Erotic Liaisons by jleigh1

[JRK Archiver]

Authors Note: I should tell you up front that as I'm writing this story, I'm picturing Amber Tamblyn as Emily, Coltin Scott as Nikolas, and Marissa Ramirez as Gia. You of course, are allowed to picture the characters as whomever you like... LOL But the writing is a little more in tune with those characters...

Happy Reading!
~Jen

Chapter 1

End of August, 2004

Couples are dancing to the tunes pouring from an ancient juke box that has stood the test of numerous bar fights, and countless blind dates and one night stands. Challenges are dispensed and accepted at the only pool table in the room, as a tall man walks through the door. He moves with a panther-like grace and all eyes in the room are drawn to him; all ears attuned to the sound his lather jacket makes with each stride. Even to the most untrained eye, he oozes harnassed lethality.

The bar stool he slides onto is unbalanced, but he doesn't seem to notice; just as he appears oblivious to the patrons that marked his progress to the bar and even now continue to watch him...waiting.

The blonde behind the bar chuckles to herself as she pops the top off a beer bottle. The perspiration on the bottle is efficiently wiped away as she looks up into the bluest eyes this side of heaven. "Hiya, Jason. You know they're watching you."

A grin that can only be termed as devilish flashes across his face as the bright blue eyes glint with a playful light. "I don't know why."

With her head thrown back, she laughs out loud. The laugh seems to cut the tension like a knife, and the dancing and pool resume.

Jason tips the bottle for a long swallow, rubbing the cold bottle across his forehead when he's finished. "Thanks Jake", he says with a wink, just before his cell phone rings.

His grin is wiped off his face as the realization strikes him that he doesn't want to answer the phone. It could be Carly with another crisis, and as much as he loves Carly, sometimes she is a royal pain in the ass. Sometimes he even considers changing his number, but then she might insist upon personal cell phones just for them as she once alluded to in the past. But yet, what if it's not Carly? What if it's Emily? Could Emily be in trouble? Maybe it's Johnny?

Sonny had been very upset when he realized Johnny was still alive.

A crystal glass shattered against the fireplace as the enraged man screamed, "You betrayed me, Jason!".

"No, Sonny. You were wrong. I made it right. I have never been anything but loyal to you!"

Jason sighs at the memories of that day. Once Sonny understood the situation and realized why Jason lied, he accepted that it wasn't a betrayal. Jason had known the risk he was running when he kept Johnny in the safe house after Sonny ordered his death, but he knew Johnny wasn't dirty. He had also known that Sonny wouldn't accept who Jason thought was behind it. He followed his gut instinct, and it turned out he was right. Johnny wasn't dirty, but he was set up by somebody who was. The lowest snake in the grass Jason had ever had the misfortune to meet. A snake named Ric Lansing. Following Sonny's order to eliminate Ric was the most fulfilling thing he'd ever done.

Now Elizabeth could never go back to the bastard. He had made certain of that tonight.

He was startled when Jake broke into his musings, "Jason, are you going to answer it, or not?"

He picks up the phone, flips it open, and mentally resigns himself to Carly's latest crisis. After a short but powerful exhale that puffs out his cheeks, "Yeah?".

His brows are drawn together as a muffled voice says, "Jason, I have information for you". An observer would have been mystified to watch the transformation occur, as his scowl turned into genuine amusement.

Did she really think he wouldn't know her voice? Granted, they were still working on getting their friendship back to the level it was prior to his rebound marriage to Sonny's sister, but how could she believe he wouldn't know her voice anywhere?

"Jason. Are you there?" The muffled voice is a little more clear this time, as if she moved the mouthpiece slightly in order to ensure he heard her.

"Yeah. What's your information?"

"Your sister, Emily, will be at Erotic Liaisons in one hour. Do you know the place?"

"Yeah. I know the place."

"Ok. Um...I just thought...well, I just thought you should know."

"Who is..." he began, but realized he was speaking to a dial tone. Elizabeth, what are you up to?

************

The petite brunette takes a deep breath as she hangs up the phone. Her teeth are worrying her full lower lip as she prays she did the right thing.

Ever since Gia came back to town, and Nikolas realized his love for her, Emily had been on a downward spiral. The drinking and partying were tiresome, but Elizabeth could handle that. She only consumed coke while out with Emily, in order to ensure one of them stayed sober.

But this? Erotic Liaisons? Elizabeth didn't know if she could handle this one by herself. Erotic Liaisons was erected on the grounds of the old PC Hotel that burned down in February of this year. The fire in which she believed Zander, the father of her child, had died. The town was shocked when it was learned that Zander was not only alive, but saved the life of his mortal enemy, Nikolas Cassadine.

Once the fire was over, Edward Quartermaine had named Skye Spencer his heir. Skye opened up Erotic Liaisons on the site with her husband, Luke. The money used to open the "establishment" came from the proceeds received after Luke auctioned off an old treasure recovered from the harbor.

The ringing of her doorbell cut into Elizabeth's musings. She reached down to zip up the little pink jacket on Venice, her daughter. She smiled with love at her two-month old daughter, then turned to answer the door.

"Hey, Elizabeth. Wow. You look great!", Zander supplied as he walked through the door.

"Thanks, Zander. And thank you for watching Venice tonight."

"No, thank you, Elizabeth. I never would have been able to watch my little girl grow up if you hadn't have stopped Ric."

"You're welcome, Zander. And please, don't mention Ric. Sometimes I just wish he'd...never mind. Forget I said that. Anyway, I'm not certain what time I'll be home. Is that ok?"

"Take as long as you like. We'll be fine here."

She grabbed her pocketbook and paused at the door, "There's soda in the fridge, and a pizza in the freezer if you get hungry. Have fun." As she pulled the door closed, she paused to smile as she watched Zander gazing with love at his daughter. She couldn't help but think, maybe one day Zander would forgive Emily and...

As she closes the door she hears Grams voice in her mind...What's meant to be, will be...

************

"Elizabeth! Over here!"

Elizabeth turns her head and sees a shape behind the dumpster with a wildly flailing arm beckoning her over. After glancing around to see if anyone was around, Elizabeth trotted over. "Emily, what are you doing here? Please tell me you've changed your mind."

With a toss of her hair, and a swig from the unidentifiable liquid in the bottle she was holding, she brashly declared, "No. But I need to tell you something before we go in."

Why did she think that maybe Emily would come to her senses before it was too late? "What?"

"I have to make certain you understand the rules."

"Rules?"

"Yes, rules. Look, I know rules aren't exactly your thing, but here's the deal...the club is divided up into areas. There is dancing in various rooms...jazz, hip hop, country, disco...then you also have the casino. But upstairs is where all of the other stuff takes place. You know, the kinky stuff."

"Kinky stuff? Emily, what are you getting us into?"

"Nothing! That's why I'm telling you now! Ok, when you walk in the door, it is very low lighting, you know, to protect your identity a little bit. Once they check your I.D., they'll give you a mask. Whether or not you wear the mask is your choice, but it's given to you for anonymity, if you want. You know, in case you're going to go upstairs..."

"I get it. To the kinky stuff.", she groaned. "Em, I don't mean to be a spoil sport, but are you sure..."

"Yes! Elizabeth, you'll have fun! I promise! You'll have so much fun, you'll want to keep coming back, with or without me! Now listen, I wasn't finished telling you about the rules. There is an area at the back of the casino that branches into two hallways. The hallways are very dark, with only a few red lights. Once again, this is to provide you with a little bit of cover, in case you want to go to the left...upstairs. The bathrooms are on the right. Ok? Are we ready?"

"Emily, what exactly is upstairs? And how do you know all this anyway? You know what, never mind. Just tell me what's upstairs."

"Well, the upstairs is branched into various sections. Each section caters to a different...um...well, preference, I guess you'd call it." At Elizabeth's confused look, she continued, "You know, like different kinds of S&M or peep shows or..."

"Oh! I got it! Stop. I got it!" She could feel the blush creeping up from her chest and spreading into her neck. By the time the heat reached her face, Emily was already laughing.

As Emily threw her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder, she whispered in her ear, "Maybe you should go to the left...", but broke off laughing as Elizabeth shrugged off her arm and started stomping towards the entrance.

Her laughter faded as she thought about her brother, Jason. She knew that Jason and Elizabeth were in love with each other, if they would only admit it. First to themselves, and then to each other. Maybe there was something she could do to help...

************

Gazing around the casino, Elizabeth slowly realized that Emily was right, she actually had been having fun tonight. It was not nearly as decadent as she had feared it would be. Once the initial embarassment of entering the establishment passed, she began to enjoy herself.

She was still wearing the mask though. Emily could cajole her as long as she had breath to do it, but the mask was not coming off. The mask provided her the anonymity that allowed her to relax and enjoy herself. Too bad it was so hot and slightly uncomfortable, she thought, as she pushed her finger under the leather to scratch her chin. The masks were black leather, with holes cut out for the eyes and the mouth. A very small hole allowed part of her nose to be exposed, enough to breathe. The mask conformed to her face, but overall, the only way to identify her face would be by her lips or eyes. Of course if she wanted to cover her lips, she could zip the ridiculous zipper on the mouth of the mask. She felt relatively safe.

While Elizabeth was lost in thought, Emily was plotting and watching the door, waiting for one figure to walk in, in order to put her plan in motion. Once Jason arrived, and she knew he would, she was going to ensure that Jason and Elizabeth had some time to be alone. She had complete confidence that Jason would come, because there is no way Elizabeth would have come here to "babysit" her without letting Jason know. She knew Elizabeth. She knew Elizabeth called him.

She looked over at Elizabeth and nearly laughed as she watched her friend poking her finger under the mask to scratch her chin. Shaking her head, she turned back to the door in time to see Jason step in, clutching the mask in his hand. As he began to scan the room, Emily jumped down from her stool and set her plan in motion.

"Elizabeth. I'm not feeling too well. I need to go to the bathroom. Will you come with me?"

She watched as Elizabeth's eyes widened in concern, and her arms came up to clutch her back and her forearm. "Oh Em, come on. You'll be ok. Let's get you to the bathroom."

For a moment, she almost felt shame for her deceit, but it was all going to be worth it. It just had to be. That is, if everything went according to plan. Those boys had better not mess up, she thought, as they approached the branched hallway. She had set the plan in motion earlier tonight when she told Elizabeth the bathrooms are to the right, when in actuality, the bathrooms are to the left. As they entered the darkened corridor, Elizabeth immediately steered to the right, as Emily planned. Before they had taken 5 steps, Emily heard the movement and was suddenly jerked out of the way. She watched as one man closed the zipper over the mouth of the mask, and the other tossed Elizabeth over his shoulder. Emily handed the first man the money, and whispered, "Remember, she's not to be hurt in any way. And don't scare her any more than necessary." She watched as the shadow of Elizabeth being carried up the stairs vanished.

Turning around, she brushed her hands together, and said, "Ok, Emily. Now Part Two. Jason." Taking a deep breath, she marched out into the casino.

Spotting Jason, she ran up to him, and clutched his forearms. "Jason! Thank God you're here! It's Elizabeth!"

"What about Elizabeth? Tell me, Emily!"

Allowing her lower lip to tremble and forcing tears into her eyes she brokenly whispered, "It's all my fault, Jason. I brought her here. She didn't want to come. And now they took her."

"Who took her? Where?"

"Upstairs, Jason. Two guys grabbed her and brought her upstairs. I thought the bathrooms were to the right, but I guess they were to the left..." she called to his retreating back. As Jason disappeared into the darkened corridor, Emily smiled, threw back her head and laughed out loud, and left Erotic Liaisons.


************


Stay calm. Stay calm. This is a public place. What do you think they'll do? It's probably a mistake...they think I'm someone else...it will all be worked out once they put me down...

That's what she kept telling herself. But once she was put down, she wasn't so sure.

She couldn't stop her eyes from widening any more than she could stifle her gasp of surprise as she looked around the room they had entered. The only light source was a single dim red lamp in the corner. The light was bright enough to be able to see forms and outlines, but not bright enough to make out complete facial details she realized, as she tried in vain to see her captors. Her wandering gaze turned to the wall, and another surprised gasp escaped her mouth behind the mask as she noticed handcuffs and scarves and...whips? Yes, whips, on the wall. What on earth had she gotten herself into?

As her eyes encountered the "furniture", she thought for certain she would faint. What WERE those contraptions? What were they used for? One had protruding arms that looked almost like the stirrups in Dr. Meadows' office...

Her contemplation of the furniture was halted as her hands were grasped and a surprisingly gentle voice said, "Don't be afraid, this is what we get paid for. We're simply getting you ready."

Ready? Ready for what?! She didn't know and wasn't certain she wanted to know as she was led towards another contraption. It appeared simple enough. Almost like a pull-up bar, except it had a strange leather loop hanging from the bar. Too late, she realized that the other man had taken a pair of handcuffs from the wall and was now attaching them to her wrists. Oh, why hadn't she opened the zipper at her mouth when she had the chance?

As her handcuffed wrists were raised, she allowed her head to fall back to watch as the man unhooked the leather loop so it hung down straight, then looped it between her wrists in order to catch the handcuffs. As the loop was secured, she realized she was completely trapped. Her heels were barely touching the floor, her arms were trapped above her head, and she couldn't speak in anything but a muffled voice because of the mask. Not that it mattered much, she realized in dismay, because if she screamed, people would probably think it was with pleasure. She closed her eyes as that thought caused the heat of another blush to rush into her face. When she opened her eyes, she realized she couldn't see the men, and then she heard the latch fall home as the door closed behind them.

************

As Jason rushed up the stairs, he passed two men coming down.

"Stop! Did you see a girl go up here? She's a petite brunette. Did you see her?"

"Naw man. Sorry."

He didn't spare them another word or glance as he raced up the stairs. How on earth did Elizabeth get into this mess? He was afraid for her because he didn't want her scared, but he had to admit, being able to save her and spend time with her, wasn't exactly a hardship.

As he walked down the hall, he stopped to listen at doors. With his ear pressed to the door, he'd test the knob. Two rooms had been open, but both were empty. As he leaned in to yet another door, he noticed a figure across the room, apparently with hands bound overhead. He didn't notice anybody else in the room, and began to close the door, until he happened to look lower.

He stopped cold.

************

Elizabeth tensed as she heard the door slowly begin to open. She couldn't even turn her head to see who was coming in. The awkward position only allowed her to see to her front and to her sides, but not behind her. And the door was unfortunately, behind her.

The thoughts were tumbling through her mind as she held her breath to listen to the sounds the intruder made. What should she do? Should she try to get the attention of whoever was at the door? But what if it was some crazy person? Or someone who thought she was here for...that. On the walls. Emily would have notified somebody by now, right? Surely somebody would be coming to her rescue soon. Jason! She had called Jason!

There! It sounded as though the person were backing out of the room, and she began to release the breath she had been holding. Until she suddenly heard the scuff of a boot, as though the person stopped suddenly. Her eyes widened as she heard and felt the door opening wide again and the mystery person entering the room.

************

Jason stood still in shock as his gaze landed on the jean-clad ass that he'd know anywhere. He should know it, since he'd wanted to get his hands on it for 5 years. The light was very dim, but he could see enough to know that he was staring at Elizabeth's behind.

He supposed that most men wouldn't remember the date of an encounter like theirs was all those years ago at Jakes, but he did. He remembered everything. He had waited 5 years for this woman. And here she was, on almost the exact date they met that night at Jakes.

The tension that had gathered in his shoulders as he was searching for Elizabeth eased. He tore his gaze away from her delectable behind to gaze up and down the corridor. No movement. Good. As his gaze fell to his hand holding the mask, his decision was made. He lifted his head and if Jake could see him now, she'd say he was wearing his devilish smile and bedroom eyes. He stepped into the room as he pulled the mask over his head. Once the mask was in place, he slowly closed the door behind him.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 2

Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat as she heard the door close behind her. The hair on the back of her neck was standing on end. I'm not alone. As the realization sunk in, she began to tremble. If the zipper over her mouth were open, the intruder would see that her teeth had pulled her bottom lip into her mouth. The sobs slowly building in her chest were fighting for escape. Her short and fast inhales and exhales through her nose resonanted in the room.

As the door softly closed behind him, he couldn't control the feeling flooding his being...this is right. The sound of his escalating heart rate filled his ears until he wondered, can she hear my heart racing? Does she know how I feel? He shook his head, trying to break free of the erotic images assailing his mind; the possibilities for tonight, in this place, were endless. The soft red light provided anonymity, a plush divan to Elizabeth's left, and shelves to his right with various sexual amenities.

Come on Morgan. Move. If she can't hear your racing heart, she might hear the seams of your jeans protesting the strain...

His reverie was shattered as he noticed Elizabeth's trembling. Her small body was shaking, and he could hear her quick, frightened breaths. While he had been standing here imagining all the ways he wanted to possess her, she had been fighting terror. Good move, Morgan. The last thing he ever wanted, was for Elizabeth to be frightened. Ever. He began to move toward her, wanting nothing more than to still her fear, and protect her. Always.

Elizabeth had tried to stop the tears, but they fell heedlessly out of the corner of her eyes. Her relief was so profound she could no longer contain it. As soon as the door closed, she knew...Jason is here. She could feel him. She could smell him. She was safe.

The relief and joy pouring through her body couldn't stop the thoughts racing through her mind. Why is he just standing there so still? What is he thinking? Does he think I want to be here? Does he think I'm here for something...with someone...? If he only knew that the thoughts pouring through her mind since realizing where she was, and what it was for...those thoughts were all of him. What would he think? Would he want...?

Her thoughts stilled as her senses honed in on the light sound his boots made as he moved forward. Her trembling stilled as she felt the hand he placed at the curve of her hip. Her head tilted right, and fell back slightly in reaction, almost as if urging his hand to glide up her body from her hip to her cheek, and his lips to her neck. Every time her cheek was held in his large hand, she felt protected. Safe. Cherished. Before she could stop it, her mouth breathed, "Jas..."

With heartbeat racing erratically, he moved forward. He longed to hold her and run his hands over the body he had seen countless times in his dreams, but now was not the time. He needed to still her fear, and get her out of here. As he halted behind her, his right hand raised of its own volition, to rest on her right hip. As he leaned forward to whisper, you are safe, Elizabeth, I'm here, he felt her trembling still, and watched in bemusement as her head tilted and fell back. The curve of her neck beneath the edge of the mask was bared to his hungry gaze. An offering. He felt, more than heard, her breathe his name, "Jas...". As his lips descended to the soft skin of her neck, he thought to himself, If I were a stronger man...

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 3


As he leaned forward to whisper, you are safe, Elizabeth, I'm here, he felt her trembling still, and watched in bemusement as her head tilted and fell back. The curve of her neck beneath the edge of the mask was bared to his hungry gaze. An offering. He felt, more than heard, her breathe his name, "Jas...". As his lips descended to the soft skin of her neck, he thought to himself, If I were a stronger man...

All of her senses were attuned to this moment and this man, to this fulfillment long denied her. The smell of his leather jacket; the feel of his sweet breath caressing her neck; the strength in the fingers flexing on her hip; the sound of his heartbeat melding with her own; the soft red glow against the ceiling, like an Exit sign at the end of a corridor. Her body tightened in anticipation of the first sweet kiss upon her flesh. Please, Jason. Please. What are you waiting for?

Just one more inch. Just one more inch, and he could taste the skin on the vein pulsing just below his lips. If I were a stronger man, I would release her; release us both from this precipice. He knew their relationship would change the instant he tasted her flesh.

As his eyes slid closed, the thought crossed his mind, I am weak...

As Elizabeth felt the first sweet touch of his lips, she sighed on an exhale, from breath she had not known she was holding. When he had paused for so long, she had been afraid this guilty night of pleasure would be denied her. And guilty it was. This would change everything...

She tasted so sweet. The smell of her shampoo filled his senses as his hands moved to her waist. He pulled her lower body snug against his groin and fought the audible groan clamoring in his throat. She felt so right, just there. He had always known she would. He needed to touch her, to feel her, to cherish her...just for a moment. Only for a moment, and he would let her go.

The shocked gasp slipped from her as she felt his erection pressing against her bottom. This can't be wrong, when it feels so right. Her breasts felt fuller, and her nipples were sensitized to every movement against the lace of her bra. They begged for his touch. Please, Jason, please..."yesss"...

His lips moved up to gently nibble the lobe of her ear, as his hands travelled leisurely over her rib cage, inching closer to her breasts. It was as if her body were speaking to him, guiding him, calling him. As his hands closed over her breasts, he heard her sigh..."yesss". He needed to feel her bare skin. His passion was escalating out of control, and he needed to maintain some semblance of control, but he pushed away the thought before it was allowed to fully form. I want. I need. I burn. Her shirt whisked up her torso, and with a flick of his fingers, the front clasp on her bra was dispensed with. As her breasts spilled into his hands, he knew he was lost; past the point of no return.

The sense of vulnerability from being bound heightened her sensitivity and pleasure. Her back bowed without conscious direction, as his lips traversed her spine. His hands...oh, his hands...had anything ever felt like this? His fingers rolled her nipples until they begged for the soothing moisture from his tongue. Her thighs were clenching, trying to assuage the pulsing burn of passion centered in her cleft. As his hands released her nipples, and slid down to her navel, his lips trailed wet kisses along the top of her low-riding jeans.

God, she's beautiful. Her skin is so soft. Had a woman's skin ever felt this soft before? Her breasts filled his hands perfectly. Her nipples were so tight and begging for his tongue. He could feel the quivering in her back as his lips trailed down to her waist. Yes. It's time. I've waited 5 long years to get my hands on this...

As she felt the snap give, and her zipper slide down, she knew she was ready. Toeing off her shoes, the mantra was repeated in her mind. Please, Jason, please...

He slid her jeans over her hips and down her legs. Slipping his fingers into the straps of her panties at her hips, he slowly lowered them to mid-thigh and let them fall, as his hands were drawn to the globes of her bottom. His hands massaged her until he could wait no longer. He leaned forward to kiss her left cheek.

She never realized how erotic it could feel having your buttocks massaged. The strength in his hands, combined with the feel of a few calluses, made her feel somehow more feminine. Masculinity vs. Femininity. Man vs. Woman. Never before had she felt such a desire to give herself over into the care of a man. Never before had she felt the level of trust required to turn over complete control. Never before... "Oh!" Head thrown back, she reveled in the feel of his lips and tongue against her bottom.

He opened his mouth to lightly bite her, then soothed it with his tongue. As his lips travelled from her buttock to her hip, he began to slide on his knees to her side. His lips followed an invisible trail from buttock to hip...from hip to navel...from navel lower...

Her arms stretched tight as her legs turned weaker and weaker. She didn't feel as if she could stand any longer. His hands were on here thighs and his lips were slowly inching below her navel. The hand on her right thigh slowly circled from the outside to the inside. Her breathing stopped as he lifted her leg and placed it over his shoulder. At the first touch of his tongue against her labia, she struggled to draw breath. His tongue...his glorious tongue...it should be illegal. Her nether lips were bathed with the moisture from his mouth; his tongue making long, slow strokes, slowly moving upward towards her clitoris. She could feel her clitoris expanding and begging for his mouth...begging...begging...aaaahhh, just there. As his lips enclosed her clitoris, the suction of his mouth pulled a scream of release from her lips.

She tasted so sweet. Holding her as she spasmed, he knew he would never let her go. She was his. Had always been his. He would never let her go. Once her release had calmed, he lowered her leg to the floor and slowly began to stand; stopping at her breasts to finally bestow the kisses they had been begging for. He cupped her bottom in his hands and laved her breasts with open-mouthed kisses. His teeth closed on her nipple, and he felt her second release begin, even before he heard the moan escape from under the mask. Standing there watching her climax in his arms, he felt more powerful than he ever had before. Sliding open the zipper across the mouth of her mask, he knew he had to taste her luscious mouth.

The release sent tingling sensations throughout her entire body. She didn't even have the strength to lift her head from where it hung back against her shoulders. The sound of the zipper slowly opening forced her eyes to flutter open. An instant to look into the familiar blue eyes was all she had before her lids fells closed again at the first stroke of his tongue along her lips. His tongue demanding entrance would not be denied. The support of his arms gave way as his hands lifted to release her bound wrists. He gently picked her up and cradled her in his arms as he walked to the bed in the corner, stopping at the wall for the key to the handcuffs. Sinking into the mattress, she felt treasured as he gently removed the cuffs and pulled her shirt and bra all the way off. Fanciful musings assailed her mind as he straightened to his full height, the glow of the red lamp surrounding his silhouette. A greek god in a disappearing sunset, or the devil incarnate. Smiling at her musings, she stilled as his leather jacket hit the floor.

She looks so beautiful lying there, with the red glow reflecting off her supple form. His clothes began hitting the floor faster as his impatience increased. He needed to be sheathed inside her. Now.

He looks so beautiful standing there, strength evident in every line of his body. His fists clenched at his sides as he allowed her to look her fill. The breadth of his shoulders; the strength in his chest; the torso that narrowed to his waist; the powerful muscles in his thighs; and his penis jutting away from his body, fully erect. She had to have him now. Lifting her arms, she beckoned him forward.

His throbbing erection was becoming painful. Standing before her naked, he tried to rein in his demons, but they wouldn't be quieted. Her arms raised to beckon him forward, and he realized at that moment he had still been afraid she would change her mind. As he knelt down on the bed and parted her thighs, he felt like he was finally coming home after a long journey. *snicker* *snort* oops..sorry...

He paused above her, his elbows digging into the mattress. He had to make this right for her. There was so much he wanted to say before this began. So many things he should have said long ago. I love you. Yes, he should have told her before he left for the church that night with Sonny, and so many times before that. He opened his mouth, prepared to tell her, when he felt her hands grasp his buttocks. Her hips tilted up and in one thrust he was sheathed to the hilt. This is where I belong. I'm home.

His buttocks contracted under her hands with those first few strokes. Releasing his buttocks, she locked her legs around his waist and slipped her hands behind his neck. A slight pull induced his head to lower and capture her mouth. Her back arched as she tried to be closer, chest to chest, thigh to thigh. His arms slid behind her back and lifted. He sat back on his heels and held her tight as she straddled his thighs. Adjusting to the new position took only a moment, and she took over. I always did like to ride with him...

He had never felt so attuned to a woman before. Every movement, every gasp, every nuance was in sync with his own. He didn't know how much longer he could control himself, he was so close. Please, Elizabeth, please...

The release hit her so hard she clamped his neck, the slap of their chests meeting echoing through the room. Squeezing her eyes tight, she felt his release in her womb, in the strength of his arms squeezing her tight, in the groan muffled by her shoulder. As the tension eased, he slowly laid back, and she collapsed on his chest. Her head resting over his heart, she allowed the joy and completion she felt to flow through her body. The smile stole across her mouth and the tears gathered unchecked. As the first tear fell to his chest, the implications of this night rushed into her mind. Unbidden, the thought entered her mind...does he know who he's holding? He never said my name...

Will she be with me now? Stroking Elizabeth's back and feeling her soft weight across his chest, the thoughts tumbled through his mind. Where do we go from here? Does she love me? Can she love me? The desire to broach the subject was stilled by the feeling of quiet intimacy. After everything they shared, the way she gave herself to him completely, holding nothing back, she had to feel the same.

Was it just sex? Does he love me? Does he even know who I am? The fear that this wouldn't mean as much to him as it meant to her flooded her and crowded her joy. Should I say something? Why hasn't he said anything? Oh gawd, he doesn't know who I am. He didn't find Emily here. He didn't even KNOW I would be here. So he came up here for...for...oh gawd. He's wearing a mask. The dejection and humiliation coursed through her body and forced her to rise. The tears of joy from a moment before turned into tears of heartbreak. Crossing the room she picked up her clothes and began to dress.

Where was she going? He wasn't yet ready to let her go. He wanted to lie there and hold her until she was ready to talk about their future. Sitting up, he swung his legs to the side of the bed. Placing his elbows on his thighs, he raised his hands to rub his hair, and he realized he still wore the mask. What a night this turned out to be, he thought, as he stifled a chuckle. He thought he had come to rescue Emily, but instead, he can been rescued, again. His divorce from Courtney had been quick and clean. By the time it was finished, painless too. He never should have married her. It was completely unfair of him, and he knew it at the time. Marrying one woman, while loving another, was a despicable thing to do. He just felt so lost after losing Elizabeth, and Courtney had needed him. He knew it had been a mistake to marry her almost immediately. Then, almost dying in that fire, on this site, made him reevaluate his life. Reaching the conclusion that he needed Elizabeth in his life, obtaining that goal became his number one priority. The first step was divorcing Courtney. The second, was slowly insinuating himself back in Elizabeth's life. She had slowly let him back in. His confidante, his solace, his best friend. His musings were broken as his cell phone began to ring. Looking up, he realized that Elizabeth was already dressed. As he swiped his leather coat off the floor, he pulled out his cell phone, determined to make this quick, so he could get down to business with Elizabeth.

"Yeah?"

"Jason? It's Carly! I need you! I'm at Mom's. Please come, now."

He shook his head and raised his hand to rub his brow, as he prepared himself for the probability he would have to hang up on her. She wouldn't like that he would say "no", but he would not run the risk of losing Elizabeth again. Not for Carly, not for anyone. He lifted his head, prepared to tell her "no". He stopped cold as he looked over his shoulder. The arm holding the cell phone fell to his side as he watched the door close behind Elizabeth. Time stood still as he realized she was gone, without a word. Carly's voice coming from the cell phone broke into his stupor. Lifting the phone, he hit "End" and then "Power". Tossing the phone on his jacket, he gazed at the door that the love of his life had just passed through. If Elizabeth had still been there, she would have heard him whisper...

"Anytime."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 4


Stumbling down the hallway, the tears wouldn't stop. The pain and disillusionment ripped at her heart. Certain this pain could never abate, she ran down the stairs and into the casino. Ignoring the yells of the security guard, she flew past him and through the archway leading to the main entrance. Bursting through the doors, her feet hit the sidewalk running. In her distraction, she didn't notice the lone man leaning against the building smoking a cigar.

"Excuse me, miss. Hey! Come back here! You can't leave with the mask!" the security guard yelled. His pursuit was cut short as a voice in the dark stopped him.

"Let her go."

"But, sir," he rushed to explain, "she didn't turn in her mask. I tried to stop her, but..."

Stepping into the light spilling from the lamp above the doorway, the man said, "I know where to find her if I want it back."

"Ok, sir. If you're sure, Mr. Spencer," the guard questioned.

"I'm sure. Go back inside. I'll just be here waiting for someone," he chuckled.

The guards brows raised in inquiry, "Mrs. Spencer is inside dealing blackjack, sir."

His chuckles instantly died and his eyebrows slammed into a scowl as he bellowed, "You don't think I can keep track of my own wife? I know where Red is!" The guard's tension slowly eased as he watched the scowl slide away from Mr. Spencer's face, obviously from some fond memory. At times, Mr. Spencer was difficult to figure out.

"Go back to your post. And do yourself a favor. When you see a man come running, stay out of his way." Chuckling to himself he stepped back out of the circle of light and leaned back against the wall to continue enjoying his Cuban. "I know where to find his mask, too."

As the guard entered the doors, Luke heard him say, "Good evening, ma'am." He turned his head to see his red-haired queen standing in the glow of the lamp.

Pushing away from the wall, and hurrying to the door, he grasped his wife's arms and said, "Here now, Red. Move away from the door, darlin'. Any minute now, a muscle-bound leather gorilla is gonna be barrelling through that door."

"Luke, what are you...?"

"Darlin', we've got front row seats to the best show in the house," he chortled. "Any moment now...ssh! You hear that? It's about to start!"

*****

"Anytime", he whispered, to the echo of the closing door.

The pain tearing in his chest constricted his breathing. He couldn't believe this was happening again. This couldn't happen again. The biggest mistake of his life was the day he let Elizabeth walk out his penthouse door.

Shaking his head, he spoke his thoughts aloud, "I'm brain damaged. Not stupid."

Dressing as fast he could, the thoughts pounded through his mind. I won't let you walk away from me again, Elizabeth. I can't let you.

Bolting through the casino, he struggled to put on his jacket. He spared barely a glance for the security guard edging away from the archway leading to the main entrance. Bursting through the doors, he felt, more than saw, people to his right, but he didn't even pause in his flight. He could hear Sonny's voice in his head saying "Stupid, man, to make yourself an easy target for a bullet in the back." Somehow, it didn't seem to matter though. All that mattered was finding Elizabeth.

Skye turned around in time to see a man come bursting through the door. He was pulling on a leather jacket as he sprinted to the parking lot. Eyes narrowing, she watched the man run for a moment, then turned back to her husband. "Are you going to tell me what's going on here, Luke?"

"All in good time, Red. All in good time." The soft kiss on her lips distracted her for a moment, until she heard the unmistakable roar of a motorcycle. Turning towards the parking lot, she thought to herself...that looked a lot like Jason...

*****

She paused, with key in hand, before entering her studio. The studio was small, but it was home, for now. Lucky and Nikolas had helped her install the refrigerator and stove. A laundry room was located downstairs, and the bathroom down the hall served her needs just fine. She longed to give Venice a bigger home by the time she learned to crawl, but for now, the studio worked out ok. Gram had offered to help her buy a house, and invited her to move back with her, but it was important that she do it on her own terms, in her own time. The only downfall of living in the studio was that she couldn't paint there anymore, since she worried about Venice living in a room with fumes. All of her painting supplies were now at the boxcar. Some days she would sneak away to the boxcar to paint while Gram was spending time with Venice. The beautiful fall weather provided a decent environment for her to lose herself in her art.

Mentally pushing aside her thoughts, she wiped away her tears, and ran her fingertips below her eyes to ensure there were no mascara tracks. Taking a deep breath, she opened her door. With a false smile plastered across her face, she sailed through the door as though she had not a care in the world.

The brittle smile faltered, and inch by inch slowly died, as she realized Zander was asleep; evidently a peaceful slumber, considering the steady rise and fall of his chest. Walking softly to the bassinet, a small smile tilted the corners of her mouth, as she looked inside to see Zander's pinky finger wrapped in a small pink fist. Mentally shaking aside her reverie, she tucked the blanket around Venice, whispering, "I love you, my princess."

Glancing over her shoulder at Zander, the decision was quickly made. There was no sense in waking him, when it was obvious Venice would also wake up, considering the death grip she had on his pinky finger.

"I have to remember to get oil for this", she whispered to herself, as the closet door squeaked open. Reaching in for a blanket from the top shelf, her eyes collided with a black leather jacket. The jacket Jason had given her that first Christmas. She didn't need this reminder to make her relive over and over in her mind the pleasure she had found tonight in Jason's hands...and mouth... Clutching the blanket to her chest, the memories of his mouth on her breasts nearly brought her to her knees. The image of him kneeling before her as his lips nibbled her clit brought a low keening moan from her chest. Erotic Liaisons...how aptly named. The passion and joy of this night with Jason, and the resultant embarassment and anger, whipped at her. Stumbling to the couch, she spread the blanket across Zander. Grabbing her keys, she walked out the door.

*****

Pausing outside the studio door, memories flooded Jason's being. Elizabeth bandaging him, feeding him soup, singing to him...the Christmas tree. That awful Christmas tree. It's the only one he'd ever really liked. He wondered if she was asleep. Would he wake the baby? Raising his knuckles to knock on the door, the door that he had installed after her kidnapping, he wished there was a window so he could see if there was a light on or not.

His mind was rapidly assembling his thoughts as the door slowly opened. His mouth opened to begin his pleas for entry, when he realized it wasn't Elizabeth. Instead, he was looking at a very rumpled, bare-chested Zander. Deja vu.

Turning on his heel, the sense of loss smothering him, he was surprised when Zander spoke. "Jason, wait. It's not what you think."

Turning around he watched Zander step into the hall and softly pull the door partially closed. Slightly whispering, he reminded Jason, "Venice is sleeping. I don't want to wake her." At Jason's nod, he continued, "Elizabeth went out with Emily tonight. I'm just here to babysit. You know," he grinned, "Elizabeth will act as though I'm doing her this huge favor, but we both know, she's doing me the favor, by letting me spend time alone with my daughter. She's just beautiful, Jason."

"That's...nice. I'll leave now."

"Jason, wait. Elizabeth isn't here. I know the last time we were in this situation, I was, well, a jerk. I was jealous of the way Elizabeth looked at you. I wanted to be the man that made her eyes light up; the man that she looked to for advice; the one she trusted with her life. Look, since Venice was conceived, Elizabeth and I...you know, we've never...it's not like that with us. We're just friends."

"Is she in there?"

"No, she's not. I know she's been here, because when I woke up, I had a blanket on. She must have covered me and left again." Zander paused for a moment, as though debating whether or not to continue. Jason saw the moment Zander had decided to speak in the way his eyes raised and bored into him. "You hurt her badly last year. Don't do it again."

"I won't."

"Good. I hope you find her. Do you have any idea where to look?"

"Yeah. I'll find her." As the door closed behind Zander, he turned to leave, thinking, I have to find her.

*****

He rode all night looking for her. He checked the boxcar, the docks, and Vista Point, and then all three again. He even went to Emily's.

The lights were on, so he thought she was still up, but when she answered the door, her hair was standing straight out from her head on one side as if she had been asleep.

"Emily, is Elizabeth here?"

"No, Jason. What happened," she began, but she was already speaking to his back. As he hopped on his motorcycle he threw her a "Thanks" and pealed away. Grumbling to herself about speaking to his back twice in one night, she closed the door.

By the time dawn was breaking across the sky, he decided to go home, take a shower, and go to Kelly's. She would probably be working sometime today. He'd wait as long as it took. Stepping off the elevator at Harbor View Towers, the exhaustion settled on his shoulders. Reaching for his doorknob, he heard a whispered, "Jason? Where have you been all night?"

Barely stifling his groan, he turned around. "Carly, what are you doing? Have you been staking out my door all night?"

"You have me confused with one of your little perfect saintly..." He cut into her tirade in a clipped voice, "Leave it alone, Carly."

"Jason, I needed you last night, and you hung up on me. What's going on?"

"Carly, you have told me over and over that you want me to be happy."

"I do, Jason."

"Then stop expecting me to drop everything and everyone at your every beck and call. Look, I was busy last night. I...it was important. I'm sorry if you needed me, but I am trying to get what I want now. What I need. Do you understand that, Carly?"

"It's Elizabeth, isn't it? You know, I hated her so much." She paused as if deep in thought, looking inside herself. "I hated the way you looked at her, the way you trusted her, the way you let her in when you were shutting me out, and the way you'd yell at me to leave her alone. I hated that. I hated her."

Sighing on a chuckle, "I know Carly."

"Look, just be happy Jase. That's all I want."

Turning away to open his door, his reply came over his shoulder, "That's all I want, too."

*****

Staring out over the water at the docks, she was considering going to the boxcar when she heard a motorcycle. Uncertain if it was Jason, she took off running. She just didn't feel strong enough yet to face him and pretend as if nothing had happened. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to be with him again without him knowing that something was seriously wrong. Jason always knew. He could read her like a book. Sometimes it seemed as though he could read her mind.

The blush that rose to her face at the thought of him reading her mind now propelled her forward at a faster pace. She felt so alone right now. She needed Emily. What had happened to Emily? Was she still at Erotic Liaisons? Was she searching for her right now? I can't believe I forgot about Emily! Maybe she's home...

The ringing doorbell cut into her dreams. In her dreams, she had been in the arms of a man, dancing. Swaying gently to the music, with his hand stroking her back, it had felt so right. As her hands ran up his neck, and knifed through his hair, the color of midnight...

"I'm up! I'm up. Geesh, can't a girl be left in peace with her dreams?" Stumbling to the door, she could feel her hair sticking up from her head on one side and flat on the other. She flipped on the lights and opened the cottage door. "Elizabeth? What...what are you doing here? Come in, come in. Tell me what happened!"

"Emily, I just...can I sleep on your couch? Zander was watching Venice, and fell asleep, and I didn't want to wake him..."

"Elizabeth, you're rambling. Tell me what happened at Liaisons!"

"Nothing happened!" Realizing the vehemence of her denial, she tempered her next statement, "Look, it was all just a mistake, and I'd really like to forget it, if you don't mind."

"No way, Elizabeth. You're going to tell me what happened. Did you and Jason fight, or what? What's wrong?"

Shocked into silence for a moment, Elizabeth sank onto the sofa and whispered, "How did you know Jason was there?"

Flinging herself onto the sofa, Emily snorted, "Elizabeth, I knew you would call him. Some things never change. I wanted to help you two, so I decided to just kind of...you know...move things along, give you a push. So I paid those two guys to grab you and take you upstairs. No wait, Elizabeth, don't be mad! As soon as I saw Jason come in, that's when I told you I was sick. Then after they got you upstairs, I ran to Jason and told him you had been grabbed. I didn't even get to finish telling him where you were, because he was already running up the...Elizabeth? What is it? You look so...funny. Are you sick? What's wrong?"

"Oh, Em. Oh my gawd, Em. I can't believe this. Jason...are you telling me that Jason knew I was up there? That he came looking for me?"

Snorting again, Emily said in exasperation, "Of course he went looking for you. As soon as I told him two guys grabbed you and hauled you upstairs, wild horses couldn't have kept Jason from getting to you!" She paused to take a breath, but turned at the sound of a motorcycle. Suddenly her arms were in vices--Elizabeth's hands--and she realized something had gone terribly wrong tonight as she turned to look into Elizabeth's frantic eyes. "Please Em, he can't know I'm here. I can't face him right now."

"Ok. It's ok, Elizabeth. Let me get rid of him and then we'll talk. We'll work this out. Go to the kitchen or something."

As she walked to the door, she steeled herself to lie to Jason. As soon as she opened the door, he burst out with, "Emily, is Elizabeth here?"

"No, Jason. What happened..." she began, but she was already speaking to his back. As he hopped on his motorcycle he threw her a "Thanks" and pealed away. Grumbling to herself about speaking to his back twice in one night, she closed the door and turned to call out, "Ok, you can come out now. He's gone."

As Elizabeth came back into the living room, Emily said, "All right. Out with it. Tell me exactly what happened tonight." Before she had even finished speaking, she knew that part of her plan had worked, if Elizabeth's blush was any indication.

"Oh, Em. I was so scared, but then somebody opened the door, and I thought it was someone else, but then it was Jason...and oh, Em, it was so wonderful. I was so happy, and I had waited so long, and then we were finished, and I was laying there and I realized he was wearing a mask, and he hadn't said my name, and he didn't even know I was there, or he wasn't supposed to know I was there, and..." breaking off her chatter to look into Emily's eyes, she whispered, "I left. Emily, I just left without saying anything."

"Elizabeth, you had sex with my brother for the first time, and you didn't say anything?!"

"But I already told you! Or at least I think I did. Em, I didn't think he knew it was me! I thought he was there and was just, you know, with a stranger. So I got up and started to get dressed, and his phone rang, and while he was talking, I...left."

"Elizabeth! No wonder he's searching for you at...what time is it anyway? It's almost dawn! He'll search for you all night, Elizabeth!" Pausing to gather her thoughts for a moment, she realized that yelling at Elizabeth wasn't helping, judging by the tears streaming down her face. "Look, this can be fixed, Elizabeth. I know it can. He loves you, you know. I know he does. He always has."

"I would give anything, Em, for you to be right. Em, I love him," she stated as though confiding a secret.

"I know that, silly," Emily laughed.

"Well, I have to fix it. I can fix it. I will fix it. I have to. But how?" Both girls quieted as they contemplated the problem at hand and searched for a solution. At last, Elizabeth spoke. "I...I have an idea! I know how to fix this. Em, will you watch Venice for me tonight? I think I'll be paying another visit to Exotic Liaisons..."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 5

"So we're set? You're sure you don't mind watching Venice?" Elizabeth asked.

"Of course not, Elizabeth. I'll be at your place at seven, so you'll have time to get yourself ready to be a drop-dead gorgeous knockout that'll seduce the pants off my brother..." Her commentary was halted by the pillow hitting her square in the face.

The playful scowl on Elizabeth's face faded as she grasped Emily's hand. "Thanks, Em."

Emily reached out for an impulsive hug, "You'll be fine. You'll be great! Just remember that you're doing the right thing. When you leave Liaisons tonight, there will be no doubt in my brother's mind that you love him."

*****

Later that morning...

He picks up the phone, flips it open, and says, "Yeah?".

His brows are drawn together as a muffled voice says, "Jason, I have information for you".

Deja vu. A feeling of relief settles in his chest as he realizes it is Elizabeth again.

"What's your information?"

"Your sister, Emily, will be at Erotic Liaisons tonight at nine o'clock."

As she hung up the phone, she felt the first flutterings of a serious panic attack coming on. How could she possibly go through with this? But how could she not?

It was important to her to apologize to him at Liaisons; to return to the scene of the crime, so to speak. She needed to ensure that he knew unequivocally that she knew who he was the moment he walked in that room. It seemed to her that the best way to apologize would be to totally recreate yesterday, but with one notable exception. As soon as he walked in that room tonight, they would be on equal ground. Both would know why they were there, and whom they were there for.

As he closed his phone, he thought to himself, oh I'll be there Elizabeth, I will definitely be there.

*****

Pulling the tie away from his neck, Zander was on his way to Kelly's. Another interview down, hopefully this one would garner him the respectable job he craved. He wanted nothing more than to be a good father figure for his daughter. She had completely changed his life, and made him want to be a better man. His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. Flipping open the phone, he wondered if maybe they already decided to hire him...? "Hello?"

"Zander? This is Elizabeth. Are you busy tonight?"

"No, of course not. Do you need me to watch Venice?" he smiled.

"Well, if it won't be a problem, I'd appreciate it. Would nine o'clock be ok?" she asked in a shaky voice.

"Nine o'clock it is. I'll see ya then."

"Uh, yeah. See you then." she managed to mumble as she hung up the phone. She appreciated the fact that Emily loved her enough to try to force Jason into her orbit, and she only wanted the same happiness for Emily. Please don't let me regret doing this.

The break up between Nikolas and Emily had been painful. They were finally on speaking terms again, but for quite awhile Nikolas had been too hurt to even be near Emily. Finding out that Emily allowed him to go to prison for killing Zander even though she knew Zander was alive had dealt him a serious blow.

Elizabeth had felt so guilty since Emily was only helping her. She was the one who wanted to protect Zander until she could prove that Ric had tried to kill him in that fire. Emily went along with the deception, and helped her uncover the truth. Nikolas understood what they needed to do, but what he could not forgive was that Emily didn't tell him she was helping Zander. Or that she was still in love with him.

Nikolas underwent a dark period for awhile, but then his darkness turned to light when Gia came back to town. They were living together now and both seemed genuinely happy and at peace. Elizabeth hoped they would find complete fulfillment, just as she was hoping Zander and Emily could begin to reconnect tonight.

Turning away from the telephone, Elizabeth began to get ready for her own destiny--one Jason Morgan.

*****

Elizabeth stopped at the corner of the building. Taking a deep breath, she bolstered her courage for the night ahead. She still couldn't quite believe she had made it this far. She had never considered herself to be one of the mythical sirens, or even much of an accomplished flirt. Especially not with Jason. With Jason, it had always just come naturally. She had never needed to flirt with him, or...or...seduce him. Please don't let me mess this up.

She walked in the doors and accepted her mask. Placing the mask on her head, she passed through the archway into the main casino. Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, she marched towards the corridor at the back of the casino.

Her vision was so focused on reaching the corridor, that she never noticed the man at the blackjack table that turned to watch her progress. After a few silent moments of contemplation, he turned to the guard a few feet away.

"Johnny." He beckoned the guard over, "I have a job for you."

"Yes, Mr. Spencer."

"Johnny, how many times do I have to tell you? It's Luke. Just Luke. No Mr., just Luke." Rolling his eyes, he continued, "It's a good thing I stole you away from Sonny. You're entirely too uptight. Loosen up, my man."

Turning towards the corridor at the back of the casino, he spoke in a confidential tone, "Johnny, follow that young lady there. Report back to me which room she enters. Take Sam with you. Tell Sam to offer her assistance to the lady, since the upstairs is Sam's realm of expertise."

"Yes, Mr..." he stumbled over his words, "Just Luke. Yes, Luke."

*****

She hoped the room was empty. She wanted it to be the same room tonight as it was last night. As she reached for the doorknob, a woman approached her. The woman had long black hair, and warm brown eyes. She seemed perfectly at ease in this corridor, since she didn't wear a mask.

"Hello, my name is Sam. I would like to offer you my assistance."

Her voice faltered as she haltingly began, "Oh, um, well I guess maybe I could use some help."

"Good. Let's go in, shall we? Don't be embarrassed. Exploring your sexuality can be an extremely rewarding experience." Closing the door behind them, she briskly stated, "Now then. What do you have in mind? May I suggest this? It can be very erotic, yet a little more tame for a beginner. You simply lie back here, and..." she broke off as the woman turned away and walked further into the room.

"No. I...I was here last night, and..." she struggled to swallow and state her request, "Could you handcuff me to that?"

Sam wondered if the woman was just embarrassed, or if she was seriously nervous about the night ahead of her. She eyed the machine the woman had chosen and decided to try to put the poor woman at ease. "Are you meeting someone here, or do you require one of our staff? They are very careful with the whips, so you will not be marked. There is no reason to be afraid. The men are trained and understand the difference between pleasure-pain and regular old pain."

"Oh gawd. No," she began, her eyes straying to the vast selection of tools on the wall. "I don't need that. I'll be meeting someone here."

Chuckling to herself, Sam mused over the obvious discomfiture of her guest that was interlaced with the obvious interest in the woman's gaze at the selection on the wall. She silently thanked the stars that she had embraced her sexuality a long time ago. Getting back to the business at hand, she asked, "Would you like to remove your clothing?"

"Uh, no. Ja...um, he'll do it, I'm sure."

"I'm sure," she laughed. "Well, might I suggest just taking off your blouse and pants? You could leave your underclothes on in order to give him something to take off."

"Um, well, I guess if you think..." she broke off in embarrassment. "Yes. That would be a good idea. He'll know then..."

"He'll know...? Never mind," she laughed again. "Ok, well let's get you cuffed," she said as she proceeded to secure the leather loop, Elizabeth removed her blouse and jeans. Taking a deep breath to relax herself, she stretched her arms in front of her and the padded lining of the cuffs closed about her wrists.

Sam wondered who this woman was, and why she was here if she was so nervous. She raised the woman's hands above her head, stepped on the footstool, and secured her hands by lacing the leather loop through the cuffs. Once she finished, she paused, thinking of the woman's obvious nerves. She gave a parting word of advice. "Remember that at Erotic Liaisons, nothing is out of bounds. Anything and everything is possible. Just let yourself be free, and you won't regret it. I promise you that." Her soft laughter followed her out the door.

With the definitive click of the latch, Elizabeth recalled her words...Just let yourself be free...Just let yourself...be free...Be Free...

*****

Walking by the blackjack table, his arm was suddenly grasped. Turning to look into the devilish eyes of Luke Spencer, Jason inwardly sighed. Not much got by Luke. Did he know what was going on under his roof? That question was answered as Luke said, "She's in room six."

Deciding against prevaricating, Jason asked, "How did you know?"

The incredulous laugh burst from Luke before he stated, "Did you really think I wouldn't know the only woman that ever held my son's heart in her hands?" Clamping his hand over Jason's shoulder in a friendly way, he confided, "I still have a soft spot for Elizabeth, you know."

The friendly clasp on his shoulder suddenly felt more menacing as the other man continued, "I would hate for her to be hurt in any way. The thought of that little lady experiencing any kind of pain really bothers me." The fierce expression on his face belied his genial tone as he continued, "I remember a time when Elizabeth was the only friend you had that you could count on. In return, she received threats from Sorel and a full-time bodyguard. Her studio was bombed, she was kidnapped..."

"Are you trying to remind me I don't deserve her, Luke?" Jason asked.

"No, son. I'm trying to remind you why you need to make certain you always deserve her. I had my angel, my Laura. She believed in me, trusted me, and followed me anywhere. She was a strong, loyal, and good woman. When a woman like that comes along, you have to get down on your knees and thank your lucky stars for your fortune. But more importantly, don't ever let her down." Luke halted his sermon to look at his wife, standing just a few feet away. A soft smile, an understanding smile, passed between them. Turning back to Jason, he finished, "Make certain you always deserve her." With that parting remark, he walked to his wife and took her in his arms.

*****

She tensed as she heard the door opening. The thought raced through her mind, Be Free...Be Free...Be Free...

He paused at the threshold, taking in the sight before him. When she had called earlier, he thought he knew what she was doing, but seeing her standing there handcuffed, he knew for certain. Last night she had been dressed because she was placed here. Tonight, she had removed some of her clothes because she chose to be here. For the first time since he had watched her walk out the door the night before, he could breathe easy. Stepping behind her, he placed his hands on her hips, and sharply tugged her back against him. Holding her to him, he whispered in her ear, "No bailing, tonight."

Dropping her head back against his chest she sighed, "No bailing."

*****

Emily opened the door and stopped in shocked surprise, as Zander said, "I'm here to watch Venice."

He walked past her into the room and moved directly to Venice, sitting in her wind-up swing that he had bought her. Winding the swing some more, he asked, "Where's Elizabeth?"

With a sinking feeling, she realized what Elizabeth had done. "Elizabeth is gone. I'm sorry Zander. I think she...well, she asked me to watch Venice and...I think she's trying to play matchmaker here." Turning back to Venice, he didn't see the hopeful expression in her eyes.

*****

Dropping a soft kiss on her temple, he whispered, "No masks tonight. Tonight there will be no barriers between us. This is about us, and what we mean to each other." Releasing her, he moved until he faced her. Reaching up, he removed her mask.

The feelings rushing through them both in that moment electrified the room. The passion, the trust, the love--they were all there between them. Looking into his eyes, Elizabeth needed to let him know, "Jason, I am so sorry for the way I..."

Her apology was smothered by his kiss. He appreciated her effort to recreate last night, but he vowed the rest of this night would bear no resemblance to the last. When he was finished with her, she would know that she was his, and he hers. When he finished with her, she wouldn't be able to walk out that door.

Pulling back from the kiss, he reached in the inside pocket of his jacket and withdrew his switchblade. He watched the rapid rise and fall of her breasts in the skimpy black lace bra, as he slipped the tip of his knife under the front clasp, ensuring the blunt edge of the blade faced her skin. Pinning her to the spot with his bright blue eyes, he asked, "Are you scared?" He had to know that her rapid breathing was from excitement and not fear. He couldn't stand it if she ever feared him. He had to know she trusted him completely.

"No. Never, Jason. I'll never be scared of you."

With a flick of his wrist, he cut through her bra, freeing her breasts. "Good."

He tossed the switchblade to the divan and removed his jacket. Tossing it on the nearby chair, he said in a playful voice, "You're completely at my mercy. I have five years of wanting stored up." His shirt came over his head and followed his jacket to the chair. "I've imagined possessing you in more ways than you could ever know." He sat down on the divan to remove his boots and socks. "Coming up with new ways I'd like to have you became almost an obsession." Standing up, he began to remove his jeans. "Maybe you should be scared."

"You think I haven't dreamed of having you, Jason? Maybe you should be scared of me." Now where on earth had that come from, she wondered. Maybe this siren thing wouldn't be as difficult as she thought.

He flashed his smile at her, the one that was always guaranteed to make her heart melt. "That's quite a claim considering the position you're in right now."

"I won't be here for long. You won't be able to wait very long to take me to bed," she claimed with false bravado. "You'll release me soon and then it will be my turn."

Chuckling at her naivete, his jeans sailed through the air to land in the chair. He decided the best way to disabuse her of her notions was to show her. As he removed his boxers he said, "You think so, huh? Well, we'll just have to see about that." He was secretly pleased that she still had such an innocence about her.

Well, she wouldn't be innocent for long, he vowed. Moving to stand in front of her, gloriously naked, he dropped his boxers in the chair. He raised his hands to her bound hands and touched his fingers to the inside of her wrists and slowly drew small circles. As his fingers began to trail down the inside of her forearms he said, "We'll just have to see about that." He leaned in to kiss her eyes shut even as his fingers continued their descent, skimming over the inside of her elbows, down towards her shoulders. His hands crossed from her underarms onto her chest. Smoothing his lips down over her cheeks, he brushed his thumbs across her already peaked nipples.

Pulling back to look at her, he saw a wanton woman; her head thrown back, reveling in the feel of his hands on her breasts. The time for gentleness was past. It was time to teach his heart how much passion she had inside her.

[JRK Archiver]

He needed to be certain her wrists wouldn't be required to hold the weight of her body. He wouldn't be able to handle the knowledge that he had hurt her in any way. Reaching to the side bar, he grasped the knob there and turned it, lowering the top bar. Looking into her eyes he saw the "I told you so" expression there. Chuckling to himself, he realized she thought he already "needed a bed" and would release her now. Little did she know what could be done with her hands still bound; he couldn't wait to show her.

He moved the divan directly in front of her, so that it touched the base of her current prison. Once it was in place, he stepped behind her, kissing her on her shoulder as he bent to pass under the bar. Turning, he sat down on the divan.

Reaching out, he slipped his hands to the back of her thighs and said, "Hold onto the bar." He sensed her confusion, but she did as he asked. Once her grip was established, he lifted her thighs and pulled, until her knees were straddling his thighs on the divan. He had lowered the bar enough that her weight could rest on her knees, instead of her arms. His fingers began their exploration of her soft skin even as his mouth clamped on her breast. Gone was the gentleness. The beast within was unleashed. He devoured her with hands and mouth. No part of her body was denied the touch and the strength of his hands.

When his hands finally came to rest on her bottom, he pulled his mouth away from her breasts and looked up into her eyes. "I should spank you for running from me last night," he claimed outrageously, as he squeezed the part of her anatomy in discussion.

"You wouldn't dare!" she gasped, as the blush that suffused her cheeks belied the conviction of her words. It was shocking to hear him say something so outrageous. But even her shock couldn't quell the light of interest burning in her eyes.

"See, there you're wrong. I would dare, Elizabeth," he stated as his right hand reached for the switchblade lying on the cushion. His left hand gave her a bottom a quick swat, and then massaged the offended location as he stated, "Lucky for you, I'm more interested in what you have right here." He slipped the tip of the knife between her inner thigh and the edge of her panties, and whispered, "Maybe I'll spank you later," just before the knife made a small incision. Her outraged excitement turned to confusion as she wondered why he didn't cut them all the way off.

All thought deserted her as his arms slipped between her spread legs and began to lift. She understood now why he had asked her to grab the bar as her thighs draped over his arms and her lower body was raised. She watched in shock as he leaned back against the divan, and draped her legs over him. The backs of her knees were on his shoulders and her calves and heels fell against the back of the divan. She was glad she had a tight grip on the bar, because her body was now stretched out at a downward angle leading straight to his devilishly smiling eyes and mouth. The vulnerability of her position hit her as she slowly looked down her body, to his face, only inches from her center. Her calves resting against the back of the divan began to tremble as sensual excitement permeated her being. She was silently thankful that her hands were handcuffed to the bar, because if he was planning what she thought he was, she didn't know how long she'd be able to hold onto that bar...

He had intentionally given her time for her brain to process the position she was in; completely open and completely vulnerable to him. He paused to give her one last chance to back out. He would be hurt, but he would understand if her level of trust in him did not yet reach this limit. Looking up into her eyes, he waited for the final judgment to come. He could see the thoughts racing through her brain; her modesty at war with her passionate interest; her battle between trusting him well and trusting him completely. He could watch the battles unfold because they reflected in her eyes. He knew the moment she had made her decision. The acceptance and trust was there for him to see in the relaxing of her arms and in her shining eyes, not to mention the smile that spread across her luscious lips. Chuckling to himself, he thanked her silently for what else was in her eyes--passion. He had always known there was a passion lying quietly beneath her surface, just waiting for a man to tap it and let it flow.

She felt his hands come up to cup her bottom, and then she was raised to his mouth. All thought fled as she gave herself over to the pleasure of his mouth. His hot mouth was making her panties wet and she longed for that last barrier to disappear. He must have read her mind, for as the thought crossed her mind, she felt her panties ripped away and tossed to the floor.

His powerful tongue stroked and bathed her nether lips as her bottom was clasped and supported in his left hand. His right hand slipped around to the front, his thumb circling her clitoris. Without conscious thought, her body began to dance. The feelings coursing through her body took control and in an age-old instinct, her lower body began rocking and bucking against his mouth.

He knew she'd be passionate, but he had never guessed he would unleash the hellcat he held now. Her thighs intermittently clamped his head and the moans escaping her throat became increasingly frequent and more audible. His eyes caressed her throat; the way it moved as she tossed her head from side to side in passion; the way it worked to release her low keening moans. Slipping his gaze to her breasts, he watched as they bounced and jerked with each bucking motion of her body; firm, white globes he longed to pay homage to later. Continuing on, he gazed at her nipped in waist and slightly rounded abdomen, a testament to having borne a child. He found it undeniably sexy, and couldn't contain the hope that one day she would carry his seed...his child...their child. Eyes sliding closed he intensified his concentration on the feast before him.

Dear God, his tongue, his lips, and his teeth...his mouth. The sensations coursing through her body threatened to overwhelm her consciousness. She was long past conscious thought. Every sense she possessed centered on the hand squeezing her buttocks, the thumb stroking her clit, and his mouth bringing her unbearable pleasure. Her head thrashed and her body bucked faster as she felt herself on the edge of an invisible cliff. She felt so close...so close to attaining that goal...it was just out of her reach...so close...

So close...she is so close. I can feel it. Just a little more...there.

Her head fell back to emit her scream as her thighs clamped his head. The shudders racked her body as her climax spread through every pore of her being.

He could feel her contractions against his mouth. He waited until they began to recede before reaching out to lower the bar. Once it was at the right height, he proceeded to position her. He lowered her bottom to his lap so she could lie back on his thighs. Her hands were still bound and raised above her head and her throat was exposed as her head fell back over his knees. Her ankles came to rest on his shoulders that once again were supported by the back of the divan.

Placing his hands on her thighs, he stroked up past her knees and calves to her ankles, perched near his ears, and then back down, stopping as he reached her inner thighs. As he lightly stroked her still thrumming core, her feet moved off his shoulders to the divan as her knees instinctively fell open. Finished with her nether lips for now, his hands spread palms-down on her abdomen and slowly massaged their way up to her breasts.

She felt as though she was his personal playground. Not that she'd complain. Lying back with her eyes closed, she reveled in his glorious fondling. She was finally coming back into herself when she felt the slight nudge of his penis against her core. As she struggled to open her eyes, she felt his hands grasp her hips. Her muddled mind attempted to marshal the words necessary to suggest a change in position, but she was too late. In one smooth thrust, he filled her completely.

He held still for a moment to relish the feel of her body gloving him so perfectly. He couldn't stay still for long though, as the leashes he had held on his passion thus far had broken. Tightening his hold on her waist, he began to move his hips. The long, slow strokes began to build as he surged harder and stronger, using his hold on her waist to slam her into his groin, increasing the depth and pleasure of each stroke.

Elizabeth's dormant passion awakened again. Grasping for some control, she bent her knees and placed her feet against the back of the divan. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she wasn't afraid to ask for it. "Move forward. To the edge," she was able to gasp out between his strokes. He complied immediately and loosened his hold on her waist as she began to set the rhythm and depth by swinging back and forth using her feet against the divan, and the bar above her head, to propel her.

He watched in amazement as she completely took over. He had known this hellcat was waiting to be unleashed, but he didn't expect it to happen this soon. Deciding to let her explore her freedom, he edged a little further towards the edge of the divan and settled back to enjoy her ride, his gaze centered on where his member was alternately revealed and sheathed.

She was so wet and so tight. She felt so good, and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold back for long. Reaching out his hand he began to massage her mons with the heel of his hand. He was rewarded when her gasps started changing and he knew her time was near. He had already learned the tenor of her moans that signaled her coming orgasm.

As the first contraction hit, and before the first scream had died, he was already grasping her hips and pounding home to his own fulfillment. The walls of her sheathe were still contracting as his orgasm hit him full force. Closing his eyes, he emptied himself in her. Leaning forward, he laid his head on her chest and gloried in the extent of his completion, the satisfaction he felt with this woman; with only this woman. Opening his eyes, he watched as small shudders still periodically shook her small frame. Coming out of his trance, he pulled back from his resting-place on her bosom and realized she had lost grip of the bar and was hanging by her wrists. His languor fled as he lifted her against his chest, afraid her wrists would be hurt. Reaching up to circle her wrists with one hand, he asked, "Are your wrists ok? Are you hurt?"

She tried to lift her head from the comfortable position it had found in the curve of his neck, but the effort was too much. Mumbling into his neck, she stated, "I'm fine Jason. No, I'm not fine. I'm wonderful, glorious, stupendous..." He could barely make out the last word as it was muffled by her lips against his throat. As her lips slid up to his ear, he heard her next words loud and clear, "I love you, Jason."

Dropping his hands from her wrists, he circled her with his arms in a tight embrace, lowered his head to kiss the curve of her shoulder, and said, "I love you too, Elizabeth. You're mine, Elizabeth."

"Yes," she whispered, "I'm yours. Always, Jason."

"Good. I'm glad we understand one another," he chuckled. "So when I spank you later, you'll know it's because you're mine..." he broke off as she bit his shoulder. "Ouch! You're vicious."

Sitting up, she straddled his thighs and looked into his eyes. "Yes, I am. And don't forget it, Morgan." He was amazed at how regal she could look even with her arms still bound over her head. His thoughts of her looking regal fled with her next sentence, "I told you once before to remember I'm dangerous when crossed," she sing-songed.

Chuckling softly he whispered, "Yes, you did, didn't you," as he smiled into her eyes. Changing the subject slightly, he continued, "Are you hungry or thirsty? If so, I'd better go get it for you now."

Tilting her head, she asked, "Why now?"

He quirked an eyebrow at her and then deliberately looked down at his throbbing erection. Her eyes followed his down and she chuckled, "If you'd release my hands, I could take care of that problem for you, Morgan."

"Not a chance."

"You're determined to make me eat my words about releasing me to take me to the bed, aren't you?" she asked, raising herself to her knees.

"I'm determined all right, but it might not be words you'll be..." his comment was cut short as Elizabeth poised herself on the tip of his erection. Looking into her eyes, he could see the devilish laughter there. He could also see the newfound strength and confidence in her femininity and its power. He was grateful that he was able to help her find that confidence.

That's not all he was grateful for, he realized, as she rotated her hips until the tip of his penis was wet with her arousal. He fought the need to grasp her hips and enter her in one thrust. He knew he needed to hold himself back and allow her to explore her newfound confidence. No matter what she asked of him, he'd do it. Anything to see her smile at him the way she was right now.

Once again poising her entrance on the tip of his erection, she whispered, "Say please."

Giving up all pretense of being in control, he fell back against the divan, looked into her eyes, and said, "Please."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 6


Sinking into the cushioned chair, she was silently grateful he had bent enough to allow her this luxury--to sit as she gathered her breath. Leaning back into the plush cushions, she placed her cuffed wrists in her lap. He hadn't bent that far yet--her wrists were still secured. At least he released her from being tethered to the bar just before pulling up this chair for her. She was curious about why he had left the leather belt attached to the handcuffs though. Deciding to ask him once she had caught her breath, she allowed her eyelids to close. For now, she just wanted to catch her breath and be grateful for the chair holding her. The muscles in her legs and arms felt like jelly from exertion and pleasure.

She contemplated her current state of exhaustion. Exhaustion was not really the correct term. Certainly, she had not had this level of exercise since giving birth to Venice, but beyond the actual physical exertions, she felt an almost languorous contentment all the way to her bones. The things he had shown her tonight, the sensations he had introduced her to were all beyond her wildest imaginings. No, exhaustion wasn't the right term; sexual satiation was.

Pulled from her thoughts by the sound of his movements, her eyes slid open as her head turned to gaze at him. She could spend hours just watching him move; his beautifully naked body; his broad shoulders and well-defined chest; the sleek muscles in his back; the firm rounded buttocks that she loved to grasp and feel contract as he pulsed inside her. In fascination, she watched the muscles bunch in his thighs and buttocks as he squatted before a piece of equipment across the room. He studied the equipment overly long in her opinion, but that line of thought fled as he stood and turned toward her. Walking toward her, he afforded her a view of his other manly attributes. She was so engrossed in studying him that she almost missed his question, "Are you doing ok?"

Tearing her gaze away from one specific attribute, she answered him, "I'm fine, Jason."

Standing before her, he said, "Good. Get up," and almost laughed at the way her chin instantly hitched up at the request that sounded more like an order. He loved it when she got piqued like that. Deciding to push her farther, he placed his hands on his hips and said, "Be a good girl now and do as I say."

The flash of defiance in her eyes, the determined set of her chin and the blatant disregard of his request rewarded him as she sunk further into the chair. He was completely amused by her reaction and couldn't hold in his laughter anymore. First his abdomen and chest started shaking, and his shoulders soon followed. Before long, he was laughing out loud and watching as Elizabeth's lips pursed as she fought against laughing too. Leaning down to grab the leather loop on her lap, he hoisted her up into his arms. Placing a kiss on the tip of her nose he said, "You will always be a handful." He earned a thump in the chest from her fists for that comment. Still chuckling, he grasped the loop and stepped away from her. Giving a tug to get her moving, he led her across the room.

She looked ahead of him to the piece of equipment in the corner that he had studied earlier. It had four clawed feet that were bolted to the floor; the four legs joined into one at about knee-level. At the top of the leg, about waist-high, was a cushioned bar about 3 foot long.

"What is that?"

"I'll show you." The underlying promise in his voice caused her lungs to seize. Again?! Her breathing turned erratic as she thought...so much for thinking it might be some sort of footstool.

He stopped beside the equipment and turned to look at her. He was holding her wrists in front of her and noticed the way her extended arms pressed her breasts together. In her eyes he could see banked passion and a newly awakened curiosity. Her silhouette in the dim red glow was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Having looked his fill, he was now ready to touch.

Moving to her right side, he released the leather loop to let her arms fall in front of her. Spearing his left hand into the hair at her nape, he gently placed his right hand on her stomach. He pulled back on her hair and leaned down to nuzzle her neck, as his other hand slipped down into her soft springy curls. "Open your legs," he instructed as his lips slowly traveled the expanse of her chest.

Her skin was burning; his lips the water to douse the flames. His tongue drawing slow strokes along the tops of her breasts caused her breathing to hitch. His fingers playing in the vee of her legs sent tingling sensations from her womb to her breasts. Her mind rebelled against the command in his voice, but her body was powerless to fight it as her legs obeyed him of their own volition. If she were honest, she'd admit that she loved being so mastered here, in the dark, by Jason. But she wasn't ready to admit that just yet. He had repeatedly barked orders to her throughout this night; some she obeyed immediately and others she balked at. She began to wonder, with some embarrassment, if he somehow knew that a part of her liked it. Was there something wrong with her? Would he think her some kind of floozy if he knew she secretly liked it? Her idle musings were chased out of her mind as his fingers began to move lower.

As his lips slid up her throat, his fingers slid more firmly between her legs. Pulling away from her throat, he briefly lifted his head to look into her eyes before lowering his mouth to hers. The simultaneous probing of fingers and tongue caused her to sigh in welcome. The choreographed dance of stroking tongue and probing finger seduced her anew.

He wanted to watch her respond to him. Reluctantly pulling back from her soft lips, he gazed at her face; the eyelids resting against her softly flushed cheeks and the lips slightly bruised from the furious meetings of mouths. He watched as her body moved against his hand in a timeless dance.

Slowly releasing his hold on her nape, he withdrew his hand from her hair. Easing his fingers out of her body, he whispered in her ear, "Come." Grasping the loop again, he moved to stand behind the bar, placing her directly in front of it. Looking into her eyes, he said, "Bend over."

Time stood still as she looked in his eyes. She couldn't quell the interest and desire to be mastered by him, but her insecurity balked. Would she be losing a piece of her independence if she obeyed? If she turned over control here, would she be losing something of herself? Did it mean she was weak if she wanted to be mastered?

He watched the battle unfolding within in her as it reflected in her eyes. He knew Elizabeth, and understood her fear. He knew her instinct to protect her independence was at war with her instinct to surrender to him in passion. She had to know that she could trust him completely. He had to know that she trusted him completely. He knew what she wanted, if she would only let herself accept it. He would keep pushing her until she accepted her own passion; until she understood it was ok to give him control here, that it did not make her less of a woman. Mastering a woman in the bedroom wasn't his normal style, but with Elizabeth it came naturally, an extension of her own desire to be mastered. Only by accepting her true passionate desires, and trusting him to respect them, and still respect her, would she be able to truly let go. Deciding to help her along, he said again, "Bend over."

Elizabeth looked into his eyes, searching for his thoughts. There she found love, respect, and desire. Her mind accepted these things even as her heart reminded her...this is Jason. You can trust him. Always. Her decision made, she bent over the bar.

Jason stood completely still for a moment, slightly shocked that she had capitulated so soon. The evidence lay before him as she bent over the bar. His gaze moved over the sleek lines of her back that flared out at her hips, as the feeling of contentment slowly spread through his chest. She trusted him completely. She trusted him to care for her passion and respect her because of it, not in spite of it. Breaking his reverie, he knelt to secure her hands.

Bent over the bar, she waited for him to move. She wondered what he was thinking as he stood there so still. Her gaze wandered to the wall in front of her, and she noticed a very small bar connected to the wall near his ankle. The realization of what that was for became clear as he finally moved. He knelt to secure her hands by looping the leather connected to her cuffs through that metal bar connected to the wall.

Once he was finished, he paused. She raised her eyes to his, just inches from her own. She turned her head into the palm that he raised to cup her face. As his thumb lightly stroked her cheek, he whispered, "You will never regret trusting me, Elizabeth." A single tear fell from her eye, but he brushed it away with his lips. “I promise, you will never regret it.” As his lips collected her tear, she whispered, “I know, Jason.”

So he knew, she thought to herself. As his lips softly touched her own, she realized...this is Jason-of course he knew. Sometimes she felt he knew her better than she knew herself. As he lightly sucked on her bottom lip, she felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her. Reveling in her newfound confidence, she broke the kiss and said, "Well, what are you waiting for, Morgan?" The quick flash of his grin rewarded her bravado.

He raised his hands to her breasts, and pinched her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. He heard her sudden intake of breath as he slowly began rolling the nipples between his fingers. Sliding underneath her upper body, he released her right nipple and replaced his fingers with his mouth; his left hand snaked up her side and onto her back, to gently massage and stroke. Moving his mouth to her other breast, his right hand slid between her legs. "Open your legs," he growled before latching back onto her nipple. This time she complied without thought, and he stroked his fingers through her damp curls. He could feel her clitoris was slightly swollen; a testament to her arousal heightened by her position.

Pulling away, he slowly stood up. He moved behind her and trailed his hands from her shoulders, down her back, to her bottom. Dropping to his knees, he ran his hands down her legs to her ankles. Circling her ankles with his hands, he pulled lightly, forcing her to widen her stance. Once he was satisfied, he secured her ankles in the cuffs attached to the legs of the stand.

Well, I'm well and truly bound, she thought to herself as the second cuff latched against her ankle. She felt him stand up and then lean over her, his chest against her back, his erection pressing against her bottom. She loved the feel of being surrounded by his strength. It ended too quickly though, as he pulled slightly away to drop quick kisses along her spine. Her back tried to arch with his kisses, but because of her position, she could rise no higher than parallel with the floor; and that was only if she straightened as far as her tethered hands allowed her.

He moved slightly to her left side, and rested his hand on the bar, by her hip. His right hand slowly stroked down her back and came to rest on her right hip. He was still for a moment, just standing there, with his hand resting on her hip. She wondered what he was thinking. Suddenly her eyes widened and her mouth opened in surprise as she realized...he wouldn't...would he?! Her mind began frantically formulating arguments but before she could voice them, she felt his hand rise from her hip. Shocked into immobility, she heard him say, "And now, about that spanking," just before his palm connected with her ass.

****

Zander turned his head from where it lay on the back of the sofa to look over at Emily. She was finally asleep. He reached over to cover her more fully with the blanket tucked around her.

They had hardly talked at all, but she refused to leave. Venice had provided some distraction, until she fell asleep. Thankfully, Emily fell asleep not long after Venice. He had been sitting here for hours, his gaze and mind alternately switching between the two females in the room; the two females he loved the most. One his daughter, and the other his heart.

Rubbing his hands over his face, he sighed. He didn't know if he would ever be able to forgive Emily for the way their marriage ended, but it seemed his foolish heart didn't need to forgive her in order to love her still.

Pulling his blanket up and settling back to try to get some sleep, he thought to himself...as long as she never knows you still love her, you'll be all right.

*****

Bent over the cushioned bar, she could feel the bead of sweat gathered at the tip of her nose threatening to fall. Her lungs struggled to fill with air as she hung there--suspended--his weight upon her back and her breasts held in his hands.

She still couldn't believe he had spanked her. Granted, he had only smacked her three times, and not very hard, but still...he had actually done it. Reflecting on it, she admitted it was actually kind of exciting, not that she'd admit that to the big oaf.

"Release me, now," she ordered, trying to gain back some control of the situation. He released her breasts and pulled back slightly, only to place a suggestive hand upon her right buttock. Rethinking her position (still securely bound), she tempered it with, "please". Her nostrils flared as his hand squeezed her bottom, and he chuckled.

"Have I found the one sure way to make you be reasonable, Elizabeth?" he asked. Still chuckling, he said, "In the future, I'll just threaten you with a spanking when you misbehave." At that he burst out laughing again.

She tried to maintain her righteous indignation, but she was helpless against his laughter. The giggles started in her chest and before she could stop them, they escaped, until she was laughing out loud with him.

Their laughter was interrupted by a knock on the door. "This isn't an overnight establishment. If you're planning on staying in there much longer, I'll have to charge you rent. The place closed half an hour ago."

Jason moved to release Elizabeth's ankles. As he released her arms, she whispered, "Isn't that Luke?! He doesn't know who we are, does he?" Her frantic whisper was cut short by the parting shot at the door.

"Make certain you wear a helmet, darlin'."

Elizabeth buried her head in Jason's shaking chest, as she listened to the laughter from both men--the one in hall and the one in the room. Pulling away from Jason, she punched him on the chest.

He watched her cross the room, in a way that could only be termed as stomping. She swiped up her clothes and then huffed, "What are you looking at?" as she proceeded to put on her bra. He watched with amusement as she went to hook it and remembered she couldn't. She growled at him and tossed it to the floor, and he couldn't hold back anymore. Falling on the bed, he gave in to his laughter. She was so funny. He had never laughed so much with anyone as he had with Elizabeth. She constantly amused him with her wit, her intelligence, and her charm. Her temper is what amused him the most. His laughter had just begun to subside when she raised her fist at him and shook it; the fist held her ripped panties. As the laughter ripped through him once more, he saw her lips twitch. He was surprised when she turned and began running to the bed. Hopping up and landing on his chest, she said, "See, I knew you wouldn't be able to wait to get me in bed." With that, he laughed some more.

*****

They stopped at his bike, and he said again, "You're not driving."

"But, Jason, I..."

"You're NOT driving," he said for the umpteenth time as he got on the bike and started it. Handing her the helmet he said, "You can drive later. I know your arms have got to be tired, so it's best if I drive tonight."

Grudgingly agreeing he was probably right, but not about to tell him so, she climbed on behind him. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she said, "Ok. I'm ready."

As they drove through the streets towards her studio, she realized she was happy--truly happy for the first time in a very long time. Venice was a complete joy, and made her happy of course, but the complete happiness that comes from every aspect of your life falling into place...that's what she felt right now, in this moment.

He had missed the feel of Elizabeth on his bike, her arms wrapped around him and her laughter on the wind. With reluctance, he stopped the bike in the alley at her studio. He wished the night wasn't over so soon. Turning off the bike, he waited for Elizabeth to get off.

After she took off her helmet, she said, "You don't have to walk me up, Jason. I'll be fine."

He looked at her like she was crazy and said, "No. I like to know you're safe. I'll walk you to your door," and put his arm around her as they walked toward the entrance.

Standing outside her studio door, she didn't want the night to end yet. Reaching up to cup his beloved face in her hands, she said, "Thank you for tonight, Jason. Will you stop by Kelly's to see me tomorrow...or really, today," she laughed. "I work the afternoon shift."

"Yeah, I'll see you there," he whispered, and leaned down to place a soft kiss on her lips. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Jason." She turned to open her door. As the door began to open, he stopped her with his hand on her arm.

"No regrets?" he asked.

"No regrets," she confirmed, before entering her studio and closing the door.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 7

All morning she had been remembering the night before. The images were seared in her mind. The passion they shared, the trust she had placed in him, and the way he seemed to know exactly what she wanted.

Her lips tilted as she recalled the scene at her door the night before, "No regrets?" he had asked. The tender look in his eyes when he asked still warmed her heart.

"Elizabeth. Elizabeth! Earth to Elizabeth," Zander laughed as he snapped his fingers in front of her face. "Hey! You were a million miles away again. I guess it must have been some night." Bending to retrieve his jacket, he tossed over his shoulder, "I've decided to forgive you."

That statement officially brought her back to the present. "Zander, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I just...I wanted...I thought..."

"Yes, Elizabeth," Zander ground out, "I know what you just wanted and thought."

Straightening her back and lifting her chin, she decided it was time to take the bull by the horns, so to speak. "Well, you didn't look like it was such a hardship when I came in."

She braced herself as his head snapped around and his eyes bored into hers. She fought the shiver that tried to race up and down her spine, as she looked into his steely eyes. Meeting his eyes became extremely difficult, and she was just about to lower her gaze when she saw the softening in his eyes. Heartened by the softening, she waited.

He sighed and the steel left his spine. "Look, Elizabeth, I appreciate that you wanted to help but just let it be. Okay? Let it be," he whispered as he turned and moved out the door.

Standing in the hallway waiting for Elizabeth, he began to remember the night before. Slumped against the wall, he admitted to himself that he had enjoyed waking up this morning.

His mind slowly came awake. He felt a soft weight on his chest and smelled shampoo. Not just any shampoo--Emily's shampoo. At first he thought he was still dreaming, but he cracked open his eyes and beheld the reality. Sometime during the night, Emily had moved until she was lying in his arms, sprawled on his chest. In those quiet moments at dawn, he allowed himself to lower his guard and acknowledge the love in his heart that still lived for her. Lifting his hand, he gently brushed the hair from her forehead and watched the eyelashes flutter against her cheek. Her eyelids slowly raised and he looked through the windows to her soul. Without thinking, he leaned down to place a soft kiss against her mouth...

"We're ready, Zander," Elizabeth's voice broke into his reverie.

"Here, let me take Venice," he said and took hold of the stroller as Elizabeth closed and locked the door.

*****

"Do you like the water, Venice?" Zander asked as he pushed her stroller along the docks. "Maybe we should go swimming?"

Smiling at Zander's antics, Elizabeth said, "I don't think we'll be doing it here. But you're right. It might be a good idea to get her accustomed to water while she's young." Whatever she had been about to suggest was cut off as Jason and Emily walked up.

"Hey Elizabeth!" Emily chirped and in a more subdued tone, she said, "Zander." Kneeling before the stroller she started to make silly faces at Venice.

“You know, we could sneak onto the Quartermaine estate and use the lake there, if you wanted to take Venice swimming,” Jason suggested. “I took Michael there. Michael loved the water."

Sensing that this was somehow important to Jason, Elizabeth answered, “Yes, I’d like that.”

Nodding his head once in confirmation, as Jason was wont to do, he continued, “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about last night.”

Elizabeth couldn’t stop the blush that stole across her cheeks. “I haven’t been able to either. Zander will say something, and I’ll just be staring off into space. I don’t know how many times he has snapped his fingers in front of my face today,” she broke off with an embarrassed laugh.

Emily smiled as she watched Jason and Elizabeth. Turning to look at Zander, she realized he was smiling too. He turned his head, and for a brief moment in time they shared an amused smile. She watched his transformation as he realized who he was sharing a smile with; his smile fell away and the shutters dropped in his eyes, masking his thoughts.

Standing up, she masked her feelings. The pain of his rejection cut deep, but she held her head high until he knelt before Venice. Then she felt the trembling of her chin.

"What do you think of your mommy's taste in men, Venice?" Zander asked. "Gone downhill since your daddy, huh?" he said in a teasing voice.

Elizabeth laughed and pulled out of Jason's arms. She walked to the stroller and said, "Remember what Mommy told you. Your Daddy is sometimes delusional." Her teasing was cut short as Lucky and Mac walked up.

"Hello," Mac said and then turned to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, we were just on our way to your studio."

Lucky stopped Mac's speech with a hand on his arm. Stepping forward, he gently held Elizabeth's arms in his hands and said, "Elizabeth, I have some bad news."

"What? What's wrong? Is it Gram?" she asked, her voice betraying her apprehension.

"No. No, it's not Audrey. It's Ric. He has been officially reported as missing. The last time he was seen in the office was two days ago. Have you seen him or spoken to him?" he gently asked.

"No...no, I haven't...I haven't seen him," she whispered as her mind assimilated what Lucky was saying.

"There's more, Elizabeth," he continued. "His car was found in the lake this morning by..." he broke off as Jason's cell phone began to ring.

"Excuse me. I'll take it over here," Jason said as he walked toward the stairs. "Yeah?"

"Jason, we got a problem. Meet me at the penthouse," Sonny said in a brisk voice.

"Sonny...can it wait?" Jason asked.

"Can it wait? What do you mean, can it wait? I tell you we have a problem, and you ask me…" Sonny asked in a clipped voice.

"Sonny, Mac and Lucky are here," he paused and lowered his voice, "and they're telling Elizabeth about Ric. I think I should be here for a little bit."

"Do what you gotta do. Just get here as soon as you can. We've got trouble," Sonny stressed before hanging up.

Turning back to the assembled group, Jason watched as Lucky held a crying Elizabeth in his arms. He stood there watching her cry until he felt a small hand on his arm. He turned to Emily as she began to speak, "She loves you, Jason. I know she does. She's crying, but it doesn't mean she doesn't love you..." she broke off, not certain what else to say.

Turning back to watch Elizabeth, he said, "I know she does, Emily. She's not crying because she's in love with Ric. She feels guilty."

"Guilty? Why would she feel guilty?" Emily asked incredulously.

He ran his hand through his hair and thought about her question while watching Elizabeth, then answered, "I don't know. Maybe she feels guilty that she doesn't feel worse about it than she does? Maybe she wished sometime that he were dead? I don't know...but I know Elizabeth. She's not crying with grief. Maybe she doesn't feel as sad about his death as she thinks she should.”

"His death? Well, maybe if he was dead..." she began, but was cut off by Jason's clipped question.

"What do you mean, "if"? Isn't that what they just told her?" he asked.

"No. They told her that they found his car, and he hasn't been seen, but there was no body. Right now he's just missing, but told her she needs to brace herself for the worst,” Emily said. Looking at him, she noticed he looked a little strange. “Jason, what do you know about Ric?”

Ignoring her question, he grabbed her arms and said, “Emily, do me a favor. Stay with Elizabeth, ok? Just…just stay with her until I contact you. Can you do that for me?”

“Sure, Jason, but what’s going on…” she stopped since he was already running up the stairs.

*****

Max stopped him at the door to the penthouse. "It's not good, Jason. Sonny's in a rage."

"Ok. Thanks Max," Jason said as he opened the door.

"Jason. We've got a problem. Clarence is gone," Sonny said as he poured a shot of brandy.

"What do you mean, gone?" Jason asked.

"Gone! Disappeared! The night before last was the last time he was seen. The night you took care of Ric," he paused to toss back his drink. Slamming the glass on the table he turned to Jason and said, "Ric's car was found. But no Ric."

Placing his hands on his hips, Jason said, "Yeah, I know. Mac and Lucky just informed Elizabeth."

"Why wasn't there a body, Jason?" Sonny asked, but he was speaking to Jason's back. Sonny watched as Jason began pacing.

Turning back to Sonny, Jason said, "Clarence took care of it. I should have done it. I should have done it myself, but it was Clarence's first real job, so I just provided support. I watched. I thought he was dead. Why didn't I check? Why didn't I check to make certain?" Jason rambled.

"Jason! Get it together man. Look, if Ric is alive, we have a problem," he stated. "Jason, I think we'll have to get Carly and the kids. That sick bastard might actually try to use my family."

"Are you going to tell her anything?" Jason asked.

"No. Just tell her she has to move back in here," Sonny said.

"She's not going to like it, Sonny," Jason said with a shake of his head.

"Tough. Just get it done, Jason," Sonny said and turned to go upstairs.

*****

Standing outside the brownstone, Jason took a deep breath before walking to the door. In response to the doorbell, he heard Carly yell, "Coming!"

The door opened and he braced himself for her arguments. "Jason? What are you doing here?" she asked. Opening the door wider, she said, "Well don't just stand there. Come in."

Dropping onto the couch, he decided the best method was full attack. "Carly, you need to pack some things and get the boys. I'm taking you to Sonny's."

Jumping to her feet, she sneered, "The hell you are."

"Carly, there is no time for you to argue. This is serious. We have a problem, and you could be in danger. You and the boys need to stay at the penthouse for awhile."

She sat back down and asked, "Jason, what's going on? What's wrong?"

Shaking his head, he said, "Carly, I don't want to argue with you. We don't have time. Do you trust me?"

"You know I do, Jase."

"All right. Then just trust me on this, ok? We need to go. Now," he stressed.

"All right Jason," she gave in easily. Too easy, to Jason's way of thinking. He wondered what she was up to while watching her run out of the room.

The sound of the door opening drew him to his feet. He saw Bobbie come through the door juggling five grocery bags. Stepping up to her he said, "Hi Bobbie. Let me help you with these." He grabbed three of the bags and moved aside for her to lead the way.

"Thanks Jason. Did you come to see the boys?" she asked as they walked into the kitchen.

He placed the bags on the counter and said, "Bobbie, I'm taking Carly and the boys to the penthouse for awhile." He saw the worry spread across her face and hastened to reassure her, "Don't worry. They'll be fine. It's just a precaution."

He was interrupted by Carly bouncing into the room to drop a kiss on Bobbie's cheek. "Hi mama. So did Jason tell you I'm moving in with him?" she asked.

So this was her plan. Shaking his head, he said, "You are NOT moving in with me. You are moving in with Sonny."

"Oh come on Jase. You have all that room to yourself. You're hardly ever there. Why can't I just live with you? Why would you force me to stay at Sonny's, when I can just stay with you?" she whined.

"Carly, I'm not going to fight with you," he began, but decided to switch tactics. "On the other hand, you know, you're right. You should move into my penthouse. You can help with Venice. She's only about two or three months old now, and I'm certain you and Elizabeth could share a room..." he chuckled and stopped speaking, as he watched Carly's mouth fall open.

"You're living with Muffin Face?!" she asked. "You let Princess Purity move in with you? Why, Jason?!" she demanded.

His chuckles stopped immediately and he told her in a firm voice, "Carly, don't start. No, Elizabeth doesn't live there."

"Well then why..." she began but was cut off by Jason's, "Yet."

"Yet?" she asked. "Yet?!" she burst out and rounded the island to grab Jason's arm. "Jase, she's not right for you. Just let me stay with you. Little Lizzie Webber Lansing can just stay in her little studio and paint."

"No. Don't fight me on this Carly. Elizabeth will be moving into my penthouse. So unless you want to room with her, you are moving into Sonny's," he stated with finality.

Bobbie watched the war of wills occurring in her own kitchen. Deciding it was time to end it, she said, "Well I for one think Elizabeth would be a better roommate than you, anyday." That statement had the desired effect, as Carly turned to her and said the same old line, "Is it too much to ask that you could be on my side for once?"

Bobbie kissed her daughter on the cheek and said, "Carly, you're my daughter and I love you. Now go help Leticia get those boys packed up."

As Carly left the room, Bobbie turned to Jason and said, "Take care of them, Jason. And take care of Elizabeth. I don't know why you think Elizabeth could be in danger too, and I'm not certain I want to know. Just protect them."

"I will."

*****

Standing outside Elizabeth's studio, he braced himself for another argument. Depositing Carly and the boys at Sonny's had not been easy. Carly fought him the whole way there.

He knocked on the door and waited. When the door swung open, he watched Emily's surprise and relief. Instead of letting him in, she stepped into the hall. "Jason, what is going on here? Why did you tell me not to leave Elizabeth?" she asked.

"Emily, I can't really talk about it, but I might need your support," he said. Running his hand through his hair he said, "Look Emily, I want Elizabeth to move in with me."

"Wow. That was fast. I mean, I know you love each other but..."

"No Emily. It's not...it's not like that. I need her to move in my penthouse so I can keep an eye on her," he said. Watching Emily's chin firm, he realized she wasn't going to settle for anything other than the truth. Deciding to get as close as possible, he said, "Emily, Elizabeth might be in trouble. I can't tell you exactly why, so don't ask. She might be fine, but I want to be certain, so I need to be able to protect her, just in case."

"Jason, does this have something to do with Ric?" Emily asked.

"Yes. Now don't ask anything else, because I won't answer you. Just help me convince her if I need you to, ok?" he asked.

Nodding her head in the affirmative, she opened the door again and stepped into the room. Jason followed her in, but stopped; his gaze riveted on Elizabeth feeding Venice. Somehow he knew that Elizabeth would breast-feed her daughter.

He watched as the fading orange light of dusk streamed through the window, bathing the mother and daughter in the rocking chair. Elizabeth's head was bent, and her finger stroked Venice's cheek, as she slowly rocked.

The sound of the closing door brought Elizabeth's head up. Turning to look she saw Jason standing at the door--just watching her. He must have realized he was staring, because he suddenly turned and said over his shoulder, "I'm sorry. I'll go in the hall until you're finished."

Somewhat surprised at herself, Elizabeth said, "No Jason. It's ok. You can stay." He turned back into the room and she realized she didn't feel uncomfortable in the least. Instead, it somehow felt right with him here. "Venice is almost done anyway. She's falling asleep." As soon as she finished speaking, Venice released her nipple. Emily moved forward and took Venice in her arms. Placing her on her shoulder she began to gently pat her back, as Elizabeth fixed her clothing.

"Come in and sit down, Jason," Elizabeth said as she moved to the sofa. Once he sat beside her, she said, "Now please tell me why you asked Emily to stay with me." Jason threw a look Emily's way, but Elizabeth stopped him by saying, "No, she didn't tell me. But she wouldn't leave my side, so I figured you must have asked her to stick to me. Now the question is why?"

"I want you to move in with me," he said. Watching her shocked gasp, he thought to himself--real smooth, Morgan. "I just mean that with Ric missing, I think it's best to be cautious until we know what happened to him. That's all."

Licking her lips, she said, "Well...I appreciate the offer, but this is my home, and Venice...well, you know, she's a baby so your house would be turned upside down, and..." she broke off, uncertain how to proceed.

"I know what it's like to have a baby in the house," he smiled. "I remember. I think...well, I think I'd like it," he said. Deciding he needed to get her agreement before she had much time to think, he asked, "Elizabeth, do you trust me?"

"Of course I do, Jason."

"Then please trust me when I tell you that I need you to move to my penthouse. I need to know you're safe. I need to know you're protected, you and Venice," he said. Lowering his voice, he continued, "I need you there, but I also want you there." His cheekbones suffused with what looked suspiciously like a blush as he said, "You don't have to worry about...you know...I mean, you don't have to live with me. Just...just stay with me."

She couldn't stop the laughter that erupted from her chest as she teased him, "So, you want to make me a kept woman?"

Her laughter died at the serious expression on his face, and the gentle touch of the hand on her cheek. "Never, Elizabeth. I respect you. I always have."

"Oh, Jason. I know you do. I was only teasing," she said. Her words were muffled by his mouth. His hands cupped her face as his lips slowly moved over hers. His lips trailed down her jaw to her throat, then back up to her ear. He whispered, "Just trust me. Please come with me."

Their private moment was shattered with the sound of bags hitting the floor. They both turned to pinpoint the location of the sound. Emily stood at the door with two bags at her feet and arms crossed over her chest. "You're packed and ready to go. I'll just go get Venice's coat on," she said as she marched off with a determined air.

"Well, I guess that settles it," Elizabeth laughed. "I'm going."

"Good," Jason said as he leaned in for another kiss.

*****

The elevator doors slid open and revealed her worst nightmare. Carly.

"So, Muffin Face, I guess you finally wormed your way into his bed, huh?"

Jason stepped out of the elevator and forced Carly to take a few steps back. "Don't start, Carly." Turning to Emily, he handed her the keys to the penthouse. "Open the door, Emily."

"This isn't permanent, Elizabeth. You do realize that, don't ya?" Carly sniped.

Grasping her elbow, Jason pulled her away. "Leave it alone, Carly." Depositing her with Max, he turned to move away, but Carly stopped him. "I was just having a little fun. Don't be mad, Jase." He took another step, but she grabbed his arm. "Look Jase, if she's going to be part of your life, she's going to have to develop a thick skin. And she's going to have to learn to deal with me because I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me. So if you're stuck with her, she's stuck with me, too. I meant what I said before, Jase. I just want you to be happy."

"Then leave Elizabeth alone. That will make me happy," he said as he walked to his door.

He entered his penthouse and immediately heard Venice crying. Rather than being annoyed, he smiled. It would be nice to have a baby in the house again. The time he had with Michael was the best time of his life. He could hear Emily and Elizabeth upstairs talking and figured it would be awhile before they came down. He stood at the bottom of the stairs and called up, "I'm going over to Sonny's. I'll be back soon."

He turned to leave but was stopped by Elizabeth's voice. "Jason, wait!" Pretty soon she rounded the corner and came flying down the stairs into his arms.

Laughing, he said, "What's this for?"

"I can't believe you bought a crib. Thank you, Jason." She framed his face with her hands and looked into his eyes. "I won't even get mad at you for assuming I'd agree to move here," she smirked. Turning serious again, she said, "It's beautiful."

"You're beautiful," he whispered and softly kissed her lips, before setting her back on the steps. "I'll be back soon."

*****

"Well," Emily said, "we have Venice's room set up now. But where are you going to sleep?"

"That's a good question. I'll have to see if there's another guest bedroom. I guess there's always the couch." She was rewarded by Emily's look of disgust.

"Elizabeth! You're here, in my brother's house. You love each other. Why...oh, I see. You think you're funny," she said and threw a stuffed animal at Elizabeth.

Grabbing the baby monitor, she said, "Come on, Em. Let's go downstairs."

*****

"You moved Elizabeth in?" Sonny asked. At Jason's nod, he asked, "Did she fight you?"

"No. She trusted that I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"That's good. Ok then, we'll talk about the situation in the morning. For tonight, I got men out looking for Clarence, and checking for any word on Ric. There's nothing else to be done tonight."

Jason moved to the door but stopped when Sonny asked, "Do you love her?"

Jason paused. Sonny had never asked him this since his divorce from Courtney. Looking his best friend in the eye, he said, "Yes, I do. I love her and I think you know I always have."

Time stood still as Sonny digested this information. Making a decision, Sonny raised his glass in a toast to Jason and said, "I'll see you tomorrow."

*****

[JRK Archiver]

He walked in to the penthouse, wondering if Elizabeth was already in bed. He looked up and saw Elizabeth at the pool table, lining up a shot. "Easy. You'll want to hit that one nice and easy."

The smile she tossed at him over her shoulder lit up her face. Turning back to her shot, she said, "Wanna play? Emily already left." After she sunk her shot, she stood her cue on the floor, crossed her right foot over her left, and placed her hand on her hip. "I have to warn you. I've been practicing."

"Well, I'll just have to work harder to win then, won't I? You rack, I'll break?" he asked.

"Whatever. I'll win either way," she challenged.

"We'll just have to see about that," he said. He watched her rack the balls, and asked, "Is Venice asleep?"

"Yes. She went out like a light. Not that it will last long. She'll be awake in a few hours I'm sure," she said in an apologetic tone. "If having a baby here gets to be too much for you, I'm sure we'll be fine..."

"It won't. I meant it when I said I'll like it." With that said, he lined up the shot and broke.

They played in silence for awhile; a comfortable, easy silence. Jason was surprised when he realized she really had been practicing. Before he knew it, she only had two balls left to his five. Could he help it that he was distracted? Could he help it that he just enjoyed watching her? The way she bent over to line up her shots drove him mad; the thrust of her breasts spilling out the top of her summer dress, the way she wiggled her bottom, the view of her legs as she bent over the table and her summer dress rode up to mid-thigh. He tore his eyes away from her cleavage and looked up into her devilishly smiling eyes.

"You cheat!"

She straightened up and said, "How have I cheated? I've kept both feet on the floor, I haven't taken extra shots..." She broke off her speech as he started to circle the table towards her.

"You intentionally distracted me," he laughed. "Ok. It's my fault. Don't worry, go ahead and take your shot. I can still come back and win, because you'll miss this shot." He intentionally tried to get her back up with that blatant challenge. It worked.

"I can make this shot," she contradicted. Leaning over to line it up, she pulled on her bottom lip while she concentrated.

Stealthily moving to her side, Jason said breezily, "I wouldn't shoot just yet, if I were you. That's not quite the right angle."

Engrossed in her targeting, she didn't realize what he had planned until he was directly behind her. She felt his body heat a moment before she felt his legs against her own. Inch by inch, he slowly aligned his body with hers, until they touched from head to toe. Her thighs were encased by his. His hands were braced on the table, bringing his arms in contact with her waist. His chest against her back sent shivers up and down her spine. Or maybe those shivers were from the lips on her shoulder.

He trailed slow, wet kisses from her shoulder down her arm a ways, and then back up again. Moving his lips across her back, above the edge of the low sundress, he asked, "Why haven't you taken your shot?"

She had difficulty speaking. Clearing her throat, she croaked, "I'm going to. I was just pausing for a moment."

"Hmm. Don't let me keep you."

"I won't." Determined to make this shot despite his manipulations, she applied her concentration to the task at hand. She pulled the pool cue back and pushed it forward. At the last possible moment, just before the tip connected with the ball, she gasped and jerked as his hands closed over her breasts. "No fair, Jason!" she managed to gasp.

"You're right. It wasn't fair. So you can shoot again," he magnanimously offered. Stepping back, he held up his hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Go ahead. Take another turn."

Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, she watched him as she passed in front of him to line up her next shot. Deciding she liked this cat and mouse game, she said nothing when he moved behind her again.

She waited until he was once again straddling her thighs and leaning over her, and began to move her bottom against him. "Can you help me line up this shot, Jason?" she asked. As soon as his hands were on the pool cue, she dropped her right hand behind her and stroked his erection straining against his jeans. Reveling in the groan she pulled from his throat, she said, "Thank you. I think I can get it now."

He relinquished hold of the stick to her, and ran his hands from her waist, over her hips, and down her thighs. He slipped his hands underneath the hem of her summer dress and moved them around to the front inside of her thighs, slowly stroking his way up. He smiled at the small scrap of fabric in his way. Slipping his fingers beneath her panties, he began to stroke her.

He watched her shoulders shake as the arousal raced through her body. Her muscles bunched as she restrained herself to make the shot. She sunk the ball. "One left, then the eight ball," she breathed.

He pulled back enough to let her move to set up her next shot. Once she was there, he returned to his prior position, but this time, instead of simply stroking, he slipped a finger inside her. His lips scored her back and neck as she tried to concentrate on her shot. "I can't...Jason, I can't..."

"You win. I forfeit," he whispered as her panties hit the floor. "I can't wait," he said in warning, just before he entered her. She barely had time to adjust to him filling her when her dress was whipped over her head. She watched as it fell to the pool table.

"Your skin. Your shirt. I want to feel your skin," she gasped out, and he raked his shirt over his head, tossing it to land next to her dress. Reaching behind her, she grabbed his neck and pulled him against her back. Turning her head she sought his mouth. The position provided exquisite torment. His driving thrusts filled her even as she longed for more--more contact, more skin.

He pulled out of her long enough to turn her around to face him. Grasping her thighs, he lifted her, and said, "Wrap your legs around me." He turned and put her back to the wall, and filled her again. His demanding mouth answered her hunger. His arm circled her back, protecting her skin from the wall as she rocked with each of his driving thrusts.

Tearing her mouth from his, she gasped for breath, as her moans filled the room. "Jason...Jason...Jason..." she repeated the litany.

"Yes baby," he replied, before lowering his mouth to her breast. He trapped her nipple between his teeth, then soothed it with his tongue. Grasping her bottom, he tilted her, changing his angle of entry. He ran his lips up her throat to her ear, gently sucking the lobe in his mouth.

He could hear her whispering, "I'm dying, Jason. I'm dying."

As he felt her body tighten, he put his lips at her ear, and said, "Die for me, baby."

His words seemed the catalyst that sent her over the edge. He heard her moans as her inner contractions clenched his rod. Driving into her one last time, he went over the edge himself. As he drained himself in her, he wondered how it was possible that the experience seemed better every time with her. With this woman.

Lying his head on her shoulder, he pressed her more firmly against the wall, as he leaned into her. He fought to catch his breath as his tremors slowly died. Time stood still as he relaxed in her embrace, surrounded by her softness.

Pulling away from the wall, he slowly lowered her until her feet touched the floor. Dropping a kiss on her forehead, he said, "Just a second, and I'll get these off."

She realized for the first time that his pants were still at his ankles. She muffled her laughter, and wondered if it was from the picture he presented, or because she was simply happy. She couldn't remember feeling this happy in a long time. She felt free.

Once he stood straight again, completely naked, she ran her hands across his chest and down his abdomen. She marvelled at the strength this man possessed, and allowed herself a possessive thought--he's mine.

He waited until she looked into his eyes again, then bent to lift her. As he moved toward the coffee table, he said, "I've wanted to do this since the last time you stayed here. I hated that Zander was here, because I wanted to carry you to my bed." He stopped in front of the table and leaned over slightly. "Grab the baby monitor."

Once she had the baby monitor in hand, she laid her head on his shoulder. As he walked up the stairs, she said, "I have a confession to make." She raised her head to look into his eyes, and said, "I wanted you to carry me to your bed."

Stopping outside his bedroom door, he looked down at the woman in his arms and asked, "Are you sure? If you want, I'll carry you to the guest bedroom. It's completely your choice, Elizabeth."

"No. Not the guest bedroom. I belong in your bed."

He smiled and stepped into his room. "I already knew that. I'm just glad that you know it now too," he said as the door closed behind them.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 8


He stood in front of his open closet door, naked to the waist with his hair still glistening from his shower. He reached in to grab a shirt, but paused as he recalled Elizabeth telling him how much she loved the way his blue shirts brought out the color of his eyes. Glancing over to the bed, he realized he didn’t really understand why it mattered what color shirt he wore, or what they did to his eyes, but what he did understand was how important pleasing her was to him. If she liked blue, she’d get blue.

Pulling on his shirt, he walked over to the bed to watch Elizabeth sleep. She lay on her side with her arm stretched out, as if she was reaching for him across the empty space. Her hair splayed on the pillow behind her, except for a few stray strands that fell across her cheek, and lay against her mouth.

Gently sitting on the bed, he reached out to tuck the stray strands of hair behind her ear. He thought about the day ahead of him as he softly stroked her hair. She didn’t know it yet, but he was planning on assigning her a personal bodyguard. He had just the man in mind for the job, too. He wanted to wake her to discuss it, but decided against it. Between his and Venice’s demands during the night, she hadn’t received much sleep.

Looking at his watch, he realized Celeste would be here soon. He wanted to make certain the door was open so her knocking wouldn’t wake Elizabeth. He wondered how Elizabeth would react when she found out he hired Leticia’s cousin, Celeste, as a nanny for Venice. He would have to make certain she understood he wasn’t trying to dictate her life. He just wanted to make it easier for her.

Leaning down, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He rose and picked up the baby monitor from the bedside table, carrying it with him from the room.

*****

He softly stroked her plump cheek with his forefinger as he told her about Italy. His smile spread from within as she gurgled up at him and moved her fists in jerky little motions. She was so beautiful, this precious little princess in his arms.

He stopped speaking when he heard the soft knuckle rap on the door. Turning, he found Zander standing in the open doorway. “Come in. I just finished feeding her,” he said. He walked towards Zander and handed Venice over. Once Zander had Venice in his arms, Jason continued, “Thanks for coming. Elizabeth is still sleeping, but I knew she’d want you to know they’re here.”

“Thanks for calling me,” Zander replied. After bussing Venice’s cheek, he said, “Are you going to tell me what’s going on here? You didn’t say much on the phone.”

“I can’t really get into it. Just trust me when I say it’s important that Elizabeth stay here for now.” He paused to see if any argument would be forthcoming and when it appeared there wouldn’t be, he continued. “I’m going over to talk to Luke this morning. I’m going to ask if Johnny can guard Elizabeth.”

“It’s that bad? She needs a bodyguard?”

“I don’t know, Zander. That’s just it. I don’t know how bad it is,” he said. “Until I do, I have to make certain she’s safe.” He was about to continue, but broke off when he noticed Leticia standing in the open doorway with a young woman at her side.

“Mr. Morgan, is this a bad time?” Leticia asked.

“No. Come in, Leticia.”

Lifting her hand palm up to the woman at her side, she said, “This is my cousin Celeste.” Moving toward Zander she said, “And this must be Venice.”

“Yes, that’s Venice,” Jason said. Turning to Zander he said, “I hired Celeste as a nanny for Venice, so Elizabeth could have time to paint or shop or…whatever.” He paused for a moment but continued in a confidential tone, “Look, I haven’t told Elizabeth yet.”

He watched Zander’s eyebrows hitch, confirming his thoughts, and said, “I know. It was heavy-handed, and I’m going to hear about it, but I figured she’d fight me on it. You know how she is. She’d say she doesn’t want to be a burden and any number of other arguments, so I figured if it was already done…”

Jason scowled as Zander began laughing. “Man, you’re going to get it. Better you than me. I hope I’m around to hear the tongue-lashing you’ve got coming.” He laughed harder as Jason’s glare grew darker. Sobering slightly he said, “Ok Jason, I know you’re just trying to help. Don’t worry, man. I’ll smooth things over with Elizabeth for you.”

“Don’t do me any favors,” Jason growled on his way out the door.

Chuckling again, Zander said, “What is it that Elizabeth sees in him? He has no charm to speak of, he hardly ever talks, and he always glares.”

Tongue in cheek, Leticia said, “I think his charms are of a different nature to Elizabeth.”

“And just what might those charms be that you’re referring to, Leticia?” Elizabeth asked from the stairwell. Descending the stairs, she hitched one eyebrow and gave a questioning, “Hmm?”

Grinning at the obvious amusement in Elizabeth’s eyes, Zander said, “Well Elizabeth, nice of you to finally roll out of bed. Meet Venice’s nanny, Celeste.”

He watched as a hint of steel replaced the amusement in Elizabeth’s eyes. “Venice’s nanny? I wasn’t aware Venice had a nanny,” she said in a slightly questioning, yet firm tone. Pinning Zander to the spot with her gaze, Elizabeth asked, “How did Venice get a nanny, Zander?”

Squirming under her gaze, Zander blurted, “It wasn’t me. It was Jason.” Once the words were out, he winced, remembering his claim that he would “smooth things over” with Elizabeth. Trying to regain his figurative footing, he said, “Well, you can fire her if you want to, but Jason was just trying to help. He thought you might want to paint.” He held his breath as he watched Elizabeth assimilate the information.

Elizabeth mentally snorted as she realized it had already begun. Jason had a natural tendency to protect and take care of the people that mattered to him, so she had known it would happen. She just hadn’t expected it to begin this soon. There were obvious benefits to having a nanny, as there were obvious benefits to living with Jason. She felt her heart begin to race as she remembered some of the benefits she had experienced the night before.

Clearing her throat, she said, “Jason was right. I would like to paint.” Turning to Celeste she said, “First, I would like to spend some time with you so I can get to know you.”

“Yes, Mrs. Lansing. Mr. Morgan said…”

“Elizabeth. Please call me Elizabeth. And if you ever do need to use my last name, please use Webber. I am no longer Mrs. Lansing,” Elizabeth replied gently but firmly. “Now then, let’s sit down and you can tell me all about yourself…”

*****

“This had better be good, Jason. Couldn’t you have waited for a respectable hour?” Luke asked as he walked down the stairs in his bathrobe.

“I need a favor.”

Luke instantly sobered and walked to the sofa. Sitting down, he said, “Well, well. Jason Morgan needs a favor from me? I'm all ears. What is it?”

“Elizabeth could be in trouble. I want to make certain she’s safe.”

Waving his hand in the air, Luke said, “Ok, I get it. You want Johnny.”

Exhaling, Jason said, “Yeah I do.”

Luke stood up and raised his hand. He pointed his finger at Jason’s chest and said, “You keep her safe, Morgan. Don’t let anything happen to that little lady.” His hand dropped and a soft expression stole across his face as he continued, “Laura loved her you know. She loved her like a daughter.” Shaking his head, he turned and began walking toward the stairs. “Go ahead and ask Johnny. I appreciate your show of respect by asking me first. But we both know if I said no, you’d still ask Johnny. Wouldn’t you?”

Jason’s lips quirked as he answered, “Yes.”

“Well good luck then. You’ll need it. I’ve always known Elizabeth would be a handful.” Stopping at the foot of the stairs, he turned back to Jason with a smile and said, “She’s a spitfire, Jason. She’ll keep you on your toes. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

Not even bothering to hide his smile, Jason replied, “Yeah. I am.”

Jason watched as a laughing Luke climbed the stairs. As he began to turn away, he heard Luke’s comment floating down to him. “Remember what I said before, Jason. Make certain you always deserve her.”

*****

He had finally tracked her down.

He hadn’t really believed Zander at first, when he said she went to the boxcar for her painting supplies. He thought there must be some mistake. But there wasn’t. She really left…without a guard. By the time he reached the boxcar, he was filled with righteous indignation. He would have to tell her something; somehow explain to her why it was necessary for her to be careful. Thinking about the argument ahead of him, he had stepped up into the boxcar--the empty boxcar. His indignation had immediately turned to fear as he realized she wasn’t there.

Now he stood at her studio door, her open studio door, watching her paint. A sense of peace came over him as he realized she was safe; a peace that did not allow for anger that she not only left without a guard, but was painting with her door standing ajar. He leaned against the doorjamb to watch her in silence. Her hair was swept back from her face and secured with a blue kerchief. Her painting bibs were splattered with a rainbow of colors; some were old stains, and some were fresh. He smiled when she sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and leaned toward the painting to pay particular attention to a small detail. His grinning eyes moved from her mouth to the painting that held her concentration so tightly she didn’t even realize he was there.

As the painting registered, his smile fled, and he jerked upright. He gazed in awe at the depiction of her studio, centered on her window. Before her window stood a man. The painting was so detailed and true to life, that he recognized the man immediately; the sharp lines of his face, the shock of rumpled hair, and the sleek lines of the body. He could have been looking in a mirror, as he gazed at the depiction of himself in silhouette, leaning against her window.

Of course he would have to remove his clothes before looking in that mirror, because in the painting he was very, very naked.

Since the accident, he had never been able to look at a drawing or map and be able to see what others saw. Until now. The passion and reality in the painting sucked him in even as he marveled that he understood what it was at all. It almost looked like a photograph.

He thought to himself, is this how she sees me? In the painting, he seemed larger than life, yet deep in contemplation. Whatever held his mental attention was pleasant enough to bring a small smile to his lips and a carefree tilt to his head.

He could see himself in the painting, and he could see the emotion on his face. In that moment he realized why he understood this painting when he had never understood one before. In the painting, he was contemplating his happiness and basking in the feeling of being in love. Standing in her doorway, he felt the same way.

“Is that how you see me?” he asked as he crossed the threshold and closed the studio door.

She jerked at the sound of his voice, and turned to look into his eyes. He watched as her mouth formed a silent “oh” and her eyes opened wide in surprise. He noticed the way the blue kerchief brought out the blue in her eyes, and finally understood her appreciation for his blue shirts. He made a mental note to buy more blue shirts.

“Jason. Um…you can see it? I mean…you understand it?” she asked.

“Yes, I understand it. Looking at me right now, do you see the same expression on my face that you painted?” he asked.

“Yes. It’s the same,” she whispered.

Closing the distance between them, he pulled her into his arms. “Good. It means I’m happy, and it means I’m in love with you.”

“Jason? You’re not mad that I painted you…well…that your clothes…”

“Are missing? Mad that I’m naked?” he asked. He laughed at the blush staining her cheekbones and said, “No, I’m not mad. But I think the size is a little off.”

Whatever her response might have been to that remark was lost in his kiss. The sensual flick of his tongue across her lips prompted her mouth to fall open. Her nerve endings tingled from the top of her head to her toes as his tongue stroked the inside of her mouth. Her world suddenly tilted as she was lifted and carried in his arms to the sofa. She felt the strength in his thighs beneath her own as he settled her across his lap and continued his sensual assault.

With a flick of his wrists, her bibs were opened and lowered. Her shirt was quickly dispensed with and her bra soon followed. She clung to his neck as he plumped her breasts in his hands and worshipped them with his mouth.

His breathing was heavy when he lifted his head. “You scared me. Please don’t go off by yourself anymore.” He tweaked her nipples, then smoothed his hands up over her chest and shoulders to cup her face in his hands. Looking into her eyes, he said, “I talked to Johnny earlier today. He has agreed to be your personal bodyguard. Please let me protect you. Please take Johnny with you when you leave the Penthouse.” He paused and pulled her tightly against his chest, settling her head just beneath his chin. “I couldn’t handle it if anything happened to you, Elizabeth.”

Settling into his embrace, Elizabeth placed soft kisses on his neck. “I promise. I promise that starting tomorrow, I won’t leave the Penthouse without letting Johnny know I’m leaving.” Having conceded that point, she moved on to more pressing concerns. Grasping the bottom of his shirt, she pulled it up and said, “Lift your arms.”

Once he complied and his shirt hit the floor, he said, “I noticed you didn’t say you’d take him with you. Are you trying to distract me?” he asked.

“No, I’m not,” she stated with finality. Pushing against his chest, she forced him to lie back on the sofa, giving her access to the front of his jeans. As she pulled his zipper down she said, “I’m just finishing what you started. You got a problem with that, Morgan?” she asked as she freed his already pulsing erection.

“No ma’am. I’m yours to command,” he said with a grin.

“Good. And thank you for wearing the blue shirt,” she said just before taking him in her mouth.

The last coherent thought to cross his mind was I have got to buy more blue shirts.