A/N – Thanks for the comments!

Chapter 37

Jason woke up to find Carly ending a call.

"The doctor will check on you tomorrow."

"How long do I have to stay like this?"

"Jason, you stopped breathing at one point. You were in such bad shape that I didn't know if you'd make it. He thinks in a few weeks, you'll be able to start walking."

He winced.

"I know you hate it, but at least you're not in a hospital."

"I hate that my family thinks I'm gone. Lila is older and—"

"Lila is holding it together. I just saw her. In a few weeks, we'll get word to them. I promise."

She sat next to him. "I've been giving you sponge baths and doing my best to wash your hair."

"I feel like a truck hit me."

"When a bullet slams into your chest, that happens. You have lost a lot of blood. It was hard to watch."

"Sorry. Thank you for saving me."

"I would do anything for you, Jason."

"Am I a prisoner here, Carly?"

"Not really… I mean, I'm trying to do what is best for you. The faster you heal, the quicker you get to leave."

"And then what happens?"

"I'm going to get you out of the country for a while, so you won't be in danger."

"Are we taking Michael?"

"Yes."

He perused the room. "Where are we?"

"At first, you were in a small facility, but then we moved everything to this house. It was more secure. No one knows about it, and it's remote."

"So, you've been watching over me?"

"Yes. I make sure everything is okay and the doctor checks on you every couple of days."

She moved his hair out of his face. "I like when you grow your hair out."

"I feel so tired."

She doesn't admit that she is still giving him a light sedative. If he passes her tests, then she'll stop, but if he doesn't come around and accept that they will be together, then she'll move to plan b. "Sleep, baby. I love you."

He sighed and decided to play along. "Love you…"

She smiled. It's a start.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The next morning, Sonny is surprised to find Delores at his door.

"Hi."

She slightly smiled. "May I come in?"

The first thing he notices is that she is not in uniform and is instead in jeans, a sweater, and some boots, and it suits her.

"Sure."

"Thanks."

"Can I get you anything? I was just about to make some breakfast. Will you join me?"

She nodded and followed him to the kitchen and sat on a stool.

"Is an omelet okay?"

"Yes."

"Are you allergic to anything?"

"Nope."

He starts cutting some onion. "Jason used to cut onions for me. I never could understand why he never teared up. Johnny said that his secret was glaring at the onion first."

She slightly smiled. "How are you doing?"

"The service was rough but necessary."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know him at all, but I do know people loved him."

"Jason can appear to be hard, but he drops his guard a little when he's comfortable with you. When he loves you, then you see his heart. He was a special person."

He handed her a glass of orange juice. "I have wheat toast."

"A slice is fine."

He scrambled some eggs and then turned the heat up a little. "So, you look like you have something on your mind."

"I need your help."

He glanced at her. "Now, you have me intrigued."

"Well, I need to go undercover, and I need an in."

"Seriously?"

"I know you have to be careful, but there have been two assaults at The Oasis in the last week. Someone is stalking the dancers."

He stopped to stare at her. "You—you want to work there?"

She almost laughed at his expression. "Yes."

"Ugh, will you be a waitress?"

She shook her head.

He almost swallowed his tongue but tried to hide by turning toward the stove and pouring a mixture in the pan. After putting some slices in the toaster, he grabbed some fruit out of the fridge and placed it on the table.

"Did I leave you speechless?"

"I'm just trying to imagine—I mean, you're going to strip?"

This time she chuckled. "Yes. I took pole dancing for exercise last summer. I'm quite good."

His eyes grew wide. "I see. Is it just you?"

"Yes, but someone will be close by."

"I don't like it."

He took their plates to the dining room, and then came back for his drink and her. "Follow me…"

They got situated at the table.

"I can take care of myself."

"What if it's more than one person? You could get hurt."

"There's a chance I will, but something needs to get done before someone is killed."

"Do you think you'll be recognized?"

"I don't think anyone will think I'd ever do it. I'll wear heavy makeup, and I can lighten my eyes with contacts. It will work."

He nodded. "I know the guy who runs it. When do you want to start?"

"I was thinking Friday night would work."

"Okay."

She took a few bites. "This is delicious."

He flashed his dimples. "Dinner is tastier."

She smirked. "Are you asking?"

"Would you say yes if I did?"

"Maybe… It would be complicated though."

"We can eat here. We'll do something next week, so I can find out how it's going."

"What? You're not going to check on me?"

His eyes twinkled. "It has crossed my mind."

"That's fine. If you think you can handle it…"

He popped a grape into his mouth. "Oh, I can handle it."

She can't believe they are actually flirting. "Then maybe you should show up Saturday night."

"He'll make you audition."

"I'm not worried about it."

He chuckled. "You're an interesting woman, Delores Padilla."

"You're pretty intriguing too."

God help him, he wants her. He's not sure of the logistics, but eventually, she'll be in his bed.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Johnny looked around awkwardly when Kelly pushed up Elizabeth's shirt. A chuckle left her lips. "It's just a stomach."

"I know what it is."

"Then what's the problem?"

He sighed. "She belongs to someone else."

Kelly smirked. "Well, if she was wearing a bathing suit, you'd see it."

He shook his head. "I wouldn't look."

Liz rolled her eyes. "You would just tease him."

He glanced at her stomach. "You're showing."

Liz smiled. "Yeah…"

A heartbeat filled the room and Liz's eyes pricked with tears.

"Is that?" Johnny said.

Kelly nodded. "That is the baby."

"Wow."

"Okay, let's see what we have going on."

She moved the device around and then stopped. "There he is."

Liz gasped. "It's a boy?"

"Yes. He looks healthy and happy."

Johnny kissed Liz on the forehead. "Congrats…"

"Thank you," Liz whispered as she stared at the screen.

"So, your blood pressure is a little better. I need you to eat more though. Are you still getting sick?"

"No."

"That's good."

"Did you have to tell me that in front of him?"

Johnny smirked. "You're in trouble now, Webber."

"Great…"

Kelly wiped off her stomach and then handed Elizabeth some pictures. "There you go. Call me if you need anything. Have Monica monitor your blood pressure every day. Any cravings?"

"Not yet."

"Thank God," Johnny muttered. He purposely shuddered and the woman laughed.

"Whatever mama wants, she should get," Kelly said. "Stop at the desk so Kristie can schedule an appointment for you."

"I will."

She left and Elizabeth sat up and stared at the photo.

"Are you happy it's a boy?"

"Yes and no. If he looks like Jason, it will hurt at first."

He hugged her. "You're doing so well. I'm proud of you."

"For functioning?"

"Yes, among other things. I know it's hard, but you're doing the best you can and that's all we can ask."

He helped her down and they ran into Epiphany at the end of the hallway.

"Elizabeth, Lila has been bragging about your center."

Liz smiled. "She has been helping."

"Listen, a friend of mine's son is moving to the area soon. He's funny, smart, responsible, an artist, and he would be available if you need help."

"I would love to meet him."

"He should be here in a few weeks. Maybe you could have lunch or something."

Liz got a piece of paper out of her purse and jotted down her number. "What is his name?"

"It's Felix."

"Thanks!" She hopes it works out because it will save her time.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Jason eyed Carly as she sauntered into the room. "Can you get him to take the catheter out?"

"I'm sorry, Jason. You just have to put up with that and the feeding tube for another week. You're not strong enough to get up, and I doubt you want to use a bedpan."

"Fine. Do you know who shot me?"

"No. I was too focused on saving your life."

"Where did it happen?"

She was expecting the questions. "The docks…"

"Why do I feel like there is something you're not telling me?" This is ridiculous. Does she really expect him to go along with this bullshit? He might be a little slow right now due to the coma, but he's not an idiot.

She sat next to him. "I know that you're frustrated, but I can't take any chances in screwing up your recovery. You're too important to me."

"Just call Johnny, Carly. He'll protect me. What is wrong with you?"

His tone is gruff which pisses her off. "I can't talk to you when you're like this. If you're going to be mean, then I'm going."

"What the fuck?" He is losing his patience.

Her nostrils flared. "Don't push me, Jason."

"I want Elizabeth. I want to go home. Do you really want me knowing that my heart is with someone else?"

"This is your home now. I am your home. Elizabeth is gone. Deal with it!"

She strode out of the room and slammed the door.

"Fuck!" So much for playing it cool. She drives him nuts on a good day. No one knows where he is, so he's screwed.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Carly let Jason sit for three hours before she sent the doctor in.

Jason studies him. Unfortunately, he's wearing a mask to obscure his features and his hair is covered.

"Mr. Morgan, how are you feeling?"

"Like a prisoner."

He checked a few machines. "Your urine output is good. Blood pressure is stable."

"Whatever she's paying you, I'll give you triple."

"It's not always about money, Mr. Morgan."

Jason smirked. "She's blackmailing you, isn't she?"

He didn't comment as he checked Jason's pupils.

"Do you know who I am?"

He nodded.

"I swear to God, I will hunt you down and end you, and it will be very painful if you continue to help her."

The doctor nervously cleared his throat. "Are you in any pain?" He checked Jason's wound which is almost healed.

"No, but you will be soon."

While Jason's glare is unnerving, but he can't risk it.

"Well, you're looking good. After a week, we'll start some physical therapy."

Jason is boring a hole in the doctor's forehead, right where he plans on shooting him.

The doctor leaves the room. "He's doing well. I received a package today from Dr. Devlin. It's in the car."

Carly smiled. "Good."

"Care to share?"

"It's my backup plan. Jason is upset, but if he doesn't come around, then we'll use the drug that Ian sent."

The doctor nodded. "I'll be back in two days. I gave him a sedative, so he'll be out until the morning."

"Alright. I guess I'll go see my son."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Enzo answered the phone in the car and then turned around.

"Where are you going?" Elizabeth asked.

"We need to go to a safe house."

"Why?"

"There's a threat."

Liz gnawed on her lip as he sped down the street. Her hand went to her belly as he turned into the parking garage. It was weird coming back here knowing Jason isn't there.

She is hustled out of the garage into an elevator as several guards flanked her. When Enzo notices she is shaking, he grasps her hand. Once security is accessed, they go to the safehouse below the penthouse. The guards spread out in the hallway as Enzo locked things down.

Liz sat on a couch while Enzo took several phone calls before sitting next to her and handing her some water.

"Thanks."

"You're safe here."

She nodded.

"I know it's just hard coming back."

"I loved being there with him, but now, it makes me want to feel nothing and go numb."

"I get it."

"Are his things still there?"

Enzo nodded. "Yes."

"Why?" She knows but needs to hear it.

He cleared his throat. "A lot of the guys still think he's going to show up and want them."

"I wish he would. I pray every day that he'll back before our baby is born."

His eyes went to her stomach. "Does it feel weird?"

She shook her head. "No. I feel fluttering sometimes and it reminds me that I need to keep going, that I can't just fade away."

"I would miss you."

She met his gaze as tears prick her eyes. An explosion is heard, and she dove against him."

His arm snaked around her and then he dialed with the other. "What's going on?"

As he listened to Francis talk, he rubbed her back.

A sigh left her lips and to his astonishment, he realized she had fallen asleep that quickly and grinned.

"Alright, we'll stay put for the night."

Slipping his phone back into this pocket, he decided she'd be more comfortable in the bed and carefully lifted her and moved into the bedroom. After she was safely under the covers, he turned off the light and then went into the other bedroom so he can see the monitors.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Sonny paced back and forth in his office, only stopping when Johnny moved inside.

"Your limo is toast."

Sonny groaned.

"Turns out, a few of Sorel's men hadn't made the trip here before and decided to take revenge." They had killed everyone they could.

"And?"

"They are dead—all of them."

Sonny's head tilted. He didn't even have to give the order.

"They pissed me off. Cody is cleaning up." Johnny plopped onto a chair. "Elizabeth doesn't need this shit. This is going to set her back."

Sonny sighed. "I know. Go talk to her. Enzo can take a break for an hour. You need to go home and spend some time with Georgie."

He nodded and headed to the bedroom.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Liz's weary eyes jerked open. "Johnny?"

He got up and walked to the bed. "I'm here." He had just got finished talking to Georgie who is studying for her last exam.

"Tired…"

"Sleep. You're safe. Enzo is going to stay with you. Is that okay?"

"Yeah."

He kissed her on the forehead. "Rest..."

"Bossy…"

He smirked. "I learned it from you."

A few minutes later, she finally settled, so he moved to the living room and waited for a text from Enzo. Once that arrived, he opened the door and let the younger guard in.

"Hey."

"She's sleeping. You might want to sit in the chair in the room in case she needs you."

"Okay."

Johnny patted him on the back. "Call me if you need me."

Once everything was secure, Enzo made his way to Liz's room.

A/N – It's hard writing the Jason stuff. When you've been unconscious that long and on top of that, you are being held hostage, it's hard to quell your emotions. He is at Carly's mercy and that will wear on him.