Chapter Eight

Wishing that he could burn his clothes after being in that room for so long, Johnny ran a hand through his disheveled hair as he climbed into the SUV. Jason and the two guards that they had brought along had not spoken since the meeting had ended after a decision had been reached by majority. Closing his eyes and resting his head on the back of the seat cushion, he snorted. "Tonight was everything that we expected. So why does it feel like we are just getting to barely walk out of the lion's den?"

Slamming on the breaks, Jason glared at the vehicle that had cut him off. "We knew going in that this could be the position that they took. In fact, we expected it. Are you sure that you can go through with this, John? Or should we try to find another way? I know that this is your future too."

"I can go through with it, Jason. It's not me that I am having concerns about. Do you really believe that Georgie is not going to have a few words to say about a marriage that links her more firmly with the business that she is trying to get far away from. It's a freaking storm waiting to explode. She is going to freak, to put it mildly."

"That is why we are here, to keep them safe."

"She is gonna put up one hell of a fight," Logan comment from the back, earning a dark scowl from Jason and Johnny. "What? She doesn't trust anyone to take care of her. That much is clear And with all that she has been through, you can't blame her."

"Unfortunately, she is going to have to." Johnny rubbed his neck. "Can you and Elizabeth handle Bay for tonight? I figure that it's gonna be one hell of a fight to make her see reason."

"Yeah. Cam and Jake will love it. Although you are going to need Elizabeth there at first to help her see that this the only thing that we can do. But you are right, John, you and Georgie need to talk alone." Pulling into the driveway, they all paused getting out of the SUV at hearing the playful shrieks and giggling coming from the backyard.

Marco shrugged at their looks. "Cookout that turned into a water fight. You three might to avoid the back yard. I think that Elizabeth and Bay are getting their butts kicked by Georgie and Cam. Jake passed out earlier."

Baylor squealed as they entered the large back yard and threw a balloon dead on target. All the adults scattered throughout the large yard fell silent and then erupted in laughter as Logan brushed his soaked hair from his eyes and grinned at the little girl. But it was the shoving match near the in ground pool that had captivated most everyone's attention as Cameron and Georgie eyed one another wearily with huge grins on their faces.

"You are going in!" Cam told her with intent.

"If I go, you go to, buddy," she warned with a with a twinkle in her brown eyes. "And I'm gonna kick your butt. I'm still in my clothes."

The smirk that Elizabeth always said reminded her of Zander appeared seconds before he shoved his former babysitter into the deep end. But before he could dance away and celebrate, Georgie's right hand caught his shirt and took him along with her. When they finally broke the surface both were soaked and laughing so hard that they could barely catch their breath.

"Hey, you cheat, Georgianna!" he yelled in between breaths.

"No, I told you, kid. Never ignore a threat, Cameron."

Swimming to the side, Cam swung himself out of the water and grinned widely at his father. "Dad! You're early!" Abandoning Georgie he took off and jumped into Jason's arms soaking wet.

Elizabeth moved over quickly and tossed a large towel at Georgie and motioned her inside so that she could get changed. One look at the men that had returned from the meeting and she knew without shadow of doubt that something was going on. "I can loan you shorts or a summer dress that would probably fit better." Holding the two up, she smirked when Georgie took the white sundress with thin straps. "Yeah, I thought you would really like that one after you got a bit burned earlier."

Stepping into the bathroom, Georgie dried off and slid into the borrowed dress. "Yeah. I definitely should've used more sunscreen."

"You think Georgie was mad?" Cam asked as he helped Baylor into the sandbox.

"I doubt it, bud." Johnny leaned over and kissed Baylor's cheek and ruffled Cam's dark curls. "She just needed to change." He focused on Bay. "I thought that you were spending the day with Mac?"

"He's mad at Aunts Maxies. Hers and Uncle Coops says that they are havings a baby. He looked likes a puffer fish and his face turned reds," she confided as everyone nearby laughed.

Logan scooped the little girl up and tossed her in the air, catching her playfully. "I think that you are better than any news channel, Bay!"

"Don't encourage her, Logan. I am trying to break her of that." Georgie walked back out and leaned against the patio door while scanning the incoming clouds, her eyes lighting up and small grin playing at the corners of her lips. "I can't wait, it's gonna storm tonight."

"You really enjoy them?"

Peeking over to see Johnny standing closer than she had expected, she smiled. "Yeah. I love the pouring rain, lightening, thunder, and the just all around unpredictability." Turning to face him a bit, she could see that he had shadows in his eyes. "Is it that bad?"

"Hmmm, depends on your outlook. Have you and the kids eaten?"

"Yeah, we finished right before Cam thought that he was stronger than me." Her eyes lit with laughter as she found the little brown haired imp trying to get Baylor to play with mud while she stared at him like he was nuts. "I'm gonna have to get her home soon. She still needs a bath and medicine."

Having already spoken with Jason quickly, Elizabeth knew that Johnny and Georgie would need to talk privately after they explained what had happened at the meeting. Elizabeth cleared her throat. "She is exhausted, Georgie. Why not let her stay. I will bring her home on my way to work tomorrow? I work ten to ten."

Nibbling on her lip, she watched as the two kids started to bicker. "I don't know. I've never left her overnight, Liz."

"First time for everything," Logan interrupted. "But I have to go. Coop just called. Maxie and Mac are really going at it. Your sister is a pain in the ass, doll."

"With her heart transplant, she shouldn't be surprised that Mac would be upset." She grinned. "Give Maxie a kiss for me, Logan."

"Ha! I'll save that for you, darlin."

Jason walked over and waited until the nanny had gathered all the children up and taken them upstairs to get ready for bed. "Baylor will be fine here, Georgie. Just take a night off. After we talk, you will probably need it."

Wincing, she followed as everyone gathered around the outdoor fireplace that had been lit and sat in a lounge chair next to Elizabeth, with the guys opposite of them. With her long hair drying slowly, she swept a stray piece away from her brown eyes and could see that the playfulness in Jason and Johnny's eyes was long gone. Chancing a glance at Elizabeth, she could see her friend worrying her lip. "Okay. We all know that I am not going to like whatever it is. So just spit out, Jason."

Unhappy with the news that he had to deliver, he pinched his nose. "It is exactly what we expected. Lorenzo's will is unbreakable. The families are willing to give you just a few weeks headway until they step in and start trying to make matches that they think will benefit all those involved."

"Are you fucking serious!" She grabbed her bottle of beer and played with the label. "I am a freaking adult, my daughter is still a baby. I get to decide what happens, Jason. I never asked for any of this shit. So why should they be able to punish me just because I made a mistake by trusting Diego, and then Lorenzo."

"Georgie, you have more power than most organizations do at the moment," Elizabeth eased. "Along with that, comes huge dangers. It is a fact of this world that you are unfortunately immersed in."

"I need some tequila," she muttered, causing Elizabeth's lips to quirk. "Okay, so what now? How in the hell do I protect my daughter from getting caught in the crossfire? I can take care of myself, but Baylor is what matters. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can happen to her."

Seeing that both men were silent and looking at her, Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Georgie, you have to marry into a family that can control the Alcazar holdings and also protect you and Bay from any moves that may be made afterwards. And it has to be done soon."

"Great!" she snorted. "You all have lost your freaking minds if you think that I am getting married. I should have stayed the hell in Brazil. At least there this bullshit didn't happen."

Speaking for the first time, Johnny cleared his throat. "You aren't really understanding the entire situation, Georgie. All our marriage would provide is a safety net for you and Bay, and to stop the power struggle that will occur otherwise."

Head snapping up, her chocolate eyes met his own dark ones. "Us? Are you kidding? You've got to be joking."

"No." He moved so that he was kneeling in front of where she was sitting. "It would make the most sense. I know you, and I know Baylor. She's comfortable with me. We've spent some time together since you came home. People would believe it. And I would never try to tell you what to do. It would be to protect you and Baylor."

Burying her face in her hands and letting out a muffled groan, she shook her head. "It's not going to happen! Is it fair to stop your life because I suddenly popped up and threw everything into meltdown mode? And it's not something that I am willing to even consider. I have no desire to ever get married."

Standing, he pulled her to her feet a bit reluctantly. "Just come talk with me, okay." He looked over and could see that Elizabeth was offering him a sad smile and Jason stood behind her, his eyes unreadable. "Jason and Liz will watch Bay. We have a lot to talk about."

"Fine," she hissed, grabbing her sandals. Once on her feet she allowed Elizabeth to pull her close in a tight hug. "It's going to be okay, Georgie. Just listen to what he says and really think about it. He would never hurt you or Bay on purpose. There really aren't many choices with the families taking such an intense interest. I'll stand beside you no matter what you decide But this, it is the only solution that they've come up with that they know will work. Please, at least listen to him." Pulling away, Elizabeth followed the stone path to the house.

Jerking away when he reached for her, Georgie grimaced. "Fine, John. We can talk, but no promises."

"You got it, Georgie. Trust me, there is plenty to talk about." Nodding at Jason, he led the younger woman through the back gate, toward his car parked on the street. "Where do you want to go, Georgie?"

"Hmm. Jake's?" Seeing him frown, she shrugged. "I want a drink. I think that I deserve that much."

"I have a better idea. We'll go somewhere that you can get a drink but that we are not in public. Let's go back to my penthouse." Seeing her eyes widened and her take a step back, he smirked, bringing out his arrogance that he knew pushed her own buttons. "What's the matter, Georgie? Don't you trust me?"

Shutting the door behind her, she waited until he was in the driver's sear. "Your place is fine, Zacchara. But there had better be tequila. I really think that I am going to need it."

OoOoOoOoOoOo

The penthouse was large and decorated with dark, muted colors with large rooms. It suited the man that lived there perfectly. While Johnny could be brooding and dark at times, there was also a different side of him that she was just now starting to get know. Making her way over the large balcony, she watched as the darkened sky started to erupt in bursts of lightening.

Watching her, Johnny knew that she was struggling to keep all her emotions incheck. The past month had been hell for her and she had to be even more upset than she was letting anyone see the turmoil. No one liked to be told what to do, especially an independent woman who had crawled back from the hell that she had lived though. Moving slowly behind her, he touched her shoulder and felt her tremble.

"You want anything?"

"Tequila and limes." Turning and offering him a sad smile, she stepped slightly away from him. "I wasn't kidding about the alcohol, Johnny."

"I think that we could both use some, actually." Grabbing the bottle from the bar and a couple shot glasses, he caught sight her turning back to the window with a far away look in her eyes as thunder boomed in the night air. Returning from the kitchen, he sat two beers on the coffee table and walked over behind her, seeing her following his moves in the dark glass. "No limes. Sorry."

"It's fine." Letting him take her hand and lead her over to the sectional sofa, she sat on the edge and poured two shots while he opened the beers. In silence, he watched as she tossed back the first shot without her face changing before reaching for the beer that he held out. After three more, her eyes were bright, but still sharp and focused. "So, John Zacchara, tell me why you are willing to ruin your life for me and my daughter?"

Covering his surprise at the blunt question, he poured another round but left his untouched. "I wouldn't call it ruining my life, Georgie. You and Baylor deserve way more than what is being pushed at you. But I would do everything in my power to make sure that you are both safe and protected, as well as happy. Lorenzo placed you in a hell of a situation, one that you are not ready to handle. The families are viscious when it comes to what they want. And they want you settled with someone that can keep the peace."

"Peace?" She blinked and blew out a frustrated breath. "So you and Jason would keep using the lanes that you are now, and the warehouses? What about the property that Skye sold to the others?"

"No," he admantly shook his head. "That would be your choice. Everything would still belong to Baylor, not me. Everything remains yours, even final say."

"That's just it, Johnny. Why bother? We aren't close friends. We are just two people that are connected to Jason and Elizabeth. I don't understand."

Draining his beer, he winced as she finished off her seventh shot. "You really hate the idea that much? Nothing would change except for living arrangements."

"Everything changes," she muttered darkly. Standing, she went to stand at the balcony doors again. "I've already lived a life that was a lie, then one that I hated even though I was free. I don't want to be the sweet Georgie Jones that does everything to make others happy, that devotes everything that she is to a family that is not really hers. I also don't want my child to experience a life where mom is miserable and the man in the father figure position hates her for being stuck there. Because she wouldn't understand that you are just there because it was necessary, Johnny."

A family that is not really hers? Wondering if he had breached an inner wall that she kept buried, he tucked it away for later. Standing and approaching her, Johnny rested his hands on her shoulders that were quivering just barely. "You don't have to pretend. You can be who you are, the woman that I know now. As for Baylor, I could never hate her. She's a wonderful little girl that I adore, Georgie. And don't think that there is no gain for us, because there is. I refuse to lie about that. Morgan and I get control of the lanes that we have been using, and the influence that comes from controlling major territories." Turning her slowly, he met her tortured eyes. "Georgie, this is not an ideal solution, I will give you that. But it is the only option that we can come up with to keep everyone safe. Because if a power struggle errupts, Elizabeth and the boys will be in just as much danger because of their connection to Jason."

"That's not fair, Johnny." Rubbing her temples, she sighed. "How long would this need to be for? Because you may find someone and be stuck in this lie."

"Georgie, you read the will. You know that it would be for the long haul. And no matter how much you try to deny it, there is something here, between us."

Startled, she jerked back, the glass window stopping her retreat. "You are reading things into this that isn't really there," she denied uneasily.

Cocking an eyebrow, he placed his hands on either side her body, boxing her in. "Am I? Because I don't really believe so. But if it makes you feel better, okay."

Snarling a bit, she shoved away from him and stalked over to the half bottle liquer that was left and sloshed another shot into her glass. "If I agree, it is in name only, Johnny. Nothing more. Understand?"

"Perfectly, sweetheart." Slowly walking over and taking the bottle from her after she downed three shots, he grinned lazily at her. "I'm not the one that has drank half a bottle of tequila. Chill, or you will feel like shit in the morning."

Ignoring his humored jab, she sighed. "Fine. Let's go. I want to get some sleep before Baylor gets home in the morning."

Shaking his head slowly, he stepped in front of her. "You didn't answer me with a yes or no."

"Because I don't know," she whispered before jumping as he caught her around the waist and pulled her to him. "Johnny?"

"We'll be okay, Georgie. I can promise no more hell like you have already been through. I may not be the best person in the world, but I do believe that we can do this. You and Baylor would never want for anything."

Resting her head on his shoulder as the room spun sligtly, she sighed. "I just don't want Bay hurt. She's already been through enough, Johnny." Trying to twist out of his grasp, she glared when he didn't loosen his hold.

"She's a special kid, Georgie. I will do everything in my power to keep from hurting her, or you. It's gonna work out. I truly believe that or I wouldn't have put either of us in this position." Tucking her hair behind her ear, he felt her shiver.

Thinking of her sweet baby girl, she dropped her eyes. "Is my house going to be okay? It's the first place that we have stayed that was ours. I don't want to mover her again. She needs stability."

Letting the tension drain that he had been feeling, he nodded. "It's fine. But I am not sleeping on that damned couch every night."

Inhaling, she jerked. "It's not that kind of marriage, Johnny."

Tipping her chin upward, he smirked. "We can share a room, Georgie, without anything else. But this marriage has to considered and viewed as real to everyone else. Otherwise, no one will accept me running the Alcazar holdings for you. Can you pull this off?"

Hearing his worry, she looked up to see him watching her. "So Mac, Maxie, Coop, everyone except for Elizabeth and Jason has to believe that we are the happy couple?"

"A few others will know, but only those that have to be told. Logan will remain your primary guard and he knows. He was at the meeting tonight, along with Milo. But the rest of the guys will be under the same assumption as everyone else." Releasing her and watching her turn toward the couch and sway a bit before collapsing on the cushions, Johnny followed and sat on the table in front of her.

"No one will believe it, you know."

"Why not? You've already said it. You are not the same girl that lived here before. They don't have to like it, or even understand it, Georgie. And after everything, I think that Mac and Maxie will just want you happy. Besides, don't you think that they will notice that Baylor is already comfortable with me? And Mac has already seen you at the hospital with me around, and a guard."

Attention shifting to the glass behind him, she gave up. "Okay, you win. Just take me home, Johnny."

Reconizing the flushed cheeks and slightly unfocused eyes, he knew that she was going to feel like crap in the morning. Helping her to her feet, he wrapped an arm around her waist and wished that he had stopped her from drinking so much. When she stumbled a bit, he winced. "You are going to regret all that tequila tomorrow."

"Maybe, but I needed it."

"I know, Georgie. Let's get you home before you pass out."

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Elizabeth paused on the porch and waited on Maxie as she hurried out of her car. Holding onto Baylor's hand as she waved with her free one, she offered her a grin. "I hear congratulations are in order. How are you feeling?"

"Good other than the nausea. Thanks by the way." Looking at her neice, she bent down and kissed her cheek. "I'm shocked that Georgie let you keep her overnight. Or I assume that you did."

"She did," she conceded as they rang the door bell.

Maxie's jaw dropped when Johnny pulled the door open and Baylor immediately released Elizabeth's hand and jumped into the man's arms.

"Johnnys, hi!" Placing a kiss on his cheek, she glanced around the empty room. "Where is Momma?"

"Yeah, where is my sister?" Maxie demanded as Elizabeth followed them and sat the bag on the coffee table.

"She's asleep, baby doll." Ignoring the blond's hiss, Johnny sat the toddler on her feet and watched as she grabbed the remote before casting a meaningful look at Elizabeth. "Thanks for keeping her."

"She was an angel. It was no problem." Looking toward the stairs with worry, she fiddled with her purse strap. "Georgie okay?"

"A bit hung over, I think, but okay."

Understanding, she released a relieved sigh. "Good. Tell her that I will call her on my break." Kissing Baylor's head, she turned and saw the stunned look on Maxie's face, and was happy to be leaving. "I'll see you later, John. Bye, Maxie, and congrats again."

Jason looked at her when she got back in the SUV. "Everything okay?"

"From the impression that I got since Maxie was there, I'd say that he got through to her. Georgie was still asleep and will probably have a killer headache when she gets up."

Backing out the driveway, he gave a short nod. "Good. Now we just have to make sure that things go smoothly. But we have another issue right now. Diane called. Lucky is filing for visitation with the boys."

Scowling, she chewed on her lower lip. "Why? He isn't Jake's father and he never even attempted to adopt Cam." Angry with her ex, Elizabeth gave him a worried look. "Diane can stop it, right?"

Patting her leg, he gave it a reassuring squeeze. "She says it will be easy. Him and Sam are drunk in the bars almost every night. And if he doesn't back off, Mac may get a tip to drug test him. He was seen making a buy on the docks the other night."

"If it's not one thing, it's another." Resting a hand on her abdomen, she watched as they approached GH. "Are you going to the hearing for John's dad today?"

"No, but Max is. I have to meet with Spinelli. He called and was gibbering on about something while you were dropping Baylor off." Putting the vehicle in park, he leaned over and framed her face with his large hands. "Just stay within sight of Cody today. Too much is happening right now."

"I will." Kissing him, she sighed against his lips. "I can't wait for things to settle back down."

"It will. Tomorrow I want to take you out, just us. Monica agreed to watch Cam and Jake. You have the morning shift, right?"

"Hmm, I'm actually off. I traded with Nadine. Love you."

"I love you too, Elizabeth. I'll see you later, baby."

Watching her make her way into the hospital, he fingered the ring box that he had in his pocket with a slight smile on his normally stoic face.

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Head pounding, Georgie made her way down the stairs and stopped dead in her tracks at seeing Maxie glaring at Johnny. Not in the mood for the coming tantrum, she blinked sleepily before finishing descending the rest of the way. "Hey, Maxie." Catching Baylor and lifting her, she smiled down at her. "Hey, kiddo. Was you good this morning for Aunt Liz?"

"Uh huh. We hads pancakes for breakfast."

"Yum." Johnny held out his arms and took the little girl with a look back at Maxie who was silently watching. "Come on, Bay. Let's go make Mommy some coffee."

As soon as they disappeared from the room, Maxie hissed out a breath. "Are you serious, Georgie? Johnny Zacchara?"

"Don't even start! And lower your voice," she snapped. "I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions, Maxie."

"But..."

"No buts." Flopping on the couch, she closed her eyes. "I didn't yell at you for getting pregnant with a heart transplant that you know will make it difficult."

Huffing, she looked back toward the kitchen. "But you are sexing it up with a mobster, Georgie! You are suppose to be the good one!"

Eyes popping open at that statement, Georgie bit her tongue to keep from denying the accusation. Instead, she focused on the last part. "I'm far from perfect, Maxie. Stop placing me in a role that I can't possibly fulfill. And who I see is none of your business."

"Have you even thought of how this will affect Bay?"

Throwing her hands up in the air, Georgie stood. "Did you think of Elizabeth and Cam when you had an affair with Lucky and was supplying him with pills. Or when you had a sex with Logan years back?" Sick of the conversation, she pointed to the door. "Tell ya what, just leave until you can shut up and mind your own business. I have enough to deal with without your double standards."

Face pinched, Maxie slammed the door on her way out while Georgie winced as the noise caused her to moan in pain.

Carrying Baylor in one arm and a cup of coffee in the other hand, Johnny grimaced as she looked over at him. "Well, that went well," he sarcastically remarked.

"Aunt Maxie mads." Making a pouty face, Baylor reached for Georgie and snuggled into her embrace. "Maybe she needs more sleeps."

Accepting the mug from Johnny after sitting on the couch, Georgie frowned. "No, I think Maxie has spent too much time with Robin. They seem to think that they know it all."

"Well, I likes Johnny," Baylor announced, "even if Aunt Maxie doesn'ts."

Amused, Johnny gave Georgie a smug look, causing her to kick him. "I like you too, Bay."

"And Momma?" she questioned innocently, taking the yogurt cup that he was handing her.

Catching Georgie's eye, he gave her a slow grin. "Mommy too."