{Laguna Beach House, May 5, 2001}

Mike leaned up against the opulent bar that overlooked the equally opulent pool which glistened in the Southern Cali sunshine. The pool itself was an unbelievable shade of blue that almost looked fake with its crystal clarity. The structure was built to look as if one could jump from it, and plunge into the ocean. The sight was truly majestic to behold, especially at sunset. His green eyes roamed the area, as he recounted all the times they had shared the sunset together. A lazy grin gradually crossed his face as his eyes stopped at all the areas they had made love, while watching the sunset. He chuckled at the fact that most areas surrounding the majestic pool had been christened at one time or another.

They had sold the cathedral the summer after becoming engaged, and bought the beach house they now occupied. They had actually made money on the deal, the house they lived in was extremely nice, but the cathedral had sold for millions. The best part of the deal wasn't the cash they pocketed, but finding a place they called home. A place that wasn't aseptic in appearance, but instead radiated both of their taste. It was their home, their refuge they created together.

Mikes life, at that moment in time was perfect as far as he was concerned. More perfect than he had ever imagined it could be given his very humble beginnings. He was king of the fucking world he had created in Southern California, his guys were pushing some of the best primo weed through the areas that surrounded them. What areas it went to beyond there, he didn't know, or give a fuck. He was just enjoying the green kick back received from the exchange. His bank account which sat in an undisclosed area bulged larger than an old man's cock who had taken a fist full of Viagra.

Growing up with very little he never expected or could have imagined standing where he was at that very moment. He looked over at Amelia swimming through the water, to exit the pool as she laughed with a group of girls. He knew it was all because of her. That fateful night on the beach had been the moment that changed everything. Thinking back he realized the wheels had been set in motion when she was just a young girl with her purse scattered all over the TM parking lot. She had changed him. She had quieted the beast within him from raging, and she was the home he had never had. When he was with her, Mike's soul was truly at peace. The money that had been a result of their union, had just flowed at their feet like a fucking river.

Even Amelia's eyes had widened in amazement at the green that circulated through the laundry service he had set up with one of her preppy friends. She often joked with him that soon he would be richer than her, even with the trust fund she was due to inherit. He knew his impulse to earn had almost begun to border on the point of obsessiveness, but once he held that green in his hands. Green that along with his guys, he had been responsible for reaping, it had sent his senses soaring. It was all coming to an end soon however, Amelia was going back to Charming in just a few weeks to finalize her vast inheritance. Together they had decided she should take a lump sum, rather than reinvest the money as her cautious lawyer had suggested. Between the two of them they had no worries for the future. They were young, rich and nothing but good times were ahead.

Mike was still riding Nomad for the Sons of Anarchy. A life he was on the verge of releasing. Most of his assistance had been to the mother character in Charming. Times had been relatively peaceful since the Mayans had been put in their place several springs back. Fuck times were really almost fucking boring for the club. It was all good as far as he was concerned it meant his time on the road and away from Amelia was very minimal. He had been able to successfully live the double life he had set out too. When he was with her, he was just another over privileged young man whose parents died tragically and left him some money. When he pulled outside of the city limits of Laguna on his Harley, and his cut adorned his back, he was a biker boy through and through. Although he was finding more and more he was perfectly content to let the leather hang in the closet. The itch to put it on was slowly disappearing.

He would be meeting with Clay and Jax one last time in the next few weeks to remove the cut for the last time, and leave the brotherhood that had once been his only family. They had tried to dissuade him from the permanent decision. Finally relenting when they realized he truly wanted out. He had served well in Reno as the Sgt. at Arms, and been a vital asset when needed for the mother charter, so with a heavy heart Clay allowed the vote. The vote was unanimous, he could black his ink in just a few short weeks, and live his life absent of the Anarchy.

The unanimous vote occurred because he was liked and respected by all the members. Except perhaps Aiden Janowitz, he was more than happy to vote Mike out. While the others reluctantly did so for their brothers happiness. Aiden really didn't try to hide the fact his departure didn't mean shit to him either way. He didn't know about Amelia being his fiancé and Mike planned on keeping it that way, for now anyway. After long discussions, it was a decision that he and Amelia had agreed upon. What they felt was best for each of them. She hadn't been north since leaving shortly after her 17th birthday, and to Mike's relief she was fine with that. He had been up North plenty, and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Aiden was still in love with her. Mike couldn't imagine being Aiden, he knew full well what he had lost with Amelia. Still he didn't feel sorry enough to even take a chance of letting a flame rekindle.

The MC in Charming had questioned him many times about where he disappeared to when business didn't call. He just told them he had an old lady down south, and worked Monday – Friday earning in a privately owned garage. Considering this was the story for many of the Nomads, no one ever questioned Mike's story. When a job needed to be done he accomplished it quickly, and any dues he owed the club were always paid in advance. During times of minimal blood shed that's all they gave a fuck about anyway.

The fact that he was so far south of them didn't hinder matters either. The Son's typically stayed towards the northern areas. A wry smile crossed his face as he thought about the fact that even if they did pass him on the streets they probably wouldn't recognize him anyway. He always made it a point of not shaving and walking into the TM with his gruffest appearance. Just like the cut once he hit the Laguna exit the clean boy appearance once again surfaced. Mike melded into Amelia's world like a chameleon. With the exception of the Reaper tattoo that luckily he had placed in an area that could be easily hidden, no one in her circle would have ever guessed he was with the MC. Soon, very soon it would be permanently covered.

"Happy Birthday, Man." Jason slapped Mike on the back as he stepped beside him.

Jason Honeycutt had been a useful resource. One of the four guys that Craig and Adam had introduced him to when they had originally talked about doing business together all that time ago on the beach. The volleyball area of Laguna had been the venue of many important meetings.

"Thanks Man." Mike nodded at him as he spoke the words.

The house was packed, the pool area was packed; it was a joint celebration. Amelia had turned 23 just two weeks prior, and it was his 27th birthday. It had been her suggestion to wait and celebrate them both together. Just a small get together she had promised him with a glowing smile. He had known though her perception of small and his were two totally different images. Still he hadn't minded letting her plan everything exactly how she had wanted. Who the fuck cared if it was 10 or 100 people that crowded into the house. His eyes found hers on the other side of the pool. They fixed on one another, words flowing between them like the blue water, even though no words were spoken. No body gestures even. His eyes were filled with everything that mattered, everything that needed to be said. You are the only one that matters, baby, forever.

Amelia looked across the sparkling water that separated her from Mike. Her chest tightened and her heart felt as if it were bursting with love as she looked into his green eyes. Since they had met almost two years prior on the beach. They had been inseparable. Only separated when the MC called and his entrepreneur endeavors as she liked to call them beckoned. There were times that they both summoned more often than she would have preferred. For the most part Mike was a balancer, and he balanced the duel life he led very well. She knew he spoiled her beyond belief, and when they were together nothing else took priority. Amelia liked that about him, and cherished those moments. Her eyes gleamed their own message to him, I love you.

"So, when do you collect the rest of your money?" The female voice asked.

"I am sorry, what?" Amelia had no clue what her friend had just asked. Her mind, her thoughts, her eyes had been on him. When she was caught up in his intense green gaze, nothing else mattered. The world around them and everyone in it just faded away. Fuck they could be left the lone survivors and that was just fine with her.

"Your inheritance silly." Her friend laughed as she repeated the words.

"Sorry," She giggled for a moment, "I go to Charming in just a couple of weeks to meet with Mommy Dearest." Amelia frowned at the thought of having to deal with her mother. It had been at least a year since they had even talked on the phone. The conversation had ended in an argument. Big surprise there! Her mother had voiced her disapproval about the engagement to Mike.

"You are so lucky, Amelia….." Her friend began to talk rapidly the excitement filling her voice as she used her hands as well.

Amelia just stood with a small smile upon her face allowing her friends to have the conversation about her future alone. Her mind and eyes continuing to drift towards Mike once again as she watched him disappear towards the house with six other men, plus Craig and Adam. She knew they would be talking business for at least the next hour. The next few weeks were going to be whirlwind that Amelia looked forward to with both eagerness and concern. She knew that Mike and the guys were involved in something, something bigger than the normal business they involved themselves in.

Amelia had tried to discourage him from taking on whatever business transaction they were planning. The thought of him ever getting caught and spending jail time from her was terrifying. The thought of him being harmed or even killed she just couldn't let that enter her mind. He had insisted though it was a job that was needed to ensure things ran well in their absence. Sighing deeply, to those that were loyal, Mike returned loyalty. The eight men walking towards the house with him had all been loyal, and before they disappeared for a year, he wanted to make sure that no one was in need of money. From what she had gathered the business that they were discussing guaranteed just that.

Once inside the room Mike had converted into an office slash computer slash man cave, he closed the door behind him. Motioning for the others to take a seat and make themselves comfortable. The room like the others in the house was gigantic. He was often reminded as he had been in the early days with Amelia that his house in Reno would fit in many of the spaces he now occupied. Watching as George, an old Reno contact, spread out the blue prints on the oversized coffee table, he plopped down with a cold beer.

"This job is going to be huge," George's low baratone voice filled the room, "We are going to make some bank on this that's for sure."

"Did you find out whose cocaine it was?" Mike asked as he pulled out a pack of smokes from his pocket.

"Some small time operation out of the east coast," George responded his voice unconcerned, "I don't foresee any issues relieving them of the merchandise."

"Man, we are taking a huge risk lifting this shipment." Craig let out a whistle after he spoke the words.

"Stop being a pussy, dude." Jason countered, "It's not the first relief mission we have done."

"I know that," Craig spit out the words sighing deeply before continuing, "Compared to other jobs we have done though, this one is pretty fucking huge."

"Listen, my main concern is who does the powder belong to?" Mike shrugged his shoulders, "Other than that lifting it is going to be the easy part."

"Easy part?" Jason laughed, "Shit man, would hate to see what you considered hard."

"I am telling you our computer geeks checked it out thoroughly. Some mickey mouse east coast operation running the show." George muttered.

"Lots of coke for it to be just a Mickey Mouse corporation," Mike looked at him with narrowed eyes before turning to Adam, "Mistakes about intel don't bode well with me."

"I am telling you," George looked him square in the eyes, "We checked it out thoroughly."

"How are we going to get in, Mike?" Dave asked as he leaned back on the Italian leather couch placing the beer bottle to his lips.

"Only people we see going in and out are a few hooker, stripper types once or twice a week." Jason added.

"We go in from the top," Mike grinned deviously as he pointed to the blue prints, his grin grew before speaking the last words, "and I want to meet these hookers."

{One week later}

The first rays of the morning sun burst through the colorful sheer curtains that floated on the gentle breeze floating through their bedroom. Mikes eyes had been open for at least 2 hours, but he had remained still just holding Amelia. The gentle rise and fall of her chest against his gave him a certain serenity. Today was their last day to spend together before he headed towards L.A. to hijack a shipment of cocaine that was to be one of his final mission with his Southern Cali guys. For a year at least anyway. He nudged his nose into Amelia's blonde hair which was splayed across the golden colored muscles of his abdomen. Brushing back a few strands, he smiled as her innocent face came into view.

Drawing in the fresh sea air that was filling the room into his lungs Mike leaned his head against the wrought iron head board that he found uncomfortable as hell. An uncomfortable expensive piece of shit. Amelia had liked it though and to him that was all that mattered. Mike was psyched to get this last job completed, step down from SAMCRO, and start his new life with Amelia. A new life that would begin on a plane headed for Tahiti, where an elegant bungalow built over the top of the clearest blue water he had ever seen would be awaiting them. The bungalow would be theirs for a year. Mike had promised her a year of just them, no MC, no entrepreneur business transactions, just unadulterated bliss. Just Mike and Amelia.

After the end of the year they would return to their beach house, and he planned on running his very untraditional business once again. He was leaving it in the care of his 8 contacts, with Adam and Craig in place as the leaders. Amelia had argued that they really wouldn't need the money with her inheritance now matured, and the mammoth earnings Mike had made since starting his unorthodox business about a year and half prior. Mike knew himself though, and knew he wouldn't be able to lay idle for more than a year. Even with the love of his life. While he didn't want to lead the MC life any longer, mainly because Amelia didn't belong in that world. He did plan on keeping his hand in something. The dope business had been green for them, and with minimal issues.

Amelia's eyes fluttered open slowly, her long thick lashes blinking several times before the room came into focus. The sounds of the water crashing on the shoreline brought a brilliant smile to her face. Inhaling deeply,just as her love had done minutes prior she smiled. She relished moments like the one she had just awaken too. Mike was an early riser, so times that he was still in bed holding her in the morning hours were a rarity.

She stirred a little nudging her face into his flesh, inhaling the essence that was his and his alone. Nothing compared. Amelia didn't require that he tell her all the details of his business with the boys. Agreeing with him that in some ways the least amount of information she was aware of the better it would be if anything unexpected happened. She wasn't naïve though and knew what was meant by unexpected. She knew that although Mike and the men he had selected made what they did look easy there were risk. The stakes and risk were much higher than they liked to believe in her opinion. That knowledge made moments like this even more precious to her.

Mike had sat her down before they started the entrepreneur endeavors and laid it all out for her. He had also set aside a sizable amount of his profits in an account under her name. Freshly laundered and in a bank that was off the grid of course, but money that could be accessed in the event of. He hadn't even added any additional words, they both knew what in the event of meant, and hoped not actually speaking the remaining words; the words not spoken would never come into fruition. Amelia prayed there would never be an in the event of situation during her time with Mike. Always the one to be prepared for the unexpected though, he had explained to her explicitly what was to be done in the event of. Reluctantly, after being given no choice, she agreed that in the event of, she would follow his words directions explicitly.

He had also made sure if the in the event of situation occurred Amelia could take care of herself. Since her attack at the beach he had taught her to fire a weapon, use a knife and the best way to take a man down quickly in the event the only weapon was her hands. To his amazement she had become fairly proficient to be so small and sheltered all her life.

The thought of what would have occurred the night of their meeting if he hadn't arrived, haunted him. He didn't want her to ever be a victim in any circumstances again. Protecting her had become his most important mission in life. Without her he was just another jaded fuck, but with her Mike actually for once in his life, liked the man he was. With her he was complete, she was his other half, his better half. The gnawing need and the dark beast deep in him had been silenced and gone into hibernation. Mike knew she thought he had saved her that night on the beach, but it had actually been her who had saved him in every way.

"I love you, baby." She whispered as she rested her elbows on his chest peering into his green eyes.

{Next Evening, Los Angeles Area}

Six shadowy figures, one that included Mike, made their way across the roof top to the sky light. The sky light which would gain their entrance into the warehouse room that was packed with more white than the Ski Mountains of Colorado. Craig and Adam were on the ground in charge of the transportation. Mike had brought in two additional ex-military friends of George and Jason, that they had set up on the warehouse across from them ready with their sniper skills if needed. Other than his Sig Sauer tucked in his shoulder holster Mike wasn't carrying any additional weapons. The goal with this job was slip in and slip out no weapons fired. If weapons were fired the likelihood of any of them walking away went down drastically. Amelia's face flashed through his mind, he wasn't taking any unnecessary chances. He was going home at the end of this job.

The hookers he had met with just the night prior had already entered the building. Each with a tiny plastic baggy of a potent sedative hypnotics crushed up so fine they would dissolve in liquid. Sedative hypnotics that would induce deep sleep quickly for the men assigned to guard detail. The men the hooker were there to entertain. The men with the guns guarding the coke.

Mike gained entrance to the skylight with no struggle at all as Jason worked to uncoil the ropes they had purchased at several of the high dollar outdoor sports stores located in the elaborate shopping areas of Laguna. They had dispersed their purchase of supplies to numerous stores, paying cash at each, just as an extra precautionary measure. Lowering and securing the first rope, Mike looked back at the men nodding before descending into the darkness of the warehouse room below them. Once in the room Mike unhooked himself from the ropes, allowing his eyes time to adjust. Flicking on the compact flash light stashed in his gear he surveyed the room. Looking he could see only shadows of the others hovering above. Motioning with his hand that all was clear, he watched as Jason made his way down the ropes, followed by the one more man, and then the bags they were going to use to load the shit. As Mike looked around the room he realized it was going to take them at least an hour to get the mountain of packages that were neatly stacked on the pallets out of the god damned warehouse. For a Mickey Mouse operation they were sitting on a shit load of cocaine. Something didn't add up. The scene before him did not spell small stupid operation. An eerie feeling came over him that they should leave. Just as he was about to motion to abort the mission the second man descended into the darkness beside him. Stop being just a fucking pussy, Mike, he silently cursed himself. Looking up again he motioned for the duffle bags to be dropped.

"Let's get this fuckin' show on the road and get the fuck out." He grumbled in a low voice.

"You got it man." Jason quickly grabbed the first bag and began to pick up the small brief case sized blocks that were going to make them all obnoxiously rich.

{3 Days Later}

Amelia sat at the quant table they preferred, which was located in the kitchen as she watched Marie scrambling her eggs. Her stomach churned at the thought of the eggs rolling around in the greased pan.

"I am really not hungry, Marie" Amelia paused staring blankly at the black coffee in front of her. Coffee she hadn't even bothered to add cream or sugar to yet.

Marie flipped the fluffy yellow one last time before sliding the contents onto a plate, grabbing a fork and walking over to the young girl. She knew something was going on with Amelia. She had been around the young girl too long to be told there wasn't something going on. Marie hoped it was just the preparations for the departure to Tahiti and Mike's job that had her out of sorts. Marie had grown accustomed to not bothering herself with what Mike's jobs were. The bottom line was he took good care of Amelia, he loved her, and he brought stability to her life. He could have been a dog catcher for all Marie cared as long as the employer she loved like a daughter was being treated like the gem she was.

"What's going on with you, Amelia?" Marie questioned as she sat the plate down in front of her and slowly lowered her body to the seat close by.

"Nothing." Amelia looked at the eggs for a moment before pushing the plate away.

"Mike will be back tonight, Amelia." Marie offered hoping perhaps her blasé mood was just being separated from him.

"I know…" She allowed the last word to trail off as her eyes noticed the prisms of colors shooting through the large glass window built over the kitchen sink.

Marie studied Amelia for several moments, concern growing as she noticed the young girls flat facial affect. Her skin even had a pale cast to it despite her golden tan. Reaching out she rested her older wrinkled hand on top of her delicate smooth one.

"Are you sure you're ok, Amelia?" Marie's soft brown eyes searching the young girls, "Are you worried about seeing your mother in a few days to sign the papers for the inheritance?"

"No," Amelia sighed heavily, "I mean don't get me wrong anytime around Mommy Dearest is too much time, but I plan on getting in and out quickly."

"Is it going to Charming?" Marie furrowed her brows, "Maybe the possibility of seeing Aiden?"

Amelia looked Marie in the eyes before diverting her own quickly. Truthfully she hadn't even given much thought about the possibility of seeing Aiden. The plan was a solid one, Mike would return today, she would leave for Charming in a few days, and he would be right behind her. She had her arrival scheduled for late day, the meeting with the lawyer early the next day. Mike was planning on driving into town that morning after finishing business in Laguna. He would be handing over his cut to SAMCRO, and together they were flying off into the sunset for a year. She had so much on her mind, that Aiden hadn't even crossed it, but now thanks to Marie, she could add him to the list of weighing on her heavily.

Marie noticed Amelia's face pale ever more at the mention of Aiden's name. She knew the couples plan to get in and out of Charming as quickly as possible, and see no one. Marie also knew from her discussion with Mike that he did plan on telling Aiden that he and Amelia were going to be married. They had kept it a secret up until now. No one even knew they were a couple. It had been a mutual decision on both their parts. Mike planned on coming back from Tahiti with Amelia as his wife, and wanted no skeletons in the closet. He wanted Aiden to know it was over and move on. While he was planning on being honest before his departure, he wasn't doing so until Amelia was safely away. Mike wanted Aiden to move on; Mike didn't want him near Amelia though. Marie was glad he felt that way. She loved Aiden, but he and Amelia had not been a good mix for one another. She now realized that completely.

Marie smiled for a moment thinking of Mike and Amelia. They were a glorious couple that lit the room up with their love. They could disagree though, although their relationship wasn't a rollercoaster like Aiden and Amelia's had been, but boy when they did have words the fireworks flew. The first really big disagreement had been a few months after they started living together. Perhaps even before they were lovers. Mike left town for business and requested Amelia stay off the public beach where she had been attacked. Amelia informed him she had been going to that beach since she was a young child, and would not be complying. She had even called him a caveman. The request had led to screaming, yelling, a 3000.00 vase smashed on the wall of the foyer compliments of Amelia Tate. But ultimately Amelia used the private beach below the house as he had requested. Maria had agreed with Mike, but she wasn't the meddling mother in law type and chose to stay out of those types of conversations.

Turning her focus back to Amelia she noticed the plate had been pushed away. Her usual hearty appetite was extremely poor as of late. Not only was the young girl blessed with beauty, but she was also blessed with a metabolism that allowed her to consume anything and everything, never gaining a pound. When Amelia didn't eat something was definitely wrong.

"Amelia?" Marie questioned her, "You haven't eaten well the last few weeks."

"I'm fine, Marie." Amelia answered flatly, "It's just everything…. Mike being gone, Charming, and even leaving you and Laguna." Looking the only motherly figure in the eye she had ever known she whispered the last words, "Marie I hope I don't see him."

For the first time in years Marie watched as Amelia lowered her head to the table into her arms and cried.

"Amelia?" Marie stood hugging the sitting girl close to her, "You can talk to me about anything. You know that right?"

Amelia felt like a fool as the dam of tears flooded down her face. She knew she hadn't cried in such a manner since leaving Charming as a teenage girl. The mention of Aiden's name had been the final straw for her with so much on her mind already. She couldn't see Aiden now, especially not now. She looked up at Marie's warm eyes wishing she could share her concerns with the motherly figure. Lowering her head she decided against it. She knew though that if Marie was noticing little things, that Mike would pick up on them as well. Then it would only be a matter of time before the house of cards came crumbling down.

{Evening}

Mike slowed at the traffic light eventually coming to a complete stop. His Harley idled, it always seemed louder in the evenings and in the mornings when the roads weren't as busy. He looked back at the brown leather bags that were securely fastened to his bike. Both were plumped full of freshly washed cash. He smiled broadly as he throttled up as the light turned green, and his bike raced towards the gates of their home. The excitement building in him that in less than an hour he would be in the arms of the woman he loved.

Amelia sat outside on the deck that overlooked the pool below. The sound his engine rumbled through from the opened doors of the front deck of the house to her. The sound sent wave of happiness through her and brought a smile to her face as she jumped up to race to the front door. Walking quickly into the bedroom she looked at the bed they shared together and a wicked smile over took her face.

Mike killed the engine once he pulled up behind Amelia's red convertible. He never understood why she didn't park it in the empty three car garage. He smirked as he stepped off the secured bike, figuring some stuff, like the lack of garage use would always remain a mystery. He quickly unfastened the thick brown leather bags, throwing them over his brawny shoulder. As his boot clad feet carried him towards the front door of the home they shared, he looked up to the French doors that lead to the balcony off the bedroom with the view of the front grounds. They rarely used it, preferring the more private balcony that opened up overlooking the pool. Still when he arrived home after a job she was usually either bursting through the front door into this arms, or waving uncontrollably from the balcony above. This evening neither was occurring and he found it very peculiar.

Unlocking the front door in hast, Mike entered the house plopping the millions of dollars that were his earnings for a few days' work onto the living room floor as if it were nothing.

"Amelia?" He called her name out listening for the sounds of her rustling around only to be met by silence. Concern now building in him he raced to the stairs dashing up them not stopping until he was standing in their bedroom.

"Hi, baby." Amelia purred the words seductively as she lay posed completely naked on the top of the bed as if a portrait was being sketched of her.

He studied her blue eyes for a moment noticing they had a glimmer of wanton lust in them that his body was readily responding too. Hastily pulling the shirt up and over his head, it went whirling across the room where it landed on top of some figurine of what, who the fuck knew. A cheeky smirk graced his face as he reached down to unbuckle his pants.

Amelia could feel her chest heaving slightly as he began to free himself of his clothing. The anticipation of being with him heightened as the moisture gathered between her legs. All the worries she had felt earlier that morning now drifting away into the abyss. She was exactly where she wanted and needed to be. What was about to occur, Amelia knew she desperately needed.

Kicking his boots off to the side, quickly relieving himself of his jeans. He stood silently before her porcelain body, with its delicate curves that lay sprawled out shamelessly on the bed. Mike could feel the excitement building in his boxers, the ones she had so painstakingly picked out for him on a shopping spree not long ago. He thumbed his waist band as his green eyes continued to drink her image in, slowly peeling the material down allowing his fully erect cock to spring free. His breathing hastened there was something about Amelia that drove him to the brink of insanity. Even not having her delectable body next to him for just a few days seemed almost an eternity. The ache never subsided.

Her eyes widened and her cheeks grew rosy as he undressed before her. Amelia's blue eyes felt as if they were being lured away from his green ones, as he lowered his boxers slipping them off. She felt both mesmerized and helpless by his image as her eyes became fixed on the rigidness that called to her. Amelia knew that her list of lovers was limited, but she couldn't imagine anyone ever pushing her to the brink of ecstasy as Mike did. Not even Aiden.

Slowly lowering himself to the bed, he pulled the sheet up around them as his lips reached towards her in a heated moment of passion. Mike deepened the already passionate kiss, as Amelia's pink, moist tongue parted his lips meeting his own. Their mouths danced opening and closing in concert. Repositioning his weight he moved his hand over her belly, the pads of his fingers finding her abs stiffening with anticipation of his touch. He continued his exploration until a small tuft of neatly trimmed hair met his fingertips. A deep breath escaped from his lungs as the pads of his fingers began tangling themselves in the powder puff.

Amelia felt her body already withering from his touch as a wave of delirious pleasure swept throughout her core. A soft moan broke from her lips that vaguely resembled a sob, not of sadness, but of sheer pleasure as she felt her body being pulled closer to his warm inviting one. Reaching out with her hands, which felt almost numb and powerless to move, Amelia tangled her fingers in his long brown hair.

Mike began to move his head leisurely down her body finding his way to her supple pink breast, pausing for moment, he brought his lips to each one, worshiping them before moving his way down her smooth tanned skin. Her perfume swirled around his senses as he breathed in her scent during his travels. Not rushing the moment of ecstasy, Mike kissed her entire body as he worked his way down inch by delectable inch. Stopping only momentarily to nibble and suckle. His hands, mouth, and tongue continued to touch her body mindlessly, but at the same time with purpose. He was devouring her, savoring her, he knew he was simply lost in her. He knew he needed her. Needed to possess her, needed to be buried deep within her. Not just for a few simple minutes, but for hours, perhaps even days. She was a craving he could never quench himself of and he prayed to God he never would. The view as he looked up from between her legs was exquisite he couldn't imagine anything more beautiful. Shifting his weight above her he pressed against her, she opened for him like a flower. Her warmth inviting him in, then clenching around him.

"Christ…" He growled as he began to move with in her very deliberately and with a definite purpose.

Amelia sat in the sunken oblong shaped Jacuzzi tub watching the water fall from the ornate chrome faucet. She closed her eyes as the warm liquid filled the crevices of her body, many that were sore from their lovemaking marathon. Mike had been home 2 days and they had spent the entire 2 days behind closed doors. She had even given Marie a few days off so that they could have complete solitude to do as they wished, where they wished, without worry about who might be present to witness. Now as the warmth enveloped her, her body was both screaming in protest and delight. She laid her head back on the lush waterproof bathtub pillow she had purchased at the extravagant bath shop. The sale lady said they would be all the rage in the near future. Amelia giggled as she thought of Mike grumbling about the price of the item as they checked out. Later as he had laid back enjoying Amelia's affections on a certain male appendage, he had agreed with the sales lady, waterproof pillows had a future.

Rustling around in the enormous refrigerator that looked like it belonged in a restaurant, Mike finally found the tray of sandwiches Marie had left for him. God bless that woman, he thought. Amelia was his life but she certainly wasn't Suzy homemaker. Her kitchen skills were the most limited he had ever seen. Both he and Marie had attempted to teach her to cook, and the result had been the kitchen being set on fire not once, but twice. Mike and Marie had finally told Amelia that maybe they should halt the lessons at least for now.

Bolting up the stairs three at a time he quietly entered the bathroom suite where Amelia was resting with her eyes closed in the Jacuzzi tub they frequently used. He liked showers sure, but there was nothing better than a cold beer, and being snuggled close to his woman in the oversized Jacuzzi tub.

She could feel his presence in the room without even opening her eyes. A slow lazy smile consumed her lips as her eyes fluttered open to confirm what she already knew.

"Hey baby," She smiled at him sitting on the stool beside her, his hair a tussled mess.

Mike noticing her eyes fixed on his hair reached up and ran his fingers through the mass, "I need a fuckin' haircut." He mumbled.

"Really?" She smiled teasingly at him, "I was just thinking about how much I love running my fingers through it when you go down on me."

"You temptress!" He burst out laughing as he handed her his cold beer to share.

"Mike…" She took the cool brown bottle from him to take a gulp then hesitated handing it back to him.

He looked at her curiously, "Baby, is everything ok?"

"Yes," She hesitated for a moment, " … I am just all worked up over next week I suppose."

"It's going to be fine, baby." Mike reached out brushing his palm against her face, "You get your business with the lawyer done, and I will take care of everything else. We will be in Tahiti before you know it."

"That simple?" She arched her brow questioningly.

"That simple, babe." He winked at her.

"Come join me," She cooed the words moving over to make room.

Mike gave her a sly smirk as he removed his clothing and stepped into the tub the water rising up slightly as he submerged his weight into the warm liquid.

"No funny business mister!" Amelia warned as he pulled her back against his chest.

Mike burst out laughing, the sound carefree as it echoed off the walls. Amelia joined him, the sound to her was heavenly and she knew she would do anything to hear it as often as possible. Looking down at her hand the large solitaire diamond sparkled at her from the scented lavender water.

"I'm ready." She turned in the water to face him.

"Ready?" He asked in quizzically.

"Let get married as soon as we get to the bungalow." She beamed a huge smile at him as she spoke the words.

Wrapping her up in his arms as the water splashed over the sides of the tub onto the tiled floor, he laid his head on her shoulder. Her wet hair surrounding him. Mike didn't know what he had done to deserve the happiness she had brought him. He actually knew a hell of a lot of shit he had done that should dictate he not receive any of the happiness. Moving his head around in her wet hair he didn't try to figure it out, he only knew he was the luckiest man alive.