A/N – Thanks for the responses and for those who have said some encouraging and supportive things about my writing, thank you so much! I'm really glad that people enjoy it and that you're not sick of me lol. It's hard keeping it fresh, but I'll keep trying to surprise you as long as you'll have me.

Chapter 6

Liz snorted, making him chuckle. "Can I ask you a question? It's embarrassing."

When her face starts to redden, he tries to ignore it so she won't chicken out. "Yes." He really doesn't get embarrassed very often and knows she's just being curious.

"Have you had a lot of—you know—sex?" If Jason makes it seem like it's a deal breaker, then she'll know if he'll have enough patience with her should another kiss occur.

"Enough…"

"Did you like it?"

He nodded. "Yes. Don't you?"

She shrugged.

"Be honest with me."

A sigh left her lips. "Not really… I don't think I'm very good at it." Her face turned a darker shade of red.

His finger pushed a tendril of her curls behind her ear. "I think you're wrong. When it's right and you feel comfortable with someone else, it will be really good and if they care about you enough, they'll be patient with you."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"I feel like I can talk to you about anything."

He slightly smiled because even though she had enough guts to ask, she's still shy about it and having problems holding his gaze. "That's because you can. I promise I won't judge you—ever."

"That's a big promise."

"I don't lie."

She turned so she is flush against him and then leaned her head on his shoulder. "I do."

"About what?"

"I lie to myself every day and say that I'm okay, but I'm not. I haven't been okay since before Valentine's day when I was sixteen. Every day, I just get through it like I'm just going through the motions."

"That's not living."

"It's just existing and I know that, but I've been in a rut. I think Epiphany suggested nursing school so I'd focus on something different."

"What do you want, Elizabeth?"

"Sometimes, I wish that I could fly and go all the way to heaven and tell Lucky goodbye."

"What would you say?"

"Um—I would tell him that I loved him, but I have to move on and not stay in a bad place. I've grown older now and I don't feel like that girl who crawled out of the bushes anymore. I'd tell him that I need to let him go because I want to believe that there is someone out there for me who believes in me and loves me no matter what."

"That's a beautiful dream."

He grasped her hand and then their fingers tangled.

"I would tell him goodbye," she said before she whimpered.

"It's going to be okay, Elizabeth. I promise. Someday, you're going to get whatever you want, because if anyone deserves it, I think it's you."

He let go and put his arm around her and pulled her onto his lap.

"You're going to hurt your wound."

"I'm fine."

She closed her eyes as his arm wrapped around her body and held her tight, soothing her pain as her tears started to abate.

"You make me feel so safe like if I just stayed here just like this, everything would be fine."

"I'll always watch over you. That's what friends do."

"Then that means I'll do the same for you."

"I mean it, Elizabeth. I don't care what time it is if you need me, I'll do whatever I can to get to you. Do you believe me?"

"Yes."

That is how they fell asleep, content in each other's arms.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

For the next couple of days, they fell into a rhythm. Elizabeth would go to work and then come home and they'd eat and talk about whatever popped into their heads. They know that their friendship is leading to something that they can't quite label yet, but they are enjoying it.

"Elizabeth?"

She looked up from her sketch pad. "Yeah?"

"You know what I do for Sonny, right?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"And that doesn't bother you?"

"I will worry about your safety, but your job doesn't define you. When I look at you all I see is my friend who has a big heart and gives very good advice. I don't see a killer."

"But that's exactly who I am."

Her lips pursed as she put down the pad. "That's what you do, but it's not who you are."

"I don't see the difference."

"You don't run around killing people for fun, right?"

"No."

"And you would do anything to protect Emily and Lila, and even Epiphany?"

"You can add yourself to that list too."

She blushed. "If you were all bad, you wouldn't be capable of such love."

His voice grew to a whisper. "I wish I could see myself the way you see me."

Moving closer, she touched his face. "Look into my eyes and tell me what you see."

He paused for a long moment. "I see someone who thinks I matter."

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

"I care about you because of the way you treat me. You don't act like I'm damaged and some porcelain doll and that means everything to me because you truly get me. I couldn't see that in you if it wasn't there, no matter how hard I would try. So, you're awesome. Deal with it."

He grinned. "Thank you for believing in me."

"See. Was that so hard?"

He chuckled as he grabbed her and drew her closer. "Elizabeth…"

She couldn't look away and just knows he is going to kiss her. Every nerve in her body tingled as his lips got closer and it hit her how much she wants him too. Just before they touched, they heard a key in the door and Elizabeth jumped up just as Stan moved inside.

"Hey, guys!"

Liz smiled. "Hey, Stan."

"What's up?" Jason said.

"Nothing much, I just wanted to drop off a little present for my mom." He put a box on the table.

"Any news?"

He nodded. "Yes."

Liz took that as a cue and went to her room.

"What's going on?"

"Sonny is getting worse, even Carly seems to be a little nervous."

"But let me guess, she still is by his side."

"Yes. Um, I don't know how to tell you this, but Father Coates married them last night."

Jason is stunned. "What was the rush?"

"You want my guess?"

"Why not…"

"Well, I think he did it because he was pissed at you. Think about it, now he has Michael and Carly. What a better way to rub it in that he holds all the cards."

"Asshole…"

He smirked. "What are you going to do?"

"Regarding Carly? Nothing… If she was stupid enough to marry him, then she deserves what she gets. Part of me wishes that she ends up taking every penny he has because I doubt that he was smart enough for a prenup." While he had thought of Michael as his son, he will no longer let Carly use his nephew to control him. He'll have to figure out a way to see him without them being involved.

"And Sonny?"

"After your mom gets back, I guess we'll have to have a long talk."

"There's one more thing and I haven't shared it with anyone, but if Sonny finds out, it could get me killed."

Jason is silent for a moment and then nods.

"Johnny is undercover."

"What! You must be mistaken."

"I'm sorry man, but he works for Corelli." They had buried it pretty well, but Stan is that good.

"What the fuck?"

Stan sighed. "He's doing everything he can to protect you and it's really pissing Sonny off and I think he doesn't trust him anymore. I've heard him on the phone with someone else, but the number is always untraceable."

Jason doesn't know what to think. "Don't breathe a word to this to anyone. I'm not sure what Johnny is doing, but I think Corelli wanted an in and Johnny is it." He needs to know if their friendship is real or if he was being used.

Stan could tell where his thoughts went. "If he was using you, he wouldn't be trying to have your back. Maybe he didn't expect your friendship, but I think he values you."

"I'm not sure if I should confront him or not. He needs to stay focused. I'll talk to him, but for now, I won't let him know that I'm on to him."

"Trust in your friendship because your instincts are good." Stan stood. "If you need to talk…"

"You're a good man, Stan. Thank you."

He smiled. "Tell Liz I said later."

"I will."

When Liz heard the door shut, she ventured back to the living room. "You okay?"

"Yes and no."

"Want to talk about it?"

"I wish I could."

Her phone vibrated. "Crap. Emily just texted me and the rave is tonight."

"Are you going to go?"

"I guess. I don't want to ruin our progress." Besides, it might be good to go out and have some fun for a change.

He watched her bounce out of the room and then ran his hand through his hair. He sent Johnny a message and asked if maybe he can swing by the rave later and check on her. A few minutes later, Johnny said he would and Jason felt a little better about the situation, but they definitely need to talk.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Elizabeth spun around. "What do you think?"

Jason eyes slightly narrowed. "You look beautiful." She is wearing a blouse with one shoulder exposed, a jean skirt, and some wedged heels. Curls softly frame her face and suddenly, he wished he was the red lipstick that graced her plump lips.

"Thanks." She toyed with the small purse in her hand. "Are you sure that you'll be okay? I don't have to go."

"Yes, you do. I'll be fine. Would it make you feel better if I texted you every once in a while."

"Yes."

"Okay."

A car horn sounded and she ran to the door. "Later…"

"Later…"

He rested his head against the back of the couch and closed his eyes. Hopefully, there won't be any trouble.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Emily grabbed Elizabeth's hand and pulled her forward as Nicholas went to get them drinks. Loud, pulsating music vibrates through their bodies as they look around in awe.

"Let's dance!" Em said before dragging her to the dance floor.

Their bodies swayed and after a few minutes, a guy approached them.

"May I join you?"

Emily thinks he's very cute. "Sure!"

"Great! I'm Zander."

"I'm Emily and this is my friend, Liz."

Nikolas hands the girls a cup.

"Nikolas, this is Zander."

"Hi."

Nikolas nods. "Hi." This really isn't his kind of place and wishes he were back at Windermere so he could call his girlfriend, Gia, but the fact that Elizabeth had finally agreed to hang out is worth the alcohol stains and hearing loss.

A few minutes later, he moves off to the side.

"I'll go check on him," Emily said.

A slow song comes on, and Elizabeth pauses awkwardly, but Zander is smooth and pulls her against him.

"So, you have a boyfriend?" He's attracted to both of them and isn't sure which one he wants yet.

She shook her head.

"Do you want one?"

She laughed. "I don't know yet."

His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"You look like trouble right now."

He grinned. "Always…"

Nikolas finished his drink. "Want to get some air?"

Emily rolled her eyes. "Why? You want to call Gia?"

He slightly smiled. "Yes."

"I don't want to leave Elizabeth."

They glanced at her just as she laughed and she waved to them.

"She's fine. He seems pretty harmless. Just tell her where we are going."

Em moves towards them. "We're getting some air, do you want to come?"

"No, I'm fine. You go ahead."

Elizabeth goes to the bathroom and when she comes back, Zander hands her a drink.

"Thanks." She sips it and then they spot an open table and sit. "So, I don't think I've seen you around before."

"I just moved here from Jersey."

"The shore?"

"Nope, I lived in South Jersey."

"Did you like it?"

He nodded. "It was okay. What's it like here?"

"Well, we make our own fun."

"I hear there is a big mob presence."

"I guess."

"Have you always lived here?"

"No. I moved here when I was sixteen."

A good song came on and Zander encouraged her to chug the drink and then they went back onto the dance floor.

Outside, Emily is getting frustrated with Nikolas because he's taking so long.

"One more minute," he said before turning away from her.

She folded her arms across her chest, trying to decide if she should just leave him out there.

Elizabeth appeared and Emily noted that she looked really buzzed.

"Did you drink without me?"

Liz grinned. "Maybe just a little bit..."

Emily smacked Nikolas's arm. "I want to dance."

Liz grabbed her hand and tugged her back inside and they danced up a storm with Zander supplying the alcohol.

Nikolas caught up with them and Elizabeth made him dance with her. He chuckled at her antics. "You're going to have a hangover tomorrow."

"Oh well… It's the price you pay for fun."

For the next hour they danced and then Nikolas and Emily went outside again and Zander dragged Liz towards a corner.

He handed her some water and she gulped it, even though he told her to slow down.

She suddenly lost her balance and he pulled her against her, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.

Elizabeth can barely focus and Zander realizes that maybe he gave her to big of a dose.

"Come on," he said dragging her through an exit door to the alley.

"Where we going?" she managed to get out as he tugged her along.

"To my car, I'll bring you right back."

They moved towards the front and cut across the lot of the building next to them and then he opened his car door.

Johnny was striding towards the front of the rave building when Zander caught his eye as he helped Liz get in the car.

Emily ran up to him. "Hey, Johnny."

"Where is Elizabeth?"

"Inside, why?"

"Because I swear that guy over there just put her in his car."

Emily frowned and then stumbled.

"Are you drunk?"

She slightly swayed as she tried to focus. "I can't be. I didn't drink that much."

Nikolas joined them. "What are you doing here?"

"Were you with them the whole time?"

"No."

"I think they were drugged. Emily's eyes are glazed and she's slurring."

"Shit…"

Johnny looked up again in time to see Zander get into his car with a big smile on his face. "I'm going to go help Elizabeth."

Nikolas followed his gaze. "Why are you looking over there, she's inside with Zander."

"They are not inside." Zander is a dead man, Johnny thought as he ran to his car and took off. It didn't take long to catch up to them and then he backed off and followed them to a house several blocks away. He drove past it and parked and then jumped up and ran for the house.

Zander pulled Liz to her feet and then practically dragged her inside, tossing his keys on a table and then depositing her on a couch.

Liz can barely keep her eyes open.

"Let's have a little fun," he said as he unbuttoned his shirt.

"Don't feel so good."

"You'll be fine."

Just as Zander's shirt hit the floor, Johnny entered the house.

"What the fuck?"

With one punch, Johnny leveled him, sending Zander to the floor. He knelt in front of Elizabeth.

"Jesus Christ, what did he give you?"

Her eyes rolled back and she passed out. He took her pulse and it felt strong.

Pulling out his phone, he called the doctor and sent him to Epiphany's and then told Francis about the situation.

"I'll send someone over to take care of him," Francis said.

"Make sure he suffers. He was going to rape her."

"In that case, I'll torture him myself."

Johnny lifted Elizabeth and carried her to his truck and once she was secure, he raced to the house.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

When Jason heard the knock on the door, he got his gun from under the couch and then cautiously approached it.

"It's Doc."

He frowned and opened the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Johnny asked me to meet him here."

Jason swallowed hard. "Come in…" This is definitely not a good sign.

Five minutes later, they heard Johnny's car and the doctor opened the door, surprised to see him carrying a woman.

Jason is stunned but quickly recovers as Johnny lays Liz on the couch.

"What happened?"

"Some little punk drugged her and Emily."

"Is Emily okay?"

"Nikolas is with her. I'm sorry, if I didn't leave them, I wouldn't have found Elizabeth. I had to follow him and he was undressing when I busted down the door."

Jason is beyond pissed.

The doctor is examining Elizabeth. "Do you know what he gave her?"

"No."

"Without doing a complete workup, I won't be able to tell. Her heart is strong and she's stable. She might have to sleep it off. Later, she may get sick, but that would be a good thing."

"What should I do if she wakes up?"

"Let her give you cues. If you can, get her to drink water so she doesn't get too dehydrated."

"Okay."

He put his things away. "If she has a seizure or has trouble breathing, take her to the hospital."

"I will."

Jason covers her up and then waits until Doc leaves and then faces Johnny.

"I'm sorry I didn't get there earlier."

"You did good."

"Then why are you looking at me so funny?"

"We need to talk."