A/N – Thanks for the comments! Interesting questions…. And you know Jason isn't brooding just for the sake of brooding. The next few chapters you'll get a better understand of Jason and where he is coming from.

Sam is not in this fic!

Chapter 4

The next day, there were people in and out dropping off supplies and food, so Jason stayed out of the way and hung out in the bedroom again and after doing some more planning, he read his travel books. Nathan brought him a sandwich at one point and he ate it and then got up and stood at the window, watching life go by on the streets below him. Somewhere out there, a man is lurking, ready to snuff out their lives and he can't do a damn thing about it. So much had happened the last few years. Sonny's kids with Alexis had been kidnapped and he couldn't protect them. It had almost resulted in their death and ever since then, he was just a different person. He didn't think he deserved to be happy. His life had become all about work and he is miserable.

"You okay?" Ric asked.

He turned to look at him. "Yeah."

"Liar."

"What are you doing home?"

"I delegated so I can get some things done for the party. Now, do you want to tell me what's really bothering you? I promise that it stays in this room."

Jason sighed. "You know I'm not chatty."

Ric slightly smiled. "I am painfully aware of that, but I won't hold it against you. You don't look happy, Jason, and you haven't for a long time. Call me crazy, but I worry about you. It's not healthy and I'd really hate to see you age prematurely from all that frowning."

Jason shook his head and his attention went back to the skyline. "Did you ever have something happen to you where you felt so out of control that it changed you?"

Ric didn't have to think for long. "Yeah, what's eating you?"

"The kidnapping—I just can't get past it."

"That was rough. Kristina almost died."

"Molly still has nightmares. I…"

Ric gave him a moment, knowing that sometimes, it is hard for him to find the right words.

Jason took a deep breath as his gaze traveled to the floor. Seeing kids suffer makes him feel so inadequate. "I failed. It's something I'm not used too and it's hard for me to be around them because I feel so guilty."

"You can't be everywhere."

"It is my job to protect Sonny's family."

"Jason, you have to find a way to let this go. Sometimes, the bad guys win. It's the law of averages. Your letting them win right now anyway because it has got you so twisted."

Jason hadn't thought of it like that. "I'm scared that I won't be able to protect Elizabeth, so I'm trying to keep my distance and not get emotionally involved."

Now they are getting somewhere. "You can't push her away because of what happened. It's not fair. Like it or not, you are stuck together for a while and it would be a lot easier if you would let down your guard a little. This is hard on her. She's not used to all the cloak and dagger stuff and if you close off, it will be like she's alone and I don't think she'll handle that too well. Will you do me a favor and just try to be yourself without the baggage tonight? It will be like taking a vacation from your brooding."

Jason rolled his eyes. "I'll try."

"Thank you," Ric said leaving with a very pleased expression on his face.

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Jason stayed in the room the rest of the day. He isn't looking forward to the party because it just isn't his scene and it's outside his comfort zone, so Elizabeth helped Ric and Nathan get ready. Felix showed up to help them decorate at one point and they all worked very well together.

"I am so excited about tonight," Felix said.

"Does Ric have these parties often?"

"Not really—here and there. Brenda works me hard, so it's nice to kick back and relax occasionally."

"I can only imagine."

"I see Jason is not being social."

Liz shrugged.

"Hopefully, he'll come around later."

She helped him with the table centerpiece and then joined Ric in the kitchen to help with the food, not giving Jason another thought.

Ric handed her and Nathan a beer and they turned some music on and had a great time. Liz was buzzed by the time the party was set to get underway. She went into the room, ignoring Jason, and grabbed her outfit and went into the bathroom and got ready. By the time she was finished, Jason had already showered before her, so he was no longer in the room.

Brenda knocked on the door. "You decent?"

She opened it up and Brenda grinned.

"You look so hot."

Liz blushed. "Thanks. You look fabulous."

Brenda spun around. "This old thing?"

"There is nothing old about you," Felix said looking over her shoulder. "Damn girl. You are rocking that dress."

"Thank you, Felix," Liz said.

"It's starting to fill up. Come on," Brenda said holding out her hand.

Liz took it and they went down the hallway and when she entered the main room, Jason's eyes raked over her body. She looked stunning. He was standing in the corner with Nathan, out of the way, as people greeted one another and talked loudly. She didn't even see him. Ric dragged her off to meet some of his friends and soon the room filled.

Most of the women seemed like they are very into money which doesn't really interest Jason, even though they certainly tried to chat him up. He has a good buzz on, but he isn't even close to thinking any of them are worth his effort. That's when he heard her laugh pierce the air and saw some guy with his hand on her arm, whispering in her ear. Rolling his eyes, he took another sip of his drink and moved towards the kitchen.

"Dance with me," Brenda said stepping in front of him.

His face contorted.

"Just shut up and dance." Her hands were on her hips and her eyes fiery as she dared him to say no without words.

"If you promise not to address me the rest of the evening, then I will consider it."

Her eyes grew darker. "Deal."

He put his beer down and practically yanked her to the center of the room.

"You are such a brute," she growled before throwing her arms around his neck.

His hands slipped onto her waist and they started to sway as several women watched them, jealous that he had chosen Brenda to dance with. "Are you going to tell me why you asked me to do something you know I hate?"

Her eyes sparkled as she licked her lips. "That guy who is practically mauling your roommate, is a total asshole and I thought you'd want to know."

"And you couldn't just tell me that?"

"No."

He blew out a harsh breath. "You are the most infuriating woman I have ever met which is saying a lot."

Her eyebrow rose, "Why do have to be so cruel? I am not worse than Carly Benson."

Jason gazed at her wickedly and then turned to look at Elizabeth who is now trapped against the wall by said cad. She didn't look upset about it, so he turned his attention back to Brenda. "I'm sure Elizabeth can handle herself. Julian probably had her take jujitsu or something."

Brenda growled. God ,she wanted to smack him upside the head. "Jason, it is your job to protect her."

"Ric told me I was supposed to relax tonight."

"And you call brooding in the corner relaxing?"

"For me—yes." He didn't know anyone and everyone that approached him seem to have an agenda.

She lost all her patience and smacked him on the arm.

"Ow."

"Oh please, with your gargantuan limbs, it probably didn't even register."

"You noticed my arms?"

She dropped her hands until they were bent on her hips, a position that seemed to be only used for him. "I would have to be blind not to miss them, besides between Felix and Ric, how could I even forget?"

He caught a movement and is surprised to see Elizabeth standing there. "Where's your friend?"

Her head tilted as she processed that he had been watching her. "Bathroom."

Brenda grabbed her and shoved her towards Jason, making him catch her when she stumbled. "You—dance with him."

Felix snorted as he watched the scene. "I guess that was one way to get them together."

Nathan chuckled as Brenda practically stomped towards them.

"I need a drink. Make it a double," she said swiping her hair from her face.

"Maybe I should have asked him to dance," Nathan said handing her a froufrou drink.

She took a gulp. "Very good! I handled it, they are dancing," she said turning to look.

Jason tried to gaze anywhere but down. Liz's cleavage is very visible and he is trying to avoid that area all together. Of course, that made Liz angry because she thought he couldn't stand her.

"What is your problem with me?" she blurted out, the alcohol dulling her need to sensor herself.

"What?" he asked as their eyes locked.

"You heard me. Am I that hard to look at? You stayed in the room today, avoiding all contact. Most of the time you can barely utter more than one syllable, so why can't you stand me?"

He is at a loss for words and just froze.

She retreated, taking a few steps backwards, as the tears in her eyes conveyed that she is hurt and Jason felt like an ass.

"Elizabeth."

She held up her finger. "Don't even say another word. Save it so that you don't use up your entire vocabulary all at once. You can call my father tomorrow and ask if you can switch with Carlos, since it's such a hardship to be around me. Ric has been nothing but nice to us and you act like it's sucks to be here instead of acting—I don't know—grateful. But don't worry, you'll be done with me soon and can get back to your, oh so exciting life." Someone walked by with a tray of drinks and she grabbed one and tossed it back.

"Hello gorgeous," the man said sliding next to her.

Jason watched Elizabeth's reaction as she slightly cringed. "We weren't done with our dance," he said pulling her back into his arms.

The man started to protest, but saw the lethal look in Jason's eyes and decided to back off.

"And just in case you forget later, no means no," Jason said loudly.

"I can take care of myself."

"Really? Why did you even engage with him if you didn't want him around?"

"It's called socializing, Einstein. You should try sometimes."

They are silent for a few minutes and then Jason whispered so softly, she almost didn't catch what he said. "I'm sorry."

Her eyes slowly raised and she is stunned to see some remorse. He was making her really snippy, something she was not known for, so she bit her lip to keep from answering as he continued.

"I'm not good at interacting with people."

"You could be if you wanted to. You just choose to avoid them."

Loud laughter pierced the air from behind them, causing them to move closer so they could hear each other.

"Maybe you're right. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I don't hate you."

She averted her eyes, surprised he is opening up a little.

"What?"

"I'm just sorry that you're stuck with me. Clearly, you are out of your element here and…."

For some reason, he wanted to hear what she had to say. "And what?"

She closed her eyes as the music soothed her, sucking in a deep breath as the last drink dulled her senses even further. "Who hurt you Jason?"

When she felt him still, her eyes fluttered open slowly and she is surprised that Jason is slightly smiling. "What?"

"Why would you assume that?"

"Because sometimes, I see the pain in your eyes and it makes me want to…"

It was hard to breathe and Jason felt twisted by her concern. His face fell as the level of intimacy the conversation had led to twisted like a knife inside of him. Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, making her shiver. "What do you want Elizabeth?"

Ric, Nathan, Felix, and Brenda were all holding their breath, wondering what the hell was going on with them. It looked intense and they really wished they could hear what was being said.

Liz tore herself away and quickly rushed towards the hallway and disappeared, leaving Jason wondering what the hell he did wrong. He grabbed his drink and sat down, not sure where he stood with Liz or why he even cared.

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Julian watched Sonny enter his room. "Any news?"

"We think we know who it is."

"Please, sit down."

Sonny pulled the chair closer to the bed and then got comfortable. "You're not going to like it." He handed him an envelope.

Julian pulled out some pictures of a man. "I don't recognize him."

"When Ava was killed, do you have any idea who she was dating?"

That had happened a year ago and they were not in contact. His relationship with his sister is strained and they had barely spoken for the last twenty years. She lived mainly in Europe, but there were times she spent an extended time in the states. Due to her temper and impulsiveness, she had no interaction with the business or Elizabeth.

"We weren't on speaking terms."

"That is Gabriel Gray."

"The billionaire?"

Sonny nodded. "They were hot and heavy."

"Did he kill her?" Ava died in a car accident in Paris. From the reports he had received, it was suspect, but nothing was ever proven to be amiss.

"Probably, my source said that Ava was very involved with some new technology he had developed—maybe too involved. Gabriel saw her with a competitor and he's a very paranoid man. Apparently, they fought and the next day, she was dead."

Julian took a sip of water. This was a lot to process. "Why come after me?"

"Apparently, you received her last effects."

"I did, but there wasn't much in there."

"Do you still have them?"

He shrugged. "Yes. I had put them in a safe deposit box at the bank, but about a week ago, I had Carlos move them. It had been on my mind and I was going to bury them."

Sonny smoothed down his hair. "What bank?"

"First Federal, it's on Fifth Street."

A sigh left the mob bosses lips as he closed his eyes.

The silence hung between them, making Julian's stomach churn. "Sonny?"

"That bank caught fire two hours ago. It's a total loss."

Julian swallowed hard. God only knows what shit show his sister had brought into his life, but knowing her, this was not going to end well.

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The lights of the city began to blur as tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. As beautiful as the scene is, it isn't enough to quell the emotions that are rapidly bubbling to the surface.

"Elizabeth," Ric said moving towards her.

Without turning, she cleared her throat and replied. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not. What did he say?"

She tried to stop the tears. It makes no sense that she is crying over the likes of Jason Morgan. Maybe it really wasn't him, but just the last few days. Her life had changed drastically and she just wants it back. There was a safety in her daily routine that not only kept her going, but protected her heart and sanity.

His hand touched her shoulder and she turned into him, hugging him tightly. "It's okay."

Her eyes clamped shut as she tried to will her feelings away. This is no time to lose control. It was supposed to be a fun night.

He allowed some space between them and lifted her chin. "You are going to go into the bathroom and fix your makeup and walk back out there with your head held high. And then you will smile, occasionally laugh, and maybe even flirt while you get your drink on."

She slightly smiled through her tears. "Is that an order?"

"I think so—yes."

She kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

"Any time."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and did exactly what Ric said. And after making sure she looks absolutely fabulous, they returned to the party.