I look up at him and his grey eyes narrow. He strokes my hair, moving it from my face. His arms are still around me; the music is still playing. He leans closer, and I can hardly breathe, I have wanted this for so long, wanted him for so long. He grazes a kiss over my cheeks, then over my chin until finally he touches my mouth. Oh. His lips move softly, they are wet and plump; they feel so perfect against mine.

I reach up to tangle my hands through his hair; I want to feel it, I want to feel all of him. I open my mouth and let his tongue slide into it, I let it graze across mine. I can taste him now, and oh he tastes sensational. Like beer, and Travis, and all the beautiful things a man can taste like wrapped up in one. I can smell the ocean on his skin, I could get lost in him and never...ever be afraid...

"Hey."

I open my eyes.

"Do you remember it Trav?"

"Every damned minute of it."

"I never had a kiss like that again, never felt for anyone what I felt for you in that moment."

"I remember the day you left Trav, it haunts me. You know that day; I was bringing you a card I made for your birthday. I had this bracelet; I spent hours on it and when I got to my dad's house you were...gone."

I wonder if he will love this bracelet. God what if he hates it? What if he runs? We are friends; he would be nice even if he hated it right? I walk up the stairs to Chief's house, knowing Travis will be here. He wasn't at his house, so I figure this would be the only other place he is. My father doesn't know of Travis and my relationship, he has no clue at all. We hide everything...

"Mischief, baby girl what you doin here?" Chief asks from the front porch.

"I was just bringing Trav his birthday present."

Chief's face falls. "Trav ain't here baby girl."

"Oh, where is he then?"

"He is gone."

"Gone?"

"He left a note, said he has left and not to follow him. New York. Stupid idiot just went and left, not an explanation, nothing."

My heart breaks, then and there, it just tears in half. My lips tremble, but I force a smile on my face.

"Oh I will just go on and post it then."

"I don't have his address darlin."

"Oh, well when he returns I will give it to him."

"Alright baby. Where you headed?"

I have turned on the path and am walking down the steps.

"I have to meet up with a friend, I was just dropping this off on my way past." I say, forcing a smile.

"Come and visit your old dad tomorrow?"

"Ok daddy."

I turn and walk down the street, when I am far enough away, I fall to my knees and I scream...

"Hey, baby, I am so sorry."

"You just left me Trav, you never even said goodbye."

"I had no choice."

"You couldn't have given me a note, a hug, anything?"

"I couldn't because you would have wanted me to stay, and seeing you beg would have broken me. I wasn't giving you a chance to be yourself, to move on and find love..."

"I never did anyway." I whisper.

"If I could change it..."

"Well you can't." I say, standing.

I walk out into his kitchen and glance down at my phone. I had better check in with Mom.

Hey Mom, how are you feeling today?

Sore honey, but I am getting on. How are you?

I am ok, with Trav.

Are you safe?

As safe as can be.

And has Caden gotten closer to finding those...monsters.

I don't know, I am swinging by this afternoon to see him.

Please don't stay long, and take Travis.

I am ok Mom. How's Gran?

She is well, she misses you like crazy.

Me too. I should go, I love you ok?

Ok angel. Love you too.

Trav walks into the room, and he is giving me a pained look.

"I am going to visit Chief."

"Alright, let me get dressed."

"I can go alone."

"That ain't going to happen and you know it."

I sigh. "Ok."

"Mischief, don't hate me forever. I can't take back what I did to you, but I can give you all I have now. Don't go being mad at me..."

I take his face in my hands. "I am not mad at you Trav, it just hurts."

"I'm sorry."

"I know. Come on, I will wait for you to get dressed."

He nods and walks out. He is dressed and ready in minutes, and we are on his bike and zooming down the freeway. We pull up at Chief's house and see the club members have settled in for the night. They are all drinking on the porch, laughing and chatting. I get off the bike and smile at them all as I walk in.

"Well hi there Mischief." Ken says.

"Hi Ken, is Chief around?"

"Inside banging that no good woman."

I shudder. "God, I need to do something about that."

"Right there with you." He winks.

"How's your Ma?" Bill asks.

"Good Bill, thanks."

"Good to hear girl."

"I am going to slam a few doors and interrupt Chief's fuck fest."

"I wouldn't do that if I was you girl, he is going at it right on the lounge."

"God, he is so gross. CHIEF, CHIEF!" I scream.

"Mischief, what the fuck?" I hear him yell from inside.

"Get on out here!"

He walks out a moment later with only jeans on; he is panting and his chest is covered in sweat.

"Dad, gross..."

"What you doin here?"

"Oh so I'm not welcome now?"

He runs his hands through his hair as Jaq walks out. She steps beside him and glares down at me.

"Oh, ruining a good moment just like her mother did...getting raped and bashed while we were having a good time. What is with your girls Chief?"

I have my gun out of my purse in a split second, and I am holding it up towards her.

"What the fuck did you say?"

"Whoa there, baby settle down." Travis says, he has stayed quiet until now.

"What the fuck did you say about my mother you no good piece of shit?"

"Mischief, put the gun down baby." Chief says, putting his hands out.

"She is bad mouthing Momma," I scream. "You will never be good enough for him, you will always be second best, you will never compare to her, and you know it you trash heap."

"And yet he is fucking me you snot nosed little..."

I pull the leaver and the gun loads.

"Mischief, baby..."

"She won't do it Chief." Jaq snaps.

"Don't put it past her, I taught the girl to shoot myself, and she is a damned good aim with that thing."

"Take it back you filthy piece of shit." I snarl.

"I ain't done nothing wrong."

"Fucking take it back Jaq, NOW!" Chief roars.

"I take it back, Jesus."

"Put it down baby."

"She didn't mean it." I whisper, my hand trembles.

"Hey," Trav has his arms around my waist, I didn't even notice. "Come on, give it to me."

His hand slides out over my arm and he grips the gun, he twists it, and it is out of my hands in a second. Everyone seems to breathe a sigh of relief.

"You ever speak about my Momma again, I will not hesitate, I assure you." I hiss.

"Jaq, go home." Chief orders.

"I didn't do nothing."

"You disrespected her Momma; you stepped over the fucking line now get the fuck out of my house, and if you ever insult my daughter or her mother again I will personally plug a bullet in your brain!"