June 2008

The next few days mostly consisted of sex, motorcycle rides, and more sex. Sara was ecstatic; she'd never had Happy's undivided attention for this long. Unfortunately, it made her long for a future she knew she'd never have with him, and she found herself continually pushing down the hope that bubbled in her heart. It's not like she wanted the white picket fence, but she couldn't help but love the feeling of being his number one priority. It was a heady feeling she knew would come crashing down once they both had to go back to the real world. For now, she focused on enjoying the romantic seclusion; there hadn't been a ton to do in the cabin, but they'd managed to be creative – both in the bedroom and out. Happy had even offered a hike in the woods but Sara had balked and pointed to the pile of heels in the corner. "Do any of those look like hiking boots?"

Happy knew he still needed to more recon on Skip but he kept finding it hard to leave his target's beautiful daughter. He justified his inability to leave as a waste of time since the first night was a bust. How was he supposed to find a man when he did know jack shit about him? Still, he couldn't go back to Lee empty handed after assuring his president that the week wouldn't be a total wash.

You can't follow a man if you don't know him well enough to predict his habits; Happy knew he needed to get some more information. It proved to be difficult since Lee had put a gag order on Hap when it came to the topic of sharing knowledge of the hit on her father with the blonde sitting across from him at the kitchen table. He hadn't anticipated it being difficult to not share intel with her; thus far he'd been able to keep business and pleasure separated without any issue. Then again, he'd never needed to get information from her before. Happy's form of interrogation typically consisted of blood and gore but without that as a viable option, he was forced to rely on wits to gather information.

Her brow furrowed as she eyed the playing cards in her hand in concentration. They were playing gin rummy with an old worn deck of cards Sara had found while she was being nosy and going through drawers. He'd chastised her for going through the shit in the cabin, but she'd grumbled and given him a dirty look as she brazenly continued to open drawers. Around the time he realized he could maybe get away with spanking her for her disobedience, she'd discovered the playing cards and had given up her nosy expedition in exchange for some card playing. Happy shelved the spanking idea for later.

"Your pops teach you to play?" Happy casually brought up, mentally patting himself on the back for finding an opening that wouldn't raise suspicion. When his eyes rose to meet Sara's, he realized it hadn't been a total success. Her brow raised and blue eyes squinted in confusion.

"Uhh… yeah I guess. I don't really remember." She answered, clearly flustered. "I played at the clubhouse a lot growing up, so maybe one of the other guys taught me."

"He around a lot when you were a kid?"

"As much as any member is around for their daughter." She grumbled with a shrug, playing her turn. "He went on a lot of runs after my mom left."

"You have any good memories of him?"

"Yeah, of course I do." She responded with another shrug.

"You love him?" Happy surprised himself with this question. He was supposed to be finding out places Skip would hang out, not having a touchy-feely conversation. Sara seemed equally surprised and was quiet for a bit while they took turns picking cards up and discarding.

"He's my dad, you know? I mean he's done a lot of shitty things, and I don't know who he was there at the end, but he's still my dad." She finally admitted, clearing her throat. "Why the sudden interest?" She asked and Happy felt his stomach drop. He hadn't expected her to ask him outright about his line of questioning.

"I never asked you shit 'bout your pops before. Was a dick to you about it when you showed up in Charming, but ain't never asked you 'bout it."

"Yeah, you were a real asshole." She chuckled dryly, relaxing as she remembered the grief he'd put her through. Happy blew out the breath he was holding before his curiosity got the best of him.

"How'd he feel 'bout you and the ex?"

"Ryan? Oh, he was furious when he found out." Sara answered, chuckling at the memory. "I'd never seen him so angry. We had this huge fight with screaming and throwing shit and the whole scene; he tried to lock me in my room until I came to my senses."

"What happened?"

"Broke the window and climbed out. I ended up running off and living with Ryan for about two months before he finally caved and gave Ryan his blessing. I figured Jason finally stood up for us and convinced Dad to suck it up before he lost me like he lost mom."

"Surprised your pops didn't kill him."

"I don't think Ry wanted me to worry about it but I'm sure he was in deep shit. I think they boxed it out a few times but Ryan never admitted to it, and none of the other guys would really talk about it… wasn't my place to ask about the relations between club members anyway. I can't imagine having to fight your girlfriend's dad… just a no-win situation in general."

"Think he'd he pissed about me?" Happy inquired, genuinely nervous about her answer. She eyed him for a second before answering.

"My dad or Ryan?"

"Your pops." He clarified, not wanting to go down the other road although the memory of their prison conversation came rushing to the surface.

"Honestly don't know. I know he'd probably like the notoriety that comes with his daughter fucking the Tacoma Killer." She stated with a dark eyeroll; Happy smirked a little at the familiar nickname that just didn't sound as fearsome rolling off her sweet tongue. "He was always looking for a way to use me to climb the ladder; I think that's part of why he was so pissed about Ryan. He was still low-level at the time. Once Ryan started to climb the ranks as an enforcer, Dad seemed more at ease with us being together. He'd have married me off to a charter president if he could've managed it."

"Sorry I don't have any goats to trade for you." Happy joked with a snort and Sara giggled.

"Always kinda thought he'd push me towards Jax eventually but then I was with Ryan so long I think he gave up and assumed we'd end up together... Not like it matters anymore anyway." She shrugged and stared at her cards although her eyes were glazed over as she got lost in some memory.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to stir up shit." Happy coughed, not liking the wistful look on her face after discussion of her ex-fiancé. It wasn't lost on him that she would probably still be with her ex if her dad hadn't ratted to the cops and set everything in motion that drove her to Happy in the first place.

"It's fine; Dad would have thought higher of you than you'd think of him, that's for sure."

"Why?"

"You mean other than the fact he narc'd on the entire SAMDINO charter?" She joked. "I just think you wouldn't like him much. He was a dick— an old-school hard-knocks type of guy. Never served in the military but acted like he did. Drank too much. Slept around too much." She shrugged and rolled her eyes.

"Sounds like most MC guys to me." He mused, sipping his beer. "And I hope to still be getting laid when I'm his age." She gave him a dark look, as if to say 'careful'. "Well, what kind places did he hang out?" Happy probed, as if he were trying to prove his point. Guilt pulled at his heart, but he pushed it down.

"Cheap strip clubs." Sara snorted with an eye roll. "Had to drag him out of them in the middle of the night all the time as a teen."

"See? Man after my own heart." He teased, sucking his teeth before taking a gulp of his beer. His brain ran into overdrive as he wracked his brain for any strip joints he happened across the other night.

"I'm bored." Sara sighed, setting her cards down. He wasn't convinced she was bored so much as the conversation had sucked the fun out of their card game. Nonetheless, Happy smirked and dropped his gaze to scan her body as best he could at the table.

"Wanna be my own cheap little stripper?" He offered, biting his lip and raising a brow suggestively. She snorted.

"It's my birthday week, you strip for me." She mused before laughing at the stricken look on his face. "Are you hungry?"

"I could eat." He answered indifferently barely ignoring her rolling eyes. Spanking might need to come off the shelf after all.

"Want to go grab something in town?" She asked as she stood and tossed the empty beer bottles in the trash.

"If that's what you want to do." Inside, Happy was gleeful to have an excuse to take a drive through town. He needed to keep an eye out for some dives or strip clubs. While she was in the bedroom getting changed, he grabbed the old phone book out of the drawer in the kitchen and flipped through it looking for potential locations. He made sure to close it and put it back before Sara finally emerged looking like the perfect, put-together woman she was in heels, a silky deep green tank, and a tight pair of white jeans. They'd argued over which vehicle to take but, ultimately, she won with the argument that she was wearing white and therefore could not take the chance his bike would leave dark stains on her favorite white jeans (during her birthday week, no less). His miffed grumbles made her smile as he grabbed her keys and stomped out to her car.

"I love you." She sang as she walked slower behind him, trying not to trip in the gravel of the driveway.

"Whatever. Get your ass in the car." He rasped gruffly, but she knew he was all talk when he opened the car door for her. She pecked him on the lips as she slid past him into the passenger seat.

After dinner, they made their way back towards the cabin, the roads empty and dark as they moved into the more rural areas.

"I don't know why you had to drive a different way back." She sighed, staring out the window into the darkness.

"Scenic drive." He rasped without taking his eyes off the road.

"Still seems way out of the way." She retorted petulantly, glancing at him in time to see his eyes roll at her.

"Don't roll your eyes at me." Sara chastised firmly, playfully trying to channel his voice.

"Or what?" Was his spirited response.

"Pull over." She stated suddenly; he glanced at her for a moment to gauge her reaction. "Just do it." She said exasperated and he could hear the eye roll in her voice. Biting his tongue about her own eye roll, he pulled over in a remote but small clearing on the side of the vacant road.

"Get in the backseat." She ordered and his brows shot up.

"'Scuse me?"

"You heard me." She stated, all business, as she slid her seat forward before climbing out and opening the backdoor. Moments later, he slid in the backseat beside her. She pounced on him before the door was closed all the way.

"You wanna fuck in your backseat?" Amusement was evident in the gravel of his deep voice.

"You got a problem with that?" She breathed, climbing into his lap to straddle him. Well okay, then. His only response was to kiss her as his coarse hands caressed her body through her silky tank, the delicate fabric catching slightly on the calloused tips of his fingers. The kiss became rushed as she leaned into his hands, rolling her hips over his.

A gasp for breath escaped her as his lips moved to the column of her neck. The familiar, experienced lips sucked the soft skin beneath her ear before pulling the lobe between his teeth. The soft clink of her earring against his teeth was the only sound other than their heavy breathing.

"Take this off." He grumbled, pawing at her top. Her arms lifted immediate to allow him to pull it over her head. Her strapless bra fell to the floorboard moments later, but it was forgotten as his hot tongue closed over her nipple. Her head fell back as he palmed the other breast, squeezing its firmness in appreciation.

"Oh fuck, Happy." She cooed in encouragement as he continued to worship her upper body. Her nails scrapped across the bare skin of his scalp as she held him to her chest. Between her legs she felt his cock jump beneath her, and it only fueled her desire.

"Take your shirt off." She urged, moving to simultaneously pull off her shoes and toss them in the front passenger seat. When she turned back to him, his shirt was off and he was already working on the button of her pants. A giggle escaped her as she slid off his lap to shimmy her pants down her legs. As soon as they were kicked them off, strong arms pulled her into a laying position, his broad torso moving over her.

"Haven't fucked in a backseat since highschool." He mused, trying to figure out how to fit his tall six feet comfortably over her.

"See? I keep you young." She teased, nipping at his bare collar bone.

"I ain't old." He remarked darkly grinding into her as if to prove a point, despite loving their banter.

"Fine, wanna just dry hump like high-schoolers then?" She offered with a wink. His scoff made her laugh. He tried to bury his own amusement in a kiss, one hand sliding between her legs. She'd taken her thong off with her jeans, so he was rewarded with bare skin. A satisfied purr rumbled in his throat as his fingers slid between her lips to test her wetness.

"Love this pussy." Happy groaned into her neck as she arched beneath him.

"Yeah?" She breathed distantly, reveling in his soft, teasing touches.

"Always so wet for me." His deep growly whisper made her belly clench before he slid between her and the seat to lie on his side with one arm under her neck, the other buried between her legs. Her splayed body was on display for him even in the darkness. He wanted to watch her fall apart under his touch. "This pussy wet just for her man?"

"Yes, Happy." She moaned as he finally dipped a finger inside of her. Her hands clung to his wrist, trying in vain to guide him into her body.

"You trying to tell your man how to get you off?" He teased, resisting her guidance. "You think you can do a better job than me?"

"No, please." She whimpered, her needy eyes flying to his, fighting him as he threatened to pull his hand away. "Don't stop." With a smirk he plunged his middle and ring fingers into her, eliciting an erotic cry. The cool metal of his rings against her hot heat made her shiver with desire.

"That's right, little girl. I know how to work your pussy better than anybody else; ain't that right?"

"Yea." She moaned, his fingers pumping into her wildly. Her feminine hips gyrated against his touch, meeting his thrusts with hungry force.

"Cum for me, Sara." The ego in his voice alone was enough to send her over the edge as a feral, feminine cry spilled from her lips as her body pulsated beside him. It wasn't an earth-shattering, blood-thundering-in-you-ears orgasm, but it was enough to send her into hyperdrive. Her breathing was ragged, but her body wanted more. Now.

Wild blue eyes met his smug dark ones before he was pulled over her once more. Her long legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer as she snaked her naked body against his seductively. A muffled chuckle echoed in the quiet of the car as she kissed him fervently; he loved when she hit this wild level. His ego loved it more. She reached between them to undo the belt buckle digging into her belly.

"Need some help?" He teased as she fumbled blindly between their bodies.

"Fuck you." She shot back, paired with a playful swat to his ass before her hands returned to their task.

"Trying to, but I got you so horny you can't undo a belt." In her frustration she leaned up and bit him on the bicep causing him to flinch in response.

"For fuck's sake, Sara." He grumbled jerking his arm, the sting of her bite still lingering on his skin. With his own sick brand of amusement, he realized it was gonna leave a mark and that only made him harder.

"Don't make fun of me then."

"Not my fault you're fucking nuts when you're horny."

"You love it." She shot back as the sound of his zipper and the jingle of his loose belt interrupted their banter.

"Whatever, don't fucking bite me. I should smack you for that." He retorted and she rolled her eyes at his empty threat as she tried to push his pants down.

"You gonna fuck me, or what?" She baited, gripping his newly freed erection.

"Depends. You gonna bite me again? Maybe I've overindulged you." His voice was low and steady, like a predator stalking its prey and it sent shivers down her spine. "Maybe I won't fuck you until you learn your lesson." His hips were already pumping into her hand slightly, but his words had her rapt attention. Withholding her pleasure was a threat he might make good on, but she hoped he was in a forgiving mood. Birthday week and all.

"Please, Happy." She pouted beneath him, his arrogant smirk looking down at her.

"That shit ain't gonna work." He shook his head trying to resist her charms.

"But all I want is your cock inside of me." She batted her eyelashes coquettishly as his cock jumped in her hand. Fuck. She knew just how to get him.

"Convince me." He shot back, moving to slide his jeans further down his thighs in preparation.

"It's my birthday and all I want is for my hot, sexy man to fuck me with this huge dick" she squeezed his length for good measure, "until I can't walk, talk, or take his cock anymore." He looked down at her in awe for a moment.

"Goddamn woman, I love you." He pressed a kiss to her lips as he pushed into her, gentler than she expected. Leave it to Happy to get sentimental because of dirty talk.

"I love you too, but I still want you to fuck me." She encouraged eagerly.

"You got somewhere to be, little girl?" He teased, letting her push him deeper with her heels.

"Gotta get home before I get grounded for being out with an older boy on a school night." She played along innocently. He groaned deep in his chest at her words. Neither of them had the focus or the discipline for a full role-play scenario right now, but Happy filed 'schoolgirl' away for a different time.

"Relax, baby. Let me do what I do best."

Smoke swirled in the humid air of the backseat as they passed a cigarette between the two of them. Happy had cracked open the backseat door to let some fresh air in, but neither were in a hurry to move. He was laying on his back on the seat, one leg propped up and the other on the floorboard. Sara was draped across him, her bare back cooling as clean night air replaced the sex-stale variety they'd created. One of his hands gently drew lazy patterns on her back as they both enjoyed the quiet. He savored these moments of silent intimacy. Nothing made him feel more like man than taking a woman who never shut up and fucking her so good she was hushed and satiated.

After Sara had fallen asleep back at the house, he crept out at night taking her car because it was quieter than his bike. He hated driving the cage, but it was more discreet than his bike and kutte and the last thing he wanted was to be made some either his target or a US Marshal. He cruised around hitting a couple of strip joints and surrounding bars. It'd been well over two years since Skip had gone into hiding, so Happy bet he was getting too comfortable to keep up a good awareness of his area. Sure enough, around 3am Happy caught sight of the man stumbling out of a strip bar that gave the Jelly Bean a run for its money as the seediest place he'd ever seen. Skip looked different than the reference pictures he'd been given; the previously clean-shaven man had a thick beard and looked like he had aged rapidly, his hair much whiter than before. Ratting and sending your family to jail would do that, Happy supposed. Hap didn't feel any sympathy though, only anger and disgust. Smoking a cigarette in the idling car, he watched the man stagger to his own vehicle and climb in. Happy tailed him distantly, further than he would have liked but there wasn't much traffic at this hour, and it would have been obvious if he stuck on him any closer. Finally, the old junker the rat was driving pulled into the driveway of some shitty apartment complex.

Happy pulled into the gas station next door and pulled his hood up before getting out of the car. It wasn't the nicest part of town, so no one would bat an eye at a rough looking man skulking around at 3am. He made crept to the apartment lot and watched as Skip entered an apartment: 207B. Happy smirked into the darkness.

Got him.

A/N: Sorry for the huge delay. I want to thank all the amazing, supportive readers who have really understood some of the struggles I've been going through. I can't expressed how grateful I am for such a wonderful community. It's hard to push through writer's block when you are feeling your best, let alone when you are feeling your worst. I am in such a different place in my life than I was when I started this project, and I've been having a hard time keeping myself on track. I do have an end in sight although I can't promise it will be swift nor a happy ending. Perhaps a sequel afterward if I feel up to it, but I'm projecting about another 20 chapters to this one. If you aren't interested, that's okay but: you really don't need to tell me that you're going to stop reading, honestly, I'm okay without you giving me that update. For those of you willing to stick around, I hope you continue to find some joy in Happy and Sara's journey. Thank you, L.