Chapter 26

Author's note- The song in this chapter inspired the title to this story.

Jason walked up to Carly's door and told Milo he could go home. Jason headed inside and upstairs. He went straight to Carly's room and, peeling off his shirt and jeans, climbed in bed next to her. He cuddled close to her.

She rolled over in bed and said, "You didn't think I could sleep without you, did you?"

Jason kissed her.

She said, "What happened?"

"Sonny and I made a deal. He lives. I just don't work for him anymore. I could never trust him like I did before again. He broke the code of honor he taught me."

Carly said, "Did it get physical? Is Sonny ...hurt?"

Jason didn't answer and Carly knew that meant yes. She asked, " You don't think he'll put a hit on you again, do you?"

"If he kills me the kids suffer and it's the same if I kill him. Neither of us want that."

Carly stroked Jason's face and asked, "Are you okay?"

His lips moved over hers and she could feel his pain. She gave herself to him, as she would whenever he needed, and tried to heal him with her love.

And soon their minds were no longer on anyone else but each other.


When it's this good

there's no saying no


I want you so I'm ready to go

Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For just to be with you I'd gladly

risk it all

Chaka Khan lyrics

Later, wrapped in Jason's arms, Carly said "I'm sorry you were locked up for two months. It was all because you're with me."

"Don't blame yourself. You didn't do this."

"But I guess you were right, Jase, it won't be as easy to be together as I always thought. I was sure that just being with you would make everything perfect forever. And in my soul it feels that way." She looked up at him and said, "But I think the rest of this world or this damn town ,at least, are out to get us."

"Let them try. We don't break for anyone. We never have, Car."

"And we never will." Her lips met his in a soft kiss.

"Just forget about what other people think about me and you." Jason told her "We know this works. Nothing has changed for me since the vacation. And... this is where I want to be. To hell with Sonny or Ric. If I ever get Ric alone in a room again his life will end. I promise you that. He almost made me lose you..."

"You couldn't. I can't get enough of this. No one is ruining this for me. I waited ...Jase..."

"I know." he whispered as he laid her back down onto the bed and started to rein tender kisses over her cheek, jaw and neck.

She said, into his ear, "I waited my whole life to feel like this. To be the one you loved. I would have killed anyone... anyone who got you convicted."

He met her eyes and warned her, "I'll handle the shooting you handle the..." his words drifted off as he kissed her shoulder.

"What?"

He stilled and said "Everything else. Because all I am good at is my job, and I don't have that now, and loving you. So if anyone needs to be killed, I'll do that. Got it?"

"I guess." she said smiling "Now, stop talking so much. Damn, you are chatty tonight."

Jason laughed and kissed her again.

Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For just to be with you I'd gladly

risk it all


Through the fire, through whatever come what may
For a chance at loving you, I'd take it all the way


Right down to the wire, even through the fire
Through the fire,

to the limit

Through the fire,

to the limit

Chaka Khan Lyrics