A/N: In the original of series of this story, Accidentally In Love, Jason and Alexis entered a marriage of convenience after Jason killed Jerry in the midst of Jerry trying to strangle Alexis.

Stronger Than Pride - 5

Alexis stared at him, waiting for some sort of reaction to her words: judgment, shock, or pity. Instead, he just watched her, trying to read what was wrong. From all appearances and much to his dismay, Jason and Alexis seemed to have the perfect marriage. Well, as perfect as could be expected between a mob boss and a former district attorney. He marveled that they never argued; a major feat where Alexis was concerned. Instead, they had very pointed disagreements; each one digging their heels in momentarily, until they talked out a compromise. "Talk to me. What's got you spooked?"

"I don't know, Sonny. Maybe I'm freaking out because I'm carrying the baby my daughter wanted so badly to have. Or maybe it's because my husband lives in a dangerous world and he has associates named Zacchara. Or it might be that I know my vindictive ex-husband won't be content until he locks up every member of my family, with the exception of Kristina and Molly."

"And will not having the baby change any of that?" Alexis had to know him well enough to know that he would never suggest she terminate her pregnancy, no matter how much it would kill him to see her carrying Jason's baby. But he wouldn't judge her, not after all the pain he'd caused her. After all, if it wasn't for him, she'd know nothing of the mob life, Ric Lansing or even Jason for that matter. "Alexis, Ric is going to come after Jason, no matter what. And Sam will get past this."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because now, looking back, can you tell me that you wouldn't have loved Lila if she had survived...?" His voice trailed off.

"Of course, I would have." She turned her back to him; he suspected it was to hide her emotions. An odd chuckle escaped her lips before she turned to face him again. With her hand, she swatted at an errant tear. "You know what the irony is here?"

He shook his head, "no."

"I kept Kristina away from you because of the danger surrounding your life, not to mention your propensity for being arrested. Now, you're out and I'm knee-deep."

Guilt seeped through his pores. "I'm sorry."

"For what? Just like last time, I jumped in with my eyes wide open. Jerry Jacks was my own doing. Everyone told me to stay away, but no, I insisted on being with him. Even when I learned what kind of man he was and the kind of things he was capable of doing." He watched her run her hands over her face, obviously agonizing about something. "When I finally realized who he was it was just too late. If it wasn't for Jason…"

"If it wasn't for Jason, what would have happened with Jerry?"

Immediately, he watched her build a wall between them as she wiped her eyes. "Being with Jerry would have destroyed me."

"How? Does he have something on you? Was he threatening you?"

She sighed. "Sonny, just let it go. Jason and I will be fine. And you're right, whether or not I keep this baby is not a decision I should make on my own. Why don't you walk me home and you and I can enjoy some of that comfortable silence that only comes with friendship."

He extended his hand, "Yeah, sure, whatever you want."

That evening, sleep eluded him. Alexis's words raced through his mind. What had she meant about being "knee-deep?" And why was she afraid for herself as well as Jason? What was she so afraid that Ric would find out? Before Alexis married Jason, he suspected there was something more to the story than they were telling him. Now, he was certain and he was also certain it had something to do with Jerry Jacks.

The next morning, before breakfast, he dialed a familiar phone number. "Hey, it's me. I need to see you. And yes, before you ask, it's important."

Half an hour later, Anna Devane, was at his door. As usual, she wore a pleasant smile and a mischievous look in her eyes. "Why have you summoned me, Corinthos?"

"Because I need something only you have."

"Flatterer." She pushed passed him into the Penthouse. "You do intend to feed me at this emergency meeting, don't you?"

"Of course." He chuckled. Anna had become one of his closest friends over the last few months. They'd nixed the idea of anything romantic almost immediately. Actually, she nixed the idea of pursing a romantic relationship, declaring on a regular basis that she had "no intention of being a substitute for Alexis." He wasn't surprised she had guessed. It wasn't that far of a leap, really. She was dark-haired, no-nonsense, smart, beautiful and funny. Though they weren't carbon copies, they were definitely the same type. Even still, it didn't keep him from denying her accusation. It also didn't keep him from flirting with her.

"So, tell me, what is it that you want?"

"Information."

"Well, that's rather boring, don't you think? And not even the slightest bit flirtatious. This must be serious."

"It is. What can you tell me about Jerry Jacks?"

"He used to date Alexis. Now that we're done with that, let's have breakfast."

"Come on, Anna. You know what I mean. I need your secret spy type information. Don't you still have contacts at the WSB?"

"Yes, but it would be an ethical breach for me to get information from them and give it to you."

"What if it is a matter of life and death?"

"Something tells me this is more a matter of Alexis Davis."

"Don't start."

"Don't start what? You are obsessed with the woman." He couldn't help but smile at her. With her English accent, even an accusation sounded pleasant.

"She's Kristina's mother. Besides, you just brought her up; I didn't."

"Yes, but you asked me about Jerry. And Alexis was involved with him until he left town. But humor me; what do you need to know?"

"Why did he come back to Port Charles this time? What did he do before he came back? Who did his plastic surgery? When was he last seen? Where is he now?"

"How about name, rank and serial number, while I'm at it?"

"Sure."

"I was joking. Look, I won't make you any promises, but I'll see what I can do. Now, get in the kitchen and bring out my bribe. "

Sonny chuckled. He suddenly felt as though a weight had been lifted. "Yes, ma'am."