Alianna stirred in her sleep lightly as she felt someone's warm hand run through her hair. She groaned lightly and turned onto her side. Jax chuckled and rubbed her back, she had slept restlessly last night, he woke up many times to lull her back sleep.

"Alianna, come on, we need to leave," Jax murmured as he continued rubbing her back.

Alianna sighed and rolled over onto her back, her stomach filled with butterflies as he rubbed it. She looked at him, her eyes bloodshot and her head was pounding but she knew that they were on schedule.

"Morning," she murmured before sitting up. She leaned against his shoulder, unsurprised to find him dressed in his suit already. "How much time do I have?"

"An hour," Jax replied before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Your bags are in the foyer already, except your carry on."

Alianna nodded before breathing in the scent of his cologne. "Thank you, I'll be out in thirty." Jax chuckled before leaving her.

Alianna took as long as she could afford getting ready this morning. Over the couple of weeks, the penthouse had become her home and even though she was used to packing up and leaving at a moment's notice, it hurt and saddening her to leave her sanctuary. She threw on a simple pair of black jeans, a flowy top paired with some easy slip on ankle boots and her trench coat. She packed whatever she needed into her carry on and slipped out the door.

Rex, Evan and Jax looked up as Alianna walked in. Rex and Evan fought to hide their smiles as she immediately gravitated to Jax's side and curled her arm around his. Jax wrapped his arm around her and passed her cup of coffee for her. Alianna leaned into Jax as he continued talked to Evan and Rex.

Evan pulled out his phone as it beeped, "They're downstairs. Let's go."

Alianna hung back as they walked out. Jax was still dominating the conversation but stopped when he did not sense Alianna next to him. "I'll meet you downstairs," he said shortly, looking out at the crestfallen girl.

Alianna sighed as she felt Jax's arms wind around her waist. "This penthouse, was just starting to feel like home," she said sadly. "It's my fault we have to leave."

Jax rest his head on top of hers, "It's not your fault. At all." He spun her around gently so she could bury her face in his chest. "And, I'm taking you to a place that hopefully, you would consider, being a home."

Alianna sighed and pulled back, slipping her hand into his as she shouldered her bag and let Jax lead her downstairs. Jax rubbed the back of her hand, trying to comfort her. Jax held her close as they cut through the crowd to the exit. Alianna slipped into the back seat only to bump against Evan who also sat there. She glared at him as Jax slid in. Jax eyed the two of them, wondering if he should take the middle instead.

"I'm okay with this once you don't stab me in the side," Evan said seriously. He had pulled the short straw which meant Rex got shotgun.

"I make no promises," Alianna replied making Jax smile as he placed his arm around her as she fiddled with his free hand.

~

The airport was thrumming with activity as she, Jax and company stood at the entrance as the bags were unloaded. If she were alone, Alianna could have easily blended in among the bodies but she was surround by seven men in suits who surprisingly did not attract as much attention as she expected.

"Follow me and stay alert," Jax murmured to her. Though it was thoughtless, unwise and ostentatious, he wouldn't put it past L'iiblis to attack at the airport. They moved through the crowd heading to the VIP check in counter. Alianna looked around as Jax talked to the attendant. She had left any documents that Marino had created for her in the dingy apartment she lived in but she did not question anything Jax created for her, she knew he knew what he was doing.

They did not have to wait as airport security led them straight past customs and to the gate reserved for private jets boarding. Alianna was thankful that they did not check their luggage as hers had guns and ammunition, not to mention containers of liquids that were way more than three ounces. She shielded her eyes from the early morning sun as they walked to the small jet.

"Welcome aboard Mr Boveri," the flight attendant greeted.

Jax nodded and tugged Alianna gently along to the seats near the table as everyone else boarded. Alianna ran her hand along the seat as she looked outside. She shrugged off her trench coat as the cabin door closed as the captain announced their departure. She tightened her seat belt as the jet taxied down the runway. Jax fingers intertwined with hers as the jet entered the air.

The cabin was silent as the flight attendant served breakfast and drinks before retreating into the cockpit. Instantly the men relaxed, smiling as they opened up their breakfasts. Alianna grinned as she saw warm pancakes and sausages. She poured a glass of orange juice for herself and a coffee for Jax. He kissed her temple in thanks as they began talking between themselves.

"Do you enjoy flying?" Jax asked as he bit into his pancakes.

"I tolerate it," Alianna answered. "I don't enjoy it nor hate it. It's just necessary."

"Compared to driving or sailing, I prefer it," Jax added.

"I've never been on a boat," Alianna said thoughtfully. "Unless you count a dinghy through the swamp sailing."

Jax chuckled, "One day I'll take you out on my yacht."

Alianna eyed Jax, "A plane, a yacht and a very impressive car collection. What don't you have Jax?"

"Someone to share it with," Jax murmured before kissing her forehead. 

Alianna sighed happily before their moment was interrupted as someone cleared their throat. Rex looked down apologetically at the pair of murderous glares as he held up a file. Jax sighed and rubbed his temple before gesturing for Rex to sit. Alianna saw sheets of figures and immediately slipped out of her seat.

Jax laughed loudly as Alianna slipped of her boots and curled up on the couch and looked out began drifting off, something Jax noticed as the numbers began swimming on the page.

He sat next to her on the couch, the others were resting, once they touched down everyone needed to be functioning at 100%. Alianna watched as Jax slipped off his suit jacket. Jax picked her up and she sighed happily as she buried her face in his neck. Jax smiled and he slipped her hand under her blouse as he rubbed her back. Pretty soon, she drifted off to sleep.

~

"Darling," Jax whispered lowly into Alianna's ear. She was startled awake, making Jax tighten his grip around her. Alianna looked around frantically, her pulse racing. She let out a sigh of relief but turned her head to glare sleepily at Jax.

"Don't you ever do that again," she growled. The hair on his arms rose slightly making him smile; this was the first time she ever threatened him and it was over sleep. She noticed that they were in a stationary SUV. "Where are we?"

"At the hotel," Jax replied. "Yes, you did sleep through everything," Alianna shut her mouth, leave it to Jax to know what she was going to ask, "and I didn't have the heart to wake you up. The other have gone ahead to make sure the coast is clear. Naveen is outside as guard."

Alianna detangled herself from Jax's embrace and stretched as much as she could in the backseat of the car. She looked outside and her lips parted in surprise as she saw the stretch of white sand and the waves crashing on the shore.

"Is that the sea?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, it is," Jax replied. He studied her eyes, filled with wonder and delight. "You've never been to the beach." It was a statement, not a question, as the fact was evident by her amazement.

"I've stayed closed to and deposited bodies on the beach," Alianna replied softly, "but yes, I've never been to the beach."

Jax rest his hand on hers, capturing her attention, "Once I am certain we're not in any immediate danger, we can venture out. Right now, I'm afraid we're confined to the hotel."

Alianna nodded in understanding. Miami was a stronghold to both the Boveri family and their enemies. She opened her mouth to say something but Naveen tapped on the glass, signalling that they were safe. Jax smiled and kissed her forehead, she knew they will have that talk later. Naveen opened the door and Jax helped her out.

Alianna looked up in slight awe at the hotel for a moment before a slight squeeze on her hand propelled her legs forward. Jax smiled as they entire the lobby, he could practically hear Alianna's eyes sweeping the crowded lobby, analysing every person in here.

"Welcome back Mr Boveri," the receptionist greeted them. Jax grinned and passed his and Alianna's credentials, well the ones he had created for her. Alianna noticed how the receptionist kept looking at Jax, batting her eyelashes and moving extremely slow; it amused and infuriated her.

"You are both checked in," the receptionist said after some time.

"The regular arrangements?" Jax asked without sparing her a glance.

"Yes Sir."

"Very good," Jax brought Alianna's hand to his lips, "let's go darling."

Alianna bit the inside of her cheek to hide her smile and laughter as Jax led her to the elevators. She caught a glimpse of Naveen waiting to be checked in before the elevator doors closed.

"Former flame?" she asked as they ascended in silence.

Jax snort-laughed, "More like Evan's one night stand. She thinks she can rub shoulders with us because of it."

Alianna laughed lightly before standing in front of Jax, "Do you own this hotel?"

Jax smiled and pulled her closer, "Just the casino, the general club and the VIP club. My deal with the owner was that I'll open those in this hotel if one of the residential suites would always be kept free for my use."

"What are the regular arrangements?"

"We get one of the residential suites with an oceanfront view while Naveen and the others occupy the other rooms on the same floor."

"Are Evan and Rex staying with us?" Alianna tilted her head in surprise. She had noticed that they were not here.

"No, they have their own homes to go to."

This piqued Alianna's curiosity even more, especially since Jax kept his eyes resolutely focused on the digital display rather than on her. "Do you have a house here?" she asked slowly.

"I do," Jax replied. "But I stay here when I have business to attend to."

"Like the cocktail function?" Alianna stated. "The one the owner of the hotel is hosting to celebrate the renewal of the contract you signed last year?" She smirked as Jax looked down at her sardonically and impressed. "When I am asleep, my eyes are closed, not my ears."

Jax chuckled and held her hand, "You're right, I have a couple of business functions to attend to. However, we'll talk more about that once we're settled in." The elevator doors opened and they stepped out, walking down to the furthermost door.

Jax smiled and opened the door, letting Alianna go in first. Immediately she gravitated to the window in the living room which granted them a sea view. She glanced around at the living room and kitchen. It was small and kind of unsettled her, she knew she can hide out her but not stay too long.

She felt hands on her waist but she didn't jump. She had gotten used to Jax's embraces now, something that pleased them both.

"Your bags are in your room," Jax said as Alianna nestled her head into the crook of his neck. "Whenever you are settled in, come to me, okay?"

Alianna nodded and turned around as the warmth of his body left hers. She watched as he disappeared into his room. She rubbed her shoulders and sighed, unable to shake the feeling of being alone.

~

Alianna sat crossed legged on the king-sized bed watching Jax as he finished a call out on the balcony. She had freshened up and into a skirt and crop top.

She chuckled a little, remembering a conversation she and Jax over dinner one night. He had commented on her collection of skirts and dresses, something he found unusual for a woman with her personality. She had laughed and explained how much easier it was to hide a gun or knife in a skirt rather than jeans.

The mattress dipped a little as Jax lay down next to her. He had kicked off his shoes and socks and unbuttoned the first couple of buttons of his shirt. Her cheeks flushed lightly as she remembered how his bare skin felt against hers last night and noted that he had not changed out of his clothes since their arrival.

"Lie back with me," he patted the mattress and Alianna obliged, resting on her side so she could look at him.

Jax sighed, "As you probably surmised, things are going to be a little bit stricter than how it was in New York." Alianna nodded, resting her head against the cool pillow.

"Always have some sort of weapon on you," Jax began, "whatever you want. We left your enemies in New York for now, but I brought you into arm's reach of mine."

"I would prefer if you stay in the hotel," Jax sighed, "but I'm not going to keep you prisoner here. If you would like to go into the town, take Naveen and someone else with you. Even when you're in the hotel, make sure some of my men are around you."

"I just know Naveen and the others," Alianna said, her finger instinctively brushing some hair out of his eyes. "When am I going to meet the rest?"

"Tomorrow," Jax sighed relaxing against the mattress, it was late in the afternoon after a very long day and night and his business constantly needed to be attended to. He looked over at Alianna, watching the internal war with herself.

"Can I sleep here?" Alianna asked softly. She had spent some time in her room but couldn't stay in it.

Jax traced the side of her face lightly, "Of course you can."

"Can I sleep here with you?"

Jax looked up at Alianna whose eyes were shining back at him. He saw how much courage it took her to say this, how much she wanted him to say yes and the fear of what she'll feel if he said no.

"Is that what you want Alianna?"

Alianna smiled and nodded. She gasped in surprise as he pulled her to his chest. Her body relaxed against his instantly. Jax placed his gun on the nightstand before winding his arm around Alianna. He smiled and kissed her forehead before closing his eyes.