Aftermath

Chapter 12

Alianna lay on the lounge chair near the pool. Naveen and Emilio sat close by playing cards, usually they would be more discrete while on the job but Alianna wanted the company not to mention Jax's orders. Alianna peered over the top of her book at the unusually quiet pair. She knew something was going on because Jax was gone when she woke up this morning and he didn't tell her where he would be. She saw Scott at breakfast which meant that Jax was still in the hotel and that alleviated her fears slightly.

"Alianna," Naveen said making her look over, "Boss would like to see you."

"Where is he?" she asked, sitting up and placing the bookmark in her book.

"In an office downstairs," Naveen said as he lay his cards down. They were playing Gin Rummy and so far he had been winning. Emilio cursed in Spanish was Naveen produced two hands while he had none. Alianna shook her head as Emilio downed his entire glass of gin.

"¿Estás bien?" she asked the Cuban man.

 "Bien," Emilio replied, as he stood. Alianna raised an eyebrow but walked to the door that led them back inside followed by the two men. 

 ~

 Jax looked up as there was a knock on the door. "Come in," he said and he nodded at Naveen who opened the door for Alianna. Alianna smiled as Jax beckoned her to him and laughed as he pulled her into his lap. 

 "Hi," she smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. He did not reply as he buried his face in her hair, breathing in deeply. "Stressful morning?" she asked, pressing her lips to his cheek. 

"Annoying is more like it," Jax huffed, leaning back and sighing as he stroked the small of her back. "This is the downside of coming Miami at times, I have to balance work and my mafia."

 "Why don't Evan or Rex handle things?" Alianna asked, intertwining her fingers with his. 

 "They run some of the other larger clubs," Jax sighed, "I handle this one since it's so close to home." They were quiet for a while just enjoying each other's company. Alianna was no longer afraid of the peace and tranquility she found in Jax. Never in a million years she would've ever believed that she would find comfort in the arms of an "enemy". 

 "Do you remember that cocktail function you eavesdropped about?" Jax murmured breaking the quiet. Alianna nodded, not wanting to disturb herself yet. She sat up straight as Jax pressed something to her thigh. Alianna's fingers closed around the plastic as she held up a credit card.

 "I would like you to accompany me tonight," Jax stated. He did not miss how Alianna's eyes lit up. He knew how bored she got while staying at the hotel. Soon business here will be done and he could bring her to her new home. "Go and get yourself something you'd like and don't worry about the price." 

 Alianna looked at Jax, "I can't accept this." 

 "Use your salary if you want, just remember who you worked for the past year," Jax smirked as he leaned back in his chair. Alianna huffed as she realised that either way, she would be spending his money. 

 "Would you be coming with me?" Alianna asked hopefully. 

 Jax sighed and traced his finger down her cheek lightly. She missed his company as much as he craved hers. "I can't sweetheart, I have to finish everything before the function tonight." 

 Alianna sighed but shook her head in understanding. Jax pulled her closer, wanting a reprieve before having to dive into the world of work again. Alianna relaxed against his body, loving the sense of belonging as she lay in his arms.