Chibs found himself sat by Clara's bedside in one of the two uncomfortable bright turquoise wooden dining room chairs she owned.
Chibs was thankful that it was almost midnight by the time he made it back to the apartment complex. It was likely that most of the neighbors weren't up and about at this hour given that it was a weeknight.
He knew that if anyone caught sight of what he was doing it would be trouble. After all it wouldn't look good a man who looked like him carrying an unconscious woman bridal style into her apartment in the middle of the night.
Chibs knew that no one would buy that he was honestly just trying to look after Clara in her state.
The neighbors would automatically jump to the wrong conclusions once they caught sight of his kutte.
He managed to place Clara in her bed and prop her up into a reclining position with whatever pillows he could find.
For once past experiences of taking care of drugged and drunken brothers had paid off. He'd remembered enough to know that he needed to keep a close eye on Clara to ensure that she didn't have an adverse reaction to whatever she'd been given.
He was worried that he'd made the wrong decision deciding to listen to Clara and avoid the hospital.
He feared that he wasn't doing enough for her to make sure that she recovered from this. After all he had no idea what drug she'd been slipped. He guessed that it could be one of two things: Rohypnol or GHB.
Chibs had done a quick Google search on his pre pay, on both drugs and had educated himself the best he could.
He had found that Rohypnol would keep her out for at least eight hours. The drug was ten times more potent than Valium. It would give her the appearance of being heavily intoxicated. And it would more than likely wipe her memory clean.
GHB would cause a mild sedation. It could lower her heart rate and her breathing rate. It could cause seizure coma or even death.
Chibs had watched over her all night long. He'd been too frightened to go to sleep in fear that something would go wrong with her condition while he rested.
He checked her pulse every hour on the hour and had been relieved to find that her pulse remained strong and steady.
The longer Chibs sat here watching over her the more fearful and enraged he became.
He prayed that she would be able to remember the night before, not only because of the conversation they'd had, but because she needed to remember every detail of that date she'd been on.
The more details Clara remembered the better chance Chibs had of taking care of this for her.
Anytime he allowed himself to contemplate what could have happened to her if she hadn't managed to call him, he felt sick to his stomach.
The word date rape kept on traipsing through his brain. It didn't seem to make any sense to him. That sort of thing didn't happen to people he knew, he kept on trying to convince himself.
He fully intended on getting some vengeance. Chibs knew that whoever had done this to Clara had to pay. Someone had hurt the woman he cared so dearly for, and he wanted them to suffer for it.
He would be doing a public service he told himself. After all if this guy had drugged Clara what would stop him from doing it to another girl? Another girl might not be as lucky as Clara had been. Some other girl might not be able to escape.
Chibs reached out taking Clara's wrist and checking her pulse once again. He let out a soft sigh relieved to find that her pulse was still as strong as ever.
He placed her arm back down beside her his stomach dropping as he realized she didn't even stir. If he couldn't see her chest rising and falling she would look dead. This realization made an icy chill run down his spine.
He stood up as he made his way across the room looking for anything to distract himself from thoughts of death.
Chibs was impressed to see that Clara had defiantly made some improvements to her apartment since that night he'd helped her move in.
She had covered that hideous grape sofa in the living room with a black sheet. She had found an oil painting of red poppy flowers over a blue green background at a thrift shop and had hung it over her improved sofa. She'd gotten a big round red rug to go over the living room floor. Her wooden bookshelf had been filled with dvds: every horror film he could think of, Firefly, and a few burned copies of Dr. Who she'd gotten, and several books on fashion and design.
The kitchen counter was now adorned with a little cactus in a planter. She'd gotten a fish bowl that now contained a little purple and blue Siamese fighting fish and matching blue rocks.
She'd hung a pink and yellow poster print of Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe pop art over her bed. The small white wooden bookshelf in her bedroom had been filled with horror and fantasy paperbacks, a few beloved graphic novels, and her favorite CDs: Bob Marley, Etta James, The Beatles, Adele, Led Zeppelin, Dropkick Murphys, and so many other wide varieties of music.
Chibs stared down at Clara's black wooden dresser as he reached out picking up a worn looking stuffed panda teddy bear. It had obviously been well loved considering one of the glass eyes had been replaced with a brown button. He chuckled as he stared down at the faded tag on the panda's bottom. There written in bright red pen in a child's handwriting read: ClarA.
He placed the bear back down his eyes locking down on a picture of Clara and another woman both standing side by side in Halloween costumes; Clara was Snow White and the woman was little red riding hood.
Chibs guessed that this woman was the Victoria that Clara talked about. The two women seemed to be close from what he could see in the photos.
He wondered if she had any other friends in Vegas. Clara only ever spoke of Victoria.
It made him wonder just what her life in Vegas had really been like. Had she been as happy as she'd sounded in the letters and cards they'd exchanged over those years? If she had been unhappy why hadn't she told him?
He spotted another photo of Bobby and Clara when she was about six. She was sitting on Bobby's bike in a pair of jeans, a bright purple Disney Little Mermaid shirt, and little black converse. Her hair was long and quite curly. Her nails were painted bright pink and she wore a matching headband. It was obvious that Clara was quite girly as a child.
He couldn't help but to grin at the Little Mermaid shirt. She must have loved fairy tales and mermaids. He guessed that she still did given how passionately she'd spoken about the mermaid bar that day at the pool.
Chibs couldn't help but to wonder what Bobby would think of Clara and he together. If they were together now that was?
Bobby was protective over his niece. Chibs imagined in Bobby's eyes no one was good enough for Clara.
Would Bobby approve of the relationship or would Chibs be in for a black eye once the older man found out?
He sighed knowing that no matter how Bobby felt about it, there was no way he was letting Clara go. Not now.
He felt so good when she was around. When they were alone together he felt things that he hadn't felt in so many years; joy mixed with a nervous sort of excitement. All he knew was that Clara made him feel amazing. He wanted to make her feel just as good.
Chibs knew that he'd started falling for Clara. Perhaps he'd already fallen for her a long time ago? He wasn't sure when he'd started feeling this way for her.
Had it happened during her time in Vegas, during all those letters they'd exchanged? Had it happened once he found out what a bastard her ex had turned out to be? Or was it a recent development? He couldn't be sure.
All he was sure of was that he wanted Clara. He wanted to be hers. He wanted take care of her, to make sure that nothing like what had happened the night before, ever happened to her again.
Chibs turned to face Clara's bed when he heard a small whimper escape her lips. Clara sat up slowly her eyes still shut as she placed a hand against her temple.
She spoke up her eyes still shut tight. "What happened?"
"Do ya remember yer date las night?" Chibs asked as he raced over to her bedside plopping down on the dining room chair once again.
"I remember a little bit." Clara murmured her head feeling as though someone had slapped her in the face with a two by four plank of thick wood.
She let out a soft sigh remembering most of the evening up until Chibs had arrived. "I was drugged. I think Roman slipped something in that drink he bought me. Then I called you."
"Aye ya did. Ya passed out in tha car." Chibs replied tempted to reach out and take her hand in his. He resisted the urge though afraid that she would just yank her hand away.
Part of him was still frightened that she was still angry about what had happened at the garage the day before.
What if she didn't remember anything about their conversation the night before?
He opened his mouth wanting to speak, but there were so many things he wanted to say that his mouth couldn't seem to pick the right subject or the correct words even. For once in his life he was rendered speechless.
Clara finally opened her eyes her stomach beginning to churn. She felt so sick to her stomach. She hadn't felt this nauseous since she'd gotten the flu a few years back. "I sort of remember talking in the car...mostly about what a fuck up I am...You kept calling me something last night in the car...awlynn I think?"
"Alainn." Chibs remarked correcting her. He felt a wave of relief hit him so grateful that she at least remembered that part of their conversation.
"What does that mean?" She asked dropping her hand down on her lap as she tried to place together every bit of the night before. Everything just seemed so fuzzy.
The more she tried to place everything together the more her head ached.
Chibs finally worked up the nerve to reach out placing his hand over hers as he spoke. "It means beautiful."
She felt her cheeks flush more than shocked by this statement. Ailann, she repeated in her head; beautiful. Chibs Telford thought she was beautiful.
She connected her eyes with his suddenly able to focus only on his tired dark eyes. Had he gotten any sleep at all while she'd been asleep, she wondered.
She quickly realized that he must of been watching over her all night.
Clara was unable to tear her eyes away from his as she realized this. He'd taken care of her. If he didn't want her, then why would he take such good care of her?
He stared at her, her eyes looking just as magnificent as they'd looked that night he'd dropped her off at her apartment before they'd been interrupted by his cell phone.
All he could focus on was the smell of her perfume. There was still a bit of it lingering against her skin even after she'd slept. It was a sweet mixture of juicy pink grapefruit, a hint of citrusy lime, crisp cedar wood, with a splash of vanilla. It was a strange but intoxicating smell. That mixed along with the lavender scent her room seemed to be filled with was almost overwhelming.
She was just as intoxicated by his familiar scent; old spice deodorant, rich tobacco from his Marlboro Gold cigarettes, and the leather of his kutte.
He reached out placing a hand over her cheek pleased to find that her skin was just as silky as he'd imagined. He stared down at her lips praying that she wouldn't slap him for this as he leaned in brushing his lips against hers testing the waters first.
Clara closed her eyes letting out a soft gasp the feel of his lips brushing against hers strangely electrifying. She'd always heard people talk about how a first kiss should make you see or feel fireworks. It was clear that Chibs' lips made her feel fireworks from the forth of July, Disneyland, and New Years Eve all wrapped up into one single amazing sensation.
Chibs closed his eyes as well a thrill running through him at the sound of her gasp. Her lips were soft and plump against his. They were hot and so moist. He could taste a lingering bit of the cherry flavored clear lip-gloss she'd been wearing the night before.
Clara let out a soft moan as he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer to him. She wrapped an arm around his waist as she placed a hand on the back of his head allowing her fingers to trail through his messy short hair.
His lips were so incredible against hers. Though they were chapped they were still so warm. His lips were somehow a perfect balance of gentle and demanding against hers. Just as she'd expected he knew just what to do with them, just how to move them to make her feel breathless.
Their lips seemed to match perfectly top-to-top and bottom-to-bottom. He flicked his tongue out asking for entrance. She opened her mouth allowing his warm tongue to slide against her own so smoothly.
Their bodies pressed close to one another allowing them to feel one another's hearts beating fast and strong.
He ran a hand down her body placing it at her hip for a short moment before he worked up the nerve to run a hand along her thigh underneath the soft cotton fabric of her black sundress. He groaned the feel of her soft hot skin proving to be everything he'd been fantasizing about for weeks now.
Chibs reluctantly pulled back his lips leaving hers as the room was filled with a familiar sound; his cell phone ringing loud.
He grunted pulling back from her touch unable to resist mumbling under his breath. "I'm goin to smash this thing with a fuckin hammer, I swear ta Christ."
Clara let out a soft laugh the comment and what had just occurred between them making her feel so giddy and just plain amazing.
She took a chance to catch her breath her heart still pounding in her chest. No kiss before this had ever made her feel such lust and just plain excitement. Clara wanted more; she needed more.
Nothing had ever felt so amazing and addictive before, not her beloved menthol cigarettes, not running, not the best organic health food, not sugar, not even alcohol. His lips were like air to her lungs. They gave her such a rush.
She resisted the urge to press her lips to his neck, his chin, his cheeks, any place on his body she could reach as she watched him answer his phone with an exasperated huff. "This better be fuckin good?"
"Where's the van? It's missing. Clay is freaking out." Juice explained his voice sleepy. Clay had woken him asking about the missing van. Chibs had quickly become the main suspect given that he was the only one missing at the moment.
He let out a heavy sigh suddenly remembering the clubs van that was now parked out in the parking lot. "Aye I took ta van...I'll get it back ta ya."
He stared at Clara knowing that all he wanted was the hang up this damn phone and press his lips back to hers. It seemed that wasn't going to happen though as he heard Juice let out a sigh. "Why'd you take the van?"
"I'll explain it later." Chibs remarked keeping his answer vague. He had no idea if Clara would want what had happened to her the night before public knowledge. He had a feeling she wouldn't.
"Whatever...Clay was freaking out because it was gone. I hope you can explain it to him." Juice replied spotting that Chibs wasn't being completely honest.
He had seen Chibs storm out of the clubhouse the night before and had been tempted to follow him. Juice had hoped that Chibs was headed out to fix things with Clara. That hope had kept Juice locked in his seat buried under the croweater whose very ample breasts were planted right in front of his face.
Juice was tempted to ask about Clara but he didn't have the opportunity as Chibs spoke up ready to get off the phone and back to Clara. "I'll get ta van back. Tell Clay I'll explain everythin."
And with that he hung up his cell. He stuffed it back into his kutte pocket as he stared back at Clara.
Clara felt her stomach drop at the mention of Clay and the clubs' van. "I don't want anyone to know about what happened to me."
"Okay alainn. No one will know bout anythin." Chibs replied as he reached out taking her hand in his.
She allowed him to squeeze her hand the action providing her some comfort as she spoke again thoughts of what could of happened to her if Chibs hadn't made it on time. "I want to teach Roman Becket a lesson though...I don't want him doing this to anyone else. I want to scare him...to make it clear to him that he should never do this to anyone ever again."
Chibs leaned down pressing a kiss to the top of her hand as he spoke up, "I'm goin ta teach him a lesson Clara. One he won't forget."
She felt her stomach drop not helping but to wonder just what kind of lesson he had in mind. She was sure that she didn't want to know. "Just don't let it get too out of hand okay."
Chibs sighed knowing that it would be easier said than done. He was pretty sure that when it came down to it he might just beat Roman Becket to death. He could feel the rage swirling around in his guts. The rage was threatening to take full control of him.
He hated the thought of anyone experiancing what Clara had experianced last night. He could only imagine how frightened and vulnerable she was feeling at the moment. He imagined she was just as full of rage as him.
He knew that when he faced Roman it would take whatever willpower he had to keep things from going way too far.
Clara apparently sensed this as she leaned in pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Take Juice with you when it comes time for it."
"I thought ya didn't want anyone knowin." Chibs replied the feel of her lips against his cheek calming the rage in him.
"I trust him not to open his mouth to the wrong people. I trust him to watch your back." Clara explained a lump developing in the center of her throat.
She couldn't stop thinking about how this had happened to her? Had Roman drugged her drink just to punish her for going out with him for the reason she had, or had his intentions been much darker?
Date rape; the word seemed so foreign to her as it rolled around in her head. Things like this didn't happen in real life. It was something she'd always assumed was reserved for those crappy Lifetime movies her grandmother used to watch, or some after school special. Things like this didn't happen to her.
She took a deep breath doing her best to hinder the anxiety attack threatening to assault her senses as she spoke up completely changing the subject. "How am I going to go to work? I feel like shit."
"I'll talk ta Gemma fer ya. I'll tell er ya have food poisoning or somethin." Chibs replied sure that he could come up with some story to save Clara from Gemma's wrath.
Clara shook her head already knowing she was on Gemma's short list. She didn't want Chibs to join her on it. "I should just tough it out and show up."
Chibs shook his head not surprised that she was trying to be so stubborn. "Nah yer not goin anywhere."
She narrowed her eyes at him not sure she liked being ordered around. He let out a sigh knowing that he was on thin ice for that comment.
He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her hand as he spoke again his voice softer and less demanding. "Yah need ta rest. Yer in no shape fer work today lassie. Jus lie down and get some sleep. I'll get ya a few bottles of water and some aspirin to hold ya over fer today. I'll take care of Gemma and make sure she doesn fire ya."
Clara sighed not sure that anyone could take care of Gemma.
Her protests were quickly forgotten as Chibs pressed his lips to hers once again. The kiss stayed chaste and neither of them were quite ready for it to end as Chibs pulled away.
He spoke up knowing that they needed to talk about well everything, but they didn't have the time right this second. Their big talk would have to wait. "We can pick this back up this evening."
She nodded her head reluctantly agreeing with him. The immature part of her wanted to demand that they talk about this right now work and time be damned.
She knew that demand wasn't exactly responsible though. She wasn't going to get him into deep shit with Gemma and Clay because she wanted to talk about their relationship right here right now.
Clara allowed him to press another kiss to her hand as he spoke. "Get some rest alainn."
She nodded her head lying back surprised as her eyes began to grow heavy. Her head was pounding, her stomach hurt, and she felt as though she'd just run a marathon. She felt like shit despite the kiss Chibs and she had just shared.
She felt her stomach flip as she thought of that kiss again and the innocent peck he'd just pressed to her lips. Were they a couple now?
They would talk about this when he got home, she reassured herself.
Clara knew that she wasn't letting Chibs go anytime soon. She wanted to pursue this no matter what the risk.
Clara just hoped that Chibs felt the same. She didn't want to lose him.
Chibs let out a sigh not shocked as Clay stormed over to him clearly still irritated over the missing club van. "What the hell were you thinking?"
Chibs ran his hand through his short hair as he shrugged his shoulders trying to remain as vague as possible. "I had an emergency."
"What kind of an emergency?" Clay asked his eyes squinting as he stared down the Scot.
"It was personal...nothin involvin the club. I'll take my bike next time." Chibs replied attempting to keep the situation from getting too out of hand.
Clay let out a sigh not happy with Chibs' weak explanation. "It better not be...Just don't let it happen again. I mean it Chibs. This is your first and only warning."
Chibs nodded his head grateful that he'd gotten off this easily. He'd been pretty convinced that Clay would do something radical; like forbidding him from voting at church for the week, or sticking him on some bullshit job.
He wasn't shocked as he entered the office of TM Auto only to have Gemma glare up at him. "Have you heard from your neighbor?"
"Aye. She's pretty sick. She asked me ta let ya know." Chibs lied spotting the irritation in Gemma's voice.
Gemma tossed the pen she'd been holding down on the desk as she spoke up narrowing her eyes at Chibs. "And you buy that?"
"Aye Clara's an honest lass." He remarked trying not to get too defensive at the suggestion of Clara being some sort of liar.
Gemma kept her eyes narrowed as she stood up from the desk. She stepped over to Chibs her voice full of suspicion. "You seem to be getting pretty close to her. You trust her?"
Chibs shrugged his shoulders not willing to let Gemma in on the truth just yet.
He loved Gemma's place as the mother of the club, but he knew Gemma could be controlling when it came to the Sons. She was the den mom after all. She was there to protect her boys at all costs.
"We've always been a bit close. She's a good lass. Ya know she loves er uncle more than anythin. She's a smart lass. She wouldn't do anythin to hurt the club." Chibs explained unable to hide the affection from his voice no matter how hard he tried.
Gemma raised an eyebrow knowing that there was more to Chibs' story than he was letting on.
Part of her was a little bit pleased at the thought of Chibs finally moving on. Gemma had been hinting at it for years now. She knew that Chibs was lonelier than he ever would let on to anyone. He needed a good loyal old lady. A man like him deserved a good woman who was strong enough to handle his world.
Gemma had been trying to push Chibs into moving on from the Irish Bitch for a long while now. She had almost given up hope. She had been sure that Chibs would never get over Fiona. She had been sure the Scot would spend the rest of his days burying himself under just about every croweater that crossed his path.
She was relieved to know that he was moving on with his life and finding some happiness.
Gemma wasn't pleased though with Chibs' choice. Clara was too young for Chibs. Gemma found the girl to be too untrustworthy.
Of course Gemma knew that she couldn't judge age. After all Gemma had only been barely eighteen when she met John Teller.
She had been on her own for almost two years by then though. She had left home at sixteen and had been mature for her age. Gemma knew that most girls now weren't built that hardy.
Gemma knew that shit would hit the fan when Bobby found out just whom his niece had latched on to. Clara's relationship with Chibs wouldn't be a positive thing in her Uncle Bobby's eyes. Bobby was too protective to ever allow it.
Gemma was irritated that the girl was stirring up drama within the club. Gemma had already told Clara not to stir up anything, and here they were now.
Part of her was tempted to fire Clara. Gemma knew Bobby would be pissed and Chibs probably would be too, but it would get the little shit stirrer out of her garage.
The only thing that stopped Gemma from canning the girl was Clara's strong work ethic. Gemma hated to admit it but Clara was a fantastic worker.
Things at the garage had really straightened out since Clara had started, on the paperwork end of things at least. Clara was good at keeping the books and keeping the office tidy and efficient. The girl knew how to manage an office.
Clara being at the office had given Gemma more free time to prepare for Jax's first child; her first grandbaby.
Gemma let out a sigh knowing that Clara was worth more than the shit she'd stirred up.
Gemma vowed to keep an even closer eye on Clara now though. She had to make some things clear to the girl.
Chibs sighed knowing that the cogs in Gemma's head were turning and turning. He knew that there was nothing he could do about it.
Clara had to prove herself to Gemma all on her own. It was the only way Gemma would ever learn to accept Clara's place in his life.
Gemma wouldn't be pleased about a man trying to handle Clara's shit. Gemma was all about an old lady being tough enough to handle her own shit.
He shook his head thankful that he wasn't the one who would have to win Gemma over.
Chibs had no doubt in his mind that Clara would step up when it came time to win over Gemma.
He knew his alainn lass had it in her.
Juice let out a sigh dropping the controller to his xbox down on his bed in his dorm room, as he heard the sound of a heavy knock at the door.
He rolled his eyes his character on the almost obscenely bloody zombie shooter game he'd been playing was mauled, dropping his gun as soon as Juice dropped the controller.
He cracked the door open peering out a little shocked to see Chibs standing there. He had assumed by the tone of Chibs' voice on the phone earlier that he'd interrupted something between Clara and Chibs.
He had figured that as soon as Chibs hung up the phone he'd be right back doing whatever it was he had been doing with Clara.
Juice hadn't wanted to put too much thought into it honestly. As much as he loved his brother and as happy as he was for the man, he didn't want to even begin to think about Chibs doing anything sexual. Never mind the fact that he'd caught little glimpses of Chibs being pleasured by croweaters at Friday night parties.
This of course was different. Clara was more than likely Chibs' old lady now. She wasn't some croweater that would be passed around the clubhouse. If she was Chibs' old lady she was to be respected by the other Sons. A brother never mentioned another brother's old lady in a sexual manner. A brother's family was your family.
Juice opened the door letting Chibs in as he spoke. "I expected you to be wrapped up Clara right about now. You did fix shit with her right?"
"Aye we fixed it." Chibs remarked not sure if he should get into any details. He hadn't had anyone that could even be considered a girlfriend in almost a decade now.
It only made it all the more awkward knowing that Juice had been interested in Clara at one point. Chibs worried that there still might be some sore nerves there despite the fact that Juice had been pushing him to make up with Clara.
Chibs knew that it was probably in his best interest to keep the personal parts of Clara's and his relationship to himself. He was pretty sure that Clara wouldn't appreciate him sharing how good she smelled, or how soft her skin was, or how full her lips were, with any of his brothers.
Chibs shook his head not shocked to see that Juice's room was spotless. The man had some serious issues with OCD.
The xbox controller didn't shock him either. Juice did love his gaming. Chibs wondered if Clara was into that sort of thing as well. Didn't Juice mention Clara's knowledge of games?
Chibs knew that if that was the case he wouldn't have much to provide to that hobby. The last video game Chibs had played was Pong and Pac man on an Atari that a mate of his had back in Belfast, when he had been a teenager.
Chibs let out a heavy sigh knowing that he had to jump right into this. "I need ya ta look up a guy fer me. Roman Becket. I want you to find out everythin ya can on tha prick."
Juice nodded his head making his way over to his laptop. "Who is this guy? A Nord?"
Chibs sighed wishing that it was that simple. It would actually be nice if Roman was some white supremacist shithead whose only crime was pissing off the club. "Nah this prick went out with Clara last night."
Juice wideneed his eyes never having taken Chibs for the jealous type. Chibs shook his head knowing just what Juice was thinking. "This prick slipped somethin in Clara's drink. I spent tha night takin care of her. I need ta make this righ fer her."
"Christ. I'll find out everything I can." Juice replied his eyes narrowing at the thought of someone hurting Clara in that way.
He cleared his throat as he booted up his laptop clicking on the internet icon. He could spot the emotions flickering behind Chibs' eyes; rage and something he'd never seen before. "So you two are cool now?"
"Aye we are." Chibs replied a small smile developing along his face at just how cool things between Clara and he were.
Juice nodded his head not surprised that things had worked out. He had the feeling that Clara would forgive Chibs once he explained things to her. "I knew she liked you."
"How'd ya know?" Chibs blurted out his curiosity getting the better of him. How did Juice pick up on anything more than friendship when it came to Clara.
"I can tell when a chick likes someone. Trust me I have like three sisters. I know how a girl acts when she's into a guy. They smile like morons and start blushing and they laugh at all your jokes no matter how shitty they are." Juice explained as his fingers clicked away on the laptop.
Chibs chuckled wondering how he'd been so blind. He shook his head knowing that it didn't matter now. He was going to do whatever it took to make sure Clara became his lass.
Juice nodded down to the laptop screen as he came across a social network page. The social network craze was something Juice had never gotten into. What would he even share about his life after all? The club was his life and it wasn't something for public consumption. "Is this the guy?"
Chibs stared down at the screen raising his eyebrow at the Facebook page. Roman Becket, Twenty Six Years Old, Charming, California. Employed at Charming Fitness Center since April 2007.
The man was standing in front of a bathroom mirror wearing a black muscle shirt, his arms proudly flexed. He wore a backwards Oakland Raiders baseball cap. He was so obviously attempting to look tougher than he really was as he scowled at the camera.
"Aye that has ta be tha prick. We're goin to pay him a visit firs thing tomorrow. Keep quiet bout it though. Clara doesn't want everyone ta know bout what happened, She trusts ya ta keep yer mouth shut. Find out all ya can bout him tonight, and let me know what ya find." Chibs remarked his voice tight as he stared at the photo of Roman. The man was everything Chibs wasn't: young and so fit.
Chibs shook his head reminding himself that he had been the one who had been kissing Clara this morning, not Roman Becket.
Clara was Chibs' now. He knew that Roman would never touch her again.
He took a deep breath trying to push his rage back down knowing it would have its chance to come all to the surface tomorrow.
Tomorrow Chibs would give Clara her revenge.
Clara sat up in bed finally feeling more awake. Her head still felt fuzzy but she'd at least managed to take a shower and eat a little bit of dry Captain Crunch cereal.
She almost fell of the bed shocked as her bedroom door opened and Chibs walked in. He gave her a tired smile as he held up a plastic bag from the sub shop he'd stopped at on the way home. "I used yer spare key ta get in."
Clara nodded knowing that Chibs was the only person who knew she kept a spare key to her apartment hidden under a silly little ceramic lawn gnome figure she'd placed by her front door.
He sat down on the edge of her bed handing the bag over. "I got ya a turkey sandwich. I kept it plain jus turkey, American cheese, and a little lettuce. I figured yer stomach has ta be hurtin."
"Thank you." Clara blurted out as she dug into the sandwich. Despite her nausea she'd been starving. She had been unsure of what to eat though. The pickings in her apartment weren't even close to being appetizing to her.
The two sat in silence Clara eating her turkey sandwich and Chibs eating his favorite roast beef on toasted rye with extra cheese and pickles.
He nodded down at her pink Hello Kitty pajama shorts unable to stop himself from trying to lighten up the mood. "Hello Hello Kitty."
She smirked amused by the comment and the fact that his eyes were lingering on her legs. She felt a flash of desire run through her as she remembered how amazing his calloused hand had felt against her thigh just this morning. She knew that those hands would feel heavenly elsewhere.
She cleared her throat doing her best to ignore her lust as she spoke about the one thing she'd been dreading all day. "So do I still have a job?"
"Aye Gemma's pissed, but I think ya can handle er." Chibs replied giving her a tight smile.
He knew that Gemma was going to be Clara's biggest critic. He just hoped that Clara could take the heat. He would be more than pissed at Gemma if she somehow ruined whatever this was he had with Clara.
Clara let out a soft sigh her heart beginning to pound as she brought up the elephant in the room. "Are we...together?"
"As long as yer willin ta have me." Chibs replied holding his breath for a moment almost fearing what her answer would be.
Clara nodded her head knowing that she had to make one thing perfectly clear before they moved forward. "If we are together then I have some rules. I have to be it for you. I mean it Chibs. I know how you guys work...croweaters, sweetbutts, and all that bullshit. I won't share you with some...slut. If I'm your girlfriend then I have to be the only girl you're with in that way. You have to promise to be faithful to me no matter what...even on runs. I mean think about it this way. How would you feel if I went off on some trip and slept with some nameless guy, then came home and expected you to stay true to me and not be pissed?"
He let the breath not shocked by this statement. He knew that some Sons had strange ideas of what being faithful really meant.
He knew that she had a point. If he had to live with the knowledge that some other man had touched what was his it would break his heart. He shouldn't expect Clara to put up with some woman touching what was hers.
Chibs thought of the day before at the garage; the look of heartbreak on Clara's face when she'd seen Emily Duncan hanging on him.
He knew that he never wanted to see that look on Clara's face ever again.
He knew that he had to promise her that he would be true to her. He had to step up and do whatever it took to remain loyal to her even with all the depravity that came along with the club, "I know alainn. I promise ya that it'll jus be ya and me. I'm yers Clara."
She nodded her head his promise meaning the world to her. "Then that's all I need to know."
She didn't speak again until he'd thrown away the trash left over from their dinner. "You didn't sleep at all last night did you?"
"I wanted ta keep an eye on ya. It isn't tha firs time I went without sleep." Chibs remarked wondering if it was that obvious that he was sleep deprived.
She took him by shock as she spoke up patting her bed. "Lie down and get some sleep."
"Are ya sure?" He asked shocked that she was willing to share a bed this soon in their relationship.
He might not have dated in a long while, but he was sure that most women made a man wait till the third or the fourth date for something like this.
Of course it wasn't like she was offering to have sex. He knew this, but still sharing a bed together was an intimate act.
"You're tired and so am I. And I know I don't want to be away from you just yet. I have a feeling you feel the same." Clara pointed out making a point of pulling the comforter back exposing the sheets.
He kicked off his boots before he made his way over to the dresser. He removed his kutte folding it respectfully before placing it down on the dresser.
He was relieved that Clara didn't show any fear at the sight of his gun or the knifes he kept hidden on him, as he deposited both weapons on her dresser.
Chibs considered taking off his jeans, but he was worried that might be moving too quickly. He didn't want to spook her by stripping down to his boxers.
He left his jeans on as he pulled the shirt he'd been wearing over his head leaving him in a black wife beater.
He tossed the shirt on to the dining room chair that still remained by her bed, before he climbed into bed beside her.
He sunk down into the bed his body relaxing automatically. The soft mattress underneath him and the gorgeous woman beside him was enough to relax his worry filled mind.
Chibs was surprised as Clara wrapped an arm around his waist snuggling up close to him. He wrapped an arm around her loving the feel of her against him like this, so relaxed and safe.
He felt his heart ache as a sudden thought entered his mind. "Are we goin ta tell Bobby bout us? I don't want ta keep us a secret lass."
"We'll have to. I mean it'll just be worse if we keep this from him...I'm not sure I want to keep this from anyone either." Clara admitted.
She wasn't 100 percent sure how her uncle would react to this, but she had a feeling it wouldn't be pleasant.
She felt a lump begin to develop in the back of her throat as she spoke again. "We can tell him together. We'll take him out for a few drinks after he gets back from Lake Tahoe. We can tell him then."
Chibs nodded his head wondering if getting a few drinks in Bobby before they dropped this bombshell on him would be a good idea or not.
He feared that Bobby would give him the worlds worst black eye once he found out that his niece was dating a Son.
Chibs had always felt that Bobby wanted Clara to have a life separate from The Sons Of Anarchy.
He was sure that Bobby wouldn't want his sweet little niece becoming someone's old lady.
Chibs couldn't help but to smile at this thought well the old lady part of it at least. Clara was his old lady now wasn't she?
He liked the sound of that.
Clara shook her head trying to shake out her fears about her uncle's reaction to this relationship.
She knew that she wanted to be with Chibs no matter what anyone thought. She knew that her uncle and her mother would have their doubts, but she had the feeling that Chibs would win them over.
Clara suddenly realized that she hadn't felt this content or this at ease in such a long time.
After Mitch Daniels she had been sure that she would never feel this good beside a man ever again. Chibs made her feel better than she'd ever felt with Mitch. This was a shock to her, given that she had been at one point ready to marry Mitch.
Chibs felt so different to her. It was such an amazing difference. He had been her friend for so long. She felt like Chibs understood her because of this friendship. Chibs was familiar to her. He knew about her past and her family. He was safe even though the outside world would probably only see him as being dangerous.
With Chibs she felt as though she could be herself. That was something she had never truly felt with Mitch.
She realized that with Mitch she was always keeping secrets; secrets about her Uncle Bobby, Secrets about Charming, Secrets about her father.
With Mitch she tried to be something she wasn't; a high-class woman who was accustomed to luxury. She had tried to be a woman who had experienced a normal childhood. She had struggled to be the constant arm candy Mitch had seemed to want.
She knew that her relationship with Chibs would be different. It would be like the difference between night and day.
She could be who she really was with Chibs.
With him she'd have the chance to become the person she was supposed to be.
She thought about telling Chibs all of these things. Letting him know just how special he was to her.
But as she looked up at him she realized that her revelations would have to wait. He'd fallen fast asleep his arm still wrapped possessively around her waist.
She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek as she spoke up. "Good night Filip."
And for once she had no doubts that this would be a good night.
Reviews? Constructive Criticism?
alainn = (Scottish Gaelic) Beautiful (pronounced yAW-lun(y)
Chapter Song Title : Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me by She & Him