The Best of Us

Chapter 4: 10 v 10

By the time the guys had finally gotten out of church, it was nearly dinner time. Annabelle and Gemma had been hard at work prepping dinner for the club which consisted of chili, cornbread, and salad. The guys all gave their thanks as they walked down the line and loaded up their plates. Not feeling all that hungry herself, Annabelle returned to tending bar for the night as the guys used the time to wind down before heading out on a job for the night. Annabelle tried to act natural as the taller guy from Tacoma made his way over to the bar. 

"What can I get you."

"I'll take a rum and coke." 

As Annabelle worked on his drink, she felt his eyes staying well trained on her and couldn't help the surge of confidence it gave her. 

"You going to just keep staring or do you want to ask for my name?" 

The man smiled wide again and the sight nearly made Annabelle melt on the spot. 

"So, what's your name?" 

"Annabelle. You?" 

"Kozik. Just Kozik." 

"Well just Kozik, thanks for coming down to help out. Our guys really appreciate it." 

"Yeah, no problem. I go aways back with a lot of your guys. It's nice to be invited back every now and then. Although I don't believe I've seen you before. How long you been with SAMCRO?" 

"A little over eight years now. Clay and Gemma picked me up off the side of the road when I was 13. Been here ever since." 

"Oh shit." 

"What?" 

"You're SAMCRO's princess?"

"In a manner of speaking. Why? You know about me?" 

"All of the charters know about you. You're off limits in every way possible. Clay and Jax want you as separate from the club as possible."

"Great. Nice to know that everyone I meet will avoid me like the plague." 

"Well, maybe not everyone." 

Both Annabelle and Kozik smirked at the implication before Annabelle's cheeks were burning too much for her to possibly keep eye contact any longer. 

"So what's going down tonight that they need you and the other one for?" 

"Happy. Also known as the Tacoma Killer." 

"Yeah, I've heard of him. Hell of a reputation he's got there." 

"You got that right. Anyways. Your dad and brother challenged the nazis to a ten on ten fight to the death. No weapons, just pure beating each other to death. Hap and I will be two of the ten." 

"That's a big ask. You willing to die for SAMCRO?" 

"I don't plan on dying." 

"Well, you better not. I could get used to seeing your face around here."  

Kozik laughed lightly at Annabelle's boldness. He knew the rules about SAMCRO's princess. No Son was allowed to date her, let alone make her an Old Lady. But still, Kozik had always imagined just some random girl that any father or brother would be protective of. Annabelle was not at all what he was expecting. She was beautiful, and clearly smart, and funny. She could have her pick of any guy she wanted. Kozik knew she was off limits, but something about her made him think that she just might be worth breaking the number one rule for. Assuming she'd have him, of course. 

"How old are you?" 

"21." 

Annabelle could tell by the way that Kozik simply nodded his head that he was somewhat disappointed with her answer, but she didn't want him to give up that easily.