Disclaimer: I do not own or possess any copyrights in relation to this story, nor am I being compensated in any way ... unless you count warm fuzzies from reviews. Sadly my bank does not accept those as currency.

Fair warning: There is violence, cussin', and sexin' ahead, so read at your own risk ... be prepared for MA/NC-17 content.

Chapter 21

Leaning forward against Happy as he took them south on 99 to Bakersfield, Rachel was content. The last three weeks had been wonderful in her opinion. Her stomach and back were finally pretty much healed, shit with the club had died down, and she was back at her normal job. Thanksgiving was yesterday at Gemma's, and now they were headed down to see his mother.

She hadn't thought she'd miss all her houseguests, but she did at first. She'd grown quite fond of the boys that stayed at their place. Kozik tried to wrangle an invitation to stay longer, since he said Tacoma didn't have mattresses this soft or meals that good. Happy told him nicely to get the fuck out. Well as nicely as Hap can say that.

Gemma and Clay were healing. Clay had eventually come to her and apologized. Rachel strongly suspected Gemma's hand at work there. She was finding that talking to Clay was rather interesting … for what he said, what he didn't say, and how he said it at all. It was like having a conversation inside suggestion wrapped up in innuendo.

She and Happy had eventually sat down for that talk. The one where she told him exactly how hurt she was when he was such a dick. She needed to impress upon him how painful it was, in the hopes that the next time he'd fuckin think first. He'd explained how he knew what he was doing was wrong, but couldn't put it all together until Quinn forced him to look at it.

Rachel said she'd have to thank Quinn and Happy growled at her. There was something about how Quinn said some shit about her to make Happy punch him so he'd listen … it didn't make any sense to her. How can men hit each other one minute and be fine the next? A woman hits another woman and a blood feud begins.

She agreed that instead of letting it happen next time and preparing to just walk, that she'd come to him and do something. Talk, yell, scream … fuck pull a gun. Do something. That she had to remember and understand that he was going to screw up, but it didn't mean he didn't love her or wasn't trying.

He made it a point to say that if she ever walked away from him without a good reason, he'd drag her back by the goddamn hair to explain herself. Her inner Gloria Steinem had a fucking cow over how pleased she had been with that threat. She growled at him and said that if he ever used another woman to get her attention again, like he had to have done at the clubhouse that day, he would be paying for it for a long time.

Peanut was overjoyed and sad at the same time. He'd been so happy with all the people around, especially Sons who Rachel swore emitted some kind of pheromone that Peanut was addicted to, but he had missed hanging out at the house with just her and Happy. At least they'd kept in shape, kind of, by running with Kip when they could, but the first week of getting back into it was rough on them both after being so inactive while she healed.

Happy was getting ready to start taking jobs now, and she was back with Greg, who was thrilled to have her back. I don't feel like shit about that, nope not at all. Hey Greg, you don't mind that I got a new boyfriend, and the last few months I've been gone a lot more than I've been here. That's cool, right? Year end was creeping closer though, so she understood it, even if they didn't get as busy as some firms.

She hadn't gone back to the Shelter yet and she knew that Happy was more than pleased about that, but she was going next week. He just didn't know it yet. The skills that she taught there had saved her life when Weston held that knife on her. She refused to quit volunteering that knowledge until they had someone else to do it. Happy can just suck an egg.

Heading now to go see his Ma, who had missed them in recent weeks, life was good. She was staying out of club stuff, only really going there when one of the ladies needed to stop or she had to meet Happy. Sometimes she missed the conversations she'd have with them in the clubhouse, they were all so quirky in different ways. Then again, a few seemed to show up on a regular basis at their house anyway, oddly enough, usually at dinner time. She had her life, Happy had his, and they had theirs in the middle.

Happy felt Rachel's hands tighten around him briefly in a squeeze and thanked god yet again that shit had fuckin stopped. To be honest, he had expected the end of Zobelle and that situation to end at least a couple of them, or put them in prison. Being able to skate out of it was a fuckin surprise. And that's partly my devious girl's work … she spun it all around until she found a way to make someone else do the hard shit, so the Sons just took out the trash. Hell yeah.

Cameron Hayes might be a problem still, but they hadn't heard much from him yet. He was fuckin suspicious as hell though, according to Clay and Jax who had met with him not long after. Clay was sure he was just blowing smoke, seeing if they knew anything.

He hadn't brought up the ink again to Rachel. He knew he'd put it on her eventually, but … that shit from when she was hurt lingered. On his side too, although he hadn't fuckin realized it until recently. The fact that she wouldn't fight for them? That she'd just walk away? Bugged him, even if he did understand what made her that way. They just needed some downtime before they moved forward with anything.

Life had smoothed out. He was available to the club at large again. Quinn was still ok with him being in Charming, although he'd have to make a decision on that sooner or later. He was coming up on a year in a few months. If he could see himself here longer than that, he really needed to just patch over. Being mother charter, he'd still be loaned out on jobs and his pay probably wouldn't go down much now that they had legit money coming in as well.

"Your son isn't with the Zobelle's, I can't find any record of him traveling with them, not that anyone really remembers them. But I've checked the logs of the airline, they show that Zobelle, his daughter, and his lieutenant, boarded and checked luggage."

...

"Yes, yes of course someone could fake the records, but if someone were going to fake the records, they might remember to put in the boarding, but checking luggage? Doesn't happen. I'm sorry Mr. Hayes, I'm afraid this is the last stop for this line of inquiry."

...

"Yes, I've done searches on the aliases that you provided me for your son, it was one of the first things I did. I have searches that will alert me if one does pop up at any time."

...

"Well, I really need to have an idea of what you want to do sir."

...

"No, I realize that people don't disappear into thin air, that something had to happen, but sir …"

...

"The motorcycle club in Charming? Why … "

...

"Of course, I'll start running profiles now. What exactly are you looking for, so I can narrow my search?"

...

"I've got feelers out as well, if I hear anything from one, I'll contact you."

...

"We'll speak soon Mr. Hayes."

Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday so far. It was a 'family' holiday for the club. Gemma and Clay opened up their home to the brothers and their families and hosted a huge dinner. The women, pretending that feminism was simply a bad dream, not that this life promoted it anyway, did everything while the men drank beer and watched TV.

Rachel moved off a little way from the bustle, catching her breath since she didn't really care for crowds, and watched the dynamics. She and Happy had a good thing at home, he didn't expect her to do everything and she didn't expect him to do more than was reasonable. This was … yeah. Not acceptable on a daily basis. At least not for her.

She wondered at times, when she saw a brother shy away from Hap's glare, or watched the other women alternate between terrified and fascinated, if they would still look at him like that if they had seen him up to his elbows in soap suds washing the dishes. She personally found it sexy as hell, but that could be because she didn't have to do the dishes that night. Or if they knew he would rather cuddle with her and read a book than watch a movie. Then again, that's my Happy. They'll never meet that man.

But these big get togethers definitely brought out the 50's housewife in Gemma. Rachel tried to stay on the edges, because technically she didn't really feel that she belonged here today. The Old Ladies always came, and the hang around girls would come and do cleanup and then stay to visit, but she didn't really fit in either category. Lyla was kind of there with her, but she had a suspicion from her beaming smiles that was going to be changing soon.

But the food was good and the company was better this holiday. Gemma had to get Jax to manhandle the turkeys in and out of the oven, they were so big. The table practically groaned with food and the desserts could have put the entire club into a diabetic coma. She would have sworn there was no way for this much food to be consumed in one day, but damned if they didn't do their best to prove her wrong.

Lyla and Opie announced that they were engaged after dinner, so it became a double celebration. Hah, I knew it! God I hope he's worked out his issues with her job. Stay out of it Rachel. I am happy for them though. They're sweet and it's optimistic, the world needs that sometimes.

"Look like you're thinking hard baby girl," was suddenly whispered in Rachel's ear as she stood in a doorway watching and listening as the women stood around the kitchen chatting.

Shivering at the sound of his deep voice, she leaned back against Happy's chest as his arm came around her shoulders. "No, just enjoying the holiday. Do you know this is the first Thanksgiving I've celebrated with other people in over 10 years? It's nice. I had forgotten what it feels like."

A kiss was placed on her ear as he hmmm'd in it. "And what does it feel like?"

"Like I belong to something." Darting a quick glance up, she smiled, but there was an edge to it. "Like I can still fit with people, that I'm not alone." Hugging his arm to her, she relaxed against him and watched the people who made themselves into a family.

Sometimes Happy didn't understand his girl. He loved her and he saw what she was capable of, she was fuckin amazing. But she didn't seem to see it. She knew she had skills when it came to work, but anything other than that she seemed blind almost. When it came to expecting people to like her or for her to belong, she never felt it.

Wrapping his other arm around her and leaning his head against hers, Happy sighed. He could feel the looks here and there since this was more affectionate than they usually got in front of other people … at least people who hadn't lived with them … but he didn't give a shit. His girl deserved this and so much more, he just wished she could see it.

Murmuring in her ear, so that only they could hear it, he said, "Rachel, you never have to be alone again. You do belong to something. You have me."

When she glanced up at him and gave him her brightest smile and her eyes glittered like fuckin sapphires as she fought tears? Fuckin made it worth saying shit like that. Then she leaned up and whispered that she loved him too. Even though he had told her once, she continued their game. Happy was pretty sure it was because he had said he enjoyed it. His girl was thoughtful like that.

Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek and a pat on the ass, he released her to the women, glaring at anyone who thought that was cute. Fuck them. Cute was when Rachel blared the Beach Boys and danced around the house and tried to make him join in. He was considering fucking with her soon and dancing just to see her pass out from shock. He liked to amuse himself.

"Cousin, I need ye help, my boy … he's still missin'."

...

"Aye, I've had a sound man lookin into it, but … isn't there anything ye can do?"

...

"Bless ye, I appreciate ye takin' the time."

...

"No Cousin, I won't say a word."

"Hi Ma," Happy called out as he gave her a hug. Oh my son, I have missed you.

"My son, you look good, Rachel taking care of you is she?" She twinkled at Happy. He was going to marry this one, she knew it. He probably knew it too, he was just being stubborn. She'd wear him down. Rosa Lowman knew how to persevere.

"Rachel is doing her best Rosa," Rachel smiled at her as she stepped inside. "Sorry, your mannerless son was in a hurry to get to his momma." Dodging the hand reaching out to smack her ass, Rachel darted behind Rosa.

Shooing Happy towards the kitchen to make them all some sweet tea, Rosa hooked her arm with Rachel's and started trying to find out why they weren't married yet. Pish, they've been busy. Busy doing what?

Looking seriously at Rachel, she finally said, "Rachel, you love my son?"

"Of course I do, why would you ask me that?" Good she looks confused. You must do the pinning dear girl, my son he is slippery, like an eel. I heard him stop outside the doorway, he needs to hear this. Mama always knows best.

"Do you not wish for permanence, a family?" Oh Rosa.

Rachel smiled softly at Rosa, knowing what was going on. "Rosa, I love your son with or without a piece of paper to tell me I should. I love you without needing to have your son's last name. I have a family; it's just one that I put together myself."

Seeing Happy standing in the doorway with a soft smile on his face, just out of sight of his mother, she continued. "I was recently told I never had to be alone again, that I belong. That is more than enough for me. But I love that you care enough to worry. We're fine."

Smiling mischievously, she said, "And I know he'll always be your baby, but I am doing my best to keep him happy. Did you know that he … " she trailed off into laughter as Happy came into the room glaring and interrupting her. He couldn't fool her though; his eyes were still soft and smiling.

That girl is as slippery as my son. Bah. She wasn't giving up though, just retreating. Her boy used to be so angry. He still has the dangerous edges, but so much happier now. His first thought isn't anger all the time. That is from Rachel, from loving Rachel.

"I have to go Happy," Rachel tried one last time. "Please, I know you hate it, but I've tried to explain why."

Glaring at the TV instead of looking at her, he said, "Yeah and I heard you, every time you've explained. I agree that it fuckin helped you when you needed it, but it also got you hurt once. I hate worrying when you're at the Shelter."

Making a decision, Rachel stood up and straddled Happy's lap so he either looked at her or looked stupid avoiding her. "Hap, I'm sorry that you worry. You have no idea how much I hate it when you look at me with those worried eyes. It makes me want to tie myself to you so that you never look like that again. But if I do that, if I stop doing things that make me who I am, then …"

"Fuck."

"I can call when I get there and when I leave. I'll have Peanut with me. I'm armed." Rachel waited to see what he'd say. She was going anyway, and he probably knew that, but … I send him out to have people shoot at him, he can deal with this. It's not even dangerous for gods sake. In almost two years I've had exactly one incident. Of course that happened after he met me, which doesn't fucking help my case here.

"You'll call?"

"Yes, I'll call by 10:30." Don't roll your eyes, he just wants to make sure you're ok. Even if he is being a bit overprotective. Granted, I was knifed a couple months ago. Maybe he has some points. Maybe.

"Can you pick up ice cream on the way home?"

Staring at him in shock, seeing the twinkle in his eye that he'd been fucking hiding from her, Rachel's eyes went wide before she began smacking him on the shoulders. "You ass! I thought you were really worried. I was all upset trying to figure out … dickhead."

Glaring at him when he snickered, she finally grumbled, "What kind and do I still have to call? Jerk. I'm so not eating ice cream off your abs for that."

Her lips twitched with her own snicker as he sat up and looked at her intently. "What the fuck Rachel, you can't say that and then leave for hours. And then say you're not doing it. Get the Neo one, with all three flavors. That way you have a variety for later, when you lick it off me. And yes fuckin call. I wasn't joking about that. You were hurt recently, you're going to a place where you can be hurt again, fuckin call me."

Leaning forward and hugging him tight to her neck, she kissed his ear. "I'll call. I love you too. I'll consider the ice cream and abs. You should consider ice cream and breasts. I've heard it's a killer combo."

Biting his ear and jumping up, she blew him another kiss, called Peanut, and grabbed her bag before he could respond.

"You have to go, don't you?" Putting a moue of disappointment on her face, she wiggled the ice cream at Happy sadly before she put it in the freezer and walked into the living room. I so had plans for your body too.

"Sorry girl. Got a call that I'm needed in Carson City for a day or two, need to leave tonight. I got my packing done when you were gone, but I'll have to leave soon." Leaning over her, he ran his hands through her hair, still damp from her shower, as he dropped a kiss on her lips.

"That feels good." Looking up at him from under her lashes, she asked, "How soon?" Running one finger down his chest and tapping it on his fly, she could feel him hardening under her finger.

Groaning and looking at the clock, he was suddenly in motion. "Soon, real fuckin soon, but we're gonna fit this in first."

Dropping to her knees, she heard him suck in a breath as she started working on his jeans. "Well I've been thinking about that ice cream for hours, so I think if anyone needs prep, it'll be you. Don't you leave me hanging though." Smiling up at him, with warm eyes, she slid his jeans and boxers down his thighs and sat him on the couch, before pulling them off.

"It's like I knew this couch was the perfect height," she murmured as she leaned forward and slowly started teasing him with long licks and tiny nibbles and short sucks.

"Jesus Rachel. And I don't want to hear about you and this couch before me … pisses me off." Groaning, he grabbed her head as she kept teasing, now putting a lot more effort into it as he moved her head the way he wanted.

Licking her lips, she looked up at him while holding his dick just out of reach of her mouth and said in a husky tone, "You don't want to hear how I would lie on this couch and touch myself? How I fucked my own hand? How I would soak myself watching porn …"

Tossing her on her back on the floor, Happy made very short work of her workout pants and panties, before pulling her on top of him as he tore his shirt off. "Shirt, off, now," he grunted as he pushed up into her. "Damn tease, you knew what that would do to me," he complained, gripping her hips as she started to ride him.

Ripping it off and grinning smugly at him, Rachel leaned down and kissed him properly, the way that drove him insane. Licking his lips and running her tongue down the veins in his neck, she marked him lightly with her teeth. She whispered the things he made her feel into his ears as she ground on top of him, clenching around him. Moving around his jaw, she bit his chin, feeling the faint stubble against her tongue while tweaking his nipples with her fingers. Rocking against him harder, she could feel every inch filling her up and used every trick she had to reduce him into a swearing groaning mess.

"FUCK Rachel," Happy growled as he arched helplessly when her nails raked his upper thighs again. "Fuckin stop that shit or I am going to leave you hanging. Jesus Christ." Eyeing him carefully, gauging her timing, Rachel gave him a smile that made him wary. Bracing herself with one hand, her other slowly snaked behind her and down between his legs; cupping his balls and then lightly tugging while rubbing her middle finger against the spot just under them that always made him gasp and growl.

The response she received was everything she could have hoped for. She was quickly flipped onto her back, while he muttered obscenities and gripped her hard enough to leave bruises for days, while dragging her body to his. Yanking her legs up against his chest and biting at her calf, he thrust himself back in, grinning when she arched and screamed, but not slowing down. Watching him, she could see his eyes fastened on the place where his dick was disappearing into her while he punished her for the teasing with deep pounding strokes, holding her legs wide. Seeing him slowly drag his gaze up her body to her face, she felt herself get impossibly wetter when he suddenly growled out, "God I fuckin adore you."

Placing one of her feet on his hip, he pressed it down hard enough that she understood it should stay there. Snapping his hips into her, still holding one leg out, he reached down and lightly rubbed her clit until her eyes rolled up into her head. Waiting until her spasms slowed, he suddenly pulled out and flipped her onto her knees, leaning her upper body on the couch.

Groaning as he slid back in roughly and continued using her body relentlessly, she started to shake as he kept stroking over the spot that this position gave him access to. Feeling his hands dig into her hips and his stroke stutter, Rachel suddenly felt her body seize up and her vision go white as he let out a huge shout and slammed forward one last time.

Collapsing against her back as she panted into the couch, all they could do was try and breathe for a long moment. Jesus Christ.

Making a noise suspiciously like a purr, he leaned back a bit and kissed her neck and shoulders, before slowly pulling out and getting redressed. "Thank you. I really do gotta go now though."

Stretching out on the rug that covered the hardwood, she reluctantly got up and put her shirt and panties on, ignoring the creak in her knees from the hard floor. "You're more than welcome. I wanted you to have something to think on while you're away." Winking, she gave him a kiss as he shrugged his kutte on by the door. "Love you, be safe, and come home to me."

"You too, and I will."

Sitting at her desk an hour after she saw Happy off, freshly showered, she drew her feet up on her chair and stared at the object on her desk.

Tapping a fingernail on the manila envelope she had requested back, she wondered if the premonition she was feeling was simply paranoia. Maybe she felt like things were too easy the last few weeks now that the trouble was over? But something feels … off. Is it me? Holidays make me melancholy, sad about things that might have been, which is ridiculous, but true. Maybe I'm just off and everything else is fine.

Things with Happy and I are pretty good, so it's not that. We're not perfect, but no couple is. Be fuckin boring as hell anyway. Speaking of fights, what the fuck was that with the Shelter earlier. Sexy Beast is turning into a joker, what the hell. Hope he still finds shit funny when I call him tomorrow and he hears his ring tone …

Unable to figure it out, but deciding that it's always better to be safe than sorry, she made some changes and put it aside to send back out tomorrow.

Sitting in one of the Carson City clubhouse armchairs, Happy was feeling fine about life. The job tomorrow afternoon was easy, more for intimidation than anything else. Good money to just be scary and ready to shoot. With any luck he could get out of here early enough to head home. Apparently his girl needed another lesson about teasing him. Sexy bitch.

He had always liked this charter. Being Nomad, he had seemed to end up here on a regular basis. Guys here were steady. They knew how to fuckin have fun, but after being around Charming's cast of characters so long, it was a nice change. Redwood Originals always seemed filled with just that, originals. Relaxing with a beer, he was only sort of listening to what they were talking about.

The beer halfway to his mouth froze as he heard Rachel's name. Slowly taking another sip and lowering it, he fixed his glare on the brother who had been in Charming for the Zobelle shit.

"John I tell you, it was something else. From what I heard, she helped them take this guy and his group down." Happy was trying to remember this prick's name, not that he had a problem with his girl getting praise, but he was sitting right the fuck here. Freddy? Teddy?

Scoffing, the guy Happy thought was John said, "No fuckin way Clay lets a broad help in club shit. Love the brother, but he definitely feels women have a place. And it ain't anywhere near the Chapel. Gemma is one of the toughest bitches I've ever met and even she knows to stay the fuck out."

"I know, I know. That's what made it so fucking unbelievable. I watched her and Juice, their IO? I watched them do shit on their computers the day it all went down when I was doing security. Kid you not. And she's a real pretty little redhead too."

"You got there the night before, could have fuckin misheard. Maybe she and Juicy were playing a game together or some shit. I just don't see it." Piped up yet another fuckin brother Happy couldn't remember the name of. Sign of age, old man? Jesus. Fuck, what is it … yes! T.J. that's his name.

Drawing out his beer, he wondered if they had forgotten he was there. He was set off a bit to the side, and he had been quiet for awhile. Fuckin chairs were comfortable. Wouldn't last a week in Charming though … brothers were hard on the furniture.

Leaning forward, the storyteller, who was going to learn to keep his mouth shut or at least look the fuck around first, argued with the tall bearded T.J. "Yeah well if that was all of it, then maybe. But I saw Clay pull her into Church for a conversation later that day. I heard from someone else on cleanup at the cabin that she had been seen there too."

Eyes narrowing, Happy waited to see exactly what rumor was going on about that. "Brother who told me said that she actually helped torture the one who had knifed her a few weeks before." Technically true, although fuck, I'd rather that not get out. Less people knowing she's committed felonies, the better. If anyone is visiting anyone in prison, she's coming to me damnit.

John and T.J. looked impressed for a few seconds, and then John spoke up. "Maybe, but still, a hang around has some computer skills and does torture … doesn't sound right. Doesn't make it all a lie, but it would be interesting to hear the whole story someday. Wonder if any of the Charming brothers would spill?"

Deciding that this was a good time to make his presence known, because the fuck? "They better fuckin not if they want to keep all their teeth." Happy growled as he glared at the three surprised men. Yeah hi assholes, remember me? Forget where the fuck I'm living right now?

"I'm almost offended that you dickheads not only forgot I was sitting here, but then didn't remember I was in Charming for my Ma." Happy let his voice get dry. One of the benefits of having a rep was using it for your own amusement at times. Enjoying the reaction, he looked at the guy he thought was Teddy. "You gossip like an old woman. How far has that shit spread?"

"Pretty far by now I think. Buddy of mine in Kansas called me to confirm it. Nomads are loving it." Teddy said while he glanced quickly at Happy's Nomad patch and then tried to pretend he hadn't.

"The fuck else you hear about her?"

Don't think so hard Teddy, you look like you need to take a shit. "That she wasn't a club woman, some kind of civilian. Rumor that she's involved with a club guy though, but I didn't hear who. There's some huge dog who is trained to kill. She's making them money somehow. Um … oh! And she was knifed during a party and almost chopped the guys leg off. There's a rumor that she's some kind of special assassin type, but I've seen her, she's fuckin tiny. No way."

Staring at Teddy, while the other two gaped and made disbelieving noises, Happy tried. He really fucking tried to keep his shit together. First his lips twitched, then he snorted, and suddenly he was laughing. Holding his palms to his eyes, he leaned his head down a bit and laughed his ass off. Only Rachel would become some kind of fucked up urban legend. Jesus Christ. I can't wait to tell her. Was I ever as young and dumb as this kid is?

Getting himself under control, although he was still huffing a laugh out occasionally, he looked up. Do I really laugh that much more now? Fuck, Rach is going to ruin my rep. "What? Shit was funny."

"So you're sayin it's all bullshit then? Fucking told you Teddy. Sorry about not seeing you there Hap, you're good at blending and I've thought of you as Nomad for so long, I didn't even think about it." John explained.

Standing up to get himself a beer, Happy raised his empty bottle at John. "No problem, good skill to have. Some of it's true, kinda. Most of it is fucked up and some is just bullshit. She isn't a fucking assassin … she was knifed and she should have cut the motherfuckers leg off … and if that dog kills I'm buying it a steak before I beat her ass for getting in trouble again."

He didn't bother spelling out that she was with him, but figured they got it if the whispering going on behind his back meant anything. Walking back to his seat and pushing a sweetbutt off of him on the way … it was like his fuckin promise was written on his forehead and they all wanted to be the bitch he broke it with … he sat back down in the chair he was seriously considering taking home.

Glancing at the clock much later, he saw it was about time for her check in. Deciding to just do it in here since it'd probably be short, he pulled out his smokes. Living with Rachel had definitely cut down on how much he smoked, at least when he was in Charming. Was one of her firm house rules, no smoking inside. Fuckin pain in the ass, but he would admit that it smelled nice in there. Brothers staying there during that Zobelle shit had bitched but backed down when she refused to budge.

Suddenly he felt the vibration of his phone at the same time it started singing to him. Eyes wide with horror, he dug for it in his pocket to shut it up. Some whiny high pitched … Barbie Girl song, the fuck? Hitting accept to shut it up, he glared at it for a second before he put it to his ear.

"Rachel, if you mess with my ringtone again, I'm going to break every pair of high heels you have. The fuck woman? And Barbie Girl? Fuckin seriously?" Happy snarled.

Hearing her scream in laughter on the other end wasn't helping. "Girl …" was growled low in warning.

Gasping, Rachel tried to stop laughing. She'd known when she did it that he was going to kill her, but he had told her this story about how the night they met he had referred to her in his head as a Barbie he wanted to play with. It seemed appropriate! Maybe she should have used My Girl?

"I can't say I'm sorry Happy, because Jesus I bet that was funny, but I won't do it again. For awhile. You called me a fucking Barbie doll though for gods sake. You didn't really think I was going to take that laying down did you?"

She was pretty pissed off about the Barbie thing. Especially when I called her Action Barbie, Cooking Barbie, Bitchy Barbie, and Professional Barbie. Didn't seem to mind Sexy Barbie as much … Hell I only used it for a week or so. But then Tig and Chibs heard it and started using it … Shit.

"Fuck, whatever. Fine. You good, you safe? Dog eat anyone today?"

"Doing fine and yes I'm safe. Why would Peanut eat someone?" Rachel sounded confused.

"He's a killer I guess. Should fuckin hear the rumors about you. I'm calling you Assassin Barbie now."

Holding the phone away from his ear as she started yelling, he grinned maliciously. "Shouldn't fuckin change my ringtone then. Nothing wrong with the default woman. You just like to fuck with people. Givin Chibs an Irish folk song is one thing, but Jax wasn't amused with Cream even if Tara told you to do it."

Rachel snorted. "Yeah yeah, I think he secretly adores Prince personally. Do I need to call again?"

"Tomorrow same time, in case I'm still here."

The other men in the room were alarmed when Happy stood up suddenly and said dangerously, "The fuck you mean you have a client dinner to go to tomorrow? Better not be the guy you've been talking about this week Rach."

Wishing she could have dealt with this in person, she tried to explain. "Greg and I need to meet with James Toll and the only time that we could fit in was Friday at 6pm. Greg will be there, it's not a date Happy, Jesus."

Rumbling, Happy's eyes focused on something in the distance as he thought about ways to kill James Toll. "James Toll is a handsy motherfucker. Greg better fuckin be there. Call Jax if you have any problems."

Rolling his eyes at her response, which consisted of things like, I can take care of myself and I don't need Jax to deal with shit, he finally broke in. "Hey! I'm going. Call before you go and when you get home. I won't be able to answer, but I want to see that you called."

More incoherent bitching that basically said the same things came out of the phone. "Stop fuckin arguing Rachel, just do it. I'll probably be home tomorrow night, but if not, then Saturday."

"Fine, although I wonder what's wrong with me that I fell in love with a paranoid beast. Come home soon and stay safe," she snapped only partially joking.

"You too Girl, I will."

Motherfuckingsonofabitch.

Hissing in pain, he glared at the medic who had just cleaned the bullet track in his right shoulder. Damn bullet had just missed his vest and torn through the fleshy part. He'd be fine, but he couldn't fuckin ride home, twisting the grip would be murder for a few days at least.

Waving off the shit the guy tried to give him, didn't hurt that fucking bad, he decided to man up and call someone to pick his ass up.

"Hey Clay, need a favor. Asshole drilled me in the shoulder and I can't ride tonight. Can you send the flatbed?"

"You alright?"

"Yeah, just need a ride. Fuck."

"I hear ya brother. Sure, I'll send the Prospect over."

Watching the flatbed pull up, Happy furrowed his brow. There was a bike already on it. Someone else need a ride or what? Then he saw Quinn pull in behind the truck. "Son of a fucking bitch," he bit out. The brothers standing nearby looked at him in alarm.

Groaning in disbelief and swearing to all that is holy that he is going to fucking kill Quinn, Happy tossed his cigarette. Watching Half Sack swing out of the driver's door wasn't that surprising, but he just shook his head slowly when that gorgeous mop of red hair came around the front of the truck.

Shooting a deadly look at Quinn, who was fuckin grinning, Happy looked back at Rachel, who looked worried. As she saw him standing there, she also looked pissed. Her blazing blue eyes suddenly turned to Quinn as she stalked forward.

"You fucking told me he was shot so bad he couldn't ride. You told me in such a way that … oh asshole, I'm putting fucking itching powder in your bed the next time you stay at our place. Do you have any idea ..."

Her tiny little frame was standing in front of Quinn's much larger one waving her arms without an ounce of fear as she tore into his President. Good fucking thing he's a friend. She knows the difference though. She'd never do this to Clay, no matter how pissed she was. She might shoot him, but she wouldn't yell.

Grinning and enjoying the brother's laughter as he watched her rant, he decided maybe he wouldn't kill Quinn today after all. Finally walking over to them, with his back to his laughing brothers, he cleared his throat and cupped her cheek with his left hand when she spun around.

"I'm fine. It was a through and through, no damage, I just can't twist the grip right now," he said reassuringly.

Quinn clapped him on the back and walked past, saying over his shoulder, "You know Rachel; he didn't call you to tell you he was shot." No, I am going to fucking shoot him.

Jumping in before she could get wound up, he said softly, "I was going to be home in a few hours. I knew you'd worry and I was fine. You would have felt better if you could see that. Quinn is going to die a miserable death for telling you."

Wrapping her arms around his middle and letting him rest his chin on her head, she confessed, "It's not completely his fault. Clay told Kip to gas the flatbed and run it over to Carson City for a pickup before he saw that I was in the room. I was there with Tara before I went to my dinner. Quinn had stopped by on his way somewhere, and saw that I was worrying. He found out what happened and arranged for me to ride over."

Pausing, she suddenly looked up at him in mock suspicion, eyes glittering with laughter. "Happy, please tell me you didn't get shot so I wouldn't go to dinner with James Toll."

Barking out a laugh, he kissed her forehead before he responded. "No girl, I'd have just shot him."

"Cameron my lad, I regret to be the one to inform ye of this."

...

"There is talk that the Zobelle's didn't run, that the Sons took revenge for things. That they arranged it to make it look like they took a runner."

...

"I canna say for sure, but there was a problem, someone else got in the way. I hear your laddie and the lass had an attachment. It is possible …"

...

"I'll try and confirm Cammie. Dinna do anything until then, your cousin's orders."

Next up – Sadness and pain