facility. They are holding him for at least a few weeks until they transfer him overseas."

"Do you need a way to get in?"

He shook his head. "No. We have that covered. We're going to use a mask." He wasn't used to sharing this much information, but in a weird way, he trusted Helena. She had never given him a reason not to.

She chuckled. "That is poetic justice. I like the way you think."

"I was wondering if you have a drug we could use to end him."

"I do. In fact, they would think he died of some kind of heart ailment, but he wouldn't be dead just paralyzed."

It was Jason's turn to smirk. "So, he'd be buried alive?"

"Yes." Helena didn't even try to hide the glee in her eyes.

"Perfect."

"Jason, I'm not trying to offend you, but there's a lot to deal with in regards to Elizabeth's family."

"Helena…"

"You have a lot on your plate and I think emotionally, dealing with the Webbers will take its toll."

He pinched the bridge of his nose as he considered her request. "I'll think about it."

"Regardless of your choice, you can have access to my tech staff. I don't want anything to go wrong. Now, what are you plans for the Webbers?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure."

Her finger tapped against her lips. "And what about her siblings? Did they have anything to do with this?"

"I don't know, but clearly they knew of the insurance fraud. I'm just not sure that they knew about Audrey."

"Does that make a difference to you?"

"No."

Helena couldn't help but wish that Nikolas was more like Jason. The coldness reflected in his eyes warmed her cold, dark heart. "Well, you could put them out of their misery faster and save the more intensive torture for her parents."

"True."

"And Elizabeth?"

"She doesn't want to know the details, but she has no illusions that I plan to end them."

"Maybe you're looking at this all wrong. If you end her family, it could affect your relationship down the line."

"It won't."

"I'm sure you know that most women are emotional and can change their mind. Elizabeth is not a killer, but she is basically putting out a hit on her family. That can eat away at you and I don't think their blood should be on your hands entirely."

Jason understood what she was inferring. "So, you're saying that you want to end them and I kill James?"

"Yes. Let's just say that I've grown fond of the little spitfire and would love to hear her parent's screams fill the hallways of my catacombs."

Jason smirked and then stood. "You have given me a lot to think about. I'll call you tomorrow with my decision."

"I'll look forward to hearing from you."

Jason left and Alfred entered the room.

"Shall I prepare the rooms for torture?"

She nodded, already knowing that Jason would want to talk to Elizabeth about it, but her plan was hopefully still a probable end.

He filled her tea cup and then started to leave, knowing she had a lot to ponder.

"And Alfred…"

"Yes, my Queen."

"Open the rack room."

Alfred smiled. He loved when she got all medieval. "It would be my pleasure." Elizabeth's parents were of the worse sort and they deserved everything that was coming to them.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Elizabeth put down her paint brush as the door to her studio swung open. "Hey."

Jason smiled, glad to see her beautiful face. "I bought you some lunch."

She wiped off her hands. "Thanks."

They sat on the couch and she handed him a burger.

"You're more quiet than usual," Elizabeth said.

"Yeah. I have a lot on my mind."

"Care to share?"

"I'll wait until you finish your lunch."

Grimacing, she shoved down the uneasy feeling she had and took another bite of her sandwich.

"What are you painting?"

"I'm just experimenting with some colors right now."

He quickly polished off his burger and waited for her to finish.

Throwing the last few bites down, she wiped her mouth and searched his eyes.

"I just got back from speaking with Helena."

Her brow arched. "Really?"

"I asked her for some help with James and your parents."

She took in a harsh breath. "And?"

"She wants to be the one that deals with them because she doesn't want it to come between us."

Her heart sunk. It had been on her mind a lot. While she wanted them to pay, she wasn't sure that she wanted to be responsible for their deaths.

"I've been thinking about it a lot. Maybe Helena is right. I just—I don't know that I want them to die. That would be so easy and I don't think they deserve that. There is a big part of me that wants them to suffer and lose everything."

His finger nudged under her chin so she would look at him. What she saw when their gazes connected almost took her breath away. There was so much love and understanding that started to cry. "Jason…"

"I love you and I will do whatever it takes to make you happy. If that's what you want, then I'll do it."

"But you don't agree?"

He sighed. "It's complicated. In my head, they are the enemy and yes, I want to eliminate them or anyone else who hurts you."

She understood how his brain worked.

"My need to protect you is…"

She threw her arms around him and kissed him within an inch of his life totally taking him off guard. When the need for air became paramount, their foreheads touched as they both realized just how strong their feelings were for each other.

"I want everything with you," Jason whispered.

"I feel the same way."

"I don't want to wait."

Their eyes were locked in battle as she tried to fathom what he was saying.

"I know we're moving fast, but I want everyone to know that you're mine forever."

A tear ran down her cheek. "What—what are saying?"

"I—I want you to know that I want to marry you after everything is settled. Life is too short and—"

He was cut off by her lips. She had waited so long to be with him and the fact that he loved her so much just made everything so perfect. Jason Morgan was the man of her dreams. "Yes. There is nothing I want more than to be your wife."

He was relieved that they were on the same page. This wasn't something he had planned, but it just felt right. "I didn't mean to propose, I mean—I don't have a ring."

She chuckled. "Well, how about we make that commitment to each other and then when the time is right, you can ask again."

Just when she thought he couldn't be any more wonderful, tears welled in his eyes, letting her see his vulnerability.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Making you happy is what I wake up for. I love you, Elizabeth Hardy." He needed her like he needed to breathe.

Her tears left a watery trail down her cheeks. "I want to love and cherish you for the rest of my life. I want to spoil you and make love to you…You are the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing before I go to sleep. Everything is right in my world because you are in it. I love you, Jason Morgan."

He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Then it's settled. You are my first, last, and always—my home. Mine!"

She laughed through her tears. "I don't know how you'll possibly top this when you give me my ring."

He groaned. "You have a point."

She held his face. "Just know, that I don't need anything elaborate. We have never been all about that. You and your love for me is enough."

His eyes darkened and she grinned at the look on his face that she knew too well. "I want you."

"Then take me."

For the next hour, he made love to her as their passion consumed them. It sealed their commitment and they had never felt so loved.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Siobhan rushed off the plane and down to the baggage carousel. And as she was watching random bags pass by, her mind was actually on Johnny, anxious to be by his side. She felt like someone was staring and turned around and grinned. "Jason!" she yelled, propelling herself into his arms.

He chuckled as he hugged her. "I am so damn glad that you are back."

She laughed. "Are you giving my babe a hard time?"

His face contorted. "Me?"

Elizabeth pushed by him and the girls embraced. "Don't mind him. The bromance is still alive."

Siobhan laughed. "I'm so happy to see you. We have so much catching up to do." She saw her bag out of the corner of her eye. "Jason! That one."

He quickly moved forward and grabbed it. "Is that the only one?"

She nodded as she tugged her carry on closer.

"This way."

The girls chatted as they followed him to the car. He was glad that they had become fast friends. Elizabeth needed people around her that truly cared.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Johnny grinned the minute he saw her.

She hurried towards him and gave him a hug and a kiss as she stroked his face. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired."

"He fell," Liz said before backing out of the room.

Her mouth dropped open. "How?"

"I went to the bathroom on my own and got dizzy on the way back."

"Johnny…"

"I'm fine."

She scowled and the studied the bandage on his thigh. "Does it hurt?"

"Not too much."

"Liar."

He grinned. "I love you so much."

"I love you too."

"We're staying here tonight."

"Okay. Jason had to go see Sonny."

"That means we can make out for a bit."

She chuckled. "One track mind."

"I can't help it if you're hot."

"Well in that case, I think a kiss is in order."

He frowned. "Just a kiss?"

"You are in no condition for anything more."

She laughed at his pout. "Come here. I'll make it worth the while."

He sat up and she kissed him passionately, showing him just how much she had missed his mouth.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Jason walked into Sonny's house, not knowing what to expect. Max had texted him that there was a lot of glass shattering and asked if Jason could come over and talk him. Frankly, the enforcer wasn't sure what to say, especially since he was basically responsible for bringing the secret to light.

"Sonny."

He spun on his heal, surprised to see Jason. "What are you doing here?"

Jason made a face when he saw all the glass. "Checking on you. What happened?"

Sonny sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I saw him. He's beautiful. I'm just so pissed off at Brenda and don't even get me started on Carly."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I just—I don't know what do. Everything is just so screwed up."

Jason nodded and then plopped into a chair. "How is Brenda acting?"

"Like Brenda. One minute she's apologizing and the next it's all my fault."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to get to know my kid."

"Is Brenda going to stay for a while?"

"Yeah, but it's inevitable that she goes back and then I'm not sure what will happen. I could take her to court, but that is his home."

"You can visit him and video chat."

"Yeah. I guess it's for the best. It's dangerous here."

"Are you done with Brenda?"

Sonny groaned. "For now, yes, but you know we always find a way back to each other."

Jason shook his head. "Maybe you should pay attention to the fact that your relationships are truly dysfunctional."

"Don't be all judgmental because you got the perfect girl. We can't all have that."

"I think you could have it, but you don't like it."

Sonny rolled his eyes.

"You're kind of drama whore."

Sonny's head tilted. "Did you just call—"

"You heard me. Brenda and Carly are two of the most dramatic and high maintenance women I have ever met in my life. What does that say?"

Sonny scratched his head. "I guess you have a point."

"It's up to you, but Brenda is never going to accept your life style and everyone deserves to have someone love them unconditionally. Just because you two have great sex doesn't mean she's the love of your life. If she was, you'd still be with her." Jason stood. "You're just going to hurt each other. That isn't a soul mate. And Carly…"

A groaned filled the room. "You don't even have to say it. This is the last go round with her. Diane is already preparing the divorce papers. I'm done and I know we're toxic. I love Michael like he is my own, but I won't deny him his father."

"Thank you. I'll send Max in to help you clean up."

"I'd like you to meet Del."

Jason slightly smiled. "I'd like that too."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Thanksgiving

Liz grinned when she saw Jason appear in the kitchen. "You look nice." She wrapped up the last of the brownies and put them in a container.

"Thanks." He really hated not being in jeans, but for her, he had put on dress pants and a button down shirt.

"Let's go. I don't want to be late." Their first stop was Mac's house and then they'd go to the Q's.

Jason grunted. He wasn't sure he could survive today without alcohol and had actually considered filling up a flask.

She patted his cheek. "You'll be fine. I'll make it up to you later."

His brow quirked and she winked, making him smile.

"I'm going to hold you to that."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the door, excited to see her friends.