Thanks for reading everyone! :)

More smut ahead because I couldn't resist! ;)

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own OCs and storyline

She Will Be Loved

Chapter 57: Dream Come True

By Love Ink

Angela woke up to the sound of something vibrating. She opened one eye to see Juice's burner vibrating on his bedside table. Her head was still pillowed against his chest, his arm around her back, hand resting on her hip underneath her shirt. He was snoring, his breath ruffling her hair with every exhale. Tilting her head back, she took in his sleeping face. Not the most handsome look since his mouth was slightly open, still...he looked so innocent and young. She stroked a hand over his cheek, her mind going back to the night before. Something had changed that night. She knew things about him she hadn't before. Knew the way he tasted, the way he felt inside her, the sounds he made in the throes of passion. It was a whole new side of Juice she had only experienced in her dreams and fantasies. She couldn't believe how sweet he'd been with her. How loving and caring. She'd never been with a man who was so attentive and selfless, and it made her fall just a little more in love with him.

His phone buzzed with a text, and she grimaced. She'd been in this spot before with Esai, only she had no desire to check Juice's phone. Just like she never had with Raj. There was a level of trust between them that made her feel safe, secure. Plus, she had a feeling it was the club trying to wake him up to get him to do something or other. She wasn't ready to get out of bed just yet, so she ignored it and lay her head back down on his chest. His heart beat was slow, steady, his skin warm under her cheek. She nuzzled her face against it, turning to kiss his pec lovingly.

His arm moved more tightly around her waist, fingers splaying across her belly as he murmured something in his sleep. Clearly, the ringing phone was starting to wake him up too. With a sigh, she slid away from him and crept to her bathroom. She wanted to freshen up before he woke up. Make herself look somewhat presentable. It was a silly thing, but she felt the need to do so. At least for this first morning of waking up beside each other. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and flattened her hair a bit. In her reflection, she could see the beginning of a hickey on her neck, another mark on her clavicle. She traced her fingertips over them, the memory of his lips on her skin sending shivers down her spine.

Slowly, she made her way back to the bedroom, dragging her finger along the wall as she walked. She stopped in the doorway, smiling when she saw Juice was still asleep in the same position she'd left him in. Slowly, she crawled over to him and settled in against his chest again. He groaned a little bit, his arm moving more tightly around her back and pulling her in closer to him. "You awake?" she asked, tracing her name across his pec.

"No," he murmured drowsily, though she felt his lips brush against her forehead. "My phone goin' off?"

"Mm-hmm. All mornin'," she replied, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. His eyes were sleepy and warm, the look in them made her heart melt. He sighed, reaching one arm out to grab it. She noticed him shaking out the hand on the arm that was wrapped around her. "Did your arm fall asleep?"

"Kinda," he grunted, flipping open the phone to check his texts. She went to move away to take her weight off it, but he pulled her back in. "No, stay. Want you close. Even if my arm falls off."

Angela smacked her hand against his chest. "Goof!"

He chuckled, tangling his hand into the hair at the back of her head and using his hold to tilt her head back gently. Dipping his head, he caught her lips in a long, loving kiss. He pulled away with a smirk. "Did you brush your teeth?"

"Maybe," she said on a shrug, blushing a little at having been caught. "What's the club want at five am?"

"Chibs wants me to go to your Ma and Aunt's place for some reason," he said, brows drawn together in confusion. "Said you should come too."

Angela's heart sunk; she absolutely did not want to go to her childhood home. Not so early in the morning and not after the night she had with Juice. She was hoping they could continue to have fun especially since it was her day off. "Why?" she whined, burying her face in his chest. "Don't want to get out of bed. 's too early."

He chuckled, his fingertips dancing across her back. "Don't either," he murmured on a tired sigh. "But we gotta. You can go straight to bed there, Angel. Promise. No one will bother you."

"Fine," she groaned, pushing herself up and moving to a seated position. She was just a little frustrated with all this club shit. The babysitting, the interrupting, the club events, and the expectation that she was just supposed to go along with all of it. It'd been easier with Esai, for some reason. He wasn't a prospect and less was expected of him. It also helped that her best friends were at all the Mayan parties. It wasn't as lonely as going to SAMCRO events where she was constantly being judged by Gemma and there wasn't anyone remotely her age. "This sucks. Thought we'd do somethin' fun today. Club always seems to get in the way."

"I know." His hand slid underneath her shirt, calloused fingers rubbing over her spine for a moment before he sat up beside her. He moved his arms around her, his hands going under her shirt again as he kissed her shoulder. "Got a few months more of my prospect year 'n' then it won't be as bad, Angel. Promise."

She sighed, leaning back into his embrace. "Hope so."

"Promise I'll make it up to you," he said, biting playfully at her shoulder.

Angela smirked, closing her eyes and enjoying his touch as his hands covered her breasts, teasing her in the best way. "You better. I want donuts. And a coffee. A big one."

"Think I can do that," he said, moving his hands away and smacking a kiss to her cheek before climbing out of bed. He held out a hand to her. "C'mon, baby. Let's get cleaned up, and then we'll get donuts for everyone and get you the biggest cup of coffee we can find."

She put her hand in his, allowing him to pull her to her feet. He banded an arm around her waist, capturing her lips in a hot kiss. She broke away from him, trailing kisses down his throat. Nipping at his neck and grinning when he groaned in response. He moved one hand to her ass, palming it gently. "Baby, baby, that feels...fuckin' amazing, but we really gotta get goin'."

Angela sighed, making a show of pouting a bit. "Too bad. You were about to get really, really lucky," she said as she walked away from him.

Juice cursed under his breath. "You're killin' me, smalls."

Juice pulled up to the front of Angela's childhood home behind her car and grimaced when he saw Tig and Kozik's bikes already in the driveway. What the hell were they doing there? Angela was already out of the car by the time he got off his bike, staring at the front door. "Well, this is going to be fun," she drawled sarcastically. "Two grown men bickering all day."

He grimaced, scratching at the back of his neck. "Yeah. I didn't know they'd be here. Thought it was just me and Half-Sack."

"Half-Sack isn't trusted. He wouldn't be allowed inside. Only full patches inside. 'sides you, of course," she explained with a smirk. "But that was my decision."

Juice couldn't help but smile at her. He draped an arm over her shoulders, pulling her into him and kissing her temple. He still couldn't believe how lucky he'd been to have met her that night in New York. How lucky he was that she'd been able to give him a way out and save his life. "Don't think I can ever thank you enough for that."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Stop. You have. So many times," she told him before catching his lips in a quick kiss.

He moved his other arm around her, pulling her in closer to his chest, one of his hands sliding into her hair. She moved her arms around him, accepting his tongue as he moved it into her mouth. He was so wrapped up in her, he barely noticed the cars passing by, the chirping birds, or the sound of the front door slamming shut.

"Oh gross! Get off her!" Kozik exclaimed, interrupting their very hot kiss.

Juice pulled away quickly, but Angela didn't seem at all bothered by Kozik's interruption. She grinned up at him, rolling her eyes. "Go away, Koz."

"Nah, I'm good," he said with a wry grin. He shoved a piece of paper at Juice's chest. "Now that you're here, you can go pick this shit up for Lena at the store."

Juice grabbed the piece of paper with a scowl. "Seriously? Thought you needed help."

"No, we need your help making the grocery run 'cause Lena wants to cook some big meal for us since we all got a reason to be here," he shot back on a smirk. "Take the kid's car 'cause it's a lotta shit. Kid, you're stayin' here. Lena said for you to empty the dishwasher."

Angela sighed heavily before tuning to grab the box of donuts out of the car. "I'm goin' back to bed first," she muttered, kissing Juice's cheek quickly before handing him her keys. "See you later, baby. Good luck. Don't crash my car."

"Bye, Angel," Juice replied. He couldn't help but smile at her retreating back. She'd kissed him and called him 'baby' in front of Kozik like it was no big deal. Finally being able to touch her, kiss her in front of other people suddenly made it all feel real. Like it wasn't just a dream anymore. She was his, and she didn't care who knew about it. Kozik's hand smacking the side of his head quickly brought him back to reality. He glanced at him and was surprised to find that protective, dangerous look in his expression. Juice fought the urge to roll his eyes at the blonde, knowing what was coming next. "I'm never gonna hurt her, Koz. If I do, you have full on permission to get in line behind Hap and Elena to beat my ass."

Kozik pulled back a little. "Good," he said on a nod before pushing him towards Angela's car. "Now get outta here."

Juice didn't need to be told twice. He skipped towards the car and headed to do the errands. He knew the exact spots where to find the goods. When he first got to California, Elena would take him on errands with her, claiming she needed his help reaching things on the top shelves. He gladly went along with her, happy for something to do. He'd never admit how much he enjoyed going to the store with her. He loved the way she'd treat him like a son, praising him and telling anyone who'd listen how well he took care of her.

The errands took all of an hour. Half-Sack was waiting on the porch when he got back to Elena's house. The young guy stuck his head inside, telling whoever was in there that he'd gotten back. Juice grabbed as many bags as he could carry before nodding to Half-Sack. "Grab the rest."

"I can't go inside," Sack said, confirming what Angela had mentioned before. "Koz said I wasn't allowed."

Juice chuckled, shaking his head a bit. "Just put 'em on the porch then."

He brought the stuff inside, noticing Tig just lounging on the couch watching something on television as he ate a cookie. Juice put everything away in the kitchen before nodding towards his fully patched brother. "Where's Angel?" he asked, surprised she wasn't watching with him.

He pointed upstairs. "Still sleepin', I guess," he said on a shrug. "Some lime cookies on the table. Good shit. Lena made 'em last night."

Juice grabbed one of the simple-looking shortbread cookies and smiled. It was a tortica de moron, a lime-infused shortbread Angela used to make in New York when she was feeling homesick. He loved them. They were one of his favorite desserts. "I'm gonna go wake her up," he said, heading towards the stairs.

"Good. Then come down, so I can get outta here. I got shit to do. Koz and Hap are on their way back anyway. Think you and the dumbass outside will be okay alone for a few minutes."

"Roger that." Juice climbed the stairs, still munching on the cookie as he went. Angela's bedroom door was slightly open, and he entered quietly, closing it behind him. She was still sleeping, curled on her side. His thoughts drifted back to that Christmas when he'd gone to wake her up and heard her murmur his name while she was sleeping. She hadn't been his then, and while he'd wanted to wake her up in some smooth, romantic way, he hadn't been able to. Not like he could now. He sat down beside her on the edge of the twin bed, reaching out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. He dragged his fingers over her cheek, enjoying the feel of her soft skin beneath his fingertips. He still couldn't believe they were together. That he could finally give into his urges and touch her whenever he wanted without feeling guilty about it.

She stirred at his touch, her dark eyes opening slowly. "Hey you," she murmured sleepily.

"Hey Angel," he replied, leaning in to kiss her. He could feel her lips move into a smile against his. "How'd you sleep?"

"Mmm, good," she murmured, moving onto her back. "All done with errands?"

"Yes, ma'am." He kissed her again just because he could. She slid her arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss, tasting her with a soft groan. Her nails trailed down the back of his mohawk as he moved a hand underneath her shirt, inching it up her body. His fingertips brushed against the lace of her bra before he cupped her breast in his hand.

She pulled her lips away from his for a moment. "Any member of my family here?" she asked, breathing heavily.

"Not now," he said, capturing her lips again, addicted to the way she tasted. "Why?"

She grabbed the hem of her shirt, pulling it up over her head. His eyes fell on the electric blue lace of her bra, and he felt himself harden at the sight of her. "Damn, baby," he murmured, dipping his head to kiss her sternum. Her fingers traced over his belt buckle before tugging it open. He glanced up at her in surprise. "Here?"

Angela nodded, her eyes dark with lust. "Remember that Christmas when you came in and woke me up? You asked me what I was dreaming about. I "

He nodded quickly, working hard to pay attention to her while all of his blood was rushing to one place as her fingers teased at the elastic of his boxers. "You said my name."

"Was dreaming of you. Of doing this. Right here in this tiny bed," she admitted with the cutest little smile. "Had that dream a lot, actually."

Juice smiled at her, entranced by the flush in her cheeks. She was beautiful. He'd wondered what she'd been dreaming about that day, but she'd dodged his question. Now, he had his answer, and he was stunned. Not that she was dreaming of him that day, but that she'd had the same dream a lot. With a smirk, he climbed over her slowly, kissing her again as she pushed his cut down his shoulders. "Let's make that dream come true, then."

Angela wasn't lying when she'd told Juice she'd dreamed of that moment. Ever since he'd gone to California and told her he was sleeping in her childhood bed, the naughty thoughts had flooded her mind. She'd tried to bury them deep inside but every so often, when she was asleep and her guard was down, the dream would come to her. Though after experiencing the real deal the night before, she realized she'd been selling Juice short in her imagination.

Now they were in her childhood room, his mouth on her skin, kisses moving lower and lower down her body. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. Each time his mouth touched her sent sparks of electricity across her skin. His rough hands slid up her legs, left bare by her shorts, sending shivers down her back. He hesitated at the button of her shorts. Opening her eyes, she saw him glance up at her as if asking for permission. She loved that. Loved that he was so concerned about her that he felt he needed to make sure she was with him every step of the way. She nodded to him, giving him the encouragement he needed to unbutton them. Lifting her hips, she helped him pull them down. "Damn," he murmured, his fingers rubbing over the electric blue lace of her panties before he lowered his head.

Her brows furrowed in confusion as he mouthed the delicate lace, appreciating the garment as no other man had. The sensation was unfamiliar to her, but it was absolutely amazing. Sliding his hands underneath the sides of the panties, he gently worked them down her legs. She did her best to help him, watching as he held the lace up to his face afterwards. "Juan Carlos Ortiz, are you a panty sniffer?" she asked, laughing in disbelief.

His cheeks grew red, and he immediately tossed the panties to the side. "Told you I have a thing for panties," he admitted, scratching at the back of his neck in the cutest way.

Angela smirked at him, sitting up to kiss him quickly. "Good. I spend a lotta money on them. Kinda nice to have them appreciated for once," she said, taking off her bra and throwing it towards the panties.

He chuckled taking off his shirt before kissing her again. "I appreciate them. Buy you all the panties you want."

It was silly of her to feel turned on by all of his talk of panties, but she couldn't help it. It was the way he was looking at her, the warmth and hunger in his eyes that was making her feel things she never had before. "Goof," she shot back, gasping as he nipped at her neck.

His mouth moved down her throat, over her clavicle. He paused at her breast, suckling one nipple for a moment while his hand worked the other into a hardened bud. He switched breasts, giving them both equal attention before he was moving again, lower and lower. His fingers moved between her legs, teasing at her entrance, and she thought she'd lose it right then and there. "Juice," she moaned softly, lifting her hips to counter the movement of his fingers and create more friction just where she wanted it. "Right there."

His eyes met hers, bright with an excited sort of energy. "Like that?" he asked, his voice deeper, rougher than usual. He moved up her body again to catch her lips in a quick kiss. His fingers continued to stroke her while his tongue slid into her mouth.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the passion she felt in his kiss. And then he was moving again, kissing his way down her body once more, pausing to lathe his tongue over the koi fish tattooed on her hip, leaving goosebumps in his wake. She gasped in surprise as he sunk his teeth into the inside of her thigh before sucking on the tender spot. "Juice," she whimpered, her insides starting to coil in anticipation. He kissed over the mark, his kisses getting closer to her entrance.

She swallowed hard when she realized what he was about to do. She'd never had any guy go down on her before. Esai had convinced her real men didn't do things like that; had made her feel ashamed for even bringing it up when she was a teenager. And Raj was so straight laced, he didn't even like blow jobs. How was she supposed to ask him to go down on her when he didn't want her to do the same? She squirmed a bit as Juice's mouth moved closer to the apex of her thighs. "Juice, you don't have to..." she tried, her attempt was cut off by a gasp as his tongue passed over her.

"Fuck, you really don't have to..." Her words were a breathy whisper as his fingers slid along her folds, parting them open.

"If I didn't want to, I wouldn't," he assured her, looking up at her with his big puppy dog eyes. He took his finger away, and she instantly missed its presence. "Unless you don't want me to. I just..."

Angela nodded encouragingly. She didn't want him to stop. Absolutely not. No, she wanted this, wanted to feel his mouth on her. "No, please. Just uncharted territory for me," she managed to get out, an embarrassed blush coloring her cheeks.

A curious look crossed his face, but thankfully, he didn't comment. "Good. Let me." His fingers stroked over her folds for a moment more before his tongue replaced them, and she swore she saw stars.

"Holy shit. Don't stop," she pleaded breathlessly, her hips lifting just a little with his movements as she gripped the sheets underneath her tightly in her hands. His mouth worked her into a frenzy while he reached up a hand to knead at her breast. She gasped at the added sensation, pressure starting to build deep within her core, coiling tighter and tighter. She was close, so close. He moved a finger inside of her, crooking it expertly until he found just the right spot. Her head fell back, her spine arching as she cried out his name in pure bliss, his tongue continuing its attack as she rode out her release.

She melted back into the bed with a light laugh, a satisfied smile gracing her lips as he kissed his way up her body. "That was amazing," she breathed, giving him a hard kiss, strangely turned on by the way could taste herself on his lips. "Pants off."

He clumsily undid his stupid belt buckle and kicked his pants to the side almost tripping as he did so. She looked him over hungrily; God, he was handsome. "C'mere," she murmured, reaching for him.

With a small, almost shy smile, he climbed over her. His lips met hers again in a sweet, loving way. She slipped her hand down the front of his boxers, stroking over his hard length. He closed his eyes, his Adam's apple working up and down as he swallowed. "Fuck, baby."

"Like that?" she teased, repeating what he'd said earlier while leaning up to kiss his neck as she pushed his boxers down, freeing his erection.

His lips caught hers again. "Baby, baby..." he said, pulling away slightly. He struggled for words as her hand moved up and down his hard length. "Damn...I...I don't have...I didn't bring...condom."

How could this badass biker be such a gentleman? She wondered, laughing as she awkwardly reached out to her side table and grabbed the box of condoms. "I got it."

"What...I thought you and...and...oh fuck," his words were cut off with a groan as she rolled the condom on, stroking her hand up and down his hard member. "Jesus Christ, Angel."

She laughed softly, leaning up to kiss him again. "C'mon, goof, 'fore someone comes up to check on us" she murmured, pulling him in closer and moving her legs around his waist.

He swallowed hard again, meeting her gaze for a moment. His tongue passed over his lips as he positioned himself at her entrance. Leaning down, he kissed her softly and sunk into her. She couldn't help the moan that left her lips as he filled every inch of her in the best way.

"Goddamn," he grunted, his face pressed into her neck.

He started moving slowly at first, every thrust sending waves of heat through her whole body, curling her toes as she clung to him. He lifted his head, catching her lips in a hot kiss as he started moving faster. She broke away from the kiss with a gasp as he hit just the right spot.

Lifting his head, his kissed her again before tapping his forehead against hers as his thrust became slower and deeper than before. She moved her hips along with him, pressing her lips to his in an open mouthed kiss. "Fuck, Angel," he groaned into the kiss.

He stepped up the pace again, his face pressed into her neck as he pounded into her. Her nails dug into the skin of his shoulders as the pressure inside of her was becoming too much. "Juice," she breathed, her back arching off the bed into him, hips meeting his thrusts. She was close, so close. Then he moved his hips in the most perfect way, sending her over the edge. She bit into his shoulder to keep from crying out and felt him gasp against the skin of her throat.

His thrusts slowed as he came, his own cry of her name muffled by her skin. He lay there against her for a moment then his lips began pressing sloppy kisses across her neck before ultimately meeting her own lips in a drunken kiss that made her heart skip a beat. She smiled into the kiss, relishing in the afterglow. She'd never experienced anything like it before, never felt so in tune with another person. She caressed his cheek with her fingertips, still in disbelief that they were together. After wanting him for so long, it didn't feel real that he was finally hers.

Juice kissed her nose before rolling onto the tiny bed beside her as best he could. She turned to her side to give him more room, waiting until he was settled to kiss him again. "Goddamn. Think that was better than last time," he said on a breath.

She laughed in response, though he was right. "I know," she breathed. She climbed over him to go to the bathroom, thankful her room had a connected bathroom of its own so she didn't have to duck out of her room and risk running into one of the Sons guarding the place. She used the bathroom before splashing some water in her face to cool down. "Think we were quiet enough no one heard?"

Juice laughed, his breathing still heavy. "Not a chance," he said, stripping off the condom and tying it neatly before getting up to throw it away.

She watched, disappointed as he pulled his boxers back on; she could've gone for another round, but she had a feeling he knew something she didn't. "Hap and Koz headed over?"

"Think so," he replied, picking her lace panties off the ground and bringing them to his face to sniff again. "I'm keeping these."

She wrinkled her nose at him, a little creeped out by the action. She'd suspected he'd stolen her panties the night before since she hadn't been able to find them that morning, but this was the first time she saw what he did with them. "You seriously are a panty sniffer, then."

"Too weird?" he asked, a blush coloring his cheeks as he sat at the edge of the bed. Angela shrugged a shoulder, grabbing a fresh pair from her old bureau. A neon pink cheeky-style pair. She heard him groan in appreciation as she slipped them on. "Fuckin' killin' me, Angel."

"Play your cards right, and you can take these off later too," she teased with a wink as she put on the same bra she'd been wearing before. She wasn't matching anymore, but she couldn't bring herself to care. He reached for her, and she stepped between his legs, feeling her whole body tingle as he pulled her in close and pressed a soft kiss to her stomach, his hands on her hips.

He looked up at her, the cutest, curious look on his face. "Hey Angel?"

"Hmm?" she asked, tracing one of the tribal tattoos on the side of his head with a finger.

He closed his eyes, momentarily distracted by her touch. The effect her touch had on him was mesmerizing to her. She understood how he felt; she felt herself lose every train of thought she had the moment he touched her too. "You said...before that you never had a guy...go down on you," he managed to get out, his brown eyes looking up at her with intrigue. "That can't be true."

She felt a flush creep up her cheeks at that. "Oh. Um. Yeah. Esai was too...selfish for that, and Raj was grossed out by mouths being near genitals, so yeah...you are the first to...do that."

He tilted his head to the side, assessing her face as if he was trying to figure something out. "Did you like it?"

Angela didn't know how that was even a question. It was like asking a kid if they liked candy, still...she didn't want to pressure him into doing anything he didn't like. "Do you like doing it?"

Leaning in, he pressed an open mouthed kiss to the top of her panties. "Not an answer, Angel," he told her as he nipped at her skin, his teeth catching the waist of her panties and tugging on it gently while his thumbs slid under the straps by her hips. She closed her eyes at the way his warm breath brushed over her skin, giving her goosebumps. "Did you like it?"

"Yes," she breathed, moving her hand down the strip of hair on his head. He dipped his head, pressing a hot kiss to the front of her panties before his tongue licked over the front, leaving it slightly wet. She inhaled quickly at the sensation. "Jesus, Juice."

"Hey! Love birds! You done fuckin'?" Tig's voice called up the stairs. " 'cause it's the prospect's turn to stand guard, and I'm tired of waitin'!"

Juice pulled away, his shoulders sagging a bit in disappointment. "Fuckin' Tig."

"Yeah," she agreed on a laugh. She took his face in her hands, kissing him quickly. "That the kind of man you are, Ortiz? Get me all riled up then leave?"

He stood, pulling her into his arms and giving her a long, deep kiss. "I'll make it up to you later. Promise," he said, kissing her forehead sweetly.

She sat back down on the bed with a sigh as she watched him get dressed again. He grabbed the panties he'd told her he was keeping from the bed and shoved them into an inner pocket of his cut. "Careful with those. Hap sees them, and you're a dead man."

"Worth it," he said on a shrug. "Like having a piece of you with me wherever I go."

Angela's cheeks grew warm. He wasn't trying to be romantic, she knew, and him having her panties was anything but cute, still...she couldn't help the butterflies fluttering in her stomach at his words. She stood, pulling on her shorts quickly. "Goof."

"Juice!" Tig's voice came, closer now. "Get outta there or I'm comin' in!"

Juice grimaced, running a hand over his face. "I'm comin'!" he called back.

The door opened just as Angela pulled her shirt over her head. Inwardly, she cursed her Ma and Aunt for never letting her get a lock for it. Tig leaned against the door jamb, his blue eyes surveying the scene with a hint of amusement. "You already did. I heard you," he stated, smirking at them. "C'mon. I got better shit to do than listen to you two go at it all day. I want to get outta here before that blonde asshole gets back."

"Yeah, right. 'course," Juice said on a breath.

He went to give Angela a kiss, but Tig stopped him. "Today, prospect!"

"Right," he muttered, giving her an apologetic glance before walking out of the room.

Angela shook her head at his back. "You're mean," she told Tig with a smirk as she went to follow him.

Tig stopped her by putting an arm over the door, blocking her path. "And you're so fuckin' lucky Hap and Koz weren't here to hear what I just did," he stated with a grin. "How was it, undertaker? Good?"

She had a feeling he wasn't going to let her go until she answered, so she nodded. "Very."

"Thatta boy! Knew Juicy was good for something," Tig exclaimed with a wicked grin. He dropped his arm and strutted away, chuckling to himself.

Angela rolled her eyes at him, sitting down on the edge of the bed with a happy sigh. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the caller ID before answering. "Hey Ro!"

"What's goin' on, lady? Haven't heard from you in a whole week! You and Mohawk man been having fun in the bedroom?"

She laughed in response; if she only knew. "Not all week 'cause he's been gone, but...last night we did for the first time and then again a few minutes ago..."

Rosa laughed, clapping her hands. "Damn. He good or what? Where's he rank? You been with like three guys, right?"

Angela rolled her eyes. Rosa always teased her about her lack of experience since her number was about triple hers. "Funny," she said sarcastically. "Juice is...he's definitely number one, but I still want to do some research, just to make sure."

"Get that research done!" she exclaimed with another laugh. "How you been otherwise?"

They chatted a bit about life, catching up on everything until out of nowhere, Rosa went quiet. "What?" Angela asked, worried she'd said something wrong.

"Go away, chismoso!" Rosa shouted, so loudly Angela had to hold the phone away from her ear. "Sorry, I'm at my Ma's house helpin' cook, and Raffa just came home. He's eavesdropping."

Her stomach churned at the idea of Raffa overhearing something about her and Juice and passing it along to Esai. She knew E would find out eventually, but she wanted to prolong it as much as possible. "Does he know?" she asked, hating the way her voice shook. "About me and Juice?"

"No, no," Rosa said quickly. "No, I don't think so. I haven't said anythin' to anyone, at least."

Angela ran a hand through her hair, sighing in relief. "Good."

"He's gonna find out though. You know that right? You can't keep it a secret from the Mayans forever."

"Yeah. I know," she murmured, looking at the picture strip of her and Juice pinned to the corkboard above her dress. They'd only known each other a few months when they took it at Coney Island, but it always felt as if they'd known each for much longer. She understood what Lino had been talking about when he said he saw the love between them just by looking at the photos. Now, she saw it too. Maybe that's why it had always been her favorite group of photos. Even more than any she had with Raj. She looked genuinely happy in them. Like herself. There was never any holding back with Juice. She didn't have to worry about being appropriate and proper like she had with Raj or put on a strong front like she did with Esai, with Juice, she could just be herself without feeling judged for it. And she wanted to protect that, protect him at all costs. Esai was easily angered and impulsive. She was terrified he'd do something rash in order to get back at her. "You gotta make sure Raffa keeps him from doin' somethin' stupid when he finds out, Ro. He could end up hurting a lot of people in his quest for whatever retribution he thinks he deserves."

Rosa was quiet for a long moment. "I'll do my best. Lino know yet? Be easier for him to keep an eye out."

"Yeah, I'll call him later," she said on a sigh. "Please tell me my gut instinct is wrong and he won't do something stupid."

"You know how I feel about gut instincts. You want me to do a card reading?"

Angela loved Rosa dearly, but her friend put way too much stock in her tarot cards. "No, I'm good, thanks," she said, picking at the comforter on the bed. She heard the cards shuffle in the background. "Just tell me if its good or bad."

She was quiet again before sighing. "I mean, its not bad. It's the fool. Just means new beginnings and shit. Lots of new beginnings going on for you. I could get a better gist if you get your ass over here and let me do a full reading."

"Fat chance. Don't think I'll go anywhere near that apartment complex anytime soon. Not unless you move out or E does," Angela stated on a laugh.

"Fair enough," she said, laughing as well. "Look, I gotta go, chica. It's Marcus' birthday, and everyone's comin' over for dinner, so I gotta go help set up. You want to come over later? I'm sure Dia would like that."

Angela frowned, feeling just a little lonely. Sure, she had Juice, Hap, and Koz, but she missed her girl friends. Missed going to the Mayan parties and gossiping with them. "Wish I could, but that's a whole other mess I don't need to get in to. Wish Marcus a Feliz Cumple for me, please."

"Wish you could too. Love you. Talk to you later, yeah? Don't stress about this shit. Its temporary. Ain't nothin' bad gonna happen," Rosa assured her.

"Love you too," she replied, snapping the phone shut. With a sigh, she pushed herself up from the bed. Despite how well the day had started, she couldn't shake the anxious feeling in her stomach. Esai would find out. It was inevitable, and she had a very bad feeling about what he would do when he did.

Hope you guys liked it! Please let me know what you thought! It's been a wild and crazy week for me so any love sent my way is much appreciated!💜

~Love Ink