A/N – Thanks for hanging in there. Work gets crazier by the week. They found a mass in my hubby's kidney, so just been dealing with that and the implications. He has surgery in a few weeks, but at least we caught it early. Thank you for being so understanding about posting. I really appreciate it! Finding time to write has been extremely difficult.

Chapter 12

A half-hour into the movie, Emily and Elizabeth glanced at Jason to see if he looked miserable and then snickered.

"Don't you think Salma is pretty?"

"Sometimes…"

Liz's brow rose. "Damn, tough audience."

His gaze locked with hers. "She has nothing on you."

A slow grin eased onto Liz's face as Emily cleared her throat.

"Hello? What am I slim pickings?"

Jason's attention went to his sister. "You know you are beautiful too."

"That's better. I was going to have Johnny throw you over the balcony."

When a smirk forms on his face, the girls look skeptical.

Jason whipped out his phone and texted and then a minute later, the door opened.

"What's up?"

"Sit next to Emily."

Johnny eased next to her. "You're making him watch this?"

"Yup," Liz said.

"And now you are watching it too," Jason said, thinking Johnny would balk.

However, his friend grinned, knowing what he is up to. "Pass the popcorn, short fry," he said to Liz.

She licked her tongue out but handed him the bowl.

"Salma is hot. I don't mind watching it."

Jason shook his head.

"He thinks she's just alright," Liz said.

Johnny coughed. "Do you need glasses? You do tend to squint a lot."

A glare is shot in his direction.

"Don't tease him for trying to be sexy."

Johnny laughed. "I just thought he had something in his eyes." When he glanced at his friend and boss, he pretended to shiver. "Tough room…"

"I think Mathew Perry is cute," Emily said.

"Why?" Jason asked. He's even goofier than Johnny.

"He's funny and sweet," Liz said.

"I like his casual attire," Johnny said. "It's not black."

Jason rolled his eyes as the girls chuckled.

Emily's phone buzzed making her sigh. "I'll be right back."

Johnny tracked her as she disappeared into the kitchen, and Liz paused the movie.

"I'm worried," Liz said.

"Did you feel how she tensed?" Johnny asked.

"Yeah."

Jason made a mental note to follow up with Stan. They must be careful not to play their hand, but he's trying to find a way onto the island, so they can keep an eye on things. One of the younger guards is willing to take a job there, so they are waiting for an interview.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Emily leaned against the counter. "Why are you doing this?"

"Come home now, Emily."

"No. You are out of control, and I need to rest."

"Are you cheating on me?"

"What? No."

"Don't act like you haven't cheated before."

Her eyes pressed shut as a tear escaped. "Why are you being like this?"

"Because I need you to be loyal and obey me."

She scoffed. "I will not let you control me. This is all Helena, Nikolas. You need help."

"Stop!"

Emily is shaking.

"If you don't come back here by tomorrow, I will send your things to the mansion. If you truly loved me, you'd be here right now."

"Why, so you can forbid me to leave and isolate me?"

"You are safer by my side. Your brother is no match for the Cassadines."

Now she is pissed. "Don't underestimate my brother. If you harm me, he will not stop."

He is seething. "Tomorrow, Emily. You have until then." He ends the call and tosses his phone onto his desk.

"Well done," Helena said coming from out of the shadows.

"Why do you want her here?" Even though the situation is dangerous, he would prefer that Emily would leave him. He doesn't want her caught in the middle. Pushing her away is a good thing."

"She is simply a pawn. Emily is weak. You know that, but in the end, she'll return because she loves you, and is worried. Tomorrow morning, you will call her and apologize and beg her to return."

Nikolas took a sip of his drink. This ruse is the most difficult thing he has ever had to do but pretending that he is being controlled is the only way to find out his grandmother's secrets and then end her reign of terror. So far, she has no idea that her brainwashing isn't working, and it needs to stay that way. He may lose Emily temporarily, but he has no doubt that when he can explain, she'll take him back. Confiding in her would put her in too much danger because she won't stay away and will worry. She needs her strength.

Helena contained her smile. He doesn't even look upset about Emily. This is going better than she thought. While he pushed back more in the beginning, he is finally becoming the Cassadine she had always dreamed he could be. Soon, Nikolas will help her not only ruin the Spencer's for good but there are others she'd like to put in their place. No one will mess with her after she is done.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Johnny slowly stood when Emily appeared and then ran to her side. She gripped the back of his shirt as she cried.

Jason and Elizabeth share a glance as Johnny picks up Emily and then places her next to Elizabeth who immediately embraces her.

Johnny shook his head and when his gaze locked with Jason's, it is clear that they want to kick Nikolas's ass.

After a few minutes, Emily calmed.

"What happened?" Liz asked.

Emily retreated. "He's—I don't even know how to explain it."

Liz gripped Emily's hand.

"He's just so different and demanding."

"Has it ever gotten physical?" Johnny asked. He doesn't need another excuse to kick Nikolas's ass, but the level of harm done depends on her answer.

"No. He's just mean and is trying to control me. If I don't come home tomorrow, he's going to send my things to the mansion."

"Everything within me wants to forbid you to back, but then I'd be just like him," Jason said.

Emily wiped at her face. "This is so hard. I love him, but I'm scared to be around him. Who knows what she has done to him. It's breaking my heart."

Johnny put his arm around her.

"Are you going to stay at the mansion?"

She slightly groaned.

"I have a second bedroom," Johnny said.

"Hell no!" Jason said loudly.

Johnny grinned making Emily smile.

"I'll think about it."

Jason muttered making everyone chuckle.

"Good. We'll talk. I'm downstairs, so the building is secure."

"I don't understand why you don't want to live with Tracy and Edward," Liz said.

Emily cracked up. "How could you say that with a straight face?"

"Are you going to tell them?"

"Yeah. I guess I have to."

"Are you doing follow-up appointments at GH?" Nikolas is there for meetings on occasion, so Liz is thinking that it may be a good place to avoid for now.

"I have been going to a special clinic."

"Good."

Emily's phone rang again. "Hello?"

"It's Stefan."

"Is he okay?"

"What happened? I'm in New York." He glanced back at the table. Running into Chloe had been a pleasant surprise and it was even better when she agreed to have dinner with him.

"I'm at my brother's house. Nikolas told me if I didn't come home tomorrow, he'll have my things packed."

"I know that hurts you, but I think it would be safer for you. According to my sources, Helena is in town."

Emily's stomach dropped. "Are they sure?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for warning me."

"I love him and so do you."

"True."

"Take care of yourself. Please call if anything seems amiss."

"I will."

She ended the call. "That was Stefan. Helena is in town."

"So, she has been pulling the strings," Liz said.

"It looks like it."

Johnny stood. "I think we could put Cooper with her. He's back from his assignment."

Jason nodded. He had been thinking the same thing.

Emily fretted for a minute before responding. "Don't hurt him."

Jason rubbed his face before replying. "If he doesn't hurt you, I'll back off."

When tears threaten to flow, Jason switched places with Johnny and embraced her. "I love you."

She gripped his shirt. No one can make her feel safer, but she hates the situation and that in the end, she may permanently lose the man she loves.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Faith jumped into Ric's arms and kissed him fiercely. "I missed you."

He grinned. "I missed you too."

She felt him harden against her loving how empowered it made her feel. "I can tell."

He carried her into the house. "God, you're so sexy."

"Show me."

For the next hour, they made love before finally coming up for air.

"How was your trip?"

"Fruitful…" As much as he loves fucking her, he isn't stupid enough to tell her his plans in detail.

"That's all you're going to say?"

"Yes."

"What are you Morgan now, with the one-word answers?"

He glared at her. "Never compare me to that brain-dead idiot."

She smirked. "I thought we were working together."

"We are, but I just—you tend to be irrational where Elizabeth is concerned."

"And you're not?"

"Touche…"

"Just know that I'm here for you."

"I know. Thank you." If she wasn't so crazy, she'd be the perfect partner in crime. As soon as Elizabeth comes to her senses, unfortunately, Faith is going to die. She'll never stop, and he won't stand for Elizabeth being hurt again at Faith's hands. For now, he'll bide his time, and Jason will never see him coming.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

A few days later, Johnny brought the rest of Emily's things into his apartment. "When are you telling your parents?"

She groaned. "Tomorrow…" To her surprise, Nikolas had begged her to stay, but that gave her even more pause, so she decided not to go back to the island. With Helena lurking around, it's just not safe.

He smiled. "You want me to take you?"

She dropped a box onto the couch. "You would do that?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. Wear a suit. We're eating at the grill."

Johnny's mouth opened and closed a few times making her laugh.

"You asked."

He shook his head. "Fine, but if your father tries to stab me with a needle and kill me for being anywhere near you, I'm throwing you in front of me."

"Whatever. Are you seriously scared of my father?"

"Yes. Have you seen his glare? It rivals Jason's, and don't even get me started on your mother. She's legendary."

Emily rolled her eyes.

"You still haven't told me how Nikolas reacted.'

"He begged and then was insulting when I refused to come back. Alfred met me at the docks with my things. It was a little humiliating." She feels discarded.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of—Nikolas, on the other hand…" God, he wants to punch him in the face. Seeing him go down would be a highlight.

"Thank you for saying that." She grabbed the box. "Do we need to establish some rules?"

He frowned. "Like what? I doubt you'll steal my protein shakes."

She made a face. "Yeah, that doesn't sound appetizing at all. I had to drink them for a while. I meant, surely, you must date."

"Oh."

"Just—let me know if I need to go stay with my brother for a night."

"I'm not dating anyone."

Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"I don't have a lot of time and usually my job doesn't encourage stable relationships."

"I heard you were a playboy."

He followed her into her room carrying another box. "Eh, maybe when I was younger."

She grinned. "Are you finally settling down?"

"Maybe… I mean, I'm no prince, but I think I could make someone happy someday."

"You will, and being a prince isn't necessarily a plus."

"I know. Right now, things might seem shitty, but you have a lot to offer, Emily. You're beautiful, smart, and have a big heart. Don't give up on love."

She eyed him for a long moment. "I won't. So, tell me about Cooper. Does he have any nervous ticks—food allergies?"

Johnny chuckled. "He's ugly and was probably dropped on his head a few times. I think he blinks a lot. My dad told me to never trust a man who blinks too much."

She cracked up. "You're ridiculous. Now, I'm going to be staring at him to see if it's true and he'll think I'm weird."

"Well, you were living on Spooky Island."

"Can I say I was brainwashed?"

"Nope, but drugged or hypnotized might work," he said dodging her hands.

She watched him flee with a big smile on her face feeling as though living here is going to be the highlight of her year.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth turned on her computer and bought up the meeting software. She is beyond nervous. It's not like she has ever put herself on the line like this. Earlier, she had emailed her sketches to Chloe's secretary, and now, it's time to see if anyone likes what she did. "Here goes nothing."

Chloe's bright smile lit up the screen. "Hello, Elizabeth."

"Hi."

She is introduced to the team and immediately, they jumped into reviewing someone else's sketches to give Elizabeth a feel of how they handle things.

After a few minutes, Liz sucked in her breath as her sketches appeared.

"I like the second one," Someone said.

"Not bad…" Chloe added.

"The first one we could use for the junior line."

Everyone agreed as Liz gnawed on her lip.

"Elizabeth, you did well." Chloe got up and made a few pointers that everyone liked. "That blue hue will bring out the color of her eyes."

"She's quite picky," another assistant said.

"Yes, but I think we should include this one in the bunch." Chloe's attention went to Elizabeth. "Well, we won't know which she chooses until the gala, but it's a beautiful dress."

Liz nervously smiled. "Thank you."

"It's for a member of the royal family, by the way."

Liz gasped as Chloe grinned.

The meeting resumed and once it finished, Chloe asked Liz to stick around.

"So, what did you think?"

"That I'm going to need to color my hair because half of it is probably gray right now."

Chloe laughed. "You have talent. Why don't you continue to meet with us weekly until it's time for your maternity leave? You can learn and see if this industry is for you. Of course, you will be paid a decent salary. What do you think?"

A slow smile eased onto Elizabeth's face. "I think I'd like that."

Chloe clapped her hands together. "Good. Now, want some gossip?"

Liz's brow rose. "Sure…"

"I had dinner with Stefan."

Liz's eyes couldn't have gotten any wider. "Seriously?"

"Yes, and we're going to meet again tonight."

"Wow."

"He's handsome, intelligent, and intense. Yum…"

"Well, he has looked out for me. You may have to draw him out of his shell."

"I know, but at least I didn't have to yank him out of it. I just want to see what happens."

"There is no harm in that."

They spoke a bit about salary and hours, and then Chloe ended the call.