***Saturday***
Sitting in front of the huge flat screen in the family room, spoon and cereal bowl in hand, Tristan was totally engaged in watching the latest Zac Efron movie. Walking into the kitchen, he was happily surprised to hear her laughing at the television.
"Morning sweetie." Elliott said reaching for a coffee mug.
"Hi Daddy. Your bowl and spoon are on the counter." said the bubbly twelve year old. The father/daughter pair had a Saturday morning ritual of junk tv, usually whatever Tristan selected, and cereal while discussing the past week and what their weekend plans were. Elliott savored these moments with Tristan. After his wife decided she no longer wanted to be a wife and mother, the twosome were closer than ever, and successfully moving on from the feeling of abandonment that Alicia Oswald had left both of them with.
"Daddy? I need to go over and apologize to Dylan. He didn't mean to upset me last night." she said lowering her spoon into her bowl. "I didn't hear him come up behind me."
"Of course. I'm sure Dylan and the Spencers would love to know that you're doing better today. I've got to run a quick errand, but how about we head over there around lunchtime?"
"Thanks Daddy."
"Honey, I'm sorry I was at that meeting last night, but I'm very proud of you that you felt like you could call Olivia."
"She came right over after I called her. I hope I didn't scare her."
"I'm sure you didn't. I'm glad that you have her as a friend. Speaking of friends, it was nice of Uncle Tig to come see you. Did you call him?"
"No, I guess Olivia called him, or maybe Happy did." taking another bite of cereal.
"Happy? Didn't he come with Tig?" Elliott asked thinking Tristan had been so upset last night she didn't notice.
"No, he was with Olivia when she came to get me. He was driving and drove us back over to her place."
"Oh." He was totally dumbfounded. Olivia and Happy were together last night. Olivia, his business associate, educated, sophisticated, classy woman and the SAMCRO hit man. "So, he was in her car when she came to get you?" he asked again thinking he'd heard her wrong.
"Yes, Daddy." thinking her father was being silly. "I'll go get in the shower so I can be ready when you get back." she said kissing her father on the cheek and walking into the kitchen.
What were those two doing together? was his thought as he watched his beautiful daughter head upstairs. Grabbing his phone, he sent a quick text.
Can you meet me at the warehouse in twenty? -E
Putting the phone back on the table, he walked over to the coffee pot to pour another cup. Heading back over to the couch, he heard his phone beep.
Give me thirty. See ya there.
Ok.
Hitting the send button, he went in and deleted the conversation. Heading upstairs, he knocked on Tristan's door.
"Come in Daddy." she said walking out of her closet with her robe.
"I'm leaving for my appointment. Sally's in the kitchen, and I'm setting the alarm. Mr. Bill and his son are outside if you need anything. I should be back in about an hour."
"Okay Daddy. I'll be ready when you get back. Don't worry, okay."
"Sweetie, I'll always worry. I'm your father." he said kissing her on her head and walking out.
***Olivia's Loft***
She had been up since the sun came up. It was the second time this week she was awake before her alarm clock, both times were because of a SAMRCO member. Showered, hair curled and styled with fresh makeup, she was ready to tackle her list of errands, and anything else she could think of to keep her mind occupied and not replaying what happened with a certain person last night. Thankful she had decided against pouring a hefty glass of vodka upon returning home last night, she was able to successfully camouflage her lack of sleep. Dressed in a simple spaghetti strap maxi dress and flip flops, she grabbed her keys and purse, locking the door on her way out.
***Jax & Tara's***
"Babe, you awake?" Jax said looking over at a sleeping Tara, slowly running his hand down her back.
Turning over to face him, "Barely. Is Abel awake?" she asked stretching her arms above her head.
"No, he's still asleep. Need to tell you something and I doubt you're going to like it."
She was wide awake now. Having your outlaw biker boyfriend wake you up saying he needed to tell you something was most often followed by bad news. "What?" she said now sitting up and moving back over to her side of their bed.
"Hey, it doesn't involve us, so don't even think what I know you're thinking." Jax said knowing Tara would automatically think he screwed around on her. "You know that won't ever happen again. My promise still stands. I'll never hurt you that way ever again." he stated looking her directly in her eyes.
"Okay, so what is it?"
He knew what he was about to tell her was going to piss her off, but he had to tell her. "Found out yesterday that Clay had Juice run a background check on Olivia…."
"He what? Jax, why is Clay worried about Olivia? She's going to be pissed when she finds this out!" Tara said fuming that her almost father in-law would do this to her best friend.
"She knows." Jax said pulling Tara over to him. "Don't know how she found out, but she sent a package addressed to Juan Carlos Ortiz to the shop yesterday morning with a personal note and financial records. Even said she'd ordered her medical records. Girl's got serious balls, Tara."
"What did Juice say?"
"Fucker freaked out. Still thinks Clay's going to kill him. Talked to Clay about it and I think he's just on edge with the Feds now off our ass that anyone that has contact with us is under suspicion."
"Still doesn't make it right Jax. I promised her shit like this wouldn't happen. I don't want her to move back to Chicago."
"I know. I promise I'll get Clay to back off. Told Clay I was going to return her information to her. Definitely want to know how she even knew we were looking at her."
Looking down at her hands, she couldn't help the smirk that appeared on her face. Travis no doubt was her thought as she felt Jax's eyes on her.
"What's with the face? What do you know, Tara?"
"I feel sure that her brother Travis notified her of the check."
"Brother? She's an only child." Jax stated now confused.
"Technically she is, but her parents raised Travis from the time they both were in junior high. It was too complicated to do it formally and actually adopt him, but he's her brother in everyway that matters."
"How in the hell would he know?"
She knew she had to explain Travis to Jax as delicately as possible. "He keeps a very close watch on her and their family. He's extremely protective of them, especially Olivia."
"What, he monitors her credit or something?"
"Kindof, but on a much different level." Tara said knowing Jax was completely lost and would want answers. "Let's just say that he's the government's version of Happy. He's got resources you can't even imagine."
***Warehouse***
The twenty minute ride to the warehouse was helping clear the alcohol induced cob webs from Tigs head. All that was floating through his mind right now was the stunning flexibility of the sweet butt that found her way into his bed last night, only to be kicked out this morning. Pulling up along side the Range Rover, he shut off his bike and removed his helmet.
"Thanks for meeting me." said Elliott watching the biker climb off his bike.
"Figured you'd call. The midget okay today?" Tig asked lighting up a cigarette.
"Seems to be. Just wanted to thank you for helping her last night."
"Just glad she's okay. Hate seeing her twisted up like that." taking a drag, "I can't wait to get my hands on the fucker who attacked her. She still won't talk about it?"
"Not a word. Therapist doesn't think it's smart to pressure her, so I don't push it. Didn't know you had told Happy about you helping Tristan?" asked Elliott hoping to clarify whether Happy came with Tig or he was actually with Olivia.
"I didn't.
"Oh. I just thought he came with you to Olivia's." Elliott said realizing now that Happy was already with Olivia.
"Don't look at me. I have no fuckin' clue either." smirked Tig noticing Elliott was as clueless as he was as to how the beauty and the killer ended up together last night.
***Bakersfield Cancer Center***
Walking out the door of the his mom's care center, he pulled his glasses down over his eyes and felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. Settling on his bike, he pulled the phone out reading the text message.
Call me. Need a favor. Non business.
Sending a quick response, he hit the throttle making his way back to his cabin. While he thoroughly enjoyed his role within SAMCRO, thriving on making sure to end any threats that might harm his club family, he embraced the rare quiet time he could get, considering over the last few years it was few and far out his phone, he returned the call from earlier.
"Glad you could get back to me so soon."
"What's up?" Happy asked lighting up a smoke as he sat down on the porch steps.
"Not business related. Personal. Come down tomorrow evening, I'll fill you in over a bottle of thirty year old scotch."
"Not club related?" asked Happy knowing regardless of his long history and friendship with Laroy, meeting with another gang president without his club president knowing wasn't going to happen.
"Told ya, it's personal. Let Clay know. I won't let anything ruin our arrangement. You have my word."
"A'right. What time?"
"Be here around eight. Use the back entrance. Want your eyes on something without being seen."
His interest was definitely peaked. He and Laroy went way back. Back as far as Happy growing up outside Oakland. Regardless of the two men being in different clubs, Happy considered Laroy to be a friend and didn't doubt his intent of wanting to meet with him.
"I'll be there." He said taking a drag off his cigarette.
"Appreciate it. See ya." Laroy said ending the call.
Standing up, he walked inside to grab a beer and headed back out to work on his latest project. He'd work on the bike for a few hours before heading back to Charming to inform Clay of his plans tomorrow night.
***Coffee shop***
With almost all of her errands ran, she felt the overwhelming need for an iced coffee. Walking into the coffee shop, she was thankful not to see anyone she recognized, especially Ethan Zobelle, who she seemed to constantly run into there. After placing her order, she found a quite booth in the corner, sitting down and pulling out her iPad. Within a few minutes, she was brought her drink much to her delight. Seeing she had no new emails, she searched for the website of the home décor store from yesterday.
"Furniture shopping?" asked Gemma as she looked over Olivia's shoulder.
"Uh, oh hi Mrs…..Gemma. How are you today?" Olivia asked motioning from Gemma to sit down if she'd like.
"Good. And you?"
"Not bad. Needed a fix." she said raising her drink.
"This place does have great coffee. Surprised Bobby doesn't live here." Gemma stated. "Looking at furniture I see. You must be settling in well here."
"Actually trying to get some ideas for the model home. Charming's nice but is seriously lacking in all aspects of shopping." Olivia said smiling at the Queen. "No offense."
"None taken." Taking a moment to assess the situation, Gemma put her phone on vibrate. "I'm glad I ran into you this morning. Was hoping we could get to know each other better."
And here it was yet again. Another person wanting to know her life story, personal information and whatever else they could ask her. First, this Juan Carlos Ortiz, Happy last night and now Gemma. She had to give it to SAMCRO, if they were anything, persistent was definitely one of their strong suits.
"I'm not that interesting of a person."
"You let me be the judge of that." Gemma pointly said back to the woman sitting across from her. "No offense, but you seem a little, dare I say, bitchy about things."
"I just don't understand why my life is so interesting to SAMCRO for whoever Juan Carlos Ortiz is to run a background check on me. I have nothing to hide."
Leaning forward with her elbows on the table, "Anyone who has any contact with our family is under suspicion. Can't and won't risk someone trying to tear our family apart."
"Gemma, I moved here for a job and yes, being closer to Tara was a welcomed bonus, but that's it. I have no hidden agenda. I even sent Mr. Ortiz a copy of my personal information. I lead a very private life, and I won't apologize for it, but I'm not trying to hide anything."
Listening to Olivia, Gemma knew in her gut she was telling the truth. Gemma was known for being hard as hell on women inside or outside the club, but something inside her told Gemma that the woman sitting across from her was a real as they come.
"Just doing my job in protecting my family." Gemma said taking a sip of her iced tea. "Family means everything to me and our club."
"I completely understand. I'm an outsider, but I'm no threat." she said sitting her coffee back down. "You're extremely close with Tristan, aren't you?"
"Yes. I love that girl as if she was my own. Would love to put a bullet in her bitch mother's head though." Gemma said hatefully remembering the day Elliott called saying that Tristan's mother had walked out on them. "Why do you ask?" now concerned for her god daughter.
"Has she ever talked about her attacker?"
"Never. She totally shut down at the hospital when they tried asking her questions. Doc thought it was best that we not ask her, but let her talk when she feels comfortable. She said something to you?"
"No! She's asked me if I ever think she'll be a "normal" girl and I told her that she controls her life, not what happened to her. It's just horrific that the son of a bitch hasn't been caught yet."
"Trust me. When that fucker is caught, he'll wish he was already in hell." smirked Gemma thinking of the day when his life would end. Feeling her phone vibrate, she looked at the screen, "I'll be right back" she said getting up and walking over to the other side of the coffee shop.
Okay, that wasn't as bad as it could have been Olivia thought as she reached into her purse for her phone.
"Olivia, we have to stop meeting like this. I believe fate is trying to tell us something." Ethan Zobelle said. "You look beautiful today."
Looking over Zobelle's shoulder, she could see Gemma's face. Whoever she was on the phone with now knew that Ethan Zobelle was here. "Mr. Zobelle, like I've…."
"Ethan, Olivia, you can call me Ethan."
"Mr. Zobelle, I can assure you that it's not fate or any reason for that matter that is causing us to be in the same place. Now if you will excuse me I have some calls to return." she said pulling out an old list of messages she could use as an excuse to get rid of the racist SOB.
"Olivia, I only have your best interest at heart. This quaint town is unfortunately filled with more than it's share of the un-pure." Leaning down closer to her face, "I just want to ensure your purity isn't compromised."
"Mr. Zobelle, the only thing you need to do is to stay the hell away from me, like I've already told you to do. I won't ask you again." Olivia strongly stated staring him right in the eye, showing no fear of the vile man standing in front of her. "Now leave me alone."
"I believe you heard the woman. Get the fuck out of here." Gemma said standing right behind Zobelle.
"Well, it's lovely to see you Mrs. Morrow." Straightening his jacket, he turned back toward Olivia, "I'll be seeing you Olivia. We can't fight fate, now can we." as he turned and walked out of the coffee shop.
Watching him walk down the street, Gemma turned back around to Olivia, "what the hell was he talking about?"
"I don't know. He's approached me a few times, saying he wants to protect my purity. He's certifiably crazy." Olivia said looking back at Gemma.
"Does Elliott know he's been approaching you?"
"No, Gemma it's fine. Elliott doesn't need to worry about some man who's trying to get me to notice him. I'm not interested and Zobelle knows that."
"Olivia, that man won't give up regardless of what you tell him. He's not some man having a mid life crisis looking for a trophy wife. That man is a racist dick who will do whatever he has to, to get what he wants."
"I know the man is psychotic and I've avoided him like the plaque, but I refuse to stop living my life because of him. I'm not afraid of him."
Gemma wanted to slap the shit out of her. "Olivia, darling, I don't doubt you're not seeking him out, but it's clear he's zoned in on you. What I don't think you realize is it won't be him that makes the move. He'll have one of his sick servants do the dirty work and you'll never see it coming. That my dear girl is what you need to be terrified of." spoke Gemma as she turned toward the window.
"I haven't seen him with anyone. Who are his servants, as you call them?"
"Not sure who all he has in his little racist cult. That's why Clay asked to use your place."
"You mean he demanded. I don't remember being asked." Olivia said remembering that lovely afternoon of being told by Clay her home would be some command center for SAMCRO.
Cutting her eyes to let the brunette know to watch her mouth, "I know Clay can come across, let's say, a little harsh, but his intentions are only to protect this town from scum like Zobelle. You remember that the next time you spew some attitude."
"Look, I just want to focus on my job and making sure Elliott's project is a success. With that being said, I do want my private life to remain that, private. I would simply appreciate some mutual respect if I'm expected to give it. Don't think that's asking for too much, do you?" staring Gemma straight in the eye.
Although she would never admit it out loud, Gemma had to agree with Olivia. Respect was a two way street, for an outsider, but in the club, respect was earned. "Look, I'm not saying that Clay handled the situation in the best way, but whether you like it or not, you have a tie to our family through Tara. Jax wasn't the only one who lost her when she left for Chicago. I felt like I lost a daughter, so now that she's found her way home and she and Jax are stronger than ever, I'm not about to let your lack of better judgment in dealing with Zobelle cause your tight ass to be hurt or even worse. I know how much it means to her for you to be here, so you just get used to me butting in your private life when I feel you need some guidance." Gemma said smirking at Olivia. "He approaches you again, you call this number with hesitating." handing her the cell number. "I mean it, Olivia."
Knowing she wasn't going to win this argument, she conceded. "I'll call. I promise." Olivia said somewhat unsure of how this conversation had went. Watching Gemma walk out the door, she shook her head at the sheer oddness that had just happened. Did the Queen of SAMCRO actually just show concern for her? "I must be sleep deprived." thought Olivia as she stepped out of the booth and made her way out the door, heading home.
***T-M***
"Fuck!" said Tig pulling back into the T-M lot. If there was one thing that could piss him off in record time, it was Koz, and there sat his bike. Koz was his brother in all regards of the club but there was no love lost between the two. While Tig did have his own reckless side, it never involved the club. Club matters were like military maneuvers, no mistakes and no room for error. His opinion of Koz differed greatly. Brother or not, he didn't trust him. Always felt he'd fuck up the easiest of assignments and certain events in SAMCRO history, only proved him right. Koz was the club playboy, and in Tig's eyes, the club's number one ass kisser, but regardless of his immense dislike for his blond Tacoma brother, he'd put aside his feelings and tolerate the fucker. Besides, there was always alcohol to dull the irritation. Scanning the row of bikes again, he noticed Happy's wasn't there. "Shit!" Tig thought, knowing Happy could always reign Koz in, probably because Koz knew Happy had the ability to make him disappear. That thought alone brought an evil smile to his face. Walking inside, he noticed Chibs at the bar and walked over.
"Didn't expect you up at this hour." commented Chibs at seeing Tig take a seat next to him.
Keeping his meeting with Elliott quite, "Just went over to make sure everything's a'right at the warehouse." turning up his beer. "We're all good."
Wiping his face off, he stared at his refection in the mirror. Looking back at him were two blood shot eyes. Reaching for the Visine, he popped a couple drops in each eye, and looked again at his reflection. All clear. Walking out of the bathroom, he walked down the hall to throw his bag in the dorm he'd be staying in. He could hear Chibs and Tig laughing. "Damn shit head!" Shaking his head, he locked the door and made his way to the bar.
"Brother, when you'd get here?" asked Chibs standing to give Koz a brotherly hug.
"Rode in about half hour ago. Tig." was all he said giving a customary acknowledgement to his less than favorite SAMCRO brother.
Tilting his bottle toward Koz, he finished his beer and looked around. "Clay in yet?"
"Haven't seen him." Chibs said reaching for the newspaper. Hearing noise coming from the hallway, the three men turned in time to see Juice walk out with the blond stripper he had found intoxicating the night before. Shaking his head at his younger brother, Tig simply turned back around having previous experience with the blond.
"You shit, since when you let'em spend the night?" Chibs questioned.
"Didn't intend for it but was too drunk to kick her out. Waking up getting my dick sucked made it all worth while though." Juice responded earning an high five from his brothers.
"Where's Hap?" Koz asked noticing he wasn't around.
"Haven't seen him this morning. Could have left out early to see his mom." Chibs said turning the page.
"Thought he did that shit on Sundays?"
"Guess he wanted to go today." Tig responded getting up from his stool. Koz had been here less than an hour and was already being the disrespectful ass he'd always been. He had a hunch after his meeting with Elliott, that Hap never made it back to the clubhouse last night. Yeah, it was possible that he went a day early to visit his mom, but Tig's gut was telling him a certain brunette might be the reason his brother hadn't returned last night. Whatever the reason, Tig respected Hap too much to pry and would leave it up to his brother to divulge.
***Clay & Gemma's***
Walking into the house with grocery bags, she almost dropped them all as she took in the sight before her. Her husband of almost twenty years, the President of SAMCRO was unloading the dishwasher.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" asked Gemma still stunned as to what she was seeing.
Turning to greet his wife, "Ha Ha smartass." he said turning his attention back to the glasses.
"Must say, I could get used to this." see said gently smacking him on his ass. "All you're missing is a sexy little apron."
Pulling his wife to him for a kiss, "Hey babe." he said smiling at her. "Anything else in the car?"
"No, just these. How's your hand?" Gemma asked putting the milk and juice in the refrigerator.
"About the same. Just enjoying this down time."
"Well, I hate to ruin your morning, but we need to talk."
For the next hour Clay and Gemma shared a pot of coffee as she informed him of Zobelle's run in this morning with Olivia.
"Clay, I know you have concerns about her, I get it, but my gut tells me there's nothing there to worry about. Zobelle seeking her out is something to worry about though."
Slamming his fist on the table, he quickly stood up and stared out the kitchen window. "Between me and you, I actually like the tartlet. The guys seem to like her, hell they're actually respectful to her. Zobelle has to be handled, but I agree with Jax. We can't just take him out unprovoked. The Feds are barely off our ass. We don't need that heat again especially with the ongoing deal with Laroy." looking at his wife as she sipped her coffee. Suddenly realizing his hard as nails wife appeared to have a soft spot for the brunette. "You actually like her, don't you?"
Looking up like a deer caught in headlights, Gemma knew that look. It was his "I got you look" and she hated it. "I don't want the tartlet hurt by that fucker. It would devastate Tara if something happened to her, so you have to do something about it." she said smirking back at him.
"Honey, it's okay to like her. I won't tell anyone." he said walking over and placing a kiss on her head. "I'll call Jax and discuss our options. You give her any instructions?"
"Gave her my number and told her to call if he confronted her again."
"Good. Don't make plans for tonight. Nice night for a drive, if you're interested." he said knowing she loved night rides with him.
"Got a nail appointment at three. I'll call and get us a reservation at that steakhouse you like so much." Gemma said smiling at her husband. He smiled in response and walked out the door. Life is good Gemma thought as she finished her coffee.
***T-M***
"Nice to see ya, man." Chibs said being the first to notice Hap walk through the door. Acknowledging his brother, he walked over to the bar, grabbed a beer and made his way over. "Clay here?" he asked downing the bottle.
"Yeah, he's in the office." Juice said making his shot. "Koz rolled in earlier. Think he's asleep."
Giving his standard nod, he made his way to the office wanting to inform Clay of his plans to meet with Laroy the following night. Always respectful of his president, he knocked twice on the window, seeing Clay motion him in.
Standing to welcome his club's number one assassin, Clay gave a brotherly hug to the killer. Sensing Hap wanted to discuss something, Clay closed the magazine he was flipping through.
Not one to stall regarding what needed to be discussed, "Got a call from Laroy earlier. Nothing wrong. Wants my eyes on something tomorrow night. Not club related. Just wanted to run it by you." Hap said still standing.
Trusting his assassin completely, "He didn't say what is was about?"
"Nope. Just said it's personal and needs my help. Assured me the deal is strong and we have his total commitment."
Running a hand over his chin, "Appreciate you bringing it to me. Keep me informed. Glad you're back. Already talked to Jax but want to inform you of something."
"I'm listening." Hap said taking a seat across from Clay.
"Gemma was at the coffee shop earlier today and ran into Olivia. She stepped away to take a call, and Zobelle approached Olivia. Wants to ensure her purity or some shit. Gemma's said it's not the first time he's approached her. Looks like he's targeting her, and Gemma's afraid he's going to hurt her." Clay said noticing the man sitting across from him was disturbed.
Worried. The foreign emotion was running feverishly through his veins. "She freaked out?" knowing most women would run like hell from a man like Zobelle.
"Actually, Gemma said she held her own with him. Told him to stay the hell away from her. Said she remained calm, didn't show him any fear."
Running a hand across his shaved head, all Happy could think about was the hundred different ways he could torture and kill Zobelle. "Look, I know you and Tig are itching to take the fuckers out, but we can't do anything unprovoked. I need you and Tig calm on this. We still need to prove that it was one of Zobelle's men who raped Tristan. Once we have proof, you and Tig have my blessing to handle it any way you want." Still noticing Hap's odd demeanor, Clay leaned back in his chair. "What you thinking?"
Looking up, he wasn't sure how to answer. Hearing that Zobelle had approached her more than once enraged him, but it was something more. He cared that this woman he barely knew was in the sights of a man he wanted nothing more than to skin alive and rip every organ from his still breathing body. Not to mention that less than twenty four hours ago, he had her willingly pinned against her SUV, kissing her as if his life depended on it and wanting to bury himself inside her.
"We need to shut this fucker down permanently." Hearing a bike pull up, he noticed that Tig was back. Opening the office door, Clay whistled for Tig to come in the office. Pushing his sunglasses on top of his head, Tig walked through the door seeing Hap sitting down.
"What's going on?' Tig asked leaning against the file cabinet.
Thirty minutes later, Tig now had the same information Happy had about Zobelle approaching Olivia. In listening to Clay replay what Gemma had told him, he again noticed his brother's subtle reaction to hearing that Olivia was in the sights of a SAMCRO enemy. "I know Elliott's told her about him, but does she really understand how dangerous he is?" looking between Clay and Happy. "Wouldn't hurt to sit her down and reinforce things."
He had to do something. He had all but promised Gemma, but knowing he was sure to already have two strikes with Olivia for using her home and the background check, approaching her about Zobelle could back fire and he really didn't want to hear Gemma, Tara or Jax bitching at him about it. Not to mention, handling this situation wrong could alienate Elliott, and as the club's strongest alley, he couldn't afford screwing this up.
"She needs to be warned, but we can't afford pissing her off and especially alienating Elliott. This has to be handled delicately." Clay said lighting up his cigar.
Glancing over toward Happy, Tig pushed himself off the door frame, "I'll talk to her." The second the words were out of his mouth, Tig noticed Happy tense up and cut his eyes toward him. Recognizing his brothers look, he slowly raised his hands as if to wave the white flag, "Just think if she's reminded of the threat from my scary ass, she'll take it seriously." Looking over toward Happy. "wanna ride shot gun?" he asked hoping his brother would clue in that he didn't have ulterior motives for volunteering to chat up the brunette he knew, whether Happy would ever admit it or not, his brother was interested in.
"Oh hell, now just wait a damn minute. I don't need this situation more fucked up than it already is. I agree she needs to be warned, but I don't need the two of you to scare the hell out of her." said Clay picturing his S.A.A and his prized hitman trying to explain how dangerous Ethan Zobelle is.
"Clay, we've got this. Besides, she adores me anyway." Tig said smirking at his president who looked as if he was about to have a heart attack, then noticing the less than pleased look on Happy's face. "I'm sure Hap will keep me in line. We'll head over, make sure she's straight, then go check in at the warehouse."
Running his hands down his face, he leans back in his chair, "you two fuck this up, and you'll both deal with Gemma and Tara, and I'll just sit back and enjoy the show."
***Olivia's Loft***
She found herself surprisingly relaxed and actually enjoying being by herself on a Saturday night. With her presentation prepared for her meeting the following night, Olivia had indulged in a hot bath, gave herself a facial scrub and was now prepared to curl up in bed and watch the Sex and the City marathon. Sending a quick text to Tara confirming their lunch tomorrow, she found herself laughing out loud at the time. 7:30pm She had no doubt that her friends in Chicago would just now be heading out for dinner and cocktails, yet here she was, happily content to spend an evening in by herself, watching reruns of one of her favorite tv shows. Smiling at the thought, she made her way into the kitchen for a snack. Finding a bowl of green grapes and a bottled water, she left the lamp on the entry table on, rechecked the door making sure it was locked, and headed toward her bedroom.
The third episode was just coming on when the doorbell rang. Who in the world is that? she thought as she climbed out of bed. Quietly making her way down the hall, she carefully looked out the peep hole to find Tig standing there. What on earth is he going here? had just crossed her mind when he rang her doorbell again. Unlocking the deadbolt then sliding the double barrel lock, Olivia slowly opened her door to find a grinning Tig looking back at her.
"Hi there, doll." he said immediately enjoying catching the brunette off guard and walking past her.
"Tig, I must say this is a surprise. What are you doing here?" she asked standing with her back to her open door.
"Just need to make sure you're on the same page on something." noticing she was looking at him like he had two heads, "Ethan Zobelle."
"I do understand how dangerous Zobelle is." Olivia said suddenly feeling as if someone was behind her.
"You sure about that?" he said walking up and standing right behind her. He was so close to her that he could smell her shampoo.
Her heart immediately fell to her feet. She didn't have to turn around to know who was standing behind her, because she could literally feel him just inches from her. The minute he opened his mouth, she could feel his breath on her neck, and her stomach started doing flips. Slowly turning around, she held her composure as she stood almost touching the very man who pulled away from her the night before. Looking him directly in those two deep chocolate eyes, "Yes, I do know how dangerous he is."
Not moving an inch, "He's after you." he said staring right back at her.
Tig was enjoying the show between the two. Hell, he'd gladly take a seat on the couch and watch these two all night. Feeling his phone vibrate on cue, he answered the call, leaving the odd couple still standing over by the door. Quickly finishing his call, he walked back over.
"Need to go take care of something. You got this?" he asked walking toward the door, doing his best not to smile.
"Yeah. Everything okay?" Happy asked questioning what Tig had to go handle.
"Oh, yeah. I'll catch ya later. Doll, was good seeing ya." he said as he walked out the door, closing it behind him. Damn. I'm turning into a pussy thought Tig as he made his way back down to the garage to his bike. Asshole better not fuck this up he thought as he pulled out. Not that he would ever ask or even for one minute think that his brother would ever admit to it, but Tig could plainly see that there was something between the two people he just left upstairs. In the twelve years he'd known Happy, never had he seen him have a reaction to a woman. Until now.
Both were still standing there in her hallway, having just watched Tig leave almost as fast as he arrived. Realizing just how close they were standing to each other, she turned and walked into the living room.
"Why do you think Zobelle's after me?" Olivia asked feeling as if she had put enough distance between them, or so she thought as she noticed he was walking toward her.
Taking in her appearance, he could tell she wasn't expecting company. Dressed in a hot pink tank top and black low rise lounge pants, no make up and her hair twisted up, she was beautiful and fuck was she sexy.
"He approached you again today, didn't he?" he asked, not realizing he was clinching his fists.
He looked positively angry at her. "You act like I'm seeking him out. Trust me, I want nothing to do with the man." she said walking away from him and over toward the windows. "Look, you've warned me several times of how dangerous Zobelle is, and believe it or not I get it."
He felt like she didn't get it. "We've been trying ever since Tristan's attack to find proof that it was one of Zobelle's men that attacked her. If the sick fucker would have a child attacked, what the hell do you think he would do to you?"
Anger. Pure anger was radiating off the man standing in front of her, but why? "Why are you so angry at me? Again, I've done nothing to try and get his attention, and just so you know I'm not some damsel in distress who can't look after myself." Without even realizing it, she had moved to stand right in front of him, on the verge of being pissed off that she felt as if she was being attacked in her own home. But just as quickly as she moved toward him, she carefully backed away. Whatever the reason he was here now, it was still very fresh in her mind that he pulled away from her last night as if she had the plaque. She refused to put herself in that position again, regardless of how much she enjoyed their second encounter. Nope, Olivia Parker didn't play games and refused to be used, again.
Seeing the situation was going down hill, he ran his hand over his head and walked over toward the window that overlooked the back of Zobelle's store. "Believe it or not SAMCRO keeps this town free from shit like Zobelle. Tristan's attack wasn't random. Son of a bitch targeted her." he said still staring out the window.
Slowly making her way back toward him "Why do you think she was targeted?" Olivia cautiously asked, looking out the window to see what he was staring at.
"From day one, Zobelle's made it clear that he intends to rid Charming of us bad bikers, so how ironic is it that the daughter of Charmings wealthiest man who just happens to be a friend and ally of the club is attacked and raped. No way was it random." he said turning to face her.
"You said Zobelle had someone attack her. Do you know who?"
Not sure if he should tell her anymore than he already had, "We have our suspicions."
"We?"
Was he really standing her telling her this? He definitely had her attention. "Club thinks it was Zobelle's right hand, Weston, who actually attacked her."
Glancing back out the window, Weston, where had she heard that name before. "Got no description to go on. Girl won't talk about it, not even to Gemma." he said watching her stare out the window. "You can't be anywhere near him. You turn and walk away if you see him coming."
"Happy, I get that he's dangerous but I refuse to live in fear of that man. I…." was all she could get out as he closed the small gap between them and pinned her against the window.
With a small shriek, not expecting this, she bravely looked him in the eye. Moving his hands from on either side of her head to where he was now cupping her face in his hands, "Olivia, I'm not joking around. You stay away from him. I don't care if you have to avoid every store on fuckin' Main Street, don't go near him." he firmly said while softly moving his thumbs over her cheeks.
Finding her voice, "Okay, I'll make sure I'm no where near him. Happy, I'm not wanting his attention." she said looking him in the eye finding herself hoping that he believed her.
Even in an almost dark room, he couldn't help but notice her green eyes still sparkled. Being this close to her again, he felt as if he was a magnet being drawn to another one. Damn, he wanted to kiss her again, but now was not the time. "Stay alert. Try not to be alone too much. You need to call if he approaches you again." he said slowly lowering his hands then crossing his arms.
"I will. I promised Gemma I'd call her if he….."
"You call me. Where's your phone?" he bluntly asked.
"It's in my bedroom. Happy, I promise I'll call."
"I know you will. You'll call me. Go get your phone." he said, his eyes now a black color.
She walked into her bedroom to get her phone. Walking back down the hall, she saw that he was standing there closer to the entryway. Holding his hand out for the phone, he quickly took it, pulled out his phone, and after a minute or so, handed it back to her.
"He comes near you, hit 1. Don't even have to say anything."
Looking down at her phone, he indeed had programmed his number.
"Olivia?"
"Yeah?"
"I mean it. You call me."
Looking up at him, "I will."
They stood there for a few seconds just staring at each other before he turned toward the door. Reaching for the door knob and opening her door, "Make sure you lock all of them" as he motioned toward her door.
Shaking her head, "I will." she said as she watched him walk out, then turn back.
"Good night." he said turning and walking down the hall.