Since I've Been Lovin' You | Happy Lowman/OC (Book 2)

fourteen | Confirmation

"Tell me everything," Victoria said to Jac as they sat together in their living room, the sound of a talk show playing in the background softly.

They were still in their pajamas drinking their morning coffees, and they had the house to themselves. Kozik was still in Bakersfield with Miles and the cargo truck, and Happy had left to ride back up and check in on them before Victoria even got out of bed.

"Cameron was waiting out on the street when I left work. He grabbed me by the arm, and when I saw him, I really couldn't believe it was the same man." There was worry in Jac's eyes, a kind of caution Victoria didn't see often. "He looked crazy—like he hadn't showered or brushed his hair in weeks, and he reeked of alcohol."

Victoria frowned. "But Cameron doesn't drink."

"Apparently he does now because I could've caught a buzz just breathing the same air."

"What did he say?"

"He said that he just wanted to talk, that he was afraid for your safety. I told him you're happy in Charming, and there's no reason you'd be in danger, not with the Sons around. Of course he didn't believe a word of it."

Victoria felt sick at the thought of Cameron confronting Jac while she was alone in Tacoma. Cameron despised her best friend, and if he was as unhinged as he sounded, she could've been in actual danger.

"Then he mentioned the club's illegal activities, but not specifically, just that he knows they don't earn their way by honest means, and that they're part of the one percenters."

"What does that mean?" Victoria asked, and Jac just let out a sigh and shook her head.

"That they're outlaw. Then he hurled some insults at me—I'm scum, trash, selfish et cetera, et cetera." She rolled her eyes and gave her hand a flippant wave.

"You didn't engage did you?"

"Of course I did. Who do you think I am? I'm not just going to let him insult me, or you for that matter."

"But he's dangerous, and the two of you—"

Jac cut her off. "I got my concealed carry permit last year. Kozik took me to the range a few times, and I never leave home without it. I'm not afraid of him."

That made Victoria feel a little bit better, but she couldn't shake the ball of anxiety in her gut.

Jac continued, "He lost the restaurant and his condo, and those were the only two things he had going for him apart from you. All I know is that he needs to be dealt with before he really tries to hurt you. A desperate man is the worst kind."

Jac was right, but Happy had said himself that it was his problem to handle now, and she was afraid to push him further. After last night, she knew what Happy was capable of, and Cameron was no match. She couldn't lose him to prison again, and this time it'd most likely be forever.

"I'm sorry my baggage is landing on you," Victoria said sadly. "You shouldn't have to deal with any of this."

Jac shook her apology off. "I'll always defend you, always."

Victoria smiled softly because she knew that was true. Just like Victoria would always have Jac's back, Jac had hers. She was lucky to have a best friend who was more like family. She was the sister she never had, the one who did her best to fill the hole Gabriel left behind when he died.