***Sorry for the wait guys but I'm doing my best I promise. As long as the reviews keep coming the story will keep on rolling ***

Thanks for all the Jax Liz name suggestions. Keep em coming if you think of more.

CHAPTER 7

Elizabeth stared at her beer curiously.  She had lost count on how many she had. All she knew was she wanted to be numb and she had done a good job of getting there.  If you hadn't fallen down those stairs, none of this would have happened.

Ric's voice rang through her head. Elizabeth moaned and took another gulp. Maybe another beer would kill the sound of him in her mind. She had come to Jakes after her confrontation with Ric, her plan was one thing, and that was to get completely wasted. She knew in her mind that she wasn't at fault for all the things Ric did, but her heart was another story. She felt guilt every time something happened that brought Ric's actions up. She was tired of feeling guilty. She wanted to be free of it all. It seemed that everything she did was somehow orchestrated by Ric, but not any more. Tonight she was going to make her own choices and spend the night having the time of her life. She stood up shakily and headed to the jukebox. The titles were a blur in front of her. Somehow she managed to put the money in and hit random numbers. As the music played she found herself begin to dance. Soon she was the center of attention as men from all over the bar catcalled and howled.  She didn't care though, right now dancing was the only thing she wanted to do.

Jax opened his door to find Skye on his doorstep.

"Skye, come on in. What brings you by?" Jax asked closing the door after she entered.

Skye knew she had to be sneaky; Jax was smart and would sense a set-up right away. She had to be very careful about putting the suggestion of Elizabeth in his head.

What Skye didn't know was that she didn't need to help. Jax had been replaying his almost kiss with Elizabeth in his head all night and debating if it were a good idea at all to pursue any sort of romantic relationship.  They were business partners and things could get tricky if things went sour between them.  On the other hand she was intelligent, gorgeous, kind, and sexy as hell. Lately Jax had only seen women as one night stands. Not Elizabeth though, no she was different. When he took the time to fantasize about her he always pictured her staying around for a while. In his life, in his heart, and in his bed. The thought of her in his bed their bodies clinging to one another made him forget all the reasons why they shouldn't be together. No Jax had made up his mind and he always got what he wanted. Right now that was Elizabeth. He knew it was happening quickly but he didn't care, all he knew was that she had to be his and he hers.

"I actually stopped by to see how the gallery is going. I haven't been able to get a hold of Elizabeth and was wondering if there was anything you needed me to do." Skye said feigning innocence.

"Well there isn't anything off the top of my head but Elizabeth might have some ideas." Jax said.

"I've been calling her but she answered her cell. She turns it off when she goes into her artist mode.  She's so talented isn't she?" Skye asked.

Jax looked at her suspiciously, what was she up to? "Yes she's very talented, that's why I'm helping her"

"She's talented, beautiful intelligent, all the things a man would probably want in a woman. It's a shame she got stuck with Ric." Skye said sneaking a peak at Jax.  He had a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Ric is a psychopath who ruined the best thing to ever happen to him," Jax said more sharply then he meant to. Skye looked at him curiously, but before she could say anything her cell phone rang.

She looked at Jax, "Excuse me for a second. Hello?" she answered her phone.

"Skye it's Carly, have you heard from Elizabeth tonight?"

"Um no, I'm actually at Jasper Jack's penthouse right now is there anything I can do for you?" Skye asked trying to get the point across to Carly that now wasn't the best time to talk. If Jax knew she was on friendly terms with Carly he would surely grow suspicious.

"Look, try to keep an eye out for her. We ran into Ric tonight and he said something to upset her. She said she was fine but I know better. She's not answering her cell phone and I'm beginning to get worried. She's not at her studio painting either." Carly said worriedly.

"Thanks for the heads up I'll do my best to find her, I'm sure she's fine, probably painting or something, Thanks for calling." Skye said hanging up.

Jax's curiosity perked when he heard Skye mention painting she must have been talking about Elizabeth. "What's up?" he asked.

"That was Carly Corinthos." Skye said.

"I didn't realize you were friends." Jax said.

"We're not" Skye said quickly to dissuade any suspicion. "She was looking for Elizabeth and thought she might be with me."

"Is everything ok?" Jax asked

"Uh well Carly was worried because they had a run in with Ric and he said something to Elizabeth to upset her pretty bad. Carly said Elizabeth tried to brush it off but Carly didn't believe her.  Anyway Carly got worried when Elizabeth wasn't at her studio and she wasn't answering her phone. I'm sure she's ok she likes to isolate herself when she paints. She's probably off somewhere doing that. Look I've got to run, I promised Luke I'd open the club tonight so he could spend time with Lulu, I'll see you later." With that Skye left not realizing she left her phone in his penthouse.

Jax was walking towards the stairs when he heard a phone ring. He turned and saw Skye's phone sitting on his desk. He rolled his eyes sometimes he swore she'd lose her head if it wasn't attached. He decided it answer it in case it was Luke so he could tell Skye she lost her phone.

"Skye Chandler Quartermaine's phone" Jax said answering it. He heard music and hollering in the background.

"Uh yeah this is Marty over at Jake's. There's a girl over here plowed out of her mind. Normally I wouldn't mind but she's causing a stir with a lot of the guys here. When I asked her for a contact number she gave me this one.  Is there anyway someone could come get her. She seems like a real nice kid and I don't want to see her get hurt. Her name is Elizabeth by the way, no luck getting a last name though.  It was a miracle getting a phone number out of her.  So can someone come get her?"

"Yeah I'll be right there," Jax said hanging up and heading out the door, he hoped Elizabeth was ok.

Jax walked through the door of Jake's and his eyes scanned the room. He saw a man standing behind the bar.

"Are you Marty?" Jax asked

"Yeah, how can I help you?" Marty asked wiping off some glasses.

"You just called me I talked to you about Elizabeth." Jax said impatiently he wanted to find her.

"Yeah" she's over there; I've been watching her you know make sure she don't wander off or nothing.  You look pretty decent I can trust you? Marty asked.

Jax looked at the man, "Yeah I'll take care of her." Jax turned to where Elizabeth was and he felt his jaw drop.  Elizabeth was on top of one of the tables dancing for the crowd. Jax had to clear his head for a second. He then headed over to where she was. He definitely didn't like the attention the men were paying her and it seemed like things were starting to get out of control. He watched as a man made an attempt to grab her off the table. Jax reacted quickly.

"Back off" he said in a threatening tone. People always made the mistake of looking at Jax and only seeing a pretty boy. But Jax knew he could just as intimidating as Jason Morgan. He turned his cold blue eyes on the man.

"What's it to you buddy? I've been waiting for this girl for at least a half hour. First come, first serve." The guy said leering at Elizabeth. He turned and noticed Jax's cold eyes and backed up a step.

"She belongs to me," Jax said raising his voice so the other men could hear him and understand. They all saw the look and backed away. Jax went up to the table and Elizabeth. She was still dancing, oblivious to what was going on around her.

"Elizabeth," he called. She was swaying and she turned towards him. She saw him and her face broke out into a huge smile.

"Jax" she called and went to walk to him, obviously forgetting she was standing on a table. She slipped and fell but Jax managed to catch her in his arms. Elizabeth was frowning,

"That's strange," she said slurring her words slightly. "Port Charles shouldn't be having any earthquakes."

Jax smiled, yep she was drunk but she seemed ok otherwise. He settled her on her feet. Keeping his hands on her waist to steady her. He watched her amused.

"Jax oh my god I'm so glad you're here. I had to tell you something but now I can't seem to remember what it was. I know it was important, give me a minute." Elizabeth said chewing on her bottom lip.

Jax watched her and felt his body react to her. He sighed he wanted to kiss her but she was in no condition.  

"Why don't I take you home?" he asked.

Elizabeth looked at him her eyes growing soft, "Mr. Jax are you propositioning me?" Elizabeth asked giggling; she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. "Cause if you are my answer is yes." With that she started to place tiny kisses along his neck and chin.

Jax groaned, he really was enjoying the moment but the fact that she was drunk was definitely the deciding factor he gently pushed her away and chuckled as she tried to press against him again.

"Oh come on Jax, it would be fun, I promise I'll make you happy.  I know my track record sucks but I could try." Elizabeth said trying to kiss him.

Jax dodged her mouth, reluctantly, "Is that what this is about? Skye said he had a fight with Ric."

Elizabeth pulled away from him, "I get it, you think because it's my fault Ric did bad things, I'm worthless." Elizabeth said waving her arms.  Before she could say anything else. Jax pulled her against him.

"First off," Jax said in a low growl. "I don't ever want to hear you call yourself worthless, ever. Do you understand? You are intelligent, beautiful and kind.  Ric stomped on your trust and that is unforgivable. You are not to blame for anything that monster did or does. Secondly, I do want you, I crave you but I won't do this while you're drunk.  When I kiss you and make love to you, I want you aware and sober. I want you to feel and remember everything that happens between us do you understand?"

Elizabeth stared at him in shock.  As drunk as she was every word he said rang through her mind.  She looked at him.

"Really?" she asked softly

"Yes" Jax said smiling at her.

Elizabeth took his hand and they walked out the door.

They reached Jax's penthouse.

"This isn't my studio." Elizabeth said looking around.

"No I figure you might be better off here. If you had a rough time with Ric he won't look for you here." Jax said.

"Good plan, I'm sleepy." Elizabeth said yawning.

"The bedroom is the second door, I have some work to do so I'll crash on the couch. You can sleep in one of my shirts if you want." Jax said smiling at her.

"Ok I'm off to bed, Jax?" she asked turning back to him.

"Yeah?" he asked.

"Thank you"

With that she turned and headed towards his bedroom, leaving Jax shaking his head and smiling.

Next time:

Surprise when Skye finds Elizabeth in Jax's apartment, wearing his shirt.

Ric makes a move.

Elizabeth and Jax go on a date.

***Ok everybody I hope you like this chapter, and remember to please review. ***