A/N – Thanks for the comments, favorites, and follows. I appreciate the warm welcome back. * ABCSOAPFAN1963 – Um, list of characters – I hate to list them lol. I want it to be a surprise. I will tell you that I twisted some personalities and some who were thought of as bad are good and you'll never guess the villain. I got creative with that one because I was getting bored using the same ones. I've created some new characters. There is no Sam or Courtney and there are only a few Lucky scenes. Liz was never raped either. * mif456 – Great question. I usually don't write about BM/Jason unless there's a twist and he's not really Jason. I think I have 1 one shot with him and that's it and to me he was Jake. Steve will always be my Jason. BM will never be and he's not really playing Jason on the show yet anyway. I just can't see him as Jason. However, everyone can feel free to imagine the Jason they want to. * Guest – Wendi – lol actually it will be T for quite a while (I'll just duck now).

Ok – Re: the danger – Jason is in the business not Elizabeth. She wants nothing to do with it so the danger is valid. Jason is immersed in it. Just like Liz on the show, this Liz really doesn't want to be around it. She's not Claudia. If Jason wasn't concerned about the danger, I would think he's selfish. That would make him Sonny. But, I will not beat it like a dead horse like Liz and Jason did on the show.

Chapter 2

Diane stopped momentarily at the sight of Jason's glorious chest. "You are spending way too much time at the gym," she blurted before turning her vengeance on Ronnie and Lucky.

"Look Diane, we just need him to come down to the station and answer some questions," Ronnie said.

"For what? Ask him now and be done with it."

He muttered under his breath. "Jason, were you in the dining room tonight?"

"Yes."

"Did you see anything once the shooting started?" They were aware that the shots came from outside.

"No. Carly just told me about it."

Lucky rolled his eyes. "Of course she did."

There weren't a lot of patrons in the restaurant at the time. A carnival is in town, so most people are attending the grand opening. Jason doubted anyone would notice whether or not he was there when the shooting began or would have enough balls to say any different. Everyone had run the opposite way. "We must have left right before it started."

"Of course you did," Lucky quipped.

Ronnie's pinched lips and a raised brow reflected his annoyance with his partner. "So, you're saying that you weren't there when all hell broke loose?"

"No. Elizabeth and I slipped away and we were going to go back later."

Ronnie studied her for a moment. There is no way he can read Jason's unspoken cues because the man is a fortress, but he wonders if Elizabeth would crack under pressure. He definitely hadn't seen her before because he would have remembered that face. "Elizabeth who?"

"Jerome," she said, before moving closer. "Is there a problem officer?" She slipped her hand into Jason's confidently, her resolve as steely as the man standing beside her.

Lucky almost swallowed his tongue. She looks nothing like the stereotypical mob princesses that peppered the area.

"As in Julian Jerome?" Ronnie asked.

Diane pursed her lips. This is getting interesting. The woman clearly has exquisite taste in clothes and shoes and Diane loves the idea of a joint shopping trip. She is going to have to make that happen.

"Yes. Jason and I have been secretly seeing each other, but my father can't know. It would cause a lot of headaches since the organizations don't get along." Her voice was even as if she believed her own lies.

Lucky smirked. Maybe that was information he could use in the future.

Jason saw the look on his face as his brow crinkled. "Don't even think about it." Lucky Spencer is annoying on a good day. He still doesn't understand how the man had passed a written test or made it through the police academy.

Ronnie shifted, finally looking away from Elizabeth who hadn't flinched under his pointed gaze. "You know, we'll check the hotel records to see when you slid your keycard in."

Jason pinched the bridge of his nose and Ronnie's eyes showed his pleasure in making the enforcer squirm. Maybe he had finally caught him in a lie.

Liz bit her lip. She really is not impressed with their skills. "Um, we kind of stopped off some place first."

Lucky frowned. "Where?"

Her cheeks flushed a soft red. "We got a little carried away in the stairwell."

Carly's eye sparkled with glee. The little spitfire is good, maybe not full Carly status, but close.

"Gentlemen, I don't think Jason's sex life is relevant to your questioning. Are we done here?"

Ronnie met Diane's gaze who was standing with her arms crossed and lips pursed. "Yeah."

Lucky smiled at Elizabeth. "It was nice to meet you."

She returned it demurely and Jason rolled his eyes before shutting the door to the room, wishing he could have slammed Lucky's head into it first.

"Diane Miller," she said holding out her hand.

"Elizabeth Jerome."

"Nice shoes and quick thinking," she said before turning her attention to Jason. "I have one word for you—Prada. You have no idea what you just interrupted. Francis was doing unimaginably glorious things to my body."

Jason groaned at the mental image as his shoulders slumped.

"That was quick thinking for you as well," she said to Carly.

"I know." She knew the game and all the players.

"Now, try to stay out of jail for the next two hours. I'll be busy," she said before sauntering out of the room. "And I meant that about the gym," she said loudly as the door closed behind her.

Jason buttoned up his shirt.

"Now what?" Carly asked.

"We need to get out of here."

"There are a lot of cops downstairs so we probably should use the private elevator that goes to the parking garage from the penthouse suite. Did you come in the same car with Sonny?"

Jason nodded.

Carly pulled out her phone. "Johnny, Jason needs a ride. It's urgent." She told him where to go in the garage and then to text her when he arrived. "He can access it from the alley."

Jason knew where she was referring to since they had used it before.

Elizabeth went to the bathroom and Carly fixed him with her stare. "So, what's up with you and the spitfire?"

Jason rubbed the back of his neck. "Nothing... I never met her before tonight."

"That was some kiss."

Jason shrugged. He has no intention of being with Elizabeth. Sure, she is pretty, but right now his plate is full and he needs to focus.

"Uh huh. Keep your hands to yourself. If I can't have Julian, you can't have her."

His eyes softened as her lip protrudes and she stomps her foot down. "Since when do rules apply to me?"

"Don't get cute. Now, where are you going?"

"I can't tell you that, but I'll be gone for a while."

Her eyes narrowed. "You know I don't do well without you."

"You'll live," Jason said gruffly.

Carly's phone vibrated. "He's here."

Liz came out of the bathroom and grabbed her purse.

"Let's go," Jason said.

Carly went into the hallway to make sure it was clear and then she led them to the penthouse floor.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Johnny glanced up as they approached him and almost did a double take. "Damn," he muttered as his eyes went from Elizabeth's high heels to her beautiful eyes.

They slipped into the SUV. The back windows are almost black so that will help in dodging anyone looking to attack them.

"Duck down before we get out of the garage just in case." Johnny steered the car towards the exit. "Where to?"

Jason thought for a moment. "Manhattan."

Johnny headed onto the road towards the interstate as Jason and Liz partially laid on the back seat. About two blocks away, he told them it was safe and they got comfortable.

Jason retrieved his phone and made a call. "I need you to meet me in Connecticut."

"For what?"

"Do you really think I'd call you for a social visit?" Jason is already regretting it.

Ric smirked. "Did Sonny put you up to this?"

"We have an emergency and no one will think I'd ever come stay with you on purpose." Jason was gripping the phone like he wanted to squeeze the life out of it.

Ric Lansing is Sonny's half-brother. They get along, but Ric really likes to mess with Jason. "You need to lay off the roids."

Jason counted to ten in his head.

"You're counting aren't you?"

Liz watched curiously as Jason's jaw clenched and his other fist gripped the edge of the seat.

"You know what? I'll call someone else."

"No—wait. I'm sorry. I'll meet you in Connecticut. How long before you're there?"

"Three hours."

Ric groaned. "Jesus Jason, that's like an eternity. Screw that, I have a helicopter at my disposal. Text me the location."

"Later," Jason said before looking up at Johnny. "Helicopter."

Johnny nodded. "We'll meet up in an hour and a half."

Jason thought about where that would be and quickly sent a text and then glanced at Elizabeth who looked like she is about to be upset. That is the last thing that he needs. "You okay?'

She was worried about her dad. "I'm scared. What if he doesn't make it?"

Jason made another call. He'd have to turn it off in a minute, not wanting to take any chances. "Sonny?"

"Hey, are you safe?"

"We're getting there. How's Julian?"

Sonny sighed. "He's in surgery. Leo doesn't think they'll be any complications."

"Good," Jason said.

"You can contact me on the burn phone later."

"Thanks."

Jason put his phone away. "He's in surgery. They don't expect any complications."

Liz let out the breath she was holding. "He's all I've got."

Jason closed his eyes and his head lopped backwards hitting the soft leather. This is going to be an interesting trip.

Elizabeth isn't sure what to think about Jason's hot and cold persona. One minute he seemed nice and then next he was closed off. She could literally hear a wall slide down in front of him and crash to the floor, signally the end of the conversation. He certainly is tense and seems to have possible anger issues. Sighing, she averted her eyes and focused on the scenery.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

They stepped out of the helicopter and followed a man to a town car. It was a beautiful night and the ride had been relaxing.

A dark-haired man got out and approached them. "Ric Lansing," he said as he held out his hand.

"Elizabeth Jerome."

He is handsome and has a devilish twinkle in his dark chocolate eyes.

"Hey hot stuff," Ric said as Jason shot him a look.

He is annoying Jason, so she likes him already. "Where are we going?"

"Downtown Manhattan."

"Do you like living here?" she asked as she looked out the window.

"Yes. I love it. I make a lot of money and there are a lot of hotties and plenty of cultural activities too."

Liz smiled. "That sounds nice."

"Have you been to New York before?"

"Yes. I run several art galleries."

"Actually, I think that I recognize that name now. You're quite accomplished."

Jason thought he was going to hurl.

"What do you do for a living?"

"I own an advertising company, a television production company, and a rather tasty restaurant in Soho," Ric said proudly.

"Impressive."

"I love my life."

"Is Nathan around?" Jason asked trying to change the subject. Ric loves to talk about himself.

"Yup."

"Good, I'll have someone's ass to kick in Madden."

"I'll warn you that he's been practicing."

Jason smirked. "Even better.

Something caught Liz's eye and she forgot to ask who Nathan was.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Her mouth dropped open when they entered Ric's apartment. It is spacious and decorated tastefully. The art on the walls made her gulp and the view is insane. It has an open floor plan and the windows went from the floor to ceiling.

Ric is appreciative of her response. "I'm glad that you like it."

"It's stunning," Liz said softly.

"Those are originals by the way," he noted as he watched her take in a few paintings.

"No way."

Ric's chest puffed out. "I told you. I'm very successful and I love the arts."

Jason had walked over to the window and Nathan suddenly appeared as Liz muttered, "Wow."

"He's beautiful isn't he? The two of them would make quite the sandwich."

Liz laughed. Now she is getting the picture. "How long have you two been together?"

"Three fantastic years," Ric said as he eyed his boyfriend. "Let me give you a tour."

Nathan handed Jason a beer. "How's it going?"

"The usual. What have you been up to?" Jason liked Nathan. He would sometimes come with Ric when they ventured to Port Charles and they had a lot of common interests.

He shrugged. "Mostly auditioning and doing some modeling."

Jason's brow raised and Nathan laughed.

"Seriously, you should consider it. The camera would love you," Nathan said appreciatively.

"How much have you had to drink?"

Nathan chuckled. "Come on, I taped the game earlier."

Jason followed him to the couch and they started to watch it.

Ric led Liz to a bedroom. There is a king-size bed inside and a beautiful view. The colors leaned towards bold which made her like it even more and the bed looked really comfortable.

"Nice."

"Now, for the bad news…"

She tilted her head. "What?"

"You have to share it with Jason."

Liz groaned.

"I'd gladly share a bed with him, but he doesn't swing that way."

"I'll live." She wasn't going to complain when he was being so accommodating. It will be weird to share a bed with a stranger, but they are adults.

Ric openly perused her. "What are you like a size zero?"

"Around that or a two. It really depends on the designer.

"I'll have one of my friends bring you over some clothes tomorrow. I have the perfect person in mind. She'll hook you up."

"Thank you. I appreciate that. Can I pay you?"

"Nonsense, your money is no good here. There is a gym one door down, which is why I'm short a bedroom. Our room is on the other side, that way if you decide to strangle Jason in the middle of the night with a pillow, we'll never know."

Liz laughed. They are going to get along just fine.

"Let's go see what the hunks are doing," he said holding out his elbow.

She wrapped her arm around his and they went back to the living room.

Jason took a swig of his beer as he watched them stroll towards him.

"Can I get you some wine or a beer?"

"I'll have a beer."

Jason was surprised. She definitely looked like the wine kind of girl.

Liz tried not to roll her eyes. "You might think you know me, Jason Morgan, but you don't." She isn't as predictable as most people would assume.

Nathan smirked and looked at Ric whose eyes are twinkling. They are definitely trying to get them together. He could already see Ric's mind working. Despite Liz's annoyance and Jason's aloofness, he could sense an attraction due to their body language.

They watched the game and Elizabeth's eyes started to droop.

Ric got up. "Let me get you something to change into."

Liz nodded and Jason is taken aback when a few minutes later, her head lopped against his arm. Nathan loved his expression.

"She's a girl Jason, not a fungus. You do remember what to do with a girl right?"

Jason glared at him. "You have been hanging around with Ric way too long."

Nathan grinned.

Ric put some pajamas out for them on the bed and went back to the living room. "You could give her a lift."

Jason slightly groaned. "Fine."

He carefully picked her up and she muttered, "Thanks," as he carried her to the bedroom and then sat her on the bed.

Suddenly realizing where she was, her eyes grew wide for a second.

"You can have the bathroom first."

She kicked off her shoes and quickly went into the other room.

Jason closed the window shades and turned down the bed.

Liz couldn't believe how gorgeous the freaking bathroom is. For as much money as her family had, she lived pretty simply and mainly splurged on clothing and art supplies. Carefully, she took off the little makeup she had on and then brushed her hair before going back into the other room.

Jason's shirt is off and his pants sat precariously low on his hips as if they could drop at any moment. Quickly, she averted her eyes and headed towards the bed. He disappeared into the bathroom and that is the last thing she remembered. She was practically asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Jason, on the other hand, was staring at the ceiling. Just when he would start to nod off, she'd sigh or do something to completely rattle him. He cursed under his breath and punched his pillow. It took another hour before he finally drifted off, much to his chagrin.