"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?" ~William Shakespeare
Liv leaned back in her chair and stared at the blinking curser on the computer screen. Red Woody's inbox had been neglected a little bit longer than she intended; she was now paying for it. She kicked her feet up on the chair and crossed them at her ankles; she started shaking one of her patent leather lace up booties to the beat of the music that was playing in the background. It had been nearly a week since she had, had the run in with Gemma at the park; the club had been searching for her since. Liv wondered what Jax would do if he found her; she had taken the mother of his son and the love of his life away from him. He was a man scorned and Olivia could see that he was aching for revenge.
"Hey beautiful." Happy's voice came from behind her.
Liv leaned her head back and looked up at Happy, who kissed her forehead.
"How's the work going?" He asked, Olivia had been in the same spot when they had left the clubhouse hours before. She was working her ass off for the club and Lyla; she had helped with interviews for some new talent which he wasn't very pleased with since they were mostly male and only a few female porn stars that Lyla had been looking for. He got pissed off when he walked into Lyla's office to see her and Liv flipping through the nude pictures of the men. He gave both of them an ear full before storming off; it took Liv promising she wouldn't interview anymore male talent to help him off the ledge. She told him that none of them had anything on him, anyway, she like her men tattooed and angry, just like him. Happy didn't have it in him to stay angry with Olivia for too long. Their time apart had shown him that life was far too short to stay pissed off at her.
Liv rolled her eyes and shook her head, "I shouldn't have put off these emails for so long. I am totally bogged down by them and I am only half way through them."
"You should take a break; I mean I know a good way to relieve stress." Happy smirked as he ran his arm down Liv's bare arm. Admiring the way her gray Dia de los Muertos skull tank top hugged her breasts snuggly.
She laughed softly, "Really and which way is that?" Olivia turned in her chair so she was now sitting side ways and somewhat facing Happy.
He opened his mouth to start to tell her, but Chucky had come up to the table. Happy glared at Chucky, who flashed him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry to bother you but Jax wants to talk to you, Liv. He's in the chapel." Liv caught the look and swatted Happy's thigh gently; he frowned down at her.
Olivia let out a deep sigh and stood up, "Thanks, Chucky." She smiled at him and glanced at his hands; even after all the time she had known him his fake hands still creeped her out a bit. Although she never let it show, she had always treated Chucky with respect because he had treated her with nothing but the greatest esteem. He had been a kind man, who wanted to help out the club and the people who surrounded it. Liv never asked what happened to Chucky's hands, but she had heard her dad one night talking about how the Asians chopped off his fingers due to a proclivity for jerking off.
Jax was sitting at the head of the Redwood table talking to Chibs who was sitting to his left, when Liv walked through the doorway. They glanced up at her when she walked in. "You wanted to see me Jax?"
"Yeah, close the door and have a seat darlin'." Jax motioned to the chair to his right. He had something important to ask Liv without Happy around. He wanted to clear this with her before telling Happy what was going to happen. Jax knew if he had Liv's backing there was no way he could say no because he would say no.
Liv closed the door and made her way to the chair across from Chibs; all the while her heart was pounding hard in her chest. "What's up?" Olivia wondered if they were going to fire her from Red Woody since she had been doing such a shotty-job with the correspondences over the previous two weeks.
"I need your help with something and before you just say yes; I want you to hear what I have to say and then decide." Jackson looked Liv in the eyes. She didn't say anything to him and just nodded. "I need your help finding my mom. She just vanished and I can't have that." Gemma had fallen off the map, once again, but Jax had a feeling that she was still close by.
"Jax, I don't know how I can help find Gemma." Liv knew that nothing good would come from Jackson finding Gemma; she was sure it would end in blood shed. Liv had seen the look in Jax's eyes first-hand when he saw Juice for the first time and he wasn't the one who delivered the fatal blow to his wife.
"Oh there is plenty you can do. I want you to nanny Thomas for a few days. I have a feeling Gemma is watching the house for the right opportunity to see the boys again. I would ask you to keep an eye on both boys but Abel will give it all away. He has been having nightmares since the park." Jax said. "He remembers my mom and he thinks that she will try to take you away from him."
Knowing that broke Olivia's heart; she hated that Abel was scared and that he thought he was going to lose her to his grandma just like he had lost his mother. Happy had filled in the missing pieces about what happened between Gemma and Tara and how Abel had heard his grandmother apologize to Thomas for killing his mother. Liv could feel tears welling up in her eyes as she thought about the boys.
"Jax, I am only here for five more days. I don't know what help I can be in that short of time. Plus, I am running behind on my emails for Red Woody." Liv did want to help Jax and the club but she just didn't know if it was feasible.
"The emails can wait." Chibs piped in. "The club needs you. Those wee ones need you."
Liv shook her head. "What is going to happen once you find Gemma?" Liv asked sick of the bloodshed.
Jax's jaw tightened, "What happens between my mother and I, is none of your business."
"I beg to differ, Jackson. If you are going to spill blood, you can count me out. I will not have anyone else blood on my hands" Liv stated adamantly, as she thought about all the people who had died because of her in the past year. One of which she personally pointed out and knew that Happy had pulled the trigger and killed him in cold blood. It made her sick to her stomach.
Jax sighed and glanced over at Chibs, who shrugged before taking a drag from his cigarette. "Listen, I just want to talk to her. I want her to know that she is not welcome in mine or my boys' lives. She is not welcome in Charming and if I find out she is here again, then she will meet her fate." The fate that Jax was itching to give her. He had murdered a member of the Triads in cold blood, thinking he was the one who killed Tara. It has set in motion all of the following events, including the ice cream shop bombing on Main Street, Charming; the sadistic massacre of all of the women and clients at Diosa; and most of all the cool and calculated murder of Bobby and subsequent torture of Liv. His mother's lies had set that all forth.
Liv ran her hand through her hair as she tried to read Jax's face; he gave nothing away. Then she shook her head as she gave him her answer, "Don't make me regret helping you, Jax." She stood up and started to walk out of the room.
"Liv, wait." Jax's voice pulled her away from the door and further away from Happy's welcome distraction. Olivia turned and looked back at the blonde hair man sitting at the head of the Redwood table and raised her eyebrow at him in question.
"Happy doesn't know I am asking you about this yet." Jax said; there was something behind his look that made Liv cringe a bit. "Will you send him in?"
Liv nodded, why would it matter if she was keeping an eye on Thomas for Jax? Happy would be more than okay with that but then again it did involve Liv meeting with Gemma again and potentially putting herself in harm's way. "I'll send him in." Olivia muttered before walking out; she was beginning to regret the fact she said yes.
Happy watched Liv walk out of the Chapel; her whole demeanor had changed. She chewed on her lower lip as she made her way towards him. Happy knew that nothing that was said in the Chapel was good. "What's up?" He asked as Liv walked up next to him.
"Jax wants to talk to you." Liv said quietly before making her way back to the table where her laptop was sitting. She knew it probably pissed Happy off but it was just a minor amount of anger compared to how he would probably feel after speaking with Jax. She was learning how to curb Happy's anger; it was all about getting his mind on something else.
Liv tried not to dwell on it and started sifting through emails again. It seemed like ages before Happy stormed out of the room. Olivia whipped around at the sound of slamming door and caught a glimpse of Happy throwing open the door to Red Woody and walking out. She stood up and made her way outside to fine Happy, who she found leaning up against the wall smoking a cigarette. He glared at her before flicking his cigarette to the ground and stomping it out.
"You're okay with this?" Happy finally said after a long silence, there was an edge and anger to his voice.
Liv studied him a moment before answering, she didn't know what reaction she would get from him. "I agreed to keep an eye on Thomas for Jax to see if Gemma would surface again. I made him promise there wouldn't be any bloodshed." She said calmly.
Happy's nostrils flared, "Did you also agree to stay with him until she surfaces?" Happy was a jealous man when it came to Liv, he wanted her all to himself.
"WHAT?!" Liv asked in disbelief. Staying at Jackson's house was not discussed or even brought up for that matter. "I never said that I would stay at his house; Hap, I want to come home to you every night. I never would have agreed, if it meant I had to stay at Jax's."
"Well it's already decided. He said you agreed to nanny, so that's it. I can't go against the club or my president." Happy growled. He didn't know if he was angrier at the fact that Jax had gone behind his back on this one or Liv was putting herself at risk again.
"You might not be able to go up against Jax but I sure as hell can." Liv bit back as she started towards the door. Happy's strong callused hand grabbed her arm and held her back from going in.
Liv turned to face Happy, whose face had softened. "Just don't. Let's just go back to my place and enjoy each other's company while we can. Jax wants you at his place tomorrow morning."
Olivia sighed deeply, she didn't want to spend time away from Happy. She had become accustom to having him next to her in bed again. She slept better when he was near her. Liv leaned into Happy's broad shoulder. "I love you." She said in a whisper. Liv had never felt as safe as she did when she was in Happy's arms.
"I love you too." Happy kissed the top of Liv's head; he knew he had no reason to be mad at Liv.
Happy grabbed Liv's bag out of the back of her car and carried into Jax's house for her. He was not at all pleased about her new living arrangements; it made him want to hunt down Gemma himself. It made it worse for him knowing that Liv was only going to be in town for a few more days. Being selfish and jealous man, he didn't want to share his old lady with anyone or think about what could happen while she was at Jax's house. Happy clinched his jaw just thinking about it.
"Happy?" Liv laced her fingers into his as she pulled him from his thoughts.
"What?!" He barked out; he hadn't meant to be rude to Liv; being that he didn't really know when he wouldn't see her again unless he went over to Jax's place and even then he couldn't do what he wanted to with Liv…it would have to PG to PG-13 between them with the boys around.
"Hey…" Liv's soothing voice called to him again as she stopped in front of him just before they got to the backdoor of the house. "Thank you for last night and this morning." Liv grinned from ear to ear. "I really hope that this doesn't last too long." Liv sighed thinking about how Happy made their last few hours together about her. He took care of her every want and need. She was scared that she wouldn't be able to walk normally after he was done with her but of course she was just fine.
Happy's glare softened, he shouldn't have been taking out his frustration on her. They had, had such a great evening and morning together. "Fuck, I am going to miss you." Happy admitted.
"It's not like I am going to be in Portland. I'll be in the same town and it isn't like you can't come over and visit me." Liv smiled coyly at Happy, whose face was no longer hard. She knew he hated the fact that she was going to be staying at Jax's house. "I just hope this goes by quickly." Olivia said as she and Happy walked through the back door without knocking. "Hello?!" Liv loudly announced her arrival.
Liv had been at Jax's house for three days following the same routine; bring Abel to school, go to the park with Tommy, go home for lunch, nap, then back to the school to pick up Abel, homework, play, dinner and bed. Which normally meant Liv had some time to work on Red Woody stuff or spend time with Happy for a few hours before falling asleep. One night she fell asleep while Happy was over; they were watching a movie together. He hated the fact he was only spending a few hours a day with Liv when they were going to be apart for such an extended period of time. He wanted nothing more than to tell Jax, fuck it and take Liv out of his house but he respected his president more than that.
"There hasn't been a sign of her, Jax." Liv said as she walked into the kitchen where he was sitting with Abel, helping him with his homework.
Jax looked up from the worksheet he was going through with Abel. Liv looked exhausted and maybe even slightly defeated. It wasn't fair of him to keep her from Happy on her last day in Charming, she left the following morning to head back to Portland. "Abel, why don't you go find Tommy and tell him it's time for a snack." He smoothed down Abel's blonde hair before the little boy jumped up from the chair and ran to find his brother. "You're right sweetheart. You should go spend your last evening with Happy. I really appreciate your effort more than you know." He has one more ace up his sleeve just in case Gemma was watching his house but it needed to be a surprise for it to work.
Liv smiled, "Really?! That is fabulous. I'll go get my things and head out." Liv turned to pack up her bag.
"Liv, just leave it. You can stop by tomorrow and pick it up. You know Hap has really been an asshole since you have been here. I hate to see what he is going to be like when you're back in Portland." Jax shook his head.
Liv laughed, "I think he is just jealous that I have been spending more time with you and the boys than him. I know he was pissed off at me the night he came over to watch a movie with me and I just passed out on him." Liv shook her head. "Thanks Jax. I stop over tomorrow to collect my things before I head out of town."
Liv grabbed her bag off the chair and started out the front door. She couldn't wait to surprise Happy. Olivia had just made it to her car when Jax ran out after her.
"Hey Liv?" He walked up to her. She wondered what he wanted but didn't really think much of it, maybe she forgot something.
"Yeah?" Liv turned to face Jackson, who was closer to her than he would normally be, he towered over her slightly and before she could say anything else his lips were on hers.
Gemma watch the pretty girl, who had been toting around her grandsons all week walk out to her car. She was smiling from ear to ear, it made Gemma wonder what she was so cheerful about. Jax came running out after her, she heard him call her name, Liv, that was the girl's name. What happened next, happened quickly. Jax kissed Liv, who shoved her son away hard. Before Jax could say anything the girl slapped him across the face hard and jumped into her Prius and speed away down the road. Gemma pulled her new rental car out and followed the little car.
Jackson started to make his way inside and when he saw the black sedan with tinted windows drive after Liv's car; he had a feeling that his plan had just worked. Jax rubbed the side of his face that still stung from Liv's slap, he certainly didn't expect that but he did deserve it. Shit, Liv was a spit fire, he knew what Happy saw in her and it wasn't just her cuteness and fit body. He was pretty sure that there would be hell to pay once Happy found out that he had kissed Liv. Jax only hoped that Liv wouldn't just head to his house right away; he needed Gemma to make her move.
Liv couldn't bring herself to turn down the street to Happy's house, when she could still feel Jax's lips on hers. What the hell was wrong with him? He knew she was Happy's old lady and you didn't do that to your brother. Liv needed a drink and she need to go somewhere that she knew that a member of SAMCRO wouldn't be. Liv pulled her car into one of the bars on Main Street Charming. It was a little dive bar that she had never been in before, so she was sure she probably wouldn't meet anyone she knew in it.
Olivia got out of her car and made her way into the bar. There were only a few people in there, all who turned and looked at her when she walked in. Liv ignored them, hoping that they would ignore her as well. "I'll have a beer and a shot of rum." She said to the barkeep, who only glanced up at her face for a brief second before his eyes traveled back down to her breasts. Liv shook her head, there went his tip.
The bartender passed Liv her drinks and she made her way to a lone table in one of the corners. She watched the bartender make his way around the bar; he was maybe a few years older than her dad. His dark gray hair was showing signs of male pattern baldness. The man looked like he could benefit from a healthier diet as his chubby fingers shoved a beef stick into his mouth. Liv frowned and took the shot of rum, trying to wash the taste of Jackson out of her mouth. She was lost in her thoughts when someone sat down across from her at her table. Liv's eyes shot up quickly ready to battled which ever scumbag had sat down across from her. Pity the fool who messed with her at that very moment but it wasn't a man at all. She was staring straight into the face of Gemma Teller-Morrow.
"Hey, there sweetheart." Gemma smiled. She had a hat on and glasses, her hair was shorter and lighter which made her hope no one would recognize her.
"Rose?" Liv managed to say; hoping her face didn't give away that she really was. "You're still in town?"
Gemma shook her head, "No, just passing through on the way back home. I thought I would stop in for a drink, rough day and all. I walk in not expecting to recognize a face and there you were sitting all forlorn. What fortune."
Liv smiled, "Yeah, not my usual hangout but it does the job." She held up her beer. "Would you like a drink? My treat of course." Liv asked.
A small smile crossed Gemma's face, "That is awfully nice of you. I'll take a Bacardi and coke." This was far too easy, Tig's daughter was far too trusting; Gemma would be visiting her grandsons in no time at the rate things were going. Her plan was to worm her way into Liv's life and then she would be golden and have access to her grandsons. Liv returned quickly with Gemma's drink and placed it front of her.
"So sweetheart, what's got you looking so glum?" Gemma asked even though she had seen the whole thing. "A lover's quarrel?"
Liv laughed, her and Jax a couple that was a joke. She never had a thing for Jax, sure he was attractive but he wasn't the one who saved her, he wasn't the one who changed her life more than once. Jax was more of a brother than a lover. "No, things are actually going great with my boyfriend. I just had a strange encounter with a friend and needed to think it out before going home." Liv took a long drink of her beer. She needed a reason to get up, thankfully her cell phone was in her pocket so she would need a reason to bring her bag with her in the bathroom.
"You want to talk about it? You know talking things out seems to always help me." Gemma pushed, she wanted to know what made Jackson so intrigued by this girl.
Liv polished off her beer. "No, its fine. I tend to do better thinking it through on my own. How are your grandchildren?" She changed the subject hoping that Gemma would bite.
Gemma smiled, "Oh, they are great. I saw them the other day, they are growing up so quickly. Too bad their father and I don't see eye to eye, anymore. How are those sweet boys I saw you in the park with?"
"Abel and Thomas are doing great. I was actually watching them while their nanny was out of town. She's home now, so I have been relieved of my duties. Those boys have far more energy than I could ever imagine. I have been exhausted, I don't know how their parents do it." Liv smiled, "Rose will you excuse me a minute I have to use the bathroom. I will be right back, with another round for us."
"Sure sweetheart." Gemma was in, or at least she thought she was. When Liv came back she was going to suggest that she meets Liv with Thomas and Abel at the park in a few days.
Liv made her way into the bathroom and pulled her cellphone out of her pocket and texted Jax.
-Gemma is at the bar with me, I will try to keep her here as long as possible. We're at David's on Main.
Liv's heart pounded hard in her chest as she pushed send, she finished up in the bathroom and made her way out of the bathroom hoping that Gemma would still be there. She was. Liv bought another round, and walked back over to the table.
"Here you go. Be careful if you go to the bathroom. Not the cleanest place I've ever peed. But then again it isn't the worse." Liv thought about the make shift bathroom that her kidnappers had set up for her. She got to use the bathroom once a day and it was a bucket in the corner of her room.
Gemma laughed, "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the drinks. Your parents taught you well."
Liv frowned at the thought of her dead adoptive parents who raised her. "Yeah, they did." She wondered what they would think about what she was doing for SAMCRO. They probably wouldn't be happy with it. They certainly wouldn't want her to be a part of the world they had introduced her to. They had tried their hardest to keep her away from it and show her the life that her mother had wanted for her. The life that her mother had thought was the best. However, the MCs world still bled into Olivia's life, there was really no escaping her fate in the world and hell she could really make a difference in this world.
"You okay sweetheart? Did I mention something that I shouldn't have?" Gemma pulled Liv from her thoughts.
Liv looked up from her beer and glanced over the table at Gemma. She must have been beautiful when she was in her prime. Liv wondered what sort of queen she was, but then she remembered that she had single handedly killed Tara and took away the one person who Jax loved and Thomas and Abel's mom. Liv reminded herself that Gemma wasn't the sweet woman she was portraying; she was a cold blooded killer.
"Oh yeah, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about my parents. They passed away when I was 17; they were good people." Liv admitted. She missed her mom and dad dearly even if she had Tig, he could never replace the people who raised her.
The door of the bar opened, Liv glanced over to see the whole of SAMCRO walk in. "Scat, this place is now closed for business." Chibs said; while some of the other members helped the few patrons out the door. "For your pain." Chibs placed a wad of cash on the counter of the bar. The barkeeper nodded and went to lock the door.
Gemma glanced over and tensed up, she knew that voice. Nothing had prepared her for the glare she was met with when she saw Jax. Gemma turned back to Olivia, "You called them, didn't you? I guess I should've expected it from a little whore like you. You just put the nails in my coffin, how do you feel about that, sweetheart?" The true Gemma was finally coming out.
"I made Jax promise he wouldn't kill you. I am so fucking sick of death and pain. Just listen to what he has to say. Oh and I have known who you were this whole time. Selfish, Gemma Teller-Morrow, who killed two sweet little boys' mother; you probably deserve to be dead but I think that that would be too kind." Liv said quietly before standing up and walking towards Jackson, whose eyes were fixed on his mother.
"Thank you, darlin'." Jax looked down at Liv.
She nodded, "Remember what you promised me Jax. And you seriously owe me after what you pulled back at your house. I get it now but Jackson if you ever put your lips on me again, I will set Happy after you." Liv scolded him and wandered over to Happy.
"You did good baby." Happy said as he pulled into him. He was glad to have her in his arms again even if it was just for a short amount of time.
A/N: Sorry it took me sooo long to get this one out! I promise the next chapter won't take me so long. I have some exciting news that I will share in my next chapter. I hope you're enjoying the story, there is still more to come. Let me know what you think…your comments drive me to write more! Cheers