{Teller-Morrow, SAMCRO Chapel, Late April 1995} Sitting listening to Clay Morrow chew his ass for a solid hour straight in front of the SAMREN President, and Sgt. at Arms was not how Aiden had intended to spend the evening of Amelia's 17th birthday. Aiden sighed deeply, the sound almost a groan, as he used all the willpower he could muster from within to refrain from throwing his cut on the redwood reaper table. In many ways he cherished the life, the brotherhood, but in other ways he resented it, and already at the young age of eighteen was considering walking away. If a 28 year old Aiden could have entered the room to provide the young man with advice at that very moment, he would have told him to throw the cut on the table and run, run as fast as he could in the opposite direction with Amelia in tow.
Unfortunately for Aiden he didn't have the wisdom, or the luck to be able to receive that sort of advice as he continued listening to Clay smoothing over the tension he had created with his irrational behavior. He wasn't stupid and knew what had occurred in the TM parking lot hadn't been his brightest move. Placing his gun to the forehead of the SAMREN fuck wad not even 10 minutes after he had rolled onto the TM parking lot to lend a brotherly hand with the raging Mayan war wouldn't receive him any backing from his brothers. The move had also made him look weak and out of control.
Regardless of how it made him look restraining himself had just not been possible as he stood in the clubhouse doorframe watching Amelia walk to her car. He had felt drawn to the door, almost pulled to it to check on her one last time. Honestly Aiden had become so focused on just watching her ass as she walked off he never saw Mike standing in the parking lot until Donna appeared to get sick, followed by the contents of Amelia's purse flying all over the black pavement. Then he felt almost helpless as he watched the scene unfolding in front of him as Mike had moved towards Amelia to assist. Aiden had been obsessed about losing Amelia since he saw the SAMREN Sgt. at Arms being intimate with the girl in Reno that from behind had looked just like her. It had struck a chord within him, awaken some sort of dread he couldn't even attempt to voice lest the club consider having him committed for insanity. Both Opie and Jax had questioned him about his odd interrogation while in Reno in reference to the SAMREN brother and he had just placed his hand up indicating he wasn't discussing. Then when he saw him knelt down in front of her all the fear in the depths of him erupted to the surface.
Aiden felt annoyance growing within him as he sat at the table that Amelia was even there in the first place, he had phoned her before leaving Reno earlier that morning to tell her he would meet her at her Charming cathedral. They had been planning for weeks to spend her birthday at another of her Mother's marriage acquired cathedrals up the coast. He hadn't wanted her around the damn TM knowing that the various crews were going to be rolling into Charming right behind them to remain week or so to push the Mayans back. Aiden didn't want her around the fucking men from the other crews, even if they were patched SOA. Deep down he knew she didn't belong around the shit that was his life. The club, Christ she wasn't fuckin' Ol' lady material, and he knew that. He didn't trust other brothers, especially the one in front of him not to keep their fucking grubby hands off of her.
Aiden locked his cold dark eyes with Mikes green ones for a moment. He didn't even know him except reputation, and yet he detested him. He knew it was insane detest him over pawing on a blonde in his clubhouse stomping grounds, still the girl looking like Amelia had haunted him. Shit, the SAMREN fuck had never even laid eyes on Amelia until a little over an hour ago, yet Aiden had feared them meeting even then.
You're pretty fucked up, Aiden Janowitz, the voice of his subconscious echoed throughout his core, as if he needed his subconscious to confirm that fact. The fucking cold hard facts that he was losing his sanity were lying all around him. The biggest one being the stunt he had pulled with the arrogant son of a bitch sitting across from him. He had the reputation for being able to deal with situations like what was occurring with the Mayans very efficiently. It was why the Redwood Originals had gone to Reno in the first place. Clay felt strongly combined with Tig Trager's sadistic visions for the Mayans; the two of them could take some of the stronger muscle of the two clubs, plus the Nomads muscle that had rolled into town, and deliver a sparkling clear message that the SAMCRO wasn't fucking around with the Mexican dick heads a moment longer. Yet what had he done? He, Aiden Janowitz had been crazy enough to point a gun to the fucking savages head.
He fidgeted again pissed that Amelia hadn't just fucking remained where he had asked. God damned Tara Knowles! Tara had called Amelia up needing a damn ride to the TM so she could be with Jax for the night. His annoyance grew because he knew if Tara had just held her fucking horses for five damn minutes Jax would have come to get her. Christ did women ever fucking listen?
Amelia had obliged with a sick Donna in tow, ending up at the TM. The whole cascade of events, starting with Tara's requested had unfolded into the shit storm he was getting his ass chewed for at the very moment. Aiden felt his brow crease as he sat thinking, Tara was spending more and more time at the TM. He saw what was happening to her, she was acclimating to their lifestyle. Having a sex with Jax had kinda snapped Tara's focus to the surroundings he was in, meaning the women who were a constant fixture of the club. The ones that were constantly hanging around the men with an SOA cut on, the very ones his father had so rightfully named Croweaters.
For Tara hanging around the TM was fine, she actually fit into the life more than any of the three girls. If Jax was good with her hanging around that was great for them, but he wasn't going to allow Tara to pull Amelia into the TM bullshit. He didn't want her there, not because he was fucking around, but for reasons like the one that just occurred, sooner or later someone would step wrong, and the result would be someone ending up dead.
Sighing deeply once again the scene from the parking lot played in his head. He knew that was one of the various reasons his rage had become so explosive as he approached them was the gleam in Fucko's green eyes as they were fixed on Amelia, Aiden recognized the look instantly. He had sported the exact expression when he had turned and first looked at her as she stood before him with her delicate hand extended. Aiden felt as though he were looking in the mirror at himself, and could almost read Fucko's thoughts, as if they were his own, and at that moment his mouth had literally watered to put a bullet in him.
"You understand how it is," Clay looked at both SAMREN members sitting to his left as he spoke, "These young boys dumb, in love, and full of cum." He let out a hearty chuckled as he spoke the words to Nicky, and Mike attempting to bring some humor to the situation.
Clay still couldn't believe Aiden had pulled such a fucked up stunt. If his father wasn't Lenny, a man that came with a lot of mafia connections, as well as club connections he would have taken him out back, and beat the holy fuck out of him. He couldn't help but wonder if his father wouldn't have beaten the fuck out of him for such a stunt. Lenny had been the magnet for pussy indeed, but fuck he never drowned himself in it where he couldn't see the writing on the wall about what was important.
A disappointed expression crossed Clays face Aiden had always been in control of his shit, in many ways more mature than Jax and even Opie, despite the fact that just a little over a year separated them. Honestly if Aiden had been closer to 18 when his dad had gone in Clay would have pushed for him to be sitting to his right where Trager was. Aiden was smart, and cunning, a clean killer sure, but people got the message none the less. Trager was good but his demented side, and his dick often resulted in severe consequences not only for himself but the club. Clay had already lost count of the fires he had already extinguished compliments of Trager. He allowed his already tired mind to drift to his former Sgt. at Arms Lenny. Christ his going inside had really been a fucked up situation for the club, and a huge loss.
Mike glared over at Clay his face expressionless as he reached inside his leather to pull out a pack of Marlboro's and his lighter. Popping the cigarette into his mouth he flicked the lighter waving the flame underneath the tip inhaling deeply.
"No, I don't understand," He responded his voice monotone. The words he spoke were not a lie he didn't understand. Love for a woman he had no concept what in the hell that was, and he had no plans to attempt to find out either. She did get your attention though, Mike shifted in his seat uncomfortably as the thought rang through his mind.
Clay looked at the young Sgt. At Arms and felt a true chill run down his spine at the lack of emotion in his green eyes. He had been hearing stories circulating from the Reno area about how he handled both club and non-club business for Nicky. That had been one of the primary reasons Clay had sought their help with the Mayan issues. This young man before him soon to be just 21 in just a couple of weeks, and already his reputation preceded him. Clay wondered briefly what he would be like by the time he was Tig's age, the thought disturbing in a way.
"Aiden, you got something to say here?" Clay spoke his name the agitation stirring within him again.
Aiden looked across the table his eyes traveling from the carved reaper up to the Mikes cold as the Arctic expression glaring back at him. He felt repulsed at the words he knew Clay wanted him to speak, so repulsed he wished for a moment someone would just cut his tongue out, and spare him the fucking humiliation. He thought again briefly about taking the cut off, and ending all this for good. His mind shifted to his father, who was serving time behind bars. Christ he had his father's legacy to think of, he had made him certain promises growing up. His father had always been, and always would be a club man through and through. He had stressed to Aiden since he was young enough to listen the importance of the club. The future that they expected not only from him but Jax, and Opie as well, they were original family offspring. JESUS CHRIST!
"I apologize, for the episode in the parking lot, brother," Aiden attempted to control his voice, but the last word dripped off his tongue sarcastically. He could feel Clays steel blues staring at him harshly without even looking.
Mike sat across from Aiden eyeing him, his face not even acknowledging the words he had just spoken, as he lifted the cigarette to his mouth inhaling deeply. Slowly he lowered his hand finding the ashtray beside him without taking his eyes off the cocky pretty boy. He extinguished the cigarette, hoping that the fuckin' pretty boy realized how lucky he was that Lenny was his father, and that he wore the leather. If those factors hadn't been in play Mike knew pretty boy would buried deep in the cold soil of the earth at this very moment, and his dick would be buried deep in the sweetness of the beautiful blonde that had caused all this.
He had heard people whispering about the parking lot incident as he walked into the clubhouse to enter the Chapel. Mike had been pissed that he had been called out by Clay Morrow like a fucking two year old. He had simply been responding to pretty boy's actions. What the fuck did Clay expect, him to stand there holding his dick while pretty boy held a god damned gun to his head. Mike wasn't one to go off half cocked, but if someone stepped on his line to cross it they had best be fucking prepared for the repercussions.
Mike had gathered from the whispers that the girls weren't even eighteen fucking years old. Surely she couldn't be that innocent, his mind drifted. Mike felt slightly pissed at himself for letting her even enter his mind at all. Young but not innocent surely, the thought invaded him again. He wasn't stupid and knew no man would pull such a dumb ass bullshit stunt unless he was partaking. Pretty boy partaking in jail bait, for a moment as the thought raced through his mind he felt an uncommon emotion stir though him, it felt like jealousy. JESUS CHRIST! He screamed at himself before speaking out loud.
"Apology accepted, brother." Mike spoke the last word with his own brand of sarcasm.
"Well, now that we have this shit past us, let all go have a cold beer, maybe a little pussy." Clay chuckled as he lit up a cigar taking a deep puff tilting his head towards the ceiling as he exhaled the smoke from his lungs.
"Cold beer and a little pussy was what I had in mind before all this bull fucking shit started," Mike allowed a wry smile to overtake his handsome face.
Aiden could feel the rage building again; he knew the words little pussy were really his way of saying Amelia.
"Brothers go on in, and enjoy Mi Casa Su Casa," Clay gave his trade mark cheeky smirk which he thought was he felt was his extinguisher to all problems that reared their ugly head.
"We appreciate that, Clay." Nicky the SAMREN President rose from the seat giving Aiden a nod as he headed towards the door.
Mike rose his eyes locked with Aiden's You are one lucky mother fucker today, his eyes expressed the unspoken words to Aiden as he peered at him one final time, his upper lip forming a disgusted snarl. Not bothering with a brotherly nod he didn't fucking mean Mike stood up, walked straight out of the Chapel door without so much as turning around.
Clay watched as they exited the room, noting the arrogance of the young man. Once the door was closed he turned his attention back to Aiden.
"Not amused by this one bit, son…. Not one mother fuckin' bit!" Clay's blue eyes locked with Aiden's dark stubborn ones as he pounded his fist of the table. His knuckles already suffering from the early signs of arthritis, screamed out in protest.
The Doctors had warned him the disease eventually would limit certain activities. He knew the ability not to ride, would mean no vote, which would result in his end as President. Clay had barely just begun his reign, and already a ticking time clock was counting down the days till it ended.
"Clay, you don't understand ….." Aiden began to speak only to be cut off immediately.
"What do I not understand?" Clay puffed on the cigar turning his chair fully towards Aiden who was seated on his right, "Let me tell you what I see from my grown up chair, Son. You got your head buried so deep in that fresh tender young pussy you can't fuckin' see nothin' else," He paused for only a moment before continuing, "Get your fucking shit together, Aiden. You boys are the future of this club, and while pussy is nice, fuck I love pussy, it never takes priority over your brothers, or your responsibility to this club.
Opie leaned up against the bar his eyes on the Chapel door, as he lifted the cold rim of the glass bottle to his mouth. Dealing with a panic stricken A, which tonight the A had definitely stood for ANXIETY not Amelia had worn him the fuck out. He took a deep drink off the beer again recalling her hysteria which combined with Donna having to hold her head out the car window was too much to ask of any man surely. He glanced over towards the hallway that led to the apartments irritated that he had gotten assigned to the madness all alone and Jax got assigned to having his woman underneath him. Mother fucker what luck I have. The A team cluster fuck combined with his concern for Donna falling ill was not the welcome fuckin' home from Reno he had anticipated.
"Son, where… the …. hell …you… been?" Piney approached the bar his gait as unsteady and slow as his words, his eyes already glazed over. The bottle of Tequila which was fast becoming his trade mark clenched tight within his right hand.
"Taking care of business," glancing at the clock on the wall across from him Opie looked at his father in disbelief, "Damn, old man you already drunk? Christ it ain't even midnight yet."
Piney opened his mouth to reply to his son just as the door to the chapel opened and the SAMREN President exited followed by his Sgt. at Arms. Piney grimaced as his eyes studied the young man beside Nicky. Several women looked in the young man's direction as he exited the Chapel, their eyes full of lust.
Piney had to admit in a very non-gay manner, because he sure in the fuck wasn't a faggot, that he could see why the young man would be pleasing to the females. He found it comical he had called Aiden a pretty boy, shit if it weren't for the thick ice that surrounded him, one might have considered Mike a pretty boy as well.
His assessment was correct, if Mike didn't wear the cold expression and dress like a biker he would have looked like many football players over at the high school. His stance and demeanor however cancelled all that out. Piney glanced back in his direction he had seen it before a soulless creature. His mind drifted briefly to JT, and the old days that seemed like just yesterday in a way, but an eternity in other ways. He felt a bitter bile rise into his throat as he thought of how the club had sucked the life from his best friend, just as it was sucking the very life from his as well. He looked over at Opie then back at the other young man who from Reno, before lowering his head. It was sucking the life out of all them as well.
God, if you are there give these boys the strength to pull this God damned club off the bloody path we so ignorantly put it on. He spoke the words to a being he wasn't even sure existed much less that still heard their feeble desperate outlaw cries.
Opie's eyes squinted as the chapel door opened and the Reno members emerged. The room fell quiet for a moment as all eyes turned to the door acknowledging their exit before the loud drunken voices resumed. Opies eyes followed the younger of the two men as he approached the other end of the bar asking for a cold beer. Opie couldn't help but listen to his voice which seemed to lack any real emotion at all. He was still not entirely sure what the fuck was going on between him and Aiden. He nodded as Mike glanced in his direction briefly before turning to give his Old Man a look of disapproval. Opie couldn't necessarily argue that look, growing increasingly impatient with Piney's habitual drunken festivals himself. He watched as Mike exited the clubhouse with his beer in his hand.
The door opened once more, and Aiden emerged. Opie didn't bother asking him how it went as he approached his face expressing more than his words would have at this point.
"Where's Amelia?" Aiden ran his fingers nervously through his long curly hair as he spoke the words.
"Took her home, she was pretty freaked out at you pulling that gun, shit man you can't pull that fuckin' craziness around her," Opie reached in his pocket pulling out a package of smokes poking one out of the already half empty pack before tilting them towards Aiden.
Aiden held up his hand as Opie offered the cigarette his mind full of Amelia as he ran his fingers once again nervously through his hair.
"I gotta get the fuck out of here," Aiden turned walking towards the door.
"Man, tread easy with her tonight," Opie reached up stroking the beard he had just started growing before their departure to Reno.
Aiden held his hand up to acknowledge his brothers words not halting his quick strides to the door. Entering the TM parking lot he looked up at the stars that were twinkling above him, the moon illuminating the otherwise dark night sky. All he could see as he looked up however was her face. His brow furrowed as he recalled grabbing her up from the position she was crouched in picking up her items on the ground He knew his hand had never left her arm until he pulled his gun. The bruise that was already forming when someone walked her away from the showdown was extremely apparent on her arm. Feeling like a real piece of shit he began walking away from the clubhouse door.
"She doesn't belong in this life it's dangerous for her. You know that right?" The voice instantly sparked anger as Aiden tilted his head slightly to the left to see Fucko sitting on the top of a picnic table drinking a beer his demeanor now relaxed and casual as if they were old friends.
"Fuck off ass hole!" Aiden fought to control his rage as he walked past him mounting his Harley wasting no time in starting it, his hand hitting the throttle as he raced out of the TM parking lot.
Amelia lay upon the fluffy pure white comforter that covered the plush mattress. A fluffy pillow cradled her head. The strands of her blonde hair lay sporadically around the area as if it were a snowy covering. The ice pack Marie had given her perspired as it lay upon her swollen arm. The beads of water falling like the tears flowing from her eyes. She recounted the events that had occurred unable to make sense out of it all, including the feeling of butterflies that fluttered through her when she looked into the strangers green eyes. Closing her eyes tightly the tears continued to leak out, Amelia had, had a lot of crappy birthdays thanks to Mommy Dearest, but she truly felt this one would go down as the absolute worst ever.
Aiden stood in the doorframe watching Amelia from afar. His heart clenched tightly in his chest at the sight of her lying on her left side at the foot of the gigantic bed curled into almost a fetal position. He could tell she was crying softly by the way her chest moved. Aiden felt as if his feet were made of lead refusing to move as he stood there watching her. Finally he was able to command them to move forward so he could enter the room, and make his way to the foot of the bed kneeling down on his knees in front of her. Reaching out with hand he brushed the strands of stray hair away that had fallen over her eyes.
"Baby," He could hear the nervousness in his voice as he attempted to speak, "I am so sorry," He tilted his head to attempt to get her to look him in the eyes as he spoke, an attempt that was not successful, "I would never hurt you, baby."
Aiden reached out removing the ice pack from her arm which was bruised from his hand print. His eyes closed tightly momentarily not knowing the right words to say. Feeling almost as confused and desperate as he had been the first morning he woke up in her bed. Longing to say all the right things and simply unable to find the right words.
"Amelia, "Aiden whispered her name as he reached out brushing his hand against her face again feeling a huge flood of relief that she looked him in the eyes.
When her beautiful clear blue eyes met his Aiden instantly knew the solution, lowering his lips to her gently he breathed in the fresh pure smell of her into his senses. As her scent lingered in the air between them intoxicating him he knew the solution was right.
"A, I am going to leave the club." Aiden spoke the words with no remorse, "I'll ride this year out with them, but I won't patch in as a full member. When you turn 18 we are out of Charming for good."
Amelia lifted her head from the pillow sitting up on the bed looking deeply into Aiden's eyes as he remained knelt in front of her. Slowly she reached out with her hands cupping both sides of his face. Her eyes searching his still unsure she had heard his words correctly. She had not expected his decision to come so easily.
"I mean it," Aiden spoke the words again, "Just promise me no matter what happens you just stay beside me, and help me figure this club shit, and us out. Just a year that's all I ask. Can you promise me that?" He knew they were both young but he needed to hear those words of commitment from her. He hadn't understood how much until just now.
"I promise, Aiden." Amelia hands remained on his face as the heat of him radiated onto her palms, "I promise there is nothing you could do or say that would ever make me not love you. I'll always be here with you Aiden, I promise."
Aiden reached up with his own hands laying them over hers, before lowering them and placing her palms against his intertwining all their fingers together. He looked up at her his breathing already growing heavy with need for her.
"Promise me something else," He knew she wasn't going to like the next words he spoke but he needed to keep their lives from getting all tangled up.
"Anything, Aiden," She tightened her fingers around his.
"I don't want you just showing up at the TM," He looked her in the eyes, "Everything is crazy right now, other charters in and out, I don't want you around all the shit that is my life. I promise to get it sorted to be ready to leave, but please just stay away till then, ok?"
Amelia was a little taken aback at his request her mind instantly drifting to the brunette that she had found hanging on him in a whorish fashion when she arrived at the TM earlier that evening. Her mind drifted to Tara's warning that the whores of the club would push her out if she distanced herself to much from his club life. She wondered for a moment if Tara had been right.
"Is it the women?" Amelia pulled back from him as she spoke the words, "Are you fucking around?" She could feel the hot tears blurring her eyes already and he hadn't even answered the questions.
Letting out a breath of air in exasperation Aiden stood up reaching his hands around her tiny waist lifting her from where she was sitting upon the edge of the bed, and placing her more towards the middle of the mattress.
Amelia looked Aiden in the eyes as he moved her towards the center of the bed his words about the TM had caught her off guard and still the thought of the brunette was irritating her. Then she recalled the parking lot and how her heart had almost skipped a beat and felt extreme guilt flood over her. Oh my God what's happening to us? She watched as Aiden arm extended out pushing her back on the mattress his body towering over her as he rested his weight on his elbows. Their eyes locked.
"I am not fucking around on you, Amelia." He replied softly.
Slowly Aiden reached down unbuttoning the tight pants that fit Amelia as if they were a second skin, his fingers fumbled down lower until they found the zipper lowering it was well. The pads of his fingers feeling the lace underneath as he reached in, he knew it was probably one of the thongs she was always wearing. The fact the ass of her tight pants was line free had not escaped him as she was walking across the TM parking lot earlier that evening.
Amelia felt her breathing hitch as his hands reached slowly into her pants the pads of his fingers resting for a moment on the lace of her panties. She looked into his eyes again her mind whirling with so many unspoken words, emotions, and sensations she began to feel overwhelmed. Her eyes continued to follow him as she felt his hands now on the sides of her hips grasping at her pants pulling them down along with her fancy thong in one swoop. Quickly he tossed them to the side of the floor not even looking where they fell before he returned to raise her body up quickly so he could slide the t-shirt she wore over her head.
She felt her bra breaking loose with a single snap as he slid the straps down her arms both items joining the others on the floor. Amelia could feel her body tingle as the rosy blush moved from her cheeks, traveling throughout her body finally becoming a dull ache between her legs.
Standing up at the foot of the bed once again, Aiden looked down upon Amelia admiring her flawless body as it lay splayed out before him. She was all his. Not allowing his eyes to drift from her he reached down pulling his shirt over his head quickly flinging it to the side of the room just as he had her clothes. Stepping out of his boots next he allowed his hand to make its way to his belt snapping the buckle open, quickly releasing the snap of his jeans, and undoing the zipper before stepping out of them along with his underwear sending the combo of the two flying carelessly threw the air to join the stack of clothing that was collecting on the floor.
Amelia's body sang out in need as Aiden stepped closer to the edge of the bed once again lowering his body until he was hovering above her. The familiar sensation of the weight of him pressing her into the cushioned pillow mattress a sent a thrill of excitement throughout her entire body as her heart beat wildly in her chest.
"I love you," The words leaving her mouth barely an audible whisper.
"I love you, always." He looked intently in her eyes as he whispered the words in response.
Amelia could feel herself sinking further into the deep sea of Aiden as he spoke the words to her. The warmth of his breath felt exhilarating on her lips as she felt his own press upon hers softly at first, but then with more fevered passion. His warm tongue licked her lips begging for entrance, and Amelia relented loving the feel as it danced gracefully in her mouth, her own tongue anticipating his every move as they moved in concert with one another never out of rhythm or sequence.
Aiden could feel the desire building in him as his mouth consumed hers over, and over. Reluctantly breaking away after what seemed an eternity he moved his mouth over the nape of her neck stopping only to nibble and taste her. The need to kiss every inch of her flesh rapidly taking him over as he lowered his head to her breast, her swollen nipples exposed to him growing more pert as his tongue flicked each of them teasingly.
Desire washed over her body like a wave crashing onto the shore line as his mouth began its exploration of her body. She could feel herself wither underneath him falling helplessly into a bottomless well of desire as his mouth teased her breast relentlessly. Her breathing now small erratic gasp as he continued to move his way down her body stopping again exploring her belly button.
He could feel himself growing rigid against her flesh as his lips continued to partake in every delectable inch of her body. Knowing he wouldn't be able to contain his desire for her much longer he moved his mouth lower until the tuft of fine blonde hair met his face beckoning him into her. His tongue parted her and he could hear her moans growing louder as his mouth tasted the sweet nectar of Amelia.
Amelia could feel her body letting go as she reached down tangling her fingers in his long curly brown hair, no longer able to control her moans as they rang out into the room echoing off the walls. His tongue continued its delicious assault on her as her body thrashed on the bed in response, the release of her orgasm finally sweeping over her and in that moment she felt as if she were downing in a sea of pure blissful pleasure.
Aiden brushed her hair back from her face as he lay under the multithread sheets of the bed with his back against the luxurious headboard. The feel of Amelia's chest rising and falling gently as she slept almost as arousing to him as making love to her half the night had been. As the sounds of the morning drifted into the room from the cracked French doors of her bedroom he sat contemplating their future. He knew both Clay and the Fucko Reno brother were right in a way. Fucko was correct that Amelia didn't belong anywhere near the life. He could feel deep within the depths of what little soul he had that being near the life they all grown up and found acceptable would end poorly for them both if they stayed. Clay had accused him of having his head in all the wrong places, and perhaps for the predestined path that the old Aiden had thought was the only way it would have been. He was determined however to travel this new path whatever it was, he didn't care as long as it included her. One year, he thought, we can get through one year till she's 18. That was his last thought as his eyes grew heavy, and he drifted to sleep just as the reddish hues of the morning sun burst through the windows casting its beauty on them.