One year before incarceration

Harlowe traced a finger around the latest addition to Happy's abdomen, the tattooed score card growing quite a bit over the last year. She rested against his chest, her head rising and falling with his slow steady breathes. His hand was buried in her hair, his fingertips massaging gently into her scalp. Harlowe wasn't sure if he even realized he was petting her but she nuzzled into his ribs in return. Kissing the snake on his chest, Harlowe asked, "does it..."

"Does what?"

"Does it bother you?" She asked, her finger circling the first smiley face he acquired.

Happy scowled, his large hand cupping her neck as he thought about her question. His thumb brushed along the shell of her ear as he rasped, "It bother you if it doesn't?"

Harlowe chewed her lip at the question, her head shaking against his ribs. "No but..."

"But what?" He asked gruffly, his body tensing as he waited for her answer.

"I worry about you, about what happens after all this."

"What, like the afterlife?" He scoffed, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Been fucked for a long time when it comes to my soul. Besides Ma is the catholic, not me."

"No, I mean..." she huffed, pushing herself upright to look at him proper. The sheet fell from her body leaving her naked, her hair messy and loose around her face.

"I mean, after the dust settles. When you're old and gray and thinking about the things you've done in life.. you don't think you'll have regrets?"

"Never goin' gray, babe." Happy joked, his hand squeezing her hip.

"Hap." Harlowe sighed, raking a hand through her hair. "You know what I mean."

"Only regrets I'll have, will be if me not taking some dumbfuck out caused my club or you trouble. I can live with the blood on my hands, Lowe. Can you?"

Harlowe sighed, her legs folding up to her chest and she hugged her arms around them. "Yeah, I just... why's it always gotta be you taking care of problems?"

"You seen my kutte, Lowe. I earned my unholy one patch. They don't give those out to everybody. I do what others can't and I can live with that. You gotta decide if you can too."

"I can, I just worry that later on you'll regret giving up so much of yourself. Every life gone at your hands.. it's gotta take something from you too."

"I like it. Being the one to do it, making fuckers pay, watching that light fade away. I like it." Happy replied gruffly, his jaw setting as he waited for her to reply.

"Oh." Harlowe murmured, her eyes crinkling as she looked away.

"I'd never hurt you, Lowe. You know that right?" He rasped as she continued to avoid his eyes.

"I know." She turned towards him, her palm sliding up his chest to cup his jaw. "I trust you, Hap."

"Even with what I do? Even if I like it?" Happy's voice rumbled, his eyes flicking over her face. "A lot."

Harlowe leaned forward to press her forehead against his. "As long as you like me more."

"Like you the most." He rasped, his thumb brushing along her chin.

Happy's fist landed on Rico's face once more, brass knuckles splitting open the man's cheek even wider. The bound man was a bloody mess, the chest of his wife beater soaked red. Happy wanted to make it last, his tool bag opened up on the table nearby to make it as painful as possible. There was only one thing holding him back from ending the man's life, the cartel.

Jax and Alvarez both agreed they needed to keep Rico alive until the cartels existing connections showed up looking for the dead brothers. They knew eventually their uncle would want to know what happened to his nephews. The Sons and Mayans couldn't risk taking the blame, it would cause an all out war that could destroy them.

"Ease up, Hap." Jax drawled nearby, his cigarette perched between his lips. "Need him breathin' for a little while longer."

Happy scowled at the comment but pulled back from the lax body tied up in front of him. He wiped his blade off on the unconscious man's jeans, the new cut across his chest oozing blood down his front.

"Anything on Rat?" Quinn asked from his perch along the workbench.

Jax shook his head, his eyes dark and mouth frowned. "He didn't make it."

"Shit." Bobby muttered, shaking his mop of curly hair. "Kid was finally growin' on me."

Happy clenched his fist again, the urge to pummel Rico for his transgressions. If he'd just given up, turned Harlowe over, they wouldn't have lost a brother. The Mayans were also missing a man, his head spread out across the crumbled concrete outside. They'd wrapped his body up and sent it away in the back of a black van, his brothers just as pissed as the Sons.

The man tied to the battered chair had started everything that had unfolded and if it weren't for his lust for Harlowe, no one would've died.

"We got a call into Hernando?" Jax asked Alvarez. "This fucks not gonna last another day if Haps got his way."

"I reached out." Alvarez replied, his snake skin boots scuffing along the dirty concrete. "His man wrote back that they were rollin' our way."

"They say anything else?"

"Nah. Just that they expected answers on why their boys went awol. I didn't tell 'em the full story yet, figured it'd be better in person."

Harlowe scrubbed her hair as best as she could with one hand, her injured one wrapped in a plastic bag to keep the bandages from getting wet. Tara cleaned her wounds but seeing as her finger was cut off days ago, there wasn't much she could do to salvage the nub. She'd written a script for antibiotics and pain meds, which was filled and down Harlowe's throat before they'd even allowed her to shower.

Her mind kept skipping over the last few days, her jaw held tight at the memories and feelings overwhelming her. She had known Happy would find her but it didn't mean she hadn't felt hopeless when bound to that chair.

The fear was still surging through her body, causing trembles to shake her limbs and curl her back. She wanted Happy to come home, she needed to have him close. Even if it was just until she were able to sleep. She needed that security, but knew he had to do what he needed to do before he could return to her. knowing that didn't stop the ache though.

A knock on the door had Harlowe turning the cooling water off.

"You good, love'?" Chibs lilting voice rumbled through the door, his concern for her since they'd arrived obvious.

"Yeah." Harlowe croaked, rubbing a towel over her bruised body. "Be out in a minute."

"Take your time." Chibs rasped, "just checkin on ya."

Steamed billowed out of the door when Harlowe exited. She found a him sitting on the chair in the corner of Happy's dorm room, his elbows pressed into his knees.

"Feel better, love?" He asked, his gaze raising to meet hers.

"Yeah." She replied, her voice hoarse from dehydration. "Anything from Hap?"

"Jax called, they're still clearing shite up with the cartel." Chibs relayed, raking a hand through his shaggy hair. "Probably won't be back til mornin'. Should eat and sleep."

"I'm not sure I could stomach anything just yet."

"You'll feel better, sweetheart. Just something lil."

Harlowe sat on the bed, her teeth gritting at the pain that blossomed from her hand as she used it to brace herself.

"Another pain pill wouldn't hurt either." Chibs added, tipping his chin to the wrapped appendage. "Deserve some relief for that shite."

"I won't fight you on that." She grumbled as she scooted back awkwardly, to rest against the headboard. "Hurts more now than it did when they cut it off."

"The shock wore off." He commented, swiping a thumb across the scars along his cheeks. "Didn' feel these lovely lasses 'til mornin'."

"Must've been horrifying."

"Aye. That sounds 'bout right." Chibs huffed, roughly scrubbing a calloused palm over his cheek before it dropped away.

"Sorry that happened to you." Harlowe muttered tiredly, her head drooping as exhaustion began to hit her.

"Lay down, love." He instructed, pulling the blankets out from underneath her. "I'll get ya somethin' when ya wake up."

The bed dipping behind her, woke Harlowe from the dead of sleep in the dark dorm room. On instinct she threw her elbow back, hitting a hard stomach and causing a masculine grunt. Her body twisted around, pain spreading up her ribs as she swung her fist towards the sound.

"Lowe." A rough voice growled, large hands gripping her wrists to keep her from punching him. "Easy. It's me."

"Hap?"

"Yeah, sweetheart." He replied gruffly, his hands loosening around her wrists only to tug on them. "C'mere."

Harlowe curled into his chest, pressing her face against the warm skin below his jaw. His long arms were wrapped possessively around her, his fingers pressing into her sore muscles. She inhaled deeply, the scent of his soap and dampness of his skin telling her he'd just showered.

"Sorry I hit you, I'm still a little on edge." Harlowe murmured, her voice rough from sleep.

"Don't apologize for protectin' yourself."

"Don't worry, it won't happen often." She scoffed, a lump growing in her throat. "Seems I'm shit at it."

Happy's hand cupped her neck and brought her forehead to his. "You did good."

"I sat there and let him cut pieces off, Hap. I didn't do anything."

"You sat tight and waited for me. I bet you didn't give him shit, either. Even with him cuttin' pieces off." His voice was a hoarse rumble in her ear, the familiar gruff sound soothing her.

"I didn't tell him anything."

"I know." Happy rasped, kissing her temple while gently combing through the hair at the base of her skull. "He touch you?"

Harlowe froze at the tense question, her jaw tightening at the memory of Rico's tongue and lips on hers.

"He kissed me." She replied softly, her hand pressing into Happy's chest. "I bit him back."

"Good girl." His hands squeezed her closer, the tight grip turning almost painful on her sore body. Feeling her flinch, Happy eased his grasp and began stroking her back and sides instead.

"Thought I lost you." He confessed against the crown of her head. Harlowe pulled back to look at him, the nightlight in the bathroom giving off just enough glow to make out his shaved head.

"I knew you'd find me." She responded, her breathe knocked out of her as he kissed her firmly. Happy pulled back slightly, his hand brushing along her jaw and cheek to curl into her hair. He pressed her forehead against hers and rasped into her bruised lips. "Always."

"Fuck me." Harlowe whispered, her fingers curling into his neck. The need to feel him against her, in her, was overwhelming.

"Lowe." His voice was wrecked, the sound a rough crackle against her lips.

"Please, Ha-" he cut her off with his mouth and tongue in a filthy kiss. His hands cupped her neck and skull, pinning her in place as he devoured her. Sharp teeth nipped and pulled her lips into Happy's mouth, the man sucking until she moaned desperately.

"Fuck." He panted slack mouthed against her cheek as she gripped his hard on. "Babe."

"I need you." She pleaded, her hand tightening around his dick for a second before she was rolled flat on her back. His body was hovering closely above hers, the heat of it flushing her cheeks and chest. He settled between her thighs, the hard shape of his dick pressing tightly against her core. A slow rock of his hips had her keening, her fingers curling into his shoulders and neck.

"Please, Happy."

"I got you." He panted, his hand pushing his boxers down as she squirmed out of her panties. Rough fingers gripped her knee, pressing it up and open. She felt the head of his dick pushing inside her just as his tongue delved into her mouth.

"Oh god." She gasped, her mouth torn from his as he began a thorough, deep plunging pace. "Hap.. god."

"Fuck, baby. I feel you." He growled, nipping her jaw as his hand slid down her body to grasp a handful of her ass. He lifted her to get a better angle, his dick sinking even deeper as he thrust harder. Every snap of his hips brought her closer to the edge, her body arching to chase the feeling.

"Gonna cum for me." Happy demanded breathlessly into her ear, his fingers digging into her asscheek as she seemed to unravel. "Do it."

"Fuck." Harlowe cursed, her eyes clenching as the tension broke almost too fast around his aching dick. She shuddered and trembled with the intensity, goosebumps breaking out across her skin. "Happy!"

"shit." Happy snarled, his teeth sinking into her shoulder while pushing as deep as he could. She felt him swelling and pulsing inside her, his hips stuttering as she clenched around him. "God, woman… killin' me."

"So good." Harlowe panted, her tongue swiping across her dry lips as she blinked away the stars from her eyes.

Happy framed her face with his large palm, his thumb pushing against her lip before he kissed her thoroughly again.

"Always." He rasped after leaving her breathless, his dark expressive eyes saying more than the single word could. Harlowe stretched her neck to kiss him soft and tender like, their lips barely moving as they tasted each other.

"Always." She whispered in return, her eyes prickling as she stared up at him.

"Are we good?" Harlowe asked when they woke the following morning, her head pressed against his ribs. "With the cartel."

Happy lay his hand flat between her shoulder blades feeling the soft skin rise and fall with her steady, even breathes. "Yeah, we're good."

"What happened?" She asked, her finger tracing the snake coiled on his chest. "To him."

Happy couldn't help but tense at the mention of the man who'd dared lay a hand on his old lady. He clenched his teeth at the residual anger still boiling him up inside, despite having taken care of the problem.

The cartel had shown up just after sunset, the uncle of the brothers killed by Rico followed by a dozen heavily armed men. After a brief tension filled argument about weapons, the Sons and Mayans presidents sat down with Hernando Ruiz. The situation they found when invading the junk yard was explained and soon the criminal syndicates leader stood in front of a beaten Rico.

Happy gladly applied some encouragement to the bloodied man, a sharp blade and small ballpin hammer turning the man into a fountain of information. He'd confessed to killing the brothers which signed his death certificate in the uncle's eyes. Happy was given the go ahead to end it, bringing his fun to a close. He could still feel the warm, thick blood flowing over his hands as he slit Rico's tattooed throat from ear to ear. Happy would've kept working him over for days if given the opportunity but Hernando wished to see it and he had a private plane to catch. The body was added to the growing collection in chigger woods.

"He ain't bothering you anymore." Happy rasped, his lips pressing against her temple.

The answer wasn't satisfying, Happy could tell by the tension still in her body, but she didn't push any farther.

"But you're okay right?" Harlowe peered up at him. "They aren't gonna come after you for dealing with it?"

"Nah." Happy shook his head, his hand sinking in her hair to pull her closer. "Got the order from the top. We're square."

"Good." She murmured, her lips pressing over his heart in a way that made his throat tighten. "Just don't want you putting a target on your back."

"Already got a target, Lowe. The Reaper will always bring heat."

"Yeah, I know but you know what I mean."

"Don't worry about it." Happy replied, pressing his face into her messy hair to breath her scent in. The warmth of her body and steady beat of her heart against his ribs turned the heat up in his veins.

The reunion the evening before had been great but his hunger for her had yet to recede, especially after talking about the asshole who'd tried to take her away. He wanted to erase the fucker from every plane of existence.

"Mm." Harlowe hummed as his hands began to explore her back and ribs, her knee sliding up his thigh. He could feel the wet heat between her legs as she rocked her hips against him, the sensation curling his fingers into her curves.

"You want somethin', babe?" He rasped lowly, a smirk curling his lips as she writhed.

"Hap." She murmured, peering up at him. "Come on."

"Say it." Happy rumbled, tugging her leg over his hips so she sprawled across his front. Harlowe laughed at the abrupt move but then winced as she rest too much weight on her injured hand.

"Shit, sorry sweetheart." He rolled over to place her on her back, bringing the bandaged hand to his lips. Kissing her bruised knuckles, Happy finally let his eyes fall to the short stub now framing her delicate hand. He grit his teeth against the violent impulse to dig up Rico's body to torture it more.

Harlowe brought her other hand up to cup his jaw, her thumb scraping across the stubble on his chin.

"I'm okay." She murmured, tipping his head up to catch his gaze. The words did little to extinguish the ache he had to destroy someone or something, to right the wrong, but he could only blame himself. All the bad that happened in Harlowe's life stemmed from her involvement with him. If he wasn't such a selfish bastard he'd let her go, cut ties and allow her to have a life without violence and pain.

"Stop." Harlowe instructed with a scowl, pulling her wrapped hand from his to rest over the happy face score card on his abs. Her finger gently touched the fresh ink, the line work heavier than usual. It's smiling face inked blood red, unlike all the others. "You settled the score."

"Ain't enough." He grunted, his jaw rocking tightly. "Fucker took somethin' from you."

"But I'm alive. I'm still 99.9% whole." She joked with a slight grin. "I'll be fine."

"No one's ever gonna touch you again, swear it, Lowe." His voice was gravely, the words rough but sincere. "I'll fucking gut 'em all."

Harlowe cupped the back of his neck and pulled him closer. He could smell his soap on her skin and the antiseptic under her bandaged hand. He wanted her just as bad as he always had. The need for her was magnetic and all consuming.

Her lips brushed his as she spoke into his mouth, "That's the most romantic thing you've ever said, baby."

Happy grinned wolfishly before latching onto her mouth, his tongue prodding the seam. A guttural moan had her lips parting, the uncontrollable sound of it turning him desperate. He growled against her hot, wet tongue. He nipped her lips, pulling them into his mouth to suck on. Happy couldn't ever get enough.

Her fingers curled into his ribs, her legs rising up around his hips. Her little toes stroked the backs of his thighs while her heels nudged his ass.

"Fuck me, Hap. Please."

"Shit." Happy cursed, reaching down to shove his boxers out of the way before gripping his cock. He pressed it against her slick pussy, the head swelling painfully at the wet slid of it as he rocked his hips.

"Oh god." She moaned, her body opening wide for him while she clung to him. "Please, stop teasing me."

"Don't worry, sweetheart." Happy pushed passed the tight opening of her lips, groaning into her neck as she sucked him inside. "M'gonna fuck you hard."

Heat enveloped his dick, a spine tingling drag of slick skin on skin.

"Fuckin' hell, baby." He groaned, his neck and shoulders straining as he sunk inside her. He could barely control himself from slipping over the edge at just the heat of her. Harlowe was the only person on the planet that could wreck every ounce of his self restraint with just a look, let alone the tight sleeve of her body.

"Don't fucking move." Happy panted, his fingers bruising her hips and waist to keep her still.

"Only if you fucking start to." Harlowe smirked as she rocked her hips against his teasingly. "Please, Hap."

"Fuck." Happy groaned as he pulled almost to the cusp before slamming back inside with one solid thrust. She gasped loudly at the move, her body curling into the heavy rhythm and depth. A grin slid across his face as she began to unglue all too quickly, her lips trembling around the desperate sounds he pulled from her. He never grew tired of feeling her unravel underneath him.

"Gonna cum for me." He grunted, hiking her ass off the bed while pumping into her spread legs. "Do it, baby. Lemme feel you squeeze my dick."

"Hap!" Harlowe called out, her fingernails digging into his ribs as she shuddered violently below him. The rhythmic squeeze of her hot walls had Happy losing all control of his movements, his hips stuttering as his teeth sunk into her neck. He came with almost violent pulses, his dick shooting off inside her wet hollow.

He could hear her moaning and sighing as he sucked a vivid bruise into her neck, the bright blood rising to the surface of her smooth skin. Happy smirked at the sight of it as he pulled back slightly.

"So good." Harlowe murmured, at his weight pressing her into the mattress, her hands sliding over his back.

"Mm." He rumbled, rolling onto his side while scooping her up close to his chest. He sunk a hand into her hair and cupped her neck, his dark eyes tracing over her flushed face. The words spilled out before he'd even really thought about them. "Wanna buy a house with you."

The smile that broke out across her lips had him smiling in return, an unfamiliar loose feeling in his face.

"Oh yeah?" She asked with a breathless laugh in her voice. "What made you think about that?"

"Tired of hearing other people fuck." He remarked as the sound of a headboard slamming into another dorm room wall started up. "only wanna hear you getting fucked by me."

"Okay." She smiled softly, her finger tracing the words on his collarbones. "Then maybe we can get a dog?"

Happy smirked at her question, tugging her even closer to nuzzle into her neck. "Yeah, a'right. We can get a dog."