She could feel the tension radiating off of him. He was staying as far away from her as he could. He was practically hanging off his edge of the bed.

‘I am going to win.’ She thought. ‘And I am going to make him admit it.’

“Jason?”

“Yeah.” He said.

“I’m cold.” She told him.

“Cold?” he asked. ‘Yeah, right, she’s cold.’

“Can you come warm me up?” She asked very sweetly. So sweetly he knew she was not in the least little bit cold.

“Come warm you up?” He asked.

“Yes. Sweetie, are you having a hard time hearing me? I’ll move a little closer.”

She scooted over all the way until she was pressed up against him very snugly. The skin of her back was so warm against his bare chest.

“That’s better. Don’t you want to put your arms around me?” She asked. He could actually hear her smiling in the dark.

‘This is not fair. A man can only take so much.’ Jason thought as he tried to inch back away from how tightly her bottom was pressed into him. Unfortunately he had nowhere to go. It was either get out of the bed or give in.

“Jason?”

“Uh huh?” It was all he could manage.

“Say it.” She taunted him.

He was going to make one last stand before he broke. It was really so much more than anyone could expect from him. He had held out as long as he could.

“Say what?” He asked through clenched teeth as she wiggled her bottom against him.

“You win, Courtney.” She told him.

“Win what?” He asked as he pushed her away from him slightly. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” It sounded like he was holding his breath and she realized he was trying to breathe as shallowly as possible to prevent himself from brushing up against her.

“Last chance.” She sang out.

She waited a few seconds to see what he would do and when it was obvious he was not going to say anything she rolled over to face him.

Now she was pressed up against him face to face. And then she kissed him lightly on his chest with her lips slightly parted. She could feel him tremble underneath her touch and his hands wrap around her arms as he pulled her up to his face.

“I told you I’d deal with you.” He said as he threaded his hands into her hair and brought her mouth to his for a rough kiss.

She pulled back and felt for his face with her hands. She gently touched his cheek and then leaned in so close that when she spoke it was almost a kiss. “Say it.”

He ran his hand down the side of her face onto her shoulder and then even lower onto her breast.

She heaved a sigh making his hand rise up. She wrapped her leg around his and anchoring her hand on his waist pulled him back into her. “Jason, I’m just getting started. Save yourself some trouble and say it.”

It had ceased being a game and wasn’t even a battle of wills anymore. Now it was foreplay. Who would give in, who would submit? She trusted him completely and knew he would never enter her until one of them had said it. She knew he wanted her and she knew he was enjoying himself. He leaned in to kiss her again and she gently nipped his bottom lip with her teeth sucking it into her mouth slightly. He jerked back.

“You bit me.” He said shocked at just how brazen she was being.

“Just a little. Did I hurt you, sweetie? Do you want me to kiss it and make it better?” She asked in that sweet tone she’d been using all night.

“I’ll survive.” He teased her.

She slid her other hand around his neck and rolled him over on top of her.

“Will you? All you have to do is say it and I’m yours.” She told him.

“You’re already mine remember - ‘til death do us part.” He said softly. He leaned in to kiss her gently once and then once again.

“Not all of me.” She said as she reached down to slide his boxers off. She had just issued the ultimate challenge. Now nothing stood between their physical union except his refusal to say the two words that she required.

His heart was pumping so wildly it felt like it would burst out of his chest. Somewhere in the rational part of his brain that wasn’t yet overwhelmed with the crackle and buzz of his desire for her he thought ‘She needs this. She needs to feel powerful and in control’. And he gave in.

“You win.” He said as he kissed her. He held onto her face as he eased into her. She made a soft sound in the back of her throat and said his name. He leaned down to kiss her again as he stroked into her in time with the beat of his heart.

He could feel her whole body soften and relax as he made love to her. Her hands came up from the mattress to his back and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Burying his head in her neck he whispered to her. Nothing that made sense really just love words and endearments. He knew it was coming so he wasn’t surprised when the first sobs left her. Her arms tightened around his back as she pressed her fingers into his skin.

“Let it out.” He said softly.

Her body wracked with the sobs but he didn’t leave her. He stayed inside her and made himself her refuge. He was her safe place, the harbor from the storm of her memories. Her tears streamed over his fingers and into the pillow. She cried for the girl she had been and it almost broke his heart. Then he could feel her stiffen again and her hands loosened from him. He knew she was ready but still she resisted as if she didn’t want it to end.

“Go over, baby.” He whispered in her ear. “Take me with you.”

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In another bed, far away, another blonde cried for the girl she had once been. She hadn’t been able to sleep since she had read the short blurb on the internet gossip column a few weeks ago.

Morgan-Matthew Nuptials On Saturday, February 22, 2003 prominent Port Charles, New York businessman Jason Morgan wed Courtney Matthews. Family and friends attended the small, private ceremony. It is rumored that the former Miss Matthews is the daughter of Russell Matthews of East Harbor, Connecticut. Russell Matthews was tragically slain at his home three years ago. Mrs. Corinne Matthews was then arrested for the crime and subsequently committed suicide before her trial. The Matthews children - daughter, Courtney and son, Alexander - quickly dropped out of public view.

It was the first mention of them in the newspapers in years and now she had found them.

Chapter 46 - The Calm Before the Storm

The morning dawned clear and warm. Courtney opened her eyes and saw him sleeping peacefully next to her. He had a slight smile on his face and she thought about his comment that he usually dreamed about her. She rolled onto her side and lightly ran her fingers over his lips. She was surprised when he kissed the tips. His eyes opened and he gave her a breathtaking smile.

“Morning.” He said as he stretched slightly. “Sleep well?”

“I’m sorry I woke you. I was enjoying watching you sleep.” She said.

“I’m not. I enjoy watching you while you’re awake much more.” He said as he winked at her. “I especially like your outfit.” He told her as he pulled back the sheet to reveal her naked form.

“This old thing. Actually, I’m thinking about throwing it out.” She teased.

“Don’t you dare.” He growled playfully as he grabbed her and pulled him into him.

“Well, it may not fit too much longer.” She retorted breaking into giggles.

“Hmm.” He said as he pulled back slightly to look at her. “Yes, I see that a new one might be a good idea. Maybe sized for three.” He kissed her soundly on the mouth.

She buried her head in his neck and sighed contentedly. “I’m glad you came. I was afraid we wouldn’t be able to finish our honeymoon before the twins arrived. I imagine our sleepless nights will be a little different this time next year.”

“That’s true but think about how happy you’ll be when you can finally hold your babies.” He said.

She propped herself up on her elbow. “What about you?”

“You can hold me whenever you want.” He said knowing it that wasn’t what she had meant.

“Jason.” She said as she poked him with her finger.

He laughed. “I know what you meant.” He looked her in the eye. “Yeah, I’m excited about meeting them. I’m just a little scared too.”

“You are? You never told me that.” She said looking at him closely trying to see what he was thinking.

He saw the look she was giving him. “Honey, I’m happy … no, I’m overjoyed but its just … damn.” He rubbed his face with his hands and sighed heavily. He sat up and leaned against the headboard looking at her as she sat up too dragging the sheet up to cover herself.

“What?” She asked.

He gave her a sad look. “I’m not going to be the most … normal dad.”

She grabbed his hands and held them tightly. “You are going to be the best dad, Jason.” She said fiercely.

“When they’re little, maybe but what about when they get older. When they start asking questions about our life.” He looked away.

“Well worry about that when it happens, okay?” She smiled reassuringly. “Family is what you make it - you told me that, remember.”

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“Jason Morgan of Port Charles, NY. I want you to call me with everything you’ve found by the end of the day.” The blonde woman said and then hung up the phone. She had wasted too many years. She wasn’t waiting anymore. Now she was in a position to take action. She had found them and she wasn’t letting them go again.

She sat looking out the window and cast her eye over the city. He wouldn’t like the fact that she was going to leave and he could never know she wasn’t coming back but she had given up enough of her life to him. She had prostituted herself to him for years in order to get what she needed. Her body was a tool and she used it. Nothing mattered to her except them and she would do whatever it took to get them.

She heard the door shut. He was home. She took a deep breath and pasting on a sincere enough looking smile she turned to face him. “Darling, what are you doing home at this hour?”

The hard faced man walked over to where she was sitting. As she rose to greet him he reached out and slapped her across the face. Her hand flew to her stinging cheek.

“What in the hell do you know about Jason Morgan?” He spat out.

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Greg walked into PH4 laden with folders and paperwork. “Here are the files you requested on Mrs. Morgan.” He said not looking up or seeing Carly sitting with Sonny at the dining room table.

When he did see his boss’ wife he dropped his eyes again. “I’m sorry to interrupt your breakfast, Mrs. Corinthos. I’ll just leave these files on the desk.”

After the door had shut behind him Carly turned her shocked face back to Sonny. “You’re having Courtney investigated?”

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He stood with his head under the hot spray in the shower letting the water run down his back. He was trying to ignore the dull ache in his groin. It had been another frustrating night of kissing and touching and wanting. He had held her in his arms for hours. He knew that waiting was right. He wanted her more than sexually. He really thought he could love her. She was so sweet and good and she said she was ready but he wasn’t and he knew they weren’t. So they would wait until the time was right. Zander sighed as he reached down and turned the faucet to cold. As the icy water hit him he felt a satisfaction that he control his want and deny himself. Only a recovering addict could understand the triumph in wanting but not indulging.

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“Jason Morgan. Nothing. I don’t know anything.” She said watching his eyes for a sign of what he would do next. He couldn’t know about the phone call. The PI she was using was from another city and hadn’t even known who she was. ‘The clipping.’ She thought as she tried to make her face as innocent as possible.

“Then what is this?” He demanded brandishing the piece of paper she had printed out. He thrust it into her hand.

She looked at it for a moment pretending to read the words she had memorized long ago.

She let her eyes fill with tears making sure that the vapid mask she had shown him for years never slipped. “I just thought it was interesting. The murder-suicide. It sounds like something from a soap opera.” She looked at him and saw the anger pass. He believed her.

He reached his hand out to touch her red cheek. His handprint was still evident on her skin.

“I’m sorry, dear. I’ve had a rough morning.” He told her.

He walked over to the bar to pour himself a drink.

“I didn’t mean to make you angry, Frank. I’ll stop reading that stuff if it bothers you so much.” She simpered at him. ‘So he knows Jason Morgan. This changes everything.’

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“Why are you investigating Courtney?” Carly demanded. The shock was passing and a rage was building deep inside her. Carly’s temper had never been a mild affair but this was out of line even for Sonny. “Courtney is family. How can you do this to her?”

Sonny put his hand over his wife’s and sighed when she snatched it away from him.

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As Courtney came in the door from the back porch she heard Jason rummaging through the cabinets in the kitchen. She came around the corner to find him in the middle of a huge mess. Food was all over the counter, pots and pans were strewn on every surface, and the water in the sink was running full blast. Quietly sneaking in she turned off the water and laughed to see the startled look on his face when he whirled around to face her.

“What are you doing, honey?” She asked smiling at him.

“I thought I’d make us dinner while you napped. You know, be a good husband and help out.” He told her with a sheepish look on his face. “I, um … it’s not going well.” He admitted.

She glanced around the room again. “Jase, the next time you decide to help can you try not to make such a mess?” She asked teasingly. “What exactly are you trying to make?”

“I figured spaghetti couldn’t be too hard.” He offered and then realized the chaos around them belied his earlier confidence.

“Okay. Why don’t you put all the other pots and pans away? I’ll need these.” She said as she gathered up the necessary cookware. “I think I saw some cans of crushed tomatoes in that cabinet by the fridge. Can you get them for me, please?”

She watched as he grabbed the cans and a can opener from the drawer. “Okay, Mr. Morgan, you are going to get your first cooking lesson. Maybe tomorrow we’ll work on those eggs of yours.”

Chapter 47 Money Talks

“Carly, please calm down. I’m doing this for Courtney.”

“What? You’re prying into her past for her? Don’t give me that, Sonny.”

“Carly, listen, okay? She is a mess. Zander is too. Their father was abusive, their mother committed suicide, and Zander has a biological mother somewhere. And, now, they are both a part of our family. I want to know everything I can … so we can protect ourselves and them.”

She looked at him and saw the truth in his eyes. He wanted to protect his family.

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When he woke the next morning she wasn’t in the bed. ‘Stupid b*tch.’ He thought.

He heard her soft footfalls coming up the stairs and he was prepared to yell at her when she came in the door until he saw the tray she was carrying.

“Good morning, Frank. I had the cook make your favorite.” She told him as she set the tray down on the edge of the bed. “I’m sorry about upsetting you yesterday.”

He could see the faint shadow of a bruise on her jaw line. He had smacked her good and was strangely, for him, feeling remorseful. It was one thing to apologize. It kept her happy and when she was happy he was very happy but this time he felt actual guilt.

“That’s nice. You’re a good girl.” He said in his rasp of a voice. Too much liquor over the years had worn his voice down to gravel. He patted her hand and she put the tray over his legs. “I am sorry about popping you like that. I’ve just been tense.”

“You work so hard, Frank. You provide me a wonderful life. I understand how a businessman like you can get stressed.” She said in her soft, sweet voice. It had gotten to the point where she could say this stuff to him without getting sick anymore.

She sat next to him on the bed and watched as he practically inhaled his food.

“I just wish I weren’t so worthless about business stuff. Then I could help you so you wouldn’t be so stressed.

He eyed her wondering what she was getting at but all he saw was an innocent face.

“You do what you’re good at, baby. I know you try.” He admitted.

“I know. I just wish I was better for you.” She said as she fiddled with the saltshaker on the tray. He lightly smacked her hand. She looked up at him with a sheepish smile.

“I’m sorry. I’ll try not to annoy you anymore.” She said getting up from the bed.

“There is something you can do for me, baby.” He said as he reached onto the nightstand and grabbed his wallet. He pulled out $1000 in hundreds and pressed it into her hand. “Go to the spa today and relax. When you’re relaxed, I’m relaxed.”

She smiled winningly at him. “You’re too good to me. Frank”

She turned to leave the room. ‘You keep handing me the cash, *sshole. I’m almost out of here.’

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“You know how much I love you, right?” He asked her from his seat at the kitchen table.

She turned and gave him a funny look. “Why would you ask me that?”

“I just want to make sure you always know.” He said sincerely.

“Jason, you have chased me to Port Charles and then back to this island more times than I can count. I know you love me.” She smiled at him.

“You did a pretty good job on the sauce. Do you want to taste it?” She asked holding a spoonful out for him.

“I’m still not sure about that mushroom soup you made me put in there.” He told her eyeing the sauce with trepidation.

“Hey, I’ve eaten your eggs.” She protested pressing the spoon into his mouth.

“MMMmmm, that is good.” He agreed.

“I can’t believe you doubted me.” She laughed. “As soon as the water boils you can put the pasta in the pot.”

“So, how’d I do? Was I a good student?” He asked as he stood over the stove watching the water.

“Pretty good. You were a little antsy though.” She gave him a sly smile. “It was more fun when I could just hit you when you made a mistake.”

“You know I had bruises for weeks after that little session.” He told her as he turned up the heat under the pot.

“I know, sweetie. I saw them. I’ve seen everything on your body … more than once.” She told him as she ran her hand up his arm.

He looked up at her and blushed slightly. ‘There it is again ... that fire.’

“Honey, you’ve been acting kind of - different lately.” He began not sure how to bring it up.

“Different?” She asked with a slight frown.

“Well, maybe, different is the wrong word.” He told her as he turned away from the stove to face her.

“Okay, how have I been acting?” She demanded crossing her arms over her chest and settling a slightly annoyed look on him.

‘Man, I don’t know if I can take these mood swings for another 8 months.’ He thought and then when her look darkened again he feared she could actually read his mind.

“If this is going be another pregnant hormones crack I will smack you, Jason Morgan.” She snapped.

“Honey …” He moved towards he to take her in his arms.

“Stop right there and say what you want to say so I can decide if I’ll let you touch me.”

He stopped in his tracks and sighed. “I was just thinking you’ve been so much more … take charge lately.”

“Take charge?” She wondered the angry look fading from her face.

He stepped towards her again and she let him pull her into his arms. “It’s nice to see you so confident. You’ve never been the one to … um … initiate sex. At least not like you’ve been doing. It’s a turn on. So if it is hormones I say we take advantage of them.”

“What about dinner?” She asked seductively as she laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.

“We’ll take advantage after dinner.” He laughed. “I can’t have my family go hungry.

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Sonny sat reading though the files that Greg had brought earlier. There was a lot of information and he wasn’t quite sure what he was looking for. He knew Carly was still annoyed about not being told but after the shock of Ric’s family connection he wanted to be aware of everything that was going on with his family. He wondered if either Courtney or Zander had ever thought to look for his biological mother. He flipped another page and saw the financial report.

“CARLY.” He yelled.

“What?” She asked coming out of the kitchen.

“Look at this.” He handed her the piece of paper he had been examining.

She looked at it for a few seconds and then gasped when her eyes lit on the figure at the bottom of the page.

“This can’t be right, Sonny. She would have mentioned this.” She told him.

“Jason said she never wanted any of the money and only used a little bit from time to time.”

“But, Sonny, this is … unbelievable. No one is this rich.” She flapped the paper at him.

“Evidently, Courtney is.” He replied taking the paper back from his wife.

Chapter 48

They lazed around, making love, swimming, sunning and honeymooning for another two weeks before Jason insisted they return to Port Charles.

“Honey, you have a doctor’s appointment in two days.” Jason said as he threw the last of his clothes into the bag. He looked over at her sitting on the other side of the bed. She looked so sad.

Walking over to her he sat down next to her. “I know you love it here but it’s time to go home.”

“I know.” She sighed. “It’s just that I feel so safe in our own private little world.”

He reached up to touch her cheek tenderly. “We can always make our own private world at home. Lock the doors, pull down the blinds and get lost in each other.”

“Until the phone rings or someone knocks and you’re off to a coffee emergency for god knows how long.” She gave him a wry smile.

“Well, that’s one of the reasons why we need to go back.” He told her. “I need to talk to Sonny about how we’re going to run things from now on. Both of us agree that things will have to change.”

“Is that what you really want?” She asked hesitantly. “I know that this world you live in is all you’ve ever known.”

He looked up into her eyes. “I have a new world now with you and our children. The business will work itself out.”

She leaned into him and kissed him lightly. “How long until the boat arrives?”

“About two hours.” He replied.

“Good.” She said as she pulled him back onto the bed with her.

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Frank walked into the apartment expecting to see her waiting for him. She wasn’t there. The longer he looked around the apartment the angrier he got.

‘Where the hell is she? She knows I don’t like waiting around for her.’

“Alexandra.” He bellowed as he busted into room after room. “I don’t have time for this. We have dinner with Burt and Trudy in 30 minutes. Get your ass out here.”

It took another few minutes for him to realize most of her things were gone. He walked into her dressing room and saw that she had left him a message on the mirror.

GOODBYE she had written in red lipstick.

“You will be so sorry when I find you, B*tch.” He said as he picked up a perfume bottle and threw it against the mirror.

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Carly was sitting on the couch going through some paperwork when Sonny walked in.

“Hey, Jason just called. He said they had landed at Rally Field and would be home in about 30 minutes. He wants to talk to you.”

“I need to talk to him too.” Sonny replied as he sorted through the stack of mail.

“About Courtney?” Carly asked looking at him.

He looked over at her and gave her a smile. “No, not about Courtney or the money, alright? Its just business. We need to restructure how we do things.”

“So, Jason’s out?” She asked with a disgusted look on her face.

Sonny walked over and sat next to her on the couch. “Why would you say that? Jason is my best friend. I trust him more than anyone. I would never push him out.”

“Whatever, Sonny. I still don’t like how you had Courtney investigated and I don’t think Jason’s going to be too happy about it either. And don’t think about asking me to keep that a secret from him.”

She got up and gathered her files up. “You need to be very careful, Sonny. You want to protect your family so bad but you may end up pushing them all away in the process.”

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The bellman set her bags down just inside the door of her room in the Port Charles Hotel. She tipped him and she looked around the room as he left shutting the door behind him.

‘They live somewhere in this city. I could have already seen one of them on the streets.’ She thought as the shame and memories filled her heart. ‘The only family I have left and I don’t even know what they look like.’

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“Home.” Courtney said as she turned on the lights of the penthouse.

She looked around the living room. It was amazingly clean for Zander having been here alone for over 2 weeks.

“I guess Carly forced him to clean up before we got home.” Jason remarked.

Courtney turned and gave him a bright smile. “That’s just like her … nosy but well-intentioned. I’ve missed her. I can’t wait to talk to her.”

She started to rush next door to see her best friend.

“Whoa.” Jason said as he grabbed her. “I want you to rest. You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine, Jason. You said you were going to stop fussing over me.”

“No, I promised that I wouldn’t suffocate you. I’m still going to fuss and watch over you.” He told her as he leaned down to give her a sweet kiss.

“Well, can she come over here? Please, we’ll be quiet and I promise I’ll do my homework.” She sassed.

He chuckled at her. “Yes, she can come over here but I want you laying down. You just got off a long flight.”

She walked over to the couch and sat down.

“Happy now?” She asked.

“Yes. Can I get you anything? Tea, water … milk?” He asked

Oh, you are such a mother hen. Jason Morgan, the most feared man in Port Charles … possibly New York … is just a big softie.” She threw a pillow at him hitting him right in the face.

He laughed as he picked up the pillow and grabbed the phone. He walked over to the couch and handed her both. He kissed her gently.

“I have to go talk to Sonny. I’ll send Carly over. And I’m going to make sure she knows that you are supposed to be resting.” He said as he gave her a mock stern look.

As he was walking towards the door he felt the pillow hit him in the back. He didn’t turn around and just opened the door. Before he slipped out he turned his head to look at her.

“You make sure you rest now, honey.

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“Sweetie, he’s right. You do look pale.” Carly said with concern in her voice.

“It’s just jet lag. Plus my hormones are all out of whack. I’ve been yanking poor Jason around like a yo-yo for the past three weeks.”

“I remember what it was like when I was pregnant with Michael. It’s probably worse for you since you’re having twins.”

“Dr. Meadows warned me I might feel a little out of control for a few months.” She shifted on the couch to give Carly more room.

“Poor Jason, he had to deal with me and now you. He’s a good guy.” Carly remarked.

“He’s not suffering too much. Sure, the crying and mood swings aren’t easy but, mostly, I’m just so turned on.” She laughed thinking back. “At first, he was pretty pleased. He said he was enjoying how I was so take charge suddenly.”

“What man wouldn’t be?” Carly asked.

“You would think so. After the past few weeks though I think he’s ready for a break from me and my attention.”

She looked over at her best friend. “Carly, the other morning I found him leaning against the wall in the shower, water running full blast, and he was asleep.”

The two women looked at each other and laughed.

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“Sonny, if I’d known that honeymoons were going to be like that I would have gotten married years ago.” Jason said jokingly. “Hell, I would have gone looking for Courtney to marry her.

“So you had a good time?” Sonny asked with a smile.

“Yeah, but I’m glad to be home. Honestly, I’m little tired.”

“Tired? You’ve been on vacation.” Sonny remarked.

Jason gave him a sly look. “Let me just say this. I’ve been working harder these past few weeks than I ever did for you.”

Both men laughed not knowing that their wives were across the hall laughing about the very same thing.

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“He was sleeping?” Carly asked once they had gotten control of their laughter.

“Yeah and did I take pity on him? Nope, I climbed into the shower with him and woke him up.” Courtney told her with a twinkle in her eye.

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“I fell asleep in the shower the other morning, man.” Jason confessed. “I woke up when I felt her hands on me.”

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“I got a really good lather going and started running my hands up his leg. It took a few seconds for him to realize it was really happening.”

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“I thought I was dreaming. Then I opened my eyes and saw her kneeling in front of me.”

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“When he looked at me I thought for a second he was going to ask me to stop. He looked so tired. But he reached down and pulled me up to him.”

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“For just one second, I thought about saying no. But every time I look at her I can’t help myself. I love her so much, Sonny. She’s changed everything for me.”

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“The look he gave me was so full of love, Carly. It was just like the one he gave me the day we got married.”

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Zander had just seen Emily off at the airport. The past few weeks had been amazing. He knew he was falling in love with her. It was so crazy. After every bad thing he had done he was being given a chance to make a real life. He knew Jason and Courtney would be home tonight. He was glad they had a chance to finish their honeymoon. Mostly, he was glad Courtney had agreed to Jason’s request to join her on the island. The four days they had been alone together had been like hell. Zander knew his sister needed the time but Jason had slammed doors and cursed any time something went slightly wrong. Zander remembered trying to talk to his brother-in-law but Jason kept brushing him off. He would hear Jason answer her calls. He would go into their bedroom and just wait for the phone to ring. Three rings and then he’d answer, “Morgan”. He wasn’t sure if Jason was torturing himself or punishing Courtney but the morning her heard Jason actually talk to her, apologize, tell her he missed her and that he loved her, Zander knew they were going to be okay.

Stopping into Kelly’s to pick up a cherry pie for dessert he bumped into a blonde woman. Just for one second he thought it was Courtney. Same hair color, same blue eyes but then he realized this woman was much too old to be his sister. She did look remarkably like Courtney though.

“Excuse me, I wasn’t watching where I was going.” Zander told her.

“It’s okay. Accidents happen.” She replied as she headed out the door.

‘That’s so strange. Her voice even sounds like Courtney’s.’ He thought.

Chapter 49 - Wishing Well

Carly sent Courtney up to bed to nap with the reminder that she was sleeping for three. While Carly wanted to get back across the hall to eavesdrop on Sonny and Jason’s conversation she also really wanted the new mother to rest. Over the course of their short visit Courtney had grown paler and more tired looking. Carly saw the two men shake hands as she walked into her home.

“Business settled, gentlemen?” She asked.

“Yeah, we’re done here.” Jason answered. “How’s Courtney doing?”

“She’s still pale and she looked pretty tired so I made her go take a nap.” Carly said.

Jason walked over to his former lover and gave her a hug. “You are great sister to her.” He whispered in her ear referring to his joke a few weeks ago.

When Jason broke the hug and headed for the door Carly shot Sonny a look.

“Jase, wait.” She told him.

“Carly.” Sonny said with a warning in his voice.

“No, Sonny, he has a right to know. You’re always going on about wanting honesty and loyalty from others. Well, now it’s your turn.” She said angrily. “Tell him or I will.”

“What going on here, guys?” Jason asked with confusion in his voice.

“Jason, sit down, I need to tell you something.” Sonny said.

The three of them sat on the couch and Sonny took a deep breath.

“A few weeks ago I asked Greg to put together a dossier on Courtney, Zander and their family.” Sonny told him

Carly saw the anger building in Jason. She knew he was having a hard time controlling it but he wanted to hear it all before he responded.

“I swear to you this is not about trust. I do not think Courtney is hiding anything from you. I wanted to be sure we were all covered in case of a surprise.”

“What kind of surprise, Sonny?” Jason spit out.

“I don’t know, Jason, but I did this to protect her too. You have to believe me.” Sonny was almost pleading.

Jason could see the sincerity in his friend’s eyes but he was still angry that Sonny had gone behind their backs and done this.

“So let me guess. You didn’t find anything other than what she told us.” Jason said.

“No, actually, I found out a lot she didn’t tell us. Maybe some things she doesn’t even know.”

“What?” Jason said incredulously. “You’re not honestly trying to tell me my wife has been lying to me.” He jumped up and started pacing around the room.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” Sonny said. “Jason, please sit back down.”

Jason glared at him from across the room. “So tell me the big secret she’s been keeping from all of us.”

Sonny and Carly looked at each other. Carly telling her husband with her eyes to tell Jason the truth.

“What has she told you about her finances?” Sonny asked finally.

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When Zander entered the penthouse he saw that Jason and Courtney had returned. He went in the kitchen to put the pie down and make arrangements for dinner. He wanted them to all have a nice family dinner together. He had missed them while they were gone. He placed the call to the restaurant to set in motion the order he had placed the day before and went upstairs to see if they were in their room.

Through the open bedroom door he saw her sleeping on top of the covers. Her blonde hair was spread out on the pillow and he marveled again at how much the woman at Kelly’s looked like her. Zander didn’t hear Jason come up behind him but he felt as his sister’s husband grabbed him roughly by the arm and yanked him around so they were face to face.

“We need to talk.” Jason told him.

-----------------------------------------------------

Alexandra St. Clair had spent all day wandering around Port Charles trying to get her bearings. She had stopped in that small café to get a cup of coffee and the nice waitress had given her a crudely drawn map of the waterfront area.

Her eyes focused on the building labeled Harborview Towers. The upscale apartment complex was nothing more than a rectangle on the paper but she knew the real building would be impressive. A wealthy and prominent businessman like Jason Morgan would live in an expensive security building. And in that building she would find Courtney. Courtney would lead her to Zander and then she could do what she needed to do.

But she knew she had to be careful. Frank had alerted her to the fact that Jason Morgan was no ordinary businessman. No, if Frank knew who he was he must be “family”. “Family”, as in the five families, was Frank’s cute term for connected to the mob.

When she gave her PI that little tip he came back with a lot more information than he’d had access to before. She has memorized the report. Jason Morgan had a long police record. He’d stood trial twice but he’d never been convicted of so much as a parking ticket. Recently two buildings he’d owned with a man named Michael “Sonny” Corinthos had mysteriously been set ablaze. Arson was suspected in both cases. The first building had been set ablaze the night of Mr. Morgan’s wedding to Courtney Matthews and an anonymous tip phoned in to the police said the fire was a wedding gift for the new Mrs. Morgan. The Corinthos-Morgan Coffee Imports warehouse was set on fire the next day. Both the Morgan family, including Mrs. Morgan’s brother, and the Corinthos family mysteriously disappeared for a week.

‘How in the world did they fall in with a mob family?’ Alexandra wondered.

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Jason dragged Zander downstairs by his arm. When they were both in the living room Zander yanked his arm out of Jason grasp.

“Man, I swear to god we just slept. I didn’t have sex with her.” Zander protested.

“What in the hell are you talking about, Zander?” Jason hissed trying to keep his voice down and not wake Courtney.

“Emily. Didn’t Marco tell you she spent the night here a few times while you were gone?”

Jason’s eyes got wide. “No, he didn’t.”

“Oh, well, then … never mind.” Zander said as he headed towards the kitchen. “I called Victor’s and ordered dinner in for the three of us. It should be here in about an hour.”

“Zander, stop.” Jason ordered.

Zander turned to look at his brother-in-law. He saw the anger and frustration on Jason’s face but he couldn’t figure out what it had to do with him.

“Jason, what’s wrong? Did I do something to make you mad?” Zander asked.

“Tell me why you and Courtney lied to me about the money. Did you think I wouldn’t understand?” Jason was begging his brother-in-law for reassurance that his wife had not lied to him.

“What money, Jason?” Zander was confused.

“The money you inherited from your parents when they died.” Jason replied.

“Well, there was some family money but our father had squandered most of it by the time he died. We lived really well but we didn’t get that much when he died. Only about $500,000.”

“Zander, dammit, be straight with me. Sonny found out and told me. I don’t care about the money. I just want to know why you two lied about it.”

“Jason, I really don’t know what you’re talking about.” Zander told him.

Jason looked into Zander’s eyes and saw the truth there.

“You don’t know. She lied to you too.” Jason said with tears in his eyes. He didn’t know his wife at all. He wondered what else she had lied to him about.

Leaving Zander starting after him, Jason ran up the stairs and stopped at the bedroom door. Looking in at her sleeping sweetly on their bed his anger faded. He knew this woman intimately. He trusted her implicitly. She hadn’t really lied to him. She told him that there was money but not how much. She said she never wanted it and barely touched it. He’d never asked her anything else about it. But she had kept any mention of it from Zander and he knew that would be a problem. It would be a big problem because he had gotten angry and jumped to conclusions and now however she had planned to tell Zander wouldn’t be enough. This would cause another rift between them and it was all his fault. His and Sonny’s.

“Honey, wake up.” He said softly as he gently shook her awake.

“Jason?” Courtney asked in a sleepy voice as her eyes slowly opened.

“Yeah.” He placed his hand on her cheek.

“What time is it?” She looked around at the failing light in room.

“It’s almost time for dinner. Zander ordered in for us from Victor’s. It will be here shortly.”

“MMMMMM, Italian. I can’t wait.” She gave him a slight smile.

He helped her sit up in the bed and lean against the headboard.

“Did you sleep well?” He asked wanting to avoid the conversation he knew they had to have. It was too late to forget this whole matter. He had to prepare her for the questions Zander was bound to ask her later.

“Fine.” She noticed he was avoiding looking her in the eyes. “Jason, did something happen over at Sonny’s?”

“You could say that.” He answered her.

“Tell me.” She insisted.

“He told me about the money, Courtney.”

“What money?” She asked the fear growing in her stomach.

“Your money. And Zander’s too.” Jason said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I did.” She said desperately. “You didn’t ask anything about it so I just dropped it. I would have told you if you’d asked.” He could see the tears start to fall from her eyes.

“Baby, I’m not mad.” He reassured her. “Well, I was at first but I realized that you’re right. You told me but I never asked anything else about it. Truthfully, I didn’t care then and I still don’t. But you have to admit. That’s a big shock.”

She started to relax and looked at him. “Jase, I don’t want to talk about the money … ever again, okay? I don’t want it and I don’t want to think about it.”

“I know, sweetie but there is one problem.”

“What?” She asked.

“Zander knows. At least, some of it. You have to tell him the rest, tonight.”

“He knows. Oh my god, did you tell him?” She asked the fear returning.

“In a way. I asked him about it thinking he already knew.”

“He won’t understand why I kept it from him.” She jumped off the bed and ran to the bathroom just in time to throw up.