A/N – Thanks for the comments. We're moving along!

Chapter 29

The next morning, Evangeline rushes to the county jail and after going through security, she's led to a room where Jason is waiting.

He watches her plop onto the chair across from him. "What's going on?"

"There is good news and bad news. Miraculously, a slot opened for tomorrow. Apparently, the judge has severe food poisoning, so his high-profile case has been postponed. The bad news is that the presiding judge is an old relic who is tough on crime. I'm not saying he isn't fair, but he won't look kindly on your profession. Lucky for you, I'm prepared, determined, and losing is not in my reality. Do you understand what this means?"

He slowly nodded.

"You could be free by tomorrow night. I'm that confident in the evidence. I already have a forensic expert on standby as well as some people willing to attest to your worthiness as a human being. I haven't heard one peep from Claire Walsh, so hopefully, she is not going to be a problem. We've got this."

Jason slightly smiled. "That's good to hear."

"How are you?"

"I'm okay. It's not as bad here."

"Well, since the hearing is tomorrow, they won't move you to general population. You can stay where you are for now."

"That's good. How is everything else?"

"Well, Carly Corinthos was attacked last night."

He quickly averted his gaze. While he can't stand her, it did slightly affect him because of his nephew.

"She was beaten pretty badly. I spoke to Francis on the way over and Epiphany thinks it's Helena because of the Spencer connection."

That got his attention.

"What?"

"They are really together like, she was with him last night together?"

Eva chuckled. "You're going to have to get used it. I don't know if they were together—together, but he was taking care of her. Diane said her house was trashed last night."

Jason's eyes narrowed.

"She wasn't there when it happened, but Francis insisted on her staying at Crimson Point so he could protect her."

Jason let out a languid breath. "She'll never be truly safe if she's with him. I don't understand her. She almost died because of the business and now, she wants to be with someone who runs one."

"The heart wants what it wants. Don't you want her to be happy?"

"Yes, but I'd prefer her to be alive as well."

Eva folded her hands. "I'm sure Francis will do everything he can. I've been around the Corelli family for several years now. He's level-headed and a good person and since he doesn't like drama, the city would be a lot safer if he is running things. No one can control everything."

"I just want better for her."

"What if Francis is her better? What if he can make her happy and fulfill her because he's her soulmate? Sometimes, fate chooses your lover and you have to go along for the ride."

He chuckled when Manny popped into his head. "I hope you remember that."

She eyed him curiously.

"Someday, you might meet someone who doesn't exactly fit the mold of who you think you should be with. Would you consider giving someone like that a chance?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. I mean if we have things in common and they are respectful and kind, I probably would. I've learned not to judge a book by its cover."

"What if he's in the business?"

"It would be a red flag for me, but I don't know that I'd completely dismiss it." Her eyes narrowed. "You sound like you have someone in mind."

He shook his head. "I try not to interfere with fate." He never believed in it before, but given everything that had happened, it seems like fate is making itself known.

"That's probably for the better. That means you shouldn't interfere when fate throws someone in your path either."

"Did Epiphany or Diane pay you to say that?"

"Thelma and Louise had nothing to do with this."

"Who are Thelma and Louise?"

"It was a movie. Basically, they go on a trip and a man tries to rape Thelma and Louise shoots and kills him, so they go on the run as they make their way to Mexico. Louise falls for Brad Pitt and there is a detective who tries to convince them to surrender."

"Do they escape?"

"No. They end up driving over a cliff to their death."

Jason grimaces. "What kind of horrible movie is that?"

She laughs. "The acting was stellar. It was good writing and won many Oscars."

"I don't get how that has anything to do with Diane and Piph."

"Well, the women were like two peas in a pod and that is where Diane and Piph are headed. But, considering Diane would never drive over a cliff, even if it was a shortcut to a sale—"

"And Epiphany's glare rivals mine, so it would probably stop the car before it reached the edge."

"Exactly! They aren't going anywhere, but you're in trouble now that they hooked up. You'll never get a word in edgewise."

Jason smiled. For some reason, he liked the sound of that.

"I'm glad you're in a good mood." She packed up. "Wait here, you have a visitor."

Jason groaned. "I'm scared to ask."

Eva smiled. "Enjoy, I talked fast, so you have fifteen minutes. I lied and said she was my assistant."

"A lawyer lying? The world is going to come to an end."

"Funny…" She left and soon, Elizabeth moved into the room.

He is shocked.

They quickly perused each other.

"Your face looks a lot better," she said before moving across from him.

"It doesn't hurt."

"I'm sorry that I hit you, but you were making me crazy."

"I know."

She took a chance and reached out her hand and is relieved when he grabs onto it. "I know that I probably could have waited until after the hearing, but I couldn't help it. I needed to see you."

"I'm okay. In here, I'm in a cell by myself."

"Good. I know you said you're okay, but they hurt you."

When tears prick her eyes, he realizes where she is going with the conversation and he let's go of her hand and moves it through his hair.

"They didn't." Carter had gotten way to close, but Manny had stopped him before it was too late.

"They tried and you were exposed. You know that I understand, right? I want you to feel like you can talk to me about anything."

"It's over and can't be taken back. The's nothing I can do."

"I didn't talk to anyone afterward and bottled up my feelings. It took a toll on me emotionally."

"I—the damage makes me process things differently."

"Shutting down doesn't make it go away. You were still violated to a degree. I can't force you to talk, just know that I'm here if it does get to you."

"Okay." He doesn't want to argue or think about that. "You look good."

She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "Thank you."

"How is Piph?"

"She is maintaining a brave front, but I know she's hurting. After I'm done here, we're going to the house."

"Let me know if they destroyed her game so I can get her a new one."

Liz slightly smiled. "I will. Stan is going to meet us there."

"Is Sonny messing with him?"

"No. He's mostly going to school."

"Good."

"What's going to happen with us when you leave here?" She wants there to be no miscommunication.

"I'm not sure, but I do know that we can't be seen in public."

She groaned.

"I won't back down on that. The longer it takes for Sonny to figure it out, the better."

"Alright, I agree, but we have to find a way to communicate."

"I'll get you a burn phone."

"I already have one."

He sighed. "Francis?"

"Yes. I'm living at Crimson Point."

He blinked a few times. The women in his life are killing him. "Why?"

"Well, Lucky came back from the dead."

"I heard."

When he seemed dejected, she quickly filled him in. "I'm not with him. He knows I have feelings for you."

"Elizabeth, you shouldn't have told him. What if he tells the wrong person?"

"I don't think he will. His life is a mess."

"Who else knows?"

"Luke and probably Laura."

His hand smacks the table, stunning her, and then he gets up and starts to pace.

"What's wrong?"

"Luke and Sonny go way back. If they talk, he might tell him."

Liz cursed under her breath. "I didn't think about that. He might visit Carly at the hospital." They'll have to make a detour on the way to Piph's house if Luke is spotted. She quickly texted Felix to let her know if Luke showed up. "I'll handle it."

He sighed, staring at the floor and she got up and moved in front of him. "Can I—please hug me."

His head slowly lifted and then after a pause, he tugged her against him and she practically purred.

"I'm sorry." His raspy voice is barely audible.

"For what?"

"I was so rough with you that night." There aren't many things that he's ashamed of.

She slightly retreats as her cheeks redden. "I liked it. Not only did it make me feel things I've never felt, but for the first time, I felt like a woman."

Due to the quizzical look on his face, she continues. "I usually over think everything and I just went with my feelings that night. Lucky always handled me with kid's gloves. You made me feel alive. Gentle isn't bad it's just not what I always want."

As he gazes at her, so many feelings rush through him. How is it possible that such a small person can have such a huge effect on him. Just the way she looks at him leaves him so twisted. All reason goes out the window and he tries to focus on the fact that he needs to take it slow, especially if they can't spend a lot of time together.

His eyes lock on her lips, lingering there as his thumb rubs the bottom one.

"Kiss me," she said softly.

His head slowly moves forward until he invades her space and then their lips meet as they both moan and she reaches up and grabs his face as she feasts on his lips, making her stomach flutter as his arms wrap around her. He's lost. There is no way to describe how good it is to connect with her physically. Her body is so small yet fits just right pressed against his and as the kiss escalates, they both never want it to end.

Finally needing to breathe, they separate and stare longingly, knowing their time is almost up.

"Promise me you that you won't give up on us, even if things get bad. I need to hear you say it."

He sucks in a deep breath. "I will try to talk things over with you before acting out."

Her right brow rose. "Is that as good as I'm gonna get?"

He slightly smirked. "I will always do what I think is in your best interest."

She rolled her eyes. "So, in other words, you will do whatever you want and I'm just along for the ride?" Her hands found her hips and he thinks she looks incredibly sexy.

"That's not what I meant."

Her arms crossed. "Well, then you have some explaining to do."

He brushed his hand through his hair. "My first instinct is to protect."

"Believe it or not, my first instinct is not to hit you, but if you do anything remotely as bone-headed as you did to land yourself in jail, I will personally kick your ass."

He grabbed her and kissed her senseless, giving Eva an eyeful when she entered the room.

"Um, she might need to breathe soon." Damn, the man is all kinds of hot.

Liz started to laugh as Jason pulled back.

"You and Diane have really bad timing. Is it a prerequisite or something?"

Eva grinned. "No, it's totally optional."

Jason cracked a smile.

Liz gave him one more peck. "See you later, Morgan."

"Later, Webber."

She moved past Evangeline. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Elizabeth left and Jason dreaded the fact he had to go back to the cell.

"It's almost over and then you can get your life back," Eva said.

"I know. I guess I'm just a little impatient."

"I get it."

The guard pushed the door open and then cuffed Jason. His gaze locked with Eva's one more time before he's led away.

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Epiphany sat next to Elizabeth on the couch at Crimson Pointe. "So, how did you and my man get along?"

Liz grinned. "Let's just say his lips are imprinted on mine."

Piph chuckled. "Nice. If he can't break my bed, then I at least want him breaking yours."

Liz's head tilted. "Seriously, what kind of beds do you buy? I used to jump on mine, with my friends, and it didn't break."

Piph laughed. "He was a cheap boyfriend, but I'm still looking forward to trying with Francis."

"You just like messing with Jason's head."

"That is true. I love it when he gets that perplexed look and his head tilts. His expressions are hilarious."

"You should have seen his when he saw me. Priceless…" She paused and then changed the subject. "Evangeline seems nice."

"She is. I've gotten to know her a little better. You will get along well."

"She's pretty too."

Piph grinned. "What's going on in that crazy mind of yours?"

"I am perfectly sane."

"Please…"

"She made him smile and she's smart and attractive. He seems to like her."

"First, Jason only has eyes for you. Second, from what I know of her, I don't think she's that disrespectful. She knows that you two are an item. While she did admit that Jason is fine, what woman wouldn't."

Liz scrunched her face.

"You have nothing to worry about. Besides, everyone wants to hook her up with Manny."

Liz's mouth dropped open. "Seriously?" They seem so different, so she can't really picture it.

"Yes. What do you think of him?"

"He's very polite, but he intimidates me a little bit. I think once I get to know him a little better, I'll be more comfortable." Manny is very muscular and even though he has been nice, his intensity rattles her a little.

"Elizabeth, you were raped. It's okay to be wary of men. He's intense. Frankly, I'm surprised you warmed up to Jason so fast given he's wound tight too."

"Nicole said that Manny was the one who took her to Ireland and he was wonderful to her. I think he had a little crush on her."

"Well, she's a beautiful woman and I do like her personality."

"Me too. It will be hard to leave there."

"Were you thinking about it?"

Liz shrugged. "I know I'm safer there, so I won't leave before Sonny is handled, but I do think about my future. I can start taking classes soon for nursing. At some point, I'm going to have to find my own way."

"Well, there is nothing wrong with leaning on friends from time to time. I don't like you living in that studio. It's drafty and it sucks in that part of town."

"Jason lives at Jake's."

Piph rolled her eyes. "I already told him that place is not only unsafe for him but that he needs to put down some roots."

"Well, when he decides what he wants to do, I'll help him."

"It's going to be hard for him at first. He has a lot of decisions to make and he'll be in danger. I think I'll look around for him. At least he'll have some options. I know there are some lofts that are in an industrial area, but he can put up security cameras and it's not far from the docks. There's a bench close by that practically has his name on it. Maybe you can convince him to have a guard. That boy just doesn't get that he isn't indestructible."

Liz grinned. "I'll do my best."

"Want to take a walk with me?" She is still trying to get her stamina back.

"I would love to."