"Nicole, seriously we have to go." Adam yelled up the stairs to his sister. He was going to meet Joe for his weekly fix and Nicole begged him to take her along. She hadn't seen Joe all week, due to her school work. Joe was trying to get back on Billy's good side, so he had been working extra hard delivering packages for him all week, making their time together put on hold.

"I'm gonna leave you guys here and go by myself." Adam looked over at Rachel. She laughed at his impatience.

"She hasn't seen Joe all week Adam. She wants to make sure she looks good." Adam sighed threw his nose and put his head against the wall.

"Sorry about your mom."

"Thank you." She lowered her eyes to the floor. She didn't want to think about her mother right now. She just wanted to have a nice night with her friends.

"Ok, I'm ready! Let's go." Nicole ran past them out the front door. Adam and Rachel followed. They drove to an abandoned playground about ten minutes from The Four Roses. They pulled into the parking lot and waited. Headlights came into view and a car pulled up next to them. Joe got out of the passengers seat, while Mike got out of the drivers seat. Rachel's eyes widened. She leaned forward to Nicole.

"Did you know he was coming?" Nicole looked back at Rachel smiling.

"Joe didn't even know I was coming." She got out of the car and ran to Joe. When he realized Nicole was there he grabbed her and spun her around kissing her. Rachel slowly got out of the car, her eyes trying to avoid Mikes. Did he know why Billy had really accused him of stealing his drugs?

"Yo Mike!"

"What's up Adam? Long time no see." Mike looked over to Rachel. She was leaning against Adam's car with her arms crossed over her chest looking down at the floor. He walked over to her.

"I was hoping to see you again." He was standing in front of her now. She looked up and smiled.

"Me too." Mike was so good looking, with the whole punk rocker look going on. He carried the look well. His dirty blond hair was a messy mop on top of his head. His eyes were bright under the street lamps. He really had an amazing smile.

"So," He leaned against his car across from her. "Sorry about last week. Billy came by my place a few days later and told me they found who really took his drugs." Hearing Billy's name made her cringe. She felt a stab of guilt knowing it was because of her he was accused.

"Let's not talk about that."

"I just felt bad leaving and not saying anything to you."

"It's ok. I'm sure you'll make it up to me." She gave him her best flirty smile. He fell into it. His smile grew and his cheeks blushed.

"I definitely will make it up to you."

"What're you two doing over here?" Joe stood in front of them smiling. Nicole had her arm wrapped around his waist.

"Just talking." Rachel laughed.

"Are you gonna spark that, or what?" Adam said, pointing at Joe's hand. He held the joint that Adam had been waiting for. Joe looked down and laughed, remembering he was holding it. He took out his Zippo and lit it. He put it in his mouth and inhaled deeply. Mike and Adam took hits and Adam handed it over to Rachel who shook her head no.

"Sorry, I don't do drugs. I'm just a wanna-be alcoholic." They all laughed.

"So, what are we gonna do tonight?" Joe asked.

"Let's just chill here. No one will bother us." Mike said, sneaking a glance over to Rachel. He smirked, making Rachel smile.

"Joe didn't leave his money for the night?" Bodie asked Billy as they drove from 'the office'.

"Nah, he told me he would call me when he's done. He had to go meet up with Adam for a sale." Billy said.

"Adam?" Bodie said looking over at Billy.

"Nicole's brother. He buys every week like clockwork."

"When did he say he would be around?"

Billy looked down at his cell phone to see the time. "He was supposed to call me already."

Bodie laughed loud. "You got soft with him this week. I know he pulled his own weight, but you let him deliver when he wants, just because he was doing his job. Problem is now he takes advantage." Billy didn't like being taken advantage of. Not even from his brother. He opened his cell phone and dialed Joe's number.

"Look at you two!" Joe said. He was lying on Mike's hood with his back on his windshield. Nicole was sitting on top of him. He was looking over at Mike and Rachel. Mike's back was against Adam's car with Rachel's back up against his chest. His arms were wrapped around her.

"What? You jealous?" Rachel asked winking at Joe. Joe had convinced her to take a hit of the joint and she was feeling relaxed and comfortable.

"Hey now! No winking at Joe, Rachel. He's mine." Nicole leaned down and kissed Joe.

"Ah shit." Joe reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone. "What's up?" He answered.

"Where are you?" Billy said on the other end.

"Willowbrook Park."

"You got my money?"

"Yup." Joe laughed.

"What're you high?"

"Of course. Don't worry, it's paid for."

"Be there in a couple."

"Aight." Joe hung up his phone and placed it back in his pocket. He grabbed Nicole and kissed her.

"Where's Adam?" Rachel asked, looking around.

"He's sleeping in his car." Mike nodded behind him. "Bomb could go off he won't wake up." They laughed. Rachel felt good being in Mike's arms. His grip was strong and comforting. "You ok?"

"Actually, I'm great." She smiled and tilted her head to the right. He saw this as opportunity and kissed her neck. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of his lips on her skin. She pulled away and turned around facing him. He had the sweetest face. A smirk played across his lips as he pulled her to him. He touched her face and Rachel lost her breath. He leaned down and kissed her. His kisses were soft and slow, making Rachel turn to putty in his arms. His hands reached the back of her neck and he pulled her closer to him. She was so caught up in their embrace she didn't hear the car pull into the parking lot. Its lights stopped on them as they kissed.

"What the fuck!" Joe yelled pushing Nicole off of him. He squinted, putting his hand over his eyes trying to stop the light from blinding him. "Oh shit." Joe said realizing whose car it was.

"Who is that?" Nicole asked getting off the car. Rachel and Mike had stopped kissing and were now blinded by the lights.

"My brother." Joe jumped off the car and headed towards the lights. Rachel's stomach tightened as she heard the words leave Joe's mouth. Nicole looked at her and mouthed the words, 'I'm sorry'.

Billy's breathing was heavy and his jaw was clenched so tight it was beginning to hurt. After he pulled into the parking lot, Rachel and Mike's kissing figures were caught in his lights. He stopped the car, not being able to take his eyes off of them. Joe was now headed to him, embarrassment written across his face. Billy took his foot of the break and pulled into a spot quickly, slamming on the breaks. Joe stopped in his tracks, waiting to see what his brother was going to do. After several seconds passed and Billy was still in the car, Joe walked over. Billy rolled his window down as he saw Joe walk over through his rearview mirror.

"Hey Billy." Joe said. Billy didn't say anything back; he just stared out the windshield smoking his cigarette. Joe bent over to look at Bodie. "Hey Bodie."

"What's up Joe?"

"Where's my money?" Billy finally spoke. Still not looking in Joe's direction.

"Hold up, I got it in Mike's car." Joe walked over to Mike's car and opened the back door. He reached under his seat and pulled out an old black JanSport.

"What is he doing here?" Nicole whispered to Joe.

"I didn't even realize what I was saying to him." He closed the door, and then walked up to Nicole. "I told him to meet me here."

"Hey, it's cool guys. Billy came and told me that someone else took the drugs he was missing." Mike said. Thinking their awkwardness was because of him.

"This isn't about you." Nicole said to Mike. She heard the car door slam and turned her head towards Billy and Bodie walking over to them. "Great Joe, now what?"

"It's ok Nicole. I told you I was over it." Rachel said.

Mike looked down at Rachel. "Over what?" He asked. But she didn't have time to answer. Billy was right in front of them.

"Hey Mike!" Billy's voice was deep. "How the hell are ya?" He put his hand out to Mike. He took Billy's hand.

"I'm good Billy. You?"

"Me, you ask?" Billy's smiled. "I'm doing fuckin' great!" He said looking at Rachel. Rachel was staring right back. She inched closer to Mike, grabbing his hand. Billy noticed this, looking at their hands together. He was beginning to see red, but kept his cool. He didn't want to hurt Mike over something he didn't know anything about.

"So, you gotta bring that shit to Bones right?" Joe asked.

"Are you tryin' to get rid of me Joe?" Billy asked as he took his coat off. He was getting hot and was feeling closed in.

"Nah Billy. C'mon. I want you to stay. I just know you don't wanna hear Bones." Joe said as he pulled at his ear. Something he did when he was nervous. Billy smiled. He knew his brother was trying to get rid of him for Rachel. He respected him for it.

"I don't have to bring him shit right now. I'm still waiting on a few more deliveries then I'll go deliver to Bones. Until then," He lit the cigarette he had placed in his mouth. "I'm all yours." Bodie laughed at Billy's subtlety.

"Ok, so let's spark ourselves a doob." Bodie said pulling out a zip-lock bag filled with weed. Joe looked over at Nicole and shrugged his shoulders. His efforts failed there was nothing he could do.

Rachel sat against Adam's car as the guys smoked and talked. Nicole was too busy holding onto Joe to notice her expression. She shifted her weight and sighed. Mike turned to her placing his hand on her arm.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she looked over to Billy, who was talking to Joe and Bodie. She looked back at Mike. "I'm ok." Mike smiled then put his attention back over to Billy to finish their conversation.

"Hey Billy, you talking to that dark haired girl ah," Mike looked around trying to remember the girls name.

"Jessica." Billy said.

"Yeah, that's her name." Rachel's back stiffened. Her eyes widened and she looked at Billy with anger.

"Well if you mean, did I fuck her yet, no." Billy laughed. Rachel made a huff noise and rolled her eyes.

"What was that for?" Billy asked reaching into his pocket for his cigarettes.

"No reason." Rachel was clearly getting annoyed.

"Well, I think she's hot." Bodie added. He smiled at himself for adding to the argument he knew was about to unravel.

"If you like that sort of thing." Rachel mumbled.

"What sort of thing?" Billy smirked.

"A slut. If you like sluts then yeah you'd like her."

"How do you know she's a slut?" Billy crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for Rachel to answer. She looked around to see everyone was looking at her.

"You can just tell." Nicole added. Joe squeezed her hand, letting her know not to get involved.

"Yeah, you can just tell. She's gross. No matter how 'hot' you think she is," Rachel looked over at Bodie. "She's gross." She looked back at Billy. His smirk was pissing her off. She wanted to hit him with something.

"Am I sensing a hint of jealousy Rachel?" He was calling her out.

"Jealous of her? Ha!" Rachel laughed. "You've got to be kidding me! What reason would I have to be jealous of a girl like her? What the hell does she have that I could ever possibly want?" Rachel was hiding her anger the best she could.

"Me." Billy smiled. Mike's eyes shot over to Billy. His eyebrows rose.

"You?" Now Rachel was the one smiling. "No Billy, I don't want you." Rachel moved closer to Mike. Bodie stood up straight. He was preparing himself for the worst. Billy's expression changed. He looked at her threw hateful eyes.

"Really?" Billy looked coolly over at Mike. "That's not what she said last week." Joe coughed on his cigarette smoke and Nicole put her head down. Rachel's smile faded quickly, her eyes widening at the embarrassment she felt. Mike shifted, slightly pulling away from Rachel. The confusion on Rachel's face was easily read as she looked up at Mike. He turned his head away from her. He knew better then to mess with any girl that Billy was ever with. Her anger burnt through her stomach and up her chest. Her hands began to sweat. She looked back at Billy, their eyes meeting, burning into each other. How could she ever feel something for such a cold hearted bastard? He hurt her again, and did it with such ease.

"I'm surprised you could even give me the time, when you're always running around for Bones like his little bitch!" She blurted out.

"What?" Billy yelled as he stood up straight, rushing to Rachel. Bodie grabbed Billy's arm pulling him away from her. Rachel backed up closer to Adam's car. She couldn't believe she had the guts to talk to Billy like that. But she wasn't about to back down now.

"What Billy, your gonna hit me?" Rachel's voice rose as she stood straight. Joe jumped off Mike's car and stood next to Billy, waiting for Billy to do something he was going to regret. He knew his brother's temper, and he knew his feelings for Rachel. The mix of the two could be deadly.

"You're fuckin' lucky!" Billy screamed as he pointed to her face. His face was red and his eyes were glassed over. Rachel flinched. He looked the same way he did the day he put the gun to Heco's head.

"How am I lucky?" Rachel yelled back. "Lucky that I ever met a piece of shit like you?" Now Rachel pointed in his face. "Yeah, some fucking luck I have." Billy sniffed and grunted before he turned away and headed to his car.

"Yeah, go ahead, walk away. Go see your whore I'm sure she's waiting for you." Rachel tried opening Adam's car door but it was locked. She wanted to cry but wouldn't give him the satisfaction. How can one person, who she barely knew make her so upset. She turned to look back at Billy who was walking back to her. He grabbed his coat off of Mike's car, and then turned to leave.

"Fuckin' Bitch." Billy said as he walked away. Rachel was shaking from anger.

"Go be Bones' lapdog. That's all your good for." Rachel couldn't control herself. The words just slipped out of her mouth making Billy stop in his tracks. He turned around quickly walking fast over to Rachel. Before Bodie could reach him Billy grabbed her by her neck. His grip didn't hurt, but it pinned her against the car. His face was up against hers. Bodie grabbed Billy's arm trying to pull him off, but Billy pushed him away with his free hand.

"C'mon Billy, let her go." Bodie said.

"Billy!" Nicole yelled. Joe grabbed her whispering something in her ear.

"You know nothing about what I do." He said calmly in her ear. His breathing was heavy against her cheek. She clenched her jaw, realizing the magnitude of her comment. He was making her lose herself. This wasn't her. She didn't hurt people. She didn't make people angry at her.

"You don't fuckin' know me!" He screamed.

"Billy!" Bodie yelled. Billy ignored him, peering into Rachel's eyes. "Yo, dog!" He pulled at Billy's shoulder.

"What?!" Billy yelled looking back at Bodie. He was staring at the street.

"That's "B" Street." He said nodding towards the car that was slowly driving by. Billy let go of Rachel and turned around. Rachel stood up quickly backing away from him. Mike grabbed her arm, but she pushed him away.

"Let's go." Billy said. He looked over at Joe. "You go with Nicole in Adams car, Bodie go with Mike," He looked over at Rachel. "…And you," he pointed to her. "You're comin' with me!" He growled.

"I'm not going anywhere with you. You're insane!" Billy walked over to her and grabbed her arm, dragging her to his car. She fought him at first, and then gave in. He opened the passenger's side door and after she slid in he slammed the door. She didn't know what he was going to do. She held her breath as he jumped in the car. He started the engine and sped out of the parking lot.

They drove in silence. Billy was sitting up close to the steering wheel while he drove. His face was red and he was breathing heavy. His grip on the steering wheel was strong making his knuckles white. She leaned as close to the door as she could. Her anger had been replaced with fear. What the hell is wrong with you Rachel? Are you the insane one? She thought. She snuck glances at him while she twirled the end of her sleeve. She tried everything not to cry. Blinking her eyes several times to help the tears that formed disappear. He pulled into The Four Roses parking lot with such force the car jumped. He pulled into his spot and slammed on the breaks. Rachel gasped while putting her hands on the dashboard. She felt like throwing up. She glanced over at Billy. He was gazing out the windshield.

"You're making me crazy." He whispered. Rachel couldn't believe how his tone had changed. He sounded hurt, upset even. He opened the door and got out of the car. He put his coat back on and slammed the door. She watched as he walked his walk right into the bar. Rachel looked around. She could see Adam's car and Mike's car across from her. Next to Mike's car was Lisa's car.

"Son-of-a-bitch!" Rachel yelled as she climbed out of the car. She slammed the door and jogged to the doors of the bar. The music inside was loud and the place was packed. Mike, Nicole and Adam were sitting at the bar talking to Sammy. Nicole turned when she heard the door shut.

"What did he do to you?" She grabbed Rachel's arms.

"He didn't do anything. He barely even said anything."

"What has gotten into you? All the years I know you, I have never seen you talk like that to anyone."

"I don't know Nic." Her eyes watered again as she looked at her friend. "I thought I was over it. But apparently, I'm not." Rachel's eyes wondered the bar looking for Billy. All the guys were there sitting together at their table. Lisa and Jessica sat in the middle of them. Billy was standing in front of the table with his arms crossed over his chest. Jessica was looking at him, and then at Rachel. The heat from her collar rose to her face.

"What's wrong?" Nicole asked.

"She's here again!" Rachel pushed past Nicole and walked right up to Billy. She tapped him on his shoulder. He turned around slowly. His eyes narrowed when he looked at Rachel.

"I think we need to talk."

"Ah, I think you said enough."

"Billy, please." Rachel could see Jessica scooting out of the booth. She walked past them to the bar.

"I don't feel like talking." He said flatly.

"Billy," She could feel Jessica's presence again. Rachel turned her head, looking right at Jessica's smirking glare. "Oh, I see." She looked back to Billy. "So is she why you don't feel like talking?" She said in a low tone. Billy sighed and put his hands on his hips.

"Enough." He said raising his eyebrows.

"Fine!" She turned to walk away when Jessica's comment cut her like a knife.

"Maybe if you knew how to keep your man happy, he wouldn't be coming to me." Everyone at the table fell silent. Rachel turned smiling at her. She took a couple of steps forward, just inches away from Jessica.

"Nah," Rachel said shaking her head. "Your both not worth it." Rachel was about to turn around, then she changed her mind. No one was expecting it as Rachel's fist connected to Jessica's face. She flew back on top of the table, liquor flying all over the guys. They all jumped up. Jessica fell to the floor as Rachel kicked her. Billy put his arms around Rachel's chest pulling her away.

"Oh my God!" Jessica put her hands up to her face. "She broke my nose!" She screamed. Lisa jumped up to go after Rachel when Nicole stepped in front of her.

"I don't think so." Nicole said, Joe standing next to her. They were staring Lisa down. Lisa bent to pick Jessica up, failing miserably. Blood was pouring from her face.

"Ray knocked her the fuck out!" Bodie hollered as the guys were yelling and laughing. Billy grabbed Rachel, pulling her to the door. She pushed him off of her and walked out the door. Her hand was throbbing with pain. She couldn't believe how hard she hit her. She never hit anyone before in her life. Billy looked behind him at Sammy.

"Get them the fuck out of here!" Billy nodded to Jessica and Lisa. Sammy rounded the counter and walked over to the girls. He bent down helping Jessica to her feet. Billy followed Rachel out the door. The air felt good on her face. She was sweating and trying to catch her breath.

"So, you go around hitting everyone huh?" Billy said as he lit a cigarette.

"I told you," Rachel looked over at him "Only the assholes."

Billy laughed. "Yeah you did."

"Sorry," She started walking to the street "Didn't mean to mess up her pretty little face."

"Where're you going?" He yelled.

"Home!" She yelled back at him. Billy almost growled as he ran after her.

"You're not going home." He demanded as he grabbed her arm. She pulled away so hard she lost her balance.

"I told you you're not allowed to touch me ever again!" He had anger in his face again as he grabbed her arms.

"Are we going to keep doing this?" He put his hands up.

"Doing what?"

"Fighting."

"God damn it Billy!" She screamed. Her eyes started watering. "What the hell did you do to me?" His looked at her confused. "I was this normal girl, who hardly got mad at anything. I never fought or yelled or felt what I felt until I met you!" She couldn't hold the tears in anymore. They streamed down her face. She closed her eyes. Wishing this would all go away. Billy watched as the girl he cared so much about cried. He could never tell her how he felt. It was a sign of weakness, something he couldn't afford. But holding her, kissing her, being with her was something he could do. He walked over to Rachel and grabbed her. She didn't fight him, she welcomed his embrace. He put his arms around her and pulled her close. Her face buried in his chest as she cried. Billy looked up as Mike's car pulled out of the parking lot.

"Where taking the bitch to the hospital. Makin' sure she don't pull no shit with the cops." Tommy yelled from the backseat window. "See ya tomorrow." Mike pulled away. Billy watched Mike's car until it was no longer in view. He bent his head down.

"Come home with me." He whispered in her ear. She pulled away, wiping the tears from her eyes. She nodded her head without hesitation. Billy walked to his car with his arm around Rachel. They got in Billy's car and drove away.

Billy kissed Rachel's face as she slept. He pulled himself closer to her back, placing his arms around her. She felt so right, laying there in his arms. How could he deserve something so perfect? He wanted her to know he cared about her, that his heart hurt when he wasn't with her. His temper flared at the thought of her with anyone else. She needed to know these things, but how would he tell her? He never felt this before. Never had the butterflies his brother told him about until now. He never experienced anything like this before. He touched her hair, letting it fall through his fingers. He bent his head down and kissed her neck. Her bare legs felt soft and warm against his. He wanted her to be his, and knew he had to make sure she was. It was late and he was tired, but his eyes wouldn't close. He didn't want to stop looking at her. He tried for as long as he could to stay awake, watching her breath and watching the little smiles that went across her lips as she dreamed. But his body had taken over and was finally making his eyes heavy. He closed his eyes and pushed his face closer to the back of her head.

He didn't know if his feelings for her had taken over, or if it was his lack of sleep, but he pulled his lips to her ear and whispered, "I love you." Billy drifted to sleep knowing he was the only one who knew he felt that way.

Rachel could feel her heart begin to race as she popped her eyes open. Had she heard him right? No, she had to have heard him wrong. She had been lying there, enjoying the moment as Billy thought she was sleeping. She could feel his breath steady on her neck, as hers was starting to pick up. She was trying to calm herself down. But she knew that she had heard him right.