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Hello everybody. Not sure if anybody even remembers this story but finally I was able to put together a new part. Hope you enjoy. Any feed back is appreciated and welcome….

The Ties That Bind Part 13 - Shelter me with your Love

by: Sonja

Brenda stirred slightly, feeling the sun’s warmth on her face, wanting to keep the dream alive, she seeks to hide from the prying light and burrows herself deeper into the covers, but instead of cotton sheets she feels a familiar masculine form. At her movement, Jax murmurs her name and snuggles her closer in his arms, her eyes shoot open and her eyes feel with joy at the sight of Jax’s golden body pressed against her side, realizing that last night wasn’t a series of dreams, but real. Her lips curve into a satisfied smile, recognizing the peace that is found within the sanctuary of her husband’s arms.

For a moment she just closes her eyes an seeks to capture this moment in her heart, so that when she was alone in Port Charles, she could recall all of it and treasure on those lonely nights. Listening to the sound of his heart beating and the rhythm of his breathing provided her with a sense of wonder at the love and connection that they shared. She forces those thoughts away, wanting to savor what they could share now, knowing that it was only a preview of the future, together. No dream or memory could equal Jax, her Jasper was better than any childhood fantasy and their love was as sure as the sun.

She gently strokes Jax’s chest and shoulders, pushing herself up on one elbow to look down into her beloved’s face, pressing a lingering kiss to over his heart, she moves away and smoothes back the golden lock of hair that had fallen over his brow. Her imagination conjures up an image of a blond haired, blue-eyed boy, a little boy with Jax’s wonderful grin. Tracing the line of his brow and the shape of his jaw. A son, our son, she sighs. When she reaches the cleft in his chin, she remembers her Nanny telling her that it was the mark of an Angel’s kiss. That an Angel had come down from the Heavens and kissed that person blessing them for life. She sighs softly, thinking that she is the one who has been blessed, with his love and their child.

Tracing his lips with her finger, a tingle races through her, unable to resist, she stretches and places a tender kiss on his lips. Moving back to her place, resting her head on his shoulder, content in his arms. She must have really tired him out last night for him to sleep so soundly, she would tease him about it after breakfast. Feeling the need to surprise him with breakfast in bed, she gently moves from his arms. Not wanting to wake him up she inches herself away from him slowly already starting to feel cold without his arms around her. She is on her knees, almost the edge of the bed, when strong arms seize and pull into the sleepy warmth of his arms. "Oh no, you are not going anywhere," he says into her ear.

She yelps in delight, struggling slightly, letting him pull her back into cocoon of pillows, her blood warming as he nips and caresses her ear seductively. Fighting to control the rhythm of her breathing. She finds herself on her back, with Jax looking down into her eyes, his voice is husky with sleep and determination, its raspiness send a thrill down her spine, "And where do you think you were going?" Nuzzling her neck, breathing in the sweetness of her body, her head moves to one side allowing him the access he desired,

her eyes closing in ecstasy at the touch of his lips on her skin.

She laughs softly, "I was going to…" her voice trails off as he nibbles on her ear, sending a shower of sensation through her veins. She swallows and tries again, "…going to…"

"Going to?" Lifting his head, he smiles in satisfaction at her eyes heavy with desire, knowing that mirror his own eyes. "Were you enjoying your inventory?"

Her eyes widen, "You were awake?"

"Yeah, but I didn’t mind, I always enjoy your hands on me. I don’t think anyone has ever looked at me that way before." Thinking to himself that the feel of her caresses had called him to open his eyes.

Looking tenderly into his fiery blue of his eyes, she strokes his hair, "Like what, honey? You mean like you are the most precious man in the world to me. Like when I look at you I see what Our son is going to look like," pausing to take a breath, while her hands are stroking the planes of his shoulder and chest. "Or that I’m thinking how Lucky I am that you Love me as much as I Love you." She smiles as her hands rest on his waist, "Is that how I was looking at you?"

He stares into her velvet brown eyes, seeing everything that he measured himself to be right there in her eyes, her faith, belief and love, all for him. "I guess that just about sums it up," he lowers his head to join their lips. Every kiss seemed to be full of passion, promise and Love, always Love. Jax rolls over on his back, pulling Brenda on top of him, both of them losing themselves in each other and they sought their own heaven on Earth, the one that they found in each other’s arms.

Later that afternoon….

Jax was checking on their bags and luggage, he wouldn’t even tell her where they were going. She smiles to herself he was just full of surprises, hardly able to believe that they had a chance to be together again. On the one hand it had been inevitable and on the other it had been an impossibility. But then Jax always had a way of making her dreams come true.

Everything was so different now, everything meant more, when they made love last night, their connection has become deeper, more profound. Even with the threats that surrounded them there were no shadows or hidden places in their love. It was the one constant and pure thing, that easily outweighed the strife around them. And for the next several days, Jax promised that they would use this time for themselves to focus on one another.

Then they would return to neutralize Miranda, Jax was finalizing some details he wasn’t ready to share yet. But she knew her husband and she would be taken care of. The only thing is that they didn’t know how long this was going to take and even though she was hardly showing, there would come a day when her pregnancy would be evident. And that would mean it would leave them vulnerable to Miranda, Sonny and the Stalker. A shudder of fear runs through her, she looks warily around the terminal, to see if anyone is watching her.

Suddenly she feels familiar arms encircle her waist. She jumps at the contact and then relaxes as she knows it is Jax’s arm’s around her. "Hey Sweetie, are you okay? Is anything wrong?" He asks with concern, not liking to see her upset.

Deciding not to ruin any of the time that they would have together , she shakes her head in denial. "No, just lost in my thoughts for a moment." Turning in his arms to hold him close to her.

Jax knows could tell where her thoughts had taken her, but decides to let it rest for the moment. He urges her away from him and lifts her chin as he smiles down at her, "Well, I’m here now and we ready to go."

As Brenda feels the warmth of his smile chasing the shadows away, her love for him poured into her smile. "Where?"

Tightening his hold around her waist, "It’s a surprise." Seeing that she is going to start asking questions, Jax sweeps her into his arms. "We are leaving now…"

"Jax you’re doing it again?"

"Doing what?" he asks innocently. Using any excuse to hold her in his arms, to renew the feeling of being together and free again.

"Carrying me?" She strokes his hair content to be in his arms, "I’m not complaining, but I do have feet, you know?"

"Believe me, I know All of your body parts, *intimately*" he emphasizes, as he nuzzles the side of her neck.

"Besides it makes me feel manly."

"Jaax…"She laughs and blushes slightly, looking around to see if anyone overheard him. "I would gladly testify that no one is more *manly* than my Jasper. But…" her voice lowers to a breathy whisper, "if I can you need me to remind you of that fact in *any* way…." Her hands slips inside the open collar of his shirt to stroke his chest.

In response, he kisses her again swiftly, "Honey, you just signed on for a lifetime of assistance."

"Sounds like heaven to me." At her response, he kisses her again, and as he releases her lips, she sighs in contentment, "Okay Superman lets get this show on the road."

"Up, up and away." He moves swiftly heading for the plane headed for destination unknown, happy and entranced with one another. As they leave the airport, both fail to see a lone figure all dressed in black. Watching and waiting, always watching and waiting. A shadow in the day or night.

***

Meanwhile in Port Charles…

Sonny is at the Penthouse trying to figure out where all these drugs where coming from, how they were getting into his city, onto his turf. The method of distribution seemed familiar and then there was that phone call he had received, warning him about a dirty cop and the Jacks family’s business practices. It was a little too convenient, so it was either a set-up or it had to be from someone who hated Jax more than he did. He takes a sip of his scotch and laughs to himself wondering Who that could be and how he could meet them.

Although at one time, he had an inkling that that someone might have been Miranda he dismissed it. She last night she let me the mixture of love and hate she has for Jax, he could identify with it since it seemed to describe his feelings for Brenda. Sonny puts down his drink and goes over to the phone, as he lifts the receiver to make his call, the doorbell rings. He puts down the phone wondering who was at the door. As he answers the door a self-satisfied grin lights his face. "Mrs. Jacks, what a pleasant surprise."

As Miranda rang Sonny’s doorbell, she couldn’t believe she was here. She’d given herself one night, one night and then back to the role of the cool controlled Miranda, knowing that Isabella had to be locked away until the end of the little game. But somehow she had ended up back here, maybe it was her method of revenge against Jax, by sleeping with the enemy, against Brenda, by taking her lover, and most of all against Helena, by dismissing her orders to see her own pleasure.

Ah yes, as she feels a shiver of pleasure dance across her veins, ready to have seek her gratification again. As the door opens, the sight of that damn dimpled grin and words annoy her. She snaps, "Is it really? Aren’t you going to invite me in?"

"Now Miranda, we are very gooood *friends*, I didn’t think you needed or wanted an ‘invitation’." He steps aside and gestures for her to come inside, secretly glad that she’d come before he’d given in and called her.

They eye each other warily, both waiting for the other to strike. Both know why she was her, why he wanted her there. The desire was fueled by their contempt for each others choice of lovers, a kind of sweet revenge, mixed with a dark mutual pleasure.

Miranda removes her coat, wearing a long tight fitting navy blue dress. She sits down, idly crossing her legs, waiting willing Sonny to come to her. She knew he would, they always did.

Sonny watched her little show and he had to admit she was very, very good, trying to seduce him with her deliberate movements and attitude. But he had a few tricks of his own and Miranda was about to receive a demonstration.

He saunters over to the couch, his eyes are focused entirely on her. She could swear that the she could feel their depths burning into her skin. Sonny watches as her tongue comes out to moisten her lips and he swears he could feel their touch. He didn’t know who started this, but he was certain that it would end with him on top, smirking at his thoughts. But for now, keeping score was not an issue. Sonny sits at Miranda’s side, breathing heavily, a feral need pulsing through both of them. Who grabbed who was not an issue as they embrace, violently.

Miranda smiles at her victory, "What about Brenda?" Sonny grins with his own triumph, "What about Jax?" Both acknowledging their own victory over one another, feeling that this will lead them to their ultimate prizes, with some added benefits, of course.

Not waiting for an answer, he drags her mouth to his and she let him, needing the domination, needing to submit to his needs so that he would submit to her. Sonny savors the feeling of control, of getting what he wants, of allowing her, her desire, so that she would meet his. Both are feeling the satisfaction of a victory as they sink to the sofa intent on soothing their dark, voracious hunger for one another.

***

On Thao’s jet…

Brenda has decided not to add to Jax’s mirth by asking where they are going anymore, he was just enjoying his little secret too much.

Both are resting one of the oversized couches Thao had there. As Brenda looks around, the design looked familiar, "Jax I thought you said this was Thao’s jet ? It looks exactly like yours?" Jax follows her gaze, "That’s because he won it from me and decided not to change anything so that he could torment me with the fact that he beat me at poker with nothing but a pair of eights."

She lifts her head from his shoulders, her expression reflects her surprise, "You, he beat you by bluffing?" He chuckles at her words, "Oh, Now the secret’s out. I was taken in by Thao. You should have seen him generously offer me the use of his jet. Just to *protect* us and remind me of my defeat."

Her hand grips the fabric of his slate gray silk shirt, "Ya want me to challenge him to a game of Chemie. I am *sure* I would win." They both laugh in memory of another card game.

"No, my beautiful little card sharp, besides the only thing he would want is You. And as far as I am concerned you are priceless, nothing could ever be worth enough to consider losing you."

Hearing his words, she senses the commitment underlying the humor and knows that what he says is true. Not wanting to be serious, she decides now is the time, to try to catch him off guard. Stroking his hair and unable to resist any longer, she asks, "Honey, where are we going on such short notice?" Snuggling closer into his side, "Florida, Cancun, Palm Springs?" she asks in frustration as he just shakes his head, his eyes smiling down into hers. "Fine, don’t tell me." pouting slightly. "If you want to waste our time together by…" Her words are cut off as Jax joins his mouth with hers. As their lips meet, everything else fades, as they hold each tighter, their embrace forming their world. When their lips part, both are breathing heavily, neither one speaks, not needing any words.

Suddenly Brenda sits straight up with a surprised look on her face, "Brenda, are you alright, what’s wrong? Is it the baby?"

She looks into his eyes and shakes her head, his concern grows as he sees tears fill her eyes. Silently, reverently, she takes his hands in hers and puts it on her stomach, Jax feels a slight tremor. His eyes widen in wonder and delight. "That’s our baby," he whispers to her. Leaning against his shoulder, "Ours. This is the first time JB has ever kicked, you know that? Isn’t it amazing?" she sighs, "You know that is really is perfect, that we share this First together, don’t you think?"

Tightening his free arm around her, he kisses her lightly on the lips, "Absolutely perfect."

She smiles at him, "You know… I think that the baby really wants you to tell me exactly where we are going?"

He laughs at her, shaking his head, " You really don’t give up do you?"

Both of her hands come up to tangle in his hair, "On You, on Us, Never" She pauses for a moment pulling him closer to her, their lips a whisper away from one another. "Besides, I have to keep you on your toes, don’t I?"

"Oh, believe me, you do." he agrees, with a nod of his head, a twinkle in his eye. She looks at him suspiciously, as he continues, "You’re a perfect match for me… Honest."

"Good save, Jasper."

"How many time have I asked you not to call me that…"

"Just as many times as I have asked you where we are going?" Pausing, she kisses him lightly on the lips, "You know I was thinking of baby names…" His eyes narrow suspiciously, " And I thought that Jasper Jr. or Jasperina, might be a good choice." At the horror on his face, she bursts out laughing.

"Oh you are going to pay for that one…."

"How?"

"You know we have plenty of time before we arrive at our destination and I have some very pleasant fantasies on the subject."

"Really" Their lips meet and their passion swirls around them creating a fire in the sky as they speed of for parts unknown…

***

It was well after midnight as Jax reaches out, blindly searching for Brenda, his eyes shoot open as he takes in the cool, empty space beside him. He rakes his hair back from his forehead as he stands up and slipping on his white silk pajama bottoms. Seeds of worry and panic fill him as he sets off, determined to find his wife.

Stalking through the house like a tiger on the prowl for his mate, he calls for Brenda. For a moment, nothing but silence greets his call. As he reaches the downstairs, he hears, "Honey, I’m in here." He jogs into the kitchen and leans against the doorjamb, watching her. All of his worries evaporates at the sight that greets him, she is buried in the refrigerator, searching for something, he only sees her tanned legs and cream silk pajama top.

"Brenda…"

At the sound of his voice, she looks over her shoulder, "I was hungry."

Glancing over at the kitchen table, it seems as though all of the refrigerator’s contents are scattered there, everything but what she wanted anyway.. "Hah!" he turns his attentions back towards his wife, to see her emerge triumphant, with a carton of yogurt in one hand and a jalepeno pepper in the other.

His grin fades as he watches her dip the pepper into the yogurt and take a bite, looking satisfied with her snack choice. Brenda stares back at him, waving the pepper in front of him, "Wanna a bite? It’s healthy," she answers defensively. "What?"

She notices his fixation on her little snack, unable to resist, she moves the yogurt covered pepper back and forth, watching as he follows its movement. She pops the rest of it in her mouth and laugh as Jax turns almost as green as the pepper. She finishes chewing and snickers, "I don’t believe this, I have to tell Felicia, my big, ruthless corporate raider of a husband is KO’ed by his wife having a little midnight snack."

Jax’s eyes are guarded as his sits down at the kitchen table next to her, "Somehow trying to ignite our child on fire doesn’t seem like a very hot idea to me."

"After the way you made me feel today honey, I would have to say our baby can take the heat." She giggles as his mouth falls open at her words.

"Brenda you shouldn’t talk that way in front of the baby."

"Ahh, that’s so sweet, but considering some of the things you said to me earlier tonight…..I would have to say you are the bad influence."

Jax looks at her for a moment and they both sit there laughing. As he surveys the food on the table, "Did I interrupt the beginnings of you feast or the end?"

"The middle actually, I couldn’t really decide what I wanted. But it’s starting to come to me now."

Looking at the food before him, "What? Strawberry jam and tuna, more yogurt and peppers…"

Her nose wrinkles at he continues to make suggestions, sipping her milk, "Those are gross, there is no way I am going to eat ice cream and ham…But if you want some I’ll watch you eat it." Brenda gets up and starts putting the food away, Jax moves to help her. After a few minutes everything is put away, Jax takes Brenda’s hand in his own and presses a fierce kiss there.

"I didn’t like waking up without you in my arms." He says it quietly, but Brenda hears the worry in his the huskiness of his voice. "Honey, I just had a craving. I had hoped to eat something and come back to you before you even woke up."

Jax shakes his head, "You know it doesn’t work like that. You always seem to know when I leave your side." Leading her to the patio doors and looking out into the night. Brenda moves to her place in front of him, letting his arms encase her in their loving embrace.

"It’s just because you aren’t used to getting up last." Watching his reflection against the glass, lit only by the moon.

"No, that’s not it and you know it. Neither one of us has said anything but the feeling is still there." Looking at her reflection, "The fear, that we’ll wake up alone again."

At the starkness of his words and the memories of mornings where they had each dreamed of being together and woke up alone. Brenda turns into his embrace, seeking to both give and receive comfort in the shelter of his arms.

Brenda moves from him and takes his hand in her own, "Never again, I’ll always be here." Placing her hand over the strong beat of his heart.

"As I will always be here." Jax places his hand tenderly over her heart. This was the strength of their love, a mutual giving and receiving.

He remembers the song that they had danced to earlier that night, the one she had said was ‘really’ them. And after hearing the words he had to agree with her.

I swear to you - I will always be there for you - there’s nothing I won’t do

I promise you - all my life I will live for you - we will make it through

Forever - we will be

Together - you and me

Oh n’ when I hold ya - nothin’ can compare

With all of my heart - ya know I’ll always be - right there

Taking his hand in her own, she will lead him tonight. Jax watches her knowing that she understands what he is feeling and what she asking. Brenda takes him back upstairs, never letting go of his hand. As they stand next to the bed, she sees the shadows in his eyes brought on by their separation.

Tonight he would need her love to soothe him, to take away the pain that he reluctantly admitted. She knew he didn’t hide it from her deliberately, he just didn’t want to add to hers. Tears rise to her eyes at the fierce love she had for him, knowing what that was like to protect your own.

They were alike in that respect, neither wanted the other to feel any pain, wanting to protect one another from it, to let their love shield them from it. Unfortunately, it was not always possible, but any pain, great or small could be healed by their love, Jax had taught her that.

I believe in us - nothin’ else could ever mean so much

You’re the one I trust our time has come - we’re not two people

Now - we are one - ya you’re second to none

Forever - we will be

Together - a family

The more I get to know ya - nothin’ can compare

With all of my heart - ya know I’ll always be - right there

The bright moonlight illuminates the bed, shooting streaks of silver across his hair and chest, she pauses for a moment and just lets him watch her, to let her love shine from her face and body. She climbs into bed reclining against the scattered mass of pillows their, holding out her arms to him.

At the sight of her open arms, he love for her surges in him and he feels the worry that had tugged at him earlier disappear under her love. Answering her call, he nestles in her arms, letting her urge his head to rest on her breast, loving the sound of her heart under his ear. He felt one hand caress the back of his neck and curl in his hair, while the other curled protectively around his shoulder.

Forever - we will be

Together - just you and me

The more I get to know ya - the more I really care

With all of my heart - ya know I’ll always be…

Ya know I really love ya - ya nothin’ can compare

For all of my life - ya know I’ll always be - right there.

As Brenda enfolded Jax in her embrace, she realized how safe and loved she felt in return. Silently she asked him to let her watch over him tonight, as he did for so many nights in the past. As he would for many nights in their future. Jax didn’t realize he needed this until he felt her love and body fully embrace him, rejuvenating him, taking away the last of the hidden doubt that he hadn’t realized was even there. She looked so fragile sometimes, he forgot about her amazing strength for the people she loved. And he felt her love all around him, he knew that would be anything, do anything to keep her safe and feeling loved, as he did at this moment.

Outside the waves crash onto the shore, but inside the only sounds they hear are of their hearts beating and bodies breathing in unison. Protecting each other, soothing each other with their love, into tomorrow and beyond.

***

To be continued….

What are the rest of the PC residents up to? Well we can guess what S & M are up to? What havoc will the Gruesome twosome cause along the way? And will Jax survive Brenda’s new found eating habits or will we learn to love him wearing in jalepeno green….

SonjaRia