Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, LA Medical Center ~

JoAnna, Jeff, Sarah and Aiden went to visit Bridgette in the hospital right away. JoAnna was very concerned and felt guilty that Bridgette got hurt because of her.

Jeff told JoAnna to get a checkup herself. She threw a fit while claiming that she is just fine. He didn\'t want to upset her further, so he backed down, but only after JoAnna promised that if she feels any discomfort, she will subject herself to a checkup.

They entered VIP room where Bridgette was staying. Steve was with her.

JoAnna was relieved that Bridgette was her cheerful self, even though Steve\'s expression was not very good. It was obvious that he was concerned about her.

 "Don\'t blame yourself. It\'s not your fault.", Bridgette comforted JoAnna when she heard her apologizing repeatedly. "Besides, I\'m fine. There is nothing wrong with me. Doctors only want to make sure everything is OK by keeping me overnight. I will be back to work tomorrow morning."

JoAnna was grateful for Bridgette\'s words. It did make her feel better knowing that Bridgette is not blaming her. But she wanted Bridgette to take rest before resuming work. "No. Take at least one day off. Take as much as you need. And we will make sure that Steve can accompany you as much as possible."

Jeff confirmed that Steve can take next day off as well and take care of Bridgette.

Bridgette was concerned about JoAnna and wanted to know what she went through.

JoAnna shortly explained how she was held in a warehouse, and that worst part was when she woke up on top of a smelly blanket full of animal hairs. She ended with a statement that she didn\'t suffer.

"Didn\'t suffer?" Sarah laughed. "That is one way to put it. When we reached there, her kidnapers were tied up, medicated, and she was interrogating them!"

"It was not an interrogation… we were just talking.", JoAnna defended herself.

They laughed. It was nice to laugh and release some stress after such a hectic day.

Bridgette admired JoAnna more after hearing what she went through. JoAnna omitted many details, but Bridgette knows that it\'s not a simple thing to overturn a situation where a tied up victim suddenly starts interrogating her kidnapers.

JoAnna looked at Bridgette and smiled, but internally she told herself to make sure to get revenge. That Enrique will not be let of easily. JoAnna really felt like she let Bridgette down by putting her in such danger.

They didn\'t stay long since doctor said that Bridgette should rest.

Before they left, Bridgette reminded them not to mention this to Felix. She does not want to worry him, and she is OK.

…

JoAnna and Sarah suggested to meet for dinner and Jeff and Aiden didn\'t object. But it was still early, so they each went to their apartment to freshen up and rest a bit.

"Jeff will make a reservation. We will let you know when and where to show up… plan in about two hours." JoAnna left Sarah and Aiden with these words in front of their apartment building.

Two of them watched car with Jeff and JoAnna drive away before heading upstairs.

Sarah and Aiden started looking into phones that they took from Enrique. They also did a deep search in Enrique\'s past and present businesses, finances, contacts, friends and family. They know that Jeff will not let him off easily, and they will provide him with necessary information to plan his moves.

…

In Jeff\'s and JoAnna\'s penthouse, two of them showered together. They washed each other with slow, deliberate movements, savoring every touch. Two of them were happy that they are together and able to do these simple things, but the heavy atmosphere was difficult to disperse.

"I\'m sorry…", Jeff could not hold it in anymore. "It\'s my job to keep you safe. And I messed up."

"I\'m not a weak girl." JoAnna saw that his expression became darker. She does not like when he is like this… stubborn.

"I\'m not weak, but that does not mean I don\'t expect you to keep me safe." JoAnna saw that Jeff\'s guard dropped a bit. She was happy that her words are reaching him, so she continued: "I want to keep you safe as well… we should keep each other safe… I don\'t want to see you taking all the burden on yourself. When I accepted to marry you, I accepted half of everything you have. And that includes all good things and all bad ones. I hope you know that I\'m not your weakness. I am your strength… Just how you are mine."

Jeff looked into her deep blue eyes and smiled. He was touched by her words. She sees him as her strength… He likes that. Jeff has to admit that JoAnna can take care of herself, and she can take care of him as well. And she is right: they should take care of each other.

Since she came into his life, he exposed his heart, and in return he never felt this alive. The vigor and joy she brings into his life is making him stronger. Doesn\'t that make her his strength? That, and the fact that she can shoot off people\'s limbs with a rifle. And that she can manipulate people\'s bodies with her medical concoctions. And that she can come up with ways to chase away girls who are lusting after him. Oh, and her ninja-like skills of descending buildings.

When Jeff thought of all this, he can\'t deny that JoAnna is quite scary and awesome… and his.

JoAnna was happy to see that she reached him.

She was sure that his dark eyes became darker. His gaze was so intense that she forgot to breathe.

At the same time Jeff lowered his head and JoAnna got on her toes, and their lips connected. Her arms reached up and wrapped around his neck while his went down and cupped her behind, lifting her and supporting her thighs around him.

JoAnna twitched when her back hit the cold wall tiles of the shower enclosure, while Jeff\'s firm chest pressed on her front.

They exchanged ravenous kisses while inhaling each other\'s breaths.

Jeff realized that he might be pushing JoAnna into intimacy she is not ready for. After all, she was kidnapped, and it must have been a very stressful experience even though it ended well.

He inched away and spoke into her lips with a low voice: "Anna, I\'m going to make love to you now. Let me know if you want me to stop."

JoAnna breathed heavily. "If you stop now, I might die…"

With a sharp move of his hips he was inside her. JoAnna\'s arms and legs clamped around Jeff\'s hard body, pulling him closer while his every thrust pushed them closer to ecstasy.

JoAnna heard herself scream his name, as if it came from far away. Her body wanted to arch, but she was trapped between the wall and Jeff\'s body, and he was still not done. She was breathless, and lightheaded, and she thought she is going to pass out when she heard him stifle a groan as he shuddered while his release filled her up.

Jeff supported JoAnna as he helped her wash up while kissing her gently.

When last bits of shower gel were rinsed away, he wrapped her in a towel and carried her into the bed.

Jeff cradled JoAnna in his arms and whispered how much he loves her, and she smiled.