A/N – Thanks for the comments! Judging from a few, I think you missed that Lucky was the one that hurt Carly. My eye is a bruised and a little sore, but I could finally open it all the way today. It will be a work in progress.

Chapter 31

Johnny followed Sonny into his office.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Sonny asked.

"I need to tell you something and you aren't going to like it."

They sat.

"Go ahead…" He really isn't in the mood for more bad news, but clearly, Johnny had something on his mind.

"Before I came to Port Charles, I had met someone. We were meeting in secret and what I didn't know is that she got pregnant."

It was something Sonny would have never guessed. "Go on."

"Something happened and she was hurt and went away. I had no idea I was a father."

"Wow."

"She came to town recently and I need to tell you who she is because you are not going to like it."

Sonny's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward. Johnny is already on thin ice and Sonny has the feeling it's about to get worse.

"Her name is Nicole and she's a Corelli."

Sonny's jaw dropped. "What the fuck, Johnny? You're connected to the Corelli's?"

"They weren't aware of it. We were sneaking around and then went our separate ways."

"I'm sorry, Johnny, but I can't have you working for me if you are involved with Corelli's sister."

Johnny pretended to be dejected.

"Benny will send you a check. Leave any keys with Max on your way out. Is it a girl or boy?"

Johnny looked up, surprised that he asked. "It's a girl."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

He stood and so did Sonny.

"If you go work for Francis and I find out you tell him something that ends up hurting my business, she will grow up without a father. Is that understood?"

"Yes." When Sonny sat, Johnny got out of there as fast as he could, finally feeling free.

Once he was gone, Sonny dialed his phone.

"Ronnie."

"Yeah, boss."

"I fired Johnny."

"Why?" Ronnie is actually glad.

"He has a kid with Nicole Corelli."

Ronnie's eyes narrowed. "He could have been playing us all along." He hated that Johnny had corrupted her, but it won't be a deterrent.

"I know and threatened him. I'm not too worried. I have safe houses he doesn't know about and he really wasn't privy to my plans. Change the alarm codes to the warehouses and I'll have Max shuffle around schedules. We'll cover our tracks. He'll probably work for Francis now."

"Another reason I should have buried him."

"I'm not worried about it. Francis has had chances and didn't take it and to me, that smells of weakness. He's nothing like his father and when the time is right, we'll blow them all to kingdom come, Johnny included."

"Sounds like a good plan."

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Stan strode into Francis's office. "Ronnie called me a few minutes ago. I'm fired."

"Really?"

"Yes. Since my school schedule is hectic, they decided they can't use me. A guard took my work computer and I gave back my keys."

"For now, just concentrate on school. After that, if you want to join our team, then you're welcome too."

"Thanks. I'm honestly not sure what I want to do."

"Well, you have time. Have fun with your friends and if you need something then ask. I know your mom is proud, but I can slip you something on the side."

Stan smirked and then his eyes narrowed. "So, what are your intentions with my mother?"

Piph rolled her eyes and then strode into the office. "Do I interfere with your love life?"

"Mom…"

"Answer the question, Stanford."

He sighed. "I don't have a love life, but I'm sure if I did, if you didn't like her, she'd know it."

Piph glared at him. "Don't get smart."

"I have been the man of the house and it's my job to look after you."

She tries not to smile. "Your only job is to get through school and not get arrested or knock someone up."

Francis chuckled.

She focused on him. "And you—are you trying to bribe my son?" She knows he's not, but can't resist teasing him.

"No."

When he doesn't elaborate, she folds her arms across her chest and Francis's eyes display his amusement.

Stan waited to see what Francis would do.

"I have your back, right?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Then I have his. It comes with the package, so you're going to have to deal with it."

Stan started to choke as Francis and Piph continue their standoff.

Piph cleared her throat. "Well, just don't spoil him rotten and we're good."

"Good."

Stan shook his head. "Unbelievable…"

"What?" Piph asked.

"He totally just played you."

"No, he didn't. I let him off the hook because he knows that you are the most important thing in my life and he is willing to accept you and help you, so how can I really fault in him for that."

"So, if I show up driving a Lambo tomorrow, you're not going to have a problem with it?"

Francis turned to hide his smile.

"That would be spoiling you rotten, so yes, I would have a problem with it."

"What if he bought you one?"

Piph rolled her eyes. "First of all, I don't want a little foo-foo Lambo. I want something big I can run over people with. Secondly, we weren't talking about me."

Stan laughed. "I love you, mom." He kissed her on the cheek and darted towards the door. "Later, Francis…"

"Bye."

"That boy is just too much."

"I think he's awesome, just like his mother." He kissed her before she could respond and she melted against him.

"Thank you," she said with a soft smile. "I'm cooking tonight."

His eyes lit up. "Can I ask what?"

"Nicole wants fried chicken."

He smirked. "She is so spoiled."

"You can pick the next meal."

"How about a big breakfast on Saturday."

"I have off, so it's doable."

"I'm already salivating."

She smiled. "I'm on my way into work. I'll talk to you later." She gave him one more kiss and then left.

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Jason sat on the couch at the safehouse as Eva prepared lunch.

"Hope you're hungry."

He slowly inhaled. "Smells good…"

She lightly sang as she cooked, making Jason smile. Manny is going to be a goner and Jason can't wait to rub it in.

The front door swung open and Manny appeared, prompting Jason to stand. They shared a warm hug.

"What's up?"

"Nothing much. Eva took pity on me and is making me some lunch."

"It smells good."

Eva smiled. "There's enough. Do you want to eat with us?"

"Sure."

She got back to work and Jason chuckled, making Manny slightly shove him.

"I took her for a ride in my car last night."

"How did it go?"

Manny paused to listen to her singing and then smiled. "It was great."

"You are so far gone already."

"I have been lusting over her for the last few years. I have a head start."

"I took your advice and stopped pushing away Elizabeth and Epiphany, but it was mostly out of sheer exhaustion."

Manny laughed. "I wish you could come to the party on Saturday."

"Me too, but for now, I'm going to lay low. Francis is coming by in a few hours."

"Good. You need to talk."

"I agree."

Eva finished plating the food. "Alright, we have steak tacos, nachos, and ice cold beers."

Jason grinned as he made his way to the table, making sure that Manny and Eva sat closer together. He bit into a taco and slightly moaned. "Outstanding."

Manny nodded because his mouth is full and then swigged some of the beer. "It's very good."

"Glad you like it. My mother taught me how to make her secret sauce."

"Well, you'll have to thank her for us," Jason said.

She amusedly watched them devour the food as she ate slowly.

"That was so good," Jason said.

"The only thing that would make this perfect is Elizabeth's brownies," Manny said.

Eva's eyes twinkled. "Well, just what are you willing to do for them?"

His head tilted as Jason chuckled at his expression.

"Is that a trick question?"

She shook her head.

His eyes slightly narrowed. "Name your price."

She tapped her lip as she pondered. "Let's see, another trip to the outlook, but this time, I drive."

He glanced at Jason and then shook his head. "No way….I'll help clean up."

He and Jason stood.

"Good call, man. You haven't seen her drive," Jason said.

Eva's jaw dropped and then Manny let out a laugh.

"Just kidding. You can drive, now hand them over."

She jumped up and grabbed the bag and tried to make a run for it and to her astonishment, right before she got to the door, Manny dashed towards her, leaping over the coffee table and grabbed her as she squealed. He lifted her off her feet as she laughed loudly until Jason grabbed the bag and ran into the kitchen.

Manny dropped her on the couch and then joined his friend and they quickly popped one into their mouths.

"I can't believe you two."

"We'll share if you'll agree to let me do the driving," Manny said.

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Elizabeth sighed happily as she cleaned a table. It is hard not to smile when things are finally going right.

"You look absolutely radiant. Did you have a conjugal visit with your thug boyfriend?

Liz spun on her heel and came face to face with Helena who studied her as Liz tried to quell her fear.

"You know, a greeting is considered to be a polite formality."

When Liz still didn't move or answer, Helena took a few steps forward which snapped her out of her fog.

"What do you want?" Liz said before locking eyes on her guard who is passed out. The only thing he had was coffee and so had she.

Seeing the realization on her face, Helena cackled. "Oh, Elizabeth, your expressions are priceless. He'll awake eventually, but in the meantime, let's have a little chat. You should sit down before you fall."

Liz made her way to the table and ungracefully sat.

"I know all about you and Mr. Morgan and that he is no longer imprisoned."

Liz conjured her inner Jason and kept her face neutral.

"Lucky knows too."

Liz's eyes slightly widened.

"I have to say, while I consider Lucky the spawn of the devil, he still is probably a step up from a street thug. Tell me, Elizabeth, what is it about Jason Morgan that has you all a flutter?"

"That's really none of your business."

Helena grinned. "Such bravado from such a small girl. It's amazing how certain events can change us, practically reinventing our core nature. You used to have sass and then… I won't rehash what happened to you. I'm sure it's never far from your thoughts anyway, but it changed you, Elizabeth, more than you'd probably like to admit."

Elizabeth hates that Helena knows so much about her past. "Is there a point to this conversation?" Since she doesn't feel tired or drugged, she figures Helena didn't drug her too.

"What happened to Lucky changed him irrevocably."

Liz slight snorted. "You think?"

"He can't get you out of his head. Oh, he tries to stay away, lurking in the shadows as you go about your day to day activities. How do you think it will make him feel once he gets a glimpse of you and that deviant? What do you think will happen when Lucky finally lays eyes on the man that took his girl away? I seriously doubt a handshake will be in order."

"So, is that your plan? You're going to pit the two of them against each other until one is not left standing?"

Helena smirked. "That would be way too simplistic for me, but I truly hope your fragile exterior can handle all the carnage. Women have brought down kingdoms. The only difference between you and them is that they were more cunning."

"What is the point of this?"

Helena bristled as she stared at her foe. "Consider this fair warning. Things are finally going to start to get interesting in this town. Ignoring Lucky will be a huge error on your part. The more he sulks and frets, the more dangerous he'll become. None of you realize what he is capable of and by the time you do, it will simply be too late."

"Why would you warn me?"

"Because it will make the battle so much more interesting if you rise to my level. While I don't think you can entirely, it will sure be fun to watch you find your inner Helena and fight back."

Someone bangs on the front door.

"You should go."

Helena glances at her guard. "We'll go out the back."

He radios for the car.

"When all seems bleak and darkness falls, fear is at your beck and call. No matter how long you scream and cry, no one will hear you, no matter how long you try. Give into the darkness and your merciless plight will find the light of day. Submit to your soulmate and the darkness will fade away."

Liz is convinced that she is certifiable.

"Goodbye, Elizabeth. I'll see you soon."

For a long moment, Liz just sat there and tried to process all that was said and then she dialed her phone.

"Elizabeth" Francis asked.

"Helena drugged Micah. She said he'd wake up eventually."

He slowly stood as Johnny watched. "Are you at the diner?"

"Yes. She just left."

"I'll be right there."

He ran for the door with Johnny following.

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Eva moved towards them, her eyes full of amusement. Jason took another brownie and seeing the glint in her eyes he stepped backward and Manny put the bag behind his back. Slowly she eased in front of him and then pressed her cheek against his, Jason almost died laughing when Manny literally gulped.

As she whispered into his ear, her arm stealthily snaked around Manny's waist and grabbed the bag and then she sprinted into the living room and plopped onto the couch before sinking her teeth into a brownie.

"I cannot believe you let her do that," Jason said playfully.

"Did you see her? No man could have resisted that. I think she played some kind of Jedi mind trick on me."

Jason had tears in his eyes. "I'm just happy to have some blackmail material on you."

"Bros before h—gorgeous women."

"I could get them back for you, but Elizabeth might kill me if I use the same tactics."

Manny grinned.

"So good," Eva said from the couch.

"I think you need to make her think you're about to do it and then get those brownies back," Manny said.

"Are you scared of her?"

"Hell yeah. My dad told me never come between a woman and chocolate unless you have some serious artillery and then you'll still have to sleep with one eye open."

Jason shook his head. "Watch this." He moved back into the living room as Eva's eyes narrowed and then sat across from her on the coffee table, making her grip the bag tighter.

"You really don't want to eat those alone, do you?"

Eva gulped as Jason licked his lips and just slowly nodded, almost making him laugh.

He leaned forward and softly said, "I really don't think you do."

Her head tilted because she couldn't figure out if he was flirting and then she loosened her grip just enough so Manny, who had snuck closer, grabbed the bag and took off with Jason following.

"Hey!"

Manny took one out of the bag and then Jason grabbed the rest and ran upstairs and went into his bedroom.

"We were had."

Eva shook her head. "That's what you get."

"Don't be mad."

They are now standing close, staring at each other.

"You're the one, aren't you?" She has a feeling that Manny is the person that Jason had been telling her about, but isn't sure what she is going to do about it.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing…help me clean up?"

"Sure."