Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. They belong to ABC/Disney.

I just want to start out by saying that this is a Liason fic. Please hang in there with me. I couldn't get these scenes out of my head, so buckle up. Please review if you read.

AIRPLANE - BOARDING

Jason steps onto the plane, scanning his boarding pass and making his way down the aisle. He approaches his row, only to find Anna Devane sitting in his seat. His face tightens as he takes a deep breath, his tone cold but calm.

"You're in my seat," Jason said flatly.

Anna looks up, a small smile playing on her lips, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Well, fancy seeing you here."

Jason doesn't return her smile. He remains stoic, standing over her, his body language stiff. Without waiting for her to move, he settles into the seat next to her, his expression unreadable. For a few moments, there's silence, but Anna feels the weight of their previous argument lingering in the air.

Anna sighs softly. "Look, Jason... I'm not sorry for what I said before. About us not being friends. It's the truth. We're just... too different. But I think we can be civil, at least, yeah?"

Jason's jaw tightens, but he nods slightly, his voice low and even.

Jason stares at her, still stoic. "Yeah. Civil is fine."

The tension between them seems to ease just a little, and they settle in for the long flight ahead. Anna glances at him, knowing there's a lot more under the surface. They fall into silence, the hum of the plane filling the space around them. After a while, Anna speaks again, her tone softer, more reflective.

Anna quietly speaks. "I know this isn't easy for you, going off to save Lucky. It must bring up a lot of... memories."

Jason doesn't respond right away. His gaze remains fixed out the window, but the mention of Lucky and everything tied to it seems to strike a nerve. His face is still impassive, but his voice is more vulnerable than usual.

"It's not about me. It's about saving Lulu. That's what matters."

Anna nods, sensing an opening to delve deeper into his feelings. She studies him for a moment before speaking again, this time pushing a little harder.

"You know... you're a good man, Jason. You have a good heart. I've seen it, despite everything. But this life you're in, working for Sonny... is it really worth what it's cost you?"

Jason's eyes darken at the mention of Sonny. He shifts in his seat uncomfortably, his hands clenched together. He knows where she's going with this.

Jason responds stiffly. "They don't need me. My sons. I'm not the kind of father they need."

Anna turns in her seat slightly to face him, her expression empathetic but firm.

"Jason, that's not true. You've made mistakes, but we all have. That doesn't mean you stop being a father or that you can't be there for them now. Jake, Danny... they need their father. Elizabeth needs you too.

Jason's gaze drops to his hands, his face growing more conflicted. He's silent for a moment before he finally speaks, his voice tinged with regret.

"I ruined things with Elizabeth. I pushed her away when she needed me. I thought I was protecting her... protecting Jake. But all I did was hurt them. And Sam... I never should've gone back to her. It wasn't right. She watched my son get kidnapped, and I took her back. Who does that? How can I say I love Elizabeth, and turn around and do that?" Jason asked, his voice filled with regret.

Anna listens, and she can tell how deeply his regrets run. She knows better than anyone the weight of past mistakes, but she also knows there's always a way forward.

Anna gently places her hand on top of Jason's and speaks softly, "You can't change what's already happened. But you can make things right now. You can be the man Elizabeth always needed you to be. The father Jake deserves.

Jason lets out a slow breath, his mind racing. He's never let himself think too deeply about what could have been, about the role he should have played in Jake and Elizabeth's life. But Anna's words are starting to chip away at the wall he's built around himself.

Jason shakes his head, filled with uncertainty.

"I don't know if I can fix it. Too much has happened. Maybe it's too late."

Anna reaches out, placing a gentle hand on his forearm, her tone warm but firm.

"It's never too late, Jason. Not if you're willing to fight for it. You've always fought for everyone else—Sonny, Carly, Sam... maybe it's time to fight for yourself, for Elizabeth, for your family.

Jason's throat tightens at her words. He knows she's right, but he's not sure if he has it in him. His gaze shifts from the window to Anna, his voice low and raw.

Jason whispers so softly, Anna almost doesn't hear him. "She deserves better. I've been gone too long. I didn't give her what she needed."

Anna responds sincerely, "Maybe. But you can start now. Show her you're here, that you're committed. No more running, no more hiding behind Sonny or this life you've built. Be the man she knows you are.

Jason leans back in his seat, his mind swirling with Anna's words. There's a long silence, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air between them. Finally, Jason speaks, his voice quiet but resolute.

"I'll think about it."

Anna smiles, sensing a shift in him. It's not a commitment yet, but it's a start. The two of them fall into a more comfortable silence as the plane continues its journey across the sky.

AIRPLANE - LATER IN THE FLIGHT

As the flight goes on, they make small talk, but Jason's mind keeps circling back to Elizabeth, to Jake, to everything he's lost and everything he could still have if he's willing to fight for it. His eyes drift out the window, and he knows that when he lands, things will never be the same.

Jason thinks quietly to himself. "Maybe it's time to stop running."

HOSPITAL ROOM

Elizabeth enters Lulu's hospital room quietly, her steps soft on the linoleum floor. She sees Willow sitting by Lulu's bedside, talking softly to the comatose woman.

"I know they say that people in comas can hear when you are talking. I don't know that's true or not, but I need to spill to someone. I'm falling for Drew, Michael's uncle."

Elizabeth hesitates, not sure if she should interrupt, but she can't help but listen.
Willow continues, not realize Elizabeth is listening.

"I never meant for it to happen. Drew saved me—he found Liesl and she saved my life. I can't stop thinking about him. The kisses, they were so intense, so passionate. I've tried to fight it, but I can't. I love him, Lulu.

Willow's voice breaks as she struggles with her feelings.

Elizabeth cautiously steps further into the room. "

Willow, do you want to talk?"

Willow looks up, her face flushed and tear-streaked. She nods, her eyes pleading.

"Yes, I do. I feel like I'm going to burst if I don't talk to someone."

Elizabeth pulls a chair closer and sits down next to Willow.

"Go ahead. I'm all ears. What's up?"

Willow sighs. "After Drew's campaign, and we found out about Congressman McConky dying, we left the event. He and I were alone, and the way he held me—how he looked at me. I couldn't resist. We kissed, and it was like everything else fell away. I love Michael, but... Drew... He saved my life. I can't deny the attraction I feel. It's tearing me apart. It wasn't the first time either. We kissed on the fourth of July too. I can't get him out of my mind."

Elizabeth listens, her expression softening as she empathizes with Willow's pain.

"It's hard when feelings get tangled like that."

"But what's worse is knowing that I'm betraying Michael. I can't keep this secret. It's eating me alive."

Elizabeth takes a deep breath, reflecting on her own past. She looks at Willow with a mixture of sympathy and resolve.

"I understand more than you might think. I've been in a place where I felt betrayed and alone."

Willow's eyes widen, and she listens intently.

"I was with Lucky, always thinking about Jason. I didn't think Jason loved me the way that I loved him. Our communication was terrible. He was always choosing Carly, Sonny, Michael—everyone else over me and our boys. The danger talk was constant, and we broke up. I was lost and alone.

Willow nods, absorbing Elizabeth's words.

"When I saw Jason with Sam again, it pushed me to a breaking point. I ended up cheating on Lucky with Nikolas, who is Lucky's brother. It was a mistake that led me to a round at Shadybrook. I destroyed my life because I couldn't handle losing Jason."

Elizabeth's voice cracks, her pain palpable.

"I love him beyond reason, and I still do. But betraying people doesn't fix anything. It only makes things worse."

"So what do I do?"

"You need to be honest with Michael. If you want to find a way forward, you have to come clean. It's the only way to start healing."

Willow nods, wiping away tears.

"Thank you, Elizabeth. I needed to hear that."

"I'm here for you. And I'll be here when you talk to Michael. It's going to be tough, but it's the right thing to do."

Willow stands, grateful for the support, and Elizabeth watches her leave, feeling the weight of her own unresolved emotions.

NEUROBI CASINO

The luxurious casino is packed with high-rollers, dressed in the finest attire, each hoping for a big win. Chandeliers sparkle overhead, and the sound of chips clinking fills the air. Among the crowd, Jason and Anna make their entrance, looking every bit the part of a glamorous couple. Jason wears a crisp white tuxedo, his steely expression at odds with the suave persona he's adopting. Anna, in a stunning wine-colored gown that hugs her figure perfectly, glides beside him. Her eyes dart around, scanning the crowd as they walk arm-in-arm, projecting effortless elegance and wealth.

The energy in the room shifts when they enter, eyes following them. Jason's jaw is clenched, but he plays his role perfectly, leaning in slightly as if whispering sweet nothings to Anna. She smiles, matching his intensity with a grace that only Anna Devane can muster.

Jason whispers in Anna's ear. "You see Sidwell yet?"

Anna subtly scans the room. "Not yet, but Brennan's intel said he wouldn't miss this. Stay sharp."

They move deeper into the casino, weaving through tables and flirtatiously brushing past each other for effect. As they approach the poker tables, a familiar face catches Anna's eye—Holly Sutton. Anna's stomach drops for a split second, but she quickly composes herself.

Anna tenses up and speaks lowly. "Holly's here. Don't react."

Jason's eyes remain forward, but he tightens his grip on her arm slightly.

Jason asks smoothly. "Problem?"

Anna responds quietly, "Only if she recognizes me. She's seen me run undercover operations before and I can guarantee you, she is pulling a con right now."

As they approach the high-stakes poker game, Jason locks eyes with Sidwell, their target, seated at the far end of the room with several players around him. Jason gives a subtle nod, his face hardening into that of a determined gambler. Anna feels a shift in the air and glances back. Holly has spotted her. Recognition sets in on Holly's face, but it's not just curiosity—it's suspicion.

Anna drops her voice. "Holly knows. We've got to move, fast."

Jason doesn't miss a beat. They make their way to the bar, trying to appear casual, but Anna senses Holly moving through the crowd behind them. Sidwell, too, is watching. The air feels thick with danger, and Jason's hand instinctively brushes against the small firearm concealed under his tux.

Jason speaks quietly, but with urgency. "We're blown, aren't we?"

Anna clenches her jaw. "Looks like it. Follow my lead."

They turn to leave, but just as they do, a loud voice echoes from across the room.

Sidwell startles them as they were just about to make their escape. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Mr. Morgan and the lovely Anna Devane."

The room goes still. All eyes turn toward them as Sidwell rises from his seat. Holly is now standing near the edge of the table, her expression a mix of recognition and betrayal.

Holly joins Sidwell, smirking. "I should've known it was you."

Jason tenses, but Anna squeezes his arm, giving him a look that says "stay calm."

Jason responds flatly, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Sidwell responds sarcastically. "Come on, Jason. You didn't think you could walk in here, dressed like that, and not get noticed? And Anna, I didn't expect you to risk your cover just to play hero. You don't think I have my own people in the WSB? You have been double-crossed my dear."

Before either can react, armed guards swarm around them, blocking their exits. Jason's eyes flick to the closest guard, calculating his options, but Anna knows it's too late to fight their way out now.

Anna smiles coolly. "This was just a friendly game, Sidwell. No need for the theatrics."

Sidwell grins back. "Friendly? You must take me for a fool, Anna. You're not here to play. You're here for Lucky. Too bad you won't be seeing him anytime soon."

Holly cut in. "You're not getting out of this one, Devane. Not this time."

Jason's body goes rigid, ready to spring into action, but before he can move, one of Sidwell's guards steps forward and cracks the butt of his gun against Jason's temple. He stumbles, grabbing his head, but remains standing.

Jason grimaces. "Big mistake."

But before Jason can retaliate, another guard shoves a syringe into Anna's neck. Her eyes widen for a split second before her body goes limp. Jason lunges for the guard, but the blow to his head has slowed him down. The guards overpower him, restraining his arms as Sidwell approaches with a smirk.

Sidwell taunted him. "Should've stayed out of it, Morgan."

Sidwell motions to his men, and Jason feels another sharp pain in his neck. His vision blurs as the sedative kicks in, and he collapses beside Anna.

UNKNOWN LOCATION - CAPTIVITY ROOM

Jason groans as he slowly regains consciousness, his head pounding. His hands are tied behind his back, and the room around him is dark and damp. He glances around, spotting Anna in a similar position across from him. She stirs, groaning softly as she wakes up.

Jason grits his teeth. "Anna... you okay?"

Anna blinks, her vision clearing as she assesses the situation. She's bound, her dress torn slightly from the rough handling, but otherwise unharmed.

Anna mutters, "I'm fine... where are we?"

Jason pulls at the ropes binding him but doesn't make much progress. The room is cold, windowless, and reeks of mold.

Jason snarled, "No idea. But it's not good."

They hear footsteps approaching, and the door creaks open. Sidwell steps inside, followed by Holly, both looking smug. Anna glares at them as they step closer.

"Welcome to your new home. Don't get too comfortable. It's only temporary." Sidwell taunted them.

Holly speaks coldly to them. "Lucky's safe, for now, but you two? Let's just say, you won't be seeing him. At least, not for a while."

Anna narrows her eyes, her mind racing for an escape plan. Jason, still pulling at his restraints, glares at Sidwell with fury burning in his eyes.

Anna angrily shouts. "You won't get away with this. Someone will come for us."

Sidwell chuckles darkly, shaking his head a smirk forming on his lips. "You don't get it, do you? No one's coming for you. Not this time."

He turns to leave, the door slamming shut behind him, leaving Jason and Anna trapped, their options limited, and time running out.

UNKNOWN LOCATION - CAPTIVITY ROOM - A LITTLE WHILE LATER

The dim, cold room is silent except for the soft shuffling of Jason and Anna, still tied up and trying to think of a way out. Suddenly, the door creaks open, and both snap their heads toward the sound, expecting Sidwell or one of his guards. But instead, Holly steps in, her face tense but determined. She quickly closes the door behind her, glancing over her shoulder to make sure no one followed.

Holly whispers urgently. "You two, keep quiet. I don't have much time."

Jason's eyes narrow, still unsure of Holly's angle, but Anna's expression softens slightly. Holly pulls out a knife, stepping toward Anna first to cut her free.

"Holly? What are you doing?" Anna asked confused.

Holly grits her teeth as she cuts through the ropes. "Sidwell moved Lucky again. You won't find him here."

Jason shifts, straining against his bonds as Holly moves to free him next.

"Why are you helping us?, Jason asked suspiciously. "You're in this with him."

Holly cut through Jason's ropes next. "It's not that simple. I didn't sign up for what he's doing. If you don't get out now, you're as good as dead."

Once Jason is free, he rubs his wrists, his steely gaze locked on Holly. She hands them each a gun, her face serious.

Holly speaks quietly, "Take these. You'll need them. I'll cover you, but you have to move fast."

Anna nods, quickly adjusting her torn gown and slipping the gun into the hidden slit of her dress. Jason takes his gun, tucking it beneath his jacket, his eyes hard with determination.

Anna is still suspicious but grateful. "Holly, I don't know what to say..."

Holly speaks urgently. "Don't thank me. Just get out of here alive. Sidwell's guards are everywhere, but I've cleared a path. Stick close to me, and don't look back."

SIDWELL'S COMPOUND

Holly leads them through dark corridors and hidden passageways, her movements swift and precise. The air is thick with tension, and Jason's grip tightens around the gun in his hand as they pass several armed guards. Holly shields them at every turn, keeping them in the shadows.

They finally reach an outer wall, where a small exit lies hidden behind a stack of crates. Holly checks around the corner, signaling them to move.

Holly speaks lowly. "Go now. I'll cover you."

Jason gives a quick nod, and Anna slips out first, followed by Jason. Holly stays behind, ensuring their escape is clean. The three of them move swiftly into the night, disappearing into the dark wilderness surrounding the compound.

HOTEL ROOM

The dim hotel room is bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across the floor. The air is thick with tension, still charged with the adrenaline from their near-death escape, thanks to Holly's timely intervention.

Jason stands near the window, his tux jacket unbuttoned, shirt untucked, the bowtie hanging loosely around his neck. Across from him, Anna stands in her evening gown, the silky fabric hugging her body, the hem torn and dirtied from their frantic run to safety.

Their breathing is labored, their hearts still racing from the chaos they left behind. Anna's eyes lock onto Jason, dark and unreadable. The tension between them is unbearable, like an electrical current waiting to snap. The near-death experience has left them both raw, teetering on the edge.

Anna is the first to move.

With a slow, deliberate step, she crosses the room toward Jason. The sound of her heels clicking on the floor is drowned out by the pounding of his pulse. Her hands lift, trembling slightly as she reaches out and touches his chest, the fabric of his shirt soft beneath her fingers. Jason tenses, every muscle in his body going rigid at her touch. His breath hitches, but he doesn't move away.

Anna's hands trail up, slowly unbuttoning his shirt one button at a time, exposing his chest. Jason clenches his jaw, his fists at his sides, fighting the surge of need that's rising in him. He knows where this is headed, and he knows he should stop it. But he can't.

She presses her body against his, her evening gown cool and smooth against his skin. Her lips graze his jawline, soft and teasing, and Jason lets out a shaky breath. He reaches up, grabbing her wrist, trying to stop her.

Jason is now breathing heavily, his voice strained. "Anna...don't."

But his words lack conviction. His grip on her wrist weakens, and his hand slowly falls away. Anna's eyes meet his, and there's no hesitation in them—only hunger, a desperate need to feel something after the chaos of the night.

Without a word, she leans in, her lips finding his neck, kissing and biting her way up to his ear. Jason's eyes close, and his breathing grows ragged, his self-control slipping. His hands hover over her hips, not quite touching her, but so close. He's trying to hold on, trying to resist, but Anna is relentless.

Her hands slide down to his waist, fingers brushing against his belt as she works it open. Jason's breath catches, and for a moment, he grips her hips, his fingers digging into the soft fabric of her gown, desperate to stop her—but instead, he pulls her closer.

Something inside him snaps.

With a growl, Jason spins her around, pinning her against the wall. The force of it knocks a picture frame askew, but neither of them notices. Anna gasps, but her arms wrap around his neck, pulling him down into a fierce, desperate kiss. There's no hesitation now, no restraint. His hands are on her, roughly pulling the straps of her gown down her shoulders. The fabric falls in a whisper, pooling at her feet, leaving her bare beneath him.

Jason's tuxedo shirt hangs open, and Anna's hands slide across his chest, nails raking down his skin as she pulls him closer. His mouth crashes against hers, teeth grazing lips, and it's all raw, uncontrolled need.

He lifts her, her legs wrapping around his waist as he slams her back against the wall, their bodies colliding with bruising intensity. There's no gentleness, no pause to savor—just frantic, primal hunger. His fingers dig into the smooth skin of her thighs as he pulls her hips to meet his, thrusting into her with a force that makes her cry out.

Her body is fully naked and Jason's tux pants are shoved down just enough. The sharp contrast of their formal wear—now crumpled and forgotten—against the rough, desperate movements is stark. Their breaths are ragged, their bodies moving in a frantic rhythm, both of them consumed by the need to forget, to lose themselves in each other.

Anna's head falls back against the wall, her mouth open in a silent scream as Jason thrusts harder, deeper, taking her over and over again. Her nails drag down his back, leaving marks, and her legs tighten around him, urging him on.

Jason's pace is brutal, unrelenting, his hands gripping her hips so tightly it's almost painful. He doesn't slow down, doesn't stop—he's lost in the sensation, in the feel of her body beneath his, the raw, unchecked need to claim her.

Anna's body trembles as she reaches her climax, her moans echoing through the room, but Jason doesn't stop. He pushes her through it, his body moving with a desperation that borders on madness. The room is filled with the sound of their gasps, their bodies slamming together in an almost violent rhythm.

Time blurs—there's only the heat of their bodies, the frantic pace of their movements, the unspoken need to feel alive.

Anna cries out again as Jason takes her one last time, his body shuddering as he reaches his release. For a moment, they stay locked together, their bodies shaking, the intensity of what just happened overwhelming them both.

Finally, Jason pulls away, his chest heaving, his body trembling from the force of it all. Anna slides down the wall, her legs too weak to hold her up, her breathing ragged and uneven.

Silence fills the room, heavy and suffocating, as the adrenaline begins to fade. Jason runs a hand through his disheveled hair, his tuxedo pants still undone, his shirt hanging open. His gaze drifts over Anna—her gown pooled at her feet, her skin glistening with sweat, her expression dazed.

And then, it hits him. The regret.

Jason's voice was low, filled with guilt and regret. "Anna..."

His voice breaks, and he steps back, the weight of what they've just done crashing down on him like a tidal wave. His hands tremble as he pulls away completely, distancing himself from her as if physical space can undo what's just happened.

Anna stays silent for a moment, her breathing finally steadying as she leans her head back against the wall, eyes closed. When she finally speaks, her voice is soft, almost fragile.

Anna speaks, in barely a whisper. "We needed this… to forget. To get past what happened out there."

Jason shakes his head, the guilt and self-loathing clear on his face. He can't justify it. No matter what they just went through, no matter how close to death they came, this—what they did—was a mistake.

Jason spoke roughly, regret lacing every word. "No. This... this wasn't right."

Anna's eyes finally open, and she looks up at him, her own regret starting to settle in. She tries to gather her gown around her, but it feels too late. They both know what they did wasn't about survival—it was about surrendering to the darkest parts of themselves.

Anna speaks softly, "I thought… I thought it would help."

Jason shakes his head again, running a hand over his face, his shoulders slumping under the weight of their actions. He can't look at her, not right now. The regret is too fresh, too overwhelming.

Jason responds quietly, his voice filled with shame. "It didn't help."

Anna tries to convince him. "We weren't betraying anyone. We're not in relationships."

Jason's jaw tightens, and he looks over at her, his face filled with regret and understanding.

"I love Elizabeth… and you love Valentin."

Anna nods, pulling her dress tightly around her.

"Yeah… but this… it just… it happened."

Jason runs a hand over his face, letting out a heavy sigh.

"It can't happen again."

Anna meets his eyes, her expression soft but resigned.

"It won't. We were just caught in the moment… it was adrenaline."

Jason nods, still struggling with the conflict inside him. He turns his gaze back to the ceiling, his mind already back with Elizabeth. This was a mistake—one they both know they can't make again. They've crossed a line, but it's a line they won't revisit.

Anna is trying desperately to ease Jason's guilt.

"Jason… we're not betraying anyone. But we can't let this get in the way of what's really important."

Jason looks at her, his expression serious.

"I'm going to get another hotel room. Since the undercover job was blown, there is no longer a need for us to be in the same room."

Anna nods, "That's probably for the best."

They share a quiet understanding, both knowing that what happened between them was a fleeting thing—a consequence of heightened emotions and the chaos of their circumstances. Now, they both have to return to their real lives, their real loves.

JASON'S HOTEL BALCONY

Jason stands on the balcony, gripping his phone tightly as he looks out over the Nairobi skyline. The weight of what he's about to say presses down on him, an overwhelming urge to confess, to be honest. He takes a deep breath and dials Elizabeth's number, heart racing.

Elizabeth picked up her line.

"Jason! Are you okay? I heard about the situation in Nairobi."

Her voice is filled with worry, and for a moment, he hesitates. But the truth is clawing at him, demanding to be released.

"Yeah, I'm okay… but I need to tell you everything. It's important."

Silence stretches on the line, and he knows she can sense something is off.

"What happened?"

Jason sighs. "We were captured. Anna and I—during an operation. It was supposed to be safe, but it turned into a nightmare."

He watches the distant lights flicker, his heart heavy with the memories of chaos and fear.

"We fought our way out, and it was close, Elizabeth. So close to losing everything. And when we finally got back to the hotel... we… we crossed a line."

He stumbles over the words, knowing how this will hit her. There's a beat of silence, and then he hears her sharp intake of breath.

Elizabeth voice rises, "You slept with Anna?"

He can hear the betrayal in her voice, and it twists in his gut. He struggles to explain, to make her understand.

"I know it sounds awful, but it was a moment of trauma. We were both just trying to cope with the fear of what we'd faced."

Elizabeth's voice is tight with anger and pain.

"You think that makes it okay? That sleeping with her solves anything?"

Jason feels the weight of her disappointment, knowing he's opened a wound that may never heal.

"I wasn't thinking straight. I thought I could keep it hidden, that it wouldn't matter since we're both single. But it does matter, and I want you to know the truth."

His voice cracks, the weight of his regret hanging heavily between them.

"I didn't want to hurt you. But it's eating me alive, Elizabeth. I need you to understand how much I love you. I wouldn't feel right keeping this from you, no matter how much it hurts."

There's a pause, and he can almost feel her confusion. It tears him apart.

Elizabeth responds, her voice shaking. "Why are you telling me this? To hurt me? To twist the knife deeper?"

Jason feels the sting of her words, knowing he has to fight for her trust, to break down her walls.

"No, it's the opposite. I've wasted so much time. I want to be a better father to Jake and Danny. I want you back in my life."

He can sense her struggling with the tumult of emotions, and he presses on, determined to reach her.

Jason's voice is now urgent. "I know we haven't been together for years, but I can't ignore what I feel. I want a family with you. A real life together. I want what we walked away from all those years ago."

Elizabeth's breath hitches, the ache in her chest growing unbearable.

"You expect me to just forget what you did? To forget that you were with Anna?"

The pain in her voice cuts through him, and he knows he has to be honest about everything.

"I don't expect that. I just want you to see that I realized what I truly want. Being with Anna was a mistake—an escape from everything I've been running from."

He can hear her breathing, the silence stretching as she processes his confession.

"I thought I could move on with Sam, with Britt, heck even Carly, but it always comes back to you. You've always been my heart."

Elizabeth feels the conflict raging within her, the love still simmering beneath the hurt. She finally speaks, her voice trembling.

"I don't know if I can trust you again. Not after this," Elizabeth admits.

His heart sinks, but he knows he has to keep fighting for them.

"I'll do whatever it takes. I'll prove to you that I can be better. That I can be the man you deserve."

As the reality of his words sinks in, Elizabeth feels a flicker of hope, but the pain is still too fresh.

"I need time. I need to figure this out."

"I'll wait for you. Just know that I love you, and I've always wanted you in my life."

They hang up, and Jason leans against the balcony railing, knowing the road ahead will be tough but resolved to make things right.

ANNA'S HOTEL ROOM – NEXT DAY

Anna stands by the window, looking out at the bustling city below. Her mind drifts, unfocused on the view in front of her. She can't stop thinking about the night with Jason. Every touch, every kiss, the way he made her feel—strong and weak at the same time. It was unlike anything she'd ever experienced, and no matter how hard she tried to push it away, it kept creeping back into her thoughts.

She closes her eyes, remembering the feel of his hands on her body, the intensity in his gaze. A warmth spreads through her as the memories flood her senses.

Anna speaks quietly to herself. "Get it together, Devane…"

But the more she tries to shake it off, the stronger the feelings become. She's never let herself be this vulnerable before—not like this. Not with Jason. It's wrong. They've both agreed it was a mistake, yet here she is, daydreaming about him.

A knock on the door breaks her out of her reverie. She straightens her posture and walks to open it, only to find Jason standing there, his usual stoic expression firmly in place.

Jason's voice is low. "We need to talk."

Anna feels her heart race just being in his presence again, but she keeps her composure, stepping aside to let him in. Jason enters the room, but there's a clear tension between them—unspoken words, unresolved feelings. Anna can feel it, and she knows Jason can too.

They stand in silence for a moment before Jason finally speaks.

"About what happened between us… it can't happen again. You know that, right?" Jason says gruffly.

Anna crosses her arms, leaning against the desk as she faces him, trying to mask the disappointment in her chest.

Anna responds coolly. "We already agreed. It was a mistake. We were just caught up in the moment."

Jason nods, but the awkwardness lingers. He shifts uncomfortably, clearly trying to find the right words to shut down any remaining tension between them. Anna can feel him pulling away, emotionally and mentally distancing himself, and for some reason, it stings more than she expected.

Before Jason can say more, Anna's phone rings, breaking the awkward silence. She answers quickly, grateful for the interruption.

"Holly? What's going on?"

Anna listens intently, her expression hardening. Jason watches her closely, picking up on the change in her demeanor.

Anna gets slightly excited.

"You have him? At the airport? Alright. We'll be there."

She hangs up, turning to Jason.

"Holly's got Lucky. We need to get to the airport."

Jason's face tightens at the mention of Lucky, but he nods.

"Let's go."

NAIROBI AIRPORT

Jason and Anna arrive at the airport, walking swiftly through the terminal. Holly stands near a private hangar, her arms crossed, looking impatient but relieved. Beside her, Lucky looks beaten up but alive. His face is bruised, and he's clearly been through hell, but there's a glint of hope in his eyes. He was already filled in on everything with Lulu and the urgency to get back home.

Holly smirks, ""Took you long enough."

Jason gives a curt nod, but Anna steps forward, her eyes on Lucky.

"You okay?"

Lucky nods, offering a weak smile.

"I've been worse. Just want to get back to help my sister."

They don't waste time with pleasantries. Jason and Anna help Holly get Lucky onto a private jet. Everyone is focused, but the tension between Jason and Anna is palpable, though neither of them acknowledges it aloud.

PRIVATE JET

The jet hums quietly as it soars through the night sky. Lucky sits on one side of the cabin, resting his head back on the seat. His body is exhausted, but his mind is elsewhere. Jason and Anna sit across from him, both silent, though their silence speaks volumes.

Lucky breaks the silence first, his voice soft but hopeful.

"Elizabeth… she's gonna be so happy when I get home. I've missed her so much."

Jason's jaw clenches at the mention of Elizabeth. He stares out the window, his hands gripping the armrests tightly.

Lucky sighs, as he continues on, not noticing how uneasy Jason was.

"She's always been there, you know? No matter how bad things got between us, she never really gave up on me. I just want to see her smile again, like she used to when we were younger… when everything was simpler."

Jason's grip tightens, and he tries to focus on the landscape outside, but every word Lucky says is like a knife twisting in his gut. He wants Elizabeth back, and hearing Lucky talk about her like this only fuels the jealousy burning inside him.

Lucky is still staring out the window, almost dreamlike.

"I know things haven't been perfect, but… she's the one, Jason. Always has been. I just need to show her I can be the man she deserves again."

Jason snaps his head toward Lucky, his voice sharp, though he tries to keep his emotions in check.

"She doesn't need anyone to save her."

Lucky looks over at Jason, confused by the sudden edge in his tone.

Lucky gets defensive.

"I'm not trying to save her. I just… I owe it to her to make things right."

Jason's eyes darken, but before he can respond, Anna senses the growing tension and steps in, her voice calm but firm.

"Let's focus on getting you back home first. You're not exactly in the best shape to be planning reunions."

Lucky leans back again, a small smile tugging at his lips, but the tension remains thick in the air. Jason turns back to the window, his mind now racing with thoughts of Elizabeth.

Anna steals a glance at Jason, feeling the weight of everything unsaid between them. Despite her best efforts, the memories of their night together won't leave her alone. The way he touched her, the intensity of their connection—it lingers, and she hates that it does.

For Jason, though, there's only one thought: Elizabeth. He made a promise to himself to win her back, to be the man she needs. Whatever happened with Anna was a mistake, one he refuses to let distract him from what he truly wants. Elizabeth is his focus, and he won't let anything—or anyone—get in the way of that.

The rest of the flight remains tense, the silence between Jason and Anna louder than words.