Scorned by fallinangelz21

[JRK Archiver]

Prologue



Everything was wrong.

Jason Morgan felt like hed stepped off the beaten path into another universe. A twisted, warped reality where everything worked backwards and nothing could be controlled. Elizabeth hated him. No, it was worse than that, she didnt even care. Indifference in her eyes cut him deeper that hate. At least hate made you feel, hate was passionate and alive. Indifference was like a burnt out light bulb, and thats what he saw in her eyes when he stopped by Kellys for coffee.

His stomach turned, clenched around the aching raw wound of his life. Stop, please, for the love of God. His eyes squeezed shut and he tried to push the pit of disgust out of his soul. Uttering an animal cry of pain that echoed through the empty penthouse, he rose from the couch and walked to the pool table. A bottle and a shot glass sat on the rim, waiting.

Jason stared at the clear liquid, calm and still in the unopened bottle. This was not supposed to be how he handled life. AJ turned to alcohol, not him. But then maybe he was more like AJ than he wanted to admit. A smirk turned to a grimace on his face as the poetic justice of the past seven years of his life, his whole existence, finally made sense. Changing his name, distancing himself from the people who called themselves his family hadnt done a damn thing. The Quartermaine curse for ruining lives couldnt be shaken that easily. Instead of being different from his family, hed just found a different way to use people. Elizabeth had trusted him, believed in him and he just had to find the worst possible way to hurt her. He was a fuck up in the most extreme sense of the words. Why the hell not drink, push the debilitating anguish of his soul down into the bottom of that bottle?

With a mind so detached from the real world that he could barely feel the glass beneath his fingers, Jason unscrewed the red cap from the bottle of Philips White Tequila and filled the shot to the brim. Before his conscience could kick in, he slammed the liquor down his throat. His eyes watered as the rough liquid burned in his stomach, but he relished the feeling. Philips was shit and thats why he bought it. Drink to escape maybe, but he sure as hell refused to enjoy it. He didnt deserve it.

When the burning had subsided to a dull simmer, he poured another shot. This one was just a little too full and sloshed onto his fingers as he fired it down. The 80 proof alcohol hit his gut and spread. Shot after shot, he didnt even try to keep track, left his body feeling more and more numb. But the pain refused to go away, refused to subside. His mind ticked through every single stupid thing hed ever done to the most important person in his life. He could still see Elizabeth, hear her tearful voice asking him if it was enough.

Of course its not enough, he growled. He wanted to throttle Sonny. Stupid bastard. Bracing his hands on the pool table, he let his head hang between his hunched shoulders. He wanted to throttle everybody, himself first and foremost.

A soft knock at his door managed to cut through his self-inflicted rage. A glimmer of hope he thought hed killed a long time ago flared in his heart. It could be Elizabeth.

With a steady stride that belied the half-liter of tequila running through his blood, Jason strode toward the door. His hand reached the knob just as another knock sounded, more insistent, grating on his nerves for a reason he didnt understand until he pulled the door open and saw her.

Jason, Courtneys brilliant smile lit her face. She stepped forward, into the doorway, but not quite the apartment. Jason wanted to slam the door in her face. Christ Almighty, what the hell was she doing here? Couldnt he get one night where he didnt have to listen to her prattle on about things she could never even begin to understand? Like him, or Elizabeth, or the way hed obliterated his chance with the woman he loved. He sighed.

Co-can I do something for you? Jason stomach lurched at the thought of speaking her name. He leaned on the door, not moving to ask her in. After thinking a moment longer than usual, he remembered the stalker. Did you get another phone call?

No, no, I havent, Courtney shook her head and Jason watched the straight blonde hair brush her shoulders in an animated dance. She licked her lips and looked up at him through lashes thick with mascara. I was wondering what you were doing tonight.

What? Jason frowned. Did he hear her right or was that cheap liquor finally working? Wheres AJ?

Business, Courtney shrugged her shoulders. Apparently, it couldnt all be done in one trip.

Oh, he replied. The silence stretched into minutes before Jason remembered she had asked him a question. He tried to come up with something terribly important, some vague lie to get her out of his face and back to her dog, but nothing came to mind.

Did you want to get something to eat with me? she posed another question while his mind still tried to grapple with the last one. Her fingers were playing with the zipper of her jacket. Strong fingers, strong hands. Elizabeths were so small. Fury raged through his body at the thought of Elizabeths hands. Hed never get to hold them again. With a shake of his head he pushed her blue eyes out of his mind and finally came up with an excuse to be alone.

I was actually just going out anyway.

On your motorcycle? Her baby blue eyes widened and the grin had a higher wattage than a strobe light. Jason stifled a groan. He refused to take her on his bike. No way, no how. The only woman he wanted to feel behind him was Elizabeth. Her screams of excitement were the only ones he wanted to hear.

No, I was gonna walk. To, Jason paused. Towhere? Where could he go that wouldnt remind him of her? Kellys, Jakes, Vista Pointe, hell even his apartment had her memory emblazoned on the walls. Where could he go where she wouldnt be, taunting him, teasing him, and reminding him that hed never be with her?

How about No-Name, Courtney suggested. Jason nearly choked. And hed been thinking about poetic justice before? Well, this was just a little too much. Going back to No-Name with Courtney was like walking into a lions den carrying cat treats in your pockets.

Stillhe looked over his shoulder and surveyed the apartment, eyes landing on the half-empty bottle of tequila. If he didnt get out of this place, away from these memories and out of his head, hed finish that bottle.

Fine, he agreed. If nothing else, maybe shed be a distraction. Yeah right Morgan, and maybe Elizabeth will be waiting for you when you get home.


~*~


Philips might be shitty alcohol, but nonetheless Jason could barely feel his fingertips around the glass of ice water. The No-Name was empty, save for the bartender and a very tired looking waitress. The jukebox in the corner played some top 40 hit that sounded like every other song on the radio. Courtney sat across from him, rambling obnoxiously. He tried to make sense of her words, but they spilled out of his ears before they hit his brain. When had this mess started? What event could he find and blame for the blonde sitting across the table from him? His mind clicked methodically through every encounter hed had with Courtney. The docks when hes saved her from that mugger? No, further backthe Oasis? Jason studied her lips as they moved with her words. Thats it, the damn eggs. Shoulders slumped, he shook his head slightly. From eggs to stalkers, hed somehow pushed everybody else out of his life so he could guard his brothers wife. All because of a fucking plate of eggs.

Jason? Jason, are you alright? Courtneys eyes clouded with concern. He licked his lips, ready to fire off an indifferent response when he realized that he most definitely was not all right. Not even close.

Without another word, he stood up, knocking the chair over and strode to the back staircase. He just wanted quiet. It was stupid to think he could get away from Elizabeth. Stupid to even try. Places shed never been with him, still pressed on his memories. No-Name meant nothing to his life with Elizabeth, and yet there she was as Lenny Kravitz sang American Woman from the jukebox in the corner.

Collapsing on the stairs he held his head in his hands, pulling at his hair. He was barely aware of Courtney sliding quietly down to the step beside him. Her hand caressed his shoulder, but he couldnt feel it through the layers of leather, cotton and alcohol.

This is about Elizabeth, she sighed, her breath blowing on his ear, making him twitch. Jason didnt like hearing Courtney say her name, but he nodded his head, running his hands over his face. Maybemaybe its time you let her go, Jason.

Huh? he jerked his head up so fast the room tilted and blurred a little around the edges. He still couldnt understand why his mind refused to get fuzzy while his body suffered the effects of too much bad tequila. Courtneys face was only and inch away from his, her breath on his lips. The ball of disgust burning in his stomach flared and burned hotter. Forget about Elizabeth? The shock must have been etched on his face because she rambled on almost immediately.

I mean, its justthis is killing you, Jason. I know you care about her, butmaybe it just wasnt meant to be, Her voice was soft, her eyes full of sorrow. Finally something besides rage and pain fought its way through to Jason conscious. Sorrow. In one instant, as Courtneys words found their mark and hit home, he felt the truth behind them. But how could that be? Everything in him, every good thing hed done in the past three years had been for or about Elizabeth. If he wasnt meant to be with her, then who was he supposed to be with?

No one. The answer came with the truth and shredded the last weak threads holding his heart together. Jason Morgan, you will never be with anybody.
Courtneys eyes bored into his soul, tried to get past the walls, but there wasnt anything to see anymore. He was empty.


~*~



How long they sat there, Jason didnt know. When had she kissed him, he couldnt remember that either. Watching Elizabeth walk out of the penthouse was nothing next to knowing without a doubt she would never forgive him or find her way back to him. So he responded to Courtneys mouth on his, followed her up the stairs to an open bedroom. The sheets were cool beneath his bare skin and even while his mind systematically shut down, his body knew what to do. His hands still found the right places to touch, mouth the right places to kiss. But he kept his eyes closed and if hed been able to identify the thoughts that flew through his shell-shocked mind, Elizabeth would have been there.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter One



Jason could feel sunlight dancing across his face, but his eyes remained closed. Something didn't feel right, wasn't right and before he let the world around him know he was awake, he had to remember...

Disgust rolled through him as the bed beside him shifted and suddenly every drunken moment of the previous night flashed through his head in perfect clarity. Jason never looked back, never saw the point, but at that moment he finally understood why some people practically begged to turn back time.

If he had to do it over, the previous night wouldn't be the only thing he'd change. He'd go back to the day of a few months ago and instead of deciding that Sonny's "death" fell under the heading of Business Elizabeth Can't Know About, he would have found some way to let her know that they had a plan. Even if he couldn't tell her the truth, she deserved so much better than he gave her.

If he really wanted to go back and do things right, he would wish them both to the day at Vista Point, when he'd had every intention of pushing her away and ended up lost in a kiss that still made his pulse race when he allowed himself the sweet torture of remembering. He should have told her that day why he came back to Port Charles. Hell, he should have told her the day he ran into her again in Kelly's. He let her believe it was Sonny, let the entire town believe it was Carly's death, but the real reason...the one he kept close to his heart and allowed no one to see was Elizabeth. He came back for her, because he couldn't stand to be away from her any longer.

Courtney stirred beside him and he froze. Praying to every deity he knew and some he made up on the spot, he turned slightly and finally pried his eyes open. Harsh light from the curtain free windows assaulted him and he bit back a groan as his hangover began to pulse through his brain. She looked peaceful, content with a small smile on her sleeping lips. Jason felt nausea swell through him. His guilt and remorse doubled. He'd used her as nothing but a substitute for Elizabeth when he was in too much pain to think any straighter. Courtney, at best, annoyed him, but she was Sonny's sister. She deserved more respect than this.

Fighting down the bile that rose in his throat, Jason crawled from the bed and made it to the bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face, avoiding the mirror. After what he'd done he didn't think he could look even himself in the eye.

Dressing quickly and quietly, he was about to leave the room when he heard Courtney sigh softly in her sleep. Glancing at the bed, he grimaced and cursed softly to himself. He had to leave her something, a note...

The motel had stationary at the the rickety desk by the door. He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. Hastily, he scribbled down a few lines in his angular print.

What happened last night was a mistake. I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I'll talk to Sonny about getting you a new guard.

Jason didn't bother to sign his name or even address it to her. Throwing some cash on the desktop, he quickly left the room and closed the door. The back exit was accessible from the stairs, so he took it. The move was callous, but he didn't care. If he didn't get out of there, distance himself from what was probably the worst mistake he'd ever made...

He didn't know if he'd be able to come back.


~*~


Courtney waited until the sound of Jason's boots against the wooden stairs had faded completely away before she opened her eyes. She'd been awake for hours; didn't know if she'd actually slept at all. The night had been too wonderful to leave behind, even to relive it in her dreams. God, he was amazing. Everything she'd known he would be since the first time she saw him at Kelly's.

Rolling onto her side, she buried her face in the pillow he used and inhaled his scent. Was that day at Kelly's the first day she started to formulate her plan? Had she fallen in love with him that day?

"Not that it matters," she murmured. When she fell in love didn't matter in the slightest. What did was the exact second Jason had fallen for her. He had to love her. A man who spent so much time and effort to keep a woman safe, to protect her and make sure she was secure, had to be in love. That's the only explanation that existed.

Throwing off the covers, she padded to the desk and snatched greedily at the letter he'd been so considerate to leave for her. The bright smile she nearly always wore faltered and was replaced by a disbelieving frown that gave way to a scowl.

A mistake? Would never happen again? But how could that be? How could he not want to see her again after the amazing love they made?

Suddenly it dawned on her. Elizabeth Webber. It had to be her. Elizabeth was the reason Jason had been so drunk and miserable. She crumpled the sheet of stationary into a ball and dropped it to the floor. Stalking back to the bed, she threw herself down and stared angrily at the ceiling. That little bitch. Courtney thought she got Jason over that last night. She thought he understood that the brunette wench wasn't worth the effort. Apparently Elizabeth's claws were sunk further into Jason's heart than Courtney anticipated.

Resolutely, she set her jaw. Well, that was fine. Elizabeth Webber was a problem and she'd encountered many of them in her life. All Courtney needed to do was figure out a solution. No situation was impossible and after all the time and effort she'd put into seducing Jason a little waif of a woman-no, make that a girl-was certainly not going to stop her. A grim smile curved at her lips. Soon, Elizabeth Webber was going to wish she'd never heard of Jason Morgan.


~*~



Jason stood by the window of his office in the Corinthos-Morgan warehouse and watched the workers straggle out of the building. They'd been busy that day, so much so that for a few hours he'd managed to forget the shambles his life was in. Now the nightmare turn his existence had taken returned full force, pulsing like the migraine that pounded at the base of his skull.

Rolling his shoulders, he tried to pop a few kinks out of his back, but succeeded only in making himself more tense. Now that the demands of the warehouse were over for the day, he had nothing to do but think. About the past, the present, the future. All tasks he wasn't used to doing and didn't particularly enjoy. The only person he liked to remember was Elizabeth.

"I'm not sorry about last night."

"Thats good"

"Embarrassed, yes. I mean, we finally kiss and its for the wrong reasons."

"I'm not complaining"

The only person he wanted to see was Elizabeth.

"How long have you been waiting?"

"Long enough to hear you ride up. You know, the whole time you were gone, whenever I'd hear a motorcycle, there was a split second where I'd think it was you. So I guess the real answer is that I've been waiting since you left."

The only person he wanted for the future he never thought he'd have was Elizabeth.

"You have always been a good friend to me. They're not easy to find anymore. And you have always been honest with me, no matter what. I don't want to lose that. I don't want to lose you. So thats my decision. I want you in my life."

"This is not helping," Jason growled out through clenched teeth. He longed for his bike, to take the cliff road and drive down the road to nowhere. It would remind him of Elizabeth he knew, but at the moment he didn't care. Everything reminded him of her, but maybe if he drove fast enough, if the wind screamed loud enough, he'd have a moments peace.

Hours later, his cheeks flushed pink from the cold, his hair a windblown mess, Jason parked his bike behind Kelly's and walked casually around to the front. He wanted a cup of coffee and he knew from the past few weeks when Courtney would be in the diner working. If she even showed up, he thought with a snort of disgust. Tonight, she was off.

He was so certain of her absence, he didn't even glance through the window as he entered Kelly's. His mind was too busy hoping Elizabeth might be working so he could try to talk to her. He knew she'd probably hate him, refuse to look at him, but maybe, if he was lucky, she'd at least let him try. He told her he wanted to try. Maybe it wasn't too late now.

The instant he pushed open the door of the diner, he heard Elizabeth's voice and his heart beat loudly against his chest at the sound. In the next split second every muscle in his body froze as he heard Courtney's smug, satisfied declaration to the petite brunette with her back to the front door.

"Jason and I made love last night, Elizabeth."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Two


Jason approached the counter warily, his eyes focused on Elizabeth with each step he took. For once, Courtney kept her mouth shut as Elizabeth sat motionless on the stool, barely breathing. Her knuckles were white as she clutched the ceramic coffee cup in both hands. Jason drew a breath to speak, but she turned, looked up at him with those gorgeous, haunted blue eyes before any words left his mouth. For one moment, Elizabeth eyes took him in and Jason more than saw the pain she had to live with. He felt it, cutting into him deeper than any bullet, with twice as much agony. And then she pushed him out, the dark blue eyes died and the indifference returned.

He opened his mouth to speak to her, but what could he say? Sorry, Elizabeth I was drunk, or Ive missed you so badly Im in actual physical pain, or maybe, I cant remember it. In the end, did it really matter? He couldnt take back what Courtney had said, couldnt change what he had done. Jason sighed. Hell sounded like a nice alternative to his life.

Without a word, he let Elizabeth walk away, out the door of Kellys just like hed let her walk out the door of his penthouse. The difference was, this time he wasnt numb with shock, and the sight of her back as the door slammed shut ripped at the raw space that his heart used to occupy.

Jason and I made love last night, Elizabeth.

The din of clanking silverware and mingled conversations brought him back to Kellys, back to Courtney. He turned his gaze on his sister-in-law. What the fuckhow could shewhy would she? Never in his entire life had he wanted to shove his fist through someones face as badly as he did right now.

Jason, I-, Courtney dove right in, completely ignoring the venom in Jasons gaze. He leaned over the counter and grabbed her wrist, reminding himself not to break it.

What the hell was that? He struggled to keep his voice down. Courtney looked at him with blank eyes, her mouth still open in a small O of surprise.

What was what? she stuttered, trying to pull out of his grasp. He clamped down harder, pinning her hand to the counter.

You know exactly what Im talking about, Jason snapped. Kellys seemed to shrink around him, forcing him closer to Courtney than he ever wanted to be again. Why did you tell Elizabeth that we-?

Made love, Courtney supplied. Jason groaned as his stomach twisted into a not of disgust. Releasing the vice-like grip on her wrist, he ran his hands over his face and swore softly.

We didnt make love, we had sex, Jason hissed. How blind was she? Did she not see the note, or had she just decided to ignore it? His chest was so tight he could barely breathe. He should be used to it by now. Shaking his head, trying to escape this living nightmare, he looked down and noticed Elizabeths jacket. The same leather jacket hed given to her nearly three years ago. He ran his fingers over the supple black leather for a moment before picking it up. Christmas in her studioGod, was it really only three years ago? Three years ago when they were perfect? What the hell had happened?

Jason, Courtney said his name again and he nearly shuddered at the sound. Courtney had happened. And Brenda. And Sonnys fake death and Alcazar. The list could go on for hours, but every item pointed to one person as keeper of the blame. Him. Jason made his own choices, and for the past three months hed been making the wrong ones.

It was a mistake. I wasnt drunk when I wrote that note. Last night is never gonna happen again, his grip on the jacket tightened with each word, until his hand hurt from the pressure. Some of the light left Courtneys eyes and she busied herself with the mugs.

Of course its not going to happen again, she nodded and poured him a cup of coffee. He ignored it, eyeing her warily. I love AJ. And youre right. A mistake. So, as soon as my stalker is stopped, we wont have to see each other as much.

Wrong, Jason growled and pushed the cup down the counter. Courtney watched the cup slide, a few splashes of hot brown liquid fell to the counter. Her blue eyes, so pale compared to Elizabeths, searched his face. The mistakes end right now. We stop seeing each other now. Sonny and I have plenty of bodyguards who can take over for me. And at least one of them has probably done something boneheaded enough for this assignment. Stupidity was its own reward. Something happens, you go to AJ or one of them. I cant do this anymore.

But Jason-.

No, Co-, Jason swallowed her name as his empty stomach lurched. He shifted Elizabeths jacket to his left hand and studied it. No. It will be better for both of us, this way. Without another word or even a glance at Courtney, he walked out of Kellys.


~*~



Elizabeth sat on the bench, mentally cursing herself for forgetting her jacket as the fall wind whipped her hair crazily around her head. Strands of hair stuck in her lipstick, but she didnt care. At first, the cold had felt good, if for no other reason than she could actually feel something. For days, weeks even, her mind and body had operated on autopilot, and the sting of the winter wind had brought her back to life. But with life came pain and she hadnt missed that. Pain was a harsh mistress and it touched every part of her being. First that blond piece of trash tells her that Jason and Brenda are married and then today that

Jason and I made love last night, Elizabeth.

She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to force the sound of Courtneys voice out of her head. Why? Seemed to be the question of the day, the week, hell the month. Why had Jason married Brenda? Why did Jason sleep with Courtney? Why, after three years of being more than friends, did he fail to try? Why did she still care?

When Jason joined her, she sensed his presence, rather than heard it or felt it. For several moments, nothing in her reacted. Her heart didnt skip a beat like it used to when he entered a room, her hands didnt ache to be held by his, her breath didnt catch in her throat, and she didnt even feel the overwhelming need to drown in his eyes. And then, all at once, those feelings descended upon her and brought friends. Disgust, anger, regret, grief, mixed with joy, hope, love and passion to create one large cacophony of emotion singing in her blood. Yeah, life was a bitch. With a sigh, she held out her hand for the jacket, shrugged it on when he gave it to her. The soft sound of the water slapping at the docks kept the deafening silence from driving her crazy as she tried to focus on anger.

I dont know what to say to you, she spoke quietly, still gazing at the harbor instead of him. Anger just wouldnt cooperate, she was beyond it, she was drowning. Every word hed ever said to her, every time hed looked at herdid it mean anything?

Im surprised youd even want to try, Jason said softly. Turning her head slightly, she caught him staring at the harbor, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket. He was chewing on his bottom lip. When did he start doing that again?

I dont get it, she replied. No matter how much the words hurt her, she forced them out of her mouth. Youre married to Brenda, youyou slept with, with Courtney. But every time I look at you she turned and faced him for the first time, catching his eye and holding his gaze. His eyes were ripe with pain and regret. He wasn't happy, wasn't even close. Why the hell was he doing this? She tore her gaze from his face. Never mind.

Elizabeth, if I could explain this.

Would you? Or would all this fall under business? she bit the word off and spit it out like it burned her tongue. The desire to hurt him with words, her only weapon, overwhelmed the feelings she still had for him. Babysitting your sister-in-law was business, so would sleeping with her be too?

What do you want-, a shrill ringing emanated from his jacket. Swearing, he pulled the cell phone out of his pocket and barked into the phone. What?

Elizabeth shook her head and rolled her eyes. As usual, Jason didnt have to use words; he proved her point perfectly with his silence. When would she quit letting him in? She stood to leave, even took a step towards her studio, when she felt his fingers close over hers. His touch reached through her, rooting her to the spot and she couldnt move. When she turned, he pleaded with his eyes, begging her to stay, even while he talked to Sonny on the cell phone.

Yeah, Ill be there, Jason promised, the words sounding mechanical even to her ears. His fingers tightened on hers, his thumb tracing unconscious circles on the back of her hand. Suddenly, she couldnt breathe and she stepped closer to him. Jasons gaze penetrated through the thin walls shed built to keep him out. Nodding his head, lost completely on the person at the other end, he added, Okay, yeah. Sonny, yes Ill be there. He pressed a button, the phone connection broke and neither spoke.

Dont you have somewhere to be? Elizabeth asked, when Jason let go of her hand. Heaving a sigh, he sat down on the bench, elbows on his knees as he held his head in his hands. After a moments hesitation, Elizabeth joined him, clutching the edge of the bench, hands on either side of her thighs.

I said Id be there, I never said when. There are some things you need to know, Jason spoke quietly, looking at her again, the pain shed looked past earlier once again prevalent in his eyes.

Okay, she said simply, not knowing what else to add. He rested his hands on the edge of the bench as he looked at her. Their hands touched, a whispered connection that Elizabeth hadnt forgotten.

I cantI cant explain last night. I dont really remember he shook his head. Elizabeth frowned. He didnt remember? Jason looked away from her, but she felt his fingers brush closer to her hand. I was drunk, but that doesnt matter. I knew what I was doing and so didshe. So, I cant explain that, or wish it away, or fix it, but its not gonna happen again.

Elizabeth could only nod, while her heart thumped painfully against her chest. She didnt want to hear this, not any of it. On some level, maybe she thought Jason would have told her Courtney lied. Tears flooded her eyes.

I married Brenda becauseshe asked me to, and I had nothing to lose. Shes dying, Elizabeth. She doesnt want to put Sonny or Jax through watching her die. So, I told her Id help her, he explained, gazing quietly at her. Their fingers had entwined around each other, like they had minds of their own. Elizabeth swallowed. I dont love Brenda. It was her solution, and Sonny wants her safe, so

What do you want? she interrupted. Jason didnt respond, stared at their fingers, unconsciously tangled together. Elizabeth pulled her hand away as a new anger bubbled up from the bottomless depths of her own personal hell. Jumping hastily to her feet, she backed up towards the steps and blinked away the tears still threatening to spill down her cheeks. Jason, have you ever done something for yourself? Do you know how to be selfish? Because this honor crapwhat the hell has it gotten you? From where Im standing all youve gotten is a sham of a marriage and sex with your sister-in-law.

Elizabeth-,

No. Justjust stop. Im not gonna lie to you. I dont know how. So, I cant tell you that I dont care, that I dont still, still ache to hear your voice, or feel your touch. But I dont know you anymore, tears were starting to prick at her eyes and Elizabeth blinked furiously to squash them down. Taking another backwards step towards the stairs, she breathed deeply. When you figure out how to think for yourself, how to do something for you and no one else, come find me. Id love to say hi to my friend. I miss him. Her throat closed and she couldnt have added another word if she had them to give. As she turned away, the first tear spilled down her cheek. She could feel them pushing against her eyes, screaming to be released as she raced up the stairs and over the wooden planks of the docks.


~*~



Jason sat on the bench, staring at the water of the harbor. Simpleso simple. He knew exactly what he wanted, had even held it in his grasp for a few precious seconds. Mistakes cost him everything, not just Elizabeth. His misguided need to play superhero to the entire town of Port Charles had cost him his identity as well.

His phone rang again and with an angry tug he whipped it out of his pocket. Sonnys number flashed on the screen.

Sonny, I told you Id be there, he growled into the phone.

I know, Jason. So where the hell are you? Sonny pressed. Jason closed his eyes, and bit back the string of obscenities that screamed to be released.

I had something more important to do, he answered. Sighing he rose from the bench and strolled to the edge of the docks. What do you need me for anyway?

Jasonits Brenda, his boss, no his partner, paused for a moment. Jason looked to the heavens. What in Gods name did she do now?

Yeah?

Shes not dying. Alcazar lied to her. She was never sick, Sonny explained. Jason stopped breathing, stopped pacing the docks, stopped thinking for a solid minute before breaking the connection. In one violent motion he launched the cell phone into the air, watched it arch over the water and hit the waves with a soft splash. She was never sick A grim smile passed his lips, fueled by irony, not mirth. Painfully, he tugged the too tight band of gold off his finger, stared at it for a moment and then chucked it into the harbor. Well, then I was never married.

It was over; the last stupid, pointless thing he would ever do for Sonny. If the man needed him, fine, he could ask, but no more of this executive decision crap. Courtney could have her guards, her protection, it just wouldnt be him. Brenda...he'd help her start over if she needed it, but he wasn't holding her hand. Hell, better yet, Brenda could go to Jax. She wanted to be with him anyway. Jason rolled the kinks out of his shoulders, tilted his head to relieve some of the tension in his neck.

Fuck it.

~*~



Elizabeth opened the front door of Kellys, fighting a headache and puffy, scratchy eyes. Morning came far too soon when you cried yourself to sleep. No matter how hard she tried, she could still feel Jasons fingers on hers, the way their hands found each other, like they belonged together. Even when her mind wanted to hate him, her body refused to let him go. Maybe it knew something she didnt.

Bypassing the smaller cooler, she headed straight for the huge walk-in freezer. Pulling it open, the frosty air made her shiver, but she walked in and scanned the piles of goods for the chili Bobbie had asked her to pull out to thaw. She groaned. Of course it would be in the back corner.

Making sure the door wasnt completely latched, Elizabeth stepped further into the small, cold space. The plastic tub chilled her fingers to the bone as she hoisted it up to rest against her hip and began to make her way back to the door. Jasons hands had been so warm last night.

Stop it, she chided herself. Pushing Jason out of her head, she shoved at the door with her shoulder, expecting it to open to the warmth of Kellys kitchen. The door refused to budge. With a frown, Elizabeth set the chili down and used both hands, even tried the knob on the inside of the freezer. Nothing. With panic rising flaring in her gut she uttered a low cry. She was stuck.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Three



Courtney pushed the back door of Kelly's open just a crack to reveal the alley behind the building. Sweeping her gaze from one end to the other and satisfied that no one would see her leaving the crime scene, she darted outside. Winter was quickly approaching and a cold wind lifted her hair from her shoulders. Shivering, she wrapped her arms around her torso and smirked. She only had a few blocks to Harborview Towers and shelter from the wind. Elizabeth was locked in that freezer with no where to go.

"And oh, what a shame...the door is broken," Courtney bit back the laugh that wanted to escape her lips. Growing up among the dregs of society in Atlantic City hadn't been a completely worthless experience. It was amazing how many things a resourceful person like herself could do with a butter knife and the blunt force of a fire extinguisher. Even if Bobbie or one of the other waitresses arrived before Elizabeth had a chance to freeze to death, they'd have a hell of a time getting that door open.

Quickly, to escape the wind, she walked the few blocks to Harborview Towers and scurried into the lobby. The building issue security guard didn't even spare her a glance as she strode past him to the elevator. Being Sonny Corinthos' sister had so many perks, she smiled.

On the ride up to penthouse number two, Courtney mulled over the plan for the current Mrs. Jason Morgan. Brenda Barrett wasn't in love with Jason, but Courtney knew it was only a matter of time. If Brenda wasn't out of the picture soon, she was poised to become a bigger complication than she felt like dealing with.

Stepping off the elevator on the penthouse floor, Courtney gave the guard her most saccharine smile. "Good morning Max. Is Mrs. Morgan in?"

"I think she's still asleep," Max warned.

"Oh, that's okay. I can wait," she promised happily, preparing to take a seat on one of the chairs in the foyer. The guard grimaced.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind a visit, Mrs. Quartermaine," he assured her and unlocked the front door. The penthouse appeared empty, yet cluttered with stuff that was obviously not Jason's. Issues of Vogue, Cosmo and InStyle littered the glass coffee table haphazardly. Three or four single shoes sat on the steps and at least two leather jackets, both female, dangled carelessly from the arm of the desk chair. Max called up the stairs. "Ms. Barr-Mrs. Morgan, you have a visitor."

The guard didn't even glance Courtney's way as he closed the door behind him and resumed his place in the hall. Not a sound had come from the stairs, so she took a seat on the leather couch and made herself at home. Glancing around the penthouse, she took in the plain colors and the sparse decorating. It made her smile. When she moved in with Jason, she'd have so much to do, so much decorating to make the place a home for the two of them.

She was still sitting peacefully on the couch, dreaming about curtains and matching sofa sets when a very disgruntled Brenda Barrett stumbled down the steps. She'd been asleep and having some very nice dreams about a certain Australian man she happened to be in love with when Max's voice had rudely awoken her. Now, she rolled her eyes at the figure on the couch. Of all the nerve. Brenda was used to the bimbo showing up when Jason was at home, but it was no less annoying. With obvious hostility, she stood directly in front of the blonde. "What do you want Courtney? Jason's not here."

Courtney blinked in surprise, but quickly smoothed a hand over her long blond hair and smiled. "I'm actually here to see you, Brenda. I have a message for you. From Jax."

"Oh really?" Brenda raised an eyebrow and folded her arms under her breasts. This oughta be good. She glanced at the staircase. "Why would Jax give you a message to give to me? I don't even know you."

"I don't know," Courtney shrugged and held out the slip of paper for Brenda to take. The brunette did with obvious skepticism. "He must know that Jason and I are so close. He knew I'd probably be seeing you around the penthouse."

"Jason hardly even lets you in here," Brenda muttered, opening the paper and reading over the unfamiliar address. Without giving Courtney another thought, she moved to the foot of the stairs and called. "Jax? Babe, will you come down here? Sonny's sister says I'm supposed to meet you somewhere and I'm not sure I know the address."

"You're supposed to what?" Jax sounded even less enthusiastic about being dragged out of bed than Brenda. Buttoning his dress shirt, he staggered down the last two steps and met his fiance at the landing. Barefoot, he glared at the slip of paper and then at Courtney. The blonde, for her part, was looking sufficiently nervous. Jax gestured with the paper, an amused smirk on his face. "What is this?"

"It's-"

"Oh my...," Brenda's face suddenly lit up in a smile that bled with pity and sad amusement. She brought a hand to her mouth and gasped. "I think I know what she's doing. She thinks if she gets me out of the penthouse, Jason is gonna magically want to be with her. Am I right?" When Courtney didn't say anything, Brenda continued, "You poor girl. Jason doesn't want to be with you. He's only guarding you because Sonny ordered him-."

"Go to hell," Courtney interrupted with such viciousness Brenda took a startled step backward. "You obviously don't know the first thing about Jason and I. Why don't you ask your husband where he was last night. Maybe it will wipe that smug look off you face you little-."

"Hey, hey!" Jax stepped between the two woman just as Courtney moved closer, her hand raised as if to strike the smaller woman. In a calm, concerned voice that only Brenda could tell was put on, he continued. "Courtney, why don't you leave. We'll tell Jason you were here, okay?"

For a long moment, Brenda didn't think even Jax's masterful skills of persuasion were going to work. Courtney wasn't just a corporate idiot he was looking to raid. The lethal look in the blonde's eyes was enough to make her wish Jason actually was in the penthouse. They might need a man with a gun.

Then Courtney's visage cleared. She shook her head and started toward the door. "You brunette bitches are all the same. I hope you all freeze to death."

The penthouse was silent after the echo from the slamming door faded. Brenda stared at the door, half in shock at the scene she'd just witnessed and half relieved it was over. "What the hell was that?"

"I have no idea," Jax admitted, turning away from the door to rest his hands on Brenda's small shoulders. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm...wait. Jax, she said 'you all'. What did she mean by 'all'?"

The Aussie shrugged. "She seems to want Jason. You're the one married to him, so I don't..."

"Robin was brunette," Brenda mused. "But, Robin's been in Paris for years. As far as I know she doesn't even talk to Jason."

"Elizabeth," Jax said suddenly.

"Who's Elizabeth?"

"Elizabeth Webber," he repeated. "She was living with Jason for awhile until the truth about Sonny "death" came out."

"Wait...Jason was-was living with someone...a woman? Why the hell didn't he say something?" Brenda asked incredulously. She'd all but held the man at gunpoint to get him to agree to marry her. If she'd known there was someone else, someone he wanted to be with...

"I don't know what happened," Jax admitted. "All I know is Elizabeth used to be a fixture around this place and then suddenly she was just...gone."

Brenda was stunned. Jason had been living with another woman only a month before he married her. Could he still be missing her? He'd agreed so readily to this union of convenience. He'd said he had nothing to lose. Was that because he thought he already lost everything?

As if she wasn't already feeling bad enough, dread settled heavily upon her. "Elizabeth wasn't...brunette by chance?"

Jax shrugged. "Yeah, she is. Actually, from behind, you two probably look a lot alike...who are you calling?"

She had already dialed the number she realized she knew by heart. "Jason."


~*~


Courtney's temper had receded by the time she reached the home she shared with AJ. But she felt sick over her outburst with Brenda. Why couldn't she just stay cool and collected? Like Jason. He never would have let a little bitch like Brenda Barrett get under his skin.

Sighing, she turned her key and unlocked the door. So her plan for Brenda hadn't worked. Well, maybe that was okay. It was obvious Jax and Brenda were together and very much in love.

"Hi baby."

Courtney jumped at the sound of Aj's voice. She wasn't expecting him back for a couple more days. What the hell was she supposed to do now? She needed a plan and she needed on quick. "AJ? What are you doing here?"

"I live here, at least I did the last time I checked." he laughed. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course I am," Courtney quickly covered and wrapped her arms around her husband. "I missed you like crazy."

AJ smiled. "Well, it just so happens that I missed you like crazy too." He pulled his wife tighter against him and started nuzzling her neck. The moment his lips touched hers an idea, so simple and easy it made her laugh, came to her.

She pulled back from him and smiled warmly. "You know what I also missed? Making love to my handsome husband." AJ smiled with pride as she led him into their bedroom and closed the door.


~*~



Jason was checking invoices at the warehouse when his office extension rang. He hadn't been back to his penthouse the night before. Brenda had invaded and even in the solitude of his bedroom, he felt crowded. He spent the night driving the cliffroads and slept a few hours in his chair at the warehouse. Without glancing up from the carbon copies, he fumbled for the receiver.

"Morgan."

"Why the hell aren't you answering your cell phone?" his "wife's" irritated voice carried loudly over the line and Jason winced.

"Hi Brenda," he replied and decided to skip the explanation of how his phone ended up stuck in the mud at the bottom of the harbor. Without pausing he continued checking the invoices. "What's up?"

"This is probably going to sound strange but...do you know where Elizabeth is?"

"Do I-Elizabeth?" his brow furrowed and he dropped the pen. Did Brenda even know Elizabeth? A knot of dread formed in his stomach. "What's going on, Brenda?"

"Courtney stopped by the penthouse. She tried to give me some note she said was from Jax."

"She what?"

"Yeah, I didn't get it either, but I think she was trying to get rid of me, get me out of your penthouse," she rattled on, barely pausing for breath. "But that really doesn't matter. What does is that Courtney left here very pissed off and then Jax mentioned Elizabeth. Jason...why didn't you tell me about her?"

Jason sighed. "There wasn't much to tell." There was too much to tell.

"Like hell. Jax said she was living with you not a month before we got married."

"She was, but-."

"Are you in love with her?" the words sucked all the strength from his limbs and Jason was glad he was sitting down. Before he could stutter out some kind of answer, Brenda asked another question. "Did Courtney know about you and Elizabeth?"

Suddenly wary, Jason clenched the pen in his grip tighter. With a strange certainty, he knew what Brenda was hedging at, but couldn't quite believe it. But why else would Sonny's sister pull some kind of stunt with Brenda? Why would she so callously tell Elizabeth they'd slept together? Through clenched teeth he replied. "Yes, she did. Why?"

Brenda sighed heavily. "Because Courtney was trying to get me out of your life, Jason. And if she's jealous of me, knowing damn well I'm really not interested in you..."

"Aw...shit," Jason muttered, already standing and grabbing the leather jacket off the back of his chair. "Brenda, where's Co-where is she right now?"

"I don't know. I was just happy to get her out of this place."

"Jason, what's going on?" Sonny asked, emerging from his office.

"What do you need me to do, Jason?" Brenda asked, surprising them both.

"Call Audrey Hardy, Bobbie Spencer and...shit...call Lucky Spencer," he ordered after a moment's hesitation and ignoring the quizzical looks from his boss. Mentally, he ran through the quickest way to check all the places Elizabeth could be.

"What am I supposed to say? I haven't seen any of these people in years, and I don't know Liz-."

"Elizabeth," he corrected absently. "And just...just tell them you want to hire her to-to redecorate the penthouse. She's an artist and-."

"Okay, okay, Jason, I can do that," she assured him. "And you know, I'm sure I'm just overreacting. Li-Elizabeth is probably fine."

"Yeah," Jason muttered without any conviction. "Meet me at Kelly's in half an hour."

"Why don't I just call your cell-."

Despite the anxiety spurring his actions, Jason managed to smirk. "It's at the bottom of the harbor."


~*~



Twenty minutes later, Brenda was dancing from foot to foot, trying to keep warm as the brisk wind swirled in the courtyard outside Kelly's. Jason, apparently unphased by the chill, peered through the dark windows. Barely speaking two words to her, her husband was tense and worried. No, she amended. The man was scared. In all the years she'd known Sonny's right hand man, she'd never seen him sweat.

"Jason, she obviously isn't here. The place isn't even open yet." Brenda observed, looking through a darkened window. With the dim light of the early morning, she could barely make out the tables with their chairs stacked on top. In the past half hour she'd talked to people she hadn't seen in years, asking about a woman she didn't even know and yet, she felt like she'd failed. Bobbie was the only person who offered her any useful information. Elizabeth was supposed to open the diner this morning. Alone.

Jason ignored her nay-saying and stripped off his leather jacket. The cold air blustering through the courtyard did nothing to slow him down as he wrapped the jacket around his hand and prepared to break through one of the glass panes in the window.

Brenda's jaw dropped. "Jason, what the hell are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" he asked without giving her a second glance.

"It looks like you're about to commit a felony," she muttered, glancing over her shoulder as if she expected Taggert to come bounding around the corner. He probably had some kind of Anger Boy radar. "Did you try the door?"

"What?"

"The knob," she rolled her eyes and reached for brass handle. It turned easily in her grasp despite the closed sign still hanging in the window. "See? Vandalism isn't always the solution."

Jason shot his wife a withering look she merely shrugged off as she entered Kelly's. The door had been open. He almost wished it had been locked. It proved someone had been there, someone had entered with the intention of opening the place for business and that someone was supposed to be Elizabeth. Brenda had been right. The place not only looked dark and empty, it felt deserted.

"I don't think she's here," she hovered just inside the threshold while Jason took off toward the back.

"Her purse and jacket are here," he shouted from the kitchen. She wove between the tables and pushed through the swinging door.

"Where is she?"

"I don't know," Jason admitted, clutching the jacket and purse in his hands. "She wouldn't leave these behind, though."

"No woman would go anywhere without her purse," Brenda agreed. Suddenly, she remembered another snippet of Courtney's irate ramblings. But it couldn't mean anything. It was too ridiculous. Casting a nervous glance at the large steel cooler, she licked her lips. "Jason, Courtney said something about...freezing? That she hoped we all froze to death."

"We?"

"Brunettes," Brenda rolled her eyes, but they both cast uneasy looks at the freezer. With a sick feeling in her stomach, she realized the door handle looked funny. "Jason-."

"Stand back," he ordered, the calm set of his jaw masking his racing pulse and tight chest. He took a moment to study the door and tried to yank it open, but the latch was crushed.

"Do you really think it's possible that she-that Elizabeth is in there?"

"I'm not taking chances with her life, Brenda," he swore. The scarce light that filtered through the windows in front hit his eyes and she saw the anxiety lurking there. Swallowing, she nodded and moved into the corner, far away from the steel freezer.

Jason raised his gun and aimed. He fired with calm conviction and she knew she'd just glimpsed Sonny's enforcer. The cold ruthless killer who could end a life just as easily as file an invoice at the coffee warehouse. She shivered.

The door held and took another two shots before a spring popped and it swung open. From her place in the corner, she saw Elizabeth's hand first and had to bite back a cry of disbelief.

"Oh-oh my god, Jason," she stuttered, but he was already moving to pull Elizabeth out. He wrapped her in his jacket and pressed his fingers to her throat. Vaguely, she heard him whispering the young woman's name, over and over as he tried to warm her.

"Is she-?"

"She's alive," he assured her hoarsely. Rising abruptly, he didn't even stagger carrying her slight weight. "Barely."


~*~



Jason couldn't sit still. The waiting room of General Hospital was quiet this early in the morning and while he normally would have relished the stillness, he found himself craving noise. Some kind of distraction from the thoughts racing through his head. Elizabeth hadn't opened her eyes once in the ambulance. Her grip on his hand had been non-existent. He could still feel the chill of her skin when he ran his thumb across her blue lips. Like touching glass. Lifeless.

"Jason, here," Brenda appeared at his side, quietly offering him a cup of coffee from the cafeteria. He took it, even sat heavily on the lumpy couch in the waiting room, but he made no move to drink. The hard knot of guilt and fear lodged in his throat made it nearly impossible to breath.

"Thanks," he muttered, flinching when she laid her hand on his arm. Brenda must have noticed because she bit her lip and sidled away from him.

"I'm sure she'll be alright," she offered.

Jason shook his head. "She was so cold. Barely breathing."

"She was only in there an hour-."

"I can't lose her like this, Brenda," Jason finally let his guard down and the pain in his voice was palpable. "Not-not like this."

The silence that blanketed the rest of the hospital consumed them as well. Jason dimly registered when Brenda's small hand crept into his, offering him the only kind of support she could. He cradled his head with his free hand, wishing with everything in him that the world would just go away and let him be. Just leave him alone for five minutes so he could find the strength to be what Elizabeth needed if-when-she woke up.

"Jason, do you think-I mean, someone locked her in there on purpose, right?" Brenda's voice was quiet and almost shy. Forcing himself to look at her, Jason noticed how far away the brunette was sitting. She's afraid of me, he thought absently.

Trying to keep his voice neutral, he nodded. "Yes."

"Do you think-," she began, but a sound from down the hall tore his attention away.

Finally, the click-clack of heels against the tiled floor was for him. Monica Quartermaine strode toward him, smiling when she caught Jason's eye. His throat was suddenly dry and he couldn't breath.

"Monica, how's Elizabeth?" Brenda asked for him when it became obvious he wouldn't be able to do it himself.

"She's going to be just fine," the doctor beamed. Jason expelled a harsh breath and pulled free of Brenda's grasp. Running both hands over his tired eyes, he blinked at Monica.

"You're sure?" he whispered.

"Yes. She's still asleep, but she'll be just fine," she nodded. When he didn't say anything more, Monica raised her eyebrows. "Would you like to see her?"

Nodding, he rose to his feet to follow. Jason couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that he was getting another chance. Elizabeth was going to be fine, he could tell her how much she mattered, how much he wanted another chance.

"Excuse me, Jason?" a hesitant, but determined voice stopped his progress to Elizabeth's recovery room.

Jason turned and blinked at a very nervous looking Amy Vining. "What?"

"Courtney Quartermaine is here and she's asking for you?"

"What?" Brenda was instantly at Jason's side, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. Jason felt sick merely hearing the name spoken aloud. He hadn't given her a chance to say it, but both he and Brenda knew who had to have shut Elizabeth in that freezer to die. "What'd she do...follow him here?"

Amy shook her head, "No, not exactly. Courtney was here before you came in with Elizabeth. She didn't even know that you were here until I told her."

"Why is she here? " Monica asked.

Amy hesitated, obviously unsure how to proceed. Finally she sighed and spoke bluntly. "She was raped. She says that AJ raped her."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Four



"She said AJ did what?" Monica stared at Amy. Jason closed his eyes and tried to breathe. What the hell was going on here?

"AJ's her husband," Brenda uttered in a bewildered voice. She looked from Jason to Monica to Amy, and then back to Jason. "Why would AJ-?"

"It doesn't matter," Amy folded her arms across her chest. "If Courtney told him no" The thought trailed off. Silence blanketed the waiting room. Jason felt like his head was stuffed with cotton. None of this made sense. Courtney shuts Elizabeth in a freezer to die, then asks for him when she has problems with AJ? What the fuck

"Dammit!" he swore and kicked the ugly vinyl couch. Brenda jumped, clamped a hand on his arm and made him face her.

"Jason, calm down," she spoke low. "I'll go talk to Courtney, you go to Elizabeth-."

"No," he shook his head, clenched his hands into fists and blazed cold hard fury at his former wife. "Brenda, you go to Elizabeth, stay with her for me. I'm going toI need some answers." He switched his gaze to Amy, strode towards the nurse. Without saying a word, she led him down the hall.

"You have security here, right?" Brenda sidled up to a stunned Monica. The doctor blinked.

"Yes, of course. Why?"

"Courtney may need someprotection," she tried to laugh, but the situation, the murder in Jason's eyes, was far from amusing.


~*~



Jason hovered in the ER doorway. Amy had pointed out the room and gone to check on other patients. Courtney hadn't noticed him yet and he took the time to survey her appearance. Her hair was a mess, stringy and snarled. The hospital gown sleeves fell short of covering the welts and bruises on her arms. Swinging rhythmically to a beat he didn't hear, her legs and feet were bare. She'd been through something, but just what, he could tell.

He stepped further into the room and cleared his throat. Courtney froze, her legs stopped swinging and she whipped her head his way. The wide blue eyes bled fear, and the fury pulsing through Jason's veins only a second ago ebbed slightly.

"Jason," she flew at him, burying her face in his chest, her arms clutched at his torso. His stomach rolled as Elizabeth's frozen, still form flashed through his mind. The anger rose again. He didn't want Courtney's body anywhere near his. Untangling her arms from around his waist and pushing her gently away, Jason struggled to control his disgust.

"What is going on?"

"Jason, I'm so scared," she wrapped her arms tight around her body. "AJ is crazy. I told him we made love and hehe just lost it." She started to gasp for breath, clutching at Jason's jacket and trying to claw her way into his embrace.

"Calm down," his steady tone belied the anger and suspicion still weighing heavily on his mind. Guiding her to the hospital bed, he forced her to sit down. "What did AJ do?"

"He went crazy," she cried hysterically. Jason closed his eyes and bit back the harsh remark on his tongue. Tell me something new. Courtney licked her lips. "Hehe threw me on the bed, and when I, I tried to fight him off, he hit mewith his belt, his hands. Oh Jason, it was so awful."

"He did this because you told him weslept together?" Jason couldn't mask the skepticism in his voice. AJ did stupid things as a rule, but rape? There was something she wasn't telling him, and the uncertainty made him nervous. Elizabeth's pale and frozen body flashed through his mind and any pity he'd felt for Courtney vanished. He needed to see Elizabeth, touch her and convince himself she was going to be all right. Why was he with the woman who probably put her there in the first place?

"Well, that and I told him we were over," Courtney snorted derisively, pulling Jason in with her abrupt change in tone. He searched her eyes; the fear was gone. There wasn't even any pain in those vapid puddles of blue. As he walked to the door to shut out the noise of the hospital, as well as Amy Vining's gossip radar, he never took his gaze off of the blond woman he now distrusted as well as disliked.

"Okay," Jason allowed, returning to stand in front of Courtney, stance wide, arms crossed. "Was this before or after you left Elizabeth to die in the freezer?"


~*~



Brenda wiggled her foot against the steel leg of a very lumpy hospital chair. The clock over the door must have broken ages ago. Every time she looked at it, even though it felt like hours, only a few minutes had passed. Where the hell was Jason? That blond twit had to be lying. Was she the only one who saw it?

A slight rustle from Elizabeth's bed commanded her attention and she leaned over the small body buried under four scratchy tan blankets. Her breathing was slow and steady as the machine on the other side of the bed monitored her even heartbeat. Her skin was still chalky, though, her fingers still cold as ice. Picking up one small hand, Brenda smoothed a few strands of hair off Elizabeth's forehead.

"Jason will be here soon," she spoke softly. He damn well better show up or I'm sending Jax after him. Elizabeth's eyelids fluttered, and she tightened her fingers on Brenda's hand. She whimpered, a low unintelligible moan, and Brenda squeezed back. "Elizabeth? Sweetie, are you waking up?"

"Hmmm," she didn't open her eyes completely and her brow furrowed briefly.

"Jason will be here in just a couple minutes, okay?" Brenda took both Elizabeth's hands in her own and tried to share her own warmth. Her eyes fluttered again. "Take your time."

"Jason won't be here," Elizabeth mumbled. "He'll be with his wife."

Brenda chuckled. "He doesn't have a wife, kiddo. Just me, and I don't count."

"Then he'll be with Courtney again," Elizabeth sighed, still keeping her eyes closed, talking in a hazy monotone. Brenda smiled sadly. The poor girl's probably half-conscious. Dammit, where was Jason? She should be waking up to him.

"Why would he be with Courtney, Elizabeth?" Brenda pressed. Even thinking about that blond terror made her shiver. They may not have proof that she locked Elizabeth in the freezer, but her performance at Jason's penthouse was evidence enough for Brenda.

Elizabeth's eyes opened halfway and she looked straight at Brenda. "He slept with her."


~*~



Courtney's stomach clenched in fear. Thank God she was sitting down, or her legs might have given out on her. The way Jason was looking at herdammit, why did she lose her temper like that in front of Brenda Barrett? She led him right to Elizabeth. Tearing her eyes away from his lethal gaze, she swallowed. It was so cold, so cold. He didn't look at her like that. No, that look was for people he hated, people like AJ. AJCourtney looked down at her lap, bunched the fabric of the hospital gown into tight clumps and released it, an idea forming in her mind.

"Co-."

"I'm so sorry, Jason," she hazarded a peek at her brother-in-law. The steel gaze lost a fraction of its razor sharp edge, but not enough. Lay it on thick, girl. Your ass is on the line here. "This is all my fault."

"What do you mean?" Jason asked, his brow furrowed and he took a step towards her.

"I never should have agreed to any of this. I justI had no idea AJ would take it this far," she kept her voice small and tight, twisting the gown in her fists.

"AJ? What are you talking about?"

"It was his ideaall of it. The stalking, getting you involved. AJ made the calls and put up the shrine. It was all a scam. Even, when Iseduced you. It was all part of AJ's plan," Courtney peeked at Jason again. He'd uncrossed his arms and stepped even closer to her, his ice blue eyes boring into her soul. For just a second she felt herself falling into his stare. Quickly, she dragged her focus back to the homemade bruises on her legs from the belt she swiped from AJ. No, no, just play your cards right, Court, and you'll be waking up to those baby blues every morning.

"AJ's plan for what?"

"To-to get Michael back," Courtney admitted. Jason threw his hands in the air and growled a retort. Watching him start to pace the room, she wanted to laugh with glee. The Michael card always worked. What a powerful little boy. "He thought that by going through you, keeping you occupied, he'd stand a better chance."

"And what did Elizabeth have to do with this?" he demanded, facing Courtney again. She nearly drowned in his raw angerand pain. God that man was in a lot of pain.

"Elizabeth was just another way to get to you," she almost choked on the girl's name. Stupid bitch would have been out of the way, too, if I'd controlled my temper. Elizabeth just hurt Jason, was she the only one who could see that? "He knew how much you lo-cared for her. He shut her in the freezer. I was with him, but Jason, I was so scared. I went and tried to give Brenda that fake note, like he ordered me to. I even made the freezing comment on purpose. To give her a clue. When I had to tell AJ, she didn't believe mehe lost it. Kept screaming that I wanted him to fail. And then hehe raped me."

Jason sighed and shook his head. For a moment, he just stood there. She watched him carefully. He had to believe her, he just had to. Dipping her head to hide a smile, she nearly laughed out loud. This was perfect. AJ would be out of her life for goodeither in jail or dead depending on which side of the law got to him first. Brenda would be easy, she wasn't even after Jason. Elizabeth, thoughshe would be Courtney's greatest obstacle. She needed a foolproof plan for that wench.

"Marco. Where are you?" she jumped at the sudden harshness of Jason's voice. He was on the phone, barking orders to one of the guards. "You need to get to GH now. Why aren't you here already? Your supposed to be guardingWell, I don't care, man, just get your ass here, now." He hung up the phone just as a knock sounded at the door. Amy stepped into the room, followed by Taggert.

"Morgan," the cop drawled. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Taggert, I don't have the time. You're here for her, not me, so just leave me the hell alone," Jason strode towards the door. Courtney's heart sped in panic. He was leaving her?

"Jason," she called, halting him in the doorway. He turned slightly. "You're just gonna leave me?"

"Amy and Taggert will take care of you. Just tell him what you told me," Jason barely met her gaze. Her heart sunk. He was going to herthat little bitch!

"Okay," she nodded meekly. Jason darted a last quick glance her way and disappeared. Anger burned at Courtney's eyes, as tears threatened to come. Oh, let them. It will look better for the cops, more convincing and genuine. This might be fun.


~*~



Elizabeth's eyes had closed after her last comment and Brenda glared at the clock with more venom than before. As she cradled Elizabeth's still chilly hands in her own, she mulled over various ways she could kill her "husband." If what Elizabeth mumbled was trueoh, that man was toast.

"How is she?" Speak of the devilBrenda glared at him over her shoulder before turning back to Elizabeth and tucking the blanket over her arms, all the way to her chin. Bearing towards Jason like a steamroller, she shoved him out of the room and shut the door.

"Brenda, what the-?" Jason was staring at her like she'd lost her mind. Sorry Morgan, not this time.

"Sit down," she ordered. Jason stood his ground, trying to stare her down in enforcer mode. Brenda raised an eyebrow. "Fine stand. Either way, you have some serious explaining to do, buddy."

"What-?"

"Did you sleep with Courtney?" she demanded. Jason closed his eyes and swore softly. Brenda stepped back, shocked for some reason, perhaps expecting him to say no. "Oh my God, you did."

"Brenda-."

"You had sex withthatlunatic?"

"Brenda-."

"I mean, I realize you probably haven't gotten any for awhile, but-."

"Brenda. Shut up," Jason groaned, slouching against the door. He rubbed his hands over his face. Oh, no he was not getting off that easy.

"Jason, how could you do that?" she demanded, folding her arms and leaning against the wall next to him. This close, she could see the dark circles under his eyes, like bruises. Not for the first time, she thanked God this fake marriage was over. Maybe he'd actually get a life now. "I don't know what's going on between you and Elizabeth, but I've never seen you as scared as you were while we waited for Monica. Why do this to yourself? That twit already hangs on you like a disease. Holy hell, I hope you were careful."

"Fuck," Jason swore again, his face locked in an expression of pain as he let his head fall against the wall with a sharp thud. Brenda winced.

"Christ, Morgan, you didn't?"

"I don't remember. I wastrashed," he barely whispered. Brenda rolled her eyes. What a flippin' nightmare. Mr. Control, my ass! "How'd you find out anyway?"

"Elizabeth told me. She came to for a couple seconds and we had an interesting conversation," she sighed and pushed her fingers through her curls. "You really have her convinced you don't care, ya know that?"

"Yes," Jason swallowed and looked through the safety glass at Elizabeth's sleeping form. Well, get in there and change her mind, you big oaf! But he didn't move, just stared at the bed.

"Jason, you're not gonna change her mind on this side of the door," she nudged him gently. He sighed. "Go in there. Go to her."

"Brenda-."

"I'm your wife. 'Love, honor and obey'?"

"We cut that part out," Jason smirked, a little light returning to his pain laced eyes. Brenda grinned.

"Yeah, wellgo in there anyway," she shoved him towards the door, watched him walk slowly to Elizabeth, shrug out of his jacket and drape it across the foot of the bed. He pulled her chair as close to her as he could get it. Immediately, his hands found her face, caressing her cheek softly before burying his fingers in her hair. Brenda watched him, almost in awe witnessing Jason brought to his knees by an unconscious young woman. Suddenly, she felt very out of place. Coughing just loud enough for him to hear her, she leaned against the doorframe.

"Yeah?" he asked, never taking his eyes off Elizabeth. Brenda shook her head. The man was gone.

"I'm gonna be in the hallway," she replied. "If you need me for anythingum, just ask. Actually, if you need my help dealing withall of this, just let me know." Without waiting for a response, she backed out of the room, closing the door just as Jason's one word of thanks reached her ears. She smiled again.


~*~



"Do you have somewhere to go?" Taggert asked, rising from the hospital chair. Courtney looked at him, swallowed and wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks.

"I can't go home?"

"We need to take care of AJ before you are out of protective custody," the cop frowned as Courtney cringed at her husband's name. "Stay at the hospital, let the doctors take care of you. I'll send someone to take you home once we handle things." She nodded and wrapped her arms around her body. Taggert studied her for a moment and then left the room. Detective Andy Capelli paced in the hallway.

"So?" he asked.

"So, it looks like we're paying Mr. Aj Quartermaine a little visit," Taggert replied grimly.


~*~



Jason finally felt some warmth in Elizabeth's fingertips as he held her hands in his own almost possessively. How long had he been sitting there, holding her face, her hands, running his fingers through her silky hair, he didn't know. Some of the color had returned since he'd started his vigil, but she hadn't opened her eyes yet. Monica wouldn't have lied to him, or kept anything from him, but he was starting to get worried. He needed to get lost in that endless blue.

Even sitting with Elizabeth, the two of them finally alone, the rest of the world still refused to let him be. AJCourtneywhat was going on? Courtney's story was too disturbing to believe, but AJ had proved more than once that he was willing to go to any lengths to get Michael back. Hell, Edward could even have put him up to it; Jason wouldn't put it past the Q's to orchestrate this entire stalker faade. But rape Courtney? That just didn't make sense because as stupid as AJ was, his brother was not a monster. Granted, he hadn't found Elizabeth the night of her rape, or even witnessed the aftermath, but he remembered her saying how she couldn't stand for anyone to touch her after it happened. And Courtneyhe closed his eyes and rested his forehead on the blanket by Elizabeth's shoulder, suddenly exhausted.

The real question here, of course waswhat did he tell Elizabeth? The last thing he wanted to do was tell her that once again, because of him, her life was on the line, but there was no way in hell he'd lie to her. Never again. But what could he tell her? Gee, Elizabeth, well I think, I'm not sure but, well, Courtney might have tried to kill you, or it may have been AJ, or maybe Rosie did it He groaned softly into the mattress. This was a nightmare.

Small fingers moved beneath his then, and he raised his head. Elizabeth's eyelids fluttered softly before opening all the way. Blinking in the dim light, she looked around the room briefly before noticing his hands covering her own, and then him, the blue eyes giving away nothing.

"Hey," he whispered as nothing else came to mind while he worshiped that depthless blue.

"Hi," she replied, not even blinking. Taking a deep breath, she focused her attention at the ceiling. When her eyes left his, for a second he was lost. Looking at her was like oxygen. "What happened?"

"II'm not sure," Jason replied honestly. He had no fucking clue what was going on, but as soon as he did "Brenda and I found you at Kelly's. You were in-."

"I remember," Elizabeth stopped him and her fingers tightened around his. She turned and he thanked the chair and the bed for keeping him from melting onto the floor as she leveled him with her gaze. He could still read the fear written there, but it was dull, an afterthought that just needed to ebb away. Swallowing noisily, trying to breathe, he fought the desire to climb into bed and hold her until every ounce of that fear left her completely. A corner of her mouth turned up. "You found me. You saved me."

"I just got you here. Monica saved you." Jason shook his head and rubbed her fingers between his.

"Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Don't put yourself down, like it's not important that you always come for meyou saved me," she pulled a hand from his grasp and touched his cheek. The sensation sent a shiver down his spine. Her fingertips lingered on his face before moving back, entwining their hands together. She sighed, but the sound wasn't sad. "It's always going to be like this, isn't it?"

"Be like what?" he wanted her hands back on his face, but the way she kept moving her thumb against his skin was mesmerizing.

"No matter how many mistakes we makeor how hard we push each other awaywe always come back. You'll always find me and I'll always look for you."

"I don't know how else to live," Jason admitted, keeping his voice soft to hide the raw emotion threatening to drown him. "But you don't have to look for me anymore. I'm right here and nothing, nothing will ever take me away from you again." He brought her hands to his lips, brushed a kiss against her knuckles and giving up breathing altogether. With her this close, the scent of her skin pushing past the acrid smell of the hospital, he wanted time to stop. "That is, if you want me around."

A small smiled graced her beautiful face. "It's nice to see you, Jason Morgan. I've missed you."


~*~



AJ set the phone back in the cradle with a frown. Bobbie said Courtney wasn't at Kelly's today. Where did she run off to? He'd woken up, expecting to see her gorgeous face resting peacefully on the pillow beside him, but their bed had been empty.

A knock sounded against his front door. Immediately after turning the knob and pulling it open, he regretted it.

"Oh, great. What are you doing here?" AJ sighed. The visitor raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah, happy to see you too, AJ," without waiting for his permission, the visitor strode past him into the living room.

"Well, come right in," AJ seethed as he slammed the door. "To what do I owe this visit?"

"We need to have a little talk," the visitor replied, turning to face him. AJ bristled at the tone. But at the next words out of his guest's mouth, his heart stopped. "It's about your wife."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Five


Some people weren't just players in the day-to-day game of life. They didn't just react and subsist along with the majority. These people changed their worlds, for better or for worse, to suit their lives. Carly Corinthos had always assumed she was one of those people, the ones that refused to stand by and simply coast through life. Through every trial and tribulation she'd carved her way, fought tooth and nail for what she wanted. With immense satisfaction, the girl who used to be Caroline Benson, a scrap of trailer trash too worthless for anybody to love, had become Carly Corinthos, a mother, a wife, and a best friend.

And yet...

Since September she'd lived under an impending cloud of doom. Carly knew she rivaled Lily and certainly meant more to Sonny than Alexis, but... Casting a wary glance at the empty hallway leading to Elizabeth's hospital room, she feared the worst. She could take on anything, withstand any menial storm, but she could never rival the power of a force of nature.

Brenda Barrett, for she was still the same Brenda even with Jason's last name, would beat her. Every time. The petite woman changed the atmosphere, the energy of a room, just by stepping through the door. Carly understood this, had even accepted it on some level, but that sure as hell didn't mean she had to be happy about it.

During her years with Sonny, she'd convinced herself that she mattered as much to Sonny as he did to her. They'd been through so much together, it wasn't a foolish assumption and had carried her through the past two months of co-existing with a woman she once confidently thought dead.

Everything had changed, however, the confidence a facade. Carly felt like a lesser woman every time Brenda entered the room. Sonny was still with her, still slept next to her every night, made love to her like he had before, but the routine didn't fool Carly. What Sonny and Brenda had was beyond even the draw of their family. And Carly knew it was just a matter of time before it all blew up in her face.

Nevertheless, here she was. At General Hospital, sitting on an uncomfortable blue couch and wondering why the hell she cared. Brenda's cryptic message on their answering machine had been enough to send her into fits.

Sonny, it's Brenda. Jason and I are at General Hospital and he needs you. Now.

Carly had expected blood and gore, gunshot wounds or a car accident. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined this was all over Elizabeth Webber.

"Where's Sonny?" Brenda flew down the hallway, the bell sleeves of her sheer black top billowing at her sides. Carly bristled at the familiarity with which the other woman spoke her husband's name.

"He had a meeting he couldn't get out of. I called his cell phone. He'll be here," she promised, forcing herself to remember that she was wearing Sonny's wedding ring, she was the one he'd made promises to before God.

Brenda merely raised a skeptical eyebrow and perched on the arm of the single chair nearby. Carly used the silence to collect herself. No need to start the inevitable battle. She'd have a much better shot at preservation if she kept her cool and all her tricks up her sleeve.

"Did Courtney really accuse AJ of rape?" she asked suddenly, wanting to focus on something other than her own insecurities.

Brenda nodded. "She claims this entire mess, the stalking, locking Elizabeth in the freezer, was all part of some scam AJ concocted to get Michael back."

"Do you believe it?" Carly asked after a moment. She didn't. AJ was a lot of things, a lot of horrible things, but not this kind of monster. No matter what she thought of the biological father of her child, she couldn't believe this.

"I believe that Sonny's sister is off her nut," Brenda replied coolly. Carly tensed, not quite ready to believe the one female friend she'd had in all her years in Port Charles was some kind of deranged lunatic.

"I'm sure you don't have all the details," she sneered with more doubt than she liked. Brenda merely scoffed.

"Yeah well, it doesn't really matter what I believe."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Carly asked warily.

"Jason's the one that matters. Your little friend had the misfortune of hurting someone he cares about," Brenda shrugged her shoulders as if Jason's fury wasn't something to be taken with the utmost respect. "He's dealing with AJ right now. We'll see who he believes."


~*~



Sonny sat in his warehouse and stared at his attorney. The mere fact she was even in his presence, given the way he'd treated her for the past few months, was an earth shattering development. During the few moments of his life when he was brutally honest with himself, Sonny admitted he missed her friendship. Even missed the sexual tension between them that had all but disappeared after their failed attempt at a romance. He had many regrets in his life, but few carried the same sting as his one night stand with Alexis Davis.

"Sonny? Are you listening to me?" the attorney raised her eyebrows and pinched her lips into a tight line. Giving himself a mental shake, Sonny nodded.

"So, it's all a lie? Courtney is no relation of mine?" he couldn't help the hope that shaded his voice...or the self-loathing when he uttered her name.

"None," Alexis nodded. "I researched her background in Atlantic City, her mother, the casino where she said she grew up. It was a con."

"But you checked all this when Courtney first came to town. How did you miss it then and find it so easily now?" Sonny challenged, anger replacing the regret. He tried to temper it when Alexis' hand dropped unconsciously to her rounded belly. "How-how did those two women pull this off?"

"Very simply," Alexis snapped and for the first time he attributed the pinched expression on her face to her own rage, quiet and contained as it might be. "They knew what they were doing. Courtney and Janine used anybody they could get their hands on. The fact that Mike remembered being with Janine was their ace. They came through me and my own insecurities about family. They pushed our buttons, Sonny. And they did a damn good job."

"I still don't-."

"Sonny, I wanted to believe it. I wanted to be the one who brought you to your family. I always thought you were so alone..." she sighed, embarrassment and regret thick in her tone, but the anger of being used by Courtney and Janine kept her face hard. "You can't change the past. No matter how much you dredge it up," Alexis said with a faraway look on her face that he barely noticed before she masked it by adjusting her glasses and returning to her notes. "The bottom line is Courtney Matthews is not your sister. Not biologically or legally."

Sonny stared at the shiny surface of his desk for a few silent minutes, searching for a solution. Because of him, he'd allowed a con artist into his life, endangered Carly and Michael, made Jason vulnerable and the repercussions didn't stop there. Elizabeth Webber was lying in a hospital bed suffering the after effects of hypothermia simply because Sonny was easily duped. After all the pain he'd caused her with his death scam a couple months ago, now he was responsible for this. And with what Benny had revealed to him the previous night, this transgression was the worst.

"Dammit," he swore harshly, looking up to find Alexis studying him coolly. The one-time lovers stared at each other for a moment before Sonny voiced a question he'd been harboring for the past forty-five minutes. "Why are you here?"

The lawyer looked confused. "You asked me to investigate-."

"No, I mean here. Why are you still acting as my attorney? You hate me. You hate everything I stand for."

Alexis sighed as if she'd been waiting for this question. Removing her glasses, she studied the lenses before carefully putting them away. She shuffled papers and stowed them in her briefcase. Rising a bit slower than normal with her added padding, she struggled to her feet and shrugged into her long winter coat. When she was ready to leave, she finally looked at Sonny again. "What happened to us...between us...were some of the best times of my life. And the worst. But I've finally realized that-that it wasn't your fault alone."

"Also," her voice took on a harder edge. "I helped Courtney Matthews. I persuaded you to give her a chance, that she was the real thing. I took data at face value, rather than investigating it to the depths I should have and because of that I'm partially to blame for what's happened."

Sonny rose and opened the door for her. "I appreciate your help."

"I'll let you know if and when I find anything more," she promised. At the door of the outer office, she paused and turned to look at him. "Do you want me to find her?"

"Her?"

"Your...your real sister, Sonny," Alexis' eyes softened and once again her hand found her pregnant belly. "You have family out there and if you want-."

"Benny already found her," Sonny cut her off, the shock still too real, too palpable from Benny's earlier revelations. On the one hand he wanted to be overjoyed. On the other, a sense of dread had descended that he found impossible to shake. "I know who she is."


~*~



AJ sank to the couch, his legs suddenly too weak to hold him. Jason hadn't moved any further into the room than the chair by the door. He wasn't comfortable there, AJ realized. His brother, the cold, cruel, emotionless thug was practically squirming to leave. AJ wasn't letting him off that easily. Whatever bad blood was between them, he needed all the answers and Jason was going to give them to him.

"Rape? She said I raped her?" he repeated the same question aloud he'd been thinking in his head. With eyes filled with tears, he looked at Jason.

"Yeah. That you raped her when she didn't come through on her part of the plan. When Brenda didn't believe her," Jason's voice was soft, wary and AJ realized that he was still a suspect.

"And Elizabeth?" AJ found the indignant strength to rise and face his brother. "Courtney accused me of locking Elizabeth in that freezer to die?"

"Yes," the taller man nodded and he couldn't miss the lethal edge his voice took with that one word. AJ swallowed his emotion and drew on all the Quartermaine traits he'd spent his life trying to perfect. Jason was deadly. AJ was ruthless.

"You hate me. I get that, and to be honest, the feeling is mutual," he folded his arms across his chest and refused to look away from Jason's piercing gaze. "But you can't possibly think I'd do this. Rape? Murder?"

"You've pulled a lot of shit trying to get Michael back," Jason countered easily.

"Jason, come on. I love Courtney. She's the only person in my life who ever believed in me."

"You married her to get Michael back," Jason took a step forward, forcing AJ to crane his neck slightly. The disadvantage was instant and he fought the urge to take a step back and reclaim some ground.

"Yes, I did. And I almost went through with it, but in the end...I love her. I've made mistakes, but Courtney was the only one that turned out to be a blessing," his voice didn't waver, didn't succumb to the overwhelming sorrow at the sudden knowledge that he should be using the past tense. Obviously, Courtney wasn't the woman he thought she was. "But...but even if I didn't care about her, even if I always intended to use her, Jason...I wouldn't go after Elizabeth. She's important to Emily and for some reason our sister cares about me. I would go after you, or Sonny or Carly, but never someone like Elizabeth. Hell, believe me for that alone."

Jason refused to speak and AJ was afraid for a moment he hadn't been persuasive enough. He stared back at the cold blue eyes, fought every urge that screamed at him to look away and flinch. Finally, his brother expelled a harsh breath and paced a few steps away.

"I believe you," he said softly. AJ released the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. Jason raised his head and upraised him. "And...and I-there's something you have to know."

"Something else?"

Jason wouldn't meet his eye and AJ's heart broke with his confession. "Two nights ago...I slept with Co-with your wife."

"You slept with Courtney," AJ repeated dully. Shaking his head, a snarl twisted his lips. The familiar triumph at someone else's misfortune, someone else's mistake was impossible to ignore. Especially when it was Jason who quite literally fucked up. The Quartermaine in him wouldn't allow it, despite how personally it hurt him. "You slept with my wife. And here I was feeling guilty for all the shit I've tried to get Mikey back and you just take something else from me."

"I didn't-I didn't want to take her from you," Jason swallowed. "I was drunk."

"Wait a minute, you were wasted?" AJ crowed with derisive laughter. "Did it hurt when that high horse bucked you off, Jason? How does it feel down on the ground with us mortals? The Golden Boy falls."

"I never gave myself that title, AJ. I never claimed to be perfect," Jason swore harshly.

"You coulda fooled me," he muttered.

Jason scowled. "You know what? You're screwed. The cops are already investigating these rape charges. My guess is, they're on their way here and if you're too arrogant to accept my help, then forget it," Jason made a move to leave.

"Whatever, little bro. Like you were ever here to help me," AJ didn't even try to keep the pain from his voice any longer. The raw wound that was his life in his brother's constant shadow was throbbing at full force. "If the police didn't get me, Sonny would. He'd never believe me over his sister."

Jason stopped, his hand on the doorknob. "He'd believe me. And I did come here to help you. I owe you for what happened. For what I did."

AJ faltered. "You owe me?"

"I never meant to hurt you. I didn't go looking for your wife. I was..." Jason turned and leaned against the door. Keeping his eyes focused on the ground he licked his lips. "I was in a lot of pain. Nothing helped and I just...I wanted to forget. For one night I wanted to forget everything I did to hurt her."

Against his better judgment, AJ felt his anger wan slightly. "Her?"

"Elizabeth. She-I...I fucked it up, AJ. You think I'm so perfect? You have no idea," Jason trailed off.

Silence fell over the small apartment. AJ took the time to study his brother, something he rarely did. The man who never showed weakness, who seemed barely human 99 percent of the time, was tired. More than that, he was hurting. Every breath was ragged. With infinite regret, he recalled a few of the memories he worked so hard to keep buried. The way he and Jason Quartermaine had been such good friends. Real brothers.

The moment he'd been waiting eight years for had presented itself. A second in time when Jason let his guard down enough, forgot enough of his hatred of all things Quartermaine, that AJ thought maybe they could repair some of the damage. He'd planned for this moment. Worked out what he was going to say, but now as he observed the man in front of him who was just barely hanging on by a thread, he could only think of one thing to say.

"What's your plan?"

Jason looked up, startled from his own thoughts. Blinking once, he straightened and sighed. "Well, I get you out of the country. You go to Europe or wherever you want. I'll arrange it. Co-she seems to want you out of the way, so I figure we do that and see what she tries next."

"So, I leave...forever?"

"As long as you want. You gave up everything for her. This could be your chance to start over if you want it. I really don't care," Jason shrugged and AJ couldn't help the rueful smile that tugged at his lips. The fleeting moment was gone.

"Okay. Sounds like I don't have much of a choice anyway," AJ conceded.

"You've got an hour. Then someone is going to come by and take you to the airport. One of Sonny's jets will be waiting," he must have noticed the wary look on his brother's face because he quickly added. "You're going to have to trust me. Sonny doesn't know about this and he won't until you're already in the air. I'll make him understand."

AJ nodded and tried to believe it. Crossing the Atlantic on Sonny's jet...would he ever see land again? Then again, if he stayed here, did he really have a choice? Jason was already out the door, no good-byes, when AJ stopped him.

"What are you going to tell Courtney?"

Jason smirked with no mirth. "That you're dead."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Six



Brenda paused in the hallway and watched Carly Corinthos sit impatiently on the blue waiting room couch. Bracing her hand on the hip of her European jeans, she briefly let her gaze wander to the flashy diamond solitaire and beautiful platinum band sparkling on the other woman's finger. With a visible grimace, she wondered what made Carly more suited for Sonny's world than she ever was. What Brenda had failed at, Carly achieved three times over. Quickly dismissing any thought of jealousy, the brunette decided she felt, for one of the few times in her life, inadequate. The fact that she only knew Carly as Caroline Benson, a woman who breezed into Port Charles little more than trailer trash and stole her mother's husband, didn't help the fact. People could change, she believed. The problem with being dead for four years was that she'd missed the metamorphosis. What a show that must have been.

With a shake of her head, she brushed the thoughts aside and strode purposefully into the waiting room. Carly jumped at the suddenly clack of stacked heels on the hospital floor. Brenda suppressed a self-satisfied smile and perched on the arm of the same chair she'd momentarily rested on earlier.

"She's still asleep," she informed the blond. For her part, Carly merely gave a blank stare and shrugged her shoulders.

"So."

"Should she be sleeping this much?"

"Hypothermia's not really my specialty," Carly replied airily and went back to studying her manicure. Brenda waited for something more and when the silence stretched into minutes she rolled her eyes and huffed.

"I thought you went to nursing school or something."

"You remember- I mean, I did. But it wasn't for me," Carly masked her surprise with marginal skill and eyed the brunette suspiciously. "What's with the constant vigil? I didn't know you and Prin-Elizabeth were such good friends."

Brenda shrugged and did her best not to remember how small and helpless Elizabeth looked when Jason finally pried that freezer door open. "We're...not. I actually don't know her at all."

"Then why-?"

"Why not? I don't see a line of visitors anxiously waiting to know she's okay," she shrugged, not totally lying. Lucky and Audrey had stopped by, but...Jason had been with Elizabeth and Brenda hadn't been subtle in her attempt to keep the world out. Truthfully, Audrey and Lucky hadn't been hard sells. The mention of the mob enforcer was all they needed to cluck their tongues in disapproval and be on their way.

The exchange got Brenda thinking and wondering why nobody else came to check in on the younger woman. Then again, they would have had to get around her 'husband'. Brenda smiled a little sadly. "And then there's Jason. I coerced him into marrying me without even thinking he might...that it might hurt him."

Carly's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Hurt him? What the hell are you talking about?"

Brenda stared at the other woman, looking for some sign of sarcasm. When she found none, when she realized that Carly really didn't think Jason was hurting over Elizabeth, she had to take a moment to speak. "Are-are you serious? Do you just ignore the way he looks at her or are you truly oblivious?

"I don't know what you mean," the blond mumbled to her nails.

"But I thought you were his best friend," Brenda admonished, sitting a little straighter in her chair. "Even with the way his jaw is practically wired shut, Jason must mention the woman he lo-."

"Jason doesn't...he doesn't talk about his love life with me," Carly interrupted defensively. "Or anybody. Whatever delusion you've managed to construct about him and Elizabeth Webber is just that."

For a moment, Brenda simply stared. Then, she laughed. "Some best friend you are."

"What?"

"A delusion? You think the way Jason looks at Elizabeth, like she's the only person that matters in his universe, is my delusion?" she shook her head and the brunette ringlets danced over her shoulders. "Jason's in love with her. I'll bet he has been for a long time."

"Yeah, well remind me never to take you to Vegas," Carly snapped. Crossing her arms, she rose from the couch to peer down her nose at the woman sitting on the arm of the chair. "You know, I shouldn't be surprised you'd latch onto Princess Purity. You and Saint Robin were always tight. All three of you are just-."

"Just what, Carly?" Brenda stood and met her venomous gaze. "Just what?"

"Ladies," an uncertain, even the slightest bit apprehensive, male voice interrupted them. Carly and Brenda whirled simultaneously to find Sonny watching them from the nurses station.

Sonny, Carly sidled up to her husband and made a show of kissing him full of the lips. Brenda rolled her eyes at the blatant display of ownership.

Everything...okay? Sonny asked in a guarded voice. Both woman nodded. Carly was tense at his side and he slipped an arm around her waist. Hows Elizabeth?

Shes-, Brenda began.

Shes fine, Carly purred in his ear, smiling at him. Weve kept a close eye on her. Brenda shook her head and bit down the derisive laugh threatening to explode past her tightly closed lips. How did Sonny stand that womans insecurities? The nagging feeling of inadequacy vanished as suddenly as it arrived. If Carly was the type of woman who fit in Sonny's world, Brenda was glad he left her at the altar.

The moment Jason's motorcycle boots soundlessly carried him out of the elevator and the air instantly grew heavier. Brenda turned her back on the happy couple, forgetting her fight with Carly the moment she saw his face. He had the most haunted eyes shed ever seen.

Welcome back, Jason, she said quietly.

Hows Elizabeth? he asked, already heading to her room.

Sonny materialized at her side, surprising her into silence as he spoke over her. Shes fine, Jason. I-I need to, ah, talk to you, Sonny looked at Carly, then Brenda, his head cocked to the side, eyebrows raised. Both women glared at the men in turn, identical expressions of annoyance on their faces.

Weve been dismissed, Brenda sighed, crossing her arms over her chest and returning to the chair. Carly snorted.

Yeah, story of our-I mean my life, the blond quickly corrected. Wrapping both her arms around her husband's neck, she gazed at him with a look of tired resignation. "Now that we know Elizabeth is going to be okay, I should get home to Michael. Take care of our family."

"That's fine, Carly," Sonny pressed a quick kiss to her lips and extricated himself from her embrace. Brenda watched it all, wondering how much of the scene was real and how much was a show for her benefit. She couldn't help the sigh of relief when the elevator doors slid shut over Carly's satisfied smile.

Jason, unaware of the actions of his 'wife' and best friend, paced the hallway leading to Elizabeth's room like a caged tiger. When Sonny finally joined him, he wasted no time with pleasantries. Whats going on? his voice came out tight and clipped. Sonny sighed. This was all his fault. Christ, he hated that feeling.

Weve got a problemwith Courtney, he began, but before he could draw another breath, Jasons bark of a laugh, pained and sharp, cut him off.

Just one? he scoffed. The mob boss grimaced at the scorn in Jason's voice. Tell me something new, Sonny.

Okay, hows this oneCourtneys not my sister.

Funny.

Im serious, man, Sonny insisted, his eyes black as he felt for the millionth time that day the bitter sting of betrayal. Bennys been checking things out. I even got Alexis to look at some recordsJanine and Courtney conned us. Jason stared at him with eyes like stone. Without saying a word, he turned and glared down the hallway toward Elizabeths room. Sonny saw his hands clench into fists at his side. His voice was deadly quiet when he spoke his one word question.

Why?

I dont know, but she was damn good. She used me, she used you-.

Fuck, before Sonny could even blink, Jason slammed his fist into the wall. A sickening crack echoed throughout the waiting room. Plaster and paint flaked away, dusting the floor. Sonny shot a glance at Brenda on the edge of the couch, back rigid as she waited. Jason rolled his shoulders and without turning, spoke in a voice so tight and strained, it hurt to hear it. Alright, what do you wanna do?

I dont know, he said again. There was too much that still fell in the unknown column, and his life was on the brink of becoming even more complicated. Brenda and Carly in the same hemisphere, Jason so focused on Elizabeth, everything and everyone else an enemy. Sonny sighed. Elizabeth... Licking his lips, he took a breath to continue. Jase, theres something else-. The shrill ring of his cell phone cut through the relative silence of the hospital. Swearing softly, he fumbled with his suit coat and pulled the phone from its pockets.

Yeah? he spoke into the phone, then frowned. Yeah, Marco, hes here. He passed the phone to Jason. He says hes trying to find you. Where is your cell?

At the bottom of the harbor, Jason said simply. Sonnys frown deepened, but Jason ignored him and brought the cell to his ear, rubbing his already swollen knuckles against the soft cotton of his shirt. YeahAre you serious? Well what theMarco youre supposed to be guarding herFine, fineOkay, just find her. Now.

Whats wrong? Sonny demanded as Jason tossed him the phone.

Marco lost her, he spat. Even as he spoke the words, Jason started charging toward Elizabeths room. How had that moron let Courtney get away from him in the hospital? If anything happened to Elizabeth His feet couldnt carry him fast enough as he skidded to a stop, searching for her through the glass window. Even as he yanked the door open his brain registered the site before his eyes. Her bed was empty.


~*~



Elizabeth shivered as she straightened the hem of her lavender sweater. The fluorescent lights of the bathroom made her skin even more pale, almost a translucent blue. With stiff fingers she buttoned her leather jacket and gripped the belt. Her chest still felt tight like it was trying to close in on itself just to stay warm. The memory of Jasons hands closed protectively over her own brought a smile to her lips.

But he left me again, she couldnt help the spark of disappointment that surfaced when she recalled waking up to an empty room. The now familiar cold terror had fought its way past the calm in her chest and shed struggled to breath, as she stared at the empty chair. All the man had to do was touch her hand, look at her with those lethal blue eyes and her resolve crumbled. Tears pricked at her eyes as she thought back to the night she walked out of the penthouse. I would have stayed. All he had to do was ask.

Even that soft confession whispered to the sterile walls of a hospital bathroom made her feel weak. Jason hadnt asked, hed let her go, spent every waking moment with another woman, got married to a different woman, and then she shuddered. Why couldnt he have slept with Brenda? For some reason she couldnt explain, that sat better with her. Brenda didnt know her from Adam, but Courtney knew. That obnoxious little backstabber knew exactly what Jason meant to her.

Sighing, she wrapped her arms around her stomach and stared at her reflection. Sonnys death, the whole faade, threw her right back to the doorway at Kellys, trying to register Lucky and Sarah in that bed. The bed shed slept in so many times. Swallowing down the bile that rose in her throat, she forced those thoughts out of her head. Jason's not Lucky. What happened with Courtney was not the same. Not like Sarah and Lucky. But the reassurances sounded hollow, and the girl staring back at her was the same girl Lucky hadnt wanted, the same girl Jason had barely spent ten minutes with when she was living in the same apartment.

With a shake of her head, Elizabeth passed a hand over her eyes and grabbed her purse. On the other side of the door, she heard heavy footsteps, a womans voice. Carly?

Frowning, she pulled the door open. Sonny and Brenda loitered in the doorway while Jason stood with his back to her. Even with the thick leather jacket draped over his broad shoulders, she could practically feel the tension oozing off his body. Despite everything that had happened, the need to feel his arms wrapped around her, holding her close enough hear his heart beat beneath the hard plane of his chest, was overwhelming.

Hieverybody, she broke the stifling silence and took a tentative step into the room. Jason whirled to face her and for a split second she saw fear, blind terror, in his eyes before relief washed away the tension lines furrowed on his brow. Without knowing quite why, she stepped closer, drawn to him as he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a rough embrace. His fingers threaded through her hair, trailing down to massage her neck. Sighing, she melted into him, burying her face against his chest, even as she wondered why the connection felt so desperate. Beneath her hand on his chest, his heart was racing. She felt his lips press a kiss against her hairline, his breath murmuring softly against her skin.

Thank God, he whispered, she was sure more to himself, then for her ears. Pulling back only enough to find his eyes, she searched his face. He wasnt just happy to see her, he was almost exhausted with relief.

Jason...what's wrong? she demanded and pressed her hand harder against his chest.

You werent in the bed, and I his voice gave out and he swallowed. His hand moved from the base of her neck to her cheek, dragging slow, electrifying circles over the soft flesh. He stared at her for a moment, and now it was Elizabeths own heart that sped up with each caress. With a sigh, he rested his forehead against hers. There is something you have to know.


~*~



Brenda watched the scene unfold between Jason and Elizabeth through the small window in the door. With a surprisingly strong feeling of regret, she watched the younger woman's face grow pale with fear as she no doubt heard the details of the ordeal she'd just survived. She reached for Jason's hand, clinging to it like a lifeline, and Brenda felt helpless.

None of this had to happen, none of it should have happened. With a pained sigh she tore her eyes away from the private moment in the hospital room and glared at the ceiling. If only she'd stayed the hell away from Port Charles, she wouldn't be hurting innocent people like Elizabeth. She'd been so worried about the people she loved...the idea that someone she didn't even know would hurt the worst never crossed her mind.

Opening her eyes, Brenda felt the weight of a familiar stare. Sonny was still there, pacing the hall aimlessly. For the first time since her return she was alone with with him. He hadn't changed much during the four years since she'd left. A little older, a few more lines around his eyes, but still the same man.

The latch of the hospital room door stopped her from reminiscing any further. Jason and Elizabeth made their way into the hall. Brenda saw the fear in Elizabeths eyes, had expected it, but her heart lifted a little when she saw the stubborn defiance written there as well. Good for you, kiddo.

Im taking her back to her studio, Jason stated. The matter was not up for discussion. Elizabeths hand tightened on his, her knuckles white as she clung savagely to him, like an anchor. They were almost at the elevator when Brenda called out.

Elizabeth, wait, she ran to them and bit her lip in hesitation. What did she do now? The instinct that had her calling out to the younger woman had merely ordered her to help. In a flash of inspiration, she opened her purse and began digging through the contents. A pen was readily at her disposal, but she couldn't even find an old receipt to write on. Another split second decision later, and she was jotting a series of numbers on the back of Elizabeth's hand. Thats my cell. If you need me, at all, forwhatever, she giggled softly, from nerves more than anything else. Call me.

Ithank you, Elizabeth smiled, but it looked like it hurt and all Brenda could do was nod. The helplessness returned as the elevator dinged shut and sped them away. Whirling, she unleashed her sudden frustration on the only person left.

"So what are you going to do about this, Sonny?" she asked quietly. Brenda wasn't surprised to find the mob boss standing only a few feet away from her. Despite the passing of time, she could still feel him. "With your sense of loyalty, where does Elizabeth stand? Will you pick Jason's heart or your family?"

For a long moment, Sonny measured her with his eyes, carefully choosing what he should say and what she didn't need to hear. The weight of his gaze was, as always, almost overwhelming. Finally he shrugged, feigning indifference. "What do you know about Jason?"

Shaking her head, she couldn't help the distasteful smirk that twisted her lips. "Nothing. I don't know much of anything about Jason. But I know how you two used to be. He was your best friend, Sonny. How many times did you remind me of that when I was screaming at you about how much he annoyed me? When did he turn into your servant?"

"Jason's not my servant," he declared, clearly on the defensive and Brenda knew her words hit a nerve.

"He's not your friend, either. Not anymore," Brenda stated softly. "If he was, you'd know how he feels about Elizabeth."

Sonny's eyes widened and he took a step closer, lowering his voice even though the waiting room is empty. "Elizabeth? What do you mean, how Jason feels about Elizabeth?"

"Christ, are you blind too?" Brenda cried, although she kept her voice low, compelled by his nearness and hushed tone. "Jason's in love with her. It's practically stamped across his forehead in big block letters. That's what makes this worse, you know. He's in love with the woman your sister is determined to hurt."

Sonny didn't answer, he refused and simply stared at her with those black eyes that could look both cold and passionate. Right now she felt like she was staring into a void. Suddenly, he heaved shuddery breath and paced away. He mumbled something and she strained to hear him.

"What was that?"

"Courtney's not my sister," he repeated, looking through her with anger blazing in his gaze. At first, she thought his ire was directed at her, but after she registered what he said, she understood.

"She's not-then who is she?"

"Nobody. A con artist who used one of Mike's one night stands to her advantage," he walked slowly toward her, his steps lethal and measured. "And now, because I let my guard down, trusted a woman I knew I shouldn't...my family is suffering."

"And Elizabeth Webber," she reminded him.

Sonny's gaze wandered over her face for a moment. "Like I said...my family."

Brenda blinked. She opened her mouth, but no words came. He couldn't mean what she was thinking...the world didn't spin that way. Coincidences happened all the time but this was like being struck by lightning the night of a blue moon. "Are you serious? Your family-."

"Elizabeth," Sonny nodded. "I have a sister."


~*~


Elizabeth all but made Jason carry her up the stairs to her studio. With one hand still tightly linked in his, she clung to his arm with the other, her head nearly resting on his shoulder. Even after sleeping most of the day, she was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to curl up on her couch and shut out the world. But the thought of spending the night alone, without him, made her stomach clench in fear.

The idea that she needed him so much seemed ridiculous. She'd just spent the better part of two months without him, both in his penthouse and after she left-she knew how to live alone, but she didn't want to. Her desire for him to stay by her side was selfish and almost childlike.

"We're here," Jason said softly as they stopped in front of her door. Elizabeth stared at it like she'd never seen it before. Swallowing, she glanced at him. Blue eyes, the color of sky on a perfect day, gazed down at her, waiting patiently like she was so used to seeing. "Do you have you keys?"

"I-yes," she stammered, reluctantly letting go of his hand to search her purse. She relaxed when she felt his hand on her back, just a light touch of reassurance, but exactly what she needed. "I'm still not real good with this."

"Let me help," he murmured, covering her hand on the secure lock. She caught her breath at the contact and everything became sharper. He'd touched her in the hospital, but she'd been a little numb. After they opened the door together, she took a tentative step into the room, relieved again that he followed so readily. "Does it always stick like that?"

She nodded. "I kind of like it though. I mean, that means it's safe, right? If I have that much trouble and I have the key, anybody who wants to get in would have even more, right?" she was rambling and she knew it. But she wasn't ready to say what she really needed him to hear. "I thanked you, right...for the door, I mean. I really appreciated it and it does make me feel safe. That other one was...well, you know how flimsy it-."

"Elizabeth," Jason only needed one word to stop her. She felt the weight of his gaze on the top of her head and didn't resist when he touched her face and tilted her chin. When he found her eyes, he sighed. "Don't pretend. Not with me. Please."

Tears gathered in her eyes as the rest of the world froze. For one second, she couldn't move, couldn't speak. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and kiss him for...for what? For just being her friend again, the one she thought she'd pushed so far away, she'd lost forever.

"Jason," she sighed as a tear slid down her cheek. She didn't have to throw herself anywhere, his arms were already there, gathering her close and holding her tight. Safe and secure. Lifting her off the floor, he carried her to the couch. Nestled into the corner, he stretched his legs out, made sure she was comfortable tucked against him before pulling a blanket over them. Elizabeth buried her face in the crook of his neck. Jason didn't say a word, he didn't have to. Smoothing his hand down her back under the blanket, he said everything he had to.

"Will you stay with me?" she asked, hoping the question was unnecessary. He turned his head, lips whispering against her temple.

"You know I will," he promised. "As long as you need me."

Smiling, she closed her eyes, a sense of peace soothing the frayed edges of her psyche for the first time in weeks. "You better plan on being around a long time, Jason."

"What, like weeks?" he teased.

"Oh, I'm thinking at least a month or two."

"I can do that," he chuckled softly. Wrapped in his arms, Elizabeth quickly fell asleep. Despite Courtney, the misunderstandings and hurt feelings that would surely be there in the morning, for the night, for the moment, she was safe. Jason was there, when she needed him most.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Seven



Twilight passed and night began to stake its claim when Jason's motorcycle roared to a stop in front of Elizabeth's building. Three days after her entrapment in the freezer, he had yet to spend more than a couple hours away from her side. If someone had asked him what they did with their time, he would have blankly stared and been unable to answer. They just were. Like it had been before.

What they'd just done was special, however, he knew that and the thought made him smile. Elizabeth had finally taken him up on his offer for a ride and with regret, he let her slide off the back of the bike.

"That was incredible," she cried as Jason swung his leg over and leaned against the seat. He couldn't help the matching smile that tugged at his lips.

Casting the helmet aside, she threw herself into his arms and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, so much. You have no idea how much I missed that. I was starting to think that maybe you didn't want me riding with you anymore."

Jason closed his eyes and tightened his arms around her. Didn't want her? Not a second passed when he didn't think about her skin, her lips, the way she'd tasted when he'd all but devoured her at Vista Pointe. It had been far too long.

But he held back. They both did and Jason knew they'd continue their dance until one of them finally found the courage to...

"Hey Jason...you still with me?" she pulled him out of his thoughts and then pushed him right back in when she caught her full lip between her teeth and chewed mercilessly.

"Yeah," he managed to answer with out stuttering. "And I like you riding with me. I used to ride to escape everybody, but...it's better when you're with me."

"Really?" she blushed a soft shade of pink and he fleetingly wondered if she'd turn that color all over. Groaning inwardly, he gripped her waist and held her steady as he stood up from the bike. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he made his way to the studio.

"Yeah," he nodded and held the door for her as they started up the steps. He didn't miss the way she kept herself a few feet ahead or behind him. He wasn't the only one holding back. "I've never wanted to escape from you."

"You are my escape," she replied easily and stopped on the landing as if realizing what she just said. Her embarrassment deepened and Jason had to clench his fists to keep from pushing her against the wall and making love to her right there. Hurrying across the landing, she began to fumble with her keys. "I mean...you-you've always made me feel free. On the bike."

Against his better judgment, he moved close behind her and touched her silky hair, twisting a lock around his finger. Almost reluctantly, she turned to face him, darting a glance at him through thick lashes. "I know what you mean, Elizabeth."

"You-you know, you should let me drive next time," she replied, trying hard to keep her tone light, but the words were a little too breathless.

With a wry smile, he leaned closer and didn't mind when Elizabeth took a small step back. "I've told you before...you're too small and the bike's too big."

"I could probably do something about that," she offered, her voice still airy, but her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll bet if I ate nothing but cheeseburgers and fries at Kelly's I'd weigh enough in no time."

"Maybe," Jason conceded, distracted by the curve of her hip against his palm where he'd touched her. He was losing his control and they were only inches apart. At the moment, he didn't care. The door to her apartment, solid and thick, was just a few inches behind her. Elizabeth had been backing up slowly and soon she'd have no where else to go. The way she was looking at him, the way he could barely keep from devouring her, he didn't think either of them would mind. He dragged his thumb over her bottom lip. "But I really think you're perfect already."

"Perfect?" she whispered.

"More than perfect," he breathed, moving closer as she stood on her toes to meet him. Cool fingertips glided through his hair and came to rest at the nape of his neck. Something told him to stop, but he couldn't remember all the reason's he'd been keeping her at arms length. All he knew was how red her lips looked, how enticing her mouth and how much he was hungry for another taste of her.

He rocked forward slightly, pushing her back just the fraction of an inch left between her back and the door. The heavy steel barrier creaked slightly and swung easily open. Elizabeth's balance faltered and Jason's arm around her waist was the only thing keeping her upright.

"What the hell?" Jason muttered as the dark room greeted them. Instinct told him to push Elizabeth out of the way, draw his gun and make sure no one was lying in wait for them. But even with the lights off, the sight before his eyes made him freeze. She saw the shock etched plainly on his features and whipped around in his arms.

After a she cried aloud and brought a hand to her mouth. "Oh my God."


~*~



Sonny Corinthos knew he was running out of time. Elizabeth would find out one way or another who she really was and he really wanted to be the one to tell her. He had no idea how she'd react to the news that she was his long-lost sister, a part previously played by a con-artist nobody had seen in days.

At first, he told himself that he was giving her time to recover from the hospital. Then he blamed his silence on the guilt he felt over his role in lies Jason was forced to tell. Finally, he accepted the fact that he was afraid she'd hate him and his silence was a self-defense mechanism. And he still didn't want to tell her.

Benny sat in the chair across the desk, thumbing through an obscenely thin manila folder. With a troubled sigh, he tossed the documents to his boss. "That's all I could find."

Sonny glanced through the papers. "This is it? The woman is 22 years old and this is all you could find?"

"The trail, what there was of it, is cold. There's nothing to find, Sonny," Benny shifted uncomfortably. "We're lucky her birth certificate was filed in New York City before the Hardy's adopted her."

"You're telling me that I have to go to this girl who's life I've nearly ruined and tell her she's my sister with nothing more than a birth certificate?" Sonny glared at the accountant. Benny nodded.

"Unless you want to wait longer. I can keep looking, Boss. You know there are no such things as real secrets, but this one has been buried a long time. I don't know if it can be done from here. Someone might have to go to Brooklyn and start talking to people," Benny wasn't used to giving his boss suggestions, but he wanted to know the truth as much as Sonny. He liked a good mystery and the truth about Miss Webber's background promised to be an interesting puzzle.

"I'll give you a few more days. Then I have to tell her before she finds out from someone else," Sonny decided. Brenda had kept the promise she made to him at the hospital, not to tell a soul about Elizabeth. Benny was right, however. Secrets never stayed buried and if he waited too long, Elizabeth would find out he'd been lying to her...again. Any chance he had to keep his sister in his life would be shot to hell before he even grasped it.

"I'll keep working on it," Benny promised, gathering his folders and papers together to leave.

"No one knows about this, Benny. No one can know the truth about Courtney and Elizabeth. Not until we figure out what to do."

"Ms. Matthews hasn't been seen since she escaped from the hospital. Mr. Morgan's with Miss Webber. Boss, I'm sure everything will be fine," Benny again found himself offering advice. He thought for a moment, when his employer's lips thinned to a hard line, that he'd overstepped, but Sonny merely nodded.

"You're right. It will be. I take care of what's mine."


~*~



Elizabeth tried to take a tentative step into the studio, but Jason stopped her. Pushing the door open with his foot, he waited for someone to jump at them. No on did, but when he took in the disaster before his eyes, he almost wished it had been as simple as that.

"Oh my God," Elizabeth pushed past him as he hovered in the doorway and picked her way over the debris on the floor to stand in the middle of the room. Red paint, the color of blood, dripped off every flat surface, pooled on the floor, stained the walls. Jason was willing to bet his bike that every brush had been snapped in half, the bristles yanked out and scattered to dry in the tacky paint. Strips of canvas, some empty, some obviously the remnants of a finished product, were strewn across the room. He swore softly, in awe of the destruction. Nothing had been spared. Even her easel lay in three pieces. The last time he'd seen a room destroyed with such obvious hatred had been his own, at the Quartermaine mansion before he got the hell out.

Turning in slow circles from the center of the room, Elizabeth tried to comprehend the sight before her eyes. With each broken paintbrush, ripped canvas or shattered piece of glass, her breathing sped up. Jason watched helplessly as a tear fell uninhibited down her cheek. His fingers itched to touch her cheek and brush it away, but he couldn't even move to enter the room.

"Elizabeth?" he watched her nearly trip on a broken canvas frame as she ran to the closet in the corner. With frantic motions, she yanked the door open and dug though clothes spattered with more of the blood red paint. Whoever had done this had missed nothing.

Whoever had done this...

Suddenly, he felt sick. Courtney. It had to be her. Elizabeth didn't have enemies, never had until Jason came into her life. Guilt overwhelmed him as Elizabeth's frantic muttering pulled him to the storage closet.

"I can't find it," the cry was muffled, but the desperation rang through clearly. Elizabeth was muttering under her breath, her hair tousled in her frenzied search.

"What are you looking for?" Jason tried to help her, but she brushed his hand off and dug deeper. The quiet words turned to hitched breaths, as her shoulders began to shake.

"It has to-to be here," her voice broke. Seconds later, she stopped, pulled a cloth covered canvas from beneath a pile of tarps and paint spattered jeans. Jason watched helplessly as she pulled the cloth off with trembling hands. Elizabeth uttered a low sob of relief as he recognized her painting of the Wind. His eyes widened in shock. She'd been desperately searching for that? Of everything she'd been afraid to lose, that painting was the first thing she thought of?

Rising to her feet, Elizabeth clutched the canvas to her chest and turned to face him. Tears were running down her cheeks and Jason was at a loss. She took one step forward before her legs gave out on her and she collapsed into his arms.

"Whoa, okay, Elizabeth, it's okay," he murmured as her sobs racked her body. He pried the painting from her grasp so he could pull her closer and leaned it against the leg of her table, safe from the red paint and close enough for her to see. She curled her fingers into his shirt, clinging to him as the tears, pent up for how long, he didn't know, racked her body. His heart broke with each sob and he tried to find the words to ease her pain. Her head leaned against his shoulder and he pressed his lips to her ear, whispering all the comforting sentiments he could find, but nothing got through the anguish.

"Who would do this?" Elizabeth choked out between sobs. His shirt strained across his back as she pulled more fistfuls of fabric into her clenched hands. Tears pricked at his eyes hearing the despair and anger in her voice. The leather of her jacket felt like butter under his hand as he rubbed her back, trying to sooth her. "Why would someone want to hurt me like this?"

"I-I don't know," he whispered against her skin. Smoothing her hair off her flushed skin, he kissed her temple. Her tears physically hurt him, each drop a bullet to the chest, and the desperation in her cries spread through him. He wanted to see her smile again, hear her laugh. His voice turned hard and determined. "But no on will hurt you again, Elizabeth. I will fix this. I promise I will. I love you too much-" The words came out without any conscious thought. He'd felt them for so long, the only thing left to do was say them out loud, but his confession shocked him. Her sobs softened, her breath hitched and she lifted her head off his shoulder. Her eyes sparkled with tears, and Jason had never seen anything more beautiful in his life.

"You love me?" her breath was a whisper against his lips.

"I've always loved you," he admitted, the words that he'd struggled with for so long, spilling from his mouth with an ease he didn't know existed. "I'll always love you and even if you don't feel the same, I'll always be here and protect you-"

"Don't feel the same?" she gasped, almost laughed, but the sound was closer to a sob. She brought a hand to his face, caressed his skin. "Do you know how long I've been fighting not to love you? But I can't help it. No matter how hard a try-I love you, Jason, so much." His shoulders sagged as tension he'd been living with for months melted away, and he tipped his head to rest against the smooth skin of her forehead, lips only a whisper away from her. The blue depths of her eyes sucked him in and held him in place all at the same time. He didn't know how long they hung there, suspended in an almost kiss that already did more to stir his desire for her than anything he'd ever known. And then she moved, a fraction of an inch and their lips met.

Finally, he tasted her again, felt the gentle pressure of perfect mouth and they melted into each other. Every nerve in Jason's body sizzled with the charge that she sent through his veins. Her mouth opened slightly and he felt her breath blowing softly against his skin, past his own parted lips. Tentatively, he traced her bottom lip with his tongue and she granted entrance, returning the gentle caress with one of her own. God, this felt so right. Their first kiss in this studio tugged at his memory and he wondered how he'd survived a single day without feeling her lips against his.

The kiss ended on it's own, both of them breaking apart in an unspoken agreement. Elizabeth's tears had stopped, but her eyes still sparkled, with a smile this time. Jason pulled both of them to their feet.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

"Where are we going?" her voice was thick with recently shed tears. Jason smoothed her tear stained cheeks and cupped her jaw with his hand.

"To the penthouse," he said and felt her body tense and she looked away. He knew why. In the past three days he hadn't brought her back to Harborview Towers, hadn't mentioned the month she spent living in his home. Sighing, he tipped her chin and forced her to look back at him. "Do you trust me?"

Elizabeth searched his eyes and he saw the conflict reflected back at them. "I love you," she replied, standing on her toes to kiss him. "I-I trust you."


~*~



Courtney sat nonchalantly in the back booth of a dive bar she couldn't even remember the name to. Absently, she picked at the red paint still stuck under her fingernails. Three days later and the damn stuff would come off. With a sigh, she waited for her meeting to begin and contemplated the ramifications of her next move.

Trashing Elizabeth's studio had been childish, pointless and a hell of a lot of fun. The Princess was now safely ensconced at Harborview Towers, locked up like a brunette Rapunzel while Jason played the part of fiercely protective prince. While the thought made her physically ill, she hadn't expected anything less.

Courtney decided in the hospital that biding her time and keeping a low profile was the only way to win this game. And she would win. This next move assured her of that.

"You Courtney Quartermaine?" a burly dock worker with a scraggly salt and pepper beard sidled up to her table and leered at her.

"Yes. You're late," she narrowed her eyes at the man as he slid into the booth across from her and motioned to the waitress for a whiskey on the rocks.

"Whadaya want?" the man was not phased by her obvious annoyance and draped a thick arm over the back of the seat. Courtney observed the man for a moment, weighing her choice carefully. Finally she shrugged and tossed a wad of cash across the table.

"You do what I want and you get twice that much," she promised. "And I want you to rape Elizabeth Webber. "

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Eight



For the past two days, Jason Morgan had been happy. Not dancing on the ceiling ecstatic, but a calm, peaceful contentment settled over him the moment he brought Elizabeth back to his penthouse. Having her back there, feeling her presence in the sparsely furnished rooms made the place feel like home in a way it never had before.

Nothing was perfect, however. He'd finally told her he loved her and she'd admitted the same, but the words alone didn't solve everything. He'd promised to try and then not been there. She'd promised to accept him and walked out. There were moments when he wanted to touch her so badly, his heart actually hurt and yet he couldn't quite bring himself to bridge the gap.

Still, they were trying and that's all he wanted-a second chance to prove to Elizabeth that what they had was real, was true and the only thing he truly wanted.

So, he was happy that morning when Brenda arrived to take Elizabeth Christmas shopping. At least, he assumed it was Christmas shopping. With his 'wife' there really didn't need to be an occasion, he'd quickly realized. Then he smiled. Brenda was out of his penthouse. Another reason to love Elizabeth.

Out of habit, Jason grabbed his jacket on the way out the door, even though he was only venturing across the hall to speak with Sonny. The past few days, hell the past week and a half, Jason hadn't been the most attentive coffee importer/exporter and when he opened the door to Sonnys penthouse a very edgy mob boss was there to greet him. Jason's entire body tensed and the tentative happiness from the morning vanishing.

Whats going on? he asked warily. Carly was sitting on the couch, flipping idly through a book of upholstery samples, and quite obviously ignoring both of them. She wasn't oblivious and Jason could make out the tense pinch at the corners of her mouth. His mind flew instantly to Elizabeth, to Courthey, to the plethora of ways someone with enough determination could get around Johnny. Jesus, had something happened to Elizabeth and Brenda? With steady strides that belied his racing heart, he squared off with Sonny in the middle of the room. Sonny? You gonna tell me, or do I have to guess?

Wheres Elizabeth? Sonny asked quietly.

Shopping with Brenda.

I see, Sonny looked over his shoulder at Carly who continued to do an amazing impression of someone not eavesdropping. The vague sense of doom descended on Jason in a thick cloud. It made him shiver and he crossed his arms to conceal the weakness, staring at Sonny with ice-cold eyes instead.

Spit it out, Sonny.

Alright, his boss sighed. First thing, ahthe cops, surprise surprise, found nothing in Elizabeths studio to pin it to Courtney.

Shit, Jason muttered, not that he had expected anything. Courtney had managed to make the whole town believe she was Sonnys sister. The girl was insane, but she wasnt stupid. Okay, what else?

Sonny hesitated, took a slug of bourbon before licking his lips and speaking again. I didnt get a chance to tell you this at the hospital, butBenny found out some interesting facts while he looked into Courtneys background. Theres still a lot to uncover, but what it comes down to isI do have a sister.

Who? Jasons brow furrowed. What did this have to do with him? If Sonny expected him to traverse the country looking for the real Corinthos sibling he was just going to have to find another man. There was no way in hell he was leaving Elizabeth now, not with the blond terror lying in wait for her next attack.

Sonny took a deep breath. Carly had given up the charade and now stared at the two men with blatant interest. The mob boss finally raised his eyes to look directly at his friend. "It's Elizabeth.


~*~



Elizabeth absently flipped through a rack of sequined tank tops and cropped shirts without even noticing the riot of color. The painter's eye was officially turned off as she realized, for the first time in months, she was happy.

Not 'the hills are alive' delirious, but a soothing, comfortable contentment had taken ahold of her the moment she woke up in Jason's penthouse two days ago and realized he was still there. He'd told her he loved her and she'd finally confessed to him the truth she'd known for a long time, but those were just words. While she believed him, could feel it every time he touched her or kissed her, she was still edgy. Even though she knew it was silly, every time Jason left for work, she wondered if she'd see him again or if he'd disappear without a word for days like he'd done last time.

Still, she was happy and they were trying and this time she wouldn't let them break. Jason was too important to her, too much a part of her to walk away from him again. The very thought left her breathless and a little panicked. She couldn't lose him again. She wouldn't.

"How about these?" Brenda's question, more of a demand for attention, interrupted her introspection and Elizabeth jumped a little. She wasn't quite used to her new friend, still couldn't truly believe that someone like Brenda Barrett, a veritable legend in her own time, would want to hang out with little Lizzie Webber.

Brenda, I could never wear that, Elizabeth frowned at the extremely low riding leather pants. I dont even think Id want to.

Oh, come on. Jason wouldnt be able to keep his hands off you, Brenda teased and searched through the various sizes. With a wicked grin she glanced at Elizabeth. Then again, he can barely do that now, so maybe you dont need these.

Elizabeth bit her lip as she felt the blush creep up her neck. Jasons hands on herthe blush deepened as her entire body warmed to the idea. God, she loved his hands. The way they cradled her face when he kissed her, the way his thumbs caressed her jaw, or over the back of her hand. Her pulse quickened at the thought and she smiled to herself.

Except, what about Courtney? He touched her with those hands, too. Elizabeths grin faltered as a nagging voice in her head, one that wouldnt accept the fact that Jason had been drunk and the night with Sonnys sister had meant absolutely nothing, pushed its way into her mind. Always at the most inopportune times, Elizabeth thought of Courtney and what had happened.

Brenda, can I ask you something?

Of course, Brenda absently agreed as she dug through a pile of white shirts. Elizabeth licked her lips before continuing.

Do you think Jason ever had feelings for Courtney? the question must have surprised her, because Brenda stood upright so fast, Elizabeth was afraid shed get whiplash.

No, Brenda laughed out loud. But the doubt in Elizabeths eyes didnt go away. Glancing at Johnny, hovering a few yards away, she moved closer and sighed. Elizabeth, Jason was in a lot of pain while we were married. Actually, from the minute I saw him again the night Sonny got shot, I could tell he wasnt happy. And it wasnt just because he was stuck guarding me. He missed you. I didnt realize it at the time, but now that I know about youDidnt he try to explain what happened?

Maybeokay, yes, Elizabeth confessed. She ran a hand through her hair. I know he was drunk and, and we werent even together but

It still hurts.

Its more than that, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her waist and gave into the desire to unburden her conscious. He wont even talk about it. I mean, he told me what happenedthat it was a mistake and it would never happen again, and I believe him buthe hasnt said her name once since that morning at Kellys when she told me about them.

Well, what do you want him to do? Give you a play by play? Brenda lifted an eyebrow. Elizabeth made a face.

God no, she sighed. What did she want? Maybe she should be grateful that Jason didnt want to dwell on what had happened. And they could just move on and

Elizabeth, I wouldnt worry about Courtney anymore, Brenda had moved back to her search amid the stacks of white shirts. I mean, her whole charade being Sonnys sister is over now that we know youre the real Corinthos sibling.

Elizabeth froze at the nonchalant revelation. What? I'm the...real what? her mouth went dry and her stomach turned. What the hell was she talking about? With wide eyes, she grabbed Brendas shoulder and turned her away from the table. The other woman still clutched the t-shirt and looked at her in confusion. What do you mean Im the real Corinthos sibling?

Iwell, I meandidnt Jason tell you? Brenda stammered and was uncharacteristically lost for words. Sonny's sister? Elizabeth's legs suddenly felt weak, her hands were clammy and she couldnt breathe. Sonny was hershe wasJason knew? The store began to suffocate her amid the clothes and shoes. She turned and pushed her way past a couple with a baby, ignoring Brendas protests, and not even bothering to see if Johnny was trying to follow her. Airshe just needed to breathe. Tears pricked at her eyes as she realized yet again, Jason had lied to her. Or was lying about herhow the hell could she be Sonnys sister? She had a family, she had a sister, a brother and a grandmother. Who barely acknowledge your existence. Clamping her hand over her mouth to smother a cry, she pushed through a crowd of Christmas shoppers. The distance between her and Johnny widened, but she barely noticed. Completely unaware of the danger she put herself in as a pair of eyes watched her walk closer into his trap.


~*~



Jason froze. For a few moments, he couldn't even think. Then Sonny's revelation started rolling through his head, louder and louder, forcing him to listen. Elizabeth was Sonny's sister? How could that possibly be? She had a family that washardly a part of her life. Mentally he clicked through all the things shed ever told him about her family. She had always been the outsider, the troublemaker, the one who received the blame for everything, the one who never lived up to her parents expectations. Her family had never accepted her. His heart sank. Aww, Christ. Have you-why haven't you told her?

Told her? Why the hell haven't you told me?, Carly threw the upholstery samples to the floor and stalked angrily to her husband.

Carly, Sonny shook his head and she rolled her eyes. I didnt tell her yet-or you- because I don't have anything concrete. I wanted to make sure I knew what I was talking about, had some proof before I told her evreything she'd counted on as true...suddenly wasn't.

Sonny, you have to tell her. Now, Jason would tell her himself the minute she returned with Brenda if he had to. Do you have any proof that its Elizabeth? A birth certificateanything?

Yeah, Ive got a copy of her birth certificate, Sonny admitted as the phone rang shrilly at Jasons side, almost making him jump. Sonny answered on the third ring. Yeah? Whatwait a minute, Brenda. Slo-, slow downYou what? Well wheres Johnny now? Dammit. No, Ill tell him. We gotta find her, Brenda. Jasons chest tightened. He knew he shouldn't have let Elizabeth out of his sight. Brenda was too damn selfish to think about anybody but herself. Every kind word, kind thought, he'd had for the woman vanished as Sonny lowered the phone.

What happened? Carly demanded.

Brenda let something happen to Elizabeth, Jason growled, already on his way to the door.

Jason, take this, Sonny tossed him a cell phone. Jason would have laughed if his jaw wasnt clenched so tight a migraine had already started at the base of his skull. He looked at his best friend. Sonnys face was determined, but there was fear in his eyes. Well find her, but Jasonshe knows.


~*~



Sonnys sister.

You are Sonnys sister. Elizabeth Webber is ElizabethCorinthos? As she walked through the nearly empty parking lot at the mall, she tried to find the lie inside Brendas confession. But no matter how hard she tried, the words rang true. It would explain so much hurt and pain and neglect from the people she'd grown up calling her family. She laughed bitterly. Explain it maybe, but the truth couldnt take away years of feeling like I did, like I never belonged anywhere. So where did she belong now? Groaning she leaned against a cement pillar and closed her eyes. Maybe if she tried hard enough, this would go away and be just another nightmare she could wake up from.

Strong, rough hands grabbed her without warning and pulled her away from the pillar. The scream ready to escape her throat was blocked by a dirty hand over her mouth, while the other clamped tightly around her waist. The odor of sweat and fish nearly choked her. Oh my God. Her eyes were wide and tears burned behind them, but refused to fall.

The man dragged her to a dark corner of the lot, through an open door and into a dim hallway. Elizabeth could see scattered packing crates and empty boxes littering the floor. Roughly, the man shoved her against the wall, and she caught her first look at him. Shaggy salt and pepper hair and a gnarled beard that scratched her throat as he bent to whisper in her ear, framed a weather beaten face. The eyes were black, all pupil and she could smell the whiskey on his breath.

We can do this the easy way, or the hard way, he rasped, wrapping his fingers around her throat. He licked her, from her chin to her ear and Elizabeth fought the urge to vomit. How about we dont do it all? His hand crept under her shirt and roughly grabbed her breast, while he shoved a leg between her thighs. She shuddered. For a moment she didnt move as he groped her. His hands traveled over every inch of her body. Tears began to stream down her cheeks without her realizing it. Please, don't let this happen. Not again, please...someone...

While his hands grabbed her thighs, tried to lift her against the wall, she brace her hands against his chest. Shoving him with both arms, she managed to put enough distance between their bodies for her to drive her knee into his groin. The man grunted in pain, and she took her chance.

She was almost at the door when she felt his hand clamp around her waist. In an instant she was off the floor, legs kicking desperately at his shins.

No, she repeated over and over, and finally rammed her elbow into his ribs. With a cough his grip loosened and she wormed her way out of his grasp.

A crowbar was leaning against an opened packing crate. Without hesitating, Elizabeth grabbed the cool metal and swung, connecting solidly with flesh and bone. The howl of pain was deep and almost inhuman as the man went down to the floor, curling into a ball of raw pain.

Elizabeth didn't stay to listen. She did what Jason taught her to do and ran like hell.


~*~



Jason paced Sonnys penthouse, cracking his knuckles and glancing at Brenda with murder in his eyes every few seconds. His 'wife' sat on the bottom stair, her head in her hands, and even though he swore he saw her shoulders shake, he refused to cut her any slack. Carly fumed silently on the couch, angry with Sonny, Jason assumed, but he really couldn't care less. His boss leaned against the desk by the phone, waiting, staring at the floor and casting worried glances between his wife and ex-lover. Nobody spoke. Marco had called ten minutes ago, said hed found Elizabeth, but the connection broke before Jason had a chance to ask if she was okay. Not for the first time, he struggled with the nausea that threatened to overwhelm him. If anything had happened to her

The door to the penthouse opened and Jason almost cried with relief when he saw Elizabeth walk through the opening. Her clothes were dirty, her hair a mess and her face streaked with tears, but she was alive.

Oh, Elizabeth. I am so sorry, Brenda flew past Jason and pulled the younger woman into a hug. Elizabeth stiffened slightly before she wrapped her arms around the other woman, but her eyes never left Jasons face.

Its not your fault. Im a big girl, Elizabeth smiled tightly at Brenda and walked further into the room, closer to Jason, but the glint of anger and fear in her eyes was anything but inviting. I cant always be protected from the monsters in the world. No matter how badly some people want to keep it from me.

Are you okay? Jason finally found his voice and took a step toward her, reaching for her hand, but she pulled away. Something inside him started to die.

Im fine.

What happened?

What happened was I finally got the truth, She replied, her eyes burning into him. She crossed her arms over her chest, the betrayal was evident on her face. But what I dont know ishow long have you known that my entire life has been a lie?

Elizabeth, Jason didnt know until today, Sonny rose from the couch and drew closer to her. Jason couldnt take is eyes off Elizabeths face. So much pain and fear laced her features it made his heart ache. He vowed to spend the rest of his life making it up to her if she'd let him. Sonny ran a hand over his face. I found out the day Jason and Brenda found you at Kellys. I didnt tell you two becauseI, I wanted to give you some time. And we dont even have all the details yet.

Then what do you have? Elizabeth asked, her gaze still holding Jason captive.

Youre birth certificate, for one. Bennys checking some other details for me, Sonny hung his head and pulled at the back of his neck. I wish I had something more to give you.

I see, Elizabeth nodded and bit her lip, fighting tears Jason could already see forming in her eyes. He couldnt stand it any longer. She looked liked shed been rolled in dirt and kicked around. Light bruises colored her throat.

Elizabeth, please, tell me what happened, he spoke softly, stepping closer to her. She didnt move, but a bitter laugh echoed throughout the apartment.

Oh, just a little dj vu, Jason. Once again, Lizzie Webberor is it Corinthos now? Nevermind, she put her hands on her hips and took a step closer to him. Someone grabbed me, tried torape me, only this time I must not have been worth it because I got away. Jason stopped breathing, couldnt make his lungs function. Someone had tried tooh God, hed kill him. Hunt him down and break every bone in his body, let him heal and do it again.

What? he choked out.

You dont believe me? her eyes went wide as she mistook his question for disbelief. She moved closer to him and stared up into his face. "Or maybe you just want to pretend it never happened and maybe it will go away. Like Courtney?"

Jason wince at the blond's name, but he began to understand, with sick certainty, where Elizabeth's anger stemmed from. She poked him in the chest and he grabbed her hand, still too shocked and angry at what had nearly happened to her to speak. Again, she took his silence as skepticism and he saw the first tear fall. With an angry jerk she drew her hand away and backed up.

Who am I kidding? You just wanna forget she exists so you dont have to feel guilty for sleeping with her. Nevermind the fact that Ive practically been on my knees explaining what happened with Zander, her voice was shaking and she swiped at a tear, smudging dirt on her cheek.

Elizabeth, no, thats not it at all, but Jason knew she was right. He was trying to forget, push it away so he could actually breathe without his heart hurting over what hed done to her.

Than say her name, Jason, she taunted.

Elizabeth, weve-we've talked about this, he tried, the act of speaking Courtneys name aloud so foreign by this time he didnt think he could do it no matter how hard he tried.

Oh, thats right. What did you say? It was a mistake and it would never happen again. Oh, and you were drunk. Cant forget that, can we, the tears were coming harder now and she backed towards the door. Well, it still hurts, Jason. Three years, weve been friends, more than friends. Three years and I have loved you for so long. Her voice hitched and she looked down at the floor.

Elizabeth, he whispered her name in a plea to her.

And then you sleep with her and I have to hear about it from her. Its not fair of me, I know. You saw me with Zander, she wasnt talking to him anymore, just at him, allowing her thoughts to spill out of her tormented heart. His feet refused to move, his arms refused to reach for her and hold her till the tears and the fear stopped like he desperately needed to do. Even if he tried, would she let him? The room was silent aside from her soft sobs.

Elizabeth drew a deep breath, raised her head and found his eyes once again. It felt like she was staring right through him to his soul. I thought that I was over it. But Im not, and Jason, I dont think you are either. If you were, it wouldnt be so damn impossible for you to talk about it. She waited for him to prove her wrong, he could actually see it in her eyes that she wanted him to, but he didn't know what to say. He didn't think he had the words to fix...whatever had just happened. He felt like hed lost a limb. How the hell had this happened? In the space of one day, hed held her in his arms, kissed her and now...now he could feel himself losing her and he didn't know how to stop it.

The silence stretched out and finally she laughed, a bitter, broken half-sob. Without another word she walked out of the penthouse, closing the door behind her. Brenda made a move to follow Elizabeth, but he stopped her at the door.

Brenda, dont you dare, he ordered, Elizabeth's abcense spurring him to action. He physically pulled her away from the door and deposited her on the couch. Youve done enough.

Jason, shes hurt. And if youre too chicken-shit then I will, she struggled to get up from the couch, but Jason was standing too close for her to move.

If youd kept your mouth shut for another half hour, Sonny could have told her himself." Jason growled at her, even though he knew that it wasnt the issue of her paternity that had driven Elizabeth away from him yet again. But Brenda was an easy target.

Marco, will you keep an eye on her, Sonny quietly told the bodyguard. And Jason, will you back off. I think Brenda probably feels bad enough about this.

"You would defend her," Carly rolled her eyes in disgust.

Whatever, Jason backed away from Brenda and crossed to the bar. He reached for a class, even filled it with ice before he stopped himself. The last thing he needed to do was drown his sorrows. Elizabeths tear-filled voice haunted him as he braced his hands on the bar. Shed walked away againand hed let her again. Dammit why did he keep doing that? All he had to do was say her name. Courtney. He could think it, so why the hell did the word choke him when he tried to say it?

Ya know, Jason, if Courtney-, Brendas started, but her voice snapped something in all the tension coursing through his body and before he knew what he was doing, the bar was flipped on its side and he was standing in a puddle of liquor and glass. A thick silence blanketed the penthouse. Jason shook his head and started for the door.

We really need to get a liquor cabinet, Carly muttered.

Where are you going? Sonny asked, but Jason didn't even pause.

Out the fucking door."

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter Nine



Courtney tipped the last chair upside down to rest on the table near the bar and grabbed the broom. Kelly's was closed and not a moment too soon, in her opinion. She really hated this job. Serving other people who barely nodded their thanks when she plunked their plates of food before them. What a waste of her time.

Since AJ vanished-either running in fear or dead for all she knew-the only thing she missed was the income he contributed. Even working on the docks, he made it so her working wasn't that important. She could call into Kelly's and back out of work at a moment's notice and not worry about making the next months rent. Maybe she could hit Sonny up for some money. After all, she smirked, that's what family was for.

The bell above the door jingled and without looking up she called. "We're closed." She continued sweeping for a moment, but the bell never rang to signal the exit of whoever had entered the diner. Huffing in annoyance, she blew a strand of hair out of her eyes and raised her head.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded and narrowed her eyes at Elizabeth. The petite brunette was standing just inside the door, leather-clad arms folded as she openly stared.

"I could ask you the same thing, since you so rarely show up to work," she replied and took a few ambling steps into the diner. "What's the matter, Courtney? AJ cut you off?"

"What's the matter, Elizabeth? Take a roll in the mud?" Courtney mimicked, noticing the smudges on her face and her disheveled hair. Then she looked closer and took in the pattern of the bruises on Elizabeth's neck, the shape...Fingers. She laughed. Five grand well spent.

"You would laugh," she scoffed bitterly. Biting down her amusement, Courtney resumed sweeping the floor and tried to ignore the other woman. "So, what are your plans for tonight? Are you going to try and break into Jason's penthouse and destroy my room there? Or was my studio enough?"

Courtney froze, her fingers clenched so tightly around the broom, the knuckles were white. Jason's penthouse? That little bitch. "You're living with Jason?"

"Of course I am," the brunette raised an eyebrow and her lips twisted into a sly smile. "After Jason saw the damage you did to my studio, do you really think he'd let me be alone?"

"I didn't-," Courtney stammered, but Elizabeth interrupted her, sauntering closer as the smile turned smug.

"He wouldn't. With all the problems Jason and I have, that's the one thing I can count on. He'll always protect me," the smaller woman drew closer with every step, throwing words around like daggers and Courtney was starting to bleed. She felt sick. Elizabeth didn't stop there, she kept twisting. "He told me he loves me. After everything I've done to him, walking away from him...he loves me."

Tears stung Courtney's eyes. Swallowing, she tried to draw a breath but the raw fury and hatred choked her. Only the knowledge that another one of her plans went off helped her focus enough to speak. "Well...I g-guess if Jason likes them used...you're the perfect choice."

"What?"

"Well, what is it? Two men now? Two strangers you met in the dark. Do you like it better when they bruise you first?" Courtney raised an eyebrow and it was her turn to grin at Elizabeth's humiliation and surprise. Satisfaction surged through Courtney's blood, sang in her ears. This was how it was supposed to be. Her on top and Elizabeth squirming beneath her shoe like the worthless human being she was. She pretended to consider.

"Two men?" Elizabeth repeated, her embarrassment quickly morphing to shock. Courtney missed the change as she prattled on.

"You know, I think you're just a magnet for violence, Lizzie. People always blame Jason, but really...I think it's you," she sighed and clucked her tongue, leaning on the broom as she thought aloud. "You know, Jason was awfully sweet and tender when he made love to me, I really don't know how he'll stack up to-."

Courtney's cheek was suddenly on fire as she rocked back from the blow to her face. Elizabeth's cheeks were flushed with anger. "You fucking bitch. What'd you do, Courtney? Did you realize that your latest plan to get rid of me failed, so-so you sent someone to attack me? Huh? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Putting the table between them, Courtney blinked back tears of pain. Her face throbbed and she wondered if she'd wake up with a black eye. Elizabeth watched her move warily, the grating 'poor me, poor me' look Courtney always saw her wear was replaced by raw fury. "I don't-don't know what you're talking about."

"Like hell," she spat and Courtney finally realized her mistake. And the fact that Elizabeth kept using the word 'attacked'. With a sinking heart, she knew she'd failed again.

There was no time for licking her wounds. Elizabeth was apparently done playing the shrinking violet and Courtney barely had time to take a step back before the chairs stacked on the nearest table crashed down around her.

"Are you insane?" Courtney shrieked as she scrambled across the floor, putting as much distance between herself and the brunette as possible.

"I don't know, was that part of your plan? Torture me until I was too unstable for polite society?" Elizabeth taunted.

"You brought this on yourself, Lizzie. If you would have just stayed the hell away from Jason and left him to me, this wouldn't have to happen," she countered, rising to her feet and dusting her hands on her jeans.

Elizabeth threw up her arms in exasperation. "Don't you get it yet? Jason was drunk. He was in pain. It didn't matter who you were, Courtney. Any warm body would have fit the bill."

"That's not true," she whispered, the lump in her throat impeding speech. Her hand curled around a napkin dispenser she'd picked up from the floor. The bite of steel helped her focus, kept her vision from going hazy with hate.

"You meant nothing to him," the brunette continued. "He doesn't even talk about that night, about you. Unless he's telling me how sorry and disgusted he is..."

"Shut up!" Courtney screamed and hurled the napkin dispenser with all her strength. Elizabeth ducked to the side just in time for the steel object to graze her cheek before it shattered the window in the door. The blond didn't stop there. On her knees amid the wreckage of the chairs and table Elizabeth had toppled, she hurled whatever object she could find at the other woman. Beyond thought, Courtney's only desire was to hurt Elizabeth. Hurt Jason. Inflict pain on every one of them.

With her arms shielding her face, Elizabeth tripped over the debris and fell to her knees. Courtney used the momentary distraction to tackle her, tearing at her hair, her clothes, as the smaller woman used all her strength to fight her off. Elizabeth managed to surprise her and a well placed right hook caught Courtney square in the jaw. The blond reeled back, but the other woman was already fighting for supremacy.


~*~



Elizabeth didn't really know how she'd ended up on the floor at Kelly's, having her hair yanked out of her head by woman who had to be insane. One moment she was standing in Sonny's penthouse while her world turned upside down, the next she was on her back, trying to keep a crazed Courtney from clawing her eyes out. For all her bulk, the blond obviously didn't have the benefit of one of Jason's self-defense lessons. The right hook Elizabeth barely had time to think about, caught the other woman square in the jaw and she felt something give.

She expected to feel regret at the harsh words she'd so carelessly thrown around. Going out of her way to deliberately hurt Courtney hadn't been her intention when she'd wandered past the diner and saw her through the window. On the contrary, Elizabeth had wanted answers. Some reasoning to the pain Courtney insisted on inflicting, but when she'd realized the blond was behind her attack in the parking lot...Elizabeth hadn't been able to see beyond her rage.

Still struggling with Courtney, she didn't hear the door open or the telltale thud of motorcycle boots before an arm slipped around her waist and plucked her easily off the floor. Fists raised on instinct, she nearly punched Jason in the face before he grabbed her wrist-the only thing that saved him a black eye.

"Hey-hey. It's me. You're alright," he promised, touching her face lightly.

Surprise kept her from pulling away, but the anger from the penthouse was still there, near the surface. "Jason what-what are you doing here?"

"Looking for you," he replied. His eyes narrowed with concern as his gaze dipped to the bruises on her throat. She felt the anger wan slightly. He'd come for her. "What happened?"

"How did you find me?" she asked at the same time, but neither had the opportunity to answer.

"When Sonny finds out about this," Courtney threatened from the floor. Spitting blood, she struggled to a sitting position. Her lip was already swollen and the fingers that gingerly touched it were smeared crimson. "When Sonny finds out about this, nobody is going to be able to find you."

Jason glanced over Elizabeth's shoulder as if noticing Courtney for the first time. "What would Sonny care?"

"I'm his sister," Courtney reminded him. Jason snorted.

"You're not his-."

"Well, well, well," a new voice boomed from the doorway and Elizabeth jumped, still held tight in Jason's arms. "Anger Boy...what'd this diner ever do to you?"

Standing so close to him, Elizabeth could feel the exact moment when Jason shut his emotions off. The barely assuaged panic, anger, and relief she'd noticed when he picked her up off the floor, slipped effortlessly behind a guise of indifference. He shrugged and glanced around the mess at his feet as if seeing it for the first time. "This place? Not a damn thing."

"Just thought a little random violence might be fun?" Taggert nodded, playing the game-for the moment at least-just as easily as the enforcer. "Well, it's really too bad you picked a place with tenants because they were a little disturbed by the noise and called us."

"Really," Jason murmured, his gaze dropped to Elizabeth. Under his scrutiny, she shivered a little. A frown creased his brow and he trailed his thumb over her cheek. Involuntarily, she winced as he teased the cut. Brushing a strand of hair out of her face, he whispered. "Sorry."

"Are you listening to me, Morgan?" Taggert's voice cut through the moment and she suddenly remembered they were not alone...and that she was still upset with Jason. She took a step away.

"No, I'm not."

"Would you pay more attention if you were under arrest?" the cop challenged. As he moved deeper into the diner, Elizabeth noticed the other officers with him. And the handcuffs dangling innocently from their belts.

"You can't arrest Jason," she heard herself say.

Taggert blinked, surprise evident on his features. "I can't? Have you seen this place? I've got him on destruction of private property, disturbing the peace..."

"He didn't do it," she insisted. Jason touched her back in warning, urgently whispered for her not to say a word, but she had no intention of listening to him. She'd never taken orders from anybody before and she wasn't about to start now. "It was me."

"By yourself?" the cop raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"Well, me and..." she glanced at the floor and froze. The spot on the floor where Courtney had been sprawled only moments ago was empty. Her gaze darted all over the diner, but the blond was nowhere to be seen. But surely Taggert had noticed...

"You and...who?" the cop folded his arms over his chest and raised his brows expectantly. Elizabeth sighed. He hadn't seen her.

"Courtney Quartermaine. We're not exactly friends these days," she replied lamely.

"I don't see anybody else," Taggert shrugged, still eying Jason like a prize he was only inches from winning.

"Maybe if you hadn't been so dead set to pin this on Jason," Elizabeth straightened to her unimpressive full height and angled her chin up to stare the cop in the eye. "You might have noticed something other than your petty grudge."

That stung him and she realized a barbed insult too late that Taggert wasn't above arresting her. The cop glowered at her. "Jason had nothing to do with this?"

"Nothing," Elizabeth promised even though she could practically hear Jason's teeth grinding as he clenched his jaw. Taggert heaved a sigh that carried all the weight of the world. Motioning to one of his fellow officers, she soon found herself being read her rights, felt the metal clink as a pair of steel handcuffs locked around her wrists. She watched them with detached interest.

"Taggert don't do this," Jason tried to step between her and the guard, ignoring her this time as she told him it was okay. "Arresting Elizabeth isn't going to-."

"It pisses you off, doesn't it?" the officer snarled at his nemesis. "Tonight, that's enough for me."

Scowling, Jason stopped the cop from dragging Elizabeth away and made her look at him. "Don't say anything. I'll get Sonny and we'll get you out, okay?"

Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. They were close enough for her to see the fine lines of worry around his eyes. She wanted to erase them, she realized, erase them and the pain this day had brought them both. She wasn't afraid to go to jail or the handcuffs that were already biting into her skin. After a week of being right by his side, she was suddenly terrified of being without him. Before he could see the tears, she pressed a kiss to his lips and let the guard take her away.


~*~



Jason watched Elizabeth being led away in handcuffs and idly wondered if she'd ever seen him that way. Bound by steel and forced to follow a man she didn't even know into some place she'd never been. It hurt.

"I knew this would happen," Taggert drawled, still loitering in the diner. His face was a mask of smug satisfaction and pained failure. As if by carting Elizabeth away, the cop had fallen short of some oath he'd made. Jason turned impassively to face him. Of all the days to have to deal with this bastard, today was not the best choice. The cop seemed unperturbed by the ice in his eyes. "An innocent girl like Elizabeth doesn't stand a chance in your world. I knew it was only a matter of time before she found herself on the wrong end of the law."

"Don't sound so pleased," Jason muttered, brushing past him to leave, but the cop-showing either bravery or stupidity-grabbed his arm.

"You still have a few lessons to teach her, you know," he shrugged. "But I figure after her first night in jail, she'll pick up on them real fast. Aren't you proud, Morgan?"

"Let. Me. Go." he ordered quietly, but the cop's words stung. Taggert had the sense to drop his arm, but not to shut up. Jason needed to get to the police station. Elizabeth shouldn't be alone. He needed to call Sonny. He needed to send a guard after Courtney. He did not need to wage a war of words with this stupid cop.

"I'll never understand what the hell that girl sees in you. What any of these kids see in you," the cop was speaking more to himself, venting frustrations he'd harbored since the first time Jason had been arrested for train surfing. "You don't care about them beyond what they can do for you or Sonny. In fact, I don't think there's anybody-."

Jason shook his head, already tuning out Taggert's diatribe on the evils of the mob and all things Corinthos-Morgan. He smirked, wondering if the cop realized that all the coffee at the precinct came from Sonny's warehouses. How's that for irony?

The strange satisfaction that thought brought didn't last long and Taggert was still talking. He needed to get to Elizabeth. To be with here. Slowly and methodically, he pulled his leather gloves from the pocket of his jacket. Flexing the fingers of each hand, he carefully formed a fist and drew back.

The crash of breaking glass stopped Taggert instantly. The cop whirled around and after allowing a moment's shock to register on his face, he shook his head. Glass littered the floor, dripped off Jason's leather jacket like tear drops.

With no hint of amusement, Jason slid his gaze toward him. He shook the last of the glass off his arm and shrugged. "Guess you have to arrest me, too."