Hope For The Holidays

by imgoodbackup

Slightly different spin on how Sam ended up in Port Charles, found her family, met Jason, and managed to never give up Hope For The Holidays.

14. Chapter 14

A/N: Sorry! Michael and Carly really kicked my ass in this chapter. They refused to be edited. Plus, it's always hard for me to write love scenes. I can't help picturing Tam's Carly in this story so if she's a little less self-aware and a lot bitchier, I guess that's why. Also, I'd mentioned a while back I was writing a love scene and xanda's comment was: staircase yummy -to which I LOL. So, Moronda, this one's for you! ;) Hope I did your suggestion decent. Well, actually it's quite indecent, but you know what I mean.

14. part 1 of 2...

Sam knew she was taking advantage. She also knew her mother wouldn't be too pleased, but she hoped Alexis wouldn't make a big deal out of it and she really hoped she wouldn't make a big deal of it in front of Kristina. It was just that look on her little sister's face. It resonated with how Sam still felt deep down about her own father, hopeful and longing, though she'd never admit it.

Jason and Sam were buckling the kids in the back of Jason's Escalade when Michael expressed how excited he was to see his dad and give him his souvenir. Kristina's face lit up and she'd looked at Sam as the buckles clicked and asked if she would get to see daddy too. It tore at Sam and her immediate response was... "Of course!"

Twenty minutes later, Michael shouted a "Hey Max" as he bolted through the double doors into his family's living room. Max chuckled at the red-headed blur and welcomed Sam and Jason back with a smile as they stepped through the front door smiling too. Kristina had been as excited as Michael the whole ride over, but once they got out of the car she'd opted for holding tightly to Sam's hand. She seemed a little nervous and Sam hated that her little sister had been conditioned to feel anxious over her father's love.

The three walked into the living room to see Michael hefted up in Sonny's arms. The boy was already in mid-conversation about how cool their trip had been and Sonny's dimples were on full display at his son's animated recounting. Carly stood next to them smiling as well and running a hand through her boy's hair as he spoke.

Sonny was surprised to see his daughter. "Kristina! Hey baby, it's so good to see you!"

He took a few steps closer. Michael smiled at his sister and pushed himself down off his father knowing Krissy had really missed their dad too and probably wanted a hug. Sam felt Krissy's body push into the back of her leg. Kristina was even more nervous now. Sonny hesitated. He hated that the first ten to twenty minutes of their visits were always spent trying to re-familiarize and reassure his daughter of him and his love for her. He wanted more time with her than four hours a week. He missed her. Sam knelt down to her sister's eye level and half-whispered. "I think your daddy would really love it if you gave him a hug. It looks like he's really missed you."

Kristina looked up at her father and Sonny nodded with a sad frown while holding out his arms. Kristina smiled brightly at that then ran to hug her dad. Sonny scooped her up. "Aw, that's my girl!"

He hugged her tight and mouthed thank you to Sam over Krissy's shoulder.

Sam stood back up. She smiled and nodded at Sonny. Jason half-smiled too. Sam had done a good thing. He'd witnessed a few of Sonny and Kristina's visits before and it usually took Krissy a lot longer to warm up to her father that much.

Sonny returned his full attention back to his little girl. "How are you, baby? Did you have fun? I missed you so much!"

Kristina pulled back in her father's arms. "I missed you too daddy. We had lots of fun."

"Good, baby. That's real good." He told her as he pat her back. He walked to the couch and sat her in his lap with Michael at his side as brother and sister began sharing stories of their adventure.

Carly smiled watching them. It had been a shock to learn Kristina was Sonny's child. She was a secret that had almost cost her the man and family she loved, but she'd never once resented the little girl for it. Maybe her mother. Okay, definitely her mother, but never Kristina. Kristina was innocent, as innocent as Michael had been while dealing with that paternity nightmare with AJ. It had been difficult to form a relationship with her step-daughter. Alexis fought Sonny every step of the way and, at first, Carly wasn't too sure of her own feelings. She wasn't sure how much of a part she even wanted to play in Krissy's life if it meant constantly having to deal with Alexis.

It hadn't taken long though, the first unsupervised visit to be exact, before Carly had fallen in love with the little toddler and treated her like the daughter she'd always wanted. She only wished Alexis wasn't such a witch and allowed Sonny more time with his daughter. Carly knew from experience it was a decision Alexis would regret once Kristina was older. A girl needed to feel assured of her father's love early on, so she didn't end up trying to fill that void with other men.

Carly didn't want that for her step-daughter. She knew Alexis didn't either, but the woman was just too stubborn and self-righteous to see reason, especially if that reasoning came from one Carly Roberts Corinthos. Carly shook the frustrating thoughts from her head. It was pointless to think she'd ever convince Alexis to change her mind. D.A. Davis, or should she say former D.A. Davis now, was as stubborn as they came just like...

Carly looked over at Jason then quickly looked away when his eyes met hers. She hadn't spoken to him since their argument, more like severe falling out, a little over two weeks ago. She had just been blindsided in the middle of Kelly's diner. Carly stood there as a woman she despised informed her Jason was the father of her child and had asked her to marry him. It took everything in her not to knock the bitch on her ass as she pushed past her out the door, but she knew the halo-headed whore would only use it as ammunition in her helpless victim routine.

Carly had gone straight to Jason. She'd found him at his penthouse and begged him to tell her it wasn't true. She knew the moment she looked into his eyes, however, it was. How could he do this, she'd asked him? How could he marry that manipulative lying tramp, not to mention knock her up? How could he even be sure the kid was his? That, of course, caused Jason to defend the hussy. Carly wouldn't hear it though. She knew better.

Carly had heard Lucky's side of the story months back. She'd run into him at Jake's one night last spring. She'd needed time away from her husband's constant hovering. Sonny was concerned for her due to her nightmares and the stress of the kidnapping and AJ's murder investigation. In all honesty she knew Sonny was right to worry about the toll it had taken on her, but she'd just needed a break from it all.

So, Carly headed to Jake's for some beers and a game of pool. She'd have liked to call her good friend, Courtney, but things just weren't the same between them since Court had insisted on marrying that sanctimonious jerk Jasper Jacks. She barely recognized her friend anymore, or maybe it was herself she didn't recognize. They'd both changed so much over the last year and, sadly, Carly knew their friendship would never be as close as it once had. Carly ended up drinking and playing a few rounds with Lucky instead. He'd been pretty far gone and ended up confessing over a nearly empty bottle of whiskey that his wife had been pulling away from him for months. He suspected an affair, but didn't know who.

Carly hadn't doubted it for a second. She felt bad for her cousin, even though they had never been close. It wasn't either one's fault, she supposed. They were just polar opposites on the moral compass. He'd asked her to keep it to herself in a moment of sobriety and she'd agreed after suggesting her cousin send the tramp packing. She'd even offered to pay for a damn good attorney to represent him in divorce and custody proceedings of little Cam. He'd thanked her for the offer, but said he wasn't sure he was ready to take that step yet.

Jason, however, wouldn't hear of any possibility the baby could be Lucky's or anyone else's. Elizabeth wouldn't lie to him, he'd told her. His unvoiced implication that she would hadn't gone unnoticed by Carly. He trusted Elizabeth over her. His vision was blinded by her halo and no amount of tarnish Carly threw at it would stick. Her anger had quickly given way to hurt when Jason admitted he had no intention of telling Carly until after Elizabeth was further along in her pregnancy.

As if she were a danger to Jason's unborn child? He'd pointed out Elizabeth had miscarried before and they were concerned about adding undue complications and stress. Carly didn't even have fight enough left to point out Elizabeth hadn't seemed too concerned about the added stress while rubbing the news in her face moments ago. She simply replied, "I'm sorry Jason. I didn't realize my friendship was such a terrible burden for you, but don't worry. I'm about to make it less complicated."

She then walked out his door without another word and with no intentions of ever speaking to him again.

Carly headed straight for Sonny. She'd just lost her best friend and needed her husband's reassurance and support, but when she got to his office he'd admitted he already knew about Elizabeth and the baby. Jason had felt it safe to confide in Sonny, just not her. Sonny and Jason had kept it from her and she was just too worn out, too hurt to fight anymore. She'd left him and gone straight home, packed bags for her and the kids and boarded a jet hours later for the island. Someone, probably the pilot, had tipped Sonny off and he'd called Carly begging her not to go. When that didn't work, he'd begged her to let him come with her. She'd told him if he wanted to save their marriage, he'd give her the space she needed and he had.

She'd managed to work things out with Sonny and their marriage was back on track, though she still struggled to give him total trust again. Jason, however, was another story entirely. She held him more accountable. He was the one who instigated the lie and put Sonny in the position to lie to her. He was also the dumb-ass who'd allowed that gold-digging little leach to trap him into marriage with a baby. She was still pissed Jason could be so blind, but she also really missed her friend. It wasn't just going two weeks without talking to him that hurt, it was the thought of losing him forever to the deceitful whore.

"Babe, you okay?" Sonny said pulling her from her thoughts.

Her subconscious registered and she realized there had been a conversation going on between Sonny, Sam and Jason she hadn't really heard. She wiped at the tears she hadn't known were forming, put on that brave smile she'd mastered months ago after the kidnapping and reassured her husband. "I'm fine."

Jason wasn't convinced. He wasn't sure what to say either. He'd lied to Carly and Sam for Elizabeth while Elizabeth lied to him. Carly had been right, he couldn't be sure it was his baby. He felt like such a fool now and that made him angry and that anger made him shut down in order to shield the people he loved from misdirected rage. He felt Sam's hand touch his forearm calming him immensely. He looked down at her standing by his side. Her worried eyes silently searched his for a sign he was alright. Jason forced a relaxing breath. He looked deep into those pools of melted chocolate and it warmed him. The love and concern he saw there warmed him body and soul. He gave her a faint smile before nodding slightly. She sighed in relief, but still worried for him. Sam knew the distance with Carly was only one of the issues he would face tonight.

Carly had turned to the bar immediately after telling Sonny she was fine. She used the excuse of getting a drink to cover how uncomfortable she felt around Jason. She'd turned back to offer Sam a drink just in time to catch the exchange between them. She looked quickly to Sonny, but he was still chatting with the kids and had missed it. A smile lit her up from the inside. The way those two had just looked at each other was far more intimate than friendship. She should know. She had first hand experience as Jason's best friend and former lover and that look was a look he'd never given her. Hell, she was pretty sure he'd never looked at anyone that way before. It was like, like Sam was his lifeline.

Under normal circumstances, Carly would have been jealous as hell. A small part of her was jealous, but these were not normal times. Carly was now in battle-mode for Jason's friendship and her own sanity because if Elizabeth managed to marry her best friend she would lose it and him. Carly figured all fair in love and war. This was both and Sam McCall was her best weapon. She fought to hide her smile on the inside. It looked as though her little plan to get those two together may have worked. Just maybe she wouldn't lose her best friend to that nagging nurse after all.

"Would either of you care for something to drink?" Carly offered.

Sonny looked at her with a raised brow. He'd heard the smile in her voice and saw the way she fought to keep it from curling upon her lips. Carly noticed his look and gave him a knowing little smirk with a raised brow of her own and a slight head nod toward Jason and Sam. Sonny got her meaning right away and his eyes widened. Carly smiled a bit more noticeably then and nodded yes. Sonny did a double take of Jason and Sam to see if he could see what Carly saw. Had something happened between them over the weekend?

Sam pulled her eyes away from Jason's to look at Carly. "I'd love a club soda with lime if you have it."

Carly nodded. "Jason, anything for you?"

If he'd hooked up with Sam McCall and planned to drop that bobble-headed broodmare flat on her ass, Carly swore right then and there all would be forgiven.

Jason was shocked Carly was speaking to him, let alone offering to fix him a drink. "Uh, I'm fine. Thanks."

Carly nodded again then turned to fix Sam's drink.

"I'll have a whiskey, neat. Thanks for asking." Sonny quipped.

Carly shook her head. Her back was to Sonny, but he could just picture her rolling her eyes at him too. "Two club sodas with lime, coming up."

Sonny sighed. He'd never get used to his new medication and not being able to enjoy a good stiff drink whenever he wanted. He still couldn't believe he suffered from bi-polar disorder, but looking back on past behavior it certainly explained a lot. He'd been recently diagnosed during a family therapy session when Dr. Winters had taken over Michael's case and requested Sonny submit to testing. He'd told her she was off her rocker, but Carly had convinced him to just take the damn test. If not for himself, then for Morgan and Kristina who might inherit the condition one day.

She'd pointed out it would be good to know either way. He was glad he'd listened because aside from missing his favorite liquor there had been no other downsides. He was fortunate it hadn't taken long to find a medication and proper dosage that worked best for him. As long as he took his medication as prescribed, side effects were minimal. Life was good, but the best part was he felt better about things than he'd ever felt in his life.

"Club soda with lime, that's what I said wasn't it?" He grinned and winked at Michael who smiled and shook his head.

"Sam, do you have the bag with the stuff in it?" Michael said.

"Sure do." Sam held it up in her free hand.

Michael retrieved the bag and pulled out a small box. Carly turned and handed Sam and Sonny their drinks as Michael gave her the box.

"For me?" She smiled.

Michael nodded happily. He really hoped she liked it. Carly opened the box and removed the object from the tissue paper. It was a hand painted porcelain figurine of a giraffe and Carly's mind immediately soared back to Michael as a baby playing with his favorite toy until he'd fallen asleep. He didn't know it, but he'd gone through three of those giraffes after wearing the first two out. She couldn't help it. She teared up.

"I made it for you. Do you like it?" Michael saw her smile through her tears and hoped he'd done good.

"Michael, I love it. It's precious, just like you. Thank you." She pulled him into a hug and kissed his forehead.

She would keep it on her nightstand by his picture with Morgan so she could fall asleep to it every night. She'd almost lost him, almost lost both her boys and it was only thanks to Sam and Jason she could hug her first born close right now. As far as Carly was concerned, she owed them both a happily ever after.

Michael just hugged tight and nodded his head against his mother's chest in answer of her thanks. Carly showed Sonny who told Michael he'd done a good job on it and what a good son he was to do something so thoughtful for his mom.

"So, any chance you got something for me in that bag?" He teased as he tried to peek into it.

"Oh yeah." Michael nodded as he plopped back down next to his dad followed by an "Uh-huh" from Krissy.

Michael knew his dad was a history buff, so he'd picked out a hardback about the lighthouse they'd toured and life on the Great Lakes. Michael even managed to get a personalized autograph from the author who happened to be the lighthouse keeper, Levi. Sonny didn't even have to pretend to like it. He loved it. Kristina had picked out something too. It was a lavender worry-stone made from polished Chalcedony, a stone native to Ohio.

"If you rub it, all your worries go away." Krissy told her father.

She had been playing with the pretty rocks when Jason told her what they were. Her dad had once told her he would always love her and always worry about her and want her to be safe and that's why she had to have guards sometimes. She'd frowned at the memory because her mommy worried a lot and had gotten really sick. She didn't want her daddy to worry. He might get sick too.

"I love it, baby. Thank you. It's such a pretty color too, almost as pretty as you." Sonny grinned as he rubbed the stone with his thumb. "I can feel it working already. Not a single worry."

Kristina smiled bright. "That's good daddy."

"Thank you baby." Sonny kissed her on her little forehead and Sam only wished Alexis had been there to witness that moment between them.

"Oh, uncle Jason, don't you have something too?" He motioned his head toward his mom in a not so subtle way.

Carly and Sam laughed. Jason nodded, surprised he'd almost forgotten. He handed the bag to Carly, the bag he'd kept under practical lock and key from Sam. She couldn't wait to see what was in there. She had a feeling whatever it was he'd already removed something else from that bag. Jason had a sweet tooth. She was convinced of it.

"Thanks Jason." Carly smiled. She remembered Michael telling her Jason had picked out some candy for her.

She pulled it from the bag. "Oh no! You didn't!"

Carly looked back up at Jason, her face full of excitement. "Where did you find them?"

She couldn't tear into the package fast enough. They were the best truffles she'd ever had in her life and they were impossible to find! She knew. She'd looked everywhere for them for years with no luck. They were filled with a velvety smooth chocolate ganache and a juicy cherry in the middle.

"Oh, Jason, this is amazing!" She moaned in pure satisfaction as she bit into the first one.

"Oh. My God, Sam. You have to try one. I went through these things by the dozens when I was pregnant with Michael. Jason always bought them for me." She explained as she handed one to Sam.

"Oh, wow. That is good!" Sam had to agree it was pretty decadent. She wouldn't mind another actually.

Carly saw the way Sam eyed them. "Sorry. You're gonna have to take that boat back to wherever you found these because these are mine!"

Jason chuckled at Sam's little pout. He knew Carly would react that way. Carly had actually cried when he told her the candy store that carried them had gone out of business.

"There's a card in that bag too with the store's contact information. They make these fresh every day and ship throughout the continental US." Jason informed to Carly's great delight.

"Well, I guess we better get going." Jason hated to tear Kristina away from what was a really nice visit, but he didn't want Sam to get any flack from Alexis for staying too long.

Michael looked up at Sam when Jason mentioned leaving. He knew he'd run out of time because he told Sam he'd tell Jason about Elizabeth tonight. He wouldn't go against his word. Sam just gave him a reassuring smile and hoped he wouldn't change his mind.

"Um, uncle Jason?" Michael began timidly.

"Yeah?"

"Um, could I talk to you for a minute before you go? It's, um, it's kind of important." Michael felt all eyes on him now and he'd never been more nervous. He could feel the heat rise to his cheeks and neck.

"Sure. What's up?" Jason was curious what it was all about.

"Well, um... Do you think, I mean, could we talk up in my room?" Michael was too nervous to tell his mom and dad at the same time.

Jason's brows arched in concern, but he just nodded and pointed the way for Michael to take the lead up the stairs.

Michael began to walk, but then turned when he realized Sam wasn't coming. "Sam, you're coming too right?"

Sam smiled softly. She'd offered to be there for him if he wanted, but he hadn't said anything so she hadn't wanted to intrude. "Absolutely."

She placed her drink on a coaster at Sonny's desk then headed up the stairs behind them.

Carly didn't like it at all. Something was going on, something serious. "Michael, is everything alright?"

"Uh, yea, I'm okay mom. We'll only be a few minutes." Michael hurried up the rest of the stairs before his mom could ask him anymore questions.

Carly stood, absently holding her truffles box to her chest with a frown as her eyes lingered up the stairs.

"He's okay Carly." Sonny reassured her.

Carly sighed and looked over at her husband. She shook her head. "I don't know. I have a bad feeling."

She bit her lip with another anxious look up the staircase. She contemplated marching right up there to demand what was going on with her son when Sonny padded the empty seat beside him. "Come sit. Kristina has something she wants to show us."

Carly was pulled from her trance at hearing her step-daughter's name. She smiled at her and made her way over to sit with them. "Is it something from your trip?"

Kristina nodded and then pulled out the photo album she'd made at her tea party. The pictures were a great distraction.

xxxxx

This was it. It hadn't occurred to him until he saw Michael turn around on the stairs and ask Sam to join them. Now he knew though, Sam had convinced Michael to tell him whatever was going on that caused his nightmare to return. He followed his nephew into his room. Michael sat in the middle of his bed and Sam rounded the other side to sit just behind him. Jason sat on the other side closer to the foot-board with one leg brought up onto it so he could face Sam and Michael better.

He could tell his nephew was having a hard time knowing how to start. Michael looked back up at Sam for help. She nodded and looked at Jason.

"Michael has a few things he needs, wants to tell you, but he's a little scared you'll be mad at him." Sam knew it was more like terrified, but she didn't want to make Jason feel worse. She knew he must already feel bad his nephew hadn't come to him freely.

Jason thought about it for a minute. He wouldn't lie to Michael again. He wouldn't lie to anyone he cared about again. If nothing else, that would be the one good thing he took away from the situation with L iz. "I can't promise I won't be upset, but I can promise nothing you tell me will make me stop loving you. I promise to hear you out, to let you explain everything, no matter what."

Jason looked at Michael then tentatively at Sam. He hoped he'd said the right thing. He wanted Michael to trust him. Michael took a big breath. He looked at his uncle and even though he was scared... "Remember how the iced tea spilled on Elizabeth?"

Jason assessed his nephew carefully and nodded slowly. "You were upset because Elizabeth thought you'd done it on purpose."

Michael nodded. "I did do it on purpose. I lied. I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry that I lied to you." He still wasn't sorry he'd knocked the drink on Elizabeth and he refused to lie to his uncle again and say he was.

Jason let out a frustrated sigh. He was shocked his nephew lied to him. It also disturbed him to learn he'd acted out that way, but Jason kept his voice as steady as possible. "Michael, Elizabeth's always been really nice to you. Why would you do that? Why did you lie? You've never lied to me before."

"I know. I just... I was so mad I just... I mean, I walked away the first time. I did! I pretended to go to the bathroom because mom always says if you don't have something nice to say not to say anything at all." Sam bit her cheek at Michael's admission thinking, clearly, that had been one of those do as I say not do as I do parenting moments for Carly.

Michael continued. "When I saw Sam I got so happy I kind of forgot how mad I was so I came back to the table."

Sam smiled softly at that then tried to read how Jason was handling things so far. He was quiet with an expressionless face. She could see him exerting control to maintain patience. He was giving Michael a chance to get it all out.

"Then Emily got there and I tried to only talk to her so I wouldn't say something bad, but when Elizabeth said all those mean things about Sam and got all lovey on you and you held her hand I just... I wanted to throw something, so... I knocked the drink on her. I knew it was bad, but I was afraid you'd see I wasn't really sorry and be mad at me. So I ran around the corner and hid and that's when I guess Elizabeth saw me laughing from the reflection." Michael felt shame creep up his chest into his face. His head drooped and he couldn't look his uncle in the eye.

Jason collected his thoughts before he spoke. He didn't know what reasons Michael had for resenting Elizabeth. Maybe Elizabeth had been right and he was jealous of having to share time with Jason, but that explanation still didn't feel quite right to him. Michael hadn't had any trouble sharing time with Sam this weekend. Michael said it was something Elizabeth had said about Sam that set him off, but Jason couldn't recall what it might be. He remembered the conversation. He just thought Elizabeth's words about Sam had gone over Michael's head. "Michael, what was it Elizabeth said about Sam that made you so upset?"

Michael turned and looked up at Sam. He didn't want to repeat what she'd said because he didn't want to hurt Sam's feelings. Sam could see he obviously didn't want her to know because Michael had never told her that part of the story.

Sam put her hand around Michael's shoulder. "It's alright. You can say it."

Michael looked back at his uncle and then down at his hand as he twisted a loose thread on his comforter. "She said Sam must never want a family because no good mom would have a dangerous job that might leave her kids without a mother."

Michael jerked his head up to look back at Sam. "But that's not true!"

He turned back to Jason. "Sam would be the best mom and if that's what she really thinks how come it's okay for you to have your job and be a good dad, but not Sam?"

Sam already had a hate growing for Elizabeth for how she treated Michael so hearing the nurse's caddy words against her really wasn't surprising, but hearing how protective Michael felt toward her had been. Sam knew he liked her, trusted her, but she'd never imagined he cared so much. The feeling was mutual. She would go to the mat to protect that little boy too. Sam smoothed her hand through his hair and let it rest on his back.

Michael looked back up at Sam. "Don't worry Sam. Uncle Jason stood up for you. He told her if the woman was as smart and quick on her feet as you, any guy that really loved her would trust her to handle herself and take care of her family too."

Michael grinned when a slow smile formed on her face then frowned at the tears in her eyes. Maybe he shouldn't have told her what his uncle said. He looked from Sam to Jason. Jason was smiling halfway. Michael had seen that smile before. It was his uncle's way of saying things were all good without actually speaking. He looked back at Sam. Her smile was bigger now and she was looking at Jason funny again, looking at him like her mom looked at her dad right before they kissed. Michael decided he wouldn't mind if they kissed. He just hoped they wouldn't do it right now, in front of him, and they didn't.

When Michael told her what Jason had said to Elizabeth, she couldn't believe it. While she was sitting across the diner doing her best to ignore him, Jason had been on the other side defending her career and her ability to be a good mother and wife. His unsolicited and unwavering support meant everything. She looked up at Jason to search his eyes. She just needed to see if he'd really said those things, or if Michael had exaggerated. When her eyes fell upon his, she knew from his sheepish half-smile Michael was probably pretty accurate. She could kiss Jason for that and if Michael weren't there she would have, but this wasn't over yet. They still had to tell Jason about Elizabeth's threat and how it had caused Michael's nightmare.

Jason was a little embarrassed when Michael told Sam what he'd said about her, but after the look she'd just given him he was now grateful his nephew inherited his mother's big mouth. He really couldn't wait to get her alone. She was driving him crazy the way her pouting lips turned up into a smile and the way her eyes shined with what he hoped were happy tears. He blinked the thoughts away. He was losing focus. He concentrated again on what his nephew had just told him.

Looking at it from Michael's point of view, Jason could see he'd tried hard to prevent acting out. He could see how an eight year old might not have the necessary coping skills to handle situations right once he'd reached his limit. Hell, Jason was a grown man and didn't have all the proper coping skills. What he couldn't see past was the fact Michael had looked right into his eyes and lied to him.

"Michael," He exhaled loudly. "I can see from what you've told me that you tried really hard to handle your anger the right way and sometimes our emotions get the better of us. It doesn't make what you did okay and that's something you and I are going to have to work on together, but what I don't understand is why you were already so negative toward Elizabeth before she even said those things?"

"You say she's only ever been nice to me and that's true, when you're around. When it's just me, or Emily and me, Elizabeth doesn't want anything to do with me. She's only nice to me to look good in front of you. She doesn't really care about me and she treats me like a baby. She talks to me like I'm a toddler. You don't even talk to Morgan the way she talks to me." Michael told him.

Jason had to sigh at that. He had noticed the way Elizabeth seemed to talk to Michael like he was a toddler, but he just figured she didn't have much experience with kids Michael's age and talked to him like she talked to her son. He wasn't sure what to think about Michael's accusation that Elizabeth only pretended to like him for Jason's sake. Yesterday, he would have insisted his nephew had it all wrong. Today, he knew Elizabeth was a liar. She'd been pretending to be a faithful fiancee and he had to wonder what else she had been pretending about as well.

"I'm sorry if Elizabeth made you feel that way." Jason didn't really know what else to say.

"It's okay. It isn't your fault." Michael felt a little better. Jason seemed to believe him about how Elizabeth faked liking him. Maybe this meant he would believe him when he told her what else Elizabeth had done.

"So, I don't understand. Is this what brought back the bad dream? You were afraid I'd send you away if you told me what really happened?" Jason wondered.

Michael bit his lip. "Sort of, but... there's more."

"It's okay. Whatever it is, you can tell me." Jason assured him.

"Remember when we got back to the penthouse after Kelly's? You said you had to go across the hall to handle some business." Michael reminded and Sam's eyes shot up to Jason.

Sam remembered her conversation with Coop about Jason wanting him to vacate the penthouse. She knew Sonny must have learned of his involvement with local law enforcement and she still worried how that wrinkle would wear with Jason and Sonny's organization.

Jason's eyes flickered guiltily to Sam's then avoided her as he nodded for Michael to continue.

"Well..." Michael paused. "When you left Elizabeth uh... she uh... talked to me."

Jason could tell from the way Michael was avoiding eye contact and how apprehensive he was that the talk had not been good. "What did she say?"

"She said she knew I'd done it on purpose. I denied it, but she said she knew I was lying since she saw me laughing. She said she saw through my act and by the time she got done with me you and aunt Emily would too. She said if I made anymore trouble for her with you, then she'd..." Michael wasn't sure he could do it anymore.

"She'd what, Michael?" Jason said with a little less patience than he would have liked.

Michael flinched at his uncle's tone, but felt Sam's hand rub his back and it made him feel like he could do it. He wanted Sam to be proud of him for being brave. "She said she'd convince you to tell mom and dad the only thing they could do to help me was to send me off to military school far away."

"What?" Jason shook his head. "No. Michael, are you sure you got that right? This is really important."

Michael nodded his head furiously. "She said Emily was her best friend and she'd believe her when she cried and told her how I hate her so much that I might be a danger. She said aunt Emily would tell you so you could fix it. What if Elizabeth told you I tried to hurt the baby? She said her and the baby would be more important. She said you'd always love me, but you'd love her and the baby more since they were your real family."

Jason was suddenly filled with a rage he didn't know what to do with as he sat there in front of his little nephew. His jaw clenched. His fists closed until there was no blood left in them. He was fuming. He shot up from the bed and began to pace. It was the second time in less than 24 hours that woman had made him this angry, only this time there would be no humorless laughter. There would be no calming down because this time there was no silver lining of hope to soothe him. This time there was only the memory of Michael huddled and screaming on the floor and the knowledge that L iz's threats had done it to him.

He trusted her! He'd considered her a good friend which was something Jason extended to very few people and she had betrayed him in the worse way imaginable. Her baby may not be his and she'd attacked the one child he couldn't love more if it had been his own! She'd caused Michael's nightmares to return. She'd scared him so bad he wouldn't even let anyone touch him in his dreams. He recalled Michael sobbing, begging him not to send him away. Jason wanted to wreck things, smash and tear the room apart. He wanted to punch a hole in the wall and imagine the crunching of drywall beneath his fist was her face. He wanted to wrap his hands around Elizabeth's neck and squeeze the life out of her! Had he not been so damn angry, he would have been terrified of himself for feeling so violent toward a woman. He was so engrossed in his rage he didn't notice his nephew becoming increasingly upset until his cries broke through.

"See, Sam? I told you! I told you he wouldn't believe me! He's gonna send me away! I'm sorry. I'm sorry, please don't send me away! Please believe me." Michael cried.

Sam hugged him to her. "Shh, no sweetie. He isn't mad at you. It's okay. It's going to be okay. I promise."

Sam looked up at Jason who'd now stopped pacing and stood staring at Michael with tears in his eyes. He swallowed the lump that formed and moved back to Michael on the bed. He spoke calmly. "Michael? Michael, look at me please."

He waited for Michael's sobbing sighs to cease as he cried in Sam's arms. Jason looked at Sam and felt a sting of pain that he'd allowed that woman to almost ruin the best thing to ever happen to him. Sam, Emily, Carly and the boys were the most precious relationships he had and Elizabeth had jeopardized every single one of them with her lies. Sam whispered something soothing in his ear and Michael looked up at him.

"I'm sorry I scared you just now. I'm not mad at you. I promise. Okay?" Jason waited for Michael to respond.

"You're angry. I can tell." The boy insisted.

Jason shook his head. "I believe you Michael. I know you lied, because you were scared. It doesn't make it okay, but I do understand and even though you lied before I know you'd never make something like this up."

Michael shook his head. "I swear. I swear it's the truth!"

Jason nodded. "I know and that's why I got so angry. I'm mad at her, not you. I thought Elizabeth was my friend. I trusted her with, with something so important to me. I trusted her with you and she hurt you. I'm sorry Michael. I'm sorry I didn't see what was really going on and that I let her hurt you, but I promise that will never happen again. I'll never let L iz hurt you, or anyone else I love again."

Jason swallowed hard and looked from Michael to Sam as he said those words. Sam gave him a small smile and it helped. It helped lessen the guilt for a moment.

"I'm sorry too. I'm sorry I lied to you and I promise to always tell you the truth from now on." Michael solemnly swore.

"Me too. I love you, Michael and I promise I'll never send you away, not ever." Jason told him and Michael slowly made his way over and gave his uncle a hug.

Jason grabbed his nephew to him in a fierce embrace and Michael spoke from over his shoulder. "Uncle Jason?"

"What is it buddy?" Jason pat his back.

"There's one more thing I need to tell you." Michael was suddenly afraid to let go of his uncle.

"You can tell me anything." Jason encouraged him.

"I kind of hired Sam to prove Elizabeth was a phony liar and... I tried to pay her with money from your petty cash drawer, a lot of it. Sam wouldn't take the money. She put it back for me, but she did take the case. Don't be mad at her though, she was only trying to help me." Jason felt how Michael tensed in his arms.

His hand stilled on Michael's back as he spoke and Jason had looked to Sam at his admission. She bit her lip and shrugged. Jason blinked. He'd have never guessed Michael. He let out a small silent chuckle and shook his head in disbelief. Two of the people he loved the most had saved him from making the worst mistake of his life, saved him from marrying that lying witch! He didn't think he could love them any more, but in that moment he did.

"Taking money from me without permission? Again, this is something we're going to have to talk more about, but for right now all I want to do is thank you." He told his nephew while looking in Sam's eyes.

She smiled at that.

Michael pulled back to look at his uncle. "Thank... me?"

Jason nodded. "You and Sam saved me from marrying someone that lied to me and hurt the people I care about."

Michael nodded with a thoughtful brow. "So, wait..." He paused. "Does this mean you two aren't getting married anymore?"

Jason nodded and Michael whooped and hollered and jumped for joy out of Jason's lap.

He looked back at his uncle and stopped. "Sorry. I didn't want you to marry her, but I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

"It's okay Michael. You didn't hurt my feelings. That was all Elizabeth's doing." Jason assured him.

"What about the baby? I mean..." Michael started to really feel bad now. He remembered what it was like when his mom and dad were separated and he'd wanted them back together. His uncle Jason had been the one to keep his family together and now he'd helped break up Jason's family, his little cousin's family.

"I'll always love any baby of mine just as much as I love you, but I can't imagine loving them more. Don't you worry about it, okay? Everything is gonna work out just fine now. I promise." Michael looked into his uncle's blue eyes and knew he could trust him to keep that promise.

"I'm... I'm kind of scared to tell mom and dad." Michael confessed.

"How about you let Sam and I tell them?" Jason felt like Michael had been through enough tonight.

Michael gave a relieved smile. "Thanks uncle Jason."

"You're welcome. You've got your flashlight just in case?" Jason gave him another hug then stood.

Michael nodded yes and pointed to his backpack he'd brought up and dropped on the floor by his bed.

"Thanks Sam." Michael hugged her again too.

"Jason and I will always be here for you Michael. Anytime you ever need anything you come to us, okay?" Sam gave him a squeeze.

Michael smiled at her. He liked how she had said Jason and her would both be there for him. He loved Sam like family and when she said that it made him feel like she thought of him and Jason as family too. "Okay."

Jason sighed. He really didn't look forward to telling Carly and Sonny about Elizabeth. "I'm going to send Kristina up to say goodbye, okay? Maybe you and she could go to the nursery with Leticia and give Morgan his souvenir?"

"Yeah, okay." Michael agreed.

14. part 2 of 2... [NC-17]

Jason hadn't said a word since buckling his seat belt and starting the ignition. He could feel Sam's worried gaze landing on him every so often from the passenger seat and felt bad, but he was beyond words at the moment. Sam had asked him if he was okay to drive and he'd simply nodded. He didn't trust his own voice right now. It was full of hatred and he didn't want that ugly emotion touching anywhere near Sam or Kristina. He'd never felt more anger toward any human being in his life than he did in that moment, but he would never allow that to distract him while carrying precious cargo. Kristina was in the back and Sam was at his side. He just needed to get them home safely then he could go for a ride. He needed to put distance between himself and Elizabeth before he ended up doing serious harm.

Of course, after telling Sonny and Carly what Elizabeth had done he couldn't be sure he'd be the first in line anymore. Sonny's eyes had darkened to deadly black pools, but his normally vocal response to such betrayal had been drowned out by Carly's. She was halfway out the door to, in her words, "kill that bitch" before Jason and Sonny caught her. Sonny had then toned his response down. He knew it only fueled Carly's volatile state.

Still, Jason knew Sonny was even more dangerous when he got silent. He'd asked a favor of Sonny. Jason had asked for his word that Sonny would let him handle Elizabeth. He could tell it was a tough thing to do, but Sonny ultimately agreed. He'd told Jason he trusted him like a brother and knew he'd take care of it. Those words only added to his guilt. Sonny trusted him, like family, to take care of his family and he'd let him down. He'd let Michael, Carly and Sam down too.

He gripped the wheel a little tighter. Carly was right. He may not be able to kill her, but Elizabeth was going to pay for what she'd done. He'd promised Carly and Sonny both and he promised himself silently too as he thought of how much he could have lost if not for Sam opening his eyes. She'd stood by him again tonight, offering words of rational thought as he, Carly and Sonny struggled with their anger. She'd been at his side and offered her soothing touch when he'd felt his fury seething out of control.

Sam supported him tonight as she'd always done. In their two short years of knowing one another, she'd become his lifeline. Whenever he found himself drowning in despair, it was her words, her voice and her touch that filled him with love and gratitude enough to lift him from the misery threatening to take him under. He had to take care of Elizabeth for Michael and for Sam and for their future together. He just hoped Sonny and Carly would keep their word and allow him to figure it out first.

Sam was wearing a hole in her bottom lip. Jason was doing his level best to maintain control, but Sam wasn't sure how much longer he'd be able to maintain that infamous stone cold facade. His white knuckles gripping the wheel didn't go unnoticed, nor the fact he hadn't looked at her or spoken a single word in the last fifteen minutes. She was used to Jason's silence. In fact, she knew each and every one of his silences by heart and that's what worried her. This wasn't the good and comfortable silence of contentment, or the tired silence of exhaustion. It wasn't the puzzled silence of uncertainty, or the anxious silence of dread. This was the lethal silence of carefully contained rage.

They were almost to her mother's and Sam was thankful. She trusted Jason when he'd told her he was okay to drive, but she just wanted to get Kristina home so she could focus on helping him. He was going to try and shield her from his emotions. She knew him well enough to know so, but she wasn't going to let him go through it alone. Standing in his arms on her boat, she'd promised herself whatever lie ahead for them back home they'd get through it together. It was one promise she wouldn't break, no matter how hard Jason fought it.

Sam glanced back at Krissy. She was playing with two of her mini princess dolls she'd won in the trivia treasure hunt game. Sam was relieved that her sister seemed blissfully unaware of the turmoil surrounding her. The truck slowed to a stop and Sam looked back up front to find they were parked near her bike. She'd left it at the lake house when she picked Kristina up for their trip. Nik had insisted she take his car and driver since he intended to stay with Alexis until Emily picked him up after her shift at the hospital. Sam took him up on the offer since Krissy couldn't exactly ride on the back of her motorcycle. She hopped out then opened the back to unbuckle Kristina.

"I won't be long." She told him. Sam had a feeling she'd be in for a lecture once she stepped foot through the door, but she wouldn't allow it to be dragged out.

Jason nodded and before Sam could lift Krissy from her seat, she'd thrown herself from the back seat over the front console and into Jason's side.

"Krissy!" Sam tensed. Jason's nerves were already on edge, but she relaxed when she saw a slight smile form on Jason's lips.

"Thank you Jason for not letting the water get me. I had fun." Krissy told him as her little hand gently pat his big bicep.

"I had fun with you too. I'll see you soon." He told her then gave her a hug.

"You'll see me at my party right? It won't be any fun if you aren't there too." Krissy looked up at him in earnest.

Jason just smiled at the dark haired, dark eyed little girl. One look at her and anyone would know her to be Alexis and Sonny's child, but he couldn't help seeing Sam in her most of all. Her heart shined through in her soulful brown eyes, just like her sister.

"I'll be there." He promised and it was the first party in Jason Morgan's life he'd ever willingly accepted an invitation to without feeling forced. He genuinely wanted to be there for that little girl.

Krissy surprised him with a kiss on his cheek and it tickled his mouth into a smile. Sam felt her ovaries twitch witnessing how good he was with her. Krissy climbed back to Sam and she lifted her and her back pack out and shut the door. Jason watched Sam walk her inside and waved back at Kristina before they disappeared behind the closed door.

"Mommy!" Kristina cheered as she ran to her mother on the ivory sofa.

"Baby!" Alexis replied as she welcomed her in a hug.

"Oh, I'm so glad you're home. I missed you." Alexis kissed her daughter's temple and spoke over her shoulder.

Sam smiled. It was a sweet moment, one she wished she'd had the chance to have growing up. Her smile faltered realizing Kristina and Molly might not have many of those moments left. She blinked back the emotion and pushed those thoughts away. She needed to think positively. Their mother was going to beat this cancer's ass.

"I missed you too mommy. I have something for you." Kristina told her and then looked back at Sam.

Sam brought the bag over and sat next to them on the sofa. Alexis leaned over to kiss Sam loudly on the cheek. "Muah, I'm glad you're home too. How did everything go?"

"Good mom, great. We had a great time. Didn't we Krissy?" Sam smiled as she smoothed Krissy's long hair down her back.

Kristina nodded. "We had lots of fun mommy. I was scared of the water, but Jason kept me safe. He wouldn't let it get me."

Alexis had mixed emotions hearing her three year old sing Jason Morgan's praises. There was a time she and Sonny had been good friends and she'd gotten to know Jason pretty well. He was quiet, infuriatingly so at times, but he was loyal to a fault to those he cared about. On the other hand, he was an enforcer for the mob and his life was surrounded by violence. She sighed deep. No need to make any digs. After all, she did give her okay when Sam informed her Jason would be joining them for Carly and Sonny's peace of mind and as much as Michael sung Jason's praises it was only natural to see Krissy do the same. Despite Jason's faults, there was no denying he was good with children. He had to be to deal with Carly 24/7 she thought then chuckled at her own joke. "Good, I'm glad to hear it."

Sam hadn't missed the look on her mother's face at the mention of Jason, but she was glad Alexis hadn't made a big deal out of it. She wondered if maybe her mother was slowly learning to accept her friendship with Jason, or if she was just too exhausted from her illness to say anything.

"So, what's in the box?" Alexis smiled and poked it with her finger as Krissy held it in her little hands.

"It's for you mommy. I made it for you." Krissy handed it to her.

Alexis opened the box and carefully removed the item from the tissue paper. She held it out before her. It was a porcelain figurine of a brightly colored bird and with the way the wings were posed it was obvious what type of bird it was. "A phoenix! You made this?"

Krissy nodded.

"It's beautiful. I love it baby, and I love you. So much." Alexis leaned over to give her another hug.

"A phoenix has magic tears mommy. It's gonna make you feel for better. I know it." The little girl told her mother.

Alexis' eyes immediately filled with tears as she looked over at her oldest daughter next to her on the couch.

She squeezed Krissy to her and rested her cheek against the top of Krissy's head as she spoke to Sam. "I'm so lucky to have girls like you who love me so good."

Sam's eyes got misty too. She smiled at her mother and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.

"Molly's down for the night, let's hope." Ric said aloud as he entered the living room from the stairs.

"Kristina, you're home." Ric greeted as Kristina jumped down from the sofa and ran to give him a hug.

Sam found it disturbing to see her little sister in Ric's arms. Not that she thought for one second he would ever do anything to physically harm Krissy or Molly, but he'd earned her distrust and she just didn't like him anywhere around the people she loved. She must have been frowning on the outside too because she was sure Alexis' tears and her troubled look were what prompted Ric.

"Everything alright?" Ric's brows furrowed in concern as he looked over at Alexis.

Sam decided either he was truly innocent of everything, or he was an incredible actor. He actually appeared to be worried. It took her less than a second to settle on him being a great actor. Must be what makes him such a good attorney she figured.

"Everything is wonderful. All my babies are home." Alexis smiled and gripped Sam's hand on the sofa cushion between them to give it a squeeze.

Sam turned back to her mother and returned her smile and gentle squeeze of her hand. Ric smiled dubiously, still not quite believing everything was good. He chuckled to himself though. Sam was no baby, babe yes, but there was nothing child-like about her. She was all woman from her sexy slender legs to her firm round ass and those tits teasing to be touched all the way up to those full pouting lips that were made just right for sucking a man dry.

He lost himself in a fantasy of sending Krissy and Alexis off to bed then throwing Sam down on the couch and pumping into her until they both...

Kristina's voice broke through his daze. "Daddy Ric, can we watch the movie now?"

It took Ric a moment before he found his voice. "Afraid not, sweetheart. It's nearly bedtime."

"But mommy said we would watch a movie together when I got home!" Kristina pouted.

"I'm sorry baby, but we were expecting you home earlier when we made those plans." Alexis explained.

Krissy pushed herself down from Ric's hold.

"I'm sorry I didn't get you home sooner Krissy." Sam apologized.

Krissy stepped in between her sister's knees where she sat. "It's okay Sam. I got to see daddy!"

Sam squeezed her eyes shut and stifled a groan. If she'd just left two minutes earlier she could have avoided that moment altogether.

"You took her to see Sonny?" Ric accused as if she'd shot somebody.

"She saw him when we dropped Michael off." Sam replied curtly. She didn't like Ric's tone.

"Sam, was it really necessary to drop Michael off first? You know I try to keep Kristina to a strict schedule." Sam knew 'strict schedule' was her mother's code for refusing to allow Sonny any additional contact with his daughter than court-ordered.

"In no way was it necessary." Ric interrupted. "Sonny's house is equal distance from ours to the marina. Jason put you up to this didn't he?"

"No, Ric." Sam huffed. "It was my decision to drop Michael off first." And why the hell would you happen to know how far it is from my marina to your house, she added silently?

Sam looked at her mother and softened her tone in further explanation. "Kristina heard Michael telling us how excited he was to see his dad and Krissy asked me if she could see her daddy too. I didn't think it was a big deal if we just dropped Michael off first so she could say hello."

"Not a big deal? It's a big deal alright, subjecting Kristina to low-life murde..."

"Ric!" Alexis cut him off.

She sighed to calm herself and Sam could see her mother was clearly agitated. "Sam, you know how I feel about this. I can't help feel taken advantage of here. I entrusted Kristina's care to you and that meant putting her well-being ahead of her wishes. I'm sure Kristina asked you for extra dessert each night too, but I trust you didn't give in to that as well."

Sam shook her head. Was her mother actually comparing Kristina's desire to bond with her father to something as frivolous as wanting a second scoop of ice cream?

Sam sighed. She didn't want to fight with her mother, especially in her condition and she really didn't want to fight with her in front of Kristina. She also needed to get back out to Jason.

"She missed her dad, Alexis. She knew her brother was going to see him. If you'd seen the look on her face..." Sam paused. She wasn't sure her mother capable of empathizing with that look the way Sam had. Her voice softened. "I just couldn't be the one to hurt her like that."

"I..." Alexis started then sighed again. She'd gone from mom to Alexis in just a few short minutes. That was never a good sign. She didn't want to fight with her daughter and she knew exactly how hard it was to deny Kristina when she was so full of hope. She hated how she was made to be the bad guy in all of it when quite literally, that was Kristina's father. "Just... please ask me before you allow her to see her father again, okay?"

Sam nodded solemnly. She handed her mother the bag she carried. "Will you give this to Molly? I made it for her just... so she knows I'm always thinking of her."

"Sure Sam, but you can go up and say goodnight to her if you like. She's probably sleeping, but..."

"No." Sam interrupted shaking her head. "Thank you, but I better get going. I don't want to keep Jason waiting."

"Oh!" Alexis was surprised. "I didn't realize he was still out there. I thought he'd dropped you off so you could ride your bike home."

"No, I'm kind of tired so Jason offered to drive me home. If you don't mind, I think I'll leave it here until tomorrow." Sam didn't want to go into the real reasons she didn't want to leave Jason alone right now, especially when a big part of that reason may be standing right over her shoulder that very minute. She could feel the weight of Ric's eyes on her again and it made her skin crawl.

"Of course. I'd just as soon have you leave that thing here until it rusts. I'd much rather you be in a vehicle with four wheels, even if it is Jason Morgan's." Alexis told her.

Aaaaaaand there it was, the Jason dig. Time to go, Sam told herself. "Thanks, I'll see you at the hospital first thing in the morning. Try and get some rest, okay?"

"I will if you will." Alexis told her as they kissed each others cheek.

Sam stood from the kiss and gave a faint smile to her mother before turning to see herself out.

"Bye Sam." Krissy ran to her as Sam made her way to the door.

"Bye sweetie." She stopped and turned back to Kristina. "I'll see you tomorrow too." She hugged her little sis goodbye.

"Okay." Krissy told her then whispered. "Sorry I got you in trouble."

Sam knelt down to her then and whispered back. "You didn't get me in trouble. I got me in trouble. I should have called and asked mommy first."

Krissy's stubborn face set in and Sam fought a smile. She loved that her little sister didn't seem to buy that BS any more than Sam. Sam could see it now. Krissy was a little rebel and if she ended up half as wild as Sam during her teen years, Alexis was in for a rude awakening. She had a mind and will all her own and Krissy wasn't going to cow-tow for long to anyone, mother or not. The only way to influence Krissy, much like Sam, would be to win her respect and trust.

Krissy poked her stubborn lip out further and Sam poked it back in with her finger and gave her a smile and kiss on her cheek as she tickled her to leave her with a laugh.

"Have sweet dreams, little miss." Sam told her as she bounded back over to her mother.

"I'm sure we'll all have sweet dreams tonight Sam," Ric told her in a low voice and sly smile as his eyes zeroed in on her breasts.

Sam looked at Ric and then her mother to see if Alexis had caught the suggestive look he'd just given her, but her mother was distracted with Kristina who was settling next to her again. Sam looked back at Ric with a face that left no doubt of her disgust for him then turned and walked out her mother's front door.

xxxxx

Sam climbed in the passenger seat, shut the door and buckled up. She was quiet and kept her eyes forward. He would know if he looked into her eyes. She'd always prided herself in hiding her true emotions so well. It had been an important skill to learn growing up as a con and master thief like her father, but Jason could see right through her. She'd never met anyone that could look into her eyes and see right down to her very soul the way he had from the very first moment they met. She told herself to buck up. Jason had enough to worry about without seeing how Ric upset her. It was bad enough she worried for her mother's physical health, but Ric made it impossible not to fear for her family's emotional health as well.

"Everything go okay?"

"Fine." She told him, turning her head to look out the window.

She glanced up at Molly's bedroom. A night light glowed softly through the rosy sheers covering her window and Sam wished now she'd taken that extra minute to kiss her sister goodnight. She'd thought of it before Alexis offered, but had decided against it after remembering what Ric had done to her the last time he caught her in Molly's room. She felt guilty and nauseated by the memory and then anger set in realizing she'd allowed Ric to scare her away from her baby sister.

"That's good." Jason responded as he backed out of the drive. He didn't catch Sam's quiet demeanor as a sign it wasn't really fine at all.

When things were fine, and even when they weren't, Sam tended to ramble about them. It was only when she was really troubled that she shut down. He knew her well enough to know that, but he was too distracted at the moment to see it. He'd spent the last ten minutes alone with his anger. It had grown when Sam had gone inside. Her presence calmed him in a way he couldn't explain, but without her the last ten minutes he'd gotten to the point he had to use every bit of focus to keep it together long enough to get Sam home safe.

They remained silent after that brief exchange, each one lost in their own thoughts again. Jason struggled to figure out a way to deal with Elizabeth while Sam silently debated her step-father's guilt or innocence and considered the repercussions of exposing him.

It was well after dark when Jason pulled into the marina parking lot. He turned off the engine and unbuckled his seat belt before Sam even had a chance to ask him to stay. She smiled, but then realized he was probably only walking her to her boat. She had other plans. Sam wanted him with her tonight. She needed him, but more than that she needed to help him. She knew she couldn't make everything all right, but maybe she could make it easier for the moment.

Sam stepped down from his Escalade as Jason's hand found hers to help her out. She smiled softly at the gesture and twined their fingers together as they turned around to walk. They strolled quietly down the dock toward her boat. She kept walking hand in hand feigning ignorance as they reached the ramp to board, but she felt Jason stop just shy of it as he pulled her back by the hand. She turned back to him as he gently tugged her into his arms.

"Stay with me." She said looking up into his eyes. "Please?" She tried to hide the worry she felt for him, but Jason heard it and saw it in her eyes. He couldn't help love her more for it.

"Sam." He started, but stopped when her eyes filled with tears. She shook her head and closed her eyes as if trying to shake her emotions away.

He was going to say no. She knew it. She hadn't meant to guilt him into anything, but she needed him right now and she needed to be there for him. She needed to feel useful to at least one person she loved right now. She felt powerless to save her family from her mother's cancer or the hurt Ric was sure to bring them, but maybe she could help ease Jason's hurt. Maybe they could ease each others hurt for at least a short while by losing themselves in one another.

Jason sighed and wiped at her tears with his thumbs. She opened her eyes to him with that gentle caress and he stood lost in the sadness within those beautiful brown eyes. He couldn't stand to see her cry. He wanted her. He needed her, but he was afraid to stay. If he stayed he wouldn't be able to resist making love to her and he was incapable of making love to Sam without losing control. She moved him down to his very soul and he couldn't let himself lose control now, not with rage warring inside him. He could hurt her if he took her the way he wanted to take her right now.

Images of him ripping the clothes from her beautiful body, prying her legs apart and pounding into her invaded his mind. She felt like home, but unlike any home he'd ever known until the first time he'd pushed inside her. He struggled to shake those images. It wouldn't be making love. If they had sex right now, he would end up fucking her senseless. That couldn't be what she needed, or wanted from him. He may be a selfish bastard to ask her to accept him after he'd possibly gotten another woman pregnant, but he wouldn't do that to her. He wouldn't take advantage that way.

Sam stared up at him and just as Jason could read her thoughts she could read his too, clear in his beautiful blue eyes. He was afraid to lose control, afraid he might hurt her or scare her maybe, but she needed it. She needed him. She wrapped her arm around his neck and brought his lips to hers in a hungry kiss. Her aggression caught him by surprise and he gasped as she brutally sucked his lower lip then pressed her hot tongue along his lips demanding entrance.

He was instantly lost in her as their tongues mated, sucking, teasing and dominating the others mouth until they were out of breath. Sam pulled back to look into his eyes. They were the color of the deepest ocean now. It was her favorite color and she didn't know it yet, but it was the color of not only his lust but of his love for her.

"I need you Jason." She said, still breathless. "I need to feel you buried inside me." She whispered hotly as he pulled her closer.

"I need to feel you claim me. You need it too. I can feel it." She told him as she pressed herself tighter against the hardness forming below.

Jason's jaw clenched and his body stiffened when she pushed herself against him. He fought to control his breathing and his actions. He was incapable of speech. If he spoke, if he moved a muscle right now he would take her right there on the dock for the world to see.

"Tell me you don't." She dared him.

She knew she was close to winning the argument. She could see it in his eyes. He just needed to know how much she wanted him to take her, how much she needed him. He was already so hard for her. Another little push and she'd break that last barrier of control that stood between what they both needed so much.

"Tell me you don't need to feel yourself buried deep inside me, feel my softness clenching around you as you fill me up over and over until my warmth washes over you." Her voice rasped with desire as she whispered then sucked and bit at his ear.

Jason groaned at the pleasurable pain growing in his pants.

Sam's slick tongue licked and teased the inside of his ear as she spoke the final words shattering his remaining hold. "I need you to take me, Jason, and I want you to fuck me. Now!"

His mind shut down at those words and his body took over at hearing her demand he fuck her. He couldn't believe she could really want know and want just what she was asking of him, but her words and actions convinced his body otherwise. He grabbed the back of her head and devoured her mouth. There was nothing gentle about it. He dominated her, owned her mouth and her moans only fueled his desire. He growled and lifted her up by her ass as she wrapped her legs around him. He pulled away from kissing her long enough to get them on the boat. Her nails dug into the skin at the back of his neck as she held on and her other hand worked up under his shirt to feel his bare chest.

She loved the feel of his smooth hard skin, loved the way he shivered as her hand explored his body. She pinched his nipple and felt wet heat settle in her core as it hardened for her. He growled again as she did that and she smiled at the vibration against her mouth as she sucked him hard on his neck. Everyone would know he belonged to her. That bitch would know this man was hers. She realized in that moment he'd always been hers for the taking and the thought had her nipples hardening. She ground her mound against him as he walked them onto her boat. This was her cock. She bit at his neck as she sucked. This was her man. She stilled her hand over the rapid beat of his heart as she clung to him. This was her love.

They barely made it through the door of the wheelhouse before she dropped to her feet as Jason pushed her up against the wall. His hands rushed up under her shirt and bra and swiftly gripped her bare breasts giving them a rough massage as he pinched her nipples hard. Sam cried out as the slightly painful sensation made her shiver. He swallowed her cries with his tongue as it thrust in and out of her mouth in a frenzied rhythm he intended to practice on her with the hardening length between his legs as well.

She felt his hands grip the sides of her bra and lifted her arms to assist him as he practically ripped her bra and shirt over her head at once and tossed them to the floor. Her breasts flounced free and his eyes took them in. They were beautiful. Her nipples hardened even more as he gazed upon her. She wet her lips in anticipation as he lowered his head to lick then latched his mouth around her and sucked. "Ohhh." She cried out as her walls clenched. "Jason!"

Her hands were at his waistband pulling his button and zipper undone. She slipped her hand inside then gripped him tight and stroked.

"Oh. Jesus, Sam!" He pulled her hand away before she had him spilling in his pants.

She grabbed the hem of his shirt and he rose from sucking her breasts long enough to help her pull it off. He pulled her back to him and attacked her neck as her breasts crushed against his bare skin. He felt her nipples poking into him as her hands rubbed down his back to grab his bare ass and push his jeans and boxers to the floor. He shuffled out of his shoes one after the other and kicked the tangled heap out of his way as she licked and teased his nipples with her teeth.

He cupped her through her jeans. "You're soaked."

She thrust herself against his hand as he rubbed her harder. "Oh God. Jason!" She cried out as he took her mouth again rubbing her back and forth as her desire seeped onto his fingers. No one had ever made her that wet before.

He unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down over her hips until they fell off of her. He moaned out loud at seeing the tiny scrap that covered her. The drenched fabric shimmered in the moonlight. He lifted her to him again as her knees gripped his hips as if she was riding a horse. He felt himself swell with the friction of their bare skin rubbing together as he began to descend the stairs with her.

Her feet flared out to the sides and she felt them run over the railing. "Stop!" She told him and he paused in the middle of the staircase.

"What's wrong?" He worried, but she just smiled wickedly.

"Here." She told him and he looked at her unsure of her meaning.

Sam grabbed the railing with her hands then wedged her feet and calves between it and the walls. She pushed her legs through until she felt the cold steel of the stair brace on the back of her knees. It would help brace her as well. She was now sitting in a mid-air straddle with her legs pinned open. She braced her hands against the railing to help hold her up.

"Oh God." The vision of her splayed before him was too much to resist.

Jason sat on a stair with a small thud putting his face level with the heat radiating from between her thighs. She pushed herself toward his face as his hands found the sides of her pretty pink thong and tore. It fell to the floor revealing her glistening sex.

Jason's lips were on her in an instant, licking and sucking. He wouldn't stop until he felt her quivering beneath his tongue and giving him the sweet liquid he craved. Sam was made immediately thankful her legs were wedged to hold her up because when Jason pressed his mouth against her tender flesh, she'd lost all ability to stand. She gripped the railing with one hand a little tighter to help pull her upright as her other hand found the back of his head to run her fingers through his thick short hair.

The things Jason did to her with his mouth sent her to another time and place. She could feel everything and yet nothing at all. Every inch of her body came alive and stood alert to the heavenly sensations his masterful tongue bestowed.

"Oh God. Oh Jason. Jason, baby, yes. Yes." She told him as she fisted his hair in her hand and held him to her.

His hands gripped her hips from under her to hold her still as he worked her. He could feel her muscles tighten on his tongue and knew she was close. Jason moved to cover her bud and gave one final hard suck and had her screaming out his name as she came. Her abdomen contracted along with her uterus as the intensity of her orgasm rippled over her. She fought to catch her breath, but was suddenly too weak to hold herself up anymore.

Jason kissed and nuzzled her inner thigh as she slowly lowered her top half back to hang almost upside down. She was still suspended in air with her legs trapped open and she could feel Jason's hot breath on her thighs as he nuzzled. He inhaled her scent and looked down to see himself fully erect he was so turned on. Her hands landed on his powerful thighs and she was struck with a deep desire to taste him. She thought of how she could do it then slowly walked her upper torso up his legs until she was arched backward, like an acrobat stretching from one trapeze to another. Her face was now level with Jason's protruding thickness and she gripped him firmly.

Sam felt him try to pull away, but she gripped him tighter and lowered her head to him. She intended to taste him before he got away.

"Sam." He groaned as he realized what she was doing. "I won't last."

He could hear the devilish laughter in her voice as she spoke. "You're mine, remember? All mine and I want a little taste."

Before he could object any further her hot tongue slid down his length and once he felt it swirl around his tip there was no way he could stop her. It felt too good, so he grabbed fists of her soft hair and massaged it against her skull as her hot wet mouth sucked him off.

She grabbed his ass for better leverage performing reverse pushups against his pelvis as she took him in deeper. Jason's shaft filled her mouth every bit as full as it had her hot core. She relaxed her throat alternating between forceful sucking and teasing licks.

She loved the sounds of Jason's moans between ragged whispers, encouraging her to keep doing it, just like that. The way his tongue tasted against hers and his skin when she'd kissed it and now his throbbing erection, it was like he'd been made for her right down to the very way he made her crave even the taste of him. She felt him grow bigger in her mouth and moaned. The sensation caused Jason to gasp.

Sam felt Jason snort hot air against her like an angry stallion before he took her mercilessly with his mouth again. She cried out into a moan against him and the vibration of her tongue on the sensitive underside of him was almost more than he could take.

"Fuck, Sam." Jason croaked and she had no doubt he was near his limit. His hands held on tighter and he pushed up with his feet to thrust up from the step he sat on.

Jason was about to lose it and he didn't want it to be like that, but God she was working him so damn good. Somehow he found the strength to pull away and she groaned at the separation when he plopped out of her mouth.

She allowed herself to hang freely once again as Jason stood on a stair putting the tip of his erection in line with her sex. One hand smoothed down her flat tummy to her breasts as his other hand rubbed his tip against her. Sam moaned then shouted Jason's name as he plunged himself all the way inside her with one quick thrust. "Ahhhhhhh Jason."

He worried for a second that he'd hurt her, but knew better when she began to buck against him. She held the railing in her hands and swung herself forward to meet his furious thrusts pound for pound as Jason gripped her hips and pummeled her into oblivion.

She couldn't hold her head up as he fucked her better than she'd ever been fucked in her life. Her entire body went weak with the feelings he evoked in her, lust, love and a devotion like she'd never felt for anyone before. She was about to pass out, but not because the blood was rushing to her head. It was from the glorious friction his shaft was putting on her. Sam couldn't take much more. She was screaming out his name. "Jason. Jason, yes. Yes. Oh, baby. Yes. Jason. So good. So good. Don't stop. Don't stop." Sam begged and he wouldn't. He couldn't.

His entire being was focused on the center of their joining. All his anger, all his frustration was transformed into the most powerful need he'd ever felt in his life. The need to own, to claim, and to punish her with pleasure. She'd wanted him to fuck her and it was exactly what he was giving her, a good deep fast fucking. Jason was thrusting so hard and gripping so tight he knew Sam would have bruises and yet she still urged him on. Deeper, she begged. Harder. Faster, she demanded and Jason gave it to her. Gave it all to her, everything he had, sweat dripping from his brow and rolling down his back.

"Unnnh!" He grunted as his thumb found her nub and pressed furious circles against it.

He slammed into her, filling her completely as they both cried out at the sensation. "Permission to come aboard, Captain?"

"Ahhhhh." Sam cried. "Yes. Yes!" She ordered as her body trembled and convulsed. She felt her sex grip and suck him deep inside her and it was heaven. No, it was better than heaven. It was home, a home unlike she'd ever known and she never wanted the feeling to end, never wanted them to end.

Jason felt her tightness clutch him like a vice and when she bathed him in her sweet warmth he lost it. He thrust once more, calling her name, and buried himself in her as wave after wave shot hot and deep inside her until he'd filled her so full it spilled from within her and onto her thighs as he ground against her, rubbing it into her skin.

They remained locked in that position for a good long moment, unable to do anything else but gasp. Sam finally regained a bit of strength in her arms and attempted to pull herself back up to a sitting position. Jason wrapped his arms around her and helped her up.

She was pretty sure she'd cut off the flow of blood to her lower legs. She couldn't feel them at all now.

"I can't feel my legs." She told him with a smile.

"I'm sorry." Jason told her as his face filled with concern. He attempted to help lift her legs from the sides of the railing, but she stopped him. Sam pulled his face back to hers with a smile as she gave him a slow wet kiss.

His tension melted away, his anger completely forgotten. All that mattered was the woman he held now in his arms. Jason hugged her to him and lifted her by her lower back with one arm as the other lifted one leg from its trapped position then he alternated to do the same for her other leg.

Jason held one hand on the railing as he carried Sam the rest of the way down the stairs to her room. He pulled her covers down and sat on the edge of her bed with her still in his lap. She pulled his head down to kiss him full on the mouth as he caressed her back.

Love and mischief danced in her eyes as she smiled at him. "I like it when you follow orders."

Jason smirked against her lips. "Well, I am your first mate."

"First mate." She kissed. "Last mate." She told him then kissed him again.

Jason pulled back to look in her eyes.

"Soul mate?" He wondered with hope in his gaze.

Her heart overfilled as she sat there in his lap, naked and pressed against him, her legs wrapped around him and entwined in his embrace. She nodded her head solemnly never breaking eye contact as she moved her mouth back to his.

"Soul mates." She breathed against him, peering deep into his eyes before melting into him again as their tongues melded together.

They'd forgotten all their worries and lost themselves in the feelings of love and desire, and hope and promise of all good things to come. Jason kissed her sweetly and held her close as she rested her head against him. After a moment, he scooted back onto the pillows and laid her down next to him before covering them both. He held Sam in his arms as her breathing slowed and she fell into peaceful slumber. Jason kissed her softly on the temple and followed shortly after feeling exhausted and sated and so much in love he thought his heart might burst from its intensity.

Page 35 of 35 Created: 2011-04-02 Updated: 2014-11-09 Words: 14989 Characters: 79596