Chapter IX

{Late June 1999, Laguna Beach, Mid-Morning}

Amelia walked along the shoreline the salty water washing over her bare feet before sweeping over them once again to return to the vast clear blue ocean. The sounds of the beach were like listening to the finest orchestra, the sound of the crashing waves, the seagulls, all combined with the chatter and laughter of others, nothing compared. It was both stimulating and tantalizing. A joyous grin beamed across her face as she continued to her destination on the long stretch of white sand, only stopping momentarily to watch a game of volley ball that was in session.

"Hey you," The deep masculine voice came from behind her.

Looking over her shoulder she saw Craig and Adam an unlikely duo, but unlikely or not they had been friends the bigger part of their lives. Both families like Amelia's were very rich and so they had all gotten acquainted as young children on her summer beach vacations with Mommy Dearest. The trips actually usually resulted in Mommy Dearest swirling around the elite social circle for a week at most and then jetting out of town leaving Amelia with the staff. Still despite her mother's absence from the picture she had good childhood memories of the beach and her friends.

Craig was the perfect Cali boy with his tall build, broad shoulders, medium length sandy blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes and well defined six pack. Adam was a little shorter and while he also had the same sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, his body was smaller in build but the biggest difference between the two, he was a major geek. Craig spent his time away from the beach working out and Adam spent his time on a computer or busy with the hobby that was his true love growing plants. His favorite plant to grow, pot, and he was very good at it. Word was already spreading about how good he was at his extracurricular hobby.

"Hey, guys," Amelia raised her hand to her forehead shielding her eyes from the bright sun.

"Got something for you," Adam walked up closer dropping an item into her oversized neon green beach bag as he brushed a friendly kiss on her cheek.

She looked down into the large bag, her smile grew even broader as she recognized the deep green foliage, the aroma penetrating her senses despite the fact it was sealed off in a zip lock.

"Oh, that looks and smells simply divine," Amelia responded her eyes already slightly blurred from the shit she had smoked before arriving, shit that he had grown, "How much is that going to cost me?" She inquired a slight giggle to her voice.

"No charge, just your opinion on whether it's worth a shit or not," Adam replied before adding, "And maybe …. dinner?"

"What do you think I am a connoisseur of pot?" Amelia burst out laughing as Adam gave her his famous puppy dog expression.

"Shit, man stop begging," Craig gave him a fake scowl, "You look like a damn pussy, she doesn't want to have dinner with you."

"Really now," Amelia looked over at him trying not to become distracted by this perfectly tanned flesh that just seemed to finish off his GQ model appearance. The last thing she needed or wanted was a romance and the complications it brought. Still she couldn't help but play along with their flirty banter, "How do you know that, Craig?" She replied teasingly.

"Cause, you really want to have dinner with me," Craig gave her a flirty wink, "Its ok doll tell him the truth." He chuckled.

"What makes you so sure," Amelia arched her brow barely able to contain her laughter.

"Because" He stepped back motioning at his physique, "Just look at me, shit it's all I can do not to jerk off when looking at my own reflection in the mirror."

Amelia's laughter could no longer be contained as she burst out loudly, "Jesus Christ," She mumbled

"Jesus Christ indeed," Adam shook his head before punching Adam in the chest, "Our turn Don Juan."

"Catch you later, Amelia," They both called out in unison as they ran up to the meet their opponents.

"Hey and think about dinner," Adam called back, "We could both take you out no pressure just old friends getting together?"

Craig held his hand close to his ear like a telephone urban slang sign language to call.

Amelia stood still giggling for a moment watching them get ready for their opponents before finally waving a goodbye and continuing her stroll along the vast shoreline to a more secluded area she would usually hang out. Mommy Dearest had often criticized her choice of beach location, arguing that there was a breathing taking stretch of white sand just below the cathedral dwelling that had been a wedding present to her from Amelia's sperm donor. The cathedral was now owned by Amelia who had just turned 21 years old a few months prior. One of the many keys to freedom her unknown father had provided for her as she approached adulthood.

The hefty dividend checks from her trust fund had started rolling in on her eighteenth birthday, having her own money combined with the house had drastically released her from the clutches of Mommy Dearest. She had felt like a bird being freed from its cage, and she only had two more years before her trust fund was released to her in full. Originally it had been set for her twenty fifth birthday but when her mother showed her claws at her bedside a few days after being discharge from St. Thomas, Amelia had made her contact Mr. Sperm donor to receive her lump sum earlier. She had pushed for her twenty first birthday, but he was only willing to trim a few years off of the sentence allowing her to receive the full trust at twenty three. It wasn't exactly what she had hoped for and the age he had come back with seemed peculiar but still it was something. She planned on celebrating that birthday in an unforgettable fashion since it would signify the final string being cut and the final influence her mommy dearest would ever have over her life. Amelia envisioned just how that day play out and her face beamed brightly. It would indeed be an unforgettable day for Ms. Amelia Tate. She never would have believed impact the events of that day would bring, even if she had been given a glimpse into the future.

{Sunset}

Upon leaving Reno shortly after stepping down from his Sgt. at Arms position with the SAMREN Charter, the wheels of Mike's bike had found themselves rolling down I-80 making a bee line for California. Why he had no fucking clue, it would be the first time he had ventured in that direction since traveling with his club. Clay had come to Reno in spring of 1995 to ask for the aide of his Reno brothers in Mayan War that had worsened in the wake of John Tellers death the year prior. The time spent in Charming had been bloody, not the bloodiest events Mike had ever seen but bloody nonetheless. The Mayans had been a stubborn bunch of ass holes not getting the message they needed to back off the Mother Charter. Several murders had taken place before they had finally gotten the crystal clear message that was being sent to them. He personally felt skinning the last Mexican and dumping him at their Clubhouse as he gasp like a fish out of water for breaths of life sustaining oxygen, had been the overall turnaround of attitude. Seeing a person with no flesh covering what was underneath wasn't an everyday occurrence, and he was pretty good at skinning, finding their Ese, brother, whatever in the fuck they called themselves, had finally snapped the Mayans to the realization SAMCRO wasn't fucking around. Mike recalled torturing the man who had screamed and begged for mercy like a pussy, passing out between his wailing on numerous occasions. They had allowed no mercy however, waiting to proceed each time until they could arouse him.

An almost demented smirk crossed his lips as he recalled the day shortly after joining the SAMREN Charter when Nicky, the club President had christened him with the nickname 'The Savage'. No one could deny that it hadn't been rightfully earned, he was a natural born killer, as a result most people tried very hard to remain in his good graces. Mike wasn't exactly proud of the darkness that dwelled in him. The demon that surfaced from that darkness, from that rage allowed him to commit hanis crimes and then lay his head down at night to sleep like a baby. While he wasn't proud, oddly enough he wasn't ashamed either, he was drifted somewhere in between on the subject. He supposed it was just a part of him that would always be there.

Since he was already on his way to California, Mike had decided a stop in Charming seemed the respectful and appropriate move, after all only Club President's or the Redwood Original Mother Charter were allowed to request his services. It simply made sense to reconnect with old brotherly acquaintances. What had been meant to be just a few days stay had actually turned into a few months, and ended with him being approached to become a member of the Redwood Originals, he had respectfully refused the invitation, much to Clay's disappointment.

There had been many changes since his last visit, Piney had finally stepped down as Vice President and Jax Teller, the son of John and Gemma had finally stepped up. Clay was still reigning as King but it was apparent to even Mike during his stay that Jax, despite his young age had already gained tremendous respect of his follow brothers. He couldn't help but wonder how long it would be until Clays ass would be knocked from the throne. Personally he didn't think much of Clay Morrow although he didn't voice that fact out of respect and the realization it wouldn't bode well with many members that felt otherwise.

Tig Trager for example seemed to have a real hard on for Clay, almost a love from afar type of shit. Mike on the other hand could see a wisdom and intellect in Teller that Clay didn't come close to possessing even with Gemma's guidance. There had been whispers from others who had observed the same. Most knew that without a Queen like Gemma, Clay would have never lasted as long as he had. She was the backbone. If she had been a man she would be the King.

During his visit he had spent a lot of time around both Jax and Opie and they had gained his respect. He had gained theirs as well. Mike was glad that they had, had the opportunity to clear the air. His previous visit had been drama filled with the other Prince of the Original Nine acting like a crazed idiot over pussy. He snarled his upper lip thinking of Aiden Janowitz, who hadn't made a tremendous impression on him many years prior when he placed a gun to his forehead in the TM parking lot. Pulling a gun, showing no loyalty to your brother was never acceptable. During his current visit they had buried the hatchet so to speak, but the past issues while forgiven, wouldn't be forgotten as far as Mike was concerned. He wasn't surprised to find out that the young girl that had caused all the drama was no longer in the picture. He had actually known that fact before having ever returning to Charming, the news of Janowitz's near fatal accident and the bullshit that followed had swirled through the entire MC. Mike hadn't been surprised to hear that such an incident had occurred. She had clearly not been cut out for the MC life a fact that he had voiced to the unwilling to listen Aiden. He could tell though from his short visit that even all this time later, Aiden was still hung up in a major way on the girl. Mike just couldn't imagine ever being that hung up on a piece of pussy. He shuttered at the thought of such weakness as he hit the throttle of his Harley the engine roaring back at him was music to his ears.

His mind drifted to Reno as his bike speed along through the heart of the opulent town of Laguna. His decision to leave the club after being with them since his release from juvy had not come easily the club had been the only real family and home he had ever know. The only people that had ever truly accepted all parts of him, but as he turned from town, for the winding back roads riding towards the beach without his helmet, the wind whipping upon his face, he knew the freedom of the road had been the right decision for him. Mike had been traveling I-5 since leaving Charming a few weeks prior. Stopping to take care of business on behalf of the club along the way, he had decided to continue on, it was a straight shot that landed him along the southern Cali coast line. He had never seen the beach before, as he drove along the winding road at top speed making his approach, he couldn't help but notice the breath taking sunset on the horizon. Sure he had seen the sunset in various locations, but what he was witnessing was truly spectacular almost magical in a way. The brilliant contrast of colors splayed across the sky beckoned him to the beach head, the sun disappearing into the ocean as he made the turn onto the dusty lot.

Amelia watched as the sun disappeared into the ocean, as if it was being consumed by the gigantic body of blue. She smiled contently breathing the fresh sea air into her lungs, looking around the area had already become very desolate. The day now becoming a distant memory. The only thing she loved more than the beach during the day time hours was the beach at night. There was something enchanting about watching the sun disappear on the horizon to only be replaced by the illumination of the moon. Tonight would be particularly beautiful clear sky and the moon full. She lay back on her plush beach towel her eyes gazing up as the star began to appear, each one twinkling at her as if they were winking. Reaching her arm over into the beach bag she pulled out the joint she had rolled earlier placing it to her cherry lips before flicking the lighter and inhaling deeply. Perfect end to the day, she thought closing her eyes, never hearing the men approach.

The big man leaned against the now closed beach cabana type building that sold fruity drinks during the day time hours. There were a few people still scurry about towards the parking lot as the two men approached him.

"What's the fuckin' story with the blonde, she alone?" He spoke gruffly to the taller of the two men he had sent out on a fact finding mission.

"Don't know she been down there by herself since meeting up with those two guys earlier," He smirked licking his lips, "The bitch has got a fine damn ass."

The big man narrowed his eyes in disapproval at the stupid comment the flunky reject had made, it wasn't that he was in disagreement about the blonde and her ass, just their inability to focus on anything but pussy irritated the shit out of him. Get the facts together and enjoy the pussy second that was his motto.

"Think you could focus for just a moment on something other than her ass, dick breath," He growled in a low baritone voice, "Are you sure she has some of the weed on her?"

The smaller man let out a laugh, quickly catching his error as the big man turned to him a scowl on his face.

"What the fuck you think is so funny?" The big man spit out at him in a challenging tone as he arched his bushy brow.

"Sorry," The smaller guy mumbled, "You can smell it the bitch lit a joint up before we walked back this way."

"What's so special about this smoke," The larger guy cocked his head to the side.

"You smelled it and you are asking me such a stupid fuckin' question?" The big man shook his head in disgust, "That geeky fucker you saw her talking to earlier, words getting around he has certain skills that might be of use to mutual friends towards the eastern coast of New York. They have already slowly starting entering the area, a little free info might earn our organization a few points with bigger fish. The Legend he is the biggest fish of them all, got his hands in everything."

Both men stood in front of him nodding their head in understanding. The bigger man glared at them as their head bobbed up and down wondering if their brains were large enough to really get much of anything. Letting out a deep sigh he began walking in the direction of the blonde with the fine ass that was all alone.

The feeling of someone peering down at her jolted Amelia from the tranquil zone she was floating around in effortlessly. She sat up quickly as she saw two sets of beady eyes narrowing in on her, one making no effort to not let her know he was staring at her breast that were covered in only a skimpy black bikini top. Wasting no time she rose to a standing position grabbing her pale blue short spaghetti string sundress and slipping over her head.

She stood nervously looking as the larger of the two men began to allow his eyes to roam her entire body. Reaching down she hastily grabbed her beach towel and bag.

"Leaving so soon," The smaller man inquired.

"Yeah, leaving so soon," The larger man spoke the words as he licked his lips that began curving into an evil smirk.

"I am meeting someone," Amelia replied trying to keep her voice from quivering as fear began to overtake her.

"Meeting someone?" The larger man asked arching his brow his eyes fixed on her supple breast once again.

"Yes, my boyfriend is meeting me here," Amelia began to step forward.

"You know what I think," The smaller man spoke the words as he stepped in front of her blocking the path, "I think you are all alone."

"No…No… I told you that I am meeting someone," Amelia could feel her entire body shaking with fear as she spoke the words.

Her mind raced, totally unprepared for such a situation she turned running in the opposite direction to where she had no clue, since her car was parked in the parking lot the other way. The direction they had blocked her from taking. Amelia gained little ground as a large strong arm reached out almost snatching her dainty frame back the force of his hold was so tight. Looking up she peered into what had to be the biggest man she had ever seen with the exception of Opie Winston. As her eyes surveyed the man she realized he made even Opie look small.

"Please…. Please let me go," Amelia struggled to release her arm but she didn't even budge him with her feeble attempt.

"You know she is tasty looking," The big man smirked as his eyes began to roam her body as well.

"Told you," The larger man responded a large grin taking over his face.

Amelia looked at the man panic covering her face as he began pulling her further away from the water up closer to the rocks out of sight.

"Please, don't do this," She begged.

"What it is you think we are going to do?" The big man chuckled as he handed her over to the larger man to hold.

"I .. I … don't know just please let me go," Amelia begged again not knowing what else to do, barely able to squirm from the large man's grasp, she watch in horror as the Big man reached out to touch her squeezing her roughly before pulling at her sundress.

"You two hold her down," He spit the words out the urge to fuck her already taking him over as he reached down unzipping his pants.

Mike walked along upper part of the shore the sound of the waves was enchanting to him, he hadn't expected it to have such a profound impact. He walked along his feet clad in black riding boots sinking deep within the sand with every step he took. Pausing for a moment to look at the moon that hung on top of the water he pivoted his body to turn back towards the parking lot deciding to return the next day when he was dressed a little more appropriate.

Hesitating for a moment he turned back looking that moon on the horizon one last time and that's when heard it, the feminine voice in the distance. It sounded almost like a young child crying, the sound drawing him closer, as he approached the scene he realized he had stumbled upon a couple in the throes of passion was all. Then as he was about to turn once more the two men that appeared to be holding the girl down came into view, just as he heard her voice begging them to let her loose. Mike sized up all three of the men as he approached now realizing the girl was not a willing party to what was occurring.

"Problem here?" His commanding voice filled the air around them stifling out the girl's pleas for mercy.

"Mind your own business dick head," The smaller man replied barely glancing up before returning his attention to the girl struggling against his hold.

"I am minding my own business," Mike spoke the words as he pulled out the Sig Sauer P220 from underneath his cut placing it to the back of the Big man's head, "How do you want this to go, easy or hard?" He hissed the words in a tone that clearly said I am not fucking around.

The big man froze, he clearly hadn't believed the girl when she said she was meeting someone, and he certainly hadn't expected him to arrive with a fucking weapon. He looked up at the two dipshits that he was with and knew they could barely pull their dicks out to take a piss much less deal with the situation at hand.

"Let go of her now!" Mike ordered the two men holding the girl down, "Get the fuck out of here or this big fucker gets it and I promise you two won't go as quickly!" He clenched his jaw after speaking the words his green eyes blazing in fury at the two men.

They quickly released her arms as the unexpected visitor glared at them furiously with not so much as a flinch of uncertainty as he held the gun to their ring leaders head. He watched as they stood running quickly.

"I should put a bullet in your sick fucking head," Mike spit at the big man his finger on the trigger, just as he was about apply the right amount of pressure to fire the weapon he heard her crying, "GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE NOW!"

The big man stood stepping back from the girl with his arms in the air, looking the man in front of him over, noticing the leather he wore immediately. A heavy frown of displeasure creasing the crevices of his mouth.

"This ain't over, we will remember you Nomad," He spoke the words quickly turning to head in the direction of the cowards that had left him.

Mike held the gun still pointed in the direction of the big fucker until he was out of site, only tucking it quickly in his waist band when he heard the sound of tires skidding from the distant parking lot. Turning to look at the girl whose blonde hair was splayed messily across her face, her wails of terror filling the night, he crouched down slowly at her side.

"Are you ok?" He spoke the words as he reached out to brush the hair from her face.

"No, no … please don't hurt me," She screamed.

Mike moved his hands away from her holding them up slightly, "Listen, I am not going to hurt you," He paused for a moment not sure how to handle the situation in front of him, knowing he couldn't leave her laying on the beach. Running his hand through his hair he let out a sigh of exasperation.

Looking back down at the girl he knew he wasn't the right person to be handing this kind of shit. Jesus Christ I don't know what to do, he looked up at the night sky for an answer before returning his eyes to her once more. For the first time since he had arrived on the scene he noticed they had ripped her sundress and swimsuit top, he diverted his eyes away as he removed the leather cut and so he could lift his own t-shirt over his head.

"Here," He reached out the cotton material to her trying to keep his eyes off her porcelain skin, "I won't hurt you I swear.

Her eyes locked for the first time on the leather cut he wore and she could only stare at it.

Mike noticed as her eyes became fixated on the leather cut he had removed, he realized she seemed frightened by it. He knew a lot of peoples opinions of the club were not favorable.

"It's ok I don't ride with the club, if that's what you are worried about," Mike breathed in deeply not knowing what to do to gain her trust, he knew he needed to get her off the beach. He had already decided if they returned he was going to kill them, girl present or not.

"I don't … I don't … understand how you can't be riding with others," She stuttered the words still staring at the cut in disbelief, images of Aiden flashing before her, followed by images of the men who had just tried to brutalize her.

"I ride Nomad," He saw the confused look on her face and knew she didn't understand, to him she looked in shock, "It means I ride alone, no other guys. I am alone."

The hot tears streamed down Amelia's face, she was barely to comprehend what had just occurred much less what he was saying to her. Unsure of why it really mattered in the wake of what had just happened it seemed silly to even worry about such a thing, she only knew seeing the leather had frightened her almost as much as the attack. She had no idea where the stranger had come from and while grateful for his help she was scared also. Feeling the night air on her bare chest she suddenly became embarrassed realizing she was partially exposed. Reaching out she took the dark T-shirt from his hands clutching it tightly to cover her flesh. Amelia's body heaved as the shock of what had just occurred finally began to roll over her like a wave upon the shore.

"Let me help you," Mike could see her body shaking uncontrollably, "I am just going to help with the shirt, OK?"

Amelia could only nod her head not able to see him clearly for the tears that blurred her vision.

Mike reached out helping the young girl slip the t-shirt on over her head, he pulled it down until it covered her completely. Inhaling deeply the scent of her body wash drifted into his senses and he was repulsed with himself for the yearning it caused. He reached out once more as her tears quieted to brush the strands of snowy blonde hair from her face once again so he could see her better, make sure she wasn't hurt. She looked up into his green eyes with her clear blue ones as he brushed back the silky locks, Mother Fucker, the words riveted through his mind, he knew her immediately.

She looked up at the stranger who had saved her finally able to see him clearly, the stranger that in a sense her Knight in Shining armor, it wasn't so much that his face looked familiar but his eyes, she knew them immediately. Those intense green eyes, oh my God, the words screamed through her head.

"You" They both muttered the words in unison unable to break their eyes away from one another.

Amelia sat staring at the man at the coffee counter in disbelief and shock, unable to believe her rescuer had been the man that Aiden had pulled the gun on the in the TM parking lot, what seemed an eternity ago. The incident had actually been caused by some sort of jealousy Aiden had towards a man that Amelia had never even met before. She never understood it and he had never been willing to explain. Aiden had showed up that night and brushed it off by making love to her, something that occurred often when he wanted to sweep something under the rug. She realized that fact now that she was older and had, had time to reflect on the dynamics of their relationship. Amelia knew she still loved him. He filled her mind just as he did most days, she wondered what he was doing, if he ever thought about her. She had chosen not to return to Charming, learning from a trust worthy source that Aiden was back to his old way of life. It wasn't so much the women that had upset her, as his commitment to the MC. The women honestly hadn't really been a surprise, she never figured Aiden for the type that would do without the affection of a woman for any length of time. Deep down Amelia had always known if they hadn't become intimate immediately it probably wouldn't have taken long for him to stray. He had after all replaced her with Suzanne White very quickly.

Lowering her head she pushed the memories to the back of her mind, still feeling overwhelmed by the fact she could have died if not for the the stranger arriving when he did. Amelia raised her head watching the familiar stranger walk back to the table with two cups filled with coffee. She knew she was much indebted to this man who had saved her from the three men who would have hurt her. A shutter of fear rippled through her body as she wondered if they would have let her go or killed her after forcing themselves upon her. She had seen their faces after all. The thought was unimaginable, she had been going to that area of beach for many years and nothing like that had ever occurred. Hot tears began to pool under her eyelids once again blurring her vision.

Mike approached the table with the two cups of coffee, he could see the tears welling up in her gorgeous blue eyes. He had stood up against some of the biggest, meanest mother fuckers imaginable, but he felt ill equipped to handle this young woman at the table. It was painfully obvious to him that if he hadn't shown up, all three would have raped her. He closed his eyes for a moment as the thought of what they would have done to her when they were finished entered his mind. Mike figured she had an idea of the severity of the situation, he had held her in the parking lit as her body shook uncontrollably. He didn't know what else to do and holding her had felt good, right.

He had insisted upon following her from the beach, and suggested they stop somewhere else so he could ensure she was ok. He would have preferred her not having to drive but there was little choice in that matter. Mike wanted to follow her home but was concerned she would think he had other intentions. Honestly, he knew he could very easily have other intentions with the girl as he looked at her sitting at the small round table. She had suggested the coffee shop they were now in. He looked around,it was one of those fancy places that did things to coffee he couldn't even imagine, being more of a give it to me black and strong kind of guy. Still pussy coffee, as he called it was becoming a huge trend.

"The guy at the counter said you come in here a lot and this is what you normally get," Mike sat the café mocha down in front of the girl before taking the seat across from her.

He had left the cut out on his bike that was parked in front of the window where they sat. She had seemed almost as shaken by the leather as she had the attack. Mike understood why, so he sat before her wearing a fresh black t-shirt that he had pulled out of the bag on his bike, no cut. He looked at the t-shirt that adorned her delicate frame, the one he had been wearing earlier. Mike wondered if the fabric would be permeated with the soft sensual smell of the perfume she wore. It had been swirling around him since helping her from the beach. He cursed himself for being such a cad that he would even allow his mind to conjure up such thoughts considering the ordeal she had just been through.

"Thank you," She spoke the words softly looking up through the strands of hair that covered her face.

Even though she had been almost brutally attacked on the beach, she couldn't help but notice how sexy the man was that sat before. He was what girls called eye candy, the perfect balance bad ass and handsome. His eyes were a beautiful intense shade of green, his face had almost a youthful look at times but then an almost worldly look that made him look much older. She wasn't sure of his exact age but recalled him not being much other than Aiden. Amelia also remembered Tara's words about him in relation to the suspicious murders that had taken place during his stay in Charming. Yet knowing all that information, recalling what he had just done on the beach, she wasn't fearful of him any longer for some reason.

Amelia blushed as she looked at him, she was extremely attracted to him, as if he was a magnet. Christ I haven't felt that way since, immediately guilt coursed through her as she thought that she hadn't felt so pulled by anything or anyone since Aiden. Truth be known that part of her had been numb since leaving Charming, sure she found guys attractive like her friend Craig earlier, but she had not become involved with anyone intimately since Aiden. She had attempted it once or twice while abroad, both times ending with her running away. This man before her though it was different, she tilted her head to the side realizing she didn't even know his name.

"Are you sure you are ok?" Mike inquired shifting in his seat not sure what the hell he would do if she said no. Kill a man sure, know what do for this beautiful young woman if she wasn't ok that he definitely wasn't equipped for. He couldn't stop starring at her, feeling as if he was a bee drawn to honey. The words, holy shit you are in trouble with this female, whirled through his subconscious.

"I'm ok," She spoke the words softly not sure if that was true or not, so many emotions where hitting her at one time Amelia felt as if a hurricane had blown through.

"You sure," He tilted his head in order to look her in the eyes more intently, a move he was beginning to discover might have been a huge mistake.

Gazing into her clear blue eyes he felt lost, not lost in a bad way but in a way that was completely unfamiliar. In an odd way he felt a sense of belonging he had never felt before. Sitting this close to her stirred something within him he had never felt before, he was both astonished by the fact and scared shitless. His instincts told him to leave immediately, get on this bike and not look back, yet he couldn't pull himself from the chair. Mike couldn't follow the simply advice he had given pretty boy all those years earlier. Picking up his coffee and taking a slow sip his eyes still locked on hers he wondered for a moment if he had been too harsh on Janowitz. Perhaps he hadn't stood a chance, Mike already felt bewitched he could only imagine what exposing himself to her for any length of time would be like.

"Yes, thank you for what you did," Amelia smiled gently unable to break eye contact, "That's the second time you have come to my aide, and …" She paused for a moment, "I don't even know your name."

A crooked smile appeared on his face as she spoke the words, he sat looking at her for several minutes after she finished.

"Names Michael Calhoun, just go by Mike though," He extended his masculine hand to her.

"Amelia Tate," She placed her delicate hand in his, a certain intensity was felt immediately as if the atmosphere between them had just shifted.

Mike felt nervous for one of the first times in his entire life as he sat mesmerized by the Amelia, he held her hand softly knowing he should release it but he just couldn't. Finally he felt her gently slipping her hand from his. Mike couldn't look away from her his green eyes still locked on her blue ones, searching them for what he wasn't certain. Just as her hand was almost free of his he stopped her movement for moment massaging her knuckles softly with his thumb. He could feel his breathing changing, his heart racing in his chest, as if he had no control he pulled her tiny body towards his as he leaned across the small table where they sat, the warmth of her drawing him in. The distance closed between them in each passing moment as he leaned in closer. Her scent once again filled his senses as their lips brushed together for the first time.

"Oh my God," Amelia pulled back shocked at the pleasure flowing through her body, stunned at the desire that was building within her despite the fact of what had just occurred earlier on the beach. Aiden's image ran through her head suddenly, and without speaking another word she gathered her bag running for the door as fast as possible.

Standing in the parking lot Amelia fumbled for the keys to her convertible Audi unable to find them in the bottomless pit of her bag. She could feel the heat from his body radiating onto her body before his hands ever touched her, gently he turned her around to face him. The warm summer breeze blew a few loose strands of her long blonde hair over her lips. She sucked her bottom lip in as his hand moved up slowly removing them from her face as he looked longingly into her eyes.

Mike lowered his lips to her a second time as they stood exposed to the summer breeze, the moon light illuminating around them. He pulled her into him gently parting her lips, and he was met immediately by her soft warm moist pink tongue. The explosion upon their meeting like nothing he had ever experienced in his entire fucked up life. Wanting more but realizing he had probably already overstepped his boundaries, especially given the situation of their meeting. Mike opened his eyes withdrawing slowly, the glow of the moon upon her face was breathtakingly beautiful, reaching out he touched her cheek softly tracing a long piece of her hair behind her ear.

"You are so beautiful." It was the only words that he could mutter as he starred into her eyes.

Amelia could only stand with her mouth open to him completely shocked at what was happening. She couldn't believe for a second time she was being reeled in so quickly by a man who wore biker leather. SAMCRO biker leather at that, Can't you learn from past mistakes, she scolded herself silently. Unable to retreat she could only stand before him in the parking lot gazing into his green eyes.