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Chapter 3 - Preparations

That evening, Jason grabbed a blanket and they went outside and laid on it. The night was so clear that the sky is incredible. After several minutes, he glanced over at her, "What are you thinking?"

"I was thinking that it's interesting that we crossed paths and I'm glad that we did because hopefully something good will come out of this bad situation. At least I hope that I've gained a friend," she said still star gazing.

"I would like that."

"It's kind of a relief that I don't have to hide my relationship with Sonny anymore. I missed him, especially his cooking."

Jason smiled. "He cooks for the guys a lot. Not only does he love the attention, but cooking calms him."

"And Kate? Are they good together?"

Jason nodded. "Yes, but I didn't think so at first though."

"Why?"

"I just didn't take to her initially. She's a little uppity but when she lets all that go, she's pretty cool. Plus, she doesn't take Sonny's shit."

Eva chuckled.

"If you could go anywhere, where would you go?"

She thought for a moment. "Africa. I want to see all the wildlife."

"It's pretty awesome."

Her head jerked to the side. "You've been there?"

"Several times actually. You just have to know how to steer away from the tourist traps."

"You'll have to give me all the tips."

"That, I can do."

They went back to the watching the stars until it was time to turn in.

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Jason stood outside of her bedroom door. "You almost ready?"

Evangeline took one last look in the mirror. The bikini is a tad bit too small, but it is the only bathing suit she could find. "Coming," she yelled before throwing a long t-shirt over it. She slipped into her sandals and opened the door.

Jason took her in. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail and she still is beautiful, but looked even younger. "Come on."

She followed him outside, not sure she'll like swimming in a lake. When she was a kid, she didn't mind, but back then, they didn't consider what could be slithering around in there.

They walked in silence, enjoying the beauty of the area. When they finally came to the banks of the lake, Jason put down the bag he was carrying and spread a blanket over the grass.

He pulled off his shirt and laid down and she followed suit. A slight breeze washed over their bodies as they relaxed.

After a few minutes, Evangeline gasped and Jason opened his eyes and followed her gaze. There are two large rabbits in the higher grass.

"Dinner?" Jason asked mischievously.

Her head jerked and she gave him a look. "That's disgusting."

He grinned. "Don't knock it til you try it."

She made a face and he laughed. "What's next? Are you going to tell me you killed Bambi?"

He frowned. "Who is Bambi?"

"It's not a stripper. You never saw the Disney movie Bambi?"

He gave her a look. "Do I look like someone who would watch Bambi?"

Eva laughed. "Bambi is a deer by the way."

"They made a movie about a deer?"

"It's like a cartoon. What am I going to do with you?"

He closed his eyes and relaxed again. "As long as you don't make me watch Bambi, I'm open to other suggestions."

She laughed again.

They laid there quietly for a while and then Jason got hot and stood. Their gaze met and he held out his hand.

She took it and allowed him to pull her up. Taking a deep breath, she took off her shirt and tossed it. "Here goes nothing."

"Are you scared of a little water?" Jason asked, trying not to look at her hot body which has curves in all the right places.

"There could be ugly cat fish swimming around in there," she said shuddering.

Jason grinned. "If you want, I can go grab my gun."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm surprised that you let it out of your sight in case you got attacked by one of those menacing rabbits."

"Hey, they are evil and bite."

"And how would you know that?"

"My sister Emily had one and it didn't like me."

"It was probably because you looked at it like it was dinner."

He smiled. "Last one in..."

She watched him run up a hill and then he leapt into the air before grabbing a rope. His muscles are a sight to behold as he propelled himself and then let go, dropping into the water.

There was no way in hell that she is going to attempt that. She walked down towards the water and tentatively stuck her toe in as an amused Jason watched.

"If I promise to protect you, will you come in?"

She tilted her head and considered his offer. "If I'm going to agree to your terms, then I'd like to negotiate a few addendums."

"Okay."

"No scaring me, and if I have a freak out, I'd like to impose a gag order."

He frowned. "A gag order?"

"Yup, you can't tell anyone. It will be our secret."

Jason pretended to think about it. "I guess I can agree to your terms under one condition."

"What?"

"You have to stay in the water with me for at least ten minutes."

"You're on."

"Should I sign something?" he asked as she started to move towards him.

"Very funny…."

She yelped when her foot touched something foreign. "I really don't even want to know what that was."

Jason tried not to laugh. She is so, damn, cute.

She finally made it to him and he smiled.

"That wasn't so bad was it?"

She made a face and looked around. "Are there snakes in here?"

"Not if they want to live."

"I don't think your reputation is well known here."

"You'd be surprised."

Something brushed against her leg and she jumped into Jason's arms. He wrapped his arms around her and waded further into the water.

"Not a word," she said softly as she stared into his beautiful blue eyes.

Her legs are wrapped around his body and her arms are thrown around his neck. For a few minutes, they simply gazed at each other.

"You're an interesting woman, Evangeline."

"You think so?"

He nodded. "Damian Smith barely gives you pause, but a catfish has you jumping out of your skin."

"How do you know it was a catfish?"

"Call it a hunch. You know, catfish have feelings too."

"They have beady eyes and those weird pokey things hanging down. Ewwww," she said shuddering.

He chuckled. "Damian kind of has beady eyes."

She shook her head. "You enjoy picking on me don't you?"

"Very much. You're an easy target."

"Has it been ten minutes yet?"

Jason laughed. "Almost."

Truth be told, she really didn't mind being in his arms, despite the icky surroundings.

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Evangeline finished drying her hair and put it up in a bun. He really didn't have what she needs to press it straight, so the style will have to do.

She could smell sauce and knew he is probably making spaghetti, so she wandered into the living room.

He looked up and slightly smiled. "There's some wine for you on the coffee table."

"Thanks."

She grabbed the glass and then sat on the couch and curled her legs under her. "Smells good."

"Sonny would probably have me executed for using sauce from a jar, but I didn't have time to make it from scratch."

"Do all you mob types cook?"

"Sonny made the guys closest to him learn. He figured if something happened and he had to rely on us for food, at least it would taste good."

She smiled. "Sounds like him. I am shocked someone hasn't snagged you by now."

"There was one that got away."

"Tell me about her."

Jason grabbed a strainer and put it in the sink. "We were friends or maybe slightly more. I thought she deserved more than what I could give, so I sent her to Italy to live out her dreams. She's an artist and doing quite well."

"Didn't you ever want to just leave everything behind and go after her?"

Jason nodded as he grabbed two pot holders and dumped the pasta. "A few times, but she's happy and she met someone while she was there. That's all I ever wanted for her."

"No regrets?"

"Not where she is concerned." Elizabeth is healthy, happy, and thriving. There is no Lucky or Ric; nor reminders of her rape. It makes him feel good that she is safe.

Evangeline got up and put her glass on the table and then grabbed some plates and they moved around the kitchen together and then sat down to eat.

She took a bite and moaned. "Delicious."

"I'm glad you like it."

They ate in silence for a while and then Eva sat back and rubbed her belly. "I'm stuffed."

"Want to go for a walk?"

She nodded. "I'll do the dishes when we get back."

They walked outside, both enjoying each other's company, and their attraction grew stronger the more time they spent together. Before they knew it, they were waking up and it was time to leave their little paradise and deal with the reality that they will be facing the enemy very soon.

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Evangeline read the Welcome to Port Charles sign with some trepidation. She is nervous that they won't be able to pull this off, especially since her life depends on it.

She held on tightly as Jason maneuvered around the curves. They finally pulled up to Crimson and she took off the helmet and smoothed down the top of her hair, making sure her bun is still in tact.

Sensing her nervousness, Jason grabbed her hand and held it.

"Don't worry. We'll be fine. Just relax and be yourself. I can't imagine that anyone wouldn't like you."

"Okay," she said before taking a deep breath.

Maxie approached them. "Hi, I'm Maxie. You need to come with me."

Evangeline smiled at Jason and then turned and walked up the stairs. He missed feeling her body up against his back. Maxie turned around and looked at Jason and mouthed the word gorgeous making him chuckle. Evangeline is gorgeous and he doesn't think he'll have any problem showing everyone how much he is attracted to her.

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Kate smiled when she saw Evangeline. She hadn't been sure what to expect, but the woman standing in front of her is a pleasant surprise. "Hello, I'm Kate."

"Evangeline," she said shaking her hand.

"Have a seat."

They sat on a couch that rested against a wall.

"Sonny tells me that you're a lawyer."

"I am. That isn't going to be a problem right?"

Kate chuckled. "No. I think I have the perfect dress for you. Do you have a problem showing skin?"

"No."

"Good because the back will be out," Kate said.

Evangeline shrugged. "That's fine with me."

"Come on. I can't wait to see you in it. I have the whole day planned. It involves a trip to the spa. You'll have your hair and makeup done professionally as well."

"Sounds wonderful."

Kate jumped up. "Follow me."

They headed to the show floor as an excited Evangeline looked forward to her day.

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Jason walked into Sonny's office and sat across from him.

"How is she?" Sonny asked.

"Fine. She's with Kate."

Sonny smiled. "Kate is planning on spoiling her for the day."

"Good. She deserves it," Jason said.

Sonny studied him for a while. "Evangeline is a beautiful woman."

"I'm aware of that. What's your point?"

"Don't hurt her Jason."

Jason made a face. "Why would you think that I had any intention of doing that?"

"I'm just saying. She's too good for us or to be around the business."

"You think I don't know that? Jesus Sonny, I'm just doing what you asked me to do."

Sonny sighed. He understood that, but at the same time, he also knew that most women usually fell for Jason. Evangeline is smart but that didn't matter when it came to lust. "Just be careful."

"I will. Now, did Frank confirm?"

"Yes. O'Brien and Francis will shadow Evangeline. They are already at Crimson."

"Good," Jason said, glad that his friends will be her guards. There w=is no way that he wants Frank to get anywhere near her.

"What are you wearing tonight?" he asked.

"A suit," Jason said.

"Are you getting a haircut?" Sonny asked with a smirk.

Now, he is just annoying Jason. "No. Don't you have better things to do then worry about my hair?"

Sonny full out grinned. "I missed you, Jason."

Jason rolled his eyes not understanding why everyone teased him so much.

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Jason took a sip of his drink. Most of the key players had arrived, including Frank Smith. Evangeline and Kate will be fashionably late, so he had time to greet everyone.

Sonny approached him with Carly in tow.

She hugged him. "I missed you so much," she said smiling. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. And you?"

"Good. Jax is treating me well."

Jason tried not to smirk at the face that Sonny is making behind her back.

"So, I can't wait to meet her," Carly said. Inside, she is seething, but Sonny had told her that she needs to deal with it or not come, so she is going to try to be good.

"You feel alright?" Jason asked. "Because I know that hurt."

She smacked his arm. "I just don't understand when you found the time to fall in love."

"She's beautiful and smart. It didn't take any time at all," Jason said smoothly causing Carly to roll her eyes. "Behave."

Cody got his attention.

"She's here. I'll be right back." He went down to the lobby and then made his way to the limo. Cameras are clicking away and he ignored them and slid into the back.

The moment his eyes took her in, he is awestruck. An emerald green dress hugs every curve and her cleavage is magnificent, not to mention that her hair is perfectly coiffed.

She watched him peruse her and almost shivered.

"You look beautiful, although somehow that doesn't seem adequate."

A blush appeared on her face. "Thanks. You look really handsome."

He averted his gaze.

"You ready?"

He nodded. "One thing first," he said, pulling a box from his pocket. "You can't go in there without a ring."

She smiled and watched him open it up and then her eyes grew big. "Wow," she said, looking at the rather large princess cut diamond. The band is entirely made up of smaller diamonds and she guessed the center stone is five carats.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"Yes. It's beautiful, Jason. I would have been happy with whatever you chose."

He pulled it out of the box and slipped it onto her finger.

"Now, we're ready," he said before opening the door. Evangeline carefully slipped out behind him and his hand made contact with her naked back and she shivered. Jason's mouth went dry when he gazed at her beautiful, exposed, back. "Damn," he muttered.

They went inside and the second they stepped off the elevator, the room went silent. They are holding hands and Jason turns his head to meet her gaze. "This is kind of freaking me out."

She chuckled. "We could make a run for it," she said making him grin which pretty much shocked the entire room yet again.