Rating: R-NC17 for language and sexual content
Disclaimer: I don't own The OC or any thing from it.

Chapter 1

Taking in a deep breath the figure shifts as they try to get more comfortable in their rested state.

The door opens before the newcomer comes in and quietly closes the door. Sitting on the bed Marissa whispers out.

"Are you awake? Alex?" From the small glow she sees as the blonde opens her eyes, she can tell that she's awake. Alex sits up and backs against the headboard.

"Shouldn't you be asleep? It's," Alex looks at the clock, "nearly 2 am."

"Yeah, about that," Marissa gently bites her bottom lip. "I was thinking maybe we could go out."

"It's already pass your curfew. Your father said-" The other girl cuts her off.

"Oh, come on. I haven't been out all week and really, other people get to stay out way longer than I do."

"Other people also aren't the daughter of Jimmy and Julie Cooper."

Jutting out her bottom lip and mustering up the most pathetic voice she can, Marissa asks again. "Please, Alex? I'm begging you."

Shaking her head Alex relents. "Fine, but only for a couple of hours."

"Excellent! You get dressed and I'll wait for you in my room."

Letting out a sight she watches the other girl go before throwing the covers off and quickly gets ready.

Once she's done she goes to Marissa's room and silently motions her to follow and the brunette rolls her eyes.

It seemed the blonde never took a break, constantly working, so much so that Marissa thought her to be anal retentive about it at times.

"You know, you don't have to act like you're always on the job."

Alex smiles at her. "You are my job."

Reaching her bike, she hands Marissa the spare helmet before they both hop on and Alex takes her to a local club.

Coming back to the table, Alex hands Marissa her drink and sits down.

"So, what'd you get?" Marissa nod to the other girls cup.

"Water."

Marissa rolls her eyes. It doesn't affect Alex. She's used to having her do it towards her at least once daily.

"You need to lighten up, Kelly. Relax a little." In response, Alex unzips her jacket, sits back and smiles.

"Funny. I'm gonna go dance. Try not to have too much fun without me."

Alex watches as she goes, effortlessly mixing with the crowd. In truth she didn't mind their late night excursions. Although the younger girl wasn't actually allowed to be out this late, Alex thought she deserved. It wasn't easy being part of one of the most important families in the country if not the world. Her father, Jimmy Cooper, was one of the main reason such great technology of their time even existed and that it got to other parts of the world. He also dealt with secret national security. Her mother, Julie Cooper, was involved diplomatic relations and was one of the world's top negotiators. Though she was well known everyone liked to call her 'The Hidden Ace'.

From the time Marissa was born she always had someone watching over her. Making sure there was no one around who could take advantage of the Cooper's most prized possession. Her parents were great and they did a lot to help the world, however that meant that their daughter had to live a somewhat sheltered life. Not being able to go out whenever she pleased like other teens, having to have everything combed over by security, not being able to go to certain places because it was an easy way for others to take her, hurt her or worse.

Alex knew that it could get hard for her and she wanted the brunette to experience a little freedom and have fun. And this is why she didn't mind them sneaking out every once in a while. Still, protecting the other girl was always her number one priority. Reminding herself of that she looked up to see that a small group has formed around Marissa and her two dance partners. Even though she's still dancing, Alex didn't think she looked too comfortable with the situation she may have gotten herself into.

Walking into the group she asks if the other girl is okay and receives a nod.

"Yeah, but maybe we could go get a drink?"

"Sure." Smiling, Alex starts to pull her away from the group. Feeling resistance she turns around to see one of the dancers pulling Marissa back.

"Back off, friend."

"I'm not your friend and I'm not finished dancing with her." The words slur out of his mouth, almost completely unrecognizable.

As he pulls on Marissa once more, Alex grabs his hand forcing him to let go. She moves the other girl behind her and applies more pressure to his hand, bending it at the wrist.

He falls to his knees trying to lessen the pain.

"Touch her again and you'll walk away with a stump." Placing her foot on his chest she forces him back and he falls to the ground. She takes Marissa's hand and escorts her to the bar.

The group has been quiet the entire time watching what happened. As the blonde walks away they pick up their friend and he tries to salvage what bit of dignity he has left.

"Who the fuck does she think she is? I'm not gonna fucking take that!" He tells the group. "Neither are you. Kill this bitch!" The urging of their friend is enough to put them in action.

Alex, hearing the angry shouts, lets out a sigh before turning to meet the group on the floor. There are six of them total and they surround the blonde. They were all drunk and could barely stand straight, but they had a numbers advantage.

"Don't suppose we could talk about this?" A few of the guys pull out a knives. "Yeah, didn't think so."

As the first comes rushing towards her she does a back kick that sends him clear across the room. The loud crash grabs the attention of all the other clubbers. It doesn't take long for more of her attackers to run in. Most were put down within seconds, their drunken state clearly a greater hinderance than they could handle. Alex turned around and told Marissa that it was time for them to go. As they walk away she can feel one of them coming behind them. She quickly reaches into her jacket and turns around. The gun aimed squarely between his eye.

"Let. It. Go." He backs off. They leave the club. "You know your parents will find out about this, right?"

"I'm so screwed."