She got up like she had since her talk with Jax when she told him she was scared of him for a totally different reason. It was still dark as she put on a pair of green cotton shorts and a black tank. She grabbed her some socks and sat on the bed she now had since her brother and Donna had officially moved into their new house. She pulled her socks and Nike's on before heading to her dresser to pull up her hair. She didn't bother with a note anymore as her dad knew where she went. She opened the door and ran all the way to the shop.

She jogged through the lot and to the big red bag Chibs had set up for her. She used the bag to gain the strength in her legs and arms as she punched and kicked at it. She liked this workout as it let her think about everything. Jax had been a bit standoffish since that night and she couldn't blame him. She was damaged and he didn't need that. He needed to find a woman who could be with him every way a relationship required. She'd be his friend, but nothing more; it just wasn't there for her. She was defective when it came to sex. Some feeling had always made it impossible not to be with Kenny and they dated for two years. She hangs around with Jax and her body acts like she's been having sex for years, rape or no rape. She was so consumed in the workout that she didn't know she had an audience this morning. As the sun hit the bag she turned and jumped.

"Sorry, babe."

She shook her head and took her water off the table. He watched her take a drink while he smoked his cigarette. She moved to get back to the bag and he grabbed her hand. She looked at their hands and then his face. He was looking up at her, his eyes searching hers. For what she didn't have a fucking clue. They just stayed like that, waiting for something.

"Jax, I have to workout."

"Why don't you want me to help anymore, Candice?" He whispered, hoping she'd tell him why she was running from whatever was happening.

She closed her eyes, "It's too hard, Jax. I can't loose focus. Besides, I have a feeling I know what you and Harry talked about that day and I don't want to be a reason you don't have one of those girls. It's just easier to be friends here and when you visit Harry. I can't be close to you."

Not taking his hand from hers, he stood full height, his 5'9" frame towering over her. She tried to look away, but his other hand stopped her. He made her look back into his eyes. "You are the reason I haven't taken a croweater, but not for the way you think. When you told me what that guy did to you, it was a slap in the face. I know I didn't rape those girls, but I use them. Your brother didn't help, calling me on not even knowing their names. That's why I quit messing around. Sure if they can get me that drunk, I get laid. I just don't wanna be that guy. I haven't totally cut myself off, but I cut back a lot. What Opie and I talked about was all about me, babe. He didn't tell me to lay off, just to think about things."

She saw the truth in his eyes and closed hers. She didn't want him to think he was like Kenny when he was far from it. "You are not Kenny, Jackson. You would never leave these on a woman." She stated, bringing her hand up to his face.

He took his free hand and grabbed the wrist, now holding both of them. He ran his thumbs over her scars and watched the emotion play on her face. He moved a bit closer and held her gaze.

"Please don't shut me out, baby. I have been a wreck the last two weeks."

She closed her eyes, trying not to tear up. She opened them to see him still looking at her.

"I am 18, Jax. What would a 25 year old want with me?"

Jax shrugged. "I'm not sure just, yet. I just hate that you've been distant with me."

She nodded and let out a breath. "Alright, I'll try. I still can't spar with you but we can talk and hang out and stuff."

He nodded and sat back down, letting go of her hands. After a moment of watching her, he got up and took a hold of the bag on the other side. She smiled in thanks as she continued to kick and punch a bit harder, knowing the bag wouldn't move.

After sometime, they had started forming a crowd around them. Jax had convinced her to spar and they were in the ring. He went a bit harder as they went on and she was glad he did. She knew this was all kinds of wrong, but it was better to keep practicing with a person, after all the bag couldn't fight back. She had finally got him pinned with her sitting on his hips with her legs on each side of him and her arms holding his above his head.

She had used her whole weight for that one and he was surprised she had gotten it. They had been trying to overcome that one for a while. They heard clapping as they were looking into each other's eyes and breathing heavy. He smiled and she blushed as she moved so he could get up. They turned and saw Chibs, Bobby, Piney, and Tig sitting at the table in front of them. It was Saturday so many weren't up yet since the shop was closed.

"Ya do better with a partner, lass."

She leaned on the rope and grinned, "Thanks, Chibs."

Jax leaned against her, still trying to catch his breath. They were working through their frustration on the mat, he knew that, but it also helped a bit. She wouldn't sleep with him, that he knew, but she'd fight him. Sometimes a good fight was just as good.

"You did great, Candy."

She smiled, "Thanks, daddy. I'm gonna shower."

The men all watched her climb out as Jax held one of the ropes for her. He sat down on the mat, his feet touching the cement. "Thanks." he stated, taking a water from Bobby.

The older men watched as he took a drink and then look at them. "What?"

They chuckled and Piney looked at the young man. "You like her. Don't you even think of fucking lieing to me, kid. It was written all over the both of you."

Jax just stared, causing the men to laugh again. "You and Opie, I swear. He pretty much called me on it also. I'm not sure where we're heading, Piney."

Piney nodded and got up, approaching Jax. "I've known you for 25 years, Jackson. You're good for her, but she's fragile right now. You are helping her more then any of us I think. Ope told me she told you so you know what I'm talking about. Keep making her work with you and it'll work out. She's as stubborn as me and her brother."

Jax nodded, knowing he didn't have to say anything. They watched Piney walked into the clubhouse, most likely to a bottle of Patron. Jax ran his hands down his face, getting rid of some of the sweat running down and moved his head so his neck could pop.

"What's up with her?"

Jax looked at Tig and shrugged. "Not telling, bro. If she want's you to know, she can tell you."

"Shower's free."

Jax smiled and walked into the clubhouse so he could shower.

He sat on his bed after his shower, thinking about the girl outside. She was still helping his mom, but he thought that was just so she had something to do. He had put on a pair of jeans and was laying on his bed, just thinking. He thought about their conversation that morning. How she had thought she was keeping him from the lifestyle he was living when it was far from it. She helped him see what everyone was trying to. In the month she'd been here, she had crawled her way into his skin and he didn't want her out of it. Far from it, he wanted her anyway she'd let him. He went to grab his smokes, realizing he left them outside with his shirt. He sighed and decided to fuck it and just go get them.

He walked out of the club and heard her take a breath. "You alright?"

She nodded. "Fine. Your missing your shoes."

He chuckled and walked to get his smokes.

She watched him from her spot on the table with Gemma. While her head was looking past the woman across from her, Gemma studied her. She knew a change happened with her son and Piney's daughter. She also knew it was mostly because she told him about her rape and he cut back on the girls. Jax had told her Opie helped with that more then Candice did, but Gemma knew. Her son was a lot like his father and he was hung up on the girl in front of her. Hell, he was probably seeing her as he got off in some other bitch anyway. Jax walked back over and sat next to him mom. "What's on the agenda today, ladies?"

Gemma looked at her son. "You forgot your shirt too. You trying to kill the croweaters, son?"

He chuckled and put a cigarette to his lips, lighting it. "Nah, just didn't feel like getting one. I needed a smoke so came out here when I realized I left them by the mat."

Gemma rolled her eyes and Candice chuckled.

"What? You don't smoke, so you can't laugh at me, babe."

She looked at him and smirked. "Shame your mom had to miss me pinning your ass on the mat, Jackson. Must be all the cigarettes that cloud your lungs."

Gemma laughed as Jax just took a drag, smiling. She liked them back to the way they were, it was good for her son and the girl.

"You wanna ride somewhere today or you gotta help my mom?"

She looked away, watching Opie and Donna pull up. "I guess I can. Where did you wanna go?"

He shrugged. "Don't care, really. Just wanted to ride. You did agree this morning to hanging out again, did you not?"

She saw his smirk and rolled her eyes. "Go get dressed, Teller."

He smiled and jumped up to get dressed.

She was waiting for him as he came back out and smiled at her. She held back a grown, noticing he had his hair tied back. She had asked Harry about it once and he told her they did that so their hair didn't get in the girls way when she was riding. He led her silently to the bike and handed her his helmet. She put it on and he helped her strap it before helping her get on behind him.

"Now, I know I'm not Ope or your dad, but you still have to hold tight, babe."

She nodded and wrapped her arms tightly around the biker. She felt a shudder go through him as she held on to him and laid her head on his bike. Jax started it and back up slowly. "You on?"

"Yep."

He nodded and took off.

Feeling him wrapped around her was a new experience. She was always the one wrapped in him. She could feel his leg muscles as they rode through the vacant desert of North California. She closed her eyes and just let the ride take her. She hadn't ridden like this ever, and that was most likely because her mother took off with her. She opened her eyes when she noticed Jax had slowed a bit. She turned her head and saw the trees and hills that was the view as he stopped next to a rest area. He parked next to a picnic table and put the stand down before turning to help her off. She took his hand and hopped off before unstrapping the helmet. She gave it back to him and he set it on his handle bars. He took her hand and lead her under a big oak tree that provided shade. He sat against it and brought her down next to him. She laid her head back against the bark of the tree and closed her eyes.

"Can I ask you something?"

She opened her eyes and turned to see Jax looking out into the world. "Yeah."

He kept his eyes on the view. "What if I wanted to take you places like this all the time? What if I wanted to take you out?"

She thought about what he was asking. "I told you we could hang o..."

"No, not like that." he interrupted, looking into her eyes. "Like really take you out."

He watched her eyes widen as she understood. She looked out into the view and took in a breath before releasing it. "I asked you why a 25 year old wanted a damaged 18 year old this morning. What's so different, now?"

He took a hand and touched her chin, pulling her face around. "You also said you couldn't spar with me, yet you did. I'm not saying sex, Candice. I just want a chance to show you that you aren't the damaged 18 year old you think you are. You're beautiful, smart, funny, sexy, and the best part is you don't even know it. There's a fucking long list on why I wanna do this and I thought about it all fucking morning in my room."

"But my dad and Harry?"

"Already talked to them, babe. Both called me on my feelings for you and gave silent threats in their approvals. What about you?"

She sighed and looked at his hand that was lightly touching hers. She watched as he moved his thumb to rub on the scar while his fingers lightly rubbed around it. She closed her eyes at the feeling it brought out in her and leaned her head back. She opened them to see him still looking at her and smiled. "No sex, yet?"

He shook his head, silently waiting for some sign. She looked down at his hand still on her arm and moved the arm till her hand was under his. He looked down and watched as she turned her hand over and ran her fingers through his. He looked up to see the hope in hers and smiled. "So, yes?"

She smiled and nodded, "Alright."

He smiled and leaned his forehead on hers. "Good."

They got onto the bike as the sun was setting, having talked all day. It was nice, just talking. She missed him, more then the thought she did. Before he took off, he lifted her hands and kissed her knuckles before sitting them back around his middle. She laid her head on his back as he took off. Jax kept his eyes on the road, happy that she agreed to let them try out whatever this was. He knew the girls would have a field day and was going to have to figure something out. He couldn't stay at the clubhouse if he wanted to prove to her he could wait. They pulled back onto the lot as the party broke out and his mom waiting on them in the office. Jax helped her off the back of his bike before getting off himself. He took her hand and led her to Gemma.

"Y'all have a nice ride?" she asked, noticing their joined hands.

Candice blushed, "We just talked, Gemma."

She nodded, "Can I talk to Jax? Donna's inside with Opie for the dinner."

The girl looked at the biker, who nodded,and then turned to head into the clubhouse to find her brother.

Jax turned back to his mom to see her now sitting at the desk. He walked in and shut the door, sitting in the other chair. The two just looked at each other before Gemma finally took out a breath.

"You need somewhere to stay?"

Jax let out a breath and relaxed. "Yeah, I don't want her to get the wrong idea by me staying here. I really like her, mom."

Gemma leaned forward and set some keys on the desk in front of him. "This was meant to be a wedding gift. I may not have liked the bitch, but you loved her. Clay and I figured you'd want your own space. We bought it about a year ago, but it's paid off."

Jax looked at his mom and took the keys. "Thanks. I'm not married, though."

Gemma leaned back. "I know, baby. The bitch broke your heart. Clay and I decided to keep it for you when you crawled out of the shit hole Tara put you in. If you want a chance with Candice, you need a place that doesn't smell of skanky pussy and weed."

Jax got up and gave his mom a hug, "Thanks, mom. Does it need anything?"

She shook her head. "Maybe some paint and wall paper, but you can take whatever you need from storage. I think my and JT's bed is still in there so you'll just need the mattress."

He nodded and then left his mom to go find Candice and Opie.

He had gotten Candice, Juice, Ope, and Donna to come with him to look at the place his mother had bought for him. He undid the lock and walked in, turning on the light. It was bare, but had potential. They all walked through the house and Jax smiled. His mom knew him well. There were three rooms and a big bathroom in his room. Candice had walked around, looking at it with Donna while the guys discussed what they could do before trying to find furniture. Candice sat in the kitchen floor and laid back against the cabinet, Donna sitting next to her.

"What happened on the ride?"

Donna watched the smile on her friend's face as she opened her eyes.

"He asked if he could prove that I'm not damaged. That even though he's 25 he wants me. I'm so scared, Donna, but it's a good scared. I almost forgot what it felt like to be safe with someone who wasn't blood."

Donna smiled and looked around the room. "Y'know with him being here, you don't have to worry. If he says he wants you, really wants you like I know he does, he's not going to be with anyone else till your ready."

She nodded, "He explained it to me. Said some men like to play too much when they aren't at home. I guess my face showed how upset I was at that because he told me he couldn't do that to someone. Said Ope and Clay didn't either. What if I make him wait to long?"

Donna smiled and gave her a small hug. "You wont. Your body already knows what it wants, you just need your head to catch up."

"Here you are."

The girls looked up to see three bikers smiling down at them. Opie and Jax moved to helped them up and the girls let them. They all left, leaving Jax and Candice. They went out and sit on the porch, Jax taking out a cigarette.

"What do you think?"

She looked over at him and smiled. "It'll do. You have to fill it with stuff though. It was nice of your mom and Clay to get this."

"Yeah, you and Donna talk?"

She nodded, "Yeah, helped me out a bit. If I'm going to be your girl, I have to talk to her and Gemma a lot I think or I'll go crazy. I'm new to this life even though I was born into it, Jax."

He pulled her to him and cupped her face. "I know, babe. I have wanted to do something all damn day but didn't want you to freak."

She looked at him, confused. "What, you were with me all day. You could have just asked."

He smirked and whispered. "Can I kiss you?"

She gulped and then felt the same feeling she always did. He saw her smile and smiled back, leaning in to kiss her on the mouth for the first time.

And another...I'm done for today though, maybe tomorrow night. Thank you's to shantigal, MUWD'Bellegirl, Legolas'girl31, BigTimeGleekBtr, Cappiesgirl23, Nikki9235, awprncss4386, and mandy-chick00 for the reviews. Please everyone, leave me a comment as I love reading them. Till next time.-Brianna