CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Are you listening to me?" Claudia fiddles with the end of her nail file. She is suddenly struck by the overwhelming urge to stick it in Sonny's neck.

He flashes his dimples. "Do I ever listen to you, sweetheart? You're a slut. I married you because it was the only way to get control of your family empire. I tolerate you because I have to. I'm not interested in anything you have to say."

Claudia feels the sting of his words but tries her best to shake them off. She gives a smile of her own. "Well in that case let it burn." She turns on her red heel and saunters from the study and out the door.

"Let it…" Sonny's eyebrows wrinkle in confusion until the smell of smoke emanating from his kitchen assaults his nose. "That bit…MAX!"

Claudia slides into the driver's seat of her Mercedes. "Screw this." She shifts into gear and floors it down the driveway. A short while later she's entering the home she's affectionately nicknamed Wayne Manor.

She slips off her heels as she sneaks up behind him. "Hey Batman, miss me?"

Nikolas turns with a serious expression and kisses her before stepping away and clasping his hands behind his back. "We can't continue like this."

Claudia's smile fades and her defenses rise. "Nicky, don't."

"Don't? I have to." He pins his eyes on her. "I love you. I didn't want to. I never planned to but the fact remains I do. I won't share you."

Claudia rolls her eyes although secretly her heart is soaring. "What is it about Princes huh? Always feel entitled to whatever they want. Well sorry Batman, that doesn't fly here. I'll give you what I'm willing to and nothing more."

"Sorry Princess, that doesn't fly here." Nikolas shoots back. His eyes start to grow dark. "You may have started this but it's my game now and we're going to play by my rules."

Claudia takes a step towards him. "I have never played by the rules."

"You will now." He takes a step forward.

She takes another step. "Or what?"

His hand shoots out and pulls her flush against him. The mutual assault leaves both of them breathless and sated. Claudia sits up slowly and reaches for her shirt. He props up on his elbow to watch her.

"Stay."

She closes her eyes and wishes for the millionth time she could honor his request. "You know I can't."

"Why?" He watches as she finishes dressing. She leans down and for a moment he could swear he sees tears in her eyes but the moment is so fleeting he wonders if he imagined it.

She kisses him softly. "Because I love you too." And with that she's gone.

"You look like someone peed in your cornflakes." Johnny Zacchara frowns at his sister as she slips into the chair across from him.

Claudia shakes her head with a growl. "Men!"

"What'd Corinthos do now?" Johnny glares. "Claudia you don't have to stay in this sham of a marriage. Just walk away."

"I can handle Sonny." She toys with the knife on the table. "It's Nikolas that's driving me insane."

Johnny tries to cover his laugh with a cough. "He said it again?"

"Yes." Claudia growls. "We have a perfectly good thing going and he keeps screwing it up with all this damn love talk. When is he going to learn love just doesn't work for people like us? It's not like his track record with love is anything to brag about either."

Johnny sits back and smiles. "Yes we know. You're both too dark and dangerous for love. Love is weakness and for suckers."

"Shut up John." She tosses a crouton at him but has to smile. God, how she loves her baby brother. "Yes love is for suckers. Present company included. Look at the relationship with you and Lulu. Love drove her insane and it nearly sent you to prison."

John's smile disappears. He wishes he could tell Claudia the truth. That it was guilt, not love that drove Lulu into Shadybrook. "Leave Lulu out of this."

"Fine but you get my point." Claudia sighs.

Johnny blows out a breath. "Love isn't weakness Claud. It's probably the hardest thing a person can do. To put faith, your whole heart, in the other persons' hand. That takes a strength most people aren't capable of."

"Only to have it stomped and spit on. No thank you." Claudia takes a deep swallow of her drink. "Forget it. Plus daddy would kill him in a heartbeat if he thought Nik was screwing up his plans for me and Sonny."

Johnny grins. "And now we get to the heart of the matter. You're trying to protect him. You love him Claudee. It's obvious and don't worry about Anthony. I'll deal with him."

"John, you'll stay away from daddy." Claudia eyes turn fierce. "The only reason I'm going along with any of this is to keep you safe. Don't provoke the old man."

John growls. "You shouldn't be married to a man who hates you just to protect me. It's not right and I won't stand for it."

"It's my choice John. Mine!" Claudia stands up. "I'm a big girl and I know what I'm doing. Just be patient and all this will pay off."

He shakes his head. "You keep saying that but I can't see how."

"You will." With a wink she leaves.

"This may be easier than I thought." Jason tells Johnny as he ends his call.

Johnny turns from where he's watching Carly, Gia and Morgan. "What happened?"

"She set fire to his kitchen and she's sleeping with Nikolas Cassadine."

Johnny groans, "Are you fucking kidding me?"

"He's not my favorite person either." Jason shrugs. "But it shows she's not all in with Sonny."

Johnny nods slowly. "I wonder if Sonny knows."

Jason gives him a look. "Who's around to tell him?"

"True." Johnny laughs. "When are you going to approach her?"

Jason watches Carly waddle to the restroom. "I don't want to leave until the baby is born."

"But if you get this handled you can have the road cleared by the time you bring your family home." Johnny reasons. "I have to say though; part of me would love to see Sonny's face when you come back with Carly and your kid."

Jason smiles at the thought. "So would I."

A nurse calls for Carly. Jason indicates she's in the restroom. When she comes back they enter the small room. Carly changes into her gown and waits for the doctor. When Dr. Linn enters she introduces him to Jason.

"Peter, this is Jason Morgan." Carly smiles proudly.

Peter shakes his hand. "Nice to finally meet you."

Jason bombards him with questions regarding Carly and the health of the baby. Dr. Linn reassures him all is well with both mom and baby. Pretty soon the sound of a rapid heartbeat fills the room.

Carly looks up at Jason and smiles softly as she takes his hand. Jason leans down to kiss her forehead.

"So Carly, I'll see you again in a week. In the meantime…."

Carly laughs. "I know, rest."

"And?"

Carly grumbles. "Water, gallons and gallons of water."

"I don't want you to dehydrate." Peter reminds her. "The last thing you want is to be on an IV again."

Jason looks down at her. "Again?"

"It was hot. I thought I'd drank enough but apparently not." Carly explains. "It was one time but he hasn't let me forget it."

Peter pats her hand. "Just want the best for my favorite patient."

Carly laughs but Jason eyes narrow as he watches their interaction. Once he's gone, Jason turns to Carly.

"He wants you."

Carly slips into her summer dress. "He's gay, Jason."

"Are you sure?"

Carly laughs. "Gia and I helped him and his partner decorate their house. We have dinner together twice a month. Yes, I'm sure he's gay." She wraps her arms around his waist and kisses him. "It's nice to know even big as a whale I can inspire jealousy."

"I'm not jealous." Jason frowns.

Carly smiles wickedly. "Uh huh."

Once they are back in the waiting room Gia holds out her hand. Carly slips her the fifty. Gia smirks at Jason. Johnny looks back and forth.

Jason smirks back at Gia. "So you and Carly have been double dating?"

"What?" Johnny frowns.

Gia shoots daggers at Jason who laughs. "You are such an asshole." She tucks her arm around Johnny's waist. "I'll explain later."

Johnny looks at Jason. Jason gives a barely noticeable nod and Johnny relaxes. "Okay."

Carly laughs softly into Jason's shoulder. "Did you have to do that?"

"She started it." He takes her hand.

The nurse stops her from leaving. "Mrs. Morgan? Don't forget your appointment reminder."

Jason tightens his hand on hers. "I like the sound of that."

"What? Appointment reminder?" Carly teases.

He leads them to the truck. "Mrs. Morgan."

"Yeah?" Carly smiles as she brushes past him to get into the SUV. "Do something about it then."

Later that night Gia and Johnny walk into Carly's house shaking their heads. "Only Jason Morgan."

Carly follows them inside looking a bit shell shocked. "When will I learn to quit daring that man?" She raises her hand and the diamond shining on her left hand catches the light. "Did we really just?"

"Get married?" Jason laughs as he comes in carrying Morgan. "Yes."

Johnny takes the sleeping Morgan from Jason. "Why don't we take him home with us for the night?"

Jason looks over at Carly who is still staring at the rock on her hand. "Good idea." He kisses the top of Morgan's head. "See you later buddy."

Once they're gone he walks over to Carly. "Any regrets?"

"Only one." Carly turns towards him and a smile tugs at her lips. "I wish I'd figured out years ago it only took a dare or two to get us here."

He runs a hand down her face and cups the back of her neck. "It wasn't the dare, Caroline."

She tilts into his touch. "What was it?"

"Love." He leans down and kisses her softly.

She pulls away and licks her lips after a moment. "Okay so we got love, we got marriage, and definitely have Caroline with a baby carriage. What's next Jase?"

"Everything." He lifts her with ease and carries her upstairs.

Claudia ducks as the glass explodes around her. "What in the hell is your problem?"

"You've gone too far this time little girl." Sonny yells. "My kitchen is off limits, am I clear?"

Claudia picks the shards of glass from her arm. "What are you talking about? I didn't set fire to your kitchen and I TRIED to tell you I smelled something burning."

"ENOUGH!" Sonny screams. "Enough of your lies!"

Claudia walks into his personal space. "If I set fire to something in this house it wouldn't be the kitchen, Corinthos." Her meaning is crystal clear.

"Take your best shot." Sonny holds his arms out in invitation.

Claudia gives a bone chilling smile. "It wouldn't take my best." She touches Sonny's cheek lightly.

"Claudia, don't you get tired of these games?" Kate enters the living room from the patio. "Sonny, will never love you and the way you throw yourself at him is disgusting."

Claudia growls "Get the hell out of my house."

"It's my house and you don't talk to her like that." Sonny defends Kate.

"What about the way she's talking to me?" Claudia argues. "Like it or not, I'm your wife. I will not be disrespected in my home Sonny. If you want to talk to the ice queen then take it to her place."

Kate sits down regally. "Sonny married you for one reason only. It wasn't love as much as you like to pretend otherwise."

"Believe me; I know it's not love bonding me and Sonny. Love is for idiots. I mean look at you Katie." Claudia gives a toothy smile. "Love got you shot twice and you're still not together. Talk to me like that again and I highly doubt you'll survive a third." She turns on her heel and walks out.

She stops in the foyer and watches silently as Sonny and Kate embrace. John walks in and stands behind her. He places a hand on her shoulder.

"You deserve better than this Claudee. I wish you could see it. You've given Trevor and our father too much power over you."

Claudia stiffens. "Nobody has power over me, John. It's the one thing I've worked my entire life to be sure of."

"So you want to be here with Sonny? You want to be married to a man who openly disrespects you. A man who is in your living room kissing his ex-fiancé like it's perfectly acceptable."

Claudia turns. "It's not for our father or Trevor. I'm doing this for you. It was the only way to get Anthony to back off of you. It was the only way to be on the inside in case Sonny tries to do something else to you. Do I want to be with Sonny? Hell no. I would love nothing more than to slit his throat, hang him upside down from a hook and drain him dry like the pig he is."

Johnny glares at Sonny. "Then do it. Kill him, I'll take my rightful place as head of the Zacchara's and you'll be my right hand."

Claudia places a hand on top of his. "If I really thought you wanted this life I'd do it but you don't John and I won't let you throw your life away in some attempt to save mine."

"Claudia, you're not listening." Johnny grabs her hand and leads her outside. "I'm taking my rightful place and I need your help to do it."

Claudia glances back at the house. "Why?"

"Because I'm a Zacchara and I'm your brother." He says simply. "The money, the power, and the respect; at the end of the day it rightfully belongs to me and I'm not letting anyone, especially Corinthos take what's mine. Maybe this was father's desired outcome all along, I don't know, but watching Sonny flaunt his power, Zacchara power all over town and the disrespect he shows my sister, it ends now. Now are you going to stand with me?"

Claudia shakes her head and punches him lightly. "Do you have to ask? I always have your back little brother. Let's get the hell out of here."

"Morgan." Jason answers his cell with his usual clipped coldness.

John takes a deep breath then jumps in. "Zacchara. I need to meet with you."

Jason looks down at a sleeping Carly. He eases carefully from the bed and walks into the living room. "I'm not available."

"It's important Jason." John paces.

Jason rests on the arm of the couch. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks."

Carly waits for him to be done before she rests her arms over his shoulders. "Don't tell me the honeymoon is over all ready." She can feel the tension in his shoulders and starts to massage them. "Jase, if you need to go back…I'll understand. As long as you're back by the time she gets here really we'll be fine."

He sighs and pulls her to stand in front of him. "I don't want to leave you."

"And I don't want you to go but I know the world doesn't stop because I want it too." Carly snuggles into him. "Just hurry back."

He pinches the bridge of his nose. "I'm going to see Johnny Zacchara."

"What does he want?" Carly frowns. "You think something happened to Sonny?"

Jason frowns. "No. I would have heard by now. Something is going on though."

"Then you have to go. Call the pilot. I'll make you a sandwich." Carly sees his look. "I know how to make a sandwich, Jason."

Jason hugs her close. "It's not a sandwich I'm hungry for."

"You did not just say that." Carly laughs as he carries her back upstairs.

"I'm here. What do you want?" Jason meets with Johnny on the docks.

Johnny stands at the edge of the dock. "I wanted to give you a heads up. I'm taking back control of the family business."

"Good for you." Jason states flatly. "What does that have to do with me?"

Johnny turns around. "It's no secret you and Sonny had a falling out, Jason." Jason doesn't comment one way or the other. "Look I know you and Sonny use to be tight. I just need to hear from you that if something were to…happen…to him you wouldn't be looking to even the score on his behalf."

"What happens to Sonny is not my concern. I just need you to know that the same rules regarding the shipping lanes apply." Jason folds his arms across his chest.

Johnny nods. "I'm hoping we can find a way to work together here."

"When you have control, we'll talk." Jason shifts slightly.

Claudia joins them on the docks. "Are you boys playing nice? Jason, how've you been?"

"Good and you?" Jason eyes her coolly.

Claudia looks at John. "It's getting better."

"I have to go. Call me when you're ready to do business." Jason aims at Johnny.

Claudia gives a husky laugh. "Tell Carly I said congratulations."

Jason gives a slight grin as he walks away.

John looks at her in confusion. "Congratulations on what? And how do you know he's seen Carly?"

Claudia ruffles his hair. "If you're gonna be a mob boss you have to get more observant kid. That man has been walking around this town like a ghost for months and now he seems downright jovial well as jovial as he can be for Jason. Plus there is the new addition to his left ring finger. There's no way he married anyone but Carly."