It wasn't the fact that he was going to be a father. It was the lying. She hated all the lying. All of it. Her whole life was one lie after another. At the same time, she couldn't underplay the fact that he was going to be a father. If her and Jax were to ever get married, she'd be a stepmother to his child. And how could she possibly even act like a stepmom when she couldn't acknowledge Jax in public? This definitely wasn't the way she'd pictured her life. She'd always imagined a whirlwind relationship, a small romantic wedding, then kids and a family. Everything with Jax was the opposite. So why was she so drawn to him?

It was a sleepless night for Leila. All these thoughts running through her mind. It was still early enough in their relationship where ending it should be easy but in reality the thought alone left such a bitter taste in her mouth. Jax Teller was different than any man she'd ever met. Despite his rough exterior, he was so caring and gentle with her. Making sure she was safe, happy, comfortable. It amazed her how much of a priority he made her. So was this really something she should hold against him? Trust was something they shouldn't have to discuss but they both had things they couldn't necessarily tell each other about yet but maybe they could figure out a way to understand that? Maybe a baby Jax wouldn't be too bad and if he was a big part of his life, she'd want him to be a part of her life too. Somehow.

3:47AM.

The empty bed was driving her crazy. Whenever she'd wake up late at night, the sound of Jax's heavy breathing next to her would soothe her back to sleep until he'd have to go around 6. Finally, she heaved a long sigh as she slipped out from under the covers. If she was going to get any sleep tonight, this needed to be resolved. She slipped off her shorts and pulled on a pair of black cropped leggings along with a black zip up workout jacket, putting on her white low top converse and headed out out the back door to her garage. She decided against taking the SUV to avoid being recognized, instead taking the black Lincoln MKZ she kept in the garage.

The lot at TM was empty except for a single bike. His bike. Pulling over halfway down the street, she called his phone, hoping he'd wake to hear it and let her in. She'd never been inside the clubhouse, but the need to spend the night wrapped up in him was far greater than her anxiety of being caught. Grabbing her purse from the passenger's side, she climbed out of the car, walking to the front gate.

"Lei?" His hoarse voice came through the phone. A soft smile formed on her face as she heard the sleep in his tone.

"Open the gate for me?"

"Gate? What gate?"

"I'm at the gate at the shop."

"TM? Oh! Shit, I'll be right there."

Less than a minute later she saw him running around the corner in nothing but socks and sweatpants. His long hair frizzed from sleeping. She bit her lip to keep from laughing at his discombobulated appearance as he cracked the gate for her.

"What're you doing here babe?" He cupped her face, concerned at first as to why she was here in the middle of the night, but he looked into her eyes and there was no anger there, no aggression. Breathing in deeply, he shook his head. "I'm so sorry babe, I should've told you. I -"

She shushed him and without a word, she wrapped her arms around his sculpted torso, pressing herself against the warmth of his body, hugging him tightly as she felt his comfort rush through her. His smell taking over her senses as he returned the hug, wrapping his arms around her small figure, digging his face into her neck, pressing a soft kiss onto it.

"I couldn't sleep without you."

She whispered against his bare chest while she listened to the steady beating of his heart, the rhythm now matching her own. His arms slipped off of her, locking the gate behind them before taking her hand in his, lacing their fingers together as he lead them into the clubhouse to his dorm.

He didn't know why it meant so much to him that she was here, but it did. It meant that she wanted this just as much as he did. If this was a dream, he didn't want to walk up from it. The two didn't need to exchange any more words. He watched as she slipped off her jacket and shoes before climbing under his covers with him following behind. She waited as he settled onto his back before curling into his side and nestling her face into his neck, breathing in the scent of him as she lulled off to sleep. She knew there was so much for them to discuss, but for now, all that mattered was that they were together.

At 6AM, Leila's phone alarm blared through the room waking the two from their two hours of blissful ignorance to the world. Her back was pressed against him with his arm around her body and their legs intertwined. With his face burrowed against the back of her neck, the soft wisps of hair tickling his nose, he breathed in the naturally sweet scent of her bare skin before pressing a soft kiss onto it.

"Good morning."

He whispered against the back of her ear, making her stir from her sleep. As much as he wanted her to stay, he knew she'd want to go before anyone showed up. He watched in admiration as her baby blue eyes flitted open, adjusting to the sun lit room. Her face was makeup free, glowing by the light of the sun streaking through the window with her cheeks red from a deep sleep. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. It was still early on, but he could see himself waking up to this face the rest of his life.

There was a lot left to discuss between the two of them but the fact that she showed up - at the clubhouse no less - meant that she wanted this as much as he did. She wasn't ready to give up on them which meant a lot. The only dilemma was how much he could really tell her? They had yet to discuss anything about the club and how much she knew about it. Her father had a hard on for the club but how much did they really know? Even if she knew, how much would she care? It scared him - the fact that she could be disgusted by him, or worse - scared. He'd never hurt her. The club wasn't about hurting the innocent but with the life she grew up in, he was at the bottom of the barrel.

"Good morning"

Leila mumbled against his lips as she kissed him softly before getting out from the warmth of the covers. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and he leaned up on his elbow watching as she stretched her back, his eyes following the arch of her back, biting his bottom lip. She got off the bed, slipping on her shoes and her jacket and Jax followed, pulling on his sweatpants before wrapping her up in his arms.

"I don't want to go."

"I don't want you to go, babe."

He said, pressing his face against it her neck, placing light kisses along her skin. Her small arms wrapped around his torso, resting her head against his chest. Her breathing changing with each kiss while their heartbeats fell in sync from being so close.

"I'll see you tonight?"

"There's no where else I'd rather be babe."

She smiled softly, her fingers hooking onto his sweats as she leaned up onto her tip toes, pressing her lips against his in a soft almost sensual kiss . He desperately wished he could take it further but her second alarm went off on her phone and she'd already pulled away to turn it off. Jax grabbed her bag off of the desk and handed out to her before opening the door for her.

As the door swung open, the all too familiar figure of Gemma Teller stood on the other side, hands on her hips. Her ever-judging eyes landed upon Leila as she stood, towering over the younger woman. Leila stood frozen, caught, by none other than Gemma Teller. Biting the inside of her cheek anxiously, she switched balance back and forth on her feet unsure of what to say.

"Leila." Gemma said knowingly,

"Mrs. Morrow."

"Call me Gemma, sweetheart."

"Gemma." Leila repeated nervously, her eyes switching back and forth between her and Jax.

"What're you doing here, mom?"

"Well I was coming by to invite you to breakfast, Leila you wanna join?" She knew well enough that Leila couldn't be seen anywhere near them - but watching little miss perfect squirm nervously at the situation was turning out to be pretty entertaining.

"Uh..." She started, her eyes on Jax for help but he was too busy staring daggers at his mother.

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with us."

"Us?" Leila asked in confusion, praying she only meant Jax and her.

"The club, honey."

Her jaw dropped as her eyes fixated on Jax who was fidgeting uncontrollably while mouthing silent swears towards Gemma. The club knew? Nothing good would ever come off that. In a sense she felt a weight off, knowing some part of their lie didn't have to continue but with the entire motorcycle club knowing - news was bound to get out. She felt his hand on her back, motioning her towards the door with Gemma stepping aside. With a nod towards the older woman, Leila put on her oversized, black Chanel glasses, covering a majority of her face as Jax escorted her out of the back door. This was one more thing they had to discuss later that night. He must've known the club knew about them, yet he didn't feel the need to tell her? Not okay.

"Babe - I'm sorry."

"You should've told me Jax. Do you realize how much shit this could get me in? Why would you tell them?"

"I never told them anything. We were watching you on Charming in the Morning and they recognized the back of my head. You really thought my family wouldn't know?"

"Jesus Christ, this is a fucking mess Jax. First your ex wife - now the club? If my dad finds out I'm dead!"

His eyes got dark as his jaw clenched in anger at the mention of Heaton. The image of her defeated face the first night he'd found out flashed into his head and he felt all of his anger running through him again.

"He'll never put his hands on you again, Leila. You understand? I'll never let that happen to you, again." He seethed through clenched teeth.

Leila shook her head, taking a step back from this. "You need to make sure they know not to say a word. With the election going on they could ruin everything, Jax. With everything my dad's trying to do - I highly doubt they want him to get reelected. "

"Maybe if you're dad wasn't a fucking prick…"

"Maybe if you're club would stop breaking the law.." She took a deep breath in, knowing they were short on time before people would start filling the lot and most likely her home. "Look, I don't want to fight. Both sides have fault - I just don't want anything to get in the way of me being with you, babe."

He placed his hand under her chin, leaning down to press a kiss onto her lips. "Nothing will get in the way of me being with you, Leila. We'll work all of this out."

She kissed him back, wishing desperately that he meant every word. Giving his hand a squeeze, she smiled softly before pulling away to walk back to her car, keeping her head low to avoid being recognized. Nothing felt right about this. She barely trusted Jax, how could she trust the club? They were her father's worst enemies and there she was in bed with the Vice President.

"What the hell, Mom?! What was that about?!"

Jax stormed into the clubhouse kitchen but Gemma didn't shake like most people would. She wasn't the type to scare easily no matter what the situation was. She simply put down the cup of coffee she was drinking, and turned to face him. Her hand on her hip, her free hand on the countertop, her lips curled into a smirk - amused at the reaction she was getting. Jax could take his anger out on her all he wanted but it had to be done. Leila had to know not to mess with the club in any way if she didn't want to be outed as a traitor to everything her father stood for.

"Why? Just why?" He asked breathlessly as he tried to contain his anger. The pleased look on her face only irritating him more. "Why do you have to fuck with every girl I care about?!"

"Jackson, you know as well as I do that Leila Heaton is a threat to this club. Now that she knows we know her secret - she'll be more -" She paused with a shrug, trying to think of the word "Inclined, to play nice"

His eyes narrowed at her, his brows burrowing in his forehead. Nobody needed to threaten her. Nobody. Clenching and unclenching his fists he looked at his mother. "Do not fuck up this relationship, Gemma. I haven't told her anything about the club yet - she's not a threat."

"You keep lying to yourself baby. You want breakfast or not?"

"I'm serious Gemma."

"Alright." She threw her hands out in mock defense before placing them on her hips again. "Now lets go."

The diner was quiet, only the elderly were scattered about this early in the morning. Jax and Gemma had placed their order and once the waitress left the table Gemma returned her gaze to her weary looking son, who was staring blankly at the rings on his fingers, spinning them around. She saw so much of JT in him and not in a good way. JT was weak - thought with his heart more than his head. Jax was starting to become the same. That kind of softness would get him killed in this life and the thought of losing another son wasn't one she could bare.

"You talk to Wendy?" His body tensing and his nostrils flaring answered her question for her. "Everything alright?"

"You know Wendy attacked Leila? Right out on Main Street in public."

The older woman's eyes nearly flew out of her eyes as she leaned forward against the table. "What?! Jesus Christ, why?"

"She saw Leila's interview - hit her right in the face. She has this idea that we'll be a family and everything will work out once the baby's born."

"Jackson, that should be your priority, but fuck is Heaton pressing charges?"

"That ain't happening, Mom. I want to be with Leila - we'll work everything out but no she ain't pressing charges, she had security let her go."

"Thank god, last thing we need is to have your baby's mother behind bars."

"Stop. Stop saying that. We don't know if that kid's even mine. How are you so blindly attached?"

"Because you put your dick in her didn't you? Then there's a chance and I'm not risking you not being apart of that baby's life if he is yours."

"Jesus Christ, Gemma. Wendy was fuckin' any and everything."

"And that included you too. You're not walking out on your family. That ain't who I raised you to be. You can have a great time with the princess but we both know this ain't the life she'll be okay with."

"You don't know that."

"We both know that. Her whole family is law Jax, tell me you really believe she'll be okay with everything you do."

Leila heard a door open and close downstairs as she jumped out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around her body, she stepped out of the doorway and peeked over the stair railing to see that it was Jax, his eyes met hers and her doubts seemed to disappear. After a day filled with distraction from the bittersweet morning, seeing him seemed to bring nothing but a calming relief that even the sauna she'd created from her hot shower wasn't providing.

He made his way up the long spiral staircase to her. To this day his godlike appearance would catch her by surprise. His chiseled jaw lifting in the most charming smirk with each step he took closer to her. She could feel her legs growing weaker as his sparkling blue eyes focused on her, drinking her in , as if she was the only woman in the world. Biting the corner of his lip, his form towered over her, his large, rough hands landed her hips, gripping the towel separating their skin. He showed a pained restraint. The determined need to mend their troubles showed in his face while the desperate want to rip off the towel and devour her body showed in the dangerous glint in his eyes. The look was one of a caged animal, following every curve on the way down her body. She could feel goosebumps all over her body from the glare alone.

"I missed you."

He whispered, breaking the spell she was under. His voice was deep, honeyed as his hands ran up her curves to her face, cupping it between them as his thumb stroked her cheek while he closed the distance between their lips. The taste of his sweet lips was entrancing - the most euphoric high she'd ever felt. Jax was the only person to have this effect on her. Each kiss better than the last. She knew his track record, but when he touched her, the exploration in his touch reached deeper than her body, it reached deep into her soul and he made sure of that.

"I missed you."

She whispered back breathlessly, pulling away from the heat of the moment despite everything her body was telling her. This conversation needed to be had before they could move forward.

"Go get cleaned up. I'll order food and we can talk downstairs."

"Alright, babe."

Jax nodded, walking towards the bathroom while Leila walked to her closet pulling on leggings and a loose t-shirt. She towel dried her long damp hair, letting the rest of it air dry before walking downstairs to order a pizza for them. Her nerves quickly at in. What this conversation didn't go as planned? Was honesty too much to ask for? She debated on whether or not she even wanted to know how or why he was shot. The things she'd heard about the Sons were horrendous but getting to know Jax - she didn't see the monster they described, but then again, she couldn't say she knew the real him.

She heard the shower turn off, the 15 minutes he'd been in there only seemed like seconds, not giving her enough time to process her thoughts. He came down the stairs shirtless, only in sweats, his damp hair leaving streaks of water drops dripping down the creases of his chest and abs. It was hard to focus whenever they were in the same room. There was so much sexual tension between the two. In their numerous nights spent together, they had explored every part of their bodies but they were always thirsty for more. Her mouth went dry as he sat up on the stool next to the kitchen island, his eyes once again drinking her in but she averted hers, keeping her distance by leaning on the opposite side.

"I don't know where to start, Jax. I've never been in this complicated of a situation before."

"Lei, I want this to work. Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you."

He meant every word of that. He was VP, his old lady needed to be one of the toughest. Donna hated what Opie did but he told her everything and she stood by him. If he wanted this to work, really work, Leila had to know everything. Hopefully one day they didn't have to hide all of this. His eyes returned to her, standing there nervously. It wasn't often he saw her nervous, she'd always kept a cool exterior even when her heart was beating right out of her chest, but she around him, her guard was down. She was exposed. She allowed herself to be exposed. It was something he'd grown to appreciate, a private showing of all her colors just for him, and the inside was just as beautiful as the out. He was going to do this. Give her his all just like she had given to him. He owed that to her.

"What do you know about the MC?"