A/N: Follow me on tumblr: crimsonheart01
Playlist: Into You - Ariana Grande
Disclaimer: Sutter owns SOA
I jumped, dropping the glass in my hand onto the table. Since learning about Donna's fate I'd become easily startled. I never thought I'd find myself in this type of position, but with me and Chibs running around on the low, it was only a matter of time. My personal wellbeing hadn't been threatened, but a wife of a member was gunned down. That didn't bode well for me. To top it all off, Tig knew about us. I hadn't encountered him since the day after Donna's death, and Chibs hadn't spoken about it so I decided to keep mum on the subject. Maybe it wasn't a big deal.
For the first time, in the entire time since we started our fling, he knocked. I wasn't expecting it and definitely wasn't expecting him to come by. It'd been three days since I saw him. There were a few sporadic texts between us, but he was clearly wrapped up in club business. My assumption was retaliation. I scooped up the spilled beverage, dropping the emptied glass into the sink as I passed it towards the door. I took a deep breath, flipping the lock and cracking open the door a smidge.
"Yes?" I mumbled through the door.
I was met with a bright smile. How he could be this cheery, I didn't know, but I wasn't in a reciprocating mood. He tilted his head when he took notice of my closed off attitude.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
I shook my head, "I heard about Donna."
His smile swiftly dropped into a frown. I attempted to shut to door on him, but he pressed his hand against it holding it in place.
"Don't shut me out, Lace." He said, "Let's talk about this."
For the first time since hearing about her death I broke down, bursting into tears. I pushed away from the garage door and gripped down onto the side of the counter. I clamped my eyes shut, trying to still the waterworks. I wasn't so much sad as I was furious. How did I let myself become a target, willingly or not? I should've thought this through before starting anything up with him. He shouldered his way into my house, shutting the door behind him. I felt his presence next to me and spared him a glance.
"You gonna explain to me what's going on?" He raised one eyebrow.
I screwed up my face, "Are you kidding me? You walk in my house and have the audacity to question why I'm freaking out?"
He rolled his eyes, "Lace, you were never in danger."
"Based off of your behaviour the other night," I scoffed, "That sounds like a lie."
He clenched his bottom and top teeth together, "I was only making sure you were ok. There was never a threat on your life."
"Was there one on Donna's?" I screamed.
His eyes narrowed, but he remained silent. The flicker of his jaw tensing obvious.
"I thought so." I stalked away from him, and over to the kitchen table.
Water I'd just spilled was still all over and I didn't care. I just didn't have it in me to worry about something as small and insignificant as spilled water. Not when my life had been potentially on the line. Without my eve realizing it was. There was a tense silence in the air, thick enough to carve with a knife. I sighed, sinking down into the first chair.
I ran my hands through my hair, "What are we doing?"
It was a rhetorical question. We both knew the real answer. There was a sound of shuffling from across the kitchen, moving farther away from me. I heard the click of the door opening but I didn't look up, assuming that he'd left. It was be the easier option. For both of us. By leaving, it meant that we didn't need to discuss the ramifications we were facing. It would end whatever this was, right here and right now. I began to wallow. Was I really going to just let him walk away from me? Was that what I wanted?
"You say the word, and this over." He spoke, his tone low. "I'll turn around and never look back."
I snapped my gaze up, surprised that he was still standing there. I peered over at him. Hadn't I heard him leave? I replayed his words in my head, registering the acid in his response. I breathed in through my nose, filling my lungs and then exhaling.
"What do you want to do?" He asked.
I let a small groan, "I don't know."
His scoff sounded almost like a laugh, "Make up your mind Lace, or I'll do it for you."
I rolled my eyes and slouched back into the chair. I stared up at the ceiling trying to figure out what it was that I wanted to do here. He was giving me the option to make the decision.
"I – I like this. Whatever it is." I sighed.
The door shut, the latch catching and clicking into place. My eyes widened and I wondered if he just walked out. I stared over at the door and found him standing there, his hand still on the door knob but staring at me.
"What do you want Lacey?" He pushed.
I narrowed my eyes, "What do you want?"
He shook his head, "That's not the issue here. This is your decision, not mine."
I threw my hands up in the air, "You make it sound like you can't be bothered!"
"I never said that." He commented.
I groaned, "You didn't have too. It was implied."
He closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, "You're making this a lot harder than it needs to be."
I straightened up out of the chair, "And you're making this seem like it's all just a waste of time."
"Lacey." He growled.
The disdain and fury was clear on my face, "Don't use that tone with me. You came over here prepared to not even mention the fact that you were scared. Scared that something may have happened to me. Now you're standing here making it seem like I'm the one blowing everything out of proportion by being worried."
"Yes!" He boomed, "I was scared. Stahl was there, she saw what happened to Donna. Is that what you want from me? Do you want me to admit that I was worried about you? That you were the first person I thought of when I saw her? What the fuck do you want from me Lacey?"
Another round of tears burst through and I screamed out in distress. Hearing him admit that he was concerned for my welfare set off a flood within me that I hadn't been aware existed. All the tension that had built up in the last few days shattered and it left me feeling free but raw. I sank down onto the floor, leaning against the cupboards. I turned my head towards the window, and stared at the curtains. I wiped at my cheeks, frustrated that I was being this emotional. I were usually better at keeping it locked down but I'd never had to worry about my life being in the balance before. This was new territory and apparently my feelings weren't equipped to deal with it in a way I preferred. While I was busy trying to clean myself up, Chibs slid down next to me. His wallet chain pooling on the tile between the two of us and his sneakers squeaking as he lowered. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and tugged me towards him, laying my head to rest on his chest. I breathed in, memorizing the smell of leather and cologne. He had such a subtle aroma, one that calmed me. I felt as his head dipped in, and as he pressed a kiss to the side of my hair.
"I came straight here." He murmured, "I couldn't think straight. You were the only thing on my mind." He began confessing, "When I called for you, and you didn't answer I panicked. I ripped through this place looking for you. Seeing you alive, and doing something as mundane as laundry sent me off the deep end." His arm constricted around me, keeping me in place.
The two of us sat there on the floor, huddled together, in a strange but comfortable silence. Reflecting. This was still new, neither of us sure what direction it was headed in, but it was clear there was a bit more than just sleeping around involved now.
"I don't want to stop seeing you." I admitted, somewhat giving him an answer.
He nodded, "Where do we go from here?"
I shrugged, tilting to peer up at him, "Keep things the same? It was working for us."
He licked his lips in thought, "You sure that's what you want?"
"Honestly? No. I have no idea what to do here. What I do know is that I don't want to stop seeing you." I declared.
I wasn't ready to stop what we were doing. I enjoyed his company; his friendship.
"How about we do exactly just that. See each other." He proposed.
"As in date?" I asked.
He nodded, a small pout forming on his mouth, "Why not? We don't have to tell anyone. It'll just be us – dating."
"So – to get this straight – we continue doing exactly what it is we're doing and call it dating?" I confirmed.
He chuckled, "Yeah, exactly."
I laughed, "Alright. I think I can live with that."
We continued to laugh together. His arms wrapped around my body and he squeezed. I pressed my lips to his mouth, and felt his smile meld into mine. We were taking a leap. A small one, but it was till something more official than when we started out.
"That reminds me…" He pulled back, "There's a welcome home party tonight for Bobby."
I raised one eyebrow, "I thought we weren't going to tell anyone."
He smirked, "You could just show up. No one would turn you away." He winked and then continued, "Plus, I'm pretty sure Tig is madly in love with you."
I tensed at the mention of Tig. My eyes widened the tiniest bit but thankfully Chibs didn't notice. His eyes were half closed as he laughed at that thought. I was right, Tig hadn't said anything to Chibs. I was going to have to track down the man, figure out what his end game was. In the meantime, I'd have to shoot Chibs down lightly.
"I like you, I really do… but I'm not too sure that I like your club right now." I explained, choosing not to attend one of their famous SAMCRO parties.
His smirk broadened but he chuckled, "Fair enough."
I deflated, glad that my little comment didn't cause another uproar. I relaxed back into him and toyed with the zipper on his cut.
"You have anywhere to be in the next hour or so?" I asked, hit with a perfectly good idea on how to waste away the rest of this afternoon.
He gazed down at me, "No why?"
I bit down on my lip, yanking on is leather, "Think you have some time for our version of a 'quickie'?"
He raised one eyebrow up with a suggestive wink, "Lead the way."
~(xXx)~
"Lacey?" Rosen's voice called through my office door.
"Come in." I called out to him.
He slipped in through the door, a thick folder held in his left hand. I stared at him, my eyebrows raised up. Rosen and I didn't cross paths often. He was the lawyer the Sons had on retainer and I was adamant about staying away from representing anyone in Charming. I outsourced my services for the firm. I acted more as a liaison for local cases, never being the front line of defence. Rosen dropped the folder down on my desk and I reached for it, flipping through the first few pages. The title of the document stood out for me, making my blood boil. Charming Heights. Hale never learned.
"Thought you might find that interesting." He commented.
I grunted, "Thanks." I grabbed the receiver of my phone and began dialing Daddy's cell number. I glanced up to see Rosen still milling around, "You need anything else?"
He shook his head, "Nope, just wanted to drop that off for you."
I narrowed my eyes at him. He wasn't famously known for doing things out of the good of his heart. I'd need to keep an eye on him. See if he was being paid off by someone. I may even need to visit Clay Morrow. He could've been the one to have Rosen drop this blueprint off to me.
"Lacey?" My father answered.
I returned my attention to the abomination in my midst, "Daddy, we have a problem."
~(xXx)~
I cruised along the back roads, through the tall trees. I loved coming out this way although it made me start missing my carefree days riding the horses. Maybe I could take up the hobby again. Elliott wouldn't have an issue with that. I turned into the long driveway, coasting around the swerves and turns. The closer I got to the ranch, the more I noticed the people out and about. I slowed to a near stop, admiring one of the classes in session. There was a young girl bopping up and down on a pony. I grinned, remembering my first time on a horse. I was terrified at the height and in my terror forgot to grab the reigns. When the pony took off on a jaunt I flew backwards, sliding right down off the back and onto my butt. I think it took two full hours to convince me to get back on.
I turned my attention back to the road and advanced up to the main building. I pulled into the parking lot, turned the ignition off and grabbed my bag with the file enclosed. I jumped down from my jeep and pulled my sunglasses down over my eyes. I rounded my vehicle to be met by three Sons leaning against the wooden posts while Elliott rode up on one of his horses. I held my breath, what were they doing here? I wasn't entirely sure they hadn't put me up to this yet, and didn't really want them noticing me here. I stayed back, watching the exchange between Clay and Elliott. I made myself scarce, noticing when Clay handed a package over to Elliott and seeing the anxious expression cross his features. I pursed my lips. Was Elliott more involved with the Sons that Daddy was aware of? That definitely wasn't a conversation I wanted to witness. While I watched from afar, Trager turned, glancing around and his gaze anxious expression cross his features. I pursed my lips. Was Elliott more involved with the Sons that Daddy was aware of? That definitely wasn't a conversation I wanted to witness. While I watched from afar, Trager turned, glancing around and his piercing blue eyes zeroed in on me. I chewed on my lip. This could go south, and fast. I took a calming breath and rolled my shoulders back. Time for a power play.
I sauntered over, waving to Elliott. He knew I was coming. I gave him the courtesy of calling before I showed up. I didn't think the Sons gave him that kindness.
"Elliott!" I smiled as I approached the group of men.
I felt Trager's eyes burning holes into the back of my head. I kept my shoulders straight, I wasn't going to let him intimidate me.
Clay shifted to greet me, "Hey there, darling. What brings you out this way?"
"Came to visit an old friend." I winked, deliberately avoiding answering his prying question.
Elliott gravitated towards me and stood close to me. I felt the protective vibe course through the air around us. I was family to him, him and Daddy being best friends and all. Tig caught on to the obvious stance Elliott was taking and backed off, tapping Clay on the arm. It was a signal. One that meant they should leave.
Clay nodded at the sign and addressed Elliott, "You let us know what you think about my proposal." Clay tipped his head in my direction, "Hope to see you around more often, Lacey."
I smiled, showing him all my teeth, "Don't count on it."
The Sons retreated down the pathway to where they'd parked their bikes.
Elliott relaxed and touched my arm, "Want to take this conversation inside? Who knows who else is listening in?"
I nodded, noticing that Trager was trailing behind. My eye twitched, he was staying back.
Without turning back to Elliott I answered as I began walking away, "Yeah. Give me a second though. I left something in the car."
"You know where my office is." Elliott called behind me as I bee lined it for my car.
I sped up, trying to catch the blue eyed man. I broke out into a short jog, as he disappeared around the far side of my car. I halted when I reached the back of my car, and peered around the corner. Tig was leaning against the driver's side door, spinning a cigarette package around in the palm of his hand.
"What do you want?" I cut to the chase.
He raised an eyebrow, "What makes you think I want something?"
My upper lip curled with attitude, "Chibs has no idea you saw us. That tells me that you haven't said anything to him. Which leads me to believe that you're preparing to extort something from me."
He laughed, "I like you. You're a firecracker."
"Save the small talk." I rolled my eyes.
"Alright." He held his hands up in surrender, "What will it take to get you into bed with me."
I blanched, "Uh nothing. We had this talk once before. Do you remember it?"
"I could always out the two of you." He pushed.
I shook my head, "So do it. I'm not sleeping with you, Alexander Trager."
He burst into a round of laughter, "You sound like my mother."
I held up a hand to stop that train of thought, "Listen, I know you had a special upbringing but I care not about the details."
His laughter ceased but the smile was still there. He gazed at me, his eyes assessing everything he saw. There was an odd pause between us. I waited, knowing that he wasn't finished with finding out what he wanted.
"Are you serious about him?" He finally voiced.
"That's none of your business." I fired at him.
He pouted with thoughtfulness, "Alright. Let's keep this little exchange between us, ok?"
I narrowed my eyes, "No. Why?"
"I'm going to keep this little tidbit of info in my back pocket. Pulling it out when it's of use to me." He explained.
"You can't blackmail into doing anything." I clarified. "I'll just as quickly out the two of us before you can try anything."
He grinned, reminiscent of the Cheshire cat, "We'll see about that."
He pushed off the door, and brushed his shoulder into mine as he walked past. I creased my eyebrows together. What the fuck just happened? He strolled over to his Harley, swinging a leg over and grabbing his helmet.
I called out after him, "What's to stop me from telling Chibs?"
He gave me a light hearted shrug, "Call it a show of good faith."
He turned on the ignition, the engine roaring to life and ripping off around the corner. I stared after him, my mouth pulled into a tight line. What was he playing at? Why was this turning into such a mess?
