A/N – Thanks for the comments! You find out who is after them in chapter 41.

Chapter 38

The next few days were stressful. Everyone was on edge as the dinner approached. They are going to use a restaurant owned by the five families. There is a side room that is used for private business dealings which is perfect. They will close it to the public and if anything does go down, they'll just reimburse the owner. One more day stood in their way of hopefully finding out who is terrorizing them.

Felicia watched Georgie walk into Kelly's and Tammy quickly embraced her.

"I miss you so much."

"That's because you have to deal with the bad customers."

"No customer is bad. You know that," Tammy said sarcastically.

"How's the gallery treating you?"

"I love it. I can't wait until it opens."

Tammy smiled. "I'm really happy for you. And what about Milo?" she said in a sing songy voice.

Georgie blushed. "He's great."

"You know, when he whispered to Mac that day, I heard what he said."

"Tell me!"

"I don't know if I should"

Felicia tried to act like she was cleaning the counter while she listened.

"Please!"

"He told Mac that he was going to marry you some day, so he better get used to it."

Georgie's mouth dropped open while her mother smiled at the visual. "I can't believe he wasn't arrested."

"I think Mac considered it. Maybe he was in too much shock. It was a classic though."

"Milo told me he has been in love with me for a year. I couldn't believe it."

"Believe it. I see the way that he looks at you." Tammy pulled her slightly away. "So, are you going to pretend that your mom is not pretending to clean right now?"

Georgie smirked. "I'm actually shocked by her restraint. She wants back into my life."

"Am I supposed to be happy for you, or make her life a living hell?"

"I'll get back to you on that. Now, how's your love life?"

She groaned. "Men suck—except for Milo and Jason Morgan."

"Jason?"

"Come on. The man is gorgeous, has muscles in places I've never heard of, and he looks at Elizabeth like she hung the moon. That, my friend, is a trifecta."

Georgie got a devious look on her face. "Have you met Max?"

"Yes. What about him?" The skeptical look on Tammy's face almost made Georgie laugh.

"I don't know. He's single."

"You are trying to hook me up with your boyfriend's brother? Did you need insider information or something?"

Georgie laughed. "You are being ridiculous. Are you interested or not?"

"I don't know. He looks kind of moody."

"And you're not?"

"You have a point. I'll share my bottle of Midol. I'll think about it."

"You do that. Now, get me some chocolate cookies to go. My boss is stressed and needs them."

"You got it."

Felicia looked up. "Hello, Georgie."

"Hi."

To her relief her mother turned and went into the kitchen, leaving her be.

"Here you go," Tammy said handing her a bag. "I even warmed them up."

"Thanks."

"Let's do something soon!"

"Definitely!

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Elizabeth was a nervous wreck. The carpets hadn't been delivered yet and the couches weren't here either.

Georgie handed her a bag. "Eat what's in it and then keep the bag in case you hyperventilate later."

"Thanks. I think." Elizabeth opened it and grinned. She took a bite of the gooey cookie and groaned. "So good..."

"See. I know how to take care of you."

"That you do. Want one?"

Georgie nodded, and Elizabeth handed her one. "These are delicious."

"It's certainly hitting the spot. I think chocolate is exactly what I needed."

There is a loud crash.

"I don't even want to know what that was."

"I'm on it," Georgie said rushing towards the back.

Liz couldn't wait for her spa day the next day. She had so many kinks in her back, she wasn't sure there would be enough time to grind them out.

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A few hours later, Jason and the guys continued preparing their strategy, making sure they had everything covered. Max would drive the town car and there will be guards scattered around the room. There will be men along the street and behind the building as well as guards on top of the building next door. Jason is sparing no expense.

"What about the spa?" Stan asked.

"It's down on the docks. We'll make sure they are protected. There were no other appointments besides theirs," Johnny said. He had bought the place out for half the day.

"Georgie and Ellie will be there too," Francis said.

Jason nodded.

"Jason, it's 7:00," Johnny said. It is getting late and people need to eat.

"Alright. We'll meet here at 10:00 a.m. Bring your game faces."

Everyone filed out and Jason grabbed his bike keys to go get Elizabeth.

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Liz held on tight as Jason banked hard around the curve. When she finally let out a scream, he smiled, knowing she is winding down. By the time they got to Vista Pointe, she is laughing.

"You are crazy."

"I got you to smile."

"That you did." She took his hand and they walked to the bridge.

"I used to come here a lot and think."

"It looks like a good thinking spot." She peered over the bridge.

"We can share."

She met his gaze. "Thanks."

"If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?"

She laid her head on his chest. "Right here in your arms."

"I feel like I did when we were on the run. I hate being on the defensive instead of the offensive."

"I'll protect you."

He slightly smiled. "With your ninja moves?"

"I bring you to your knees often enough."

He scowled. "That's for me only."

She looked. "You think?"

"Mine," he growled before kissing her passionately. He took her breath away as he plundered her mouth.

His lips retreated, prompting her to lick her lips. "Message received loud and clear."

"I'm glad we got that straight."

"Take me for a ride Jason. I want to feel the wind."

"Let's go."

He did just that, pushing the bike to its limit as she screamed and laughed. They stayed out until it was almost dark and then Jason drove back to the house.

They went inside feeling refreshed.

"Let's take a shower."

Jason's eyebrow went up.

"What?"

"I'm game."

"Aren't you always?"

She sauntered away and then he sprang into action and caught up to her and picked her up as she laughed. They took a very hot shower after Jason took her against the wall and then went to bed.

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Ellie opened her door and was surprised to find Johnny standing there. "Hey."

"Can I come in?"

She nodded and moved back. He looked tense and a little forlorn. She pushed the door shut. "Talk to me."

He inhaled sharply and then grabbed her and pushed her into the door as he ravaged her mouth and she was immediately caught up. His hands were everywhere and when he lifted her, she eagerly wrapped her legs around his waist. His mouth traveled down her neck as she moaned his name. He buried his head into her as he tried to catch his breath.

She felt delirious from his kisses and whimpered.

"Ellie, you drive me crazy."

"Why did you stop?"

"I didn't want to rush it."

"Johnny O'Brien! You asked me to be your girl. My legs are wrapped around your waist and I just almost had an out of body experience. Do I look like I'm rushed?"

He smirked. God, he is crazy about her. "No."

"Then get your gorgeous ass in my bedroom and have your way with me."

"You're so hot when you're pissed at me."

"Do I need to call Epiphany?"

He pretended to think. "That would be really kinky."

She smacked him on the arm making him laugh.

"Let's go so I can make you scream my name."

"Only if you scream my name first," she replied.

A Half Hour Later

Johnny collapsed onto his back as his chest heaved. Ellie's body shuttered as she struggled to get it together.

"That's never happened to me before," Johnny said.

"What?"

"I usually last longer."

She made a tortured sound. "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, am I going to survive this relationship?"

"I think it was that thing you did with your tongue."

She smirked. "I wanted you to scream first."

"And I did—just like a little girl. My reputation is ruined."

She raised her hands in victory and he grabbed her and kissed her roughly as he fisted her hair. Once he had left her breathless, his lips slightly retreated and their eyes locked.

"Is that always going to be my punishment?"

He grinned. "I could spank you instead."

"Hmmmm. Let me think about that. I'm usually the one doing the spanking."

Johnny shook his head. "I think I've met my match."

She laughed. "Oh, you have no idea what you've got yourself into."

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Jason knocked on the door at the mansion.

"You really don't have to knock. Don't you have a key?" Alice asked.

"No. I always snuck in from the back."

She smirked. "Well, I'll get you one. They are waiting for you."

Monica stood and rushed into Jason's arms.

"I'm glad that you're okay."

"I'm fine. I'm more worried about you. What's going on?"

Jason sat. It was surprisingly quiet in the room. Everyone is on pins and needles, wondering why Jason had called them together. "Tomorrow night, we're having a dinner."

"I heard, and I was wondering why we weren't invited. You know we support Elizabeth's art," Monica said.

"I know you do and not sending you an invite wasn't a slight. We're trying to smoke out whoever is targeting us."

"Oh."

Alan cleared his throat. "Isn't that just asking for trouble?"

"Yes, but we have it covered. We don't want her night to be ruined for the opening."

"It's still a dangerous game," Edward said.

Tracy sipped her wine. "Having someone there from our family would make it look more legit."

"I don't want any of you in the line of fire."

"I'll go."

Everyone's mouth dropped open.

"What? Elizabeth is going to be family eventually. Out of all of us, I'm probably the most expendable. Where do I sign up?"

"Tracy!" Edward scowled. "You are not expendable."

She rolled her eyes. "Please, Monica threatens to kick me out nightly."

"That doesn't mean I want you dead."

"Look, they are not after me. I'll be fine."

Jason sighed. "You don't have to do this."

"Have a car pick me up. If I change my mind, I won't get in it."

"Alright." He stood. "Stay as close as you can to your guards tomorrow."

"We will."

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Jason was very tired. He just wanted tomorrow night to be over with. Elizabeth tucked him in and then climbed in on the other side of the bed. She could barely keep her eyes open.

"I really needed that ride," Elizabeth said softly.

"Me too."

"Sleep baby. I know that you're tired. I am too."

Jason's arms tightened around her and that is how they fell asleep.

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The next day, the rest of the carpets and furniture were delivered, so Liz spent it organizing and her and Georgie made sure all details were taken care of. She was a bit frazzled and jumpy, but somehow, she made it through.

"Will you text me when you get home tonight?" Georgie asked.

"Okay."

"I know you're scared. So am I, but I know that Jason will do everything he can to make sure that you are safe."

"I think that scares me even more. I don't want him sacrificing himself for me."

"He loves you. I think that protecting is just what he does. Let's just hope that it doesn't come to that."

The hugged.

"See ya tomorrow," she said walking out the door.

Elizabeth collected her things and then Milo took her back home, so she could change.

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Jason rushed home and took a shower and got dressed. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks. I can't stop shaking."

He gave her a comforting hug. "I'll be right next to you."

"That doesn't make me feel any better. You'll be in danger too."

"Trust me."

"I do."

"Come on. Milo is downstairs waiting. We don't want to be late."

She grabbed her purse and they headed to the restaurant.

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Max watched from an adjoining room. Two men are in the air conditioning system ready to shoot. A concealed bulletproof door stood in front of him that had a sliding opening, so he could shoot through it. Under the table in front of Jason and Julian, there are guns taped to it for them to use if necessary.

Julian decided to lighten the mood. He raised his glass. "To my beautiful daughter, I couldn't be more proud of you."

Liz shakily smiled as everyone touched glasses. She took a sip and then the lights flickered.

They all held their breath, but it was just a waiter.

"I'm going to lose my freaking mind," Liz said emotionally.

Julian sighed. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault."

"Daddy—"

"No, it is and we're all sitting here dreading the worse because I pushed Gabriel instead of giving him what he wanted."

"You did the right thing," Sonny said.

"I agree. Dad, we're in this together. Sonny, you don't even know how much I appreciate it that you are helping protect my family."

"I know how much you mean to Jason and I have no beef with your father's organization. It's better if we deal with this together."

Tracy said nothing as she sipped some wine. If she is going out in a blaze of glory, she is going to get her buzz on.

"How long do we sit here and wait?" Liz asked.

"We'll be out of here in an hour," Julian said.

"If they are going to make a move, it will be soon," Jason said.

Liz's nerves are shot. "And what happens if they don't show up?"

"We'll have extra guards at the opening and move forward," Jason said.

Liz closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

The door jerked opened and Tracy almost choked on her drink. Johnny reached over and patted her on the back.

"Sorry, I brought you some dessert," the owner said before a waiter put down a big tray down.

"Wow, that looks really good," Liz said.

"I know my daughter well," Julian said with amusement.

Liz took a bite. "It's delicious."

"Thank you, Ms. Jerome. Just leave everything on the table when you're done. I'll be in the office in the back."

"Thank you, Silvio," Sonny said before shaking his hand.

"You're welcome." He is really hoping that nothing bad goes down.

They left and then everyone dug in. Over the course of the next hour, they made small talk and strategized.

"Jason," Stan said over an intercom, "there is no sign of them."

"Okay. We'll pack it up."

They retrieved their guns from under the table and everyone went to their cars. Liz was disappointed. She really hated having this weight over their heads.

Jason grabbed her hand in the car. "Talk to me."

"I'm just upset. This is insane, and I just want to kick someone's ass."

"I know. I wish I could fix this."

"I don't like someone messing with my life."

He kissed the top of her head. They headed back to the house and the mood was somber. Something had to give.