***Saturday***

"Shit!" she yelled slamming the laptop closed. She had spent the better part of her morning searching for her online, only to find nothing useful. The bitch didn't have a Facebook page and other than a handful of articles highlighting her career, Olivia Parker was an even bigger boring mystery.

Grabbing her phone off the floor, she flopped back down on her empty bed. Hitting redial, she again heard the voice mail she had already left three messages on.

"Melissa, you had better be still tied to some dick head's bed because I know you're not ignoring my calls. CALL..ME...BACK!" hanging up now more pissed off than before. Checking her text messages again, she was relieved yet curious that Gemma hadn't sent anything. If her friend was mad at her for how things went down last night, Luann would have already heard about it. Cracking a smile across her face, "I bet our queen is schooling that bitch about how she needs to treat an old lady." talking out loud to herself as she walked into the bathroom.

***Charming City Park***

Slowing to a walk, she spotted a bench ahead, checking her distance on the phone. Anger was the perfect ingredient to push someone to add two miles to their normal four mile run. He had surprised her last night at how he reacted to what happened with Luann and Melissa. She had thought for sure that he would have been proud of how she handled the situation, showing her old lady skills, but she received nothing but a cold shoulder and silence until everyone had left. Not able to hear what he said to Luann on her way out, she could only assume that he had apologized to the middle age slut on her behalf, an apology that would never come out of her mouth. Luann may be the old lady to a First Nine member and the club's former VP, but her actions against her best friend were completely out of line and uncalled for, regardless if Jax disagreed or not. Sitting down as she stared out across the small pond, she found herself at peace even though he voiced his disapproval of her calling the two women out, scolding her that she had been disrespectful to a founding members wife in his home. She had no guilt or regret about her actions for defending Olivia but even more surprising was that she had stood her ground with Jax, reminding him that she was simply protecting her family, just like he would for his brothers. She hadn't raised her voice, screamed or yelled at him the night before, instead choosing to stand silently as he firmly told her she had been wrong, that she shouldn't have involved herself in the situation. What kept circling her thoughts wasn't their fight or even his disapproval of how she handle things...it was one simple word. His. A word that come out of his mouth more than once lately. Until last night, they hadn't been fighting, not so much as a disagreement between them. But it refused to leave her mind, regardless of how small it was. Go with your gut...trust your instincts, his deep voice echoing in her head. Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the feel of the sun on her face, realizing just how much she had grown since leaving Charming all those years ago. The old Tara would have crumbled hearing Jax talk of his disappointment in her, how she would have tried to sooth his anger so that she was once again his Tara, fearing that he would cheat on her, just as he always did, but she was no longer that person. She would never be that person again, a promise she had made to herself after surviving her attack. The thought of him cheating on her hadn't even crossed her mind last night or even now, a fear and reality she lived with every day when they were together before she left for college. She had made it clear to him when they got back together that if he cheated on her this time, there would be no free passes, forgiveness or second chances. She went back in this relationship stronger, wiser and determined, vowing to never again lose herself to anyone, including Jax Teller. Opening her eyes at the sound of the geese swimming in the water, she smiled watching as the mother tended to her babies and enjoyed the quiet of the afternoon.

***Olivia's condo***

It wasn't like her to still be lounging in what she wore to bed at one in the afternoon, but yet here she was. Sitting very contently on her couch with her legs stretched out over his lap, discretely watching him as he watched a classic UFC fight. Saturdays usually involved errands, a trip to the grocery store and a mani/pedi if needed, but not today. Having only been out of bed for about forty five minutes, she welcomed an afternoon of leisure. She felt completely relaxed and rested as she watched his hand travel lazily up and down her thigh, giving her the perfect opportunity to study his naked chest as he sat on her couch in just fitted boxers. He was the complete opposite of any man she had ever been with. Sure a few of her past boyfriends had tattoos, but no where near the extent of the man sharing her couch. His entire upper body was covered in art, each one blended onto him like a perfectly worked puzzle. Even with all the color, it didn't distract from his well defined chest and chiseled abs. She had never been attracted to overly built or skinny men, and she had most certainly never found herself lusting after a man covered in tattoos with a shaved head...until almost three months ago. She hated admitting it silently in her head and she sure as hell would never confess it to him, but he was simply the sexiest man she had ever seen. She let her eyes wonder down his muscular arms continuing lower to sculpted legs currently stretched out on her over sized leather ottoman. She could tell that his skin was naturally tan, having recently learned during one of their late night pillow talks that his father had been from Puerto Rico and his mother was of Mexican descent. But it wasn't only his physical appearance that kept making her interest in him deepen. Underneath that lethal stare and fierce, rough exterior, she saw something more than an outlaw biker. She found herself wanting to know more about him, but refused to ask him question after question, preferring to remain patient and allow him to freely tell her more details about himself. Those intimate conversations usually followed a steamy round of sex, sex that only kept getting better. Late nights and early morning hours wrapped around each other brought new confessions from both. She found herself unable to refuse any question he would ask, willing to share more details of herself with him than men she had actually dated.

He could feel her eyes on him as he focused on the fight. This was anything but a normal Saturday afternoon for him, but he couldn't think of anywhere else he'd rather be. Sitting comfortably on her plush couch with her legs stretched out across him, his hands slowly moved up and down her toned thighs as she sat tucked into the corner.

"Something on your mind?" he asked keeping his eyes toward the television, a small smirk on his face.

Not surprised he could sense her staring, "Just curious to know which one was the first." her eyes finally settling on his profile. She had initially wanted to nap when they moved from her bed onto the couch, but she became entranced at the detail on his body, excited to have a chance to see him up close and personal wearing very little clothing in the daylight.

With his head back against the couch, he turned toward her. "Machete on my forearm." moving his arm into her lap.

She stared down at the piece that covered a large part of his lower arm, really noticing it for the first time. "Did any of them hurt?" she asked as her hand ran over the blade of the knife, now looking back up at him.

Shaking his head, "Nah. It's actually calming." noticing how beautiful she looked even without makeup. "You ever think of gettin' some ink?"

"Actually, I haven't. Don't really care for needles." finding herself on the verge of feeling sleepy again, as she watched him look back toward the tv. Leaning forward, she grabbed the water bottle from the ottoman as she slid her legs from his lap onto the floor.

Feeling her move away from him, his attention quickly went back to her. "Whatcha doing?" he asked, not liking that she was now standing and moving toward the kitchen. He watched as she threw the now empty water bottle away and turned back toward him, slowly walking past the couch toward her bedroom.

"I'm going to take a shower." she casually said while looking directly at him. "You're more than welcome to join me but I don't want to take you away from your fight." she stated walking out of the room.

He stayed silent as he watched her walk out of the room, his eyes roaming down her body as she went out of sight. Turning back toward the tv, his grin widened as he replayed her invitation in his head.

***Charles Street Apartments***

There was no way in hell she was going to answer Luann's calls. After what she had to do the night before, she wanted nothing more than to slap the shit out of her so-called friend. It hadn't surprised her that the former stripper had kept silent during Tara's rant the night before, but what happened later at the club had her furious and mortified. She was relieved when she saw Happy leave the house without saying anything to her, deciding that Tig was probably the lesser of two evils, but she should have known better than to think she'd get off simply by allowing the club's SAA to ass fuck her. He obviously had other ideas. Finally home in her small apartment, she instantly headed toward the shower eager to scrub her self clean. Waiting for the water to heat up, she deleted the recent text from Luann. "Go fuck yourself." she said out loud stripping off her clothes. Stepping into the steamy shower, she closed her eyes letting the water run over her hoping to erase her actions the night before.

...Twelve hours earlier

He walked her into the clubhouse with his arm draped around her shoulder, sweet talking about how much she was going to love what was about to happen. She couldn't deny that part of her was excited about spending a night with Tig Trager, regardless of how freaky he could be. Having fucked him numerous times already, she knew he wouldn't disappoint.

Stopping at the bar, he motioned for her to sit down. "Prospect, get her a drink." Tig yelled at Johnny who was restocking. "Be back in just a few." giving the stripper a big smile before heading toward his dorm room. Looking around the clubhouse, it was completely dead for a Friday night noticing no patched members, only a few hang arounds and a couple mechanics. Giving a wink to Johnny, she took a pull from her beer gloating internally that her night was ending a hell of a lot better than Luanne's.

"Hey." he yelled instantly getting her attention.

With her sexiest voice, "You ready for me, baby?" as she walked toward him watching as he shook his head in agreement. "I'm going to be real good to ya tonight." running her hand down his cheek before cupping him through his jeans.

A trademark Trager grin on his face, he grabbed her hand as he turned toward the dorms. Opening his door, he motioned her in. "Come on in." as he closed the door behind her. "Let's get this party going."

She again cupped him through his jeans as she walked past him noticing a pair of handcuffs and bottle of lube on the bed. Turning to face him, "Looks like you've got a plan in mind, sexy." she purred ready and willing for the club's sergeant. "I promise you won't be disappointed." licking her lips as she looked him up and down.

Laughing at loud at her words, "That's good to know, darling."

She started scrubbing her body harder, adding even more soap onto the overly soaked wash cloth, desperate to remove the feel of his hands, mouth and dick from her. The night before turned out completely different than she expected and hoped for, leaving her mind forever scarred with the memory of letting herself be fucked seven ways to Sunday by a TM mechanic. But what choice did she have. It was either let the greasy pig have his way with her or never show her face again at the clubhouse, clearly understanding that Tig's words to her were clearly not a warning, but an absolute promise. Wiping the steam from the bathroom mirror, she didn't know what feeling was raging stronger through her...humiliation or rage.

***Jax & Tara's***

He had been sitting at the kitchen table for the last hour still annoyed about how she acted the night before. It wasn't like her to be so blatantly disrespectful, especially to a club members old lady. Looking at his watch, he knew she'd be showing up anytime, giving him just enough time to get there. And like clock work, he saw the her SUV pull into the driveway.

"Hey baby." said Gemma walking into the kitchen as she leaned down placing a kiss on her son's head. "Where's the baby?" noticing her grandson wasn't in the room.

Slipping his cut on, "Down for a nap. He's been fed and changed." as he walked toward his mother. "Thanks for watching him." as he kissed her cheek before heading toward the door.

"Tara at work?"

Turning as he reached the front door he shook his head, "Nah. She went for a run. Thought she'd be back by now."

Sensing something was off, "you okay?"

With his trademark grin, "Couldn't be better, ma." as he walked out.

***Olivia's condo***

They stood completely still, remaining intimately connected with her back pressed against the tiled shower wall as they both tried to catch their breath. With her legs wrapped securely around his waist, she closed her eyes at the feel of his body against hers, perfectly content to stay exactly where she was. Feeling him raise his head, she looked up at him, meeting two deep chocolate brown eyes.

She had hoped that letting him know she was going to shower would end exactly how it had, but knowing the man currently staring back at her, assuming anything was never an option. "Sorry you missed the end of the fight." as her nails lightly scratched the back of his head.

He couldn't contain the laughter at her statement. The woman he was still deep inside of was doing her best to look innocent but was failing miserably as he felt her inner muscles squeeze him. Letting out a low growl in response, "Yeah, I bet you are." as he placed his forehead against hers before kissing her softly.

Wanting nothing more than to stay wrapped around him in her shower, hunger was starting to rear it's head. Kissing him one more time, "We should probably get out of here before we both turn into prunes." easing her legs from around his waist and as her feet found the floor.

***Sheriff's Office***

Nothing about this murder made sense, not that it ever did, but this one had him stumped. Sliding the photo given to him to identify her aside, he refocused on her personal information. Katherine Morgan...twenty six years old...college graduate...middle child of three...working middle class family...employed as a buyer for a regional furniture store. Looking back at the photo her parents provided to him, his mind was working overtime trying to find a reason someone would want her dead. With her parents and siblings cleared with solid alibis, his first hunch was the fiance, but having seen first hand the utter devastation he was going through, he realized no one could fake that level of grief. He had watched as the young man crumpled to the ground as he was handed back the simple engagement ring he had given her. An athletically fit man was reduced to a sobbing heap on the hardwood floor of his girlfriend's parents home as the reality of the situation hit him. Glancing over toward the photo of his own wife of fifteen years, he couldn't begin to imagine the pain of losing her. Flipping to the autopsy photos, he compared each one to the detailed report from the coroner. Bite marks around her neck, shallow stab wounds to both breasts, a deep bruise on her right cheek and claw marks down her torso. She had been raped repeatedly even postmortem. A bullet in her head would have been less painful than what this young woman suffered through. No fluid, hairs or fibers found on victim literally screamed off the report at him. This wasn't a robbery gone wrong, a crime of passion and it didn't feel premeditated. With the victim not even having so much as a speeding ticket, believing this killing was personal, didn't add up. Sitting back in his chair, he stared down the vibrant, beautiful woman, "You have my word I'll find the bastard that killed you." leaning forward placing her photo next to his wife's.

***Jax & Tara's***

She wasn't surprised to find Gemma's SUV in the driveway as she made her way up the sidewalk. So much for the peace between us she thought as she opened the front door and walked in. The house was completely silent except for the faint sound of Abel's mobile. Entering the kitchen, she found Gemma sitting quietly at the table with paper and a cup of coffee.

"Good morning...or should I say afternoon." she said glancing down at her watch.

And so it begins she mouthed to herself as she opened the refrigerator for a bottle of water. Quickly counting to ten, she turned to face whatever was about to be thrown at her. "How are you, Gemma?"

"Just fine baby. Abel's been down for about an hour now." slowly taking her glasses off. "How was your run?" she asked noticing the young woman's cool demeanor.

Finishing her sip before answering, "Good actually. Pushed through to six miles today." sitting down across the table from her. Glancing up at the Queen of SAMCRO, she prepared herself for the fury that was about to be hurled her way.

Something was off with her...and Jax as well, but what the hell could have happened since last night thought the Teller matriarch. "You okay, darling?" voicing genuine concern.

She just wanted this over with. "Just lay it on me."

"Lay what on you?"

"Your disappointment in how I handled things last night. Come on, are you really going to sit there and tell me you don't have a problem with me throwing Luanne out?"

Sitting her coffee cup back down and reigning in her instinct to attack, "No disappointment here baby. In fact, whether you believe it or not, I was damn proud of you last night. Acted just like an old lady should. Ain't no bitch, old lady or not, that should disrespect someone in their own home."

Tara was thankful she had been sitting down before hearing what she had just heard. The woman she had spent her teenage years battling with just told her she was proud of her. "I'm sorry. You're proud of me?" still in disbelief.

Tilting in her to the side, "Yes, you heard correctly. Now why don't you tell me why you thought I wouldn't be?"

This was dangerous territory. Quickly considering the blow back confiding in Gemma could cause her, she decided to leave Jax out of it. "Luann's your best friend and the former VP's old lady. I know you're big on respect."

Shaking her head in agreement. "Yeah, respect is key. But I also believe respect is a two way street. You expect it given to you, you had better give it out. Friend or not, Luann had no business acting the way she did last night. You had every right to call her ass out. This is your home. Hell, considering no dishes were thrown and any guns drawn, I'd say you had a very successful family dinner."

She was literally stunned. Until this very moment, Tara had never realized how much Gemma's praise meant to her. "Thanks. I appreciate it." as she smiled back at Gemma. "Oh, I found one of your earrings." as she stood up from the table walking toward the sink. Handing the gold hoop to Gemma, "You must have dropped it watching Abel earlier this week."

Looking down at the obvious fake gold earring now in her hand, she smiled back. "Thanks, baby."

***Olivia's condo***

She stood wrapped only in a towel staring into the refrigerator. "What about leftover Chinese?" she asked turning to see him walking toward her in a matching towel hung suggestively low on his hips. Forcing the x-rated thoughts from her mind, she smiled noticing the devilishly sexy grin on his face.

"You sure you're craving Chinese?" he asked, teasing her as he stood just inches apart.

Determined to not give him the satisfaction, "Yep." she replied staring back up at him. "Exactly what I'm craving." as she felt herself being drawn into his eyes, feeling his hand slip around her lower back.

KNOCK...KNOCK...KNOCK

The sound of someone at the door brought them both back to the present. Looking down at her as if silently asking her if she was expecting anyone, he watched as she shrugged her shoulders. "Shhh." he said as he put his finger up against her lips. Quickly walking around the large granite counter, he pulled his smaller piece from his cut and walked quietly toward the door. Flicking the safety off, he looked out the peep hole not recognizing the man standing outside. Without notice, he felt a surge of curiosity and as much as he hated it jealousy, causing him to open the door to confront whoever it was.

Carefully tucking his Oakley sunglasses on the front of his fitted t-shirt, he turned toward the door prepared to surprise her, only to be surprised himself.

"Ummm. Man, I'm sorry." as he glanced back toward the unit number. "I thought Olivia Parker lived here." taking in the undressed appearance of the heavily inked man standing in front of him with what he could only assume was a loaded gun.

Happy stood there silently wondering who the fuck this man was. Shaggy hair, worn jeans and fitted t-shirt covering some visible ink on his arms. How the hell does he know her? Is this the ex? The two questions kept looping through his mind as he stood blocking the doorway.

Her head instantly turned toward the door as soon as she heard that voice. Forgetting her want of the leftover chicken fried rice, she quickly made her way around the corner to see for her own eyes.

"Travis?" she called out watching as her brother looked over Happy's shoulder.

"Hey Sweets." he replied taking note of her matching attire with her guest, seeing the bald man move slightly out the way.

She squealed as she made her way to him, instantly wrapping her arms around his shoulders as the tears fell. He was safe. He was home and he was safe, two things she constantly prayed for. "I can't believe you're here." as she squeezed him tighter.

Closing his eyes at the peace she always brought him, he couldn't help but glance back toward the man standing in his sisters home. "Home and in one peace, Sweets." as he felt her pull back to look at him.

"Everyone whole?" she asked worried about the other three.

"All good." looking down at his beautiful sister, his half naked wearing only a towel sister. His sister who had half naked company. Giving a nod toward her present state of dress, "How about a robe?"

The shock of seeing him standing in front of her had her forgetting that she was practically naked. That and the fact that she was standing in her foyer with her brother and a semi-naked biker who her beloved Travis knew nothing about. Looking down at her sage green towel, "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." as she turned and ran toward her bedroom. Quickly throwing on her pink robe, she walked back down the hall seeing her brother and Happy standing silently together. Noticing the smirk on her brother's face she knew she had to make introductions, always remembering her Southern manners.

"Happy, this is my brother Travis and Travis, this is Happy." praying her brother would not go into super soldier mode.

Sensing his sister's silent plea, he extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Looking at her first, he turned back toward the man who he now knew as her brother and shook his hand. "You too." Realizing him standing there half naked could be awkward for Olivia, he turned headed for her bedroom, leaving the reunited siblings alone.

"I still can't believe you're here." she repeated as she hugged him again.

Laughing at her usual enthusiasm at seeing him, "Yeah, thought I'd surprise you." as he wiped a single tear off her cheek. "Anything new?" he teased watching her blush at his question.

Punching him slightly in the arm, she was quickly thinking of how to change the subject, when she heard Happy walk back into the room, now dressed except his cut. Watching as he slipped back into outlaw biker mode, she found herself hoping that he wasn't mad about her unexpected guest and not sure if he would just walk out. With her still standing near the door, he would have to walk past her when he left. Suddenly nervous, she pulled the belt on her robe tighter as he came closer.

Travis felt like an odd third wheel as he watched a member of the Sons of Anarchy walk toward his sister. It was clear to him that the man wasn't in her condo using her shower, but as her brother, there were things he didn't want to think about. Walking toward the far wall of windows, he took in the view not wanting to make the situation weirder than it already was.

Slipping his piece in the back of his pants, he walked slowly toward her standing by the door. She actually looked a little nervous as she messed with the tie on her robe. Glancing back toward the living room, he bent down so his mouth was lightly grazing her ear. "I'll see ya."

She couldn't do anything but shake her head in agreement as he walked out the door, closing it behind him. A sudden feeling of uneasiness washed through her as she looked over toward her brother. Pushing the uncomfortable thought from her mind, she refocused on the wonderful person now staring back at her.

"So what's new, Sweets?" he simply couldn't help himself.