A/N – Thanks for the welcome and your understanding regarding posting. I went back and forth on how I was gonna tackle the Courtney hit and run. Bottom line, when Liz thought she hit Sam, Jason wouldn't let her talk to anyone and was desperate to disprove It. He didn't tell Sam and was willing to turn in his mother when signs led to her because Lucky had already overheard them and told Sam, so he wanted to protect Liz. He protects who he is with first or foremost. It's who he is. I know some will disagree with me because you feel Jason should have had more allegiance to Liz, but don't forget, they were barely talking and Liz wasn't exactly nice to him before the hit and run and totally sided with Ric. They were in love with other people and put them first, and were still on the outs, so we'll have to agree to disagree. It's only mentioned in detail in this chapter. I had to move around the timeline for this and so some things didn't happen. You'll see.
Chapter 2
Amusement filled Jason's eyes. "Does Elizabeth know what you have planned?"
Emily's face contorted.
"Emily!"
"Don't worry, she'll be by probably tomorrow." She held out her hand. "She'll need a key."
Jason fished around his desk and then handed it to her. "She can sleep in the pink room."
Emily stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. "Bye, big brother."
"Later…"
Once she was safely on the elevator, Johnny moved inside. "What was that all about."
"I just agreed to something that I'll probably regret."
Johnny smirked. "This is going to be good," he said before plopping onto a chair.
"Elizabeth is in trouble."
Johnny scowled. "She's back with that asshole, Ric?"
"Not anymore…"
"Well, that's good news. Why are your panties all in a bunch then?"
"I don't wear panties and I'm not discussing my underwear with you anyway."
A grin lit up Johnny's face making Jason clench his fists. "They think Ric had Zander killed."
"Why?"
"All this shit went down. Emily broke it off with Zander. He slept with Liz and got her pregnant. Ric wants to be the baby's father."
A long whistle left Johnny's lips. "Damn…" He's aware of how much Jason hates Zander. When Liz had slept with him the first time, something shut off in Jason for a long time. When someone you want keeps choosing someone else, it wears you down, and sometimes, you get into relationships you shouldn't because when someone finally does want you, it's not like you feel you have a lot of options.
"Exactly…" He sat on the couch. "They think Ric and Faith killed him, so Ric could be the baby's father."
"I didn't see that coming. We should have already killed that bitch."
"I agree." Jason averted his gaze. "Emily asked me to let Liz move in," he muttered.
"What was that?"
"You heard me."
Johnny stood and headed to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"To go put on some Kevlar so that when Courtney or Carly tries to bust a cap in your ass, I won't go down too."
Jason sighed. This is a shit-show waiting to happen, but he won't let Liz or Emily down and just maybe, he'll get to take out Ric in the end.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Later that night, Elizabeth sat up, pissed because she couldn't sleep. The thought of moving into the penthouse with Jason is driving her insane. She doesn't think she can even look him in the eye, let alone live there. After throwing off the covers, she padded to the kitchen to get some warm milk, and then that is when the brick was hurled through her window. Her heart started to beat wildly as she went down to the floor where she stayed for fifteen minutes before she felt confident enough to grab a broom and clear some glass away so she could retrieve the piece of paper attached to it. With shaky hands, she unfolded it.
"You're dead."
She runs into the bedroom and grabs her phone, dialing Emily's number quickly.
"Hello?" she said trying to shake off her grogginess.
"It's Liz."
Emily shot up, making Nik jerk into a sitting position. "Are you okay?"
"I—I'm scared."
"Where are you?"
"I was getting some milk, and someone threw a rock through my window. There was a paper attached that said, you're dead."
Emily is speechless. "I—we're too far away. Go to the mansion…"
"Emily..." A sob left her lips as she pushed herself further into her closet and then protected her belly.
"Hold on…."
She grabbed Nikolas's phone and dialed her brother, who of course didn't pick up, so she did the next best thing.
Johnny put down his pool cue to check his phone, and when he didn't recognize the number, he chose to answer anyway. "Hello?"
"It's Emily."
He immediately headed to his car as a startled Francis followed.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. It's Elizabeth."
Johnny stopped in his tracks. "Did he hurt her?" He'll fucking kill Ric himself.
"Someone threw a brick through her window and it said, you're dead, on it."
He covered the mic. "Fuck…" he muttered.
"Can you go to her? I called Jason but he didn't answer."
"He's out riding. Tell her that I'm on my way."
"Thanks!"
She ended the call. "Elizabeth, Johnny is on his way. Can you get dressed?"
"Okay." She made her way back into her bedroom and put Emily on speaker as she threw on some jeans and a light sweater before grabbing her socks and shoes.
"Pack a suitcase. They can get the rest of your things later."
Liz grabbed it from the closet and tried to concentrate even though she was shaking like a leaf.
Nik had gotten up and used the bathroom. He's not a fan of Jason, but Emily explained her logic and he had to admit that nobody probably hates Ric more than the enforcer, and he'll keep Liz safe.
"Take a deep breath."
Liz paused to do so and then nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard banging on the door. "He's here."
"Make sure it's him before you answer."
Liz zipped up the suitcase and then grabbed the bat near the door and held it up. "Who is it?"
"It's Johnny and Francis."
She unlocked the door, and they eyed the bat as they moved past her and surveyed the damage.
"Let's go," Johnny said.
"There's a suitcase in the bedroom."
"Francis will bring it after he takes care of your window." The other man is already making calls.
Liz grabbed her purse as Johnny eyed her warily.
"Elizabeth, you're okay now." To his astonishment, she dove against him and held on tight. Johnny and Francis's gaze met, both concerned as she sobbed.
The stress of the situation and dealing with Ric is taking a toll on her.
He slightly bent and lifted her as Francis opened the door. Quickly, he got her to the car and put her inside as Faith's goons watched and reported back.
"Interesting… Keep me posted," Faith said.
Ric rolled onto his side. "What happened?"
"We delivered the message, but your plan backfired."
"How?"
"Johnny O'Brien just picked her up."
Ric groaned. "Emily…"
"Sign the papers. It will gain her confidence and then, you grovel again." Elizabeth is a useful pawn. She hopes that the little waitress will bring down Ric and Jason as a bonus. Sonny will be easy pickings by then and she'll have it all.
When a smirk eases onto her face and then she pushes him onto his back and takes his cock into her mouth as he moans. Once the little waif is gone, the world will be hers.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Johnny's attention snapped to the door of the penthouse, and then his gaze locked with Jason's who frowned. He held his finger to his lips and then pointed.
Jason quietly shut the door and is confused to see Liz sleeping on the couch and a suitcase by the staircase. He pointed to the kitchen and Johnny followed.
"What happened?"
"Emily called me at 1:00, someone threw a brick through Liz's window and she was scared shitless. She called you first and then me. Anyway, there was a note that said you're dead, so I decided to bring her here. Francis cleaned up the mess and then boarded up her window."
Jason sighed. "You think it was Faith?"
"Yes, which means probably Ric too."
"Maybe he was trying to scare her so he could swoop in."
"She packed a bag and Francis dropped it off about an hour ago. I had to carry her out."
"Was she hurt?"
"No. I think she was just scared. She's under too much stress."
Jason nodded. "Thank you."
"She's a good person. I couldn't leave her."
"I'm in for the night."
Johnny gazed at his watch. "I hope so. I'll take her suitcase to Brenda's room and then take off."
"Can you turn down the bed while you're there?"
"Sure…"
Once Johnny left, Jason carefully picked her up and took her upstairs. She had barely stirred, so he figures she's exhausted. For several minutes, he watched her sleep with worry etched onto his face. Regardless of their differences, he still cares about her. He can't help but wonder how they had drifted so far apart, and how the hell they are going to live in the same place when being around each other is the last thing either of them want. It just hurts too much.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Two hours later, her scream pierced the air, and Jason leaped out of bed and ran into the guest room. She is panting as she holds her chest.
He knelt on the floor. "Are you okay?"
Her eyes press shut. "I'll be fine."
"I'm sorry. You're safe here."
Nothing about her being there feels right. Even his detached tone suggests that the distance between them is vast.
She let out a long sigh. "Thank you. I'm fine—really."
He stood and took one last look at her. "If you need me…"
"I know."
He headed back to his room, shutting the door behind him, and then leaning against it. Tomorrow, he and Sonny are going to talk about his brother.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
The next morning, Sonny is surprised to find Jason in the office earlier than usual.
"Everything okay?"
"The business is fine. I just had some invoices to go through."
Sonny leaned against the door frame.
"We may have a potential problem though."
Sonny pushed off it and then shut the door before sitting. "I thought it was quiet."
"It has been, but we think Faith and Ric are making a move against Elizabeth."
"Again?"
"She asked Ric for a divorce. Either Faith is sending Liz a message or Ric is trying to somehow use the violence to get her to come back."
Sonny sighed heavily. "Is she hurt?"
"Not physically, but she's pregnant and a brick was thrown through her window."
"I would need proof if you have to strike against him."
Jason scoffed. "You had proof that he kidnapped your wife and was going to steal the baby, so what is it going to take?"
"He's family, and he did come through for us." Ric only escaped with his life because he helped with Alcazar.
"Really? So, he gets a free pass forever?"
"I didn't say that."
"Elizabeth is at the penthouse."
Sonny's brow rose. "Why?" He doesn't want Jason mixed up in all of this.
"Because Faith already caused her to lose a baby and Ric almost killed her."
"I didn't think you were talking."
"We haven't been, but I still care."
"Is the baby Ric's?"
"No, but she hasn't told anyone whose it is."
When Jason averted his gaze, Sonny wondered why he seemed so uncomfortable.
"Are you avoiding her?"
"Yes and no."
"Isn't that what got you in trouble before?"
Jason glared. "I figured we both need to process what's going on. I'll go home later."
"Just—be careful, Jason. She's hurting and probably emotional. It's not easy being in the position she is in."
Jason nodded. "I'm not big on talking anyway."
"Don't ignore her."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"Do you hate her because of Ric?"
Sonny ran his hand over his hair. "I don't like it, but I've loved people I shouldn't before. She has a big heart and frankly, she's probably beating herself up right now. Do you?"
"I just don't understand."
"Most people don't get why you love Carly either."
Jason's brow went up.
"It's the truth, but you do."
"I guess."
They started talking about business and then Jason went home.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Liz spun around when the door opened. She had been looking out the window.
Their gaze locked and for a long moment, as they perused each other.
"This is chili from Kelly's," he said as he sat the bag on the coffee table."
"I'm not hungry."
"You have to eat."
She sighed, and then slowly sat on the couch while he put his gun away. "What about you?"
"I had a late lunch."
He sat on a chair. "You look tired."
"I am." She took a bite of the food and then nibbled on a cracker. "What happened with Courtney?"
"She couldn't handle the business and some other things."
She averted her gaze wondering if it was the drugs. When Courtney had hit her with the car, it had hurt in more ways than one, but she had forgiven her and moved on. "Drugs?"
Jason winced noticing her discomfort. "Partially, but she gave them up after the accident. I just—she was pregnant and decided to jump into the water to escape from Alcazar and the baby died."
"Oh, Jason, I'm so sorry."
"She didn't tell me right away, but the guilt led her to the drugs. I was mad because she didn't let me in to help her." He was also livid because she just didn't listen and never should have jumped into that water.
"It's hard dealing with it. I can't explain, but it's hard to think rationally when you're feeling so much pain."
He nodded. "Are you mad at me about the accident?"
"It felt like you were more about protecting her than being concerned about my blindness, but at least it was temporary. I get that you loved her, and we were in a bad place for quite a while."
"I cared about what happened to you. I felt awful that you suffered. If I was with you and that happened, I wouldn't have believed that you were capable of doing that either, and in the end, I would have covered for you. I wasn't choosing between you and her. I didn't believe she did it for a long time, but Sonny did ask you to just tell the truth no matter what. I was glad you were going to be okay. My instinct was to try to get her help and not have it ruin her life, but I was concerned for you too." When he realized that Courtney had hit Elizabeth it tore him up inside.
"And if I had been upset and pressed charges, would you have forgiven me?"
He sighed. "You had a right to do that. It would have sucked, but we would have dealt with it. Courtney ended up confessing anyway. She couldn't live with not apologizing and telling the truth."
Liz sighed. "But you didn't want her to tell anyone?"
"No." He would have done the same for anyone he was in love with unless the intent was bad. When she averted her gaze, he continued. "Do you hate me because I loved her?"
"I don't like that she stabbed me in the back and that you hooked up with her so fast, but I certainly have made my fair share of mistakes. Do I even have a right to judge? I said some horrible things to you out of anger. I'm sorry." The consequences of Ric's actions and defending him will never go away.
"You get to feel how you want to. At the time, you were so angry with me and I felt like shit for hurting you. I didn't know how to handle the situation with Sonny, and I thought it was better to just avoid you than to lie. I'm sorry. When you wouldn't talk to me afterward, I was mad because you acted like you hated me and you forgave Lucky over and over and you wouldn't even speak to me. I put a wall up. Because of the stupid business and my choices, everything was ruined, and Courtney was there. She wanted me, and eventually, I shut down my feelings for you and just let her love me. Sometimes, you just need someone to love you, you know?"
She nodded, understanding the loneliness.
"Anyway, Justus found out that her divorce from AJ was never finalized, so we were never married anyway." They had talked about rectifying that and then she betrayed him regarding Alcazar and Jason was done.
She squeezed her eyes shut just as the door slammed open, making her jump a mile.
"Carly!" Jason yelled.
The blonde's eyes narrowed. "Why is she here?"
"That's none of your business. She's staying here for a while. I'll call you later."
"Oh, no. There is no way in hell I'm going to let her get her claws into you again."
Liz sighed. "Here we go. I'll be in my room." When she went to move to the steps, Carly almost growled.
"Please tell me that you are not pregnant by that monster."
"Who the baby's father is, happens to be none of your business."
When Carly stepped in front of her, Jason got up and pushed between them.
"Enough, Carly. I can't deal with this right now."
"What you shouldn't have to deal with is her!" she said pointing.
Liz rolled her eyes. "You know what? Fuck you, Carly!"
Carly's jaw dropped. Even Jason was surprised.
"I have taken your bullshit for years. Why don't you get back on your broom, and fly out of here? No one cares about your opinion. After all the shitty things you have done in the past, the fact that you are such a hypocritical bitch just amazes me." With that, Liz stomped up the steps and Jason grimaced when the door slammed shut.
"Are you happy now?"
Carly lets out a frustrated noise. "Are you going to let her talk to me like that?"
"Yes. Did she lie?"
Her jaw dropped again.
"You deserved it. Leave it alone."
A/N - The fight will continue...
