Fighting Back
Chapter 30
After a quick shower and changing into a pair of grey skinny jeans and a white tank top, she pulled her hair into a pony tail before heading back into the bar only find that no one apart from Dougie was in there. She rolled her eyes, she really couldn't do with his shit right now, she was tired her head was killing her and all she wanted to do was spend some time with her family.
Dougie stopped drinking his beer when he heard a noise behind him. Turning around he saw Nicole standing their with a pissed off expression on her face. 'That's rich.' Dougie thought if anybody had the right to be pissed off it was him. His friend was probably dying an extremely painful death right now, and although he knew Ryan had brought it on himself he couldn't help be feel a little bit of hostility towards her.
"Changed, what a shame." He remarked making a comment about the outfit she had been wearing last night. "How come I didn't see you in that dress last night?"
"Because you were a little busy fucking crow eaters." She remarked as she started to walk over to the kitchen to look for Gemma.
"Well what can I say the Mother Charter does have the best pick of pussy." Nicole walked into the kitchen, sighing when there was no sign of Gemma. Her frustration grew when she turned to leave and slammed straight into Dougie's chest. She really didn't understand how these men could move so quickly and quietly considering their size.
"Not jealous are we?"
"In your dreams." She went to walk pass him but he placed his arm on the door frame blocking her exit. "Move your..." Dougie cut her off waving his hand in front of her.
"Just wanted to say thanks for not saying anything about me and Ry. I'd probably come to the same sticky end he's facing."
"Facing, Ryan's dead." Dougie shrugged his shoulders. He knew he was walking a tight line but he couldn't help himself. "Do you know something I don't?"
"I probably know a lot you don't sweetheart..."
"Fuck you." She snapped. She raised her hand to go and slap him but Dougie grabbed her wrist.
"Don't push your luck, I'm still a fully patched Son, that deserves respect." He told her menacingly as he pulled her close.
"And I'm the niece of a founding nine that's deserves some god damn respect to." Dougie laughed and shook his head.
"You keep believing that sweetheart, but the truth is your Uncle is dead, you have no tie to this club. Round about now I'd say your old man just breathed his last breath which means your not even an Old Lady any more."
Nicole had so many questions she wanted to ask him, first one being what the hell did he mean that Ryan would be taking his last breath because according to Kozik Ryan was already dead and buried. But she wasn't going to let him get a rise out of her.
"Really so shall I just tell Jay about this." She watched the smile drop from his face. "No didn't think so it seems I still have some ties to this club." Nicole snatched her arm out of his grasp. "Now move out of my way." She ordered through gritted teeth.
She could tell that he wanted to hit her. She had seen anger like that in a man's eyes one to many times. But unlike Ryan she could tell he was fighting those urges.
"Nicole."
Dougie spun around when he heard the voice. Nicole looked over his shoulder and saw Gemma standing in the doorway, Abel in her arms. Dougie lowered his arm letting Nicole pass. Nicole plastered a fake smile onto her face as Gemma walked towards her. She reached out for Abel as Dougie walked pass them and out of the clubhouse. Gemma's eyes following his every step.
"Problem?" She asked as the door closed behind Dougie.
"No, nothing he was just being a cheeky bastard, admiring the dress from last night." Nicole said trying to pass the whole situation off as nothing, but just as she said that Opie walked in.
"Who's admiring what now?" He asked as he stood next to Gemma.
"Nothi..."
"That Nomad was pushing up on her." Gemma interrupted.
"Gemma..." Nicole shouted. Gemma just rolled her eyes.
"What did he do?" Opie asked. One word to him and Nicole knew that Dougie would no longer be a problem. But she didn't want any more blood shed.
"It was nothing, so you can calm down." She said hoping to reassure him.
"Right." Gemma said taking Abel back off Nicole. "Ope's gonna take me home. You wanna come?"
"Said I'd wait for Jay."
"Okay Baby. I'm planning a breakfast here tomorrow could do with your help."
"Sure."
"Be at the house for 6.30."
"6.30?"
"We've got a lot of baking to do." She kissed Nicole on the cheek before leaving. Opie stepped forward and also kissed her goodbye but before he left Nicole stopped him.
"Ope."
"Yeah."
"Where did they go?"
"Who?"
"Ope come on you know who I'm talking about." Opie nodded, he knew exactly who she was on about.
"Club shit."
"Club shit that involves Ryan?" Opie said nothing. Nicole knew he wasn't going to tell her and it wasn't fair to push so she kissed him goodbye. "See you later." Nicole walked back towards Jax's dorm room.
She flopped onto the bed closing her eyes. Even though Opie hadn't told her out right his silence spoke volumes. Clay, Jax, Happy and Juice had gone to kill Ryan.
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Nicole walked around the small clothing boutique that Charming housed. She'd decided that she couldn't stay inside the clubhouse any longer staring at the same 4 walls as her mind kept running over everything, so she hoped that a bit of retail therapy would help clear her head.
She looked through the rail of clothes, but nothing took her fancy. Walking around she came to the lingerie section and suddenly her interest perked. Happy's words came into her head 'Later' which she was sure meant that he was wanting to cash in on their little arrangement. But as she thought about Happy she thought about Ryan and suddenly her whole body became hot. She could feel her hands starting to sweat and her chest tighten. She needed to get out, need some air.
As she hurried towards the door she knocked into a couple of customers, she threw out a couple of apologises but her may concern was getting the hell out of there.
"You okay?" Nicole looked up to see Opie standing next to her.
"Ope, what are...how did you know I was here?" Nicole asked as she tried to steady her breathing.
"Well when I got back Tig told me you wandered off demanding that no one followed you."
"Yeah well that did happen." She pointed to Miles who was parked down the street. "So you followed the prospect?"
"Actually no. You forget how long I've known you Nic. There are only a few things you do when you've got something on your mind. Shopping, visiting the graves or drinking." Nicole smiled at him.
"So you gonna take me back?"
"Depends, you wanna go back?"
"I suppose. But how about grabbing a bite first, I'm starving."
"Sounds good to me."
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Opie couldn't help but laugh as he watched Nicole demolish the mound of food that was in front of her.
"What?" She managed to ask with a mouthful of food.
"You. Seriously how do you eat like that and be that size."
"Good genes. My Dad had a good metabolism." In the whole time he had known Nicole he knew it was rare to hear her talk about her parents especially her Dad. He'd always thought it was sad how their relationship had deteriorated when her Mom died. Even though John and Gemma had taken her in he knew that not having a normal family had damaged her and that was something he didn't want for Kenny and Ellie.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Depends."
"It's about Lyla." She nodded and Opie continued. "Do you like her?" Nicole shrugged.
"Bad choice in friends but apart from that yeah she's nice. Seen her with Ellie and Kenny she seems good with them. Why you asking?" She watched Opie shift uncomfortably in his seat. "Please tell me your not about to ask me relationship advice because I don't think I'm the best person to ask." She told him as she wiped her hands on her napkin.
"Maybe not but your the closet thing to a sister I have and your girl so..."
"Okay then hit me?"
"I'm thinking about asking her to marry me." Nicole started coughing as she coked on a fry. She reached for her coke taking a big gulp. "So you don't think it's a good idea then?"
"I don't know Ope I mean is that something you really want. You really over Donna enough to marry another woman, because marriage is a big deal and if you can't give her that big heart of yours then it's not right." She watched his eyes leave hers as he stared out the window. "Shit I've said the wrong thing haven't I. See I told you I was no good at the advice thing." Opie shook his head as he looked back at her.
"Your better than you think."
"Bottom line Ope this is your choice and I'll stand by you whatever." She told him as her hand reached out for his.
"Thanks Nic."
Their silence was broken when Nicole's phone started ringing. Pulling her hand away from Opie's she searched in her bag for her phone.
"Hello...in town...Okay I'll be there in 10...love you to..."
"Jax?" Opie asked as she put her phone away.
"Yeah." She nodded. "Wants me back at the clubhouse."
"Lets go then."
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Opie and Nicole walked inside the clubhouse which was pretty much empty. She wasn't surprised by this they were probably all exhausted. She said her goodbye's to Opie before heading to Jax's dorm room where she knew Jax would be waiting for her.
Jax was sitting on his bed resting his back against the headboard. He'd grabbed a bottle of Jameson from behind the bar, he figured after the conversation he was about to have with Nicole she probably need it.
His eyes darted towards the door when he heard it open. A smile twitched on his lips when he saw her standing there, god he'd really missed her.
"Hey." She spoke softly as she made her way over to him.
"Hey." He took her hand in his and pulled her to take a seat on the bed. Nicole kept hold of his hand as she inspected the cuts on his knuckles a clear indication that he'd been in a fight. Noticing this Jax pulled his hand away.
"So am I going to need that?" She asked pointing to the bottle on the bed side table. Jax dropped his head and she took that as a yes. "What the hell happened out there Jay?"
Jax took a deep breath and started to explain everything that had happened in Belfast. He told her about O'Neil and McGee working with Jimmy, Father Ashby, Maureen, Trinity (even the part about Gemma and Maureen catching them about to have sex) He told her everything.
"Jay I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." He shrugged as grabbed the bottle of Whiskey from Nicole. He took a big gulp before handing it back to her, which she accepted gladly.
"I could say the same." Nicole felt uneasy as Jax stared at the bruises on her face.
"Nah don't worry bout me I'm doing okay." She took a swig from the bottle. "So I have a half cousin?"
"Yeah."
"And you tried to sleep with her?" Jax nodded. "God were a fucked up family." She took another swig from the bottle as Jax wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her against him.
"You can say that again."
"How's Gemma?"
"Haven't really spoke to her about it. But I'm sure she'll deal always does it's you I'm more worried about."
"Jay seriously I'm doing okay. I'm not gonna lie it's hard sometimes. I see his face." Her hand moved to her neck where his finger marks still lingered. "But then I feel his hands around my throat as he tried to kill me." She looked to Jax. "If I hadn't killed him you would be sitting here mourn..."
"Don't even say it I really don't want to think about that."
"I'm gonna survive this Jay." He placed his hand on her knee. He hoped that she was telling him the truth. If she thought it was going easy from now on she was mistaken. "So what about Jimmy?"
"We've put some feelers hopefully we'll get a location soon."
"And when am I going to be loosing you?" She saw the confused look in his eyes. "Prison, you may have forgotten but I, guessing the Feds ain't."
"Not long." He took her hand squeezing it tightly. "Nic no matter what happens everything's gonna be okay. You just have to trust me."
"Jay what is it, what's going on?" She could tell he was holding something back from her.
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do."
"I've..." Just as he started the door opened abruptly cutting him off. They both turned to see Tara standing in the door way. Jax got to his feet.
"Hey." Tara spoke as her eyes darted between Jax and Nicole.
"Hey." Jax looked back at Nicole who was now on her feet as well.
"You should go." Nicole said.
"You sure." Nicole looked over to Tara who was smiling at her.
"Yeah you two need to talk." Tara's grin widened with Nicole's words. "I'll see you tomorrow, Gemma's throwing a celebratory breakfast."
"Your not coming back to our's."
"Nah like I said you two need to talk." Jax kissed her on the side of her head. As he started walking towards Tara he felt Nicole grab hold of his hand. He looked over his shoulder at her.
"yeah?"
"Hap didn't happen to come back with you did he?" Jax shook his head.
"Why?" Jax was starting to worry that maybe Ryan had been right with his comment about Nicole and Happy.
"Just wanted to ask him something. It's nothing important it can wait till later."
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Nicole decided she didn't want to waste what was left of the day locked inside the confines of Jax's dorm so she decided to do something constructive with her time while she waited for Happy to return.
Walking out of the Clubhouse she hadn't realised how late it was till she saw the dusk sky. She continued towards the garage when she saw a familiar face sitting alone on the picnic table by the office with what she presumed was a joint in his hand.
Scratching her previous idea of working in the garage she made her way over to him.
"Juice." His head snapped in the direction of Nicole.
"Hey."
"What are you doing out here all by yourself?" She asked as she sat next to him. Juice looked away and continued to stare off into space.
"Just need some space to clear my head."
"Know that feeling." Juice smiled. "So I noticed you went with Jay, Clay and Hap today." Juice looked sideways at her, his heart skipping a beat. Clay had made it very clear that he didn't want Nicole to find out about Ryan.
"Just some club shit." Nicole nodded.
"Ryan right?" She watched Juice squirm. "Look I may do stupid things some times but it doesn't mean I'm completely brain dead."
"How did you..."
"I figured it out." Nicole lied, truth was she probably wouldn't have put the pieces together if Dougie hadn't opened his big mouth, but she was about to say that Juice they really didn't need any more drama. "I know you can't tell me details and right now I probably don't want to hear them." She shifted closer to him placing her hand on his knee as she leaned in to him. "I'm sorry you got dragged in to all my drama. I never wanted my past to bleed over you I just hope that you've managed to put all this to rest now."
"You don't need to keep apologising."
"Yes I do." She got to her feet and stood in front of him. "Your a great guy Juice don't you ever let anyone tell you any different okay." She bent down and kissed him lightly on his lips. "Different time different place i'd have fallen in love with you Juan-Carlos Ortiz." Her hand caressed his cheek before she turned on her heels and headed towards the garage.
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Nicole washed the oil and grease off her hands. She had lost track of the time but judging how dark it had gone outside she knew it was late, but it wasn't the late hour that was making her stop working it was the soreness in her body.
She managed to push through it for a bit but now it was too much and she needed a hot shower. So finishing up she locked up the garage and made her way towards the clubhouse her eyes scanning over the bikes as she past them, Happy was still not back.
Kozik, Tig, Juice and Chibs were gathered around the pool table obviously playing a game of doubles.
"You alright love." Chibs called over to her.
"Yeah, I'm just gonna take a shower then hit the sack."
"Okay sweetheart."
Nicole headed for Jax's dorm but she bumped into Dougie who was rounding the corner. She took a couple of steps back when she realised who it was. She steeped to the side of him but he copied her and blocked her path again. This happened a couple more times before she lost her temper. She opened her mouth to tell him where to go when somebody beat her to it.
"Move asshole." Nicole didn't have to turn around to know who the voice belonged to.
"That's exactly what I was trying to do Hap, can't help it if she wants to dance with me." Dougie spoke with a grin on his face. Nicole could feel Happy standing behind her but Dougie seemed completely unnerved by his presence. Which was probably pissing Happy off.
"It's fine, my fault." Nicole stepped around Dougie stealing a quick look behind her at Happy, who just like she thought looked pissed. Looking away she continued down the hallway.
"See like she said, her fault man." At this point all the guys attention was on the two of them waiting to see what happened next.
Happy stared down at Dougie using the extra few inches of his height to his advantage. He stepped closer to the younger cocky nomad. Happy's temper was already frayed and this little shit was just making it worse.
"Stay out of my face." Happy warned before backing away from him and heading to the bar to grab himself a bottle of something strong.
"Seriously man what's your problem?" Dougie asked following Happy towards the bar. "She's nothing more than a club bitch..." Happy's head snapped back towards Dougie. His body moved quicker than anyone expected. And by the time anyone reacted Happy had already got Dougie pinned to the floor, his hands wrapped tightly around his throat.
Quinn walked over to them, he grabbed Happy's arm and tried to pull him off Dougie but it was proving harder than he thought. He looked over and motioned the other guys to come and help him. Finally with the help of Tig and Kozik they managed to pull the two brothers apart.
"You cool off." Quinn snapped in Happy's direction before looking back at Dougie. "And you pack your shit your out of here."
"Come on man tha..."
"NOW."
"Whatever I'm done with this place anyway." Dougie walked down the hallway towards the dorm he'd been occupying during his stay.
"He better not go near her." Happy growled as he watched Dougie disappear down the same hallway Nicole had.
"He won't." Quinn followed Dougie just make sure.
Happy walked back around the bar to grab his drink when he felt someone staring at him. Looking around he realised it was Juice.
"Problem?" He snapped his anger taking over. Kozik and Tig both turned to look at Juice.
"No."
Happy took the bottle and headed to his room so he could enjoy the bottle of Jack Daniels he had just swiped from the bar, but as he walked inside Nicole was pacing in front of his bed as her hand fiddled with the ring on her necklace. When she heard the sound of the door she stopped and just stared at him.
Nicole watched as he placed the bottle onto the dresser. When he looked at her she could tell he was going to say something but Nicole cut him off as she closed the gap between them.
Her index finger reached up to cover his lips silencing him. She let his finger trail down his neck until she reached the top of his hooded jacket. She laced her index finger and thumb around the zip as she started to unzip his jacket.
Happy wasn't sure what she was doing but he was more than willing to let her continue. Well that was until she opened his jacket to reveal his white wife beater that was now covered in blood, Ryan's blood.
Nicole went to touch the blood that was on his shirt but before the tips of her fingers could even make contact with the material Happy grabbed her hand. She looked up at him but she still didn't speak instead she continued let her actions do the talking.
Leaning onto her tiptoes, her free hand going to the back of his shaved head. As she pulled him closer she pressed her lips against his.
Happy actually hesitated when she kissed him. His mind flashed back to Ryan's last words, 'You're falling for her...She's under your skin' Of course Happy didn't believe that for a second, yes he had respect for the girl and she was probably the only other female apart from his Ma that he actually didn't mind spending time with. Then he thought about how he felt when Dougie called her a club bitch, he could of killed the guy right there no hesitation, but that was because he was just protecting her honer as the presidents niece, that didn't mean that he was falling for her right?
Either way Happy had come here tonight to finish this, put an end to the little arrangement of there's just in case but that clear thought of his was disappearing fast with every kiss and touch she laid upon him. And when he watched her remove her t-shirt revealing a nude lacy bra he was gone, he wanted her and nobody or nothing was going to stop him. Tonight she was going to be his and tomorrow he'll deal with all the other shit.