Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it. We're nearing the end of this story. 5 more chapters after this one.
Title: Bring Me to Life
Summary: What started as a good relationship turns ugly when Lucky discovers a secret that Elizabeth has never told anyone and uses that to keep her away from Jason. Lucky turns more violent when he blackmails her to stay in the relationship. Will Jason uncover the secret in time and rescue the woman he loves from her tormentor before it's too late? AH. Rated 'M' for violence/sex/language.
Chapter 61
***The Next Day***
(At Sonny's place, Sonny, Jason, Elizabeth, Francis, Max, Milo, Johnny, and Emily are joined in conversation)
Liz: "Thank goodness things with Lucky are finally done. I never thought that I'd be free from him."
Jason: "He will never be able to hurt you again."
Emily: "Jason took care of the SOB. Things definitely took a dark turn with Lucky."
Liz: "I know he was your friend. He was friends to a lot of people."
Emily: "Yeah, but the day he laid a hand on you was the day I lost all respect for him. I don't care how pissed off a guy is at a woman, you NEVER lay a hand on her."
Sonny: "I couldn't agree with you more, Emily."
(All of a sudden, Spinelli comes walking down the stairs with a cheerful smile on his face)
Spinelli: "Greetings, everyone! Hope your day's been pleasant!"
Sonny: "What's going on, Spinelli?"
(Spinelli claps his hands proudly as he speaks)
Spinelli: "Ah-ha! At last, I've finally completed the last level of my war game! In the end, it was no match to my awesome skills!"
(Everyone laughs at Spinelli's humor)
Sonny: "Spinelli, I want you to meet some people. I told you a little while back that you would be able to put a name to the face."
(Sonny motions for Emily and Elizabeth to come to him, which they do)
Sonny: "Spinelli, this is Emily. She's dating Dante Falconeri."
Spinelli: "Ah, you mean the dude that had the file on Miss Webber."
Sonny: (nods) "Yes."
Emily: (smiles) "Very nice to meet you, Spinelli."
(The two shake hands, causing the young man to blush)
Spinelli: "Nice to meet you, as well, Miss Emily."
Emily: (chuckles) "Just Emily is fine."
(Spinelli turns his head slightly and tilts his head. The gang, except for Elizabeth and Emily, knew what that meant)
Sonny: "Oh, get ready, Em."
Emily: (confused) "Get ready for what?"
Sonny: (chuckles) "You're about to be nicknamed."
Emily: (puzzled) "Huh?"
Francis: "He gave us all nicknames. Don't worry. It's harmless."
Emily: (shrugs) "Oh. Okay."
(The men all wonder what Emily's nickname will be. Spinelli smiles in satisfaction as he speaks)
Spinelli: "I am pleased to announce you as the 'Noble One'. You are there for everyone and sweet by nature."
Emily: (giggles) "Well, thank you, Spinelli. You're very sweet, too."
(Sonny points at Elizabeth)
Sonny: "This one here is Elizabeth. She's with Jason."
(Spinelli took one look at Elizabeth and grew sad. He immediately clears his throat and speaks)
Spinelli: "If I may be so bold to say, Elizabeth, your beauty shines upon your face even in the darkest of days."
(The group all knew he was talking about what Lucky did to her. Elizabeth smiles a little, even though she wishes he didn't know the truth)
Spinelli: "Miss Elizabeth, please know I mean no harm when I say that." (nods) "I can see why Stonecold loves and cherishes you. He will always be your protector."
Jason: "Until the day I die."
Liz: (chuckles) "We'll protect each other."
Spinelli: (smiles) "Just by what others say about you and briefly meeting you now…" (chuckles) "I must say your nickname is especially one I like. Even though I've nicknamed everyone in this room, yours is one of my favorites."
(Spinelli nods and smiles as he speaks)
Spinelli: "It is very nice to meet you…Fair Elizabeth."
Liz: (smiles) "Same to you. You've been a very good friend and ally to Sonny, Jason, and the rest of the guards. Thank you."
Spinelli: (smiles & shrugs) "The pleasure has been all mine."
(Sonny pats Spinelli on the shoulders and smiles)
Sonny: "To show our appreciation…not only have we decided that you're a permanent fixture with us, but we made sure to always have the chips you like and your orange soda on hand so you never run out."
(Spinelli looks at everyone in the room in shock. He smiles wide as he couldn't believe the generosity everyone has shown him)
Spinelli: "I am most grateful and happier than I ever thought I'd be. In my previous establishment, there wasn't much to do, but here? I love it here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Jason: "You're very welcome, Spinelli. You have shown us you're an invaluable asset. We hope you're with us for years to come if you choose to be."
Spinelli: "Nothing would make me happier, Stonecold."
(Everyone takes turns either patting Spinelli on the back or embracing him. He couldn't help but smile in sadness, causing Elizabeth to face him with concern)
Liz: "What's wrong, Spinelli?"
Spinelli: "I've just never been shown this type of kindness before. The way you trust me and say I'm invaluable….it makes me happy."
Liz: "It's because you are valuable to us, Spinelli. Like everyone said, we want you to stay."
Spinelli: (nods & smiles) "I will. I'm honored."
(Elizabeth gives Spinelli a warm hug, which he happily reciprocates. Jason goes to them and smiles at his young employee)
Jason: "Elizabeth has a kind soul. That's one of the things I love about her. Please believe what she says, as well as all of us."
Spinelli: (smiles) "Thank you, Stonecold."
(The gang chitchats for a little while longer before Jason, Elizabeth, and Emily leave. Sonny makes plans with Kate. Jason and Elizabeth go back to his penthouse. Emily goes back to her and Dante's apartment. Johnny meets up with Abby at his place. Everyone was glad everything was back to normal)
***Emily & Dante's Apartment***
Emily: "Hey, babe."
Dante: "Hi."
(Dante was already home after working a double shift. It was nice to be home and to relax with his girl for the rest of the night. They decided to watch a movie and have some popcorn. After going through a few movie choices, they settled on 'The Choice'. They had seen the movie many times and even though it was sad, they still loved it)
Emily: "No matter how many times I watch this movie, it never gets old."
Dante: (nods) "It's a good one indeed."
Emily: "I just want you to know that if something ever happens to me that causes me to be in a coma, I trust you to make the right decision if I should be taken off life support."
Dante: (shakes his head & sighs) "Nothing will, babe."
Emily: "We can't predict the future, honey. We don't know what life will throw at us. To be honest, I've already had a will drawn up."
Dante: (surprised) "What?"
Emily: "The last time we watched this movie, it got me thinking. I know I should probably have my parents instead of you be the one in control. However, you are the one I want to spend forever with. I know you will do what's right. If, by chance, you are unavailable for whatever reason, Elizabeth is the next one in line to make decisions in case I can't make them myself."
Dante: "Baby, you're so young. But, I understand." (smiles) "Thank you for trusting me, honey. I'm going to do the same thing. Like you said, you can't predict the future. You will be the first in line, followed by Johnny O'Brien."
(Dante takes his girl's hands in his and kisses them before smiling at her)
Dante: "I love you more than anything or anyone in the world."
Emily: (smiles) "I feel the exact same way."
(While they were watching their movie, Dante made a choice. A decision he wanted to do in the next day or so. He knew it was time. He loved Emily and wanted no one else but her. He hoped that, even though they loved only each other, she would take the next step with him. He would soon find out)
***Johnny's Apartment***
(With everything that's happened the last couple of months, Johnny knew things had changed. More importantly, that Abby has changed. When they first started dating, things were good. Fast forward about two years later. Abby wasn't acting very mature and Johnny didn't like that. He made that known to her, too. However, the last couple of months, he saw a positive change in her. She acknowledged her faults, as did he. She made up with Elizabeth so things were back to normal there. Johnny knew that the girl he fell in love with two years ago was back for good and he couldn't have been happier)
(He wanted to take the next step in their relationship, but he needed to make sure they were in the right place. Between what happened with them to the whole ordeal with Elizabeth, he was confident they were finally there. He just hoped she felt the same way)
(They are seated at the kitchen table having supper. They were both craving Italian, so they chose shrimp Scampi. They couldn't get enough of it)
Abby: "Mmmm. I swear, this is my favorite meal ever."
Johnny: "You can't go wrong with this food."
Abby: (chuckles) "Very true."
Johnny: "By the way, thank you for coming over. This is fun."
Abby: (nods & smiles) "Anytime. You know I love it here."
Johnny: (nods) "Yeah, you are here a lot."
(Judging from her slight hurt expression, he clarifies)
Johnny: "I meant to say that I love that you're here a lot. I'm so glad that we worked everything out."
Abby: (smiles) "Me, too, babe. I know I have my own place, but I'm here so much that I guess I'm just used to your place."
Johnny: "You're right. You do have your own place. I like that you're here more, though."
(After each taking a bite of their food, Johnny makes his next move. He privately admitted if she said no to his question, he'd be crushed. Then again, in his heart, he hoped she'd say yes as she brought up the subject a long time ago. No time like the present)
Johnny: "There's, um, something I want to ask you. I've wanted to ask you it for a while now."
Abby: (nods slowly) "Okay. Go ahead."
Johnny: "We've had disagreements on the subject before. However, I feel we're in the same place where we can talk about it."
Abby: (nods) "If you're talking about our disagreements on living together, I remember." (chuckles dryly) "Not something I'd like to repeat. Arguing about it, I mean."
Johnny: "I agree. I know we had issues on it. However, with everything that's happened the last couple of months or so and then Elizabeth's ordeal…"
Abby: "I was sad to hear about it. I was a little hurt she didn't tell me, but I understood why being we were on the outs. I'm just glad we're in a better place." (smiles) "I'm glad you and I are in a better place, too. I love you and I don't want to lose you."
(Johnny shakes his head and places his hands over hers)
Johnny: "You won't ever lose me, baby. I promise you that. I love you so much"
Abby: "You mentioned there was something you wanted to ask me." (teasingly) "Should I be worried?"
Johnny: (chuckles) "No, you don't need to be worried. In fact, this has been a long time coming. At least, that's how I feel."
Abby: (nods) "Okay, now you definitely got me curious."
Johnny: "What I wanted to ask you was…" (smiles) "Will you do me the honor of moving in with me Abby Haver?"
(Abby looks at Johnny, stunned! Wow! She definitely wasn't expecting that as she didn't know he was ready)
***Sonny's Place***
(In the living room, Sonny and Kate are having a glass of wine and enjoying each other's company. They are sitting down on the couch and facing each other)
Sonny: "Thank you for coming tonight."
Kate: (smiles) "Thank you for inviting me. I never grow tired of being with you, babe."
Sonny: "I feel bad that you're always coming here. If you want, I have no problems going to your place."
Kate: (chuckles) "Trust me. If I had a problem with it, I'd tell you. I like coming here. It's spacious and you always make me feel welcome with everyone that is here."
Sonny: (nods) "That's how I always want you to feel, my love." (serious tone) "If anyone treated you with any disrespect, I want you to tell me because I'd kick their ass."
Kate: (eyes widened) "Ooh, tough guy. I like that." (clears her throat) "But, on a serious note, you don't have to worry. Everyone has been kind and sweet."
Sonny: "I'm glad. I've never known anyone I'm close with to be disrespectful."
Kate: "Are Max, Milo, and Johnny recovering well?"
Sonny: (scoffs) "They received a long lecture from Jason and I about the consequences of not being armed." (sighs) "I'm sorry you had to hear about that. But yes, they are recovering well."
Kate: (shakes her head) "I'm not sorry. They made an error and needed to learn from it."
Sonny: "Oh, they definitely learned from it. Jason and I made sure of it. Even Francis was there to witness the lecture." (smirks) "I think he enjoyed it. The men don't always listen when they know they should or think they know what is going to be said. This was the first time in a long time they felt like complete idiots."
Kate; "Sounds like it."
Sonny: "Regarding Monica…"
Kate: "She's a bitch who needs to get off her high horse."
Sonny: "I know she made it sound like you chose not to have a guard. I would never forgive myself if you got hurt because of me, baby."
Kate: "If you prefer me having a guard, I won't fight you on it. I know your job can be dangerous. I will leave it up to you on the guard topic."
Sonny: (nods) "To be honest, yes, I'd prefer you having one. I didn't want you to feel pressured into having one. But, it would comfort me knowing you were safe."
Kate: (nods) "Okay, who do you recommend?"
Sonny: "Francis is guarding Elizabeth. Either Max or Johnny could watch you. Do you have a preference?"
Kate: "No. I trust you, baby."
Sonny: (nods) "Milo it is. Another thing I want to ask you. Does it bother you on what I do for a living? I'm a coffee importer, but I hurt others that hurt the people I care about or turn against me."
(Kate thinks about it for a moment before speaking)
Kate: "Do I like your profession? Not really. But I would never tell you to give up something you love. Just like I know you would never do that to me."
Sonny: (shakes his head) "No, I wouldn't. I love you and respect any career you choose to have."
(All of a sudden, Kate's stomach growls. She looks embarrassed while Sonny shakes his head and smiles)
Sonny: "When was the last time milady ate?"
Kate: (tilts her head) "You don't need to make me anything. I can eat when I get home, honey."
Sonny: "I love feeding you. I really don't mind. I'm kinda hungry, too. Now, what would the lady like?"
Kate: (smirks) "Surprise me."
Sonny: (raises his eyebrows) "Ooh, I always do like a challenge."
Kate: (teasingly) "Then, after we eat, I may just let you have your way with me, Corinthos…if you're lucky."
Sonny: "Don't tempt me, woman."
(They both laugh before Sonny starts the process of making one of his famous dishes)
***Jason's Penthouse***
(After taking off their coats, Jason and Elizabeth get comfortable on the couch)
Liz: "It feels so good to be able to sit down and be home."
Jason: (nods) "Yeah, it does."
Liz: (nervously) "I know I probably shouldn't have said that."
Jason: "What, that it's nice to be home, meaning my place?"
Liz: (nervously chuckles) "Yeah. I know I technically live with Gram."
Jason: (smiles a little) "Do you want to live here? To be honest, even with me living here, it's not the same without you."
Liz: (smiles) "Really?"
Jason: (nods) "Yeah. I have wanted you to live here for a long time. I didn't know if you wanted that, too."
Liz: "Ever since the night we first made love and I slept over here, it felt like home. I just…I didn't know if you wanted me here."
(Jason faces his girl completely and takes her hands in his and smiles sweetly)
Jason: "To be completely honest, Belle, I was waiting for the day…patiently waiting for you to be ready…when I could ask you to move in here. I love you with all my heart. Nothing would make me happier than for you to move in here."
Liz: (smiles & nods) "I wanted that, too, Jay."
(He leans forward and tenderly kisses her strawberry glossed lips and then faces her again)
Jason: "Mmm, I can never grow tired of kissing those lips and tasting your flavored lip gloss."
Liz: (laughs) "It does taste good, doesn't it?"
(Jason licks his lips and nods proudly. He then turns serious and looks at his girl in the eyes)
Jason: "Belle, I love you. You're my world. Living here isn't the same without your presence. I would love for you to move in. Would you like to, as well?"
Liz: (nods & smiles) "I would love that, too. Yes, Jay. I'd love to move in. I can't wait to start our lives together."
Jason: "Me, either."
Chapter 61 Done