FINALLY! Our first Belfast chapter. I'm so excited for you all to read it. There are little pieces of Rory's background but don't worry you'll get more in the next chapter. PLEASE remember to leave feedback and to check out the snippets on my blog. After reading the update check out my blog for a special feature I'm doing just for you guys. Enjoy the update and welcome to Belfast my friends :)
[Rory's POV]
I felt my knees shaking the moment I stepped off that cargo plane but Gemma took a hold of my hand as we loaded up in the truck with some Sambel members. A few I knew were harmless others seemed to be new. The nerves in my stomach radiated throughout my whole body and a feeling of uneasiness was becoming almost uncontrollable.
"You are shaking like a whore in church." Gemma whispered.
"Probably because my body knows I'm not supposed to be here much like a whore in church." I whispered back as we pulled off the road to see three men parked. I sat next to the window and knew who two of the men were. The boys got off their bikes and greeted the men I knew to be First 9, Keith McGee and a man I loathed almost as much as Jimmy, Liam O'Neill. He was a horrible bastard and I never trusted him. I saw Chibs hug the third one whom I didn't recognize before turning back to the truck and waving at me. I tilted my head unsure if he wanted me to get out or not but he kept waving me over until I rolled the window down.
"What?" I asked.
"Aye, what a polite greeting to your Irish lover." The young male said and I squinted. There's no way that could be who I thought it was.
"Padraic?" I questioned earning a huge grin giving away his features I remembered from our youth.
"In the flesh darlin'." He put his arms out and I got out of the truck.
"Oh my God." I ran to him and jumped into his chest allowing him to pick me up off the ground.
"Christ ye'r a lot heavier den I remember." Padraic said making the others laugh.
"Well you've certainly grewn taller. I remember being taller then you for at least 3 years." I said as he put me down.
"Didn't stop ye from trying to grope me." He hit my hip with his and Chibs laughed.
"Lies. Pure lies." I said with a laugh as Chibs put his arm around the both of us.
"It's good to be home with ma family." Chibs said putting a hand on my face and Padriac's.
"You'll be reunited with Fiona and Kerrianne soon Uncle. They're dying to see ye." Padriac says. Someone cleared there throat and I turned to see McGee standing next to Clay looking baffled. I let go of Padraic and looked at the man who had abandon me all those years ago.
"A-Aurora? By God...it's a miracle." He said and I just nodded.
"That I'm alive or that I came back to Belfast?" I asked feeling the wind start to pick up.
"I'd say both. Erryone thinks yer' dead. They'll keel over when they see ye'" O'Neill spoke up and I cut my eyes to him.
"You've managed to keep from keeling over so let's hope I have a better effect on the others." I said coldly. There was an awkward silence before Clay finally spoke up.
"We should get back on the road." I turned to walk away and Padraic grabbed my hand.
"I hope ye' know I'll be getting ye on the back of this before ye leave." He smiled at me and I laughed.
"If you're lucky." I teased before walking back to the truck. I turned to see Juice eying both Padriac and I and tried to act like I didn't see him giving us death glares. Gemma smiled at me and I tried to avoid her gaze.
"And who was that handsome Irishmen you were cuddling up to?" She asked and I fought a blush.
"An old friend, Chibs's nephew Padraic. It would appear he joined Sambel." I said clearing my throat.
"I see that." Gemma put her arm around me as we followed the boys back onto the road once more. We drove around the bends and curves of the countryside until we came across a police roadblock which was suspicious immediately. We hung back as the others went through the checkpoint with the armed policemen.
"This is bad." Gemma said and I squinted trying to see who the officers were. They checked the passports before coming back and putting their guns in the boys faces and demanding they get down.
"This doesn't make sense. They wouldn't have been able to get the intel that quick." Seamus said in disbelief.
"It was a set up." I said making him look over at me.
"What do we do?" Gemma asked sounding nervous. I ignored her and watched the boys carefully. Chibs seemed to be rebelling and spit in one of the officer's faces earning him a quick hit to the face with the end of the man's riffle. The others started getting up and going after the man and scrambling.
"Oh shit!" Gemma said clearly scared at this point. Finally one of the officers fired his weapon off and I knew who he was. They started to load our boys into the back of the squad truck and I reached down into my pant leg for my gun.
"Jesus where are they gonna take em?" Gemma asked.
"After that ruckus these assholes will probably just shoot and dump them. Blame it on the life." Luther wasn't helping Gemma's fear and she looked over at me.
"What the hell are you doing?" She asked as I cocked my gun.
"Floor it." I said causing Luther to look at me.
"What?" He asked.
"Step on the gas!" I yelled.
"Jesus I'm not gonna broadside no police." Luther said and Gemma panicked.
"RUN EM OFF THE ROAD!" She practically hopped into Luther's lap to hit the gas sending us all forward.
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR BLOODY MIND WOMAN? HOLY SHIT!" Luther screamed as we drove full force towards the police wagon but they swerved into a huge rock. Luther stopped the van and I hopped out with my pistol drawn. Padraic, McGee and the other Sambel members ran up to join us.
"Game of chicken I see. Must've been yer' idea." Padriac said with a laugh as he took the keys from the driver. Seamus Ryan tore open the back and tossed the cop out and I pulled him to his feet and pushed him up against the side of the van putting the gun in his face.
"Remember me you son of a bitch?" I held the gun to his cheek hard as Gemma helped get the others out of the back.
"I don't know who ye are ye crazy bitch." The man spat.
"Really? Let me remind you." I flipped the gun backwards and struck him hard across the nose breaking it.
"Holy shit! What the hell was that Rory?" Jax asked as they freed his hands.
"Welcome to Ireland." Padraic laughed patting him on the back.
"Think back 4 years...the girl you pulled over and turned over to Jimmy O'Phelan. I remember you." I seethed into his ear. When he didn't respond I shoved the gun into his crotch making the others start to freak out.
"Whoa whoa! That's enough." Clay said and I felt someone's arms go around me and pick me up.
"Easy Rory." Chibs tried to calm me down. He passed me to Padraic who held a smile.
"I certainly miss the tiger in ya." Padraic said and when I didn't smile and rubbed my back leading me away from the rest. I walked past Juice who still kept an eye on me whenever I was near Padraic.
"What was all dat about?" Padraic asked.
"He's one of the fuckers who reported me dead on the side of the road. Bastard needs a bullet in his head." I said looking over Padraic's shoulder.
"Well you looked like yer' going for the wrong head if ye ask me." Padraic looked back at the guy and I took a deep breath.
"Ye look really good Rory. I've missed ye." Padriac's words made me look up and see his smile.
"You still have that big smile that's contagious. It's kind of annoying." I laughed but was broken away from the moment as Chibs started beating the cop. Opie finally pulled him off of the cop and Clay continued to question him. When he didn't answer Clay he punched him sending him into Jax. Jax drew his blade from his hip.
"Hap, kill one of his men. Ar, come here." Padraic let me walk past him and I stood next to Jax who handed me his blade.
"Now you either start talking or I'm going to let her start cutting you into pieces, starting with your dick." Jax threatened the cop and he finally spilled his guts.
"WE WERE PAID! We were paid to detain you and send you back to the states." The cop said and Jax stared his down.
"Jimmy O'Phelan?" Jax asked.
"I don't know who." The cop said and I pushed the knife into his crotch.
"Hap." Jax said and the other cop started to wince in fear that Happy would shoot him.
"I SWEAR ON MY MOTHER'S EYES! We didn't get a name...only money and a task." The cop held up his hands.
"It was that bastard O'Phelan." Chibs said.
"That means he knows we're here." I said making Jax look at me.
"Yeah, it does." Jax watched me slink back a bit as I leaned against one of the rocks.
"Well we gotta do something about all this." Bobby said.
"Pull their I.D's." Clay said and the others started pulling the cops out of the back and pulling their I.D's. Clay pulled out the cop's I.D Jax and I had been questioning.
"Now we know your name...Charles...and now my boys know where you live." Clay announced.
"I'd hate something to happen to that pretty family because their dad was on the take." Jax threatened the man.
"We can ruin your career and we can definitely ruin your life...understand?" Clay asked.
"Aye." Charles said before Jax let him go and threw him to the ground. I kept my eyes on O'Neill and he finally met my gaze.
"Let's go." Clay said as we all loaded back up into the truck and left the cops to collect themselves. As we finally got out of the countryside I started remember places. I nudged Gemma as we road past Maureen Ashby's shop and she just so happened to be standing outside. We pulled onto the lot of Sambel to be greeted as if we were at home and the crew was welcoming the boys back from being away. The only difference was it was darker, colder and full of a lot more people I didn't know. There were cheers and whistles from everyone as they hugged their brothers in cuts. Gemma caught sight of Maureen and a red head next to her and started walking away from the group. I stayed at her side as she walked towards them.
"Well welcome." Maureen said looking at Jax and Clay.
"And you, welcome back. You grew up." Maureen touched my arm and I smiled. She shook Clay and Jax's hands before finally looking at Gemma.
"Gemma." She said earning a nod before Gemma looked at the girl.
"Oh this is Trinity, my daughter." Maureen explained.
"Gemma." Gemma introduced herself.
"No way this is Trinity. You were so small when I saw you last." I said.
"And you had blue streaks in your hair the last I saw. I thought it was the coolest." Trinity laughed.
"Hey I'm Jax, I think we spoke on the phone." Jax introduced himself and she shook his hand. She gave Trinity a look and she dismissed herself back to the shop.
"Didn't expect you'd be makin' the trip. S'why I called Aurora." Maureen said.
"Well I'm here. Where is my grandson?" Gemma asked getting to the point.
"Come on upstairs and have a cup o' tea." Maureen offered.
"I don't want any God damn tea." Gemma said not wanting to screw around anymore.
"This is my home Gemma. A wee bit o respect will go a long way." Maureen explained and I looked over at Gemma giving her a nod that it was what must be done.
"You got coffee?" Gemma asked rolling her eyes.
"Aye." Maureen said leading the four of us upstairs to the living area. She set us up with coffee before getting into it.
"Cammy brought the baby to me. He knew he was in deep shit with the club and the army. Set a meeting with my brother." Maureen explained.
"Wanting a pass from the priest?" Clay asked.
"Aye...he didn't get one." Maureen looked down.
"Good...your cousin nearly killed me. Stabbed my best friend to death. Got what he deserved." I said bitterly. Jax reached out and took my hand as he sat next to me.
"I'm sorry." Maureen said trying to shake off what I'd just said.
"After that, Kellan took the baby in order to keep em' safe." Maureen said.
"Then let's go see Kellan." Jax said.
"No. He knows where yeh are. He'll find you." Maureen explained.
"So we just wait?" Gemma asked.
"Aye. Questions will be answered soon enough." Maureen said looking like she didn't like these games almost as much as we didn't.
"I'm sorry you're going through this and I'm sorry for your loss." Maureen apologized again to me and to Jax.
"Can't imagine the pain you must be feelin'." Maureen said making Jax nod. Gemma lit up a cigarette as Maureen stood up.
"Well I have clean sheets for the rooms. Lord knows they probably don't bother changin' em." Maureen said.
"Yeah we'll get the guys in here to bring the bags up." Clay stood up. Gemma picked up her bag and followed Maureen up the stairs to see the master bedroom as Jax and I followed Clay out.
"We need to hold church. I'll get McGee and the others." Clay said before whistling.
"Juice!" He called Juice over and he sprinted across the lot.
"Help Rory lug the bags upstairs. You can have whatever rooms left." Juice shook his head as I followed him over to the van and pulled out a few bags.
"So how are you feeling? Being back here and all." Juice asked as we carried the bags up.
"Like I'm waiting to catch a bullet between the eyes." I said reaching the top of the stairs.
"You seem to get along with Chibs's nephew pretty well." Juice said as more of a statement.
"We're pretty close." I said simply.
"How close?" Juice asked and I turned around taking the sheets Maureen had given us.
"Now that's none of your business." I blew him off before running through the rooms putting the sheets on the beds. I finally settled myself into the room at the end of the hall with a double bed. I laid on the bed trying to fathom being here. I had gotten lost in my thoughts and didn't even notice Juice standing in the doorway watching me.
"Can I help you creeper?" I asked looking over at him.
"Just wondering why you're in my room unless you volunteered to bunk with me." Juice said confusing me.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"Clay said I could take the last room since I helped bring bags up. This would be the room." Juice looked around the room and I sat up.
"Clearly he's mistaken. Can't you sleep in one of the other rooms with the boys?" I asked trying to figure out how I managed to screw the sleeping arrangements up.
"They've got single beds and this is meant for two people. It's either me or Bobby and I know for a fact that he snores pretty intensely." Juice said making me laugh.
"Yeah well I haven't dated Bobby so he might just be the better option." I said not trying to let him win.
"Suit yourself. I'm sorry you aren't mature enough to handle sleeping next to me." He said surprisingly confident. I wasn't the only one with a sharp tongue today but I suppose this was payback for blowing him off about Padriac. He tossed his bag on the floor but before he walked out he turned back to me.
"Oh and If he tries to spoon with you in the middle of the night there's a really uncomfortable couch out here, just for you princess." He gave a fake grin before walking back out towards the common room and I couldn't help but smile.
"…Ass." I said to myself before getting up and changing my clothes. I walked out to see Gemma had crashed on the couch. I went ahead and covered her up before walking down the steps towards the Sambel clubhouse. I felt someone grab the belt loop of my jeans and I moved to swing on them but to my relief it was just Padraic.
"Easy there lass'." He laughed back up in time to avoid getting hit.
"Sorry I thought you were someone else." I said honestly thinking it was O'Neill already trying to put the moves on me.
"Leave ya with Charmin' boys for a few and ya become all hasty with tha fightin' again." Padraic teased me as we found a table to sit down on.
"Charming boys have nothing to do with me not liking my ass grabbed." I said bumping my arm into his.
"Are ye' sure? This one is givin' me dagger eyes and I dun even know is' name." Padraic nodded to the left and I looked over to see Juice coming down the steps staring at the both of us.
"I can change that...JUICE! Come here." I called out to him and he walked over to us with his hands in his pockets.
"What's up?" He asked looking from me to Padraic.
"Padraic this is Juice. Juice this is Padraic Telford, Chibs's nephew." The two shook hands and greeted one another.
"Such'a formal introduction from a girl who nearly bludgeoned me." Padraic said making Juice chuckle.
"She does that to a lot of people. Don't feel bad." Juice said making Padraic look at me.
"I bet." Padraic said.
"So how do you two know each other?" Juice asked crossing his arms over his chest and I rolled my eyes.
"Oh Aurora is my future old laday...dependin' on who ye ask." Padraic's words made Juice visibly uncomfortable.
"Is that so?" Juice cleared his throat.
"Yeah. My mum loves her. Chibs's practically forced us to mate when we turned 18." Padraic said making me laugh.
"If I recall you were doing just fine trying to get in my pants all on your own." I said pulling a cigarette out of his cut.
"Lies, I am a very gentle Irishmen. Ask around." Padraic took the cigarette from me and pulled one out for himself before lighting the both of them. It was a habit he always did when we were younger.
"So you two were together way back when?" Juice asked.
"Aye, Rory is my American girl." Padraic grinned putting his arm around me.
"And you my Irish gentlemen." I said returning his affection. A van pulled into the lot and caught all our attention. Juice snapped out of it and ran to the Sambel clubhouse to let the others know. Padraic pulled me off the table and started leading me into the clubhouse just as the others were walking out to see who was in the mystery van. I stood behind the boys and watched carefully not sure if I should take cover or not. As the man pulled the door to the van open Fiona emerged.
"Oh God it's my girls." Chibs ran past the group towards Fiona and Kerrianne. Fiona looked even more exhausted then the last time I saw her but seeing Kerrianne brought a smile to my face. She had grown so much since I left Belfast. She had Chibs's eyes too. They were so far away I couldn't hear what they were saying but I could tell Chibs was happy to see them both. She smiled at whatever he said before he moved in for a hug. Fiona looked on the verge of tears as her husband and daughter were finally reunited after so long and threw her arms around the both of them. I rested my hand on my heart as I watched the moment in both contentment and envy. I'd give anything to be reunited with my parents but I knew it was impossible. I felt a hand on my back and looked to see Juice staring back at me. It was a look of concern to which I simply nodded and smiled letting him know I was okay.
"She has his eyes." I whispered.
"This is the happiest I've seen Chibs in a long time." Juice responded and for the first time since arriving in Belfast we were being civil to one another. I finally caught Kerrianne's eyes and I saw her say something to Chibs causing him to let her go and turn to look at me.
"Rory girl." He called over to me and Juice dropped his hand from my back as I started to walk towards them. As I got closer Kerrianne smiled and threw her arms out. I picked up my pace a little and wrapped my arms around her letting out a loud laugh as we connected.
"I can't believ' it's you." Kerrianne said in disbelief.
"God you've grown too fast." I hugged her tightly. Chibs and Fiona were smiling at the both of us. I pulled out of the hug to grip her face and push her curly locks away from her face. She did the same to me.
"Your hair..." She said as she ran her fingers through my lighter hair.
"My hair? Your hair. You look just like your mum." I laughed.
"Boys! Come meet ma' little girl." Chibs called to the others and they made their way over to us.
"Kerrianne, this is Clay Morrow. He's president of Samcro." Kerrianne meekly shook Clay's hand.
"Nice to meet you sweetheart." Clay said.
"This is Jackie boy, VP." Jax smiled at Kerrianne.
"Heard a lot about you." Jax said politely.
"Now this is Opie, Bobby Elvis, Happy and Juicy boy." The others shook her hand and I watched as Juice took in her appearance. Something about his gaze concerned me.
"Let's talk upstairs. Rory why don't you take Kerrianne to get something to drink and catch up." Clay asked and I nodded taking Kerrianne's hand. As we got away from the others Kerrianne pulled me to her again and hugged me tightly.
"Whoa..." I laughed as it was a sudden hug and much tighter then before.
"Ma' told me what ye did for me. I'm so sorry." She whispered into my hair and I sighed hugging her back.
"You're my family. I'd do anything for you." I said. She still held onto me for dear life.
"Thank you." She said firmly. I didn't make the choice I did all those years ago for gratitude but knowing that it wasn't for nothing and that Kerrianne knew how much I cared about her was worth it.
[Juice's POV]
I watched as Chibs stood with Fiona and the smile that hadn't left his face got bigger as Rory and Kerrianne embraced and felt like the wind was knocked out of me. The love that Chibs and Fiona had was surviving overseas and through all this bullshit that being apart of the clubs entails. I wanted what Chibs had. I wanted a family that had unconditional love for one another and held no bounds. I snapped out of it when Clay suggest we talk to Fiona upstairs and watched Rory and Kerrianne take off towards the store to get something to drink. Rory looked at home when she was with Kerrianne or Padriac. I felt like I had so much more about her that I had to learn. We sat down in the common room to get updated on Jimmy O but Fiona seemed on edge.
"I av'e no idea why Jimmy lied. Not privy to is' plans. He doesn't trust me anymore." She turned back and looked at Chibs.
"Do you at least know what he's been up to since he's been back?" Chibs asked her.
"Recruiting. He's at his bar pretty much day and night." Fiona said.
"What about O'Neill? He on Jimmy's permanent payroll?" Jax asked.
"Not dat I know of. But like I said, last few months I been in da dark." Fiona explained. Another dead end on our mission and we all seemed to feel it.
"It wasn't too smart bringing Aurora here eider'. If O'Neill does have a connection to Jimmy he'll be sure to tell him." Fiona gathered our attention.
"She's safe with us. You all are." Chibs said rubbing her shoulder.
"Why would it matter if she's here to Jimmy?" I asked catching a few pairs of eyes for speaking up.
"Dats a story she'll have to tell yeh but it's not safe for ere'. Watch her closely." Fiona said to me directly and I nodded. The door opened and Kerrianne and Rory emerged.
"We should start wrappin' it up Fi. We need to get back." The driver of the van said to Fiona.
"Kellan want's us to stay at the rectory. It's like a bloody fortress." She said getting up and walking over to Kerrianne and Rory. She put her hand on Rory's face and smiled.
"Jimmy really gonna try and hurt us ma?" Kerrianne asked and Chibs was quick to get up.
"Hey no one's ever gonna hurt my baby...or my girls." Chibs kissed Kerrianne's head before putting his arm around Rory's shoulders.
"Cant they stay for awhile? I mean they just got here." Rory asked the man who stood like security by the door.
"Church isn't that far. We can get em back safe." Clay added.
"You lads armed?" He asked us and all of us pulled out our weapons. Even Rory put her leg up on the chair showing her ankle holstered gun.
"Alright...tonight then." The guy walked towards the door.
"Hey thanks." Chibs called after the man. Chibs looked at Kerrianne.
"I guess ye'll wanting to be catching up with Rory?" He asked and Rory patted his chest.
"Oh no you all need family time. I'll catch up with her another day." Rory smiled kissing Kerrianne's cheek before leaving the three of them to talk. Most of the guys went to their rooms to gets some shut eye but I went out side to smoke a cigarette. I sat out there for awhile watching people come and go. It was like being at home but with really shitty weather. Though the open fields and beautiful scenery we saw on the way in seemed like a good reason to set up a life here. I was startled when someone plopped down next to me but relaxed when I saw it was Rory.
"Someone's jumpy." She said putting a cigarette to her lips and lighting it.
"I blame the weather. Back home everything is bright and sunny. You can see when something is walking up on you but here it's dark and gloomy so you barely see when someone does a power sit right next to you." I said making her smile. She took a pull off her cigarette as we sat in silence.
"Are you okay?" She asked and I furrowed my eyebrows at her unsure of what she was talking about.
"Earlier when Chibs introduced you to Kerrianne, you seemed upset." She said.
"Not really upset just a little envious I guess. He's got a good thing. It's hard not to want that." I explained.
"A good thing? His wife and his daughter live a million miles away in this shitstorm. I'd hardly call it a good thing." Rory said defeated.
"But even with the shitstorm and the miles you can tell that they have a deep love for each other." I said making Rory look at me.
"So what? You're looking for a family? Nice little wife and a few little Juan Carlos's to have running around?" Rory laughed and I shook my head.
"Maybe someday. Why is that so hard to believe?" I asked but her gaze became serious.
"Have you learned nothing from all of this? Look at Opie trying to raise his kids alone or Jax who is trying to get his back after it was kidnapped or Chibs who was banished from his home and can see his wife and daughter maybe once or twice a year. Why would you think you could start a family in this?" She asked as if I were trying to open an ice skating rink in hell.
"It's all about love. If it's strong enough, deep enough...anything can survive. Opie isn't trying to raise his kids, he is and Jax is doing everything he can to find his son." I said gazing back at Rory who looked caught off guard.
"And Chibs well, he's up there cherishing what time he does have with his family because of that love." She watched my face for a few moments as I took a drag off my cigarette before chuckling.
"The boy takes a leap of faith on love. That's pretty cute. I wasn't aware bikers lived in a Disney movie." Rory started mocking me and I shook my head.
"Forget it." I stood up and Rory clicked her tongue to her teeth.
"I'm just joking Juice. Relax." She laughed.
"Why do you have to do that? Act like I'm some giant idiot all the time. Weren't you the one telling me I'm not the club jackass or were you just bullshitting me?" I asked throwing my arms out.
"Why are you so uptight?" Rory asked curious as to why I was freaking out.
"Because I've got people telling me to keep an eye on you because of your mysterious past here and you keep pushing me away...it's fucking terrifying. How am I supposed to protect you if you keep making me feel like I'm too stupid to." I said taking a deep breath. Rory looked a bit in shock that I was so honest with her but before she could answer Chibs walked outside and whistled for me. I jogged up the steps and he put a hand on my shoulder.
"Interupttin' am I?" Chibs asked and I shook my head.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I'm gonna take Fi and Kerrianne back to the church. Let Jackie boy know." Chibs said and I nodded. I walked back to Jax's room to find he was talking to Maureen's daughter Trinity.
"Hey uh Chibs is taking Fiona and Kerrianne back to St. Matt's." I announced breaking up the little chit chat.
"Tell him to wait for me. I'm going with em." Jax stood up.
"I better come with yeh. Don't want you lads gettin' lost in the big city." Trinity said making me eye her and Jax before she practically chased me out of the room. Bobby had finally woken up and came walking out of the bathroom.
"Hey man I might need to trade rooms with you." I stopped him as Jax walked past me.
"No can do Juicy. I've already taken a siesta on that bed and I don't plan on giving it up. Besides Opie doesn't snore." I rolled my eyes at Bobby.
"Well Rory isn't going to share a bed with me so I kind of need to trade." I explained.
"Ask Hap, he'll trade." Bobby said as I followed him out to the common room.
"Yeah I don't really want to do that." I stopped Bobby with my tone and he eyed me.
"Why's that?" He asked.
"Come on man. I'll owe you one." I pitched but Bobby laughed.
"Afraid Hap might give you a little competition?" Bobby asked as he grabbed a beer from the fridge.
"Do you honestly think I need anymore at this point? She's practically fawning over Chibs's nephew. Cut me a break here." I begged.
"Sorry brother. I can't help ya." Bobby walked outside and I sat down on the couch. Gemma walked in and sat down next to me.
"What's the matter sweetheart?" She asked putting a hand on my back. I looked over at her and sighed.
"You've been away for a while but I assume you know I screwed up with Rory?" I asked and she made a face.
"There are few things I don't hear baby." She said.
"Well I've tried just about everything to make things better between us but it's not working. Even when I'm just being friendly she shuts me down like I'm some sort of asshole." I explained.
"Did you ever think maybe she can't be friends with you?" Gemma pitched.
"Why not? I didn't screw her over when we were friends." I pointed out and Gemma just smiled.
"But you started as friends and she started to feel more for you based on who you are. You're a sweetheart with a wonderful smile Juice. Qualities any women would find hard not to fall for." Gemma pitched my cheek.
"So you think it's too difficult for her to be friends with me because she might not be able to just be friends?" I asked and Gemma kissed my cheek.
"Give her some time. She'll come around." Gemma got up from the couch as I mulled over what she had said. Something about the idea of Rory not being able to be nice to me because she was afraid of falling for my charms made me feel a lot lighter. I could handle something like that. I snapped out of it when the door opened quickly.
"For fuck's sake." Opie said taking his gloves off as he was followed in by Jax.
"What happened?" I asked standing up.
"Fucking drive by. I feel right at home here." Opie said.
"We got church. Let's go." Jax said seeming annoyed.
"Is everyone okay?" I asked.
"Yeah everyone's fine. The girls are a little shook up but fine. Rory might need a few shots." I followed Jax out.
"Wait, Rory was with you?" I asked.
"Yeah she said she needed to get away for a bit. She's fine bro." Jax hit my chest as we all walked into the Sambel church. We waited for Chibs to join us before beginning though. Padraic sat down across from me and I tried not to make eye contact with him. Luckily Chibs arrived.
"Girls okay?" Jax asked as Chibs stalked in keeping his eyes on O'Neill.
"Yeah Casey picked em up outside the back of the rectory." Chibs sat down with his beer and opened it.
"Any idea who the shooter was?" Clay asked.
"Had to be Jimmy." Opie said from beside me.
"No it wasn't. It was UVF. Radical loyalist. They know that Fiona is with Jimmy so they probably been stalkin' her since she showed up here." McGee said.
"Jimmy's got to be overwhelmed with all the recruitin' he's been doin down South." O'Neill said.
"So they gun down women and children?" Jax seethed.
"If dey wanted to kill yeh, you'd be dead." O'Neill said like he was so sure. Him and Jax stared each other down.
"He's right. UVF was using Fiona to send a message to Jimmy to seize and desist." McGee backed up O'Neill.
"Jesus Christ." Clay rubbed at his eyes.
"We ain't in Charmin' any more boys." Chibs said taking a swig of his beer.
"Everyone just watch your asses and stay alert. We don't want shit popping off our first night." Bobby said.
"Aye." McGee slammed the gavel down and we all got up from the table. I went to walk out of the clubhouse but Chibs grabbed my arm.
"Whatever shite you got going on with Rory you need to squash it. She needs someone to have her back Juicy." Chibs seemed genuinely concerned.
"I'm trying man. She isn't the easiest person to follow around." I said as we walked out to the party that was already in full swing. I watched Padraic walk over to Rory and hand her a beer. She smiled at him and I felt my stomach sink a bit.
"Ey' don't worry about Padraic. He's harmless. He knows she's coming home with us." Chibs tried to reassure me but something in my stomach kept reminding me that they had history. A better history then Rory and I.
"Yeah well forgive me if I'm not comfortable with her flirting with another ex." I said honestly.
"All's fair in love and war, Juicy. Beat her at her own game." Chibs said gesturing to the other ladies who seemed to not be phased at all by the weather due to their lack of clothing.
"Because that worked out so well last time." I said rolling my eyes.
"Ah ah, look, chat, tease the buggers but no touchy touchy." Chibs waved his finger in front of my face and I laughed.
"You do realize if this goes horribly wrong I will blame you right?" I warned but he merely laughed and put me in a headlock before ushering me to the Belfast sweetbutts.
[Rory's POV]
After getting caught in the crossfire I was a bit shaken up. Padraic sat down with me and handed me a beer.
"Rough day?" He asked making me laugh.
"More like rough life. Thank you." I took the beer and took a big swig.
"Ah it's only yer first day. You'll be back to whippin' people in to shape in no time." He patted my knee.
"You know I always figured you'd end up in a cut but I don't know I just thought maybe you'd reconsider and actually do something with your life." I realized my words may have been a bit harsh but Padraic gave a lighthearted laugh.
"Well my good looks will only take me so far." He joked.
"I'm sorry I just mean-" He cut me off.
"I know. Truth is ma would agree with ya. She wanted me to finish schooling and go to America to study. I always thought she just wanted me to chase after yeh." He smirked.
"As you can see my life clearly didn't take off either so that would have been a bad move." I took another swig of my beer as O'Neill started challenging people to a boxing match.
"I think ye faired pretty well. Chibs tells me you're a nurse now. That's somethin'" Padraic said.
"Yeah I spent so much time in the hospital these days they figured they should just give me a job." I snorted.
"Aye but at least yeh got some practice with lyin' on yer back." Padraic's words made my mouth drop and I hit his arm.
"What an asshole." I said with a laugh.
"Relax love I was just jokin'. Though yeh know I'd love to get horizontal with ya like when we were lovebirds." Padraic said into my ear and I could feel his breath on my neck. I looked at him for a few moments and knew exactly what he was talking about.
"It's a good thing I know you so well otherwise I'd have slapped you." I said and Padraic shook his head fiercely as he got up from the picnic table.
"Now see yer mind went to the derty place. I'm a man of substance. Don't make me out to be cheap." Padraic wander off to no doubt get the keys for our adventure and I went to grab another beer but was met with a sight I'd prefer not to see. Some slutty blonde in a pink bra was grinding all over Juice and he was laughing it up with Chibs right next to him. I knew I was glaring but I couldn't help it. He was so full of shit about this whole settling down thing and I actually felt guilty for making fun of him earlier. He kept his hands by his side as the sweetbutt invaded every aspect of his personal space but he certainly seemed to be enjoying it. I felt someone press up against me from behind and wrap their arms around me.
"What'aya starin' at that prick fur? Yeh know where a real man is." The voice sent a cold chill down my spine and I quickly turned around to push him away. O'Neill stood smirking in front of me.
"I wasn't interested back then Liam, what makes you think my standards are low now?" I spat as he swayed his sweaty body towards me.
"Don't fight it lass. Not even death kept yeh from comin' back to get some of this." He pulled me by my lower back into him again and I put my hands up so I wouldn't have to be pressed to him.
"BACK OFF O'NEILL!" I yelled pushing him away. I must have caught the attention of a few people because he looked around and laughed trying to dissolve the scene. Jax caught my gaze and started across the way towards me.
"Who wants a piece of the champ?" O'Neill shouted going back towards the fighting circle.
"Are you okay?" Jax asked putting a hand on my arm as I hugged my arms around me.
"Yeah...I'm fine. I just hate him." I told Jax as he looked back at O'Neill.
"Did he hurt you?" Jax looked me over and I sighed.
"No not this time." I trailed off hoping Jax hadn't picked up on it.
"Was he part of the past you don't want to talk about?" Jax asked sternly and I just met his eyes. I watched his body language change entirely as he bit his bottom lip hard and turned back to the fighting circle.
"Jax...Jackson!" I called after him.
"Who's next?" O'Neill asked.
"ME!" Jax stepped up to fight with O'Neill and O'Neill laughed.
"Prince Charmin' let's go." O'Neill looked back to me and blow me a kiss making me cringe. Trinity taped up Jax's hands after he handed his rings to Bobby.
"Don't let him mess up that pretty face of yours." Bobby said.
"This is stupid. Why are you doing this?" I asked trying not to get completely disgusted with the situation.
"What's going on?" Opie asked.
"Look, you won't come out with it so I'll start making up for past failures the only ways I know how." Jax explained.
"You're being a goddamn fool Jackson." I said sounding like a mother. He yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it onto the table as Gemma walked over to me and touched my arm.
"What's that all about?" She asked as I ran my hand through my hair.
"Stupid shit." I said simply before Juice joined her side.
"Hey you okay?" He asked making me blow a raspberry at him.
"Oh fuck off." I said before storming away to go find Padraic. I wasn't going to watch Jax pummel O'Neill or Juice act like he gave a damn when he was just dry humping some skank moments before. I headed across the street and took the elevator to the roof of the old box factory. It was still vacant after all these years but it was where Padraic and I would go to spy on the club when McGee and the others said the parties were too rough. Padraic was already on the rooftop.
"I grabbed the essentials. A cooler a brew and a blanket." He held the two things up and I laughed.
"How you spoil me Padraic." I teased sitting down on the blanket. Padraic opened to bottles and passed me one before sitting down.
"So why don't you tell me about the lad with the head tattoo's." Padraic said making me cut my eyes at him.
"Come on. Yer puttin' on quite a show for the lad. At least give me the story." Padraic pressed and I swigged my beer.
"We used to date. End of story." I said simply making him laugh.
"Trust me love, the stories never end with you. Tell ole Paddy what the real story is." Padriac smiled trying to coax the truth out of me and I couldn't resist his offer.
"We got pretty close. We only dated a few months but we've practically been through hell and back already." I explained.
"So what happened?" I could feel his eyes on me.
"He cheated on me. I walked in on him getting a blow job from some Asian whore." I said looking over at him.
"Ouch. Musta been rough." Padraic said with sympathy.
"Yeah and if we weren't in public I might have ripped his nuts off and made the bitch eat them." I said.
"Still a bit hostile I see. Wait, you were in public?" He asked.
"The boys were on a run which apparently is justification for cheating in your world." Padraic put his hands up immediately.
"Hey now don't turn the hammer on me." He said making me laugh.
"Why is is that these things have their own set of rules? I'll never understand." I pulled on his cut.
"It's the life Rory. You know that much." I shrugged at his words.
"Yeah...the life." I said taking another swig of my beer.
"Though I ate' to break it to yeh but even without these people make mistakes." Padraic pulled on his cut and I rolled my eyes.
"What is with you Sons? Always defending each other even when you know you're in the wrong." I said in shock.
"It's beyond brudderhood. I barely know that guy and you know that I love ya, I'm merely sayin' if your feelings were strong for the guy it might be worth givin' em a second chance." Padraic explained. I let out a sigh as I laid back onto the blanket to look at the sky.
"Second chances means second opportunities to get hurt." I said as Padraic looked down at me.
"Or a second chance to find what we're all search fur." Padraic said making me laugh.
"If you say love I will tell everyone how soft you are." I warned making him smile.
"Someone to call home. This life is so fast an chaotic it's hard to keep up mos days. We're like balloons." Padraic said making me furrow my brows at him.
"Full of hot air?" I teased.
"Close but no. We float around where ever the wind blows us but eventually we all gotta come down. Some of us are fortunate enough to fall into the arms of a luscious sweetbutt." He said making me roll my eyes.
"Others get lucky and get girls like yeh. Stable, honest, no bullshite kinda girls. The forever type of girl." I stared up at Padraic and sat up to meet his gaze.
"Who's to say I'm not your forever type of girl?" I asked before meeting his lips with my own. I felt his lips turn up into a smile before he placed a hand on my face.
"Aye because Belfast is my home. I know this place makes yeh unnerved and I'd never wish that on yeh." Padraic said making me frown.
"No matta how hard yeh fight it, Charming is your home. Perhaps someday you'll be able to make it so with that lad." Padraic pushed my hair out of my face and I sighed as he pulled me to his chest so we could lay down together.
"I hate that you are so damn poetic." I said resting my hand on his chest.
"Aye, ladies love a man with soulful words." Padraic said with a grin. I laid up on that roof with Padraic for quite awhile before he got a call and had to leave. I walked into the common room to see Clay, Happy, Opie, Chibs and Juice playing cards and Bobby and Gemma standing in the kitchen talking.
"Where's Jax?" I asked hanging my coat up.
"With the priest." Opie answered as I walked into the kitchen to get a drink.
"How was yeh date? Did yeh see stars?" Chibs asked with a laugh.
"As a matter of fact I did." I smirked making the boys laugh.
"That's ma' boy." Chibs said as he looked at his cards. I noticed Juice having a silence conversation with Opie between glances. I brushed it off getting a mug from the cabinet.
"How you doing sweetheart?" Gemma put her arm around me as Bobby fixed the tea.
"Alright. Tired but alright. This place takes a lot of me." I said as Bobby turned around and caught Gemma and I staring at the boys playing their game of poker.
"Talk to him yet?" Gemma asked.
"What's the point? We'll go home and shit will still be the same." I said honestly.
"You know I've been married twice and I can honestly say that you ladies have quite some pull. Much more then my old ladies ever have." Gemma and I looked at Bobby.
"We dated a few months." I scrunched up my face at the assumption of being Juice's old lady.
"Apparently that's all it takes. That boy has been a wreck since you broke up with him. Just this short period of time that you've spent in close proximity has flipped him around completely." Bobby explained but I had a hard time believing it.
"I think you guys are over thinking this just a bit." I held out my mug and Bobby filled it with tea.
"You wouldn't bother picking at him if you didn't want him in your life sweetheart." Gemma said as I walked over to the sugar.
"Maybe I just like being a bitch?" I smiled sarcastically making Bobby chuckle.
"Well at least you get it honest." Gemma said as I walked past the table putting a hand on Chibs's shoulder.
"Wanna get in on this?" Chibs asked.
"Nah I'm going to bed." I said kissing his cheek.
"Just the same. Juice is cheatin' anyway." Happy said mean mugging Juice from across the table.
"Well Hap I could have told you he's good at that." I said sipping my tea. Opie and Chibs made noises as I started out of the room.
"You know for someone who saw stars you are kind of cranky. Are you on the rag?" More noises were made as Juice bit back at me. I turned and looked at him as he folded his hands on the table.
"I'm curious Juice, did you find someplace to sleep tonight?" I asked cocking my eyebrow. The boys continued to taunt back and forth as Juice and I took shots at one another.
"How about I play you for it? Winner takes the room and loser rides the couch." Juice offered.
"Shit is getting real intense." Clay said looking between the both of us.
"Sure, why not. But Opie shuffles and Happy deals." I said walking back to the table and grabbing a chair. Juice handed Opie the deck of cards and he started to shuffle them before handing them to Happy. Happy dealt the cards between the two of us and Juice kept his eyes on me as I looked at my cards.
"This is the most sexually frustrated card game I've ever witness." Opie said.
"Aye, I'm gettin' blue balls just watchin'." Chibs added.
"How many cards?" Happy asked Juice.
"Two." Juice handed Happy his cards and Happy gave him two fresh ones.
"How many Rory?" He looked over at me.
"Just one." I said taking the card from Happy. Bobby and Gemma had walked towards the table to watch the ongoing's of the game.
"Alright what's the verdict?" Bobby asked. Juice had a smile on his face as he laid his cards down.
"Ironically enough I have a flush in all hearts." He said confidentially making the boys look at me.
"Wow that's a great hand. I'm almost impressed." I said with a laugh.
"Almost?" Juice said as I laid my cards down.
"A flush almost beats a full house." The boys cheered as the smile faded from Juice's face. I stood up and leaned over the table.
"Enjoy the couch." I said before grabbing my tea and putting a hand on Happy's shoulder.
"Don't feel bad Juicy. Luck'a the Irish." Chibs clapped a hand on Juice's shoulder and I heard Juice chuckle.
"Yeah...something like that." I glanced back at Juice who strangely enough had a smile on his face. What started as a pissing match ended semi civil.
[Jax's POV]
I followed Father Kellan into his church and sat next to him in one of the pews. His silence was off-putting to say the least. My adrenaline was still high from beating the hell out of O'Neill but I was trying to focus on getting Abel back.
"Maureen said you have my son." I said lightly remembering I was in a church.
"I know where he is, yes." Kellan said.
"Where?" I asked desperately.
"He's safe. Far from Belfast." I felt a jolt in my chest and I sat back slightly trying to contain my anger.
"What the hell does that mean?" I asked. He kept his mouth closed.
"Do you have Abel or not?" I asked once more.
"Your son was in danger. That threat is still present." Kellan explained.
"Jimmy." I said.
"Aye." Kellan confirmed.
"Why? He has no reason to hurt my kid." I said frustrated.
"Oh he has many." He shifted his body towards mine.
"What I'm about to tell you Jackson is a very volatile subject. The words I say only God can be a witness, you understand?" He whispered and I nodded.
"Jimmy O'Phelan wants to end the Irish relation with the Sons Of Anarchy. Wants to cut out the Belfast charter from any future work, stop dealing guns in Charming." Kellan explained.
"Running protection to Sambel's main gig was why my Dad set up the charter." I said trying to figure out what the deal was.
"Jimmy wants to keep that income in his pocket. Wants to start selling your guns to the Russians up in Oregon for a greater profit. Everything Jimmy does is for profit." Kellan said making me lost.
"What does that have to do with my kid?" I asked.
"The army's come to a very difficult decision. Jimmy's greed and arrogance has become a hindrance both internally and personally. You experienced an example of that tonight." I realized what Kellan was saying.
"Your gonna get rid of him." I said watching his face. A man of God talking of an execution wasn't making my stomach feel any better with Abel gone.
"Well Jimmy's been meshed with so many things that define us. If word got out that he'd kill one of our own leaders there will be chaos. The loyalist will have a field day." I had to laugh to myself as the pieces started to fall into place.
"But if someone from the outside killed em..." I pitched.
"Vengeance from a distraught father...retribution for a a beloved sister. Something every Irishmen would understand." I tilted my head.
"Retribution...are you talking about Rory?" I asked.
"Aye. The torture he put her through is only that of a monster. The burden of those scars he left her with could never be forgiven. For her and your son, Jimmy must go." Kellan explained.
"What did he do to her? She won't tell me and I can't base killing him on the word of you." I tried to coax the story out of him and he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"When I got Aurora out of Belfast I knew the stories of what happened to her died here. I only pray that she has made a better life for herself." Kellan didn't seem to know that Rory had come with us to Belfast. There was only one question I had to know before leaving this church.
"Did Jimmy rape her?" I asked through gritted teeth. Kellan stared at me for a few moments before letting out a heavy breath.
"The things Jimmy did to her were beyond any word of suffering. Things that will haunt any man of any faith." Kellan's words made my jaw lock up. I felt a rage boiling inside of myself.
"Jimmy had to have known that if I came here that you and I would be having this conversation." I explained gripping the front pew.
"He knows a line's been drawn. That's why he lied to you about the baby and why he tried to get you deported and now you're here. Why he want's that little one is purely leverage. The rage you feel can only be halted by the thought of getting your son back and he knows that. He's a grave threat to both our families. You kill Jimmy O'Phelan and I will make sure Abel goes home in the arms of his loving family." Kellan said to me looking me directly in the eye before patting my shoulder once more before getting up. I stayed sitting in the church for a few more moments trying to wrap my head around everything. All I could think about was getting Abel back but at the same time my heart broke for Rory. Kellan talked as if there were something worse then rape and racking my brain to figure it out only made my stomach turn. I got up from the church and headed back to the Sambel clubhouse where there still seemed to be a few late night partiers. I walked up the steps to where we were staying to see that most of the lights were dim. There were playing cards and chips spread out on the table and Juice was lying on the couch. He looked up at me as I shut the door.
"Hey, why are you out here?" I asked him.
"Lost a bet with Rory. Somehow we ended up bunking together but she isn't having it." Juice explained.
"I'd say she's still a bit anger about the whole blow job thing huh?" I joked and Juice chuckled.
"Yeah I'd say so." Juice said as I walked across the room.
"You okay man?" He asked.
"Yeah I'm just beat. I need a shower and some sleep." I pulled my hair out of the ponytail I had it in.
"Water pressure sucks and is pretty fucking cold but have at it man." Juice gestured to the bathroom and I nodded at him. I walked back to my room and grabbed some clean boxers before walking into the bathroom. I thought for a few moments before walking back out and looking at Juice.
"Hey man why don't you crash in my room tonight. I'll crash in there with her so she doesn't rip your nuts off." I said as Juice rolled off the couch.
"I wont argue with that. That couch was like being shanked all over again." He put a hand on his back and winced before patting my chest.
"Get some sleep." I said before walking back into the bathroom. I stepped into the ice cold shower and tried knew I couldn't think in there like I could back home. If anything, the cold water made me more alert as to how fucked up everything was around me at the moment. I had to kill a man to get my son back, my mom was facing hard time as well as us when we returned, my relationship was utter shit at the moment and I was finding that the more I learned about Rory's past the less I truly wanted to know. The thought...the idea of anything horrible happening to her made me feel extremely guilty. I couldn't help but remember the talk we had before she decided to go to Belfast.
::FLASHBACK::
We sat on the roof of the clubhouse smoking after attending Rory's mom's funeral. She hadn't said much since it all went down but I could tell she was hurting.
"So what did social services say?" I asked her as she blew out the smoke. She sat silently for a few moments and for a second I thought she might just ignore me.
"They said I'm not legally an adult yet so I'd have to go into the system until I was at least 18 but Piney said he would work something out with them." She said keeping her eyes trained out on the town.
"We aren't going to let them take you Ar. I promise." I put a hand on her back.
"You know better then to make me promises Jax." She said simply before putting the cigarette back to her lips. It was hard looking at her at 16 years old and knowing that she's been through enough to make her twice that age. A stupid number dictated where she'd be spending her future on paper.
"What can I do for you? I feel so fucking useless and I can't take that. I couldn't help Thomas and now I feel like I'm failing you-" She turned towards me.
"You were there for Thomas every step of the way. There was nothing you could do. There's nothing you can do for me either. I'm trapped here...forever alone." She explained before looking back out at Charming. The root of her pain rested in our hometown of Charming. If she couldn't be happy here then maybe it was best if she left Charming.
"Why don't you go back to Belfast with McGee? I mean if child services is really going to make you stay in the system until your 18 then you can get away from here until then." I said making her laugh.
"Because I'm sure McGee's dream is to take on raising a 16 year old girl. Get real Jax." She said defeated.
"You hate it here Rory. With what happened to your mom and Lenny...I love you more then words could ever possibly express. You know that. You are my sister and nothing will change that but-" She cut me off.
"But you are Prospecting into the club and won't have time to take care of me. I'm not stupid Jax. Please don't try and patronize me. I know that I'm a burden-" I stood up quickly catching her gaze.
"That's bullshit and you know it. Stop trying to make this about what's best for the club. I'm talking about what's best for you." I raised my voice at her and she looked up. I felt bad I had yelled at her but I didn't want her to think she was some expandable part of my life. I knelt down in front of her and took her hands.
"I know you're hurting Ar. It hurts me to see you in pain and as much as it would kill me to watch you go I really think it's for the best. In order for you to get past all this bullshit and try to be happy because that's all I've ever wanted for you...to be happy." I pleaded with her and watched her face intently as it softened a bit.
"You really think I could find happiness in Belfast?" She asked and I nodded.
"It's worth a shot right?" I said still holding onto her hands. She finished her cigarette before flicking it off the side of the roof.
"I guess we better talk to Gemma and Clay." She said with a sigh. I got up and kissed her forehead before sitting back next to her and putting my arm around her.
"I'll come visit you once you get settled and write you letters about how shitty it is here and how much I miss you being a wise ass." I said kissing the top of her head.
"Yeah you better not forget about me." She said poking my side.
"Never." I said firmly.
I turned the shower off and tried to seek warmth as quickly as possible. I walked into Rory's room and shut the door behind me. I walked over to the empty side of the bed and pulled the sheets down before sliding in next to her. Even in her sleep she looked troubled. I wasn't sure if it was because of her past or because she knew where she was sleeping but I laid on my side staring at her for awhile. I could still see features she used to have when she was 16 years old and I was practically pushing her out the door. Not one letter did I send to her. Not once did I visit her in Belfast in the 6 years she spent there. I was only 23 and stupid but I never would have thought something so horrible would happen to her. I pushed one of her bangs out of her face and her eyes opened slowly.
"Hey." She said groggy. I frowned at her but tried to force a smile.
"I didn't mean to wake you." I said softly. She opened her eyes fully and looked as though she was trying to read my face.
"What's wrong? Did things not go good with the priest?" She asked me sounding concerned. I pushed more of her hair out of her face before resting my hand on the side of her head.
"I'm so sorry Ar." I said fighting the lump in my throat. He eyes became increasingly worried.
"Jax, talk to me. What happened?" She asked in a panic.
"I should never have pushed you to leave Charming all those years ago. Everything that's happened to you here, all that pain, those scars...those are my fault." I pulled at her hand and kissed it. Her face was too hard to read as she looked panicked yet remorseful at the same time. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against mine.
"It wasn't your fault Jax. None of it was." She tried to reassure me and that made me feel weak.
"I know sorry isn't good enough but I promise that I'll make it right." I said firmly but she let out a breath.
"You know better then to make promises you can't keep Jax." She whispered sounding just as she had on the roof nearly 10 years ago.
"I promise on my life...you'll get your vengeance. I promise." I repeated taking a deep breath. We stayed close like this for the whole night. It's like we were holding onto each other for dear life but most of all I wanted her to know that I was here now. I may have dropped her back then but I wasn't going anywhere now.