Jax was the first one awake the next morning. He smiled as he untangled himself from Alianna's arms. Her answering sigh told him that she would be awake soon.

Having Alianna at home with him last night was a piece of a puzzle he did not know he was missing. The peace he had felt having her near last night as she cooked dinner which they ate in the gazebo, taking in the beautiful ocean. He made a mental note to have the dinner table rearranged to face the water.

After freshening up, Jax pulled on a pair of shorts and jersey and walked out of the bathroom. He chuckled upon seeing Alianna still snuggled in bed, gone were the days where he would meet her sitting outside looking out at the ocean as she did at the hotel. She deserved the rest after all these years. Alianna smiled as Jax kissed her cheek, it was his way of inviting her down for breakfast.

"Morning Genevra," Jax grinned as he walked into the kitchen where the older woman was preparing breakfast.

Genevra washed her hands and smoothed back her gray locks. "Jax," she embraced the boy she looked after since his birth. "You look different."

Jax raised an eyebrow as he sat at the counter where the coffee maker was at work. "I didn't feel like shaving this morning," he rubbed his chin, feeling the stubble.

Genevra rolled her eyes, "It's not that. You look different, the house feels different. Things are different."

Jax smiled as he fixed his coffee, he knew how Generva felt and he knew the reason why was getting ready upstairs. "Things and time have changed."

"You can say that again," Genevra kept one eye on the pan of bacon and the other on Jax who had not outgrown his boyhood habit of stealing from the pan. "So when will I get to meet the lady of the house?"

Jax hid his smile, he loved how Genevra knew his intentions when it came Alianna. "In a couple of minutes," he sipped his coffee. "Listen, there's something you should know about Alianna."

The seriousness in Jax's voice made Genevra give him her full attention.

"Alianna hasn't had the easiest of lives. If you think our lives are hard and dangerous, she has been through hell. She doesn't trust people very easily so just give her some time."

Genevra nodded slowly, she was always very cautious about the people Jax associated with. She was naturally inclined to reserve her judgement on Alianna, given the fact that she was the first girl Jax ever brought home but there was a softness in Jax's voice that she had never heard before; this Alianna was someone special.

Jax looked up as the familiar sound of bare feet on marble reached his ears. Alianna stood warily at the entrance to the kitchen, capturing the attention of the two occupants. He extended his hand to her, Alianna nestled in his arms, her safety, while assessing the older woman in front of her.

"Alianna, this is Genevra. She has been taking care of me since I was born and she helped put together your closet and room. Genevra, this is Alianna, my rose."

"Nice to meet you," Alianna extended her hand, an action that surprised Jax. Genevra hesitated, shocked by Jax's endearment and thrown off by Alianna's formality but shook her hand.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Genevra smiled at the young woman.

Even without Jax's warning, she could see the vulnerability around Alianna, despite the mask of impassivity she held up. Genevra quickly finished cooking breakfast as Alianna and Jax talked quietly so she could give the couple their privacy. It warmed her heart to see how tender Jax was Alianna, a gentleness she had not seen since he took charge of the family.

Jax nodded as Genevra slipped out of the kitchen, leaving behind a breakfast spread and two plates. Alianna drifted to the table with her cup of tea in hand, she could feel Jax's gaze on her as she dished out their food. She hopped back up on the bar stool with the plates.

"What do you think of Genevra?" Jax asked quietly as they started eating.

"She's okay," Alianna murmured, she had decided to make an effort to like Genevra because she knew what it meant to Jax. "It will just be weird because I'm used to the two of us."

"Generva doesn't stay here all the time," Jax answered not bothering to hide his smile. "I can ask her just to come in the mornings. It's not going to be two of us for long, I'm calling Naveen out to work tomorrow."

"Naveen doesn't count," Alianna murmured as she sipped her tea. "Don't tell him I said that."

Jax chuckled as they talked and ate. One thing Alianna loved is that their conversations never died, they jumped from topic to topic easily. Talking with Jax fed an intellectual part of her that she did not know existed.

"Do you have stuff to do today?" Alianna asked as she started washing the dishes.

Jax wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "I do," he sighed wearily, "but I have plans for us tonight so wear something pretty."

Alianna tilted her head up to look at Jax. The last time she heard those words, their evening had taken a sour turn. Jax kissed her forehead to reassure her that things will be different this time.

Genevra stopped in her tracks as she entered the kitchen. She was going to clean up but the sight of Alianna wrapped in Jax's arms, there was no doubting Alianna's adoration and Jax's protectiveness. Genevra smiled before walking away, things in the Boveri family were going to change.

~

Alianna spent most of the day lounging in a hammock under the gazebo with a new book from Jax's personal library. It was quiet with the only sound being the wind rustling through the trees and blowing over the ocean. She knew Emilio was around, Patrick did not have the rank to come into Jax's home, but she did not see him. The openness and fresh air was a welcome change from the dark and small warehouse office.

A reminder lit her phone screen, making Alianna sigh but smile. Jax had checked in with her a couple hours ago, telling her to be ready for six o' clock. It was five o' clock now and the sun had just begun to set. She slipped inside and paused, grinning when she heard Emilio's footsteps a couple seconds later.

"I'll be in my room," she slipped out from her hiding place. She nodded in approval as Emilio remained generally unfazed, only his eyes betrayed his surprise. He nodded as she scampered off. It was no surprise that Naveen and Alianna got along so well, they both tested his patience in the same way.

After taking a shower, Alianna stood at the entrance to her walk-in closet, swaddled in a white fluffy robe. Numerous dresses were hung on the velvet racks in various cuts and styles that it was overwhelming. She never had to make such choices before.

She shuffled downstairs, trying to figure out where Genevra would be. Going on a hunch, Alianna headed towards the library, Jax had a small collection of paintings there and he had mentioned that Genevra's late husband was an artist.

"Genevra?" The older woman jumped at the sudden call of her name. Genevra placed her hand over her racing heart as she turned around, even more startled to find Alianna standing there in the shadows.

"Hello dear, is something wrong?" she smiled kindly.

Alianna rubbed her left arm, "I just need some advice. Jax has plans for us tonight but I'm at a loss for what to wear."

Genevra smiled, "Come on, let's see what Jax bought for you."

Alianna did a double take, "What Jax bought for me?"

"Yeah, he ordered almost everything item of clothing in your wardrobe. I just added in some necessities and collected all the orders."

"I didn't know," Alianna murmured, awed by Jax thoughtfulness.

"Has he told you anything where you will be going?" Genevra asked the two ladies stood in front the dress section.

"Not a clue." Alianna reached out for a sleek black number. It would fit her like a glove, something she did not want if she wanted to hide her knife and gun.

"I think something a bit looser might work," Genevra held up a baby blue maxidress and a white sundress. Alianna tilted her head as her eyes fixed onto the white dress. She hardly wore white as it made her stand out a lot.

Genevra chuckled as she replaced the other on the rack. "Do you need help with anything else?"

Alianna smiled as she shook her head, "Thank you." Genevra smiled and let herself out, it was a small interaction but a huge step in their relationship.

Alianna sat down at her vanity feeling slightly daunted at the selection and variety of products stocked in the drawers. She decided to keep her makeup simple, sticking to the basics and choosing light colours on her eyes and lips. She looked at her reflection as she took the newfound curler to her hair.

She used to gravitate towards darker colours before but now she felt free and it showed. A quick curl later and Alianna was slipping out of the white robe and into the white dress. She slid her phone and a round of ammunition into her clutch before fastening the straps of her white sandals and heading downstairs.

"Wow." Jax murmured as Alianna walked down the stairs. He had a tease right on the tip of his tongue about her punctuality but that flew out his mind when he saw her. Alianna blushed as she placed her hand in his and kissed it.

"You look handsome," she smiled. Her mouth felt dry as she took in his shirt and slacks outfit. It was something all men she had been around wore but only Jax was able to elicit such a reaction from her.

"I pale in comparison to you," Jax murmured making Alianna's cheeks burn and her breathing hitch as he captured her lips softly. Jax pulled her closer to him as his desire for her got the better of him after being away whole day.

Alianna touched her lips lightly as Jax pulled back. She looked up at him smirking at the now pinkish hue of her lipstick on his. Jax rolled his eyes before leading her to the garage. Alianna raised an eyebrow at the brand new car parked next to his BMW.

"Another addition to your collection?" she asked teasingly.

"Nope, this is yours," Jax smirked as the lights flashed and he opened the passenger door for her. "I'm just driving it for tonight."

"What do you mean this is mine?" Alianna asked quietly, staring at the black Audi.

"It is yours as in your name is on the insurance and you can drive it," Jax chuckled. "Come darling."

Alianna sat down in the passenger seat, marvelling at the leather interior as Jax got in. She had been taught how to drive way before the legal age to do so but never owned a vehicle of her own. Smooth acoustic music murmured through the speakers as Jax kept to the back roads and they talked about their day.

Alianna's eyes lit up as Jax pulled into the parking lot of a small restaurant. It was not high class like the one they visited briefly in New York but it was not a shady joint either. She could hear the wild laughter as he opened the door for her and the soft lights gave the place a homey feel.

"Ah, Boveri," the guy at the door recognised Jax right away. "Go right in and pick whatever table you like."

"Nice to see you too Enzo," Jax chuckled as he and Alianna slithered across the dancefloor, heading towards one of the back tables that offered a view of the ocean.

"You come here often," Alianna observed as they sat and a waitress filled their glasses with water. She had noticed how the staff moved around Jax not to mention that neither Emilio nor Scott were with them tonight but Jax seemed completely at home here, his shoulders were relaxed and he held his head up high with a wide smile on his face.

"This is one of my favourites places," Jax grinned. "I've been coming here since I was a kid. Best Cuban food in town. It's almost completely off the radar."

Alianna smiled as the waitress came with their menus. She scanned the drinks menu quickly as she took Jax's drink order. "May I have a margarita?" Jax raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"I like this place," Alianna grinned as lively Latin American music blasted through the speakers. Jax chuckled as they got their drinks.

"Cheers darling," Jax held up his Cuba Libre and smiled as their glasses touched.

"You know," Alianna sipped her drink, "I've never tasted a Cuba Libre.....or any of the drinks I make. I just know how to make them."

"Well you can use this night to explore then," Jax handed her his glass. Alianna smiled and took a sip of his drink.

"Too strong for my taste," Alianna grimaced as she handed it back. Her feet tapped to the beat of the music.

"Let's dance." She didn't hesitate to put her hands in his as Jax led her onto the dance floor.

The pair fell into the fast rhythm easily. Alianna smiled as their fingers curled together and Jax pulled her closer. There was no space for even a mosquito to fly between the two as they danced. Jax never failed to amaze her at how well he could dance.

His touch made her skin tingle and you could light a match with the heat between the two. Alianna's lips parted as they moved in time with the music, this place brought out a wilder side of Jax, the gaze in his eyes was almost primal.

Alianna was breathless as they returned to their table, stunning Jax when she finished her drink in one gulp. "The usual," Jax addressed the waitress, "and daiquiri for the lady." He chuckled as Alianna tugged on his hand as another song began to play.

Jax could not ask for a better night, the dancing, the drinks and the food were superb but nothing could beat that smile on Alianna's face that made his heart skip a beat or the way she tossed her head back in laughter as they talked or the blush she tried to conceal as he whispered in her ear.

Jax had stopped drinking a couple hours ago so he would be able to drive but to his surprise and amusement, Alianna kept going. Whatever was place in front of her, she drank but she handled it well. Alianna was more relaxed, her eyes shone brighter and her smile was wider but he could not tell if it was due to the alcohol or the taste of freedom.

"Jax." He looked across the table at her soft voice.

Alianna was much more subdued but she couldn't tell if her fatigue was due to the dancing or the numerous drinks she had. She smiled as Jax took her hand and they walked over to the bar so he could pay. She leaned against his shoulder as her finger intertwined with his again. Jax hid his smile as they walked to the car.

At some point Alianna fell asleep because she woke with a start as Jax carried her up the stairs. He shushed her, hating the frantic look in her eyes as she processed where she was. Alianna groaned and leaned her head against him, never was she drinking that much again.

Jax set Alianna on her feet once they reached their bedroom, immediately she scurried into the bathroom to rid herself of the suffocating makeup. Jax chuckled as he left his shirt on the hook in there for Alianna had taken a liking to wearing his clothes to bed. Jax stepped outside onto the balcony with his cigar, something he started doing when he noticed Alianna coughing whenever he smoked around her.

It was a quiet night, or rather early morning. No one would guess that he had a patrol of at least ten men around right now, his men were good at their jobs. No one except Alianna, of course, who introduced herself after she ferreted them out. Standing here, he felt like a king in control of his castle.

Two arms slid around his waist and he felt a soft kiss on his back. He smashed the cigar into the ash tray before turning around and kissing Alianna's forehead.

"Come to bed with me," she tugged on his hand gently with a smile so innocent that Jax crumbled. He smiled at her shriek as he swept her off her feet. Alianna tilted her head up and kissed him.

She had no idea what she was doing to him, Jax had to remind himself of that as they both descended to the bed. Alianna was a unknowing temptress but he knew she was not ready to carry anything further.

Alianna sighed as her limbs automatically curled around Jax, her anchor against the nightmares ahead. She pressed her head against his chest, using his heartbeat as a lullaby. Jax's thumb caressed her cheek as Alianna drifted to sleep.

He would let her enjoy the peace tonight and drop the bombshell on her tomorrow.