Chapter 23

They had final arrived at their destination after and eventful ride. They had been pulled over riding through Eden and it was clear that the pull over from the cops was pre-targeted and that was only confirmed when Juice had spoken to Baroksy, the 'incident' hadn't been reported, there was no one looking at them and after the stunt that Juice had pulled, beating the shit out of one of the copes, stealing the police bike and then using that bike to cause a crash on their get away. If it had been genuine there would have been a report.

Although Juice's out burst and actions were extreme the fact that they touched his bike and currently still had his bike any biker would take that personally but Juice's reaction went to another level and it worried Jax. It was like Juice was trying to prove himself but he didn't need to and that sort of behaviour could endanger them all. Jax would speak to him but right now he needed to focus on today.

Walking up the path Jury approached him. It has been a long time since they had seen one another and they quickly embraced one another in a hug.

Jury was like family to him and Nicole. That was proved when Nicole went running straight to Jury and he took her in no questions asked. Jury had also trusted Jax when it came to patching over the Devils tribe.

"Good to see you, Jax." Jury spoke as they pulled away from the hug.

"You too, Jury."

"That flash look good on your chest." Jury spoke regarding the President patch.

"Just trying to live up to it you know." Jury's arm rested on his shoulder as he gave it a squeeze.

"You are." And both men knew that they were referring to JT. "I know were going to discuss at the table." All Charter presidents when being asked to gather here had been told about the explosion but that was all the details that they got. It was good seeing the rest of the guys all here and safe but it did make him think about Nicole.

"Nicole was she ok?"

Jax looked over his shoulder at Happy. He thought about telling Jury about the baby but decided quickly that it wasn't his place to say. "She's good." Jax spoke looking back Jury. But this time Jax's attention was drawn over Jury's shoulder and this caused Jury to turn around. Jury knew who had caught his attention. Bobby.

"He asked to come. I figured it made sense."

"It's all good."

Jax stepped around Jury and headed towards Booby. He nodded to Quinn, West and Montag who were standing behind Bobby who was now approaching him. Jax would be lying if he said he didn't find it hard seeing Bobby. They had not ended on the best of terms, Bobby had handed in his VP patch and left after what Jax saw as betrayal when it felt like he chose Clay. But Bobby was still a Son. And although it looked like he might not be a part of Samcro for much longer Jax still had to respect him and although it felt hard it was good to see him.

"Good to see you brother."

"You too." Jax stepped into a hug which Bobby returned. "Glad you came."

"Can you give me some time afterwards. Got something I wanna talk to you about."

"Sure."

Clay sat at the table. He was surprised to have a visitor so soon. After what those guards had forced Gemma to do Clay didn't know what to expect or rather who would be walking through the doors. If Gemma had told Jax then Clay wouldn't be surprised if his step son would come here to threatened him for not doing more to protect her, and he would be right to do so. Clay should have killed them regardless of what they would have done to him, so he would take whatever this visit was going to be.

The buzzer sounded and the visitors started to enter. As the people parted he was surprised seeing a very nervous looking Nicole standing in the doorway.

Clay quickly got to his feet but stopped approaching her when he heard his name being shouted out by the guard. He glanced back at Nicole who eyes were also on the guard before they returned to his.

Clay took a seat at the table, he motioned for her to take the seat opposite him. She shifted awkwardly on the spot before walking over and taking the seat.

Clay took her in, she looked good, but he never expected to see her again, especially after Jax had told him as much, so he was confused to see her and then he thought about Gemma. Was something wrong?

"Is everything ok? Gemma..."

"Gemma's fine." Nicole snapped before he could finish his sentence. Clay nodded, he understood her anger so he tried to calm the situation.

"You look good..."

"Im not here for small talk Clay." Clay shook his head as a smile pursed his lips. Her temper was just like her Aunts.

"Then why are you here princess."

"Don't call me that." Nicole whispered. Nicole's felt breathless, maybe this was a bad idea she shouldn't be here. She wanted to get out of here so with a quick look around her and noticed that the guards were staring at her.

Clay noticed her looking round and that her eyes finally came to rest on the guards. It made Clay's skin crawl. It was one of the guards that were in that room with him and Gemma. "Ignore them." Nicole eyes went back to Clay. "Why are you here?" He asked for a second time.

"Irish blew up the clubhouse."

"What?"

"They smuggled in C-4 in a beer delivery."

"Christ." Clay wiped a hand over his face. "Is everyone whole, is this why Gemma isn't..."

"I said before Gemma is fine." Nicole reassured. "They timed the bomb to go off when there was a full table. It was a hit."

Clay nodded. But if Gemma was ok, if Jax was ok then why was she here telling him this. Jax had told him when he had tried to get her to visit that she would not be coming round ever, basically the relationship was dead, yet here she was.

"Why are you here telling me this?"

"Gemma's with Nero." She spoke firmly. "She loves him Clay whatever you think you is there whatever you are trying to hold onto it's gone." Nicole knew that her words would Clay but she didn't care. "And you're right I don't want to be here."

"Then why are you?" Even though she wanted to be as far away from him as she could Nicole moved closer, her voice lowered.

"To tell you that Jax wants you to move forward with the offer."

"That makes sense."

"So will you do it?" Clay looked at Nicole. Clay wanted this, wanted the deal with Galen not just for the club but for his own future so he would do this.

Just as Clay was about to respond he was cut off when the voices from the table next to them became raised.

Nicole's looked over her shoulder at the raised voices. Her attention was brought back to Clay when she felt his hand on hers. Nicole quickly pulled her hand from beneath his but as she did this all hell broke lose behind her.

The inmate flew over the table landing at her feet. Nicole shot up as the other guys lunged to be ontop of him. Nicole stepped back but hit the bench and then but as they struggled on the floor Nicole felt an arm wrap around her pulling her from the fight erupting before her.

Everything around them was turning into chaos, more inmates were getting involved in the fight but Nicole just found herself looking at Clay or rather the hand that now lay on her stomach. He knew and even if he was just suspicious she was sure her face and her reaction at pulling his hand from her stomach would confirm all and any suspicion that he had.

But before either of them could say anything Nicole was grabbed by a guard causing both of their attention away from one another.

For Clay it was instinctive. The guard that took Nicole was one of the guards that had struck him and forced Gemma to have sex with him. He moved forward to pull his hand off of Nicole but the guard just smiled pulling Nicole closer.

"Easy Morrow. All visitors need to leave. I'll look after her." Nicole looked between the two men and she could instantly tell that there was something there.

"Clay." Their eyes connected he shook her head. Last thing the club needed was Clay getting locked in solitary. "I'm ok."

And with those last words Nicole was pulled out of the room along with the rest of the visitors.

As she was ushered down the hallway with everyone else Nicole quickly realised that the guard still had hands on her and she was the only one who was being forcibly ushered out.

"So what's your connection with Morrow?"

Nicole stopped and looked up to the guard who had now also come to a stop.

"What's that got to do with you?" Nicole felt his grip tighten. "I'm his niece." Nicole responded not wanting to clearly annoy this guard anymore. It wasn't worth it. But her answer caused a sick smile to appear on his face before he leaned in closer his mouth pressing against her ear. His breath hot on her skin it made her feel sick.

"You must take after that MILF of an aunt." Nicole knew that he was referring to Gemma and there was something about the way he said it that sent a shiver through her whole body. She tried to pull away but he pulled her back to him. "She looked so good but I bet you would look better."

Nicole pulled away again this time more forcibly and she was able to put some space between them but he never let go, well that was until another hand reached out for her.

Lorca had been sat in the reception like area. He was sat across from the gate that Nicole had disappeared through.

His knee was bouncing up and down while he sat there. He was uneasy about this whole situation but this was what happened in Charming. Being the mother charter they were always hit harder. Now he didn't know Nicole that well but he knew Happy and he cared for this girl a lot but trouble seemed to follow her and the fact that she was carrying Hap's kid was putting the extra pressure on him to make sure that she didn't get into any shit. But when he heard the alarm kick in and then visitors started rushing out, Lorca cursed to himself. There was that god damn trouble that just seemed to follow the princess of Samcro.

Getting to his feet Lorca tried to get eyes on Nicole but at first he couldn't see her and then finally he saw her but it wasn't what he wanted to see.

Forcing his way through the people even though a guard tried to stop him Lorca got to Nicole. The guard had his hands on her so Lorca reached out for her and pulled her to him and free of the guards grasp.

The guard looked at him but Lorca just stared him down and when the guard broke eye contact with him and took a step back Lorca started ushering Nicole out of the prison.

They walked in silence till Lorca got her in the truck.

"You ok?" He watched as she just nodded. "What happened in there?"

"Fight broke out." Nicole spoke simply.

"You cause it?" Lorca smirked as Nicole her head snapped towards him in shock. "What? It's not a far stretch to think you caused a prison riot." His smile grew when he noticed a smile appear on her face. "You really ok though. That guard..."

"The guard clearly has beef with Clay."

"He hurt you?" He watched Nicole shift in her seat clearly not wanting to answer the question. "Nicole?"

"No." Nicole finally spoke as she looked at Lorca "I'm ok." Lorca nodded this time but he wasn't sure he believed her. "Can you take me to Diosa?"

"Sure."

"Lorca. can you not say anything to Hap about the guard." Lorca shook his head.

"Sorry sweetheart got strict instructions. Hap wants to know everything and uh I'm not going to lie to a brother." Nicole sighed.

"Not exactly asking you to lie."

"Kind of are."

"Fine."

And after that they never spoke another word.

Jax took a deep drag of his cigarette. The meeting couldn't have gone better, He had feared the reaction, asking the other charters to support getting out of guns was a big ask. The money was good but it didn't come without risk and casualties.

He had explained how Redwood were going into legitimate business, although the other charters were free to earn how they wanted Jax offered support to any charter wanting to go down that route, but guns were out.

The news brought on silence but that was broken by pounding on the table. It was a show of solidarity, support and Jax had to admit it took his breath away.

He loved this brotherhood.

Blowing out the smoke Jax felt that finally he was on the right path, he was doing what he had promised Tara the club was going legit. And not only that he had the full support of his brothers.

"That was some powerful stuff in there." Jax looked over his shoulder to see Bobby approaching him.

"Thanks. I see you posse'd up. That your Nomad crew?" Jax asked as Bobby came to stand in front of him.

"I guess that's the buzz around the charters." Booby shook his head, he could tell Jax was pissed with him and it's because he thought there was something else going on here. "We gossip more than teenage girls."

Jax smirked, it was true but this was one rumour that he didn't like hearing. Bobby was family and knowing that he was going to loose him hurt. So when he watched Bobby pull out some papers from inside his cut Jax knew that these rumours were true. Bobby was abandoning Samcro, he was abandoning him.

"This your transfer." It wasn't really a question.

"No not my transfer. Theirs. Quinn, Montez and West. Hopper got spooked by the explosion." Jax looked over the three sets of transfer papers.

"You've been recruiting for Samcro?" Jax asked looking from the papers to Bobby.

"Yeah. We'll ride back with you. Guys can vote on it?"

Jax shook his head in disbelief.

Bobby could see the surprise on Jax's face. He closed the gap between them. "I ripped that flash off because I didn't know how to help you in that way any more. I hand-picked these guys because they're loyal, smart and they've got families and they're hard working. It's exactly what this charter needs. This ain't no power grab. I got no interest in the gavel or a new patch. I'm doing it because I love this club, and I love you."

Jax couldn't stop the smile on his face before he embraced Bobby. How had he ever doubted the man in front of him. He had known Bobby his whole life , Bobby was Samcro and Jax should have known that he wouldn't have bailed on this club on him but he had been blinded by his hate towards Clay. He wouldn't let that happen again.

Gemma was just about to head into Diosa when she heard another car pulling in behind her. It was Nicole's truck but she wasn't driving it.

Gemma watched as Nicole got out of the truck but Lorca remained inside.

"New bodyguard?" Gemma asked as Nicole approached.

Her Aunts words stung a little bit because it made Nicole think about Phil. "Something like that." She answered.

"Where have you two been?"

"To see Clay." And there it was. Gemma's eyes went wide and Nicole could see the panic. Nicole closed the gap between them. "What happened between you and Clay?"

"Nothing." Gemma lied as she tried to compose herself.

"No don't do that. The guard..."

"You can't go there again." Gemma demanded.

"What happened?" She watched Gemma's eyes go over her shoulder. Nicole saw Lorca getting out the truck but Nicole placed up her hand up signalling him to stop. He nodded but didn't get back in the truck. Nicole looked back at Gemma. "Tell me. No bullshit. What did Clay do?"

"The money just paid for the room. It didn't cover the time."

"I don't, understand..." Nicole spoke confused.

"When I went to leave two of the guards wouldn't let me. Said the money they had wasn't enough and I needed to make up the difference. They wanted to watch me have sex with Clay. If I didn't then one of them would see to me."

"Gem..." Gemma shook her head hating the sympathy that she saw in Nicoles eyes.

"Clay tried to stop it but...I didn't have a choice."

Nicole went to go and hug but Gemma stepped back stopping her. Nicole watched as Gemma sucked back the tears and straighten herself. Nicole also followed her eyeline that had shifted over her shoulder. Lorca was looking at both of them and even with the distance she could see the furrowed brow, the intrigue cigarette now in hand. Nicole looked back to Gemma and understood why she wasn't letting herself go.

"You can't bring this to Jax." Gemma spoke firmly

"Jax needs to know about this."

"No. This would stir up that hate. Club needs Clay. Guessing the reason you went there was to get him to help with the Irish."

"Yeah, but..."

"But nothing. Club needs to focus on this Irish shit. No one needs this distraction, plus I can handle it. Only thing I want you to promise me is that you don't go back there. You stay away from Clay."

"I'll only agree if you promise you will not take any more conjugal visits and if Jax asks you tell him. You tell him what happened." Gemma smirked at her niece. She was trained well, so she nodded in agreement.

"Think your bodyguard is getting a little impatient." Nicole looked over her shoulder to Lorca his eyes still transfixed on them.

"He'll be fine. How about we go inside and get you a drink. You can have one for me."

"Sounds good."

It was late. Later than he had been planned but after the shit that happened on their ride through Eden, tonight after the meet with the other charters they had to get back what belonged to them, belonged to Juice his ride.

Lorca had dropped him a call to say he had dropped Nicole off home. He also told him about the prison fight, the guard grabbing Nicole and then the interaction between Gemma and Nicole . Looked like his girl had had an eventful day but Lorca wasn't able to give was why. Why the guard grabbed her, why it seemed that her and Gemma were upset. Everything Lorca told him was every reason why he didn't want her going today.

Kicking off his boots in the kitchen he walked through the darkness in house. He could see the light sneaking through the bottom of her door.

He carefully pushed the door open and there she was asleep wrapped under the covers.

He took a seat next to her. His finger reaching out and moving a piece of hair. He noticed her hair was getting lighter. As he moved the hair from her face he let his thumb rub over her cheek.

He watched her stir, moving closer to his touch. He loved that even in sleep she knew his touch. He had never had anyone love him like Nicole. He lent down bringing his lips to hers. She reacted gently kissing him back.

"Hmmmmmm..." She hummed against his lips as her eyes slowly fluttered open. "Hey."

"Hey." He mirrored as their lips met again this time in a more lingering kiss.

Nicole was surprised by the affection but she wasn't going to stop it especially after their conversation last night. She was scared that she had lost him.

As he felt her deepen the kiss Happy had to stop himself from getting carried away. So he pulled away sitting back up, he didn't miss the sadness in her eyes. But there was something that he wanted her to see. He reached into his cut and pulled out an envelope handing it to her. He could see her hesitation.

"Open it." He rasped.

Nicole took the envelope and opened it. As she looked inside her eyes shot back to Happy's. "Hap what is this?"

"Well you said somethin' bout there bein' no ring." Nicole recalled her own words but this was the last thing she expected.

"You really want to marry me?" Nicole spoke barely above a whisper.

Happy took back the envelope and tipped it upside down so the ring fell into his palm. The ring was a brushed silver, aged, the stone in the middle was black.

"It was my Moms. If you dont linke it..."

"I love it." And she really did.

"When the kids out i'll be putting my ink on you, making you my old lady." Happy spoke firmly.

"Hap..."

"You know what that means Nic." Nicole nodded. Many Sons had married but it was making someone their Old Lady that was the real commitment, the real show of loyalty. Giving a woman your ink showed to everyone that you were his and he was yours.

So knowing that, and knowing how serious Happy was about her, Nicole didn't know why she was struggling with him wanting to marry her, why she was doubting that this was what he wanted.

"This." Happy held up the ring. "This is to show everyone that your mine. Show you."

Nicole reached out taking the ring from his hand. She looked at the ring before sliding it on to her left hand, onto her ring finger. It was a little bit to big but it was perfect.

"That a yes?" Nicole looked up at Happy and nodded before throwing herself towards him her arms wrapping around his neck kissing him deeply. "I love you Hap." She spoke against his lips.

"You better."