Roswell Fanatics

This part it pretty lame, it's basicly setting things up. Thanks for the feedback :Hugs:
~~Chapter 11~~
When he stepped into the apartment what he saw was like déjà vu. He saw clothes scattered on the floor, wine and food on the table.

What he didn’t register was that the clothes were in piles and there was only one glass next to the wine bottle as well as one plate.

He turned off the stereo and marched towards his bedroom like a man on a mission.

He stood outside the door trying to even out his breath. His heart was in his throat and his palms were sweaty.

He slowly turned the knob on the door and pushed it open. He stood there in shock, mouth hanging open and tears welling up.

Liz was asleep on his bed wearing one of his dress shirts. She looked like an angel. Her hair was fanned over his pillow and one of her legs was sticking out of the comforter.

He couldn’t figure out what happened in the living room. He saw the clothes and the wine and food. He stood there contemplating what was going on.

“ Did she have someone here before? Did I just miss them?” He thought. Then he looked at Liz again looking so peaceful.

“ Could she do this to me?” He walked out of the room and went to the living room.

He didn’t mean to look for evidence of something but that’s what he ended up doing. He picked up the glass of wine and noticed there was only one. When he went to the kitchen he saw that it was the only one that was used. He also noticed that there was only one plate used as well.

When he inspected the piles of clothing he noticed that there were more then just one pile of clothes and that they were all his. She was doing his laundry.

He sat on the sofa and laughed. He laughed at himself for being so paranoid. He vowed that this was the last time he would feel this way. It was no way to live. The constant worrying wasn’t good and it was bound to put a strain on his relationship with Liz.

He thought back to the night that he wanted to give her the ring he bought her. After he scared her in the bathtub he decided to wait.

A smile crept over his face and he thought of something. He got up and put his plan into motion. When Liz woke up she would have a surprise. He hoped that she would like it.

~~
Jackson had been thinking of a way to get to Maria. He thought about just kidnapping her but didn’t know if he had family that would look for her. After a week he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to do whatever needed to be done to get Maria.

He called two of his best men, professionals for help. They were cops that he would pay off from time to time and Jackson knew that they would be able to get the job done.

It was set for Friday night. He would get the information from her and she would be back to work on Monday. Nothing could go wrong. He made sure that he paid enough for that assurance.

~~

Liz stretched her arms over her head and glanced over at the alarm clock.

“ Shit!” She thought thinking of the mess she left in the house. She came to the bedroom for a minute and fell asleep.

She hopped out of the bed and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. When she looked at the mirror she saw that there was a post- it on it.

“ What the hell?” She said not remembering putting it there. When she looked at it closer she saw that it wasn’t in her handwriting and this it was in Italian.

“ What is going on?” She pulled it off the mirror and read it.

Buona mattina bella. Osservi nel cassetto superiore
(Good morning beautiful. Open the bottom drawer.)

Liz opened the bottom draw to reveal another note.

“ What the hell?” She said picking up the note.

Una sorpresa attende nella cucina
(A surprise awaits in the kitchen)

Liz threw on her robe and walked out to the kitchen. When she reached the counter she saw a tray with her favorite pastries as well as coffee from her favorite café. She smiled and saw that there was another note.

Vada alla mia parte favorita dell’arte nella casa.
( Go to my favorite piece of art in the house)

This one was harder for Liz to understand. She had to think for a minute before she knew that it meant.

“ Ok I understand art, favorite and house. I guess his favorite art in the house.” She thought out loud walking to the sculpture of David he had.

Vada al terrazzo. The note said.

When she got to the terrace she saw there was a small box on the table. She slowly made her way to it and opened the box.

She pulled out a ring with an emerald cut sapphire stone in a white gold band.

“ I hope you like it.” She whipped around when she hard Max and threw herself into his arms

“ Max! When did you do this?” She asked kissing him all over his face.

“ I got here last night. You were asleep.” He laughed

“ Where did you sleep then?”

“ On the couch.” He smiled shyly.

“ Max the ring is beautiful.”

“ Liz I wanted to give you something as a symbol of my promise to love you and always be here for you. It’s not an engagement ring because I want to wait until things are resolved before we get to that step.” He placed the ring on her right hand.

“ I love it. Thank you.” they shared a kiss before someone knocked on the door.

“ Who the hell is that?” Max said before walking to the front door.

“ Poppa.” He was surprised to see him. He never just showed up at his place.

“ Hello son. How have you been?” His father stepped into the apartment

“ Good Dad what brings you by?” He sat on the chair and lit a cigarette.

“Dovete fare quello?” His father asked annoyed
(Do you have to do that?)

“ Spiacente.” Max put the cigarette out in the ashtray

“ Thank you. I came by to talk to you about something. I have an opportunity to present to you.” His father placed a large envelope on the table.

“ What kind of opportunity?” Max looked at him puzzled

“ Just open the envelope and you will see.” His father took off his jacket and stood to pour himself a glass of brandy.

Max opened the envelope to see a brochure to Galleria degli Uffizi. It was a well known gallery in Florence.

“ Dad what is this?” He asked still looking through that papers.

“ Your mother heard that there was an opening and she made a few calls for you. They want you to oversee room 25.” His father said

“ OK? What is room 25?” He flipped through the brochure to find it

“ Your kidding me right?” He couldn’t believe it. Room 25 was the Michelangelo and Florentine Artists room.

“ I kid you not. When your mother heard what the opening was she was all over it. Max this is such a great opportunity for you.” Just then Liz decided to walk in. Max felt bad for leaving her out there.

“ Hello Mr. Evans.” She greeted him shyly she was still in her robe and didn’t know that someone was still in the house.

“ Hello Elizabeth. Please call me Phillip.” He smiled at the young woman.

“ Only if you call me Liz” She laughed

“ Deal.” He said taking a seat next to her.

Max smiled at the interaction between the two. He was glad that his father liked Liz. Not that he had any doubts.

“ What’s all this?” She asked looking at the papers on the table

“ Oh well Max has been offered a job at a gallery in Florence to oversee the Michelangelo and Florentine artist.” Phillip beamed

“ Wow that is great news. You must be so excited.” She was trying to be happy about it but she couldn’t help but think that Florence was so far away.

“ Well I haven’t said that I was going yet.” Max sensed her apprehension

“ Nonsense. Why wouldn’t you go?” Phillip asked

“ Well for one I have a job already. I can’t just leave.”

“ I’m sure they will understand Max. This is a great opportunity for you. Once in a lifetime.”

“ I know dad. I still have to think about it.” Max was looking towards Liz trying to read her.

“ I think it’s great Max.” Again trying to sound happier then she was. She knew she was being selfish but couldn’t help it. She just found him and now he was going away. Surely he would find someone in Florence and forget about her and all her baggage. Who needs that anyways?

“Well I’m going to get going.” Phillip stood up and walked towards the door.

“ Bye.” His father pulled him into a hug.

“ Ok tell me what you really think.” He laughed and sat next to her pulling her into his arms

“ I think it’s great Max. It’s a dream job for you.” She hated lying to him but it was the truth it was a dream job for him. She just wished it wasn’t so far away.

“ It is. But I don’t want to leave you.” He admitted. It was foolish but it’s how he felt.

“ Max you can’t let me stand in the way of one of your dreams.” She said tearfully

“ But you see one of my dreams is to be with you. So what do I do? I want to be with you but I want to take the job.” He let out a frustrated sigh

“ We’ll work something out but you have to go Max. It’s too good an opportunity to pass up.” They sat there in silence for a while. Max thinking about not going and Liz thinking what would she do if he did go? If he stayed she would always wonder if he resented her for it but If he left she would wonder what would become of them. Max said that he loved her but how strong is it. Their relationship is still so new. Would he wait for her. Would he be faithful to her?

Max needed to know how soon would he have to leave if he decided to go. That would be the decision maker for him. He couldn’t leave his job without proper notice. He wouldn’t do that no matter what. He wasn’t that kind of person to just walk out on someone or something.

What was he going to do about Liz. If he asked her to come with him would she? He would have to wait and see what happens. If the time came he prayed she would say yes.

~~

Isabella decided that it was time to talk to Liz. She didn’t care that Max didn’t want her to. She had to clear things up between them for Max’s sake.

She walked over to Liz’s job hoping that she could catch her before she left for lunch. Once she Stepped into the office she spotted her and walked towards her.

“ Hello Liz.” Bella greeted her.

“ Did you come here to embarrass me at my job?” Liz was in no mood to deal with Bella

“ No I came here to talk to you.” Bella was trying to be nice.

“ Well I’m not in the mood. I really don’t have time you hear about how wrong what Max and I are doing is. Save the lecture for someone who cares, I don’t.”

“ Liz please I just need a few minutes of your time.” Bella pleaded.

“ Sorry I have work to do.” Liz turned her attention back to the computer screen.

“ Ok well when is your lunch hour?” She was trying to find any angle to talk to her.

“ Bella seriously I don’t have time for this. Did you really think that I would want to talk to you? If you were me would you want to talk to me?” She took Bella’s silence as a no

“ Look I know that what I did was wrong but I want to explain.” Liz let out a chuckle

“ Your joking right? Explain? What is there to explain? I know that your Max’s sister and because of that I’m not going to say what I really think. Maybe one day I will want to hear your explanation but right now, today I don’t.” Liz looked her right in the eye.

“ Well I’m sorry that you feel that way but I did have a reason.”

“ Yeah I’m sure you did. And I’m sure it’s a great one too.” Liz was angry and was showing it.

“ Your really pissed aren’t you? For what it’s worth I’m sorry.” Bella turned and left the office.

Liz felt bad for snapping at Bella but what she did could have ruined her and Max. Against her better judgment she got up and went after Bella.

“ Bella wait!” Liz called down the street after her.

Isabella whipped around and met Liz half way back.

“ Look I‘m sorry but I‘m still very angry. Maybe one day I’ll hear you out but I can’t right now. “

“ I understand and again I’m sorry.” Bella smiled and walked away.
~~~~

Maria had come home from a long day at work. He tossed her jacket and shoes aside and went to turn on the water so she could have a nice long bath.

While the water was running she checked her machine. No messages. She was sad that she hadn’t heard from Michael or Liz and would call them this weekend.

She turned off the water once the tub was filled and threw in some bath salts.

When she walked to her room to strip of her clothes she heard the doorbell ring.

“ Who the hell could that be? No one called to tell me I had visitors.” She thought. She didn’t speak to any of her neighbors and in the three years she lived there they never came to her apartment.

She looked out of the peep hole and saw that there were two officers on the other side of the door.

“ Can I help you?” She asked only opening the door slightly with the chain lock still on.

“ Miss Deluca I’m detective Russo and this is detective Ortiz.” He pointed to a tall man in his mid 20’s.

“ Yes?” Maria asked annoyed. She didn’t know what they wanted.

“ We wondered if we could have a word with you? It’s about Elizabeth Parker Cayne.”

“ What about her?” She still didn’t let them in the house.

“ Could we come in? It will only take a minute.” The men were getting frustrated with her.

“ Um sure.” She didn’t want to let them in but did anyway.

“ So what did you want to know about Liz.” She sat down on the sofa offering them a seat as well.

“ Well we wondered if you knew her whereabouts?” Hopefully she would answer them then they could get out of there without harming her.

“ No I’m sorry I don’t. I haven’t talked to her in over a year.” Something wasn’t right. She didn’t know why but she didn’t want to tell them where Liz was.

“ Really? Well aren’t you dating her brother, Um Michael Guerin?” He flipped thru his notepad.

“ H-how did you know that?” She wondered how the police could know something like that.

“ Miss we are the police we know everything.” The detective snorted

“ I thought that was like FBI or CIA not local cops.” She answered sarcastically.

“ Look miss we just want to know where she is, her husband is worried about her. Any information you have no mater how small may be able to help us.” They were getting impatient.

“ Well I’m sorry but I don’t know anything.” She crossed her arms over her chest signaling that the conversation was over.

“ We are going to need you to come down to the station with us, to make things formal.” They said in hopes that she would agree and come without force.

“ Now?”

“ Yes.”

Maria got up with a huff and walked over to her bedroom to change. She had a bad feeling but chose to ignore it. She would just go to the station and fill out whatever they wanted her to and call Liz to tell her that Jackson made a report.

She walked out of the elevator and into the lobby with the detectives right behind.

“ Everything ok Miss DeLuca?” The night security officer asked

“ Yes everything is fine.” She smiled and walked out the glass doors and into their undercover police car.

As they were driving she noticed that they were going away from the city. She saw a sign for the George Washington Bridge and panic set in.

“ What station are we going to?” She asked nervously.

“ Saddle river. That’s where the report was filed.” he answered.

She sat back looking out of the window praying that her instincts were wrong. Maybe she should have said something to the security guard incase something happened to her. No one knew where she was going.

Half hour later they pulled up to a gate and she looked up. She saw a house that looked familiar to her.

“ What the hell is going on?” She thought. They were at Jackson and Liz’s house. She felt bile rise in her throat as panic set in. She knew that they weren’t cops and should never had let them into her apartment.

“ What are we doing here?” She asked as they pressed the buzzer and waited for the gates to open.

“ You’ll find out soon enough.” The detective answered as drove up to the front of the house.

He rang the doorbell and waited for Jackson to answer.

“ Well well well, looks like the questioning didn’t go so well. That’s too bad.” He shook his head and told them to enter the house.

Thank you all for the Feed Back. I agree Jackson is a jerk you will see more of him in the next few chapters. . Hope you guys like it. Thanks for reading.
~~Chapter 12~~
Maria had only been to the house twice once when Liz first moved in and once when Jackson was away on business. When she walked in she noticed that Jackson had redecorated. What was once a bright and cheerful house was now cold and dark. All of the furniture was black and dark woods. There was also gold lamps. Maria laughed to herself.

“ Freaking Gotti wanna be.” She thought

“ Something funny?” Jackson asked when he saw the amused smile she had.

“ Nope nothing at all Jackie.” She knew that would piss him off. Liz told her that he hated to be called Jack or anything other then Jackson.

“ Your cute you know that?” He smiled at her then threw her down on the sofa.

“ Now sit there and be a good girl and this will go smoothly.”

Maria sat on the sofa wide eyed. She couldn’t believe how much of a bastard he was. Liz told her but witnessing it first hand was something different. But Maria being Maria was not going to back down.

“ What exactly is your problem? I mean do you get off on hitting females Jack O?” She spat at him.

“ I haven’t hit you? What would make you say such a thing?” He acted like he was hurt and didn’t know what she was talking about.

“ Pft. Don’t act like I don’t know what you did to Liz.”

“ I haven’t done anything to Liz. But since we are on the topic of her, where is she?” He stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

“ Like I told dumb and dumber over there, I don’t know but where ever she is I’m glad that she left your sorry ass.” She smiled and sat back in triumph.

Jackson’s blood was boiling. He never had anyone talk to him that was before and he didn’t like it, he didn’t like it at all.

He resorted to the only way he knew how to deal with smart ass people and back handed Maria as hard as he could.

She fell back with a whimper and held her cheek in her hands. She wouldn’t cry knowing that it would give him some satisfaction. She just stared at him with cold eyes almost egging him on.

“Look you little bitch I know you know where she is now tell me and I won’t have to hurt you. Make it easier on yourself cause one way or another I will get it out of you.” He was inches from her face ready to strike again if needed.

“ I don’t know where she is!” She screamed at him not backing off.

Jackson stepped back when Maria shouted at him. She was testing his temper.

He told the detectives to leave and they he no longer needed them tonight. It was just he and Maria.

“ Now let’s try this again. Tell me where she is and I’ll let you live.” He whispered in her ear when he sat next to her.

“ You fucking pig I told you that I don’t know! Are you deaf?” She was disgusted by him being so close to her. There was no way that she would tell him where Liz was.

“ Fine play it the hard way then. I’ll get it out of you trust me.” He stood up and walked to the bar pouring himself a drink. He came back with an envelope and handed it to Maria.

“ What is this?” She asked seeing that it was addressed to him.

“ Just open it.” He took a sip of his drink.

She opened the envelope and pulled out the divorce papers that Liz had sent to Jackson. She quickly looked them over and noticed that Liz’s address was still listed and Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. She smiled to herself. She was happy that Liz finally took come action.

“ Well looks like Liz decided to take control of her life back. Why don’t you just sign them and start looking for your next victim.” She put the papers back in the envelope.

“ Do you think I’m stupid? You really think I’m going to sign those papers? It’s obvious that something is up since I know for a fact that Liz isn’t in the state of New Jersey or New York for that matter. So tell me why did she list her address here?” He dragged a chair from the bar and sat in front of her.

“ I told you I DON’T KNOW WHERE SHE IS!” She screamed getting annoyed by his questions.

“ You know I thought you were Liz’s friend, her best friend to be exact.” He stood up putting distance between them. He was on the brink of loosing his temper.

“ What’s your point?”

“ My point is that right now you are playing with her life and your for that matter. The more you piss me off the more I take out on Liz when I find her cause trust me sweetheart I will fine her with or without you.” He smirked at her.

“ Yeah it’s been working out great for you so far huh? She’s been gone what a year or so and you have nothing. Just give it up already let her go.” She threw her hand in the air in frustration.

“ See the thing is that I don’t give up. I’m a sore loser so I let go of Liz when I want to and right now I don’t want to.” He finished off his drink and went to pour himself another one.

“ Your going to get caught you know. You can’t keep me here forever, people are going to notice I’m gone.” She needed to get him to let her go.

“ Doubt it. See I know that you have no family here and I took care of your co workers. Seems that one of your family members is seriously ill so you had to leave urgently.” He saw Maria’s face drop when he told her.

“ Don’t think about trying to leave either. I have dogs all around here and they don’t like strangers. Plus you will never get the gates open and forget about climbing them, they are rigged with about 1000 volts of electricity.” He took a sip of his brandy

“ Yeah I figured a Gotti wanna be like you would need all the protection.” She answered.

“ You know you got a fucking smart mouth.” He stood up ready to smack her again.

“ What’s wrong you can’t handle someone answering you back?” She teased

“ Fuck you! Get up.” He slammed his drink on the table. He had enough of her. He was going to get the information he needed and get rid of her she was getting on his nerves.

“ No I’m comfortable here.” She knew how to get on his nerves.

“ I said get up!” He grabbed her arm and pulled her off the sofa.

He pulled her down to the basement. It was fully furnished and had a small bedroom at the far end. He would keep her their. There was no way she could get out of the basement anyway.

“ What kind of sick shit is this? Your fucking crazy.” She asked when he took her to the bedroom. There were handcuffs on the dresser and bars on the window.

“ These are your new accommodations. This is your new home until you answer my questions.” He threw her onto the bed.

“ Man you really are a sick bastard.” She shook her head. How the hell was she going to get out of this?”

“ Whatever. You still don’t want to tell me where she is?” He stood with his arms crossed waiting for her to answer him.

“ I can’t tell you what I don’t know.” She looked him in the eyes. Not wanting to back down.

“ Ok then have it your way. Hopefully you will come back to your senses soon. Behave of I‘ll have to use these.” He held up the handcuffs. When she sat in silence he turned and walked up the stairs.

Maria sat on the bed wondering how she was going to get out of this. There was no way that she would tell Jackson where Liz was. He would kill her for sure. But she had Michael and Max now, they would protect her wouldn’t they?

~~

Jackson was pacing the floor in the bedroom. He had to get the information out of her. He was sick and tired of searching leads that got him nowhere. Tomorrow he would head over to her apartment and search for anything that would help him find Liz and make her pay for what she did to him.

Maria stood up after drifting off for a few hours. She couldn’t sleep and needed to use the bathroom. She searched the basement for a bathroom and thanked God when she saw one. After using the bathroom she looked around to see if the idiot left a phone down there. No luck.

She walked up the stairs and listened to see if he was around. She didn’t hear anything but as she was walked back down he heard footsteps coming closer. She ran down the stairs and into the bedroom.

“ Sleep well?” Jackson asked as he stood over her.

“ Fuck you!” She spat at him.

“ No thanks. I just wanted to let you know that I’m going over to your place, I’m sure you left some information for me.” He smirked at her.

“ Yeah good luck getting in.” She turned to face the wall not wanting to look at him anymore.

“ Please, you think that a rent a cop is going to stop me. Did you forget that I sent two detectives to your place that other day?” He walked around to face her.

“ Don’t underestimate me, not for a second. I’m smarter and stronger then you.” He smacked her across the face and walked out. He was going to meet with the detectives at Maria’s place to look for clues.

They made it into Maria’s apartment with ease. They told the security guard that they were conducting an investigation and after showing some fake paperwork they were allowed up.

“ I’ll take the bedroom, you guys split up and look out here.” Jackson ordered and walked down the hall until he found the bedroom.

He walked around her room and saw several pictures of her and Liz throughout the years. He saw a few pictures of them at his wedding but nothing recent.

He walked over to her laptop and powered it on. It asked for a password so he decided to take it with him.

He opened her desk drawer and rummaged through some papers that she had. Most of it was from her job at the bank.

He opened the top drawer and saw some pens and stationary.

“ You guys find anything?” Jackson asked walking back to the living room.

“ No, I’m about to check her machine thought. Looks like she has some messages.

“ Good.” Jackson said waiting for the messages to play.

One was from Michael just checking in saying that he will call her later. The other was from Liz but she didn’t say much. She said that she was sorry for missing her and that she would call later.

“ Well I got her computer so maybe there will be something on here. I have someone that can crack her password.” Jackson said as he headed towards the front door.

~~ 1 hour later~~

“Ok Mr. Cayne the password is pixie_chica, and the one to her schedule is cypress.” The kid said. It only took him 30 minutes to get her password to her computer and to her schedule that she had on there.

“ Thank you.” He handed him 2000.00 and walked out.

After getting some lunch he went back to the house. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when he showed up with her computer.

“ I got a surprise for you.” Jackson said as he walked down the stairs to the basement.

“ Not interested.” Maria said not even looking up at him.

“ Really? Ok then Pixie chica I’ll see you later.” He walked away with a smile on his face.

Maria sat there with her mouth open. She couldn’t believe that he got her laptop and her password. She knew that he would also have her password to her schedule which would have her trip to Italy that she took recently.

“ Oh God Liz.” She thought as she rocked back and for the hugging her knees. She had to get out of there and warn Liz.

~~

The day was drawing nearer and nearer for Max to have to talk to Liz about Florence. He wanted her to go with him but didn’t know if she would be ready to take that step. He decided to talk to Michael about it before he talked to her.

He called Michael and they met at a coffee shop near Max’s house.

“ Thank you for coming.” Max stood up when Michael walked in

“ No problem. I’m starving though mind if we order first?” Michael took off his jacket.

They ordered their food and Max started talking.

“ Michael I wanted to ask you something. As you know I’m thinking of taking the job in Florence.”

“ Thinking? Are you nuts? That’s a dream come true for you, you have to take it.” Michael stated.

Max laughed. “ Well yes that is true but there is something equally as important if not more to me.” Max lowered his eyes

“ Are you going to ask me permission to marry Liz?” Michael asked trying to hide a smirk.

“ What? No!.” Max shook his head.

“ Relax I was just joking.” Michael laughed.

“ I wanted to ask you what you thought about me asking Liz to come to Florence with me?” Max didn’t want to look at Michael for fear of him saying that he was against the idea

“ I think that if Liz wants to go then I’m all for it. Max I only want her to be happy, if you make her happy then I’m cool with that. I don’t care if you guys move to Iceland just keep her happy.” Michael took a sip of his coffee.

“ I will do everything in my power to make her happy, I promise you.” Michael knew he would. That was the way Max was.

“ Do you think she will say yes?” Max asked after cutting into his food.

“ I don’t know. I know that he likes you, excuse me, LOVES you.” Max laughed.

“ I hope she says yes. Not that I want her gone but I know that you care about her.” Michael took a bite of his food.

“ What will you do if she says no?” Michael wondered if how he would react if she didn’t want to go.

“ I will have to come see her every chance I get then. I will not leave her if that is what you are thinking. I love her, that is forever as far as I’m concerned.” Max looked Michael in the eyes letting him know he was serious.

“ Good to know cause you would have me to deal with if you hurt her.” He looked him in the eye letting him know that he was serious.

“ I am aware. I would never hurt her, in any way.” He wanted to let Michael know that he meant that. He could never lay a hand on a woman especially someone that he loved.

“ I know that Max. So when are you going to ask her?” Michael was satisfied with Max’s answer.

“ I think tonight. I’m going to cook for her then I’ll ask her after dinner.” Max had the night planned out. So far he had a good track record whenever he made dinner for Liz. He hoped that tonight would be the same.

“ Well I hope it works out for you. I am going to miss you at the gallery though.” Michael thought that it was time for him to go back to the states. He missed Maria and he missed New York. If Liz went with Max he would leave soon after.

Max decided to make Liz and American meal for tonight. He called her and asked her to come over at 6 and was busy cooking when she got here.

“ Hey something smells good.” She kissed him as she walked in the house.

“ It will be ready in 10 minutes. Do you want something to drink?” He offered

“ Sure soda will be fine.” She smiled at him

“ What are you making?” She wondered

“ Steak with baked potatoes.” He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. He hoped that she would say yes. He didn’t know if he would want to be without her now.

“ No Italian tonight?” She teased

“ I wanted to try something different.” He ran his hands through her hair loving the feel of it.

They ate dinner in the dining room. Max was nervous and Liz could tell.

“ Is something wrong?” She asked as they ate their dessert.

“ No nothing.” He was trying to relax but his stomach was in knots.

“ Ok.” She went back to eating her sundae

After dessert they moved over the to sofa. Liz leaned against Max’s chest with he stroked her hair.

“ That feels good.” She said lazily

“ Good.” He kissed her on top of her head taking in the scent of her shampoo.

“ Liz?” He asked softly.

“ Umm.” She was in a trance. The way he was massaging her hair was so relaxing.

“ I have something to ask you. Something important.” He stopped stroking her hair and she instantly felt the loss.

“ Ok? What is it?” She turned to face him.

“ Well you know about the job in Florence. I wanted to go next week to take a look around. I will be needing to find an apartment and I wanted to know if you would come with me?” He knew that he hadn’t asked her to move in with him but if she agreed to go then he would work on her when they got there.

“ I would love to.” She smiled. She was so happy for him even though she was going to miss him like crazy when he left. Michael was so busy and she spent all her time with Max. She hadn’t made any friends yet.

“ Good. I’ll set everything up and give you the details.” He leaned back and pulled her against him.

~~

Jackson was busy looking through Maria’s laptop. He had spent the last half hour looking through various files looking for anything that would help him find Liz. He got into Maria’s schedule and went back a year.

Most of it was work related meetings. Finally after another 30 minutes he found that she took a trip to Italy.

“ This is out of place.” He thought. He saw that she was there for a few days and didn’t see any work related notes.

Deep down he had a feeling that this is where Liz was. He opened a file which had addresses and phone numbers.

“ This is too easy. Why the hell would she put all this here?” He shook his head and laughed. He had more then enough to find Liz now.

He then remembered that he had an envelope in his jacket that he took from Maria‘s. He got up and pulled the envelope out and sure enough there were pictures in there.

Jackson sorted thru the various photos. Some of them were of Maria and Michael from her most recent trip to Italy. He saw photos of another girl, a tall blonde.

“ She looks interesting.” He thought while he continued to sort through the photos. Then he saw one of Liz. She looked different to him. She hadn’t changed her hair or anything but she had a glow to her. There were a few more pictures of her and she looked so happy in all of them. This made his temperature rise.

“ Wait till I get my hands on you again.” He threw the pictures in the trash can not bothering to look at the rest of them.

His next problem was what he would do with Maria. If he let her go then she would tell Liz before he even got to Italy.

If he kept her away from work and friends for too long someone would get suspicious and start asking questions. He didn’t need to be linked to any more problems.

He decided to worry about it later. He had a few things to take care of.

Grabbing his suit jacket he headed home. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Maria’s face.

See you all next week

I don't know if i thanked everyone who nominated me but thank you all. It means so much that you even thought of me. Thanks for the awesome FeedBack. I'm glad you all hate Jackson.

~~Chapter 13~~
Maria had grown to hate the silence down in the basement. All she had were the thoughts in her head. Thoughts of what Jackson was going to do now that he knew where Liz was. She tried everything she could to get out of that room. The windows had bars on them like a jail cell. The door seemed to have a deadbolt on it. It wouldn’t budge. She broke one of the windows but soon realized that the neighbors weren’t that close. No one would hear her, besides when she screamed the dogs started barking anyways.

She just sat on the bed with her thoughts. Praying that she could tell Liz in time.

“Hello. How are you on this fine morning?” Jackson asked in a chipper mood.

“Fuck you.” She spat at him. She was in no mood to chat with him.

“You shouldn’t be so rude you know. I have good news for you.” He sat next to her on the bed.

“Whatever. I‘m not interested.” She replied turning away from him.

“ Really? Well I think you might be. I’m letting you go. I no longer need your services, not that you were much help anyway. You know you shouldn’t leave information on your computer though. Anyone can hack into those things.” He stood up to walk out.

“Thanks for the tip.” she snorted.

“I do have some bad news for you though. Even though I’m letting you go you are going to be watched. One of my men will be with you at all times. You are to tell people that he is a relative that came back with you since you were dealing with that family emergency. Once Liz is home you can resume back to your normal activities. Maybe I’ll do you a favor and bring your little boyfriend back when I go get Liz.” He smirked.

Maria’s eyes widened and she turned to look up at him.

“Oh you didn‘t think I would find out where she was did you? I happen to know that she is in Italy with her brother Michael, your boy toy. Now like I said don’t do anything stupid. I wouldn’t want to hurt you but won’t think twice about it if I had to. You’ve served your purpose, you can go.” He stepped back to allow her room.

He had one of his men drive her home and stay with her. He would monitor all phone calls and go where she went until Jackson called and said otherwise.

Maria didn’t know what she was going to do. She had to tell Liz. She couldn’t let him find her.

“He has to sleep.” She thought of the man that was her new bodyguard. She would wait until he was asleep or in the bathroom to call Liz.
~~

Liz was packing for her weekend in Florence when Michael knocked on the door.

“Come in.” She said walking to her dresser pulling out more clothes

“Hey can I talk to you for a sec?” He scratched his eyebrow and took a seat on the edge of her bed.

“Sure what up?” She asked throwing some stuff into the bag.

“I wanted to ask you how things were going with you and Max. I mean I can tell you are happy and I just wanted to make sure that things were going as good as they seem.” He suddenly felt embarrassed asking her.

“Everything is great Michael. You don’t have to worry about anything I’m happy, Max makes me happy. I just can’t believe that it’s been over a year now that I’ve been here.” She took a seat next to him on the bed.

“Yeah I know. It’s been great having you here. I wanted to ask you something else.” He didn’t know how to bring this up.

“Ok?” He sounded worried and that worried her.

“Well I’ve been here for a while now and things went pretty well for me. I was thinking of going back to New York. I miss Maria, we’ve been apart for so long and it’s not fair to her. I know that she supports me but it’s time to make a full commitment to her. She’s put up with enough.” He laughed.

“That’s great Michael. I’ll be sad to see you go but your right. It’s about time you and Maria spent some quality time together. You have been traveling a lot.”

“I just want to make sure that you’re ok. I don’t want to leave if you’re not comfortable.”

“I’ll be fine Michael. I’ve gotten used to being here besides, I have Max.” She smiled

“I know you do and I know that he will take care of you.” He put his arm around her

“Yes he’s great. So when are you leaving?”

“Not sure yet. I have to talk to Max first but I was thinking soon, like the next week or so.” He was unsure now about leaving so soon.

“I’m happy that you want to settle down. Maria is a great person you guys will be fine.” She didn’t want him to leave but knew that he had to do this.

“Ok well I’ll let you get back to packing. What time are you leaving?” He asked from the doorway.

“Early in the morning. Our flight leaves at 9.” She said

“Ok well I’ll see you when you get back then. I’m going to call Max.” He walked out of the room.


“Pronto.” Max answered

“Max hey it’s Michael.”

“Hey.” Max was in the middle of packing his clothes for the trip

“Listen I wanted to talk to you about something, are you busy?” Michel went to his room so he could talk privately

“No. What’s going on?”

“Well I’m going to go to New York.”

“Ok? Why are you telling me this?” Max laughed.

“Max I’m moving to New York.”

Max’s heart dropped, he assumed that Liz would be going also.

“When?” Max asked.

“I was hoping to leave at the end of next week.”

“That soon?” What was he going to do? Why hadn’t Liz talked to him about this?

“So I need to talk to you about Liz. She’s going to be staying here at my place.”

“Oh.” Max tried to play it cool now that he was relived that Liz was staying.

“I know that she’s not a kid anymore but she’s still my baby sister. I would appreciate it if you would take care of her.”

“Michael you don’t have to ask. I will always take care of her weather you are here or not” Max said proudly.

“Thank you. That makes me feel better. So listen if there is anything that needs to be handled just give me a call. I know you will have everything under control though.” They both laughed. As much as Max made fun of Isabella for the same thing Max was very much a control freak when it came to work. He was a perfectionist.

“Well I’ll see you guys when you get back from Florence. Good luck by the way.” Michael said then hung up.

The next morning Max picked up Liz entirely too early for her taste. The sun wasn’t even up but they had a flight to catch.

“You got everything?” He asked as he loaded everything into the car

“Yeah I think so. It’s only a weekend so I’ll be fine.” She laughed before getting into the car

“So Michael told me about going to New York.” Max wanted to know how she felt about him leaving

“Yeah I think it’s great. Maria will be so happy. It’s about time he settled down.”

“Yes well I’m sure he will do great things in New York like he has done here.” He smiled at her noticing that she was looking out the window

“You ok innamorato?” He sensed that something was wrong.

“Yeah I’m fine.” She mustard up a smile hoping that he would drop it.

“Ok.” He knew something was up but didn’t want to push.

“So are you excited?” She asked

“Yes and no.” He answered truthfully.

“No? Why not?” She didn’t understand.

“Well it is my dream job but I feel that if I take it that things will change between us.” He didn’t want to have this conversation in the car but couldn’t help himself.

“Why do you say that? I’m willing to try if you are.”

“ I know you are amore but I’m so used to seeing you whenever I want and I don’t know if I can stand being away from you.” He suddenly felt silly for bringing it up.

“ I know what you mean.” Was all Liz said.

He parked the car in long term parking and they made their way to the elevator to check in.

When they landed in Florence there was a driver waiting for them in the baggage claim area. The man reminded Liz of the day that Max was at the airport waiting for her when she first came to Italy.

“What are you laughing at?” Max asked when he heard her giggle.

“Nothing. I was just thinking of the day that you came to pick me up.” She smiled at him

“Come here.” He pulled her flush against him and kissed her in the middle of the airport. People stopped to stare but he didn’t care. He loved this woman and wanted the world to know it.

“ Mmmm Max stop people are staring.” Liz murmured into his mouth.

“Non mi preoccupo” he said placing kisses over her face.
(I don’t care)

“Let’s get our bags and get to the hotel room.” She said in a husky voice turning away from him and walking towards the conveyer belt where the luggage was going around.

The hotel was located in Central Florence near all the main attractions of the area. It had a rooftop pool as well as a bistro on the main floor.

“This is beautiful.” Liz entered the room that was decorated in neutral colors. It had a private balcony where you could see the entire city.

“Not as beautiful as what I am looking at.” He was sitting on a chair next to the desk looking at her.

Liz walked over to him and straddled his lap facing him raining kisses over his face and neck.

“Do we have to be anywhere today?” She asked still kissing his neck.

“No thank God.” He hissed when she licked the outer rim of his ear.

“Good.” She pulled her shirt over her head exposing her bare breasts. Max slid his hands up her thighs and was glad that she was wearing a skirt. He hooked his fingers on her underwear and pulled them off. Liz began unbuttoning his shirt while Max was kneading her breasts rolling her nipple between his fingers. Liz arched her back basking in the feel of his strong hands on her delicate flesh. She could feel his erection through his pants and her center was now dripping wet. She wanted him now.

“Max I need you.” She moaned while his lips were attached to her breast. He lightly bit her nipple causing her to moan in satisfaction.

In one swift motion Max lifted himself off the chair while Liz wrapped her legs around his waist. He gently placed her on the bed and situated himself between her legs after taking off his pants and boxers.

“Amore, I want you on top.” He whispered in her ear. He gently rolled them over so that Liz was lying on top of him.

She was unsure of this position having only done it once before. She positioned herself on top of him and gently lowered her self onto his member.

Max hissed when he was enveloped in her warmth. Every time he was with her it was better then that last.

Liz began to slowly rock back and forth wanting to go slow. Max put his hands on her hips and helped her set a pace. He then moved his hands to cup both of her breasts while he watched her bite her lip. To him she looked like a Goddess.

Liz was enjoying the sensation of having him so deep inside of her. He filled her up perfectly. She wanted to feel more of him and picked up the pace a little.


“Lento amore. I want it to last forever.” He said when he felt her quicken the pace placing his hands on her hips to slow her down.

Liz just smiled at him and slowed down a little. She too wanted it to last as long as possible but knew that they would have other chances to be together over the weekend in fact she planned on it.

Instinctively Max began to buck his hips feeling the end near. He wanted Liz to finish with him and began to rub circles over her nub. Liz was now riding him hard and fast. She couldn’t stop herself she was bucking hard against him now her breast jumping up and down with her motions. Their moans were loud each chanting each others name as they tumbled over in ecstasy.

Liz collapsed onto Max placing soft kisses on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair not wanting to leave the bed ever.
~~~

The next morning Max prepared for his meeting with the main art director of the gallery.

“Ok so I should be back in a few hours. I will call you if I will be longer then that. Are you sure you don’t want to come?” He asked for the 100th time that morning.

“Yes I’m sure. Go already.” She laughed.

“Good luck.” She kissed him at the door.

“I love you.” He said before getting on the elevator.

Max’s meeting went as expected. He knew that he had the job and knew what the salary was going to be. What he didn’t expect was that they wanted him to start in two months giving enough time to sort things out at his present job.

On the ride back he was nervous. How was he going to tell Liz? It was now or never.

“Hey that went fast. Is that good or bad?” She asked when he returned an hour later.

“That depends.” He said taking off his suit jacket and undoing his tie.

“On?” She asked growing worried.

“I have something to ask you.” He sat next to her on the bed.

“Ok? Max your scaring me. What is it?”

“Liz you know that I love you. I want to be with you. Move to Florence with me? I can’t be without you.” he blurted out.

“Max, I-I don’t know what to say.” She was taken back. She didn’t expect this so soon.

“Say yes. Say yes and make me the happiest man alive.” He smiled at her.

“Max it’s all so sudden. I don’t know. When?” She asked standing up.

“I have to be here in two months. They are giving me time to sort everything out back at the gallery before I come here.” He had a feeling that she would say no.

She sat there looking into his sad eyes. She wanted to talk to Michael but then realized that soon she would be alone in Rome. Michael was leaving to New York. She had no reason to stay Max was her reason and he was moving to Florence. She saw the sadness in his eyes and couldn’t refuse him. How could she refuse a man that loved her no matter what? He didn’t care that she was married and that her ex husband beat her. He just loved her for who she was plain and simple.

“My answer is yes.”

“Yes? Are you sure?” He asked

“I’m sure. I want to be with you and if you’re in Florence then so am I.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him for a hug.

It was there last night in Florence. They went and saw an apartment that was suggested to Max by someone at the gallery. It was perfect for them, three bedrooms with a large kitchen and a fireplace in the living room. What sealed the deal for Max was the hot tub in their private patio.

“I love it. It’s beautiful.” Liz said as she was standing outside on the patio.

“I’m glad.” He was standing behind her and kissed her neck.

“State andando prenderli?” The realtor asked

“Si.” Max answered they signed the papers and went to have dinner.

After a quiet dinner at a local restaurant they headed back to the hotel room to get some sleep. Their flight left early the next morning.

~~
Jackson had landed in Rome and quickly got into the black Mercedes that would take him to the villa he rented for the week. It was near the address that he had known to be Michael’s house. He would stake out the place and wait to make his move. When he got to the house he was greeted by a perky blonde.

“Hello my name is Tessa. Welcome to Italy.” She smiled at him. She knew all about Jackson Cayne or so she thought. She knew that he was wealthy and that he was traveling alone that was enough for her.

“Hi.” Jackson was in no mood to socialize. He was anxious and wanted to get his plan into motion.

“Let me show you around the house.” She was working for a real estate agency and hated it until today.

After Tessa showed him around the house and gave him her cell phone as well as her home numbers she finally left.

He held on to the number thinking that if he got lonely he could give her a call. She seemed more then willing to him. He unpacked and called back to New York to check up on Maria. Once he was satisfied that everything was fine he took a shower and decided to check out the neighborhood.
~~
Max and Liz decided that they would tell Michael as soon a possible. They only had a month and a half to get everything in order. Since Max had the most stuff Liz would spend most of her time helping him pack.

“Why don’t you stay with me?” Max asked.

“What? You really want that?”

“We are moving in together soon why not get started now.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

“Ok let‘s tell Michael first then I‘m all yours.”

“Music to my ears.” He laughed.

They both went over to Michaels to break the news to him.

Florence huh?” Michael asked Max. They were both in the living room eating Pizza.

“Yes I decided to take the job offer and Liz agreed to move so everything is set.” Max wasn’t sure if Michael was having second thoughts.

“I think it’s great. Listen I’m sure that she’s told you about her ex and I just want you to look out for her. She’s been through enough shit in her life. She needs someone stable. Just always be honest with her man. That’s all I can ask of you.” He meant every word.

“Always. You have my word as a man on that. Honesty is all I ask of anyone so it is the least I can return to the one that I love.” The both took a sip of their beer.

A few hours later Liz was done. She didn’t have much just clothes so it all fit into a few boxes pretty easy. Michael helped them load the boxes into Max’s car.

“I’ll see you lot‘s before you leave.” Liz pulled him into a hug trying to hold back tears.

“It’s going to be fine. I’ll see you soon.” He said into her ear. He was sad that she was leaving but knew she had to do this. She was a different person now and it was all because of Max. Michael was grateful to him for that.

The pulled off headed towards Max’s.

About 5 minutes later Jackson came downstairs after a shower and decided to take a look around. In the shower he decided that he would need some backup and sent for two men to come down tomorrow. He looked down at the piece of paper in his hands. To him it was gold. Michael address. After asking a few people on the street he found it. It was in a nice neighborhood and lucky for Jackson there was a park across the street. He sat on a bench so he could see who came in and out and just waited.

He had seen a picture of Michael at Maria’s and knew what he looked like. After a few hours he decided to head back to the villa deciding to come back tomorrow morning. Michael had to go to work eventually he thought.

After sitting in the villa for a while Jackson got lonely. Not knowing where to go for entertainment he decided to call Tessa. He was sure she would show him a good time.

“Pronto.” She answered

“Uh hello this is Jackson Cayne.”

“Oh hello Mr. Cayne is everything alright?” She was having dinner with someone and walked away from the table.

“Yes everything is perfect thank you. Listen I was wondering if you weren’t busy tonight you could show me around Rome.”

“No not at all I’m free. How about I swing by and pick you up?” She was excited that he called and thought he would be better company then her present one. He was a hell of a lot richer then the man she was having dinner with.

“That’s fine. I’ll be here.” They said their goodbye’s and hung up. He figured he could kill a few hours with her.

Tess sped over to Jackson’s villa. She couldn’t believe that he actually called her. When she got to the house he was waiting at the door for her.

“That was fast.” He gave her one of his famous smirks.

“I was nearby.” She blushed. He was so handsome. She couldn’t take the grin off her face.

“So what do you suggest we do tonight?”

“Well what are you up for?” She walked into the house.

“Doesn’t matter. Anything to pass the time.” He closed the distance between them

“Well I can think of a few things do accomplish that. We wouldn’t even have to leave the house for some of them.” She rubbed her hand over his chest.

“Well you get right to the point don’t you? I like it.” He kissed her forcefully. He didn’t know how to kiss any other way and didn’t want to.

So he's finally there . See you in a few days.

Thanks guys for the Feedback. You all make me want to post faster. Those who hate Tessa will like this part. It's getting close to the end so i wont be posting twice a week after this. Most likely on Tues or Wed till the end.
~~Chapter 14~~
When his men arrived he quickly put them on surveillance. They were to find out where Michael worked and where Liz worked if she did. Anything that they found would be reported to him immediately.

One night he got a call from one of his men telling him to come to the park across from Michael’s house right away. Thankfully he only steps away.

“ What is it?” He asked looking around.

“ That.” The man pointed to a couple that was in a heated kiss.

“ Give me that.” He snatched the binoculars from him.

What he saw made his blood boil. It was Max and Liz in a passionate kiss. She had her hands wrapped around his neck and he was running his hands through her hair. They pulled apart and he saw her laughing. Then they went into Michaels place.

“ Aren’t you going to do anything?” The man asked wondering why Jackson didn’t run over there and get his women.

“ Shut up!” He slammed the binoculars down.

“ Find out who he is. I want to know everything about him and what exactly he is doing with my wife!” He stormed back to the villa.

His heart was racing. He had never seen Liz with another man and he didn’t like it at all. He especially didn’t like that she looked happy. He needed to get his frustration out.

“ Hello.” She answered

“ Are you busy?” He asked.

“ No not at all. I’ll be there in a few.” She hung up with the biggest smile on her face. She made sure that she showed him a good time the night before and that she was open to seeing him again. Thankfully it worked. She would soon have Jackson Cayne right where she wanted him.

When she got to the villa she saw that he was sitting in a chair having a drink.

“ Hey.” She smiled at him. But he was in no mood to be nice. Tonight was about anger. He needed to take it out on someone.

He set his glass down and walked over to her ripping her blouse open. He kissed her greedily. When he pulled away he bit down on her lips almost drawing blood.

“ So your in a rough mood tonight? I like it.” She placed her hand on his chest beginning to unbutton his shirt.

“ Don’t touch me.” He barked at her. “You do what I say when I say it.”

She looked at him with some fear. She liked to play rough as much as anyone but something told her this was not going to be enjoyable for her.

He pulled her to the bedroom and threw her on the bed face down. He pulled down her skirt and threw it across the room while freeing himself of his pants and boxers. He began kissing her on her shoulders and down her back and Tessa thought that he had changed his mind and decided to be nicer.

When he bit down on her shoulder she yelled out in pain.

“ Shut up!” He said to her. He saw that he drew blood and didn’t care. He flipped her over and began an assault on her lips. The kisses were almost painful with him biting her lips hard. He sucked her breasts hungrily and pulled her nipples with hard suction. He had her nipple between his teeth and gently bit down. He loved the reaction she gave when he bit a little harder and a little harder.

She was fighting to hold back the tears. She wanted to scream out in pain but was afraid. When he pulled away she was thankful for the break until he slammed into her with full force.

She cried out in pain only to have him drive into her harder and deeper.

“ Just enjoy it.” He said through gritted teeth. He kept seeing Liz’s smiling face. It made him pump harder and harder into her. He didn’t register that she was crying. He kept seeing Liz’s smiling face and it made him more furious.

He had her legs hooked underneath his arms to allow him a deeper penetration. All she kept thinking is that she wished it was over.

“ You like that?” He asked looking down at her tear soaked face. When she didn’t answer he pumped faster. He was now thrusting into her in short fast bursts.

“ You’ve never been fucked like this have you?” He asked. “ HAVE YOU?” He screamed when she didn’t answer

“ No.” She cried out.

“ Good. I like being the first.” He smiled and spread her legs wider. When he was done he leg go of her legs and laid next to her.

“ I’m sorry sweetheart. I got out of control.” He said as he looked at the bruises he left on her flesh.

She didn’t say anything. She had never had an experience like that. Most of her partners were attentive and sweet. In a way she liked it. It was different.

“ It’s ok. I can get used to it.” She smiled at him.

“ What a crazy bitch.” He though as he rolled out of bed.
~~

The next day Jackson was having lunch at a café when Tessa came in a spotted him.

“ Oh fuck.” He thought as she smiled and walked over to him.

“ Hey this is a surprise.” She said as she sat down across from him.

“ That it is.” He said dryly

“ So Tessa tell me why is it that you speak English so well and without an accent?” He might as well converse with her he thought.

“ Why thank you. That is because I grew up in the States. My mother was Italian but my father was American. I lived with him most of my life.” She was happy that he wanted to get to know her.

“ What about you? What brings you to Italy?”

“ Business.” He answered.

“ What kind?”

“ Boring stuff. So where in the states did you live?” He didn’t want to talk about himself.

“ California.” She said when she spotted Isabella. She wanted to show Jackson off to her and called her over to say hello.

“ Tessa.” Bella greeted her shortly

“ Bella hi how are you?” She kissed her on both cheeks and smiled happily at her.

“ I’m sorry how rude of me. Isabella Evans this is Jackson Cayne.” Tessa said

“ Nice to meet you.” Jackson stood up and kissed her hand.

“ Like wise. I’m sorry but I have to run and meet a client.” Bella turned and left not knowing why Tessa wanted to say hello. She had a feeling it had to do with the man that she was with. Bella thought the name sounded familiar but couldn’t place him.

“ Did you say that her last name was Evans?” Jackson asked.

“ Yes it is. You might know her she is a famous interior decorator. She worked in New York for a while.” Jackson wondered if she was related to Max.

“ Yes that might be it.” He didn’t want to ask if she was. It didn’t matter to him anyway. One of his men had followed Max and found out that he worked at a local gallery. He pretended to be a buyer and found out that his name was Massimilio Evans born in Italy and schooled in the States.

He reported his findings to Jackson immediately. The next step was to get Liz’s schedule. After a few days Jackson had her schedule down pat. While she wasn’t staying at Michaels anymore it didn’t take him long to find out where she was sleeping and who she was sleeping with. Since he had a few of his men with him here they split up and found out all about Massimilio and his family. The only thing that worried Jackson was that Max’s father was a government official. But his goal was Liz and if she did everything right Max wouldn’t be involved.

The time had come. This was the day that he would get his life back. He walked towards to building with a air of arrogance. He had a goal and nothing would deter him from it.

He pulled the door open and scanned the room for her. There she was in the corner with her back partially towards him. She looked different. She looked happy.

“ Such a shame.” He thought. He saw her talking on the phone and laughing. She was smiling ear to ear. When he saw her hang up the phone he walked towards her.

“ Hello Elizabeth.” He said in a monotone voice. Trying to hide the fact that he was pissed that she was so happy moments earlier.

Liz couldn’t talk she couldn’t even breathe. This was the last person she would have ever expected to see. She just looked at him with wide eyes waiting for him to lash out on her in front of everyone.

“ It’s good to see you too.” He said when she didn’t say anything.

“ What do you want?” She asked in a low voice.

“ Well you see that’s simple I want you.” He answered smugly.

“ Well you can’t have me.” She wasn’t weak anymore.

“ That’s debatable.” He snorted.

“ Get out of here.” She said louder.

“ Oh I will in just a minute. You see sweetheart when you left me I was heartbroken. I come home and your gone then I get these papers in the mail saying you want a divorce and I just couldn’t understand why.” The smugness in his voice wanted to make Liz slap him.

“ So what I want is you and before you get all high and mighty on me I want you to think about one thing. I found you Liz half way across the world I still found you. Not only did I find you but I found your little Romeo Max. I know everything Liz don’t forget that. It doesn’t matter what country I’m in I get information.” He flashed her one of his famous smiles.

“ I’m not going anywhere with you.” She spat at him

“ Really? Well think about this. You know what I can do, shit you’ve witnessed some of it first hand. I won’t think twice about hurting your Romeo and your dear brother or Maria for that matter.“ He saw Liz’s eyes widen at the mention of Maria. “ Yes I found her too. How do you think I found you. Besides you didn’t think you were going to live happily ever after did you?” When he saw the tears well up in her eyes he wanted to laugh.

“ Wow I guess you did then. Well sorry to burst your bubble. So this is how it’s going to go down. You are to meet me at this address at exactly 6PM tonight. At 6:05 if you are not there I will come to your little love nest. I don’t think that you want that so I suggest you be there.” He handed her a piece of paper.

“ Oh and don’t even think about telling anyone. Remember you don’t know who is with me here so don’t do anything stupid.”

“ Where are you taking me?” She asked.

“ Home. Where else? It‘s where you belong.” He laughed and walked out of the office.

Liz sat staring blankly at the wall. She knew what Jackson was capable of and couldn’t do that to the ones that she loved. She didn’t have a choice she had to go with him. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought of Max. She had a picture of the two of them on her desk and picked it up. It was taken when they were in Florence.

“ Oh God Florence.” She thought. Max was expecting her to move with him.

She turned off her computer and packed her things. She had to head home and leave Max. It was going to kill her but it had to be done. His safety was more important then her happiness.

When she got to the house she was glad that Max wasn’t home yet. She would pack her stuff and leave him a note. At least she didn’t have to see his face.

As soon as she thought that she heard the front door opening.

“ Shit!” She thought. She wasn’t as prepared as she thought to face him.

“ Liz baby are you home?” He asked when he saw her keys on the table.

She tried to be quiet hoping that he would leave, wishing that somehow he would walk away so she didn’t have to see him.

“ What are you doing?” He asked when he walked into the bedroom. She was unzipping her suitcase.

“ I’m packing my things.” She said walking to the bathroom wanting to get away from him. She closed the door and sat on the edge of the tub silently crying hearing Max call her from the other side.

Ok so that was the " Oh crap" Chapter. See you all next week.

WOW your feed back was amazing guys. Thank you so much.

~~Chapter 15~~
“I’m packing my things.” She said walking to the bathroom wanting to get away from him. She closed the door and sat on the edge of the tub silently crying hearing Max call her from the other side.

“Liz? What’s going on?” He asked

She sat on the edge of the tub trying to compose herself. She had to be strong and get out of the house fast. Wiping her tears away she slashed some cold water on her face and opened the door. She couldn’t look at him and stalked past him.


You’re leaving? Perchè (why)?” he watched her pick up some of her things and stuff them into a bag.

“It’s not safe. I-I have to go. I’m sorry.” tears spilling from her eyes as she gathered her things

“Non ci credo (I don‘t believe it). Please just stop and look at me innamorato (sweetheart).” He grabbed her arm and swung her around to face him.

“Please just let me go. I have to go. I never meant to hurt you. Trust me its better this way. I don’t want to get you involved. I have to go before he gets here.” She was desperately trying to get away from him before it was too late.

He crashed his lips on her. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave into him. Realizing that she didn’t have much time she pulled away.

“I love you but I have to leave you, I’m sorry.” She kissed his lips softly and took off the ring that he had given her placing it on the dresser before she ran out of the house into the night not knowing where she was headed but knowing that she needed to get away far away for his safety.

Max stood in the room stunned.

“What the hell is going on?” He thought as he ran outside after her.

“Liz!” He called to her from the front steps. She picked up her pace walking as fast as she could with her things.

He ran after her and swung her around to face him.

“What is going on? What happened?” He was utterly confused. Everything was perfect.

“I can’t do this Max. I have to get away. This was all I big mistake. Please just let me go.” She was begging him. She looked at her watch and only had 20 minutes to get to her destination.

“Where are you going?” He asked her again.

“I’m leaving. I’m going back to the states.” She didn’t want to tell him that.

“Scusilo? When did this happen?”

“I’ve been thinking about it.”

“Quella e` una bugia”
(That is a lie)

“It’s not Max. I’m damaged, I need to get away. I can’t do this anymore. Please let me go.” She was fighting the tears that were threatening to spill.

He stepped aside making room for her to walk out of his life.

“ll remember Giusto non importa dove siete io li amera` sempre Elizabeth. Non mi preoccupy quanto lontano andate voi sempre sarete qui.” He placed his hand over his heart.
(Just remember no matter where you are I will always love you Elizabeth. I don't care how far you go you will always be here)

Liz heard what he said but couldn’t look back at him. She knew where she would always be…….. in his heart.

She jumped into a cab and gave him her destination. The whole ride there she was staring at her watch. She prayed that she would make it in time. She also thought about Michael. He would be worried about her once he found out from Max that she left. She knew that he would want to talk to her especially once he found out the way that she left. The smartest thing she did was leaving him that way. She hoped that he would realize that it wasn’t her choice and put the pieces together.

Max was her only hope. “Please be my escape.” She thought to herself.

Max sat in his apartment in shock. Was it all a lie? Did she just play him for a fool? He wouldn’t believe that. He couldn’t. He walked over to the kitchen and got a bottle of scotch. He started off with small shots then moved up to full glasses. By the end of the night he was on his third bottle and was drinking straight from it.

He stood up and walked over to the mantle where pictures of he and Liz were. He picked up the most recent one and threw it across the room where it hit the wall.

The sound of the glass breaking brought him some sort of peace so he began to smash all the pictures that were in frames. He then threw a vase against the wall and kicked his foot right through the glass coffee table. The whole time chanting why, why, why over and over.

He cried himself to sleep on the sofa not being able to lie in the bed he shared with her not 24 hours ago.

~~
Liz made it to the hanger with not a minute to spare.

“Good girl.” Jackson kissed her on the cheek and Liz pulled away.

“Don’t come near me and don’t touch me.” She spat at him.

“This will go much smoother for you if you don’t put up a fight. Sweetheart you’re my wife and the sooner you realize that the better things will be for you.”

“I haven‘t been your wife for a while now.” She smiled and walked up the stairs into the private plane.

“We’ll see about that.” Jackson thought as he followed behind her.

~~

Jackson’s man had managed to stay alert for most of the time. Maria was beginning to lose hope. She had tried to go to work with him but it was too strange so she called and asked for a leave of absence saying that she had to go back and deal with family issues. She stayed in the apartment and called for take out everyday.

The second day she was back home she learned that the mans name was Tony. She was tired of calling him hey you and finally asked him what his name was.

A few days later she woke up in the middle of the night tip toeing to the living room to see if he was awake when she saw that he was sound asleep. She didn’t hesitate and called Michael from the bathroom. She turned on the faucet just in case he woke up.

“Hello.” Michael answered

“Michael it’s me listen I can’t talk for long but Liz is in danger. Jackson knows where she is and his probably there right now.”

“What! What happened and why are you whispering? What is the noise?” He asked worried that something happened to her.

“I’m sorry but I can’t talk. He got the information from my computer. Please get to Liz call them and let them know he’s there. He wants her back Michael. I’m scared.” She stared sobbing.

“Maria baby are you ok?” He wanted to punch the wall.

“No. He has someone here watching me. I better go. I love you.” She wiped her tears and stood up to walk out.

“I love you too. Maria I’m coming out there. I’ll be there as soon as I can baby.” He hung up and threw the phone against the wall. He wanted to kill Jackson. He needed to call Max and warn him.

He dialed Max’s cell phone and it went to voice mal. After calling the house twice he decided to head out there thinking the worst, the Jackson had gotten to them already.

When he got to Max’s apartment he saw that Max’s car was out front. He walked up and knocked on the door.

~~

The ride back to New Jersey was hell for Liz. She didn’t want to fall asleep for fear of what Jackson might do to her. She was awake for most of the 12 hour flight and when they finally landed her heart sank. The reality that she had left Max and was now so far from him sunk in. She thought of how he must be feeling right now and had to fight to stop the tears from falling. She didn’t want Jackson to see her crying. She was a different person now, stronger. She had Max to thank for that and hoped that their paths would cross again so she could tell him that.

When they pulled up the house she was in shock. She didn’t think that he still lived there much less would bring her back there.

“You’re kidding right? I won’t live in this house again.” She crossed her arms.

“Oh but you will. You see my dear I don’t much care for what you want. It’s what I want and I want to live here so you will have to get used to that. Don’t forget that your friends are not all in the clear that goes twice for you little Romeo. So I would think twice about puling any stunts like last time.” He opened the car door and led her into the house.

She quickly noticed all the changes that he made. The house was so different to her now.

“Nice decorating.” She said as she walked up the marble staircase to the guest room.

“Where are you going?” He asked when she passed their bedroom.

“I’m not sleeping with you. Forget about that. You are going to have to tie me up for that to happen.” She said continuing her walk to the guest room.

“That can be arranged. You are sleeping in our bedroom; it’s not up for discussion.” He smiled when he saw her turn back and walk to the master suite.

~~~

Bella walked into the gallery wanting to meet Max for lunch. She hadn’t seen him much and wanted to talk to him before he left to Florence.

“Ciao Bella.” Niko greeted her.

“Ciao Niko is my brother here?”

“Ehh no. He hasn’t been here for a few days. He called and said something about not coming in but it was vague and he’s not answering his cell phone or his house phone.” Niko informed her.

“Really? Well thank you.” Bella left and was worried. Max never did anything like that before. He always answered his phone. She got into her car and headed to his place.

“He better be ok.” She thought as she drove over there.

She pulled up to his apartment and saw that his car was parked in front. She slammed her car door shut and walked across the street.

After knocking on the door for several minutes she resorted to banging.

“Max! Open the door.” She called.

Max sat on the couch not wanting to move. He would only get up to use the bathroom and come right back to his spot.

“Massimilio!”She yelled louder.

“Che cosa desiderate?”
(What do you want?)

“Let me in please.” She pleaded with him.

He realized that she wasn’t going to go away and got up to open the door.

“What the hell is going on?” She asked as she stormed into the house. She looked around and saw that it looked like he had been living on the sofa

“Bella go away please. I just want to be left alone.” He plopped back down on his seat.

“I’m not leaving till you tell me why the hell you haven’t been to work and why it looks like you haven’t left this sofa for weeks.

“Bella please just leave me alone.” He leaned his head back closing his eyes willing her to go away. Why couldn’t she just leave him in peace to drown in his sorrows?

“What the hell happened here? Why did you break all this stuff? Where is Liz?” She finally asked knowing that Liz would not have let the place get like this.

“Like you care?” He snorted.

“I do care. You’re my brother I care what happens to you, now tell me what is going on.” She crossed her arms waiting for his answer.

“She left ok? You should be happy; it is what you wanted after all. Now will you leave?” He didn’t lift his head still leaning back.

“What! You’re joking? And for the record it’s not something that I wanted. I admit that at first it was but I got to see how happy she made you.”

“Yeah well apparently I didn’t make her happy enough cause she’s gone. Believe it or not she is, the sooner you get that the better we will all be.” He stood up suddenly needing a drink, a strong one.

“Since when do you drink in the afternoon?”

“I don’t need your lecture right now. Can’t you see that I’m miserable? For that last time LEAVE!” He slammed his glass down making Isabella jump.

“No, I’m not leaving. Now let’s talk about this cause I have a really hard time believe that Liz just up and left you. I know you and I know that you made her happy so don’t give me that shit that she wasn’t happy enough.” She started to pick up the mess.

“Leave it alone. Isabella not everything is always perfect ok. Just leave the mess.” He hated that she always had to be perfect and everything had to look perfect.

“Sorry. Now please tell me what happened.” She put down the glass she was holding and sat across from him.

Max sighed knowing that his sister wasn’t going to leave until she got answers. He hated her stubborn streak.

“Look all I know is I came home and found her packing. Then she told me that she needed to get away, that it wasn’t safe or something. It all happened so fast. I went after her but it wasn’t enough. She just left.” He was trying to control the anger rising up inside him.

“What did she mean by it wasn’t safe? Do you think it had something to do with her Ex?” Isabella wondered

“I don’t know.” Max sat down sounding defeated. He had been going over the conversation in his head for days. None of it made sense.

“Well maybe we can ask Michael if he knows anything.”

“I doubt it. Besides he’s probably gone to New York. He said he was thinking of leaving.”

“He has to know something, he’s her brother.” Bella stood up looking for Maria’s number.

“What are you doing?” Max asked.

“I’m calling Maria. If he‘s in New York then he will be with her.” She continued to scroll through her phone book until she found it.

“Here it is.” She dug for her cell phone ready to dial when there was a knock on the door. Bella looked at Max who was staring into space and walked to open the door herself.

“Michael! I was just about to call Maria.” She let him in the house.

“Where’s Max?” He asked walking in further to see Max sitting on the sofa.

“Oh no. She’s gone isn’t she?” Michael asked what he knew was true.

“What do you know about Liz?” Bella asked since Max was in his own world.

“She’s with her ex husband.” That was all Max heard before he tuned them out and retreated to his own world.


I remember the day you left
I remember the last breath you took right in front of me
When you said that u would leave
I was too damn stubborn to try to stop you or say anything
But I see clearly now
And this choice I made keep playing in my head
Over and over again
Playing my head
Over and over again
Ohh
I think she's leaving
Ooh man she's leaving
I don't know what else to do
(I can't go on not loving you)

Cause its all in my head
I think about it over and over again
And I can't keep picturing you with him
And it hurts so bad, yeah
Cause it's all in my head
I think about it over and over again
I replay it over and over again
And I can't take it yeah I can't shake it
Nooo
“Max.” Bella was trying to snap him out of it.

“Did you hear?” She asked him.

“Yeah I heard. I knew she would leave me eventually but I don’t understand why she would leave me for that pig.” He said standing up and going to get himself a drink.

“What are you talking about?” Michael asked.

“I heard you. You said that she left with her husband.”

“Um buddy you totally missed the rest of the conversation.” Michael said taking the glass out of Max’s hand. He could tell that he’s been drinking a lot and didn’t need any more.

“Well I’m not sure I want to hear the rest. Would you both just leave please?” He stormed off to his bedroom slamming the door shut. He hadn’t been in that room since she left and the painful memories came back to him the minute he stepped in the room. He just wanted everyone to leave him alone. He wanted the ground to open him up and swallow him whole. He thought that maybe he was cursed; maybe he was meant to be alone for the rest of his life. This was the second time that he was to ask a woman to marry him and she left him for another man.

“I think he just needs time. I know my brother he will listen but not right now.” Bella explained to Michael.

“Yeah I hope so. Listen I got to get to Maria. I have to make sure that she’s ok. Maybe I can find a way to get to Liz while I’m over there.”

“Ok I understand. Let me know if you hear anything at all. I’ll work on Max I will explain everything to him. I just hope that you can get to Liz in time.” She gave him a hug and closed the door behind him. She began to clean up the apartment a little not wanting to leave Max.

She thought back to the conversation she had with Michael and couldn’t believe that she saw Jackson a few days ago. She should have paid more attention, maybe she could have warned Liz.


She walked into his room and saw him laying in the middle of the bed clutching a pillow in the fetal position. “Get up.” She said to him pulling the pillow from his clutches.

“What?” He sat up and looked at her like she was crazy.

“We are going to get Liz. So get up.” She pulled him up into a sitting position.

“Going to get here where?”

“He said he wanted to take her home so we are going to New York.” He stood there waiting for him to move.

“What are you talking about Bella?” He shook his head trying to adjust to the light in the room.

“When you zoned out before Michael and I talked and put the pieces together. Maria called him and told him that Jackson found Maria and got Liz’s whereabouts from her. She said that he was coming to get her and take her back home. That’s where she must be Max.”

“Bella I don’t know if I can do this.” Max sighed and leaned back against the headboard.

“What are you talking about?” She sat next to him.

“Bella you weren’t there. All the things she said to me. I just don’t know if I can take it again. She left me once I can’t bear for her to leave me again. Maybe it’s better this way.”

“Do you hear yourself? You are trying to tell me that she’s better of with that bastard? Massimilio you know what he did to her how in the world can you think that she wants that? No one wants that. I know that she doesn’t want to be there with him so if you love her like I know you do you will get up take a shower, shave and pack some clothes. We need to get her back Max. She’s counting on you I know she is.” Bella pulled him into a hug.

Max walked to the bathroom and stopped when he saw her shampoo. Memories of them taking a shower flooded over him.

I can't wait to see you
Want to see if you still got that look in your eyes
That one you had for me before we said our goodbyes.

Cause its all in my head
I think about it over and over again.

He showered and shaved in record time. Maybe Bella was right. He thought back to the conversations they had about her ex husband and there was no way that Liz would leave with him unless he threatened her in some way.

“Ok I’m ready.” He stepped into the living room where Bella was finishing cleaning up.

“You packed already?” she asked putting the broom in the corner.

“Yes can we go already?” He laughed.

“Ok let’s go I’ll call the airline on the way hopefully we can get on a flight tonight.” They walked downstairs and got into Max’s car.

Isabella was on hold with the airline when a thought popped into her head.

“What are you doing?” Max asked when he heard her snap her phone shut.

“I’m calling poppa. I don’t want to take a chance that we don’t get on a flight tonight so I’m going to ask him if we can use the plane.” She said before dialing her parent’s number.

“No way is he going to go for that.” Max thought. His father hardly used it himself. He doubted that he would let Bella use it.

A few minutes later everything was set.

“How do you do that?” Max asked

“What? It was easy. I have a gift. The gift of persuasion.” The both laughed and headed towards the private section of the airport.

Song used was Over and Over-Nelly Ft. Tim Mcgraw

Ok so alot of you think that Max is stupid for thinking that Liz left him BUT he did get dumped before when he thought that person loved him. He also didn't think that Jackson was around when you are that upset about something you tend to not think straight. Plus i wanted to write him that way . Thanks for the Feed Back tho i really appreciate all of you reading this

~~Chapter 16~~
**Warning: Physical Abuse in this chapter**

The past 24 hours were hell for Liz. All she could think of was Max and what he said to her. She loved him so much and she knew that she hurt him deeply. She lied to him and told him that it wasn’t working for her. The thought of never seeing him again made her sick. The thought of being with Jackson made her want to kill herself. There was no way she would live with him for the rest of her days. The first night she slept in their old bed alone. Jackson sat in a char watching over her. She didn’t get much sleep that night but at least he didn’t try to touch her.

The next morning she woke up and didn’t see him in the room. Thinking that he had left she went into the bathroom to change and headed downstairs. Half way down the stairs she heard him on the phone.

“ So just get out of there she is home now.” He hung up and turned to greet her with a kiss. She pulled back.

“ I told you yesterday that things will go smoother if you act the part. You will forget about him soon enough.” He smiled at her and poured himself some coffee.

“ So now that I’m back what do you expect me to do all day?” She stood with her arms crossed.

“ Nothing. I expect you to be a loving and attentive wife. That was always what I wanted, nothing has changed.”

“ Well I don’t love you. You can’t make me love you.” She was standing her ground and knew that he would hate that.

“ Elizabeth I’m sure that you wouldn’t want to go back to how things were so I suggest an attitude adjustment immediately. I’ve been nice so far but I have my limits.” He poured the rest of his coffee in the sink and sat in the family room with his paper.

Liz stood in the middle of the kitchen wanting to break down and cry. The situation seemed hopeless to her. What was she going to do? She had to get away from him. This time she wouldn’t go to anyone for help. No one would know where she was.

~~
Max and Bella boarded the plane and waited to take off.

“ Are you ok?” Bella asked.

“ Yeah I just hope that your right. I wouldn’t want to go all the way over there to have her be happy with her husband again.” He was looking out the window as the plane started to take off.

“ Max think about it for a minute ok? You know her or you should know her. Do you really think that after everything he put her through that she would go back to him? She left the country to get away from him.”

“ I know but why would she do that? She lied to me.” He was getting angry now.

“ Stop this! Stop thinking about what she said and that she lied to you. Maybe she was doing it for you own good Max. Maybe he scared her. Did you ever think of that?” She pointed out trying to get through to him.

Max sat back and thought about what Bella said. Maybe she was right. He knew in his heart that Liz wouldn’t do that. He hoped that he wasn’t making a mistake and that he would make it in time. If he was as much of a bastard as Liz told him then Liz was in trouble.

They both slept for much of the flight until the pilot rang and told them that they were an hour away from New York.

“ Do you know where we are going?” Max asked standing up to stretch his legs.

“ Yes I have Maria’s address so we are going there first“ Isabel said stretching her arms over her head.

When they got off the plane Bella called a car service not wanting to attempt to drive in New York city traffic. Maria’s apartment was 20 minutes from the airport.

When they pulled up the security guard called up to Maria’s apartment to let her know she had guests.

“ Bella and Max are here.” She told Michael.

“ Max is here?” He asked as Maria went to unlock the door.

“ Hey you guys.” She greeted them when they walked in.

“ How are you doing?” She asked Max while hugging him.

“ I’m ok.” He gave her a faint smile but she wasn’t buying it. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

“ Have you heard anything from Liz?” Bella asked Michael.

“ No we called the house and there is no answer. No one has seen her.” He said running his fingers through his hair.

“ Well I think we need to go over there and get her.” Maria said plopping down next to Michael on the sofa.

“ We can’t just barge over there Maria. He’d see us as soon as we pulled up and how knows what he would do?” Michael said getting frustrated at the situation.

“ We have to do something Michael! She in that house with him, we can’t leave her there.” Maria was on the verge of tears.

“ We’ll get her but we have to come up with a plan first.” Michael wrapped his arms around her trying to soothe her. He noticed that Max was standing near Maria’s piano. She had a bunch of pictures on top of it and most of them were of her and Liz. He just stood there reaching out and gently touching each one.

“ How are you doing Maria?” Bella asked.

“ I’m ok. That sick bastard had someone staying here with me watching over me but as soon as he came back with Liz he called him off. Michael got there just after he left thankfully.” She leaned further into his chest.

“ Yeah but I still want to find out who the bastard was.” Michael said pissed that he missed the jerk.

“ Well right now let’s just worry about Liz and getting her away from him.” Maria said forming a plan.

~~

Liz was getting ready for bed when Jackson came into the room.

“ I’ve missed you Elizabeth.” He was watching her get changed for be from the doorway.

“ I’m tired I would like to go to bed.” She said pulling the comforter down.

“ Good I’ll join you then.” He saw her stiffen at his statement.

He stripped down to his boxers and climbed him behind her. He began stroking her hair softly.

Liz wished that he would stop. His touch was revolting.

“ I think it’s time to start fulfilling your wifely duties don‘t you?” He asked huskily in her ear.

“ I’m not sleeping with you. Just please leave me alone.” She pleaded with him clutching her pillow.

He pulled her closer to him and was now laying partially on top of her.

“ Get off me please.” She begged. She felt his lips on her neck and tried to get away from under him.

“ You know you want this. You used to be so good in the sack I’m sure you haven’t lost your touch.” He cupped her breasts.

“ Stop it!” She screamed only to have him smack her across the face.

“ Don’t raise your voice at me! What is your problem?” He screamed.

“ I don’t want to be with you! Leave me alone.” She screamed right back. Suddenly not being afraid of him and not caring what he would do to her.

He pushed her legs apart and situated himself between her. She could feel his arousal pressing against her thigh and wanted to vomit. He made her sick. He was lifting her shirt to expose her breasts.

“ You never wore this much to bed before. We are going to have to get rid of this.” He puller her shirt further wanting her to take it off.

“ No! Stop touching me. You disgust me.” She had nothing to lose. Everything she had was left in Italy.

“ You ungrateful bitch. Shut up.” He smacked her again harder then the last time.

Liz held back her tears. He wanted to see her cry and she wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. She felt him tug her underwear down and just thought of Max. She saw his smiling face. She remembered the first time they made love and how he would hold her all night. She thought of them living in Florence together.

When she felt Jackson enter her she snapped. She pushed him off of her with all her force and jumped out of the bed.

“ You are a pig. You disgust me! Get away from me. I will never sleep with you again!” She ran out of the bedroom only to have him follow right behind her.

“ You are going to pay for that. You’ll be sorry you ever did that!” He grabbed her by the arm and spun her around to face him.

“ I will have you tonight and every other night that I please. When are you going to understand that what I say goes? I didn’t want to resort to his but it seems that I’m going to have to.” He reached back and backhanded her across the face making Liz fall back.

She held her face trying to subside the stinging feeling. She felt like her eye was going to pop out. Jackson walked over to her and pulled her up by her hair.

“ Now let’s go back and finish what we started.” He dragged her back to the bedroom.

~~

Max and Michael were pacing in front of the television while the girls just talked.

“ I can’t sit here and do nothing.” Max spoke up.

“ Well what do you want to do then?” Bella asked.

“ I’m going to get her. I don’t care if he will see us I want him to see us. I would like for him to hit me like he does women.” Max spat out. His blood was boiling all he wanted to a piece of Jackson. He wanted him to pay for what he did to Liz.

“ Well I’m going with you.” Maria said standing up and getting her jacket.

“ Me too.” Bella said

“ I guess we are all going then.” Michael got his jacket as well and they headed out the door.

Max said a silent prayer in the car. He prayed that Liz was ok and that they made it on time. He had a bad feeling that something was wrong but didn’t want to tell the others.

~~

Jackson slammed her onto the bed ripping her shirt off.

“ Get off me!” She was screaming and crying.

“ I will as soon as I’m done.” He smiled.

He forcefully pushed her legs apart again ready to claim what was his. She closed her eye tightly trying to escape the situation she was in. She couldn’t look at him. Tears were raining down her face at a rapid pace. She tried to squeeze her legs together but he forced them apart with his legs.

When she felt him enter her she felt ill. Never in her life had she felt this way. He had violated her deeply. This was worse then any smack or punch he could have given her. This was an ultimate act of violence. She was convinced that he was a heartless pig.

She drifted off into her own world tuning him out completely. She didn’t even feel him after a while just thinking of Max. She replayed every moment she spent with him. She thought back to how happy she was. She had everything and now she had nothing. Would she ever get all that back? Would she ever be happy again?

While Jackson was enjoying himself she was crying. Tears still rolling down her face but inside she was screaming. She knew it would be no use to scream out loud so she wished for him to be finished.

“ Stop you crying your ruining the moment for me.” He grabbed her face and turned it to face him.
She looked him right in the eye and spat on him.

“ You bitch! Your going to be sorry you did that.” He went to smack her when she got out of the bed and ran out of the room once again.

She made it closer to the stairs when he caught her again.

“ It seems that I’m going to have to teach you a lesson. Why is it so hard for you to learn that I’m stronger then you and I will always win?” When he swung to hit her she ducked out of the way and kicked him in the groin.

“ Bitch.” He screeched out.

Liz stood there and laughed at him for a minute. He was holding his groin trying to stand up.

She went to the bedroom to get some clothes and make her way out of the house. She quickly got her stuff in a bag and headed out.

Jackson grabbed her by the neck. “ Now I want you to beg for your life.” He said as he applied pressure.

Liz was desperately trying to get him to let go. She clawed at his hands to no avail. He was backing up slowly and Liz noticed that he was dangerously close to the edge of the stairs. All she needed to do was get him to let her go. She was running out of time.

~~

“ Damn this traffic. We could have been there already.” Maria yelled out. They were in gridlock going through the Lincoln Tunnel.

“ It’s Saturday night. Of course there is traffic.” Michael said.

“ Shut up. Your not helping.” Maria yelled.

Max’s stomach was in knots. He just wanted to get there already. He looked out the window and closed his eyes once again saying a silent prayer to keep Liz safe.

See you next week

You guys are really awesome with the Feed Back. THANK YOU SOO SOO MUCH. I love that you all hate Jackson so much. LOL Thank you again for reading.

~~Chapter 17~~

Liz felt like she was going to pass out. He was slowing choking the life out of her. She stared into his cold eyes praying that he would just let go. She saw images of when she was a child images of her and Max. Intimate moments they shared.

“I wish Max was here. I wish I could tell him how sorry I am and that I love him more then anything.” She thought. Her eyes were getting heavy; she was fighting to keep them open. He slammed her against the wall keeping his grip on her neck her feet not touching the ground. She needed to end this he would never leave her alone. She couldn’t live any kind of life as long as he was around.

In one last attempt she kicked her legs with all her might hoping that she would hit him somewhere hard enough to get him to loosen his grip. She was kicking her legs like crazy until she made contact.

Two bodies flew down the stairs at a rapid pace constantly banging against the wall over and over landing with a loud thud.

~~
Are you sure you remember how to get there?” Michael asked getting increasingly annoyed when they made a few wrong turns.

“Relax I’ve only been there twice and once was at night. Just give me a minute ok. I know we are in the right neighborhood.

She drove around a few more times until Max spotted something.

“Over there. Look at that.” He pointed to flashing lights coming from a house on the corner.

“Oh my God that’s the house.” Maria said stepping on the gas.

When they pulled up they saw several cop cars as well as an ambulance. Max’s heart dropped fearing the worst. He jumped out of the car before Maria stopped.

“Max! Wait.” Bella called after him. He didn’t care. He needed to get to Liz to see if she was ok. He ran past the gate to be stopped by a cop.

“Hey you can’t go in there this is a crime scene.” He said holding Max back.

“Let got of me I need to go in there.” He pleaded trying to push past him.

“Hey buddy you need to stay back we have a body to bring out.”

“Body? “ Max dropped to his knees when a sudden wave of nausea hit him. Moments later the rest of the group caught up to him.


~~
Liz opened her eyes automatically registering the pain at the base of her neck. She felt a knot there and winced when she tried to sit up. The pain was shooting through her body like a thousand needles. She stopped moving and looked over only to be met with Jackson’s piercing gaze only this time something was different about it. His eyes were cold and lifeless. She noticed that his neck was at an unnatural angle and well as his legs. She stared at his eyes for a while until it finally registered that he was dead.

She needed to get up and call the police. Panic suddenly set in when she realized that is was painful for her to move. Her arm felt as if it was broken and it was hard to breathe. She used her other arm to help her up and partially crawled to the kitchen telephone.

She reached the phone and dialed 911 telling them that she was in an altercation with her husband and that she thought he might be dead. She knew he was dead but didn’t want to say it out loud.

~~
“What’s going on?” Michael asked when he saw all the cops and ambulance.

“T-there’s a b-body.” Max said standing up.

“What?” Maria asked sobbing into Michael’s chest.

“Liz!” Max called needing to see if she was ok. There was no answer so he called again.

“Liz ,innamorato siete la?” He was walking towards the house the police were paying
(sweetheart are you there)
attention to Maria.


Liz thought she heard Max’s voice while she was listening to all the questions being thrown at her but chalked it up to her imagination. She wanted Max to be there but knew there was no way that he was.

A police officer saw him getting closer to the front door and went to stop him.

“ Listen buddy you can’t go in there. Don’t make me have to arrest you. Stand back.”

“ Lasciato vada di me!” He said through gritted teeth pulling his arm out of the officer’s grip.
(let go of me)

This time Liz knew that she wasn’t imagining it. She distinctly heard his voice.

“ Max?” She called out to him.

He thought he heard her voice and called out to her.

“ Liz!” He called out only to have her appear seconds later. He looked at her face and knew that she had been through hell. She had a bruise on her left cheek and her lip was bloody. Her hair was also a mess. He saw that she had finger marks on her arms and around her neck.

He ran toward her scooping her up in his arms the minute he reached her. He whispered words of love in her ear and she cried loudly on his shoulder.

“ Liz!” Maria ran up to her followed by Michael and a reluctant Isabella.

“ Are you ok?” Maria asked looking her over to see the bruises on her face.

Liz didn‘t answer. She hadn‘t spoken a word since the police got there.

“ She’s not talking. Hasn’t said a thing since we got here.” The officer said.

“ What the hell happened?” Michael asked when he saw them wheel a body bag out.

“ Not sure. Seems like there was a struggle and they fell down the stairs. This one didn’t make it.” He pointed to the body bag that held Jackson.

“ Let’s get out of here.” Maria said signaling Michael to talk to the police and let them know where Liz was going to be. They all headed to Maria’s apartment. Michael drove with Maria in the back seat. Max sat between Liz and Bella holding Liz close to him. He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her head every now and then. He was a little worried that she was so quiet. Every now and then he would see a tear roll down her face. He wished that Jackson was alive so he could kill him himself but was glad that it was over.

He thought about what she must have been through and the struggle that transpired to cause him to lay dead in his house. The thought of that bastard putting his hands on Liz made him sick. He wanted so badly to take away her pain because he knew that she was hurting inside. Not for the loss of him but for what happened. He hoped that she would open up to him and tell him everything.

They made it back quickly and got into the elevator. Everyone was quiet, no one knowing quite what to say. Bella was feeling very uncomfortable. The last time she spoke to Liz it didn’t go so well. She knew that all Liz needed right now was Max and she knew that he would be there for her.

They walked into the apartment and assembled in the living room. Max sat next to Liz on the small sofa with Michael, Maria and Bella across from them. All eyes were on Liz but she was looking down at her feet.

“ I’m going to make some tea.” Maria stood and walked to the kitchen.

“ I’ll help you.” Bella walked after her.

Michael didn’t know what to say. He and Max would look at each other every now and then. Michel shrugged his shoulders he was at a loss.

Maria and Bella came back with a pot of tea and cups. Maria placed it on the table and poured everyone a cup.

“ Liz drink this it’s your favorite.” She smiled and handed Liz a cup. Liz took the cup but didn’t drink from it. She was aware of everyone staring at her but didn’t know what to say to them. She didn’t want to talk about what happened. She still didn’t believe it herself.

They sat drinking their tea not really saying anything. No one knew how to start so no one spoke.

“ Well I’m sure everyone is tired. Max Liz you guys can take the guest room. Bella I’m sorry but I only have a pull out couch. Do you mind?” Maria sensed that Bella felt out of place.

“ It’s fine. It’s only for one night.” She shrugged. Michael and Maria went to her room after giving Bella sheets and a pillow. She knew that Max and Liz needed to be alone right now.

“ You think she’s going to be ok?” Maria asked while getting changed for bed.

“ She will be. She has all of us. We will help her through it.” He kissed her lightly ad slipped underneath the sheets.

After saying good night to Bella Max walked to the guest room where Liz was. She was sitting in the middle of the bed staring at her hands that were folded neatly in her lap.

“ You ok?” He asked taking a tentative step towards her. Suddenly it was as if she was glass. He felt like one wrong move and she would freak or something.

She looked up and him and gave him a lop sided smile. She wasn’t ok, she was far from ok. But looking into his eyes, the softness of his face she knew that she would be.

He stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed with her. He wanted to hold her but knew that she would come to him If she wanted him to.

“ I’m not going to push you but I’m here if you want to talk. I love you.” He reached over and turned out the lights.

Liz was plagued by dreams of what happened that night. She woke up drenched in sweat. She didn’t want to wake Max and quietly tiptoed out to the kitchen to get a drink of water.

She forgot that Isabella was sleeping in the living room and was startled when Bella walked into the kitchen.

“ Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” Bella turned to walk away.

“ Wait.” Liz called after her. “ Thank you for coming, with Max I mean.”

Bella was startled. Liz hadn‘t spoken to anyone. “ I came here for you too. I was worried when I found out that you were with Jackson. I just can’t believe that I didn’t put two and two together when Tessa introduced him to me. I’m so sorry Liz.” Bella shifted from foot to foot nervously.

“ You saw him? With Tessa?” Liz was in shock that they knew each other.

“ Yes at a restaurant. I swear I didn’t know who he was, I didn’t recognize him.”

“ It’s ok there was no way for you to know.” Liz smiled and sat on one of the stools with her water.

“ So how are you really?” Bella asked concerned.

“ To tell you the truth I don’t know. I haven’t really processed the whole thing yet I think.” She felt at ease with her.

“ Yeah I can imagine. You’ve been through a lot I’m sure that in time you will deal with it. Just don’t shut Max out ok. He wants to be there for you. I know he does. Talk to him.”

“ I know he does. I’m just not ready to tell him everything that happened. I’m still not ready to admit it to myself.” She shrugged.

“ All in due time. I’m sure that when you are ready you will tell him.” Isabella patted her arm.

“ Thank you again. I’m sorry that things were a little stressed but I know that you had Max’s best interest at heart.”

“ No I was wrong, very wrong. I know that now. But thank you for being understanding. I’m going to head back to bed. We had a long flight.” She laughed.

“ Yes I’m sure you did.” Liz pulled Bella into a hug taking her off guard.

“ Night.” Liz called before heading back to the guest room.

When she walked in she saw that Max was sitting up.

“ Hey.” He said giving her a slight smile.

“ Hey. Sorry if I woke you.” She slid underneath the covers.

“ It’s ok.” He laid down stopping himself from scooping her up in his arms. He knew that she needed space and time.

“ Max?” Liz asked facing away from him.

“ Yes?”

“ Will you hold me please?” She said in a small voice.

Max was almost in tears. She sounded so broken, so weak. He scooted over and wrapped his arms securely around her wanting to make her feel safe and loved.

“ Thank you.” She sighed

“ Baby you don’t ever have to thank me for holding you. I love you I want to always be there for you. You are always welcomed in my embrace.” He kissed her shoulder and drifted off to sleep.

This part was kind of Blah sorry. So there are about 2 more parts left i think. MAYBE three but that's it. See you next week

Thank you guys once again for the FB. Sorry i didn't post last week but RL is a pain sometimes. This part is really long and if you hate it then i'm sorry ahead of time. Thanks for the friendly bumps

~~Chapter 18~~
~~
The next morning Maria, Michael and Bella were up early.

“Let’s cook Max and Liz breakfast.” Maria suggested.

“You mean Michael cook them breakfast.” He laughed knowing that Maria and the kitchen didn’t mix well.

“Well yeah duh.” She and Bella laughed.

Max and Liz walked out moments later and they all sat down at the kitchen table.

“Morning. “ Michael said.

“Morning.” She smiled at him knowing that he was still worried.

“So eggs bacon and toast good for everyone?” Michael asked walking towards the fridge.

“Sounds good to me.” Everyone said besides Maria.

“Umm Maria babe?” Michael scratched his eyebrow looking at the non existent contents of the refrigerator.

“Yes love?” She asked innocently.

“Cute. Umm you do know that this is empty right?” He closed the door at looked up at her.

“Well kind of I mean…. You didn’t actually think I had food did you?” She laughed at him.

“Alright I’m going to run to the store then.” Michael threw on his jacket and headed out.

“I’ll go with you.” Max added giving Liz a quick peck on the cheek and getting his jacket on.

The girls sat around not knowing what to say. Even though Liz had talked to Bella last night today it seems as if she was back to her reclusive state.

“So Bella do you miss New York now that you are back?” Maria asked hoping to get some sort of conversation started.

“No not really. The traffic is killer here.” They laughed even Liz.


“I’m going to make some coffee while the guys are out.” Maria walked to the kitchen leaving Bella and Liz alone.

“Liz you have to start talking. This is not good. It’s killing Maria and everyone else.” Liz didn’t look up she just stared at the paper in front of her.

~~
“So did you and Liz talk?” Michael asked while getting the things he needed from the shelves.

“No I don’t think she is ready yet. I don’t want to push her.” Max had his hands in his pockets following Michael around the store.

“Yeah that’s whey way she is. She comes around on her own time. It took her a while before she even told me why she came to Italy.” He threw in the bacon and moved to get the eggs.

“I just hate that she is hurting and I can’t help her. I know that she is sad I can see it in her eyes.” He sighed feeling hopeless.

“She loves you man she will open up. Let’s get back and cook this I’m hungry.” He slapped him on the back and they went to pay.

~~

Maria was waiting for the coffee to finish brewing. She had several cups in her hand trying to balance everything in one arm when she dropped the cups.

Bella had gone to freshen up leaving Liz alone in the living room. When she heard the glass breaking she screamed.

“He’s here! He’s coming to get me!” She screamed over and over rocking back and forth on the sofa.

“Liz it’s ok. No one is going to get you.” Bella ran back to the living room. Moments later Maria appeared.

“What happened?” She asked Bella noticing Liz at the edge of the sofa looking around franticly for something.

“I don’t know. She started saying that he is going to get her.”

“Liz it’s ok. He’s dead no one is going to get you. You’re safe here.” Maria tried to soothe her but it wasn’t working.

Max and Michael came into the apartment and heard the commotion.

“What’s wrong?” Michael asked setting the bags down on the table.

“I don’t know she’s freaked out about something” Maria said.

Max came rushing towards her.

“Liz? Baby it’s me. It’s alright no one will hurt you. You are safe.” He sat down next to her rubbing his hands up and down her arms to soothe her.

“He will get me. He’ll find me I’m not safe! None of you are safe!” She cried.

“He can’t hurt you or anyone else. He’s dead sweetheart.” He saw her look up at him with wide eyes.

“D-dead?”

“Yes dead. He will never hurt you or anyone else again.” Max confirmed.

“Yes he will. He will always find me. Don’t you understand he’s smarter then me I can’t get away from him, he will find me and hurt you. I have to go.” She stood up but Max held her back.

“Liz look at me.” He tilted her head to look into his eyes. ”As long as you are with me you are safe. I will not let him hurt you I promise you.”

“Liz he can’t hurt you anymore. Listen to Max.” Michael said taking a step towards her.

“He’ll find me.” She sobbed into Max’s chest.

“Michael maybe she should see the body. That might help her.” Maria said from behind him.

“Liz?” Michael kneeled in front of her. “Would you like to see the body? To see that he’s really dead?” He hated asking it seemed so morbid but anything to help her at this point. He hated to see her this upset.

“I think it’s a good idea. It will help her.” Maria said out loud.

“Liz come on let’s get dressed ok?” She helped Liz off the sofa and walked over to her room.

“God I hate this!” Max said frustrated. “He’s dead and he’s still torturing her.”

“She will be ok. One she sees that he is dead she‘ll be alright. She’s been through a lot she just needs time.” Michael patted him on the shoulder.

“I know. I know she’s been through a lot and I wish I could just make it all go away. She doesn’t deserve this.’ Max stood up and was pacing the floor.

~~~

“Liz you have to understand that he’s dead ok. He can’t hurt you anymore.” Maria was getting frustrated but was trying to understand.

Liz didn’t say anything. She was back to not talking.

“Liz look at me.” Maria sat her down on her bed. “You have to snap out of this. We are trying to help you but you have to talk about this at least talk to Max. It’s killing him that you don’t talk to him. We all want to help you but you have to try also.”

Liz was taking in all her words and knew that she was right. She can’t keep pushing Max away it wasn’t fair to him. He had done nothing but try to help her and she was pushing him away once again.

“I’m sorry Maria.” Liz said.

“Don’t be sorry. I’m sorry for going off like that but someone had to say it.” She pulled Liz into a hug. “Now let’s get you some clothes so we can get this over with.

A few minutes later Liz and Maria came out. Max immediately walked towards her and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“You ok?” He whispered.

“Yeah.” She smiled. They all decided to go to the morgue together. In a way they all wanted to see him dead as well. They piled into the car and drove mostly in silence. Bella was the first one to speak.

“I’m going to be leaving today. I called and made the arrangements so I leave this afternoon.” She said from the backseat. She was sitting next to Liz who was between her and Max.

“Bella you don’t have to leave so soon.” Maria said from the front seat.

“Thank you Maria but its ok I really don’t have any reason to stay.”

“Bella really, you don’t have to leave.” Liz said slightly shocking Max. Even thought they talked the other night he didn’t think that Liz had fully accepted her yet.

“I appreciate that but its best this way.” She really did appreciate it especially from Liz but she knew it was time for her to head back.

“We’re here.” Michael said while he parked the car.

They piled out of the car and made their way into the morgue. Michael had called the police station and found out where the body was taken.

“Can I help you?” A man dressed in a gray suit asked.

“Yes my name is Elizabeth Cayne. My H-husbands body is here.” She hated saying those words but she figured it would avoid and questions if she just said it was her husband rather then ex husband.

She didn’t notice the look that Max gave her when she said that.

“Cayne? I’m sorry miss but he was picked up already. The funeral home came to get him this morning.” He said looking at his ledger book.

“Who set that up? And what funeral home was he taken to?” She didn’t know what was going on.

“All I have here is that it was immediate family. He was taken to Brook’s funeral home. It’s on the corner of Union Ave and Henry Street. You can’t miss it.”

“Thanks.” She said and walked out with the rest of them behind her.

“That’s strange.” She said as they got into the car.

“What is?” Michael asked.

“Jackson doesn’t have any immediate family. He told me he didn’t have any family, that they were all dead.”

“Well hate to break it to you but he wasn’t the most honest person Liz. I’m sure there were a lot of things that he didn’t tell you.” Michael said starting up the car.

They drove to the funeral home and found it quickly.

“Hello my name is Elizabeth Cayne and my husband’s body was brought here. Jackson Cayne.”

Max was ready to burst. He didn’t know why she had to keep saying her husband. He was dead. He realized that he and Liz needed to talk seriously.

“Oh yes Mr. Cayne. Just one second.” He flipped through a notebook. “Please excuse me for a moment.” He disappeared behind a wooden door.

“Wonder what’s going on?” Michael asked.

“I’m going to step outside for a moment.” Max announced needing some air and a cigarette badly.

“Ok.” Liz said sadly wondering if he was upset. She wanted to talk to him tonight and let everything out.

“Sorry about that. Here you go.” He handed her a vase with a lid on top.

“What’s this?” She asked.

“It’s the rest of the ashes.” He said.

“What! Ashes? What is going on?”

“Calm down miss. It’s all right here the family approved it. I was instructed to give you the rest of the ashes when you came.”

“This is crazy he had no family. I want a name. I want to know who approved this.” She demanded.

“Um let me get the paperwork. I’ll be right back.” he once again disappeared behind the door.

“Ok this is freaky.” Maria said.

“I’m going to check on Max.” Bella announced sensing that something was bothering him.

“Hey.” She said just as he was taking a drag from his cigarette.

“Hey.”

“So do you want to talk about it?” She chuckled.

“Not really.” He took another long drag.

“Well if you aren’t going to talk about it then at least try to hide it better.”

“Hide what Bella? Don’t start with me please.” He threw his cigarette on the ground.

“I’m so tired of this. You suck at hiding your feelings ok. Everyone is going to know that you are mad about something including Liz. Whatever it is please don’t be stupid and talk to her about it right away. That has always been your problem, you keep things inside.” She hated telling him these things but it was for his own good.

“I know your right I’ll talk to her tonight that is if she wants to. I’m trying Bella I really am but it’s so hard. I don’t know how to help her. One minute she is closed off and the next she is calling that pig her husband.”

“Is that what you are mad about?” Bella was almost laughing.

“Che cosa è così scopare divertente?”
(What is so fucking funny?)

“You are so dense sometimes. It’s funny really. Do you really think that for one moment she wanted to call him that? Did you ever think that maybe she said it for no reason in particular. Ugh your hopeless I’m going back inside. Really Massimilio you need to relax.” She walked back inside leaving him to ponder her words.


“Sorry about that Miss but here is the paperwork.” He handed her a piece of paper.

“I’ve never heard of this person before. Did you even check?” She said after she read the name.

“Well…..” It was more then obvious that they didn’t.

“This is ridiculous. Liz‘s lets just go” Maria said.

“We are going to look into this further.” Michael added wanting to make it seem like they were seriously outraged.

“They didn’t even take the ashes. Oh well there was nothing but sand it in anyways.” The man shrugged and took the urn to the back.

“I don’t get it. He never told me he had a family. It’s so strange.” Liz said as they walked out.

“Well it’s over so let’s forget about it.” Michael said.

“Hey how did everything go?” Max asked when he saw them come out.

“Strange.” Maria said.

“Ok?” He walked to the car with the rest of them.

When they pulled up to Maria’s apartment Max pulled Liz aside before they went up.

“We will catch up in a minute.” Max said motioning for them to go up without them.

“Max what’s wrong?” Liz asked.

“Nothing, I just want to talk to you. Really talk to you so I thought we could check into a hotel tonight. Just to talk.” He wanted to make sure she knew it wasn’t about Sex.

“Um ok.” She was scared; not to be alone with him but of what she would have to tell him.

“You don’t have to.” He sensed that she had reservations.

“No no I want to.”

“Good let’s go up and tell Maria and Michael.” He put his arm around her and pushed the button for the elevator.

“So you guys are going to talk huh?” Maria asked while helping Liz get some things in a bag.

“Yeah it’s about time we did. He deserves to know everything that happened.” She said throwing a shirt in the bag.

“Well it will be good to get it out. You’ll feel better afterwards.”

“I doubt that. I doubt he will want to be near me after this but he deserves to know.” Liz said sadly.

“Liz stop. Put that down.” She took the bag from her and sat her down on the bed.

“That man out there loves the hell out of you. Trust me there is nothing that happened that will change his mind. Tell him everything, you deserve to be happy and Max does that for you I can see it. I know him and he doesn’t like lies and secrets I’m sure you know that too. So take this time alone to get everything out. Don’t go back to Italy with this lingering in the air.”

“I’m not sure if I’m going back to Italy. Maria he’s never going to want to touch me again after I tell him what happened.” The thought made Liz cry.

“Liz babe I think I know what you are talking about and he’s not going to blame you. He knows that you didn’t want this. Everyone knows that. Trust me he’s not going to stop loving you. I love you and I wouldn’t lie to you. Trust him Liz.” He hugged her.


A few minutes later Liz came out with a small bag in hand. Max had packed his stuff already.

“Ok so we are staying at the mid town Sheraton. I’ll call you and let you know the room number.” Max said.

I’m going to be heading off myself. I want to stop by and see a friend before I go.” Bella said.

“Just call us whenever. Have a nice time. Bella call us when you land and thank you for everything.” Maria said and waved them off.

“Now Mr. Guerin I think we should use this time wisely and stay in bed the rest of the day.” Maria winked at him.

“Hey I have no complaints about that.” He picked her up and dragged her to the bedroom.

~~

“Bella wait a second.” Liz stopped her before she got into her cab. “I just wanted to say thanks again.” Liz pulled her into a hug catching her off guard.

“It was nothing. I hope to see you back in Italy soon.” Bella smiled and hugged her back as well as Max.

“Ciao.” They said and each got into a cab.

Max checked them in and called Maria’s. They didn’t answer so he left a message with the hotel room number in case they wanted to call.

“Do you want to walk around a bit? It’s still early?” Liz asked.

“Sure let’s go.” He grabbed the room key and walked out behind her.

They went to central park since he hadn’t been there in years. There was a small arts and crafts fair going on so they looked around for a bit.

“You have to have a hot dog from his vendor he’s been here for years and has the best hot dogs.” Liz was excited to share this with him.

“Now you may know the best places in Rome but New York is my town.” She pulled him towards the vendor.

“I haven’t had a hot dog in a long time.”

“Well you are in for a treat today.” Liz ordered two with everything on it. She insisted it was the only way to properly eat them. They sat on a nearby picnic table and ate.

“Well what do you think?” Liz asked after he took his first bite.

“It’s good. Messy but good.” He smiled.

“Come here.” She said. He leaned forward and Liz kissed the side of his mouth.

“You had mustard there.” She laughed when he looked at her strangely.

“Ok well you come here then.” He pulled her close and kissed her passionately. He slid his tongue into her mouth smoothly slowly massaging his against hers. Liz couldn’t help but give in. She set down her food and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her. She needed this. Even though they had a lot to talk about right now it was just them having a nice day out. They were just two people in love.

They broke apart and finished their food. After walking around a bit more they headed back to the hotel. Liz knew that this was it, that they would have to talk and her stomach was in knots.

“You all right?” Max asked sensing she was apprehensive about something.

“Yeah I’m fine.” She faked a smile as they rode the elevator up to their room.

“I’m just going to freshen up a bit.” She walked into the bathroom and turned on the faucet. She sat on the edge of the tub with her face in her hands.

“Get it together Liz. Just tell him and get it over with.” She said to herself. She was giving herself a pep talk. Finally she came out to find Max sitting on the edge of the bed flipping through a magazine.

“Sorry I took so long.” she said sitting next to him.

“It’s ok.” He set the magazine aside and made himself comfortable on the bed.

“So I wanted to tell you everything that happened. I want to start from before I left that night.” She looked at him for any signs that he didn’t want her to but he was giving her his full attention.

“Ok.” Was all he said. She crawled up and leaned against the headboard as he was doing.

“So I was trying to leave before you got home that day. He came to my job and told me that he would kill you and Michael if I didn’t meet him. I had to I couldn’t do that to you. When I said those things I didn’t mean them I just had to get away and that was the only way I knew how. You have to believe that I didn’t mean any of it.” She stopped to look at him and make sure he understood. He smiled and nodded for her to continue. He wanted her to get it all out before he said anything.

She continued to tell him everything up until the night of the fight. She didn’t know how to tell him what Jackson did but knew she had to or she would never be free. Max sensed her hesitation and pulled her into his arms.

“I have an idea of what happened and you don’t have to say it out loud if you don’t want to. I love you and I’m sorry that you had to go through this. No one should ever have to feel a man putting his hands on them in that way. I’m glad that it was him and not you that night. I don’t know what I would have done if I had lost you because of that animal. I will help you get through this. Whatever you need me to do I will. If you want time alone I’ll give it to you if you….”

“No I don’t want time alone. I don’t want to be apart from you any longer. I don’t want to be apart ever again.” She snuggled closer to his chest taking in his familiar scent.

“Ok and I promise that we won’t be.” He kissed her temple.

“I do want to say it. I think I need to so I can fully be over it.” She took in a deep breath bracing herself.

“He R-raped me.” She said it and hid her face against his chest. She had never been so ashamed then at that moment even though Max hadn’t said a thing.

“I know and I’m sorry. You never have to worry about him again.” They laid there until the phone rang waking Max from their nap.

Max reached over and answered the phone. “Pronto.”

“Max this is America none of that pronto crap while you’re here.” Maria joked.

“Sorry. What’s up?” He asked not wanting to wake Liz.

“Bella made it back ok. How’s everything going?” She asked.

“Good. We talked.” He slid out of bed and walked to the bathroom so he wouldn’t wake Liz.

“God Maria he raped her. I wish that bastard was alive so I could kill him myself.”

“I know you do but it’s over now. Just be there for her ok?” Maria asked knowing that Max would be.

“You know I will. I’ll talk to you later.”

A few hours later Liz woke up to find Max gone.

“Max?” She called for him but he didn’t answer. She glanced over at the alarm clock and saw that it was only 5PM. When she got up she saw that there was a note on Max’s pillow with her name written with his familiar handwriting.

Il mio amore ho dovuto uscire ed ottenere qualcosa. sarò indietro presto.
(My love I had to go out and get something. I will be back soon)

She folded the letter back up and jumped in the shower. She took a long hot shower her body needed it. When she got out she smelled candles. She walked out of the bathroom and saw that Max had decorated the bed with a heart made out of red rose petals. He put a few white roses in the middle knowing that she preferred white.

There were candles everywhere emanating the soft scent of Fig another one of her favorites. She looked around and didn’t see him anywhere. When she walked towards the bed she saw that there was the all too famous Tiffany box on the pillow.

She didn’t want to open with without him and sat on the edge of the bed instead and waited for him. After a few minutes he came into the room.

“Spiacente. I forgot something.” He held up a bottle of wine.
(Sorry)

“It’s ok I haven’t been waiting long.” She patted the space next to her.

“Did you open your gift?” He asked when he noticed she wasn’t wearing it.

“No I wanted to wait for you to get here.” She got the box and undid the white ribbon slowly. She knew it would drive him crazy her taking so long to open it.

“Come on open it already.” He laughed.

“Ok ok Jeez it’s my gift I can take my time if I want to.” She opened the box and gasped.

“Oh my.” She brought her hands up to her mouth in shock.

“Take it out of the box.” He said when she just sat there staring at it.

“Max this is way too much. I can’t ……I don’t……. it’s just too much.” She didn’t know how to form a full sentence. Inside the box was a heart locket with diamonds all around it. She could tell it was a locket because it was bubbly. It was on a simple platinum chain and that’s what she loved about it. It’s simplicity. There was an inscription on it in Italian: Se viene mai un giorno in cui non possiamo essere insieme mantengalo
nel vostro cuore, Rimarrò per sempre là.
(If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever.)

She read it out loud. “Max it’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“This symbolizes my heart. You stole it the moment I saw you it just took me longer to realize it. Keep this with you always as you always have my heart.” He said full of emotion.

“What would you have done if I wasn’t in the shower when you got back?” She laughed.

“I guess we would have used the candles another time and the flowers as well.” He winked at her and laid her on the bed. They held each other shedding tears and making promises of love to one another.

I honestly don't know where the quote is from. The site i found it (which i can't remember now) didn't list a source. If anyone knows let me know and i'll fix it to give proper credit.

~~ Chapter 19~~
The next morning Liz woke up to the aroma of breakfast.

“Morning sleepyhead.” Max greeted her from the small table in the room.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” She said stretching her arms over her head.

“What, and interrupt the conversation you had going in your sleep? No way.“

“I do not talk in my sleep liar!” She threw a pillow at him.

“Oh yeah you do.”

“What did I say then?” She wondered if she really did talk in her sleep.

“All I heard was Max, Max oh Max. Over and over.”

“Shut up!” She got out of bed and ran over to him.

“Ok I give up. Stop!” She was tickling him.

“That will teach you to mess with me. I’m going to freshen up a little. I’ll be right back.” She walked to the bathroom.

While she was in the bathroom Max thought about going back to Italy. He still had a job that he was starting soon but he didn’t want to push Liz although he didn’t see any reason for her to be here.

“What you thinking about?” She asked when she saw him looking like he was deep in thought.

“What? Oh um nothing.” He stood up and removed the lids off their breakfast.

“Did you order one of everything?” She laughed when she saw all the food.

“Yeah. I was hungry and I thought you would be too since we really didn’t have dinner.”

“True and your right I’m starving.” She grabbed a plate and dug in.

A few minutes into their breakfast Max decided to bring up the subject that was on his mind earlier.

“Liz?” He asked. She was so engrossed in her food he wanted to laugh. She was eating she hadn’t eaten in days.

“ Humm.” Was all she could say since her mouth was full.

“I want to ask you something and I want you to know that I am in no way pressuring you into anything.” He wanted to make sure she knew that.

“Ok what is it?” She swallowed her food. Suddenly she didn’t feel like eating anymore.

“Well I was wondering if you wanted to come back to Italy with me. I don’t know if you want to stay here or if you wanted to go back. Unfortunately I have to go back but if you want to stay here I can make arrangements to come out here it’s just going to take me some time.” He was getting worried when Liz hadn’t said anything. She just sat there and it looked like her eyes were tearing up.

“Max that is the nicest thing anyone has ever offered but I can’t let you do that. Your life is in Italy, your parents are there, Bella is there and most important your job is there. I know that you would never be fully happy here.”

“You’re wrong. Yes my family is there but YOU would be here and you are a part of me now an important part. I can’t stay in Italy with you over here. My heart couldn’t take it.” He caressed her face.

“Then don’t. I’m not staying here. I told you that I didn’t want to be apart from you so I was prepared to go back to Italy with you. I couldn’t stand to be away from you and I couldn’t let you come here. I love you too much to do that.” She leaned in closer to him and kissed his chest.

“Ok well I will make the arrangements I have to get back as soon as possible so I don’t loose the job.” He finished off his coffee and went to make some phone calls.

Liz sat there thinking over the events of the past week. So much has happened but it was now coming full circle. She was going back to Italy back to where she came to life again. It seemed so right.

“Would you mind if I had lunch with Maria today? I want to talk to her before we leave?” Liz asked after Max got off the phone.

“I think that sounds great. I can see the sights with Michael while you are out. Maybe we can all meet up later on.”

“Ok I’m going to jump in the shower then.” She got her stuff and walked to the bathroom.

When she turned the water on she thought back to one of the many times that her and Max showered together. Those were the happiest times of her life.

“Max!” She called out hoping that he heard her. She didn’t want to get out of the shower all wet.

“What’s wrong?” He came into the bathroom after he heard her call.

“Nothing silly. Why don’t you come join me?” She laughed at how protective he was over her but she loved it as well.

“Are you sure?” He was surprised at her request

“Yes.” That’s all it took for Max to strip and join her in the shower. He felt awkward for a minute. He didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to scare her.

Liz made the first move and began to rub the soap between her hands and placed them on Max’s chest. She started with small circles. Max closed his eyes. He missed having her touch him like this.

Still hesitant on what to do he slowly brought her hands around her waist. He wanted to feel her so badly but held back. When he opened his eyes he saw the bruises on her neck up close for the first time. He noticed them before but he saw that there were bruises near her breasts too.

Liz noticed that he was staring at her and soon realized what he was looking at. She turned to face away from him.

“Hey. Look at me.” He turned her around to look at him. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to stare. I’m so sorry that you had to go through all of that. I wish I could make them disappear. I wish I had some sort of powers to erase all of it.” He said feeling helpless. He thought of how she felt when she saw the marks on her body.

“I know you do and thank you for that. I don’t want to talk about it anymore if you don’t mind.”

“Sorry I won’t bring it up again.” He pulled her flush against him. She leaned up and placed a kiss on his cheek. She then moved and placed kisses on his chest gently biting his nipple.

“God Liz I want you so bad but not like this. Not here amore.” He wanted to wait and be in a bed with her. As much as he wanted her he wanted to do it right.

Liz understood but still wanted to feel him. She reached down and wrapped her hand around his now hardened member. She wanted to make him feel good and slowly moved to kneel down in front of him.

“Liz.” He hissed.

“Shhh let me. Please.” She looked up and him and smiled. He nodded his head. She slowly licked his mushroom head loving the taste of him. When she fully took him in she heard his gasp and smiled slightly. She loved making him feel good.

“Liz I don’t want to.”

“I want to Max.” She moved her head back and for the slowly at first until she felt Max begin to move his hips slowly settling into an even rhythm.

Once they were done they dried each other off and got dressed. Liz called Maria to let her know she was ready.

“Ok I should be back in a few hours. Then maybe we can do something before dinner.” She was sitting on his lap while he sat on the bed.

“Sounds good to me.” He placed soft kisses on her neck while they waited for Maria to get there.

“So what are you guys going to do?” She asked rolling her head from side to side loving the feel of his butterfly kisses.

“I don’t know I guess whatever Michael wants to do.” He said between kisses.

“Well I’m sure you will have fun.” She started off placing a soft kiss on his lips but it soon turned heated. Max gently placed her on the bed and they were soon wrapped up in each other. They were interrupted when they heard knocking on the door. Max had pulled Liz’s shirt off and her hair was a mess. She quickly got up and tried to fix herself before opening the door. She looked back at Max and held back a laugh. He was quickly trying to straighten out his clothes and hair.

“What took you so long? The room isn’t that big.” Maria asked with a hand on her hip.

“Oh um we didn’t um hear the uh.” She knew Maria wasn’t buying it and decided to just stop.

“Let’s just go.” Liz suggested.

“Hi Max.” Maria said with a grin. “Michael will be here in a few.” She said before her and Liz left.

~~

“Ok so spill I want full details don’t you dare leave a thing out.” Maria said after they ordered their food.

“There’s really nothing to say. I told him everything and he listened. I‘ve decided to go back to Italy with him as soon as possible.”

“Ok that sounded way too simple. What did he say when you told him?” She stirred some sugar into her iced tea waiting for Liz to spill.

“He didn’t need to say anything really but he listened to me and told me that he was there for me and that he loved me no matter what.” She pulled her hair up into a loose ponytail.

“Oh my God! I can’t believe I didn’t see that before! When did you get that?” Maria had leaned forward to look at the locket closer.

“He gave it to me yesterday.” Liz was blushing.

“Well take it off so I can see it better!”

“Ok ok.” Liz shook her head and took the necklace off.

“Wow I have to say he has good taste. I wish Michael would get me something like this.” They both laughed knowing that it wasn’t his style as much as he loved Maria.

“Ok what does this say?” She asked looking at the inscription.

Liz told her what it said. “Ugh you guys make me sick. No only does he give you and expensive gift but he has something so romantic inscribed. I hope Max gives Michael some pointers this afternoon.” She gave the locket back to Liz.

“Maria stop it. You know that Michael isn’t like that. He gives you gifts anyway so what are you talking about?”

“I know he does but only on holidays or birthdays. I wish he would give me something just because you know?” She took a sip of her drink.

“Maria take it from someone who knows it could be much worse. Michael is a good guy but if you are not happy then you need to talk to him. It’s not good to keep things in.”

“Your right. He is a good guy and I love him I really do.” Maria smiled knowing that Liz was right.

“Ok so on to happier things. Are you excited about going back to Italy?” Their food finally came and conversation stopped for a few seconds.

“Yeah I am. I can’t wait to get out of the city. I am going to miss you though.” She just realized that she wouldn’t see Maria for a while now that she left.

“Well you can come visit or better yet I can come visit you guys.” Maria was sad as well but knew it was what Liz needed.

“Yeah I guess your right.” They ate their lunch and headed off the 5th avenue to do some shopping. Liz didn’t have any clothes and had been wearing Maria’s.

~~

“So did you guys talk?” Michael took Max to the Whitney museum. He knew it was nothing like the ones in Italy but he figured he would enjoy it.

“Yes she told me what happened.” Max was walking around noticing how different things were from Italy.

“Yeah Maria told me what he did to her.” Michael said still angry over what happened. When Maria told him he punched the wall. He couldn’t believe that she lived through that.

“She’s doing better now I think. We are going back to Italy soon. Hopefully when we get there she will forget all about what happened.”

“Listen I want to thank you for being there for her like this. I know that you love her but you’ve had to go through this too and I know it’s been hell for you.”

“I’d do it again a thousand times. I love her nothing will ever change that.”

“Good to hear. I’m glad that you guys got together.” Michael laughed.

“Me too. I have you to thank for that. If you had been home that day then we would have never talked and well you know the rest.” Max laughed thinking back to the day he got drunk and told her she was beautiful.

“Come on let’s get something to eat before you get all mushy on me.” Michael put his arm around Max’s shoulders and they walked out of the museum.

~~

Alright I think you have enough shoes for the next year Maria.” Liz laughed but she was tired of shopping for shoes.

“You can never have enough shoes or purses.” Maria said and pulled her into yet another shoe store.

“Maria come on. I don’t need shoes I want to shop for some clothes can we please go to a store that has more then shoes?” Liz sat down waiting for Maria to finish up.

“Fine big baby. Let’s his Saks next I need a new purse anyways.” Liz rolled her eyes and waited.

After a few more hours of shopping they all met at the hotel.

“Jeez Maria did you leave anything on the racks?” Michael asked when they walked into the hotel room.

“It’s not that much stuff, I was in a rush.” She placed her bags on the bed sorting everything out making sure Liz had everything she bought.

“So you guys up for dinner at my place tonight? Noting fancy I just want to spend some time with you guys before you head off to the other side of the world.” Maria asked.

“Sounds good to me.” Max said looking at Liz to make sure it was ok with her.

“ Ok so 7 sound good?” Michael said planning the menu in his head.

“That’s fine.” Liz wanted some alone time with Max.

“Alone at last.” Max said pulling her to sit on his lap.

“What did you do today?” She asked.

“Nothing much we went to the Whitney and grabbed some lunch. What about you although I think I know what you did.”

“Yeah we basically ate and shopped.” She laughed

“I’m glad you had a good time.”

“Yeah I did. I’m going to miss Maria but I can’t wait to get back to Italy. I can’t wait to get back to our lives.”

“Me either. Speaking of Italy we have to be back in a week. I have to meet with my new boss’ and sort everything out with the move. I’m sorry it’s such short notice.”

“It’s ok. The sooner we get back the better.” She starting taking her things out of the bags and placing them in her suitcase she picked up.

“Max?” She asked when a thought popped in her head.

“Yes?”

“Do you think Bella will tell your parents? You know about what happened?” She wondered if she really would do that.

“No she wouldn’t do that. She really has changed.” He waited for her to finish with her clothes before pulling her down to the bed to lay next to him.

“Yes she has hasn’t she? I’m glad that she came it really meant a lot to me after well you know.”

“Yes I know but let’s not think of that ok?” They spent the next few hours talking about the future and how things would be once they went back to Italy. They would fly to Rome to pack Max’s things then head to Florence. They talked about Liz going back to work and decided to just take things one at a time. Max didn’t want her to jump into anything unless she was ready.

As they were getting ready to go to Maria’s Max remembered that he has something else to give to Liz. He took the box out of his bag and placed it on the table next to the bed.

When she came out of the bathroom she saw Max sitting on the edge of the bed putting his shoes on.

“You look beautiful.” He said when he looked up. She was wearing a dark blue knee length dress with matching shoes.

“Thank you.” She smiled and went to spray some perfume on.

“What’s this?” She asked and picked up the box.

“It’s yours.” He had a huge smile on his face knowing she would be surprised when she opened it.

“Max you’ve done enough already. You didn’t have to get me anything else.” She said and slowly opened the box. When she saw what was inside tears started rolling down her face.

“I had to get it back to it rightful owner.” He said wiping the tears from her face.

“God I love you.” She placed the ring that he had given her in Italy back on her finger and enveloped him in a tight embrace.

“Ok let’s go before Maria gets mad.” The both laughed and headed to Maria’s place.

“Hey you guys are late.” Mara joked.

“Sorry.” They walked to the living room where Michael was watching TV.

“Hey you guys are finally here.” He looked up and turned the TV off.

“Liz before I forget there is a package here for you.” She handed her a Fed-Ex box.

“I wonder what this is?” She said and opened the box. Inside was a copy of Jackson’s last will and testament.

“I didn’t even think about this.” She sat down and read through the papers. According to his will and their marriage papers she would get the house, cars as well as any monies in the bank accounts and any stocks or bonds that he had.

“What is it?” Max asked and took a seat next to her.

“It’s his will. I basically get everything.” She snorted.

“Really. How much?” Maria asked getting a glare from Liz.

“Sorry but after what he put you through it’s only right that you get everything he had.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“It doesn’t matter because I don’t want any of it. I’m selling everything and giving it to a woman’s shelter.”

“That’s a really good idea.” Max put his arms around her knowing that it hit close to home for her.

“Ok well let’s eat then huh?” Maria said sensing that the mood had turned somber.

The dinner went smoothly. They talked about Italy and about getting together soon. Liz was sad to leave Maria and Michael but she knew that she didn’t want to stay and have Max leave. After coffee and a few drinks Max and Liz said their goodbyes and went back to the hotel.

~~

“I’m going to call a real estate agent tomorrow and get things going. I’m going have to have Michael take care of things since I probably won‘t sell before we leave.” Liz said while getting ready for bed.

“I’m sure he will be happy to help. I really think it’s great what you are doing with the money.” He slipped on a t-shirt and slid under the covers.

“I just want to finally be done with all of this and move on.” She snuggled up to his chest.

“I know baby.” He kissed her forehead and drifted off to sleep.

~~
“What do you think she will do?” He asked the man sitting across from him.

“I don’t know I guess we wait and see what happens. I have someone at the bank that will let me know what happens with the account. I have to wait and see what she does with the house.” He lit his cigar and took a drag.

“You think she will sell it?” He asked.

“Don’t know. We just have to be patient. If she does decide to sell it you know what to do.” He put his feet up on the desk and leaned back in his executive chair blowing smoke rings in the air.

“Yeah boss I know.” He knew his order’s and would carry them out to the letter.

“Good now get out I have some business of my own to take care of” He waited for the man to leave before he spread out some pictures that were in a large envelope.

“I have a feeling this is going to be very enjoyable for me.” He smirked to himself and placed the pictures back in the envelope.

I'm trying to end this on chapter 20 but it's looking like it might be 21 instead. I hope you guys liked it. Thanks for reading and for the Feedbacks

Humm so the million dollar question is Jackson REALLY dead????? And who is the mysterious guy??? Thank's for the Feedbacks. I'm trying to end this and tie up loose ends without dragging things out so i'm not sure if there are one or two more parts left. Everytime i think i'm done i go back and add something. Anywho hope you guys like this part.

~~Chapter 20~~
Two days later Liz and Max met Michael at the realtors office. Maria had to work so they decided to have dinner together again that night.

“ I want to sell it as soon as possible even if it’s under market price” She said to the realtor.

“Whatever you wish but I advise that you wait and get the full amount the market is really good right now in that area and I’m sure you could get a good price.” Steve the realtor said

“Look she just wants to get rid of the house. Bad memories and all.” Michael was getting annoyed.

“I see. Ok well let’s go have a look at the property they we can get the paperwork started.” He gathered his things and drove with them to the property.

Michael had made some calls the day before and made sure that the police tape was taken off and that the house was cleared of any signs of what happened there. He had all of Liz’s things packed up and sent to Maria’s in case she wanted any of it. He didn’t want Liz to see any of what had happened there.

When they pulled up to the house Max held Liz’s hand tighter. He sensed that she was nervous and wanted her to know he was there for her. They got out of the car and headed inside. The realtor looked around but soon noticed that Liz wasn’t with them. It was just he and Michael.

Liz tried to walk through the house but couldn’t. As soon as she walked in she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She felt like she was having a panic attack and just froze. Max took her back to the car.

“It’s ok you don’t have to ever go back there again.” He smoothed her hair and rubbed her back in comfort.

“ I didn’t think it would be this hard. I thought I could just walk back in there like nothing.” She laughed to herself.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s over now. This is the last time you have to see this house again.” He smiled at her and leaned against the car with Liz between his legs while they waited for Michael and the realtor.

“ Well it looks like everything is in good condition and based on sales in the surrounding area I‘m sure we can get a good price. Let’s head back to the office and sign the paperwork so we can get this house sold.” They headed downstairs and met up with Max and Liz.

“ She ok?” Michael asked Max quietly.

“Yeah. She’s fine now.” They got into the car and headed back to the realtors office. No one noticed the black sedan that was parked across the street or the man that got out and walked up to the house.

~~

Once the paperwork was signed Michael headed off to an appointment he had at a local art gallery. Max and Liz decided to have a light lunch.

After lunch they took a cab to see the statue of liberty since Max was sort of a tourist. As they were boarding the ferry Liz felt her cell phone vibrate. She pulled it out and looked at the caller ID. She didn’t recognize the number and decided to let it go to voicemail. She wanted to enjoy her day with Max.

“Why didn’t you answer it?” Max asked as they walked towards the front of the ferry.

“I didn’t recognize the number. They’ll leave a message. I want to enjoy our day.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon at Ellis island. It took them about an hour to reach the top of the Statue of Liberty but the time they walked down Max was out of breath.

“ I need a cigarette.” He said trying to catch his breath.

“That’s about the last thing you need right now.” She laughed at him.

“Your right.” He put the pack back in his pocket.

On the way back Liz decided to check her Voicemail. The message was from the realtor saying that they had a cash offer and the buyer wanted to close as soon as possible.

“ Can you believe the house sold already? He said that he got a call from someone and that they had cash when he met them at the house. They even took all the furniture.”

“I’m glad. Now it’s all over.” He held open the door for her as they got into a cab.

They signed the paperwork and would need to wait to get the money wired to Liz’s account. Then she would write the check to a local women’s shelter.

~~
Steve met with the buyer at the house. They would finish the transaction there. He wondered why this man was so eager to buy the house but in the end he didn’t really care. As long as he got his commission.

When he pulled up he saw a black BMW with dark tinted windows. He figured it was the buyer and walked closer to the vehicle. A tall slender man wearing dark aviator sunglasses stepped out of the back seat.

“Hello I’m Steve Davis.” He introduced himself.

“Is everything in order?” He said not taking off his sunglasses nor shaking Steve’s hand.

“Yes sir.” He pulled out a green folder and pointed to where he would have to sign. The man signed and handed him a cashiers check for the full amount of the house plus extra for the furnishings.

“Nice doing business with you Mr. Winterbourne.” He had to look down at the contract to get the man’s name. He bought the house under a corporation and signed off as an officer of the company.

“It was my pleasure.” He said as he grabbed the keys to his purchase.

When Steve drove off he noticed that the black car drove off as well.

“That’s strange. He didn’t even go in. He hasn’t seen the inside of the house but he paid cash for it?” Steve thought as he drove back to his office.

“Make the call, tell him that the deal is done and phase two will begin shortly.” The man said to the driver.

~~
It was Max and Liz’s last night in New York and they decided to see a show on Broadway and then have a quiet dinner. They would head to Maria’s afterwards for some drinks before catching a flight the next morning.

The farewell dinner was bittersweet. Liz and Maria cried a few times. Michael had a talk with Max while the girls were preparing dessert in the kitchen.

“You know that Liz is the most important thing in my life besides Maria. Take good care of her.” Michael said

“I know. I will.”

“I’m going to look into what happened with the body. Something isn’t right with that. I don’t want Liz to have to deal with this anymore. I will keep you updated.”

“Thanks. I think that something is not right as well. I just want the whole thing to go away.” Max took out a cigarette and walked to the balcony.

“As soon as you get there give us a call. I just want to make sure that everything is ok.” Michael joined him outside.

“We will. I hope you and Maria can come out and see us soon. I don’t think Liz will want to come here anytime soon.”

“No I don’t think so either.” Michael laughed.

They had their dessert out on the balcony. When it was time to really say goodbye the waterworks started. Max and Michael smiled each knowing how the girls felt.

“Call me. Call me everyday ok?” Maria said through tears.

“I will you call me too ok?” Liz said wiping her own tears off her face.

“Ok let’s make this short and sweet.” Michael said getting a swat from Maria.

“Take care you of your self ok?” He said while hugging Liz.

“I will. Be nice to Maria ok?” She laughed.

Max hugged Maria and gave Michael a brief hug and they left waving goodbye as they got on the elevator.

~~
“Everything is in order. Yes I know what needs to be done. I’m on my way over there in a few days. I have a feeling this is going to be the best assignment yet.” He smirked as he walked around the house. He went to the master bedroom and located the safe. Entering the pass code he pulled the door opened and retrieved a manila envelope.

“Perfect.” He said closing the safe.

~~
Max and Liz boarded the plane early the next morning. Once they got on Liz laid down on the bench that was to the back of the plane.

“I’m so tired.” she whined.

“I know baby. Sleep we have a long flight.” He placed a blanket around her and sat so that her head was resting on his lap.

~~1 month later~~

Liz and Max had moved into the apartment they saw when they were in Florence. Liz was busy unpacking and decorating the house with Bella’s help on the weekends. Max was busy with a new exhibit that was coming to the gallery and spent most of his time there. He felt bad for not being able to help out around the house more but Liz was thankful. It kept her busy and kept her mind off what happened.

Her and Max made it a habit of having dinner at his parents house on Tuesday’s with Bella. Liz and Bella had grown closer and Max was happy about that. He was worried that with him not being around nor Maria or Michael that she would get depressed. Bella would come up on her days off and on weekends to keep Liz company and to help her out with the house.

~~
Max was going over the final details for the show that was opening up in a few days.

“Massimilio do you have a moment?” Antonio his boss asked.

“Sure.” He put the papers down and stood up.

“I want you to meet your new assistant Mia Valentino.” A tall brunette stepped from behind Antonio.

“It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Evans I look forward to working with you.” She shook Max’s hand.

“Nice meeting you to.” Max didn’t know he was getting an assistant nor that he needed one and looked at Antonio puzzled. He had never worked with an assistant before and didn’t feel comfortable around Mia for some reason.

“Antonio can I have a word with you please. Excuse us.” He said to Mia as they walked to Antonio’s office.

“Since when do I need an assistant?” Max asked when they shut the door.

“Since the owner’s niece graduated with a major in art history.” That should have explained it all to Max.

“Well I don’t like it. I’ve always worked alone.”

“I know Max but just try and make the best of it would you?” Antonio patted his shoulder.

“Why me? I’m sure there are other places she could work.” He asked.

“She asked for this department and since you run it she‘s working with you.” Antonio smiled.

“Oh great.” Max thought as he went back to his office.

When he walked in he saw that Mia was looking at a picture he had on his desk.

“Is this your wife?” She asked placing a picture of he and Liz back on his desk.

“No it’s my girlfriend.” He answered annoyed that she was looking through his things.

“Oh good.” She said softly but Max heard her.

“So do I call you Mr. Evans or Massimilio?” She sat on the edge of his desk crossing her legs slowly.

“Max is fine.” He walked around her and took his place behind his desk.

“Ok Max so where should I sit?” She hoped she would be working in his office. There was room enough for another desk.

“There is an office next door. You can take that one for now.” He noticed the smile disappear and held back a chuckle.

When she walked out he leaned back in his chair looking at Liz’s picture. They had been through hell but in the end it was worth it. They were happier now and closer then ever. He knew that nothing would come between them.

~~
Liz had been busy preparing Max’s favorite meal. He called to tell her that he would be home at a normal hour so she wanted to make something nice for him. She also thought it was time for them to be intimate again. Since the shower they shared in the hotel they hadn’t been. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to but she was scared. When Max would start to kiss her neck she would freeze up. He was being patient with her and would hold her when she cried. He told her that she cold take her time that he would wait for however long it took her. Tonight was that night. Liz had thought about it and enough was enough. Jackson was still controlling her life from the grave. It was exactly what he wanted.

She set up candles all around the fully decorated house. There were fresh flowers all around also. She heard the clatter of his keys and rushed to greet him at the door.

“Hello beautiful.” He kissed her softly then placed his briefcase down. “What’s all this?”

“I wanted to surprise you. You haven’t been home for dinner in weeks.” She said taking his jacket off and hanging it up for him.

“I know baby. Spaciente.”

“Don’t be sorry. Come sit down everything is ready.” She led him to the newly decorated dining room.

“Smells good.” He took a seat and smiled to himself when he saw her rushing back and for the bringing the food out.

“I hope you like it. I made the sauce from scratch.” She made shrimp alfredo for him.

“It smells wonderful. I’m sure I’ll love it.” She served each of them and sat with him to eat.

“So are you ready for the new exhibit?”

“Yeah everything is pretty much good to go. I just want it to be over with already.” He poured himself a glass of wine.

“When in the opening again? I want to make sure that I have my dress by then?”

“It’s a week from today.”

They ate the rest of their meal and Liz told Max that they were having dessert in their bedroom.

“Why in the bedroom?” He asked wondering what the heck was going on.

“Just trust me.” She led him to the bedroom where she had whipped cream, strawberries and melted chocolate set up near the bed. There were more candles lit.

“Liz.” Max said and turned to her capturing her lips in a heated kiss.

“Max. I’m ready.” She looked into his eyes and knew that he knew what she meant by that.

“Are you sure?” He asked looking into her eyes for any signs of her being unsure.

“Without any doubt.” She pulled her tank top off exposing her breasts to him.

She stepped closer to him and began to unbutton his shirt. He didn’t want to do anything to make her upset and stopped himself from doing anything.

“You can touch me.” She said sensing that he was scared to do anything.

He wearily brought up his hand to cup her breast. He gently pulled on her nipple bringing it to a hardened peak.

Liz’s hands weren’t idle as she stripped Max of his shirt and pants. He was standing in his boxers and Liz could see his erection. She smiled and gently cupped his sac. She then pushed him backwards to the bed. He fell back with Liz landing softly on top of him. She began to kiss his neck softly taking the occasional small nip causing him to groan in pleasure.

Max cupped her bottom with one hand while the other stroked her back. He brought his head to her breasts and began to suck and pull. Liz let out a moan and Max smiled happy that she was comfortable. He nudged her slightly so that they were both on their sides facing each other. He kissed her thoroughly making her lips slightly puffy.

“Conocete quato ti amo?” He asked but it was more of a statement
(do you know how much I love you?)

“Si.” She said breathlessly as he was sucking on her nipple.

“Siete il mio amore, la mia vita. Adore voi” He said between kisses
(You are my love, my life. I adore you)

“As do I.” She looked into his eyes letting him know that it was true.

“Non li danneggerò mai”
(I will never hurt you)

“ I know. Make love to me please. I need you……I need to feel you.” She couldn’t wait any longer.

He flipped her over hovering above her looking for an signs of discomfort. When he saw her smile he rubbed his member between her folds and entered her in one swift motion cause them to moan in delight.

He went slow watching her to make sure she was comfortable. This was about her and helping her heal. The minute he saw anything wrong he would stop.

“I’m fine. I need more.” She said when she saw that he was going slow.

Not wanting to displease her he pushed in further filler her up completely. He leaned closer and kissed her. She began to move her hips letting him know that she wanted him to quicken his pace and he did.

She hooked her legs around his waist needing to feel more of him. She wanted him to fill her like only he could. Not once did she think about what happened to her. Her thoughts were of the man above her. The man that loved her so purely.

Soon they were reaching their peaks. Both glistening with sweat went over the edge.

Spent he laid next to her pulling her closer to him. He making lazy circles on her back.

“Are you ok?” He asked

“Yes. I’m great.” She said with a smile.

“ We never had our dessert.” Max said making them both laugh. An hour later they got out of bed and finally had their dessert followed by round two.

~~
Back in Rome Tessa had wondered what happened to Mr. Cayne. She was upset that he left without calling her or letting her know he was leaving. She tried to find out where he went to no avail. He had left as fast as he came.

She had been feeling sick for the past week and finally decided to see a doctor.

“We have the results of you test.” The doctor came in.

“Was it something I ate?” She asked since she had felt nauseous for the past week.

“No.” He laughed.

“Well what is it?” She asked annoyed by the smirk on his face.

“Congratulations are in order. Your pregnant.” Tessa’s mouth literally dropped.

“No that can’t be. Do the test again cause there is no way I’m pregnant.”

“We can do it again if you’d like but you are pregnant.” The doctor said wondering why she seemed upset. Most women were happy to get this news.

Tessa didn’t know what to think. She grabbed her purse and ran out of the office.

“Why did this happen now? Why couldn’t I have gotten pregnant when I was with Max?” She thought as she drove home. She had no way to contact Jackson and hadn’t seen Max in so long she couldn’t make him believe it was his. She was stuck.

“What the hell am I supposed to do now?” She thought. She wished she had a girlfriend to talk to. She picked up the phone several times to call someone but had no one to call. She suddenly realized that she was all alone in the world. That’s when she realized that she had to have this baby. She had no one; at lest she would have a child to love her.