The first thing that I registered was the pain running through my body. Slowly, my other senses began to work. The smell of chemicals and the soft bedding underneath me told me I was at a hospital. I heard murmurs in the room as something warm wrapped around my right hand.

I opened my eyes, then closed them immediately. The room was way too bright.

"She's waking up. Close the shades," A deep voice said. Someone moved closer, their breath warm against my ear and squeezing my hand firmly.

"It's okay, Flower, you're safe. Open your eyes."

Damon?

Tentatively, I slowly opened my eyes to meet his green ones. He smiled and let out a sigh of relief before kissing my forehead. "I knew you were going to be trouble," Damon sighed and I forced out a small smile. My mouth was dry as a desert and I was positive my breath smelled awful. With my free hand, I pushed his chest gently and he moved back to help me up.

I groaned at how sore my body was and saw that my bruises and scrapes had been tended to. Images of the explosion flashed through my mind and the feeling of dread returned. My heart began to race at the warning bells ringing in my head. I had no idea what to do now. I knew it wouldn't be long until the Men in Black found me. I needed to–

A squeeze to my hand brought me back and my eyes darted to Damon's. He was watching me intently. He leaned in closer, his face only a few inches away from mine.

"You. Are. Safe. I won't let anything happen to you while I'm around. I'm sorry that I wasn't with you." Damon murmured as he wiped a stray hair on my face. My heart skipped a beat, the heavy feeling began to dissipate. I pulled away, the close proximity muddling my brain when I needed answers.

"How long have I been out?" I asked quietly.

"About a day. Understandable, since the events that happened were pretty traumatic. You must be emotionally exhausted," a soft voice said. I turned my head to see Maria offering me a glass of water. "Drink slowly."

I gratefully accepted the glass and took small sips of the cool liquid. Damon adjusted my pillows and I thanked him politely. I noticed someone changed my clothes, a shirt and sweats that I didn't own, swamping my body. My head started to throb and I rubbed my temples with a frown. Seeing this, Maria rummaged through a cabinet and pulled out a bottle. She took out two pills and handed them to me.

"This should help with your headache. Does anything else hurt?" Maria asked seriously as she checked my blood pressure. I was surprised at how expertly Maria had gone into nurse-mode, checking my vitals. It was just another thing that made it ironic that I was hired as her caretaker.

"Besides feeling like I was run over by a truck, I am okay," I murmured. I let out a gasp and sat up even more. "What about Julian and Josh? Are they okay?" I asked frantically, moving to get off the bed.

Damon grabbed my forearms delicately. "Slow down, Flower. They're fine. Julian got a cut on his head, but he will be good as new in a few days. Now get back in bed. We need to ask you some questions, all right?"

I nodded as Damon settled me back on the bed. Maria cleared her throat and gave Damon a look.

"I'm going to let Xavier know Rosie is awake. We will be having some company soon," Maria said and gave my free hand a small squeeze. "I'm glad you're awake. You scared me. I shouldn't have let you three leave the mansion." Maria apologized but I shook my head frantically.

"It wasn't your fault. I was the one that wanted to leave, not you. None of us even knew that would happen. Are my things still okay?" I asked as I looked at Damon and Maria.

Damon stayed silent, so Maria answered.

"They're in your room. Your bag needs to be thrown out, but the belongings inside are still intact," Maria stated before giving me a small smile and leaving the room. I took a moment to look around the large room. Multiple beds and medical equipment were lined against the walls. A nurse and doctor were at their stations doing paperwork. Besides them, no one else was in here.

I laid my head on the pillow as I stared at Damon, who seemed conflicted. I waited for him to start the conversation since I didn't know where to begin. I expected he wanted to know how and why there was a bomb in my apartment. It was a few minutes before he threw me off at the beginning of the conversation.

"Maria was changing you when she saw a wound on your right side," my body tensed as Damon continued, watching me closely. "The doctor said it was a graze, that the wound occurred almost a month ago. Can you tell me how you got it?"

Damon leaned forward in his chair, resting his forearms on the bed. I gulped and my heart began racing. This wasn't how I wanted to start. The feelings were still so raw. While I knew I needed to confess about being followed, I didn't think that I would go into the reasons for my injuries.

Seeing my hesitation, Damon looked at me softly. "I've had suspicions that something was wrong, Flower. I'm going to point out what I already know. You've always been jumpy and easily frightened, and you moved into New York from Los Angeles with nothing but a small backpack. You barely had money, only cash, and no cell phone– all the signs pointing to someone trying to run away from something. Maria had expressed her concern and asked me to help. I haven't questioned you too hard because I thought if I pushed too hard, you would run," Damon searched into my eyes, his green eyes dark. "And it was probably one of the worst mistakes I ever made. You were almost killed yesterday and I need to figure out why to keep you safe. I have all the money and resources at my disposal, Flower, but I can't help you unless you do the same for me."

"Maria asked you to help me? Is that why you asked to be my partner in crime?" the thought that that was the reason as to why he wanted to be with me...I don't think I could handle that.

Damon saw the hurt in my expression and grabbed my chin until I looked at him.

"I will make this as clear as possible so you never doubt me or our relationship ever again. While Maria asked me to get closer to you, I was already too far gone. Maria didn't ask me until after you guys had lunch together– you had me the moment I saved you from the assholes at the club. I was only supposed to be asking you questions about your past, but I was always distracted being around you. I asked you to be mine for my own selfish reasons. You are my priority because I choose to make you my priority. And I will continue to do so, regardless of what Xavier or Maria think. While I tried to fight it at first, it was inevitable. Do you understand?

Tears blurred my vision and Damon quickly wiped away a stray tear. "You are not alone anymore. You have me and you always will."

"Okay," I choked out. I sniffled and covered my face. "It's crazy to feel like this after a few days, right? And I have been wanting to tell you but I was scared that–"

Damon hushed me and climbed onto the bed, letting me cling to him as I underwent the unexpected waves of emotion. Damon absentmindedly played with my hair, helping me calm down as I hid my face in the crook of his neck.

I struggled to pull myself together as I lifted my head to face him.

"I-it was from a bullet. The shooting– I had to leave," I was able to choke out as tears went down my cheeks. My breaths became frantic as my body began to shake. "I-I couldn't stay. Those men wouldn't leave me alone and went after me. I didn't think they would do what they did."

Damon sat up quickly and lifted my shirt to expose my scar. I watched as he studied it, his fingers slowly caressing it. I let out a sharp intake of air and my body flushed from the new sensation. I jumped at his touch but slowly relaxed as the tears stopped. I looked at his expression, filled with anger and sorrow.

"You were at the shooting in LA," Damon confirmed softly as he pressed kisses to my forehead, cheeks, and puffy red eyes. "I'm sorry, Flower. No one deserves to experience that fear and horror."

I shook my head. "But you don't understand! I caused–"

I was cut off by loud noises from the other side of the door. Damon cursed as he jumped out of the bed, blocking me from seeing the door.

"You need a fucking warrant if you want to get through those doors, Benson!" A voice I recognized as Xavier shouted.

"My people found that Rosaline Sinclair had been seen on the premises. You've already stalled my investigation long enough. The judge granted me a warrant, Mr. Monroe. I have every right to check the property for her and look for any other suspicious activity," A deep voice taunted.

"You won't find any. And if we did, you would need access codes, something that you don't seem to have, detective," Xavier growled.

I heard the medical wing door fly open. I jumped as it slammed into the wall. I peeked around Damon to see a man in a suit.

The man walked in and spotted me behind Damon. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties. His blonde hair was cut short and had steely brown eyes.

Xavier was right behind the man with Maria in tow. Xavier's face looked calm with a smirk on his face, but the fire in his eyes said something different.

"Well, there she is. Ms. Sinclair is a welcome guest and employee– unlike you. You can get the rest of your men out of my home now." Xavier suggested.

The man ignored him and kept his attention on me.

"Miss Sinclair, I'm Detective Garrett Benson and I need you to come with me to answer some questions," The detective flashed a badge in my direction and started walking toward me, only to be stopped by Damon.

"She still needs to rest, since she was just in a bombing incident. You can get your dumbass questions later." Damon snarled. My eyes widened at the hostility towards the police officer. Detective Benson narrowed his eyes at Damon.

"I am already sending the Anderson twins into custody, now I need the prime suspect in this investigation," Detective Benson said formally, a strange twinkle in his eyes.

Prime suspect?! He thought that I was trying to blow myself up into pieces?

"Rosaline isn't the suspect. That bomb was meant to kill her. Look at her, do you really think she caused it?" Maria asked with a raised brow. She took a step forward, much to Xavier's dismay. "You know better, Garrett. Rosie is the victim here. She can give you answers when she is more recovered. Please, as old friends."

The detective eyed Maria before dismissing her.

"Maria, never judge someone by their appearance. The most charming of people are only wolves in sheep's clothing. There is property damage and she is our only lead. Stay out of my way, Maria. We may have been friends in another life, but now you are just an obstacle," Detective Benson said in a monotone voice.

Maria tightened her lips at his response, her eyes filled with disappointment. Xavier looked ready to snap, but I cut off further arguing.

"I'll go with you," I said as I slowly got up from the bed. The medication had started to kick in and I didn't feel as sore anymore.

Damon looked ready to throw me over his shoulder and run away. I stopped him before he could even attempt it.

"I don't want to cause any more trouble. I'll answer his questions and then leave, okay?" I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. I clasped my hands together and hoped that Damon would let this happen. Damon quickly pulled me aside and turned his back on the detective, blocking me from view. Damon then started talking low enough that the others won't hear us.

"All right. I'm proud of you for sticking up for yourself and I won't stop you. But I need to request something from you."

I tilted my head in curiosity but nodded.

"I need you to keep everything you know between us for now, okay? I'll tell Xavier and some other close people, but I want to sort this out together before we tell anyone outside this property. The police can't know any of this," Damon said and my eyes widened at the thought.

"Why can't I tell them? They're the police, Damon. I can't just—"

"They won't be able to help or protect you like we can. Trust me on this, please Rosaline? Don't tell them anything without one of us there, all right?"

He used my first name. I knew then that he was very serious about this. For some reason, it felt weird when he called me by my real name. I looked deeply into his eyes.

Should I trust him on this? It would be easy to get the police force to help me, but Damon and the others didn't seem to think so. I glanced at the scowling detective, then flinched at the glare he sent my way. Detective Benson didn't seem that interested to help me compared to the people I was staying with. I wouldn't feel safe unless I had Damon by my side.

Damon and Xavier had their own security company, their own people, and their own money. From the little I had seen with the guards and the skills they possessed, I knew I would be well-protected.

Coming to that conclusion, I made a decision. I just don't know if I was making a good one.

I tugged on a piece of my hair. "You have a lot of explaining to do when I get back."

"As do you," Damon said with a small smile, before pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"We need to get going now, Ms. Sinclair," the detective said impatiently and Damon sent the man a cold glare.

"Let her take her fucking time," Damon snapped before looking at me, his eyes turning tender.

"Be safe, Flower. You have the right to an attorney so we'll send someone to you. Don't say a word until they get there," Damon instructed.

I nodded, trying to hide my smile at how worried he was. It was cute to see. Taking a deep breath, I pulled him down and gave him a kiss on the cheek before pulling back. I mentally cheered as I didn't blush at his expression. Progress!

"Well I need my partner in crime to get me out," I teased and gave him a reassuring smile before stiffly walking to the detective. He took his handcuffs out and I gulped at the sight. From the corner of my eye, I saw Damon and Maria looking furious. Maria was gripping Damon's hand to keep him from charging.

"Why the hell does she need handcuffs, Benson?" Xavier asked incredulously. "Are you afraid of the injured woman beating you up?"

"Well, we don't know the full story, Monroe. Until then, we need to take precautions," Benson said as he put my hands behind my back and placed the handcuffs on my wrists. Benson guided me out of the mansion, my heart thumping against my chest. I kept looking forward, knowing if I looked at Damon, I would start freaking out. I saw Josh and Julian getting inside the back of the police vehicles, and a sense of guilt went through my veins. They wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for me.

A new sense of determination resonated in me. When I got back, I was going to tell them everything I knew. They deserved to know and it would bring justice to the people I hurt.

No more stalling, no more backpedaling, no more cowering.

I got into the police car and Detective Benson slammed the door shut.

~*~

All those crime shows were lies. I thought Detective Benson would come to me as soon as possible to question me, but it turned out I was wrong.

I'd been alone in this interrogation room for a couple of hours, spending my time counting the seconds on the digital clock.

39...40...41...

The interrogation room was designed to be intimidating. The walls were dark blue, contrasting the gray hard-wood floor, and a steel table in front of me. Fluorescent lights hung from the ceiling, being painfully bright if I stared long enough. In front of me, was a two-way mirror, reflecting an exhausted woman ready to leave. I was no longer wearing handcuffs as I sat on a somewhat comfortable chair.

59...60!

I groaned and almost let out a childish pout as the clock claimed it was 8:47 at night. I got here around 6:30. I was ready to bang my head on the table from sheer frustration and anxiety. Besides the officers that placed me in this room, no one has come to interrogate me. The lawyer Damon was going to send hadn't shown up either.

I also worried about the twins, especially Julian. Were they okay? Were they already questioned and left?

If they were trying to intimidate me, they had succeeded. I played with the strands of my hair, imagining that Damon was there to comfort me. Though my attempts were futile, it was still a nice thought.

I tried not to jump as the door opened, revealing Detective Benson holding some case files. He wore a serious expression as he sat in the seat across the table, folding his hands in front of him. I gulped and the grip I had on my hair tightened. He stared at me for a while, analyzing every move I made. I attempted to seem calm and confident, but I was sure he saw right through me.

Detective Benson opened a case file and I saw a glimpse of a photo of me from a few years ago.

"Rosaline Sinclair, you were a former employee at a bookstore in Los Angeles, and more recently a hostess at Elysium. That's a pretty drastic change in careers."

I didn't say anything as he examined my reaction. Damon told me I had the right to remain silent until the attorney came. I looked at the door. Shouldn't Detective Benson wait until the person got here?

We sat in silence for a few moments before Detective Benson continued.

"We looked into your profile. No family, no friends, and no criminal track record. You graduated from college and had been working at the bookstore since. However, a few weeks ago you withdrew most of the money in your bank accounts and decided to move here. There is no record of you until you filed for a rental apartment and employment at Elysium. In the last few days, you have also been in contact with Damon Cohen and company multiple times. Lastly, an attempt on your life was made. It can't be a coincidence and doesn't look good for you," Detective leaned forward and I scooted my chair back so he didn't tower over me. Though I wasn't short, his frame was intimidating.

"I'm having a hard time believing that you willingly acquainted yourself with someone like Xavier Monroe and Damon Cohen. With your record, you're either one of the best grifters I've ever seen or just another one of their innocent victims," Detective Benson said and shook his head.

My mind reeled at his last sentence. Grifters? Victims? What in the world was he talking about? How did this correlate with Xavier and Damon?

I furrowed my eyes at his mannerisms. I may not be the brightest person, but I wasn't stupid. At the mansion, he seemed dangerous and deceitful. Here, he seemed more...caring? Considerate? I still felt uneasy in his presence, my instincts telling me to run. I couldn't find it in me to trust him, but it didn't mean I wasn't curious at the statement he threw at me.

Seeing the confusion on my face, he continued to bait me. "You don't know, do you?"

I remained silent, pressing my lips together stubbornly.

Detective Benson laughed harshly. "Did they give you their cover story? Did they let you believe the security business bullshit? You have no idea what they have dragged you into, Ms. Sinclair."

He pulled out the largest file he brought with him and opened it. On top of it was an evidence bag, a note inside of it. The detective pushed it in my direction, offering it to me. I looked at him cautiously before reading it:

Romanovs: military weapons shipment. Casualties inside building. – O

Not wanting to speak, in fear of breaking my silence, I looked at the detective.

"This note was found after an explosion in an abandoned compound. At least ten men are in critical condition, five of them dead. These people were powerful enough to take down a weapons shipment from one of the most powerful Russian Mafias. We were able to gather a few grainy photos from old cameras that I think you would be interested in."

He grabbed a photo from the file and shoved it my way. I peered down at the photo, spotting a few figures in a parking area, most of them with their backs toward the camera. Three figures were more clear than the others, but it was still hard to recognize them. Some of the people were even wearing masks and were hard to identify.

Why was he showing me this?

I looked at another picture and froze when I recognized one of them was strapped up in daggers and holding a familiar weapon.

Was that Julian with Bethany?

The detective spread out more pictures as I looked at them in a new light. I looked at all of the pictures– explosions, fires, and people being arrested. I started seeing the twins in the pictures. If you didn't know who you were looking for, you wouldn't even recognize them. In some of them, I could see the twins talking to a larger man that I had grown familiar with. While I couldn't see his face, parts of his tattoos were showing through the pixelated photos.

Damon?

I looked up at Detective Benson, who was eyeing me sternly.

"Your boyfriend is part of a dangerous organization. He's been a part of it since it was founded over a decade ago by Alexander Monroe. Their goal is to eliminate people, businesses, and organizations that they believe stand in their way. Probably think they are heroes, but they are nothing but criminals and murderers– they hack into our databases, and manipulate others. They ruined the lives of many powerful men and women internationally, and they always fucking get away with it. There is no justice like they believe they create. They've caused parts of countries to fall, had people lose their jobs, and they think they are righteous?

"I've followed them for years. They're the reason that I became a detective. I attempted to tell other federal organizations, the FBI, about the danger this organization poses to the world. But none of them believed me. They still don't believe the evidence I collected over the years. They leave the Monroes alone.

"Their 'charity work' and mission statement is only a cover for what they really are. When they pick a target, they take everything that person cares about. It doesn't matter how weak or powerful the mark is– Monroe will destroy their businesses, possessions, and their identities. They destroy families and the lives of others for vengeance and self-gain. They did it to my own father," Detective Benson said bitterly.

I was speechless as the detective's voice got louder. It seemed like the anger was rolling off him in waves. Though he didn't look violent, it didn't slow my pulse.

"They destroyed everything and threw him in jail after almost murdering him in cold blood. My father will never see the light of day again because of them. People tell you to move on, but they don't understand. I won't rest until Xavier Monroe and his father are brought to justice!" Detective Benson boomed and I flinched as he stood up in a rage. My heart raced with fear as he paced. It really felt like I was trapped in a lion's cage.

My stomach churned at the accusations being thrown at Damon and his best friend. This all seemed impossible, absolutely crazy. I had witnessed Xavier and Damon together. I'd gotten to know Damon and the 'truth' Detective Bension was trying to share with me didn't fit. Though I didn't know Xavier that well, these thoughts didn't sit well with me. This was Maria's husband that the detective was accusing.

I didn't know if I was in denial or not. The chances were probably high.

A few minutes later, the detective seemed to calm down and took a seat once more.

"Sorry, I can get a bit of a temper," he chuckled humorlessly. I looked at the mirror in front of me, hoping that someone would save me from this man.

"You can tell me all that you know about their business, and any charges you may get will be dropped. You can help us stop them from destroying anymore lives. You would be a hero and puts you on the right side of justice."

I tore my eyes away from the mirror to Detective Benson. For the first time, the detective tried to give me a reassuring look. I shut my eyes tightly, unable to handle the information given to me. It didn't seem possible but there was evidence in front of me. But was it true?

Everything coming out of the detective's mouth wasn't convincing me of anything. It sounded crazy.

Like absolutely batshit crazy.

I needed to hear this from someone else. I needed to hear this from Damon's mouth.

Before Benson could say anything else, the door opened.

"Detective Benson, are you questioning my client without me? I especially don't appreciate that you had people preventing me from seeing Ms. Sinclair."

My eyes snapped open at the familiar voice and I turned to see Jasmine. She stood tall and proud, wearing a gray blazer and dress pants. Her dark hair was pulled into a tight bun and her makeup was done perfectly. I gaped at her as she gave me a wink.

What in the world is happening? Jasmine, a club dancer, is also a lawyer? Did the explosion cause me to be in a bizarre coma dream?

That seemed way more realistic at the moment. If I hadn't already been sitting down, I would have collapsed from the events that happened in the last ten minutes.

"Ms. Amari, what a wonderful surprise," Detective Benson said sarcastically. The hopeful look on his face had turned into a scowl at Jasmine's arrival. "I see you are here to take another one of your members out?"

Jasmine ignored him while she examined the pictures that were on the table. Her nostrils flared as she looked at the detective.

"I am calling for you to release my client immediately for speaking to her without an attorney present. You and your police dogs can't stall me from coming in here with her. She has a right to an attorney and you are attempting to manipulate her to your own desires. Who knows what nonsense you put into her head? And I am positive that this" – she gestured to the files and pictures– "has nothing to do with the bombing incident. My client has just been injured and you are giving her baseless claims that have nothing to do with her? Do yourself a favor and let us leave before I report you for violating federal policy and law!"

"Not until I get the information on the bomb explosion. Then you are free to go," Detective Benson stated before relaxing in his chair.

Jasmine looked ready to strangle him but pulled a chair next to me. Giving me a reassuring nod, she faced Detective Benson.

"All right, show us what you got, Detective."

Detective Benson looked unhappy but began to question me.

"Why weren't you at your apartment the last couple days? According to your neighbors, you haven't been home recently?" Detective Benson asked. His tone seemed bored and uncaring, not bothered in the least that I was almost killed.

I looked at Jasmine and she nodded. I cleared my throat and finally spoke up.

"I was with the Monroes and am moving in. I was hired to be Maria's caretaker. I went back there yesterday to collect my belongings and return my key," I answered.

I mentally chastised myself for my shaky voice. I was still spooked from his earlier outburst.

"The bomb squad declared that it was motion-censored, meaning the person responsible was waiting for you to return to your apartment. Do you know anyone that would want to harm you?" Detective Benson asked.

Flashes of the man's dying face flashed through my mind. I stayed silent, remembering Damon's plea not to say anything. A war waged inside of me, knowing that lying to the police could lead to consequences.

Looking in between Jasmine and Detective Benson, I closed my eyes briefly and took a deep breath.

I hoped I didn't regret this.

"No. There are no names that come to mind."

It wasn't exactly a lie. I had no clue who they were. I called them "Men in Black" for a reason.

From my peripheral vision, I saw Jasmine close her eyes in relief while Detective Benson looked disgruntled.

"All right, if you have any information, contact me. You are free to go."

Detective Benson glared at Jasmine before looking at me. He put his hand in his suit jacket before pulling out a business card. I quickly grabbed it.

"Don't make the same mistakes as the others," He leaned in and I squirmed at his closeness. "But if you get in my way, I will arrest you. Don't test me, Ms. Sinclair. I can make your life really hard."

"Benson, you are threatening my client and making her uncomfortable. I have already posted bail for the Anderson twins, so don't bother trying to get anything out of them," Jasmine snapped as we both stood up.

"Mark my words Benson, karma makes its way around. You claim to want to save others, but you will burn the world down for your self-interests. Your blind vengeance will be your downfall." Jasmine said coldly, her accent thick. "I just hope I get a front seat to witness it."

Jasmine grabbed my hand and pulled us both out of the room, leaving the fuming detective behind.

~*~

While Jasmine filled out the paperwork at the front desk, I stared out the window, watching policemen and civilians pass by on the street. Now that I was away from the detective, my mind was spinning.

Was Damon the violent and evil man Detective Benson was portraying him to be? The partial evidence and conviction he had should have convinced me. I should have revealed everything I knew so Damon could go to jail. He'd hurt people and the reason some of them were dead. Just the thought brought a sense of nausea into my system.

I should've said something, but why didn't I?

I should be angry and scared. I should feel betrayed that no one told me– Maria, Julian, Josh, Xavier, Jasmine, and even Frank. It seemed like he even knew. They were all possible killers. I should be terrified that I was living with them. But I didn't feel any of those emotions.

I tried to visualize a cruel smile on Damon's face as he took an innocent life, but my mind couldn't conjure it. It didn't seem possible. I was officially in denial mode.

I was genuinely afraid for my mental stability at this point.

I jumped as a hand rested on my shoulder. I turned rapidly and saw Jasmine give me an apologetic look.

"Sorry, Rosaline. I didn't mean to startle you. You are officially free to go. There's a car waiting out front to take us back to the mansion. Are you ready?" Jasmine asked softly. She was acting like she was walking on eggshells as she talked to me. Honestly, I didn't blame her response. I probably looked like a crazy woman with the baggy clothes I was wearing, scratched and bruised, and with untamed hair.

I nodded numbly, wanting to get away from the station as soon as possible. Jasmine guided me out of the building. I greedily inhaled the cold fresh air as the breeze slammed into us. Not having a jacket, I rubbed my arms in a weak attempt to get rid of the goosebumps.

Seeing the car, I left Jasmine behind. I swung the door open before the driver could do it for me and lunged inside where it was warm. A few moments later, Jasmine joined me with an amused look on her face. She didn't comment but buckled in and motioned for the driver to start driving. I buckled in with shaky fingers as I attempted to look at anything but her. My eyes moved sporadically until I finally focused on Jasmine, who was watching me apprehensively.

"Do they know that we're on our way back?" I finally asked, mentally cringing at how frail my voice sounded.

Jasmine tucked back a piece of hair that was covering her ear, pointing to it. I looked at her in confusion, leaning towards her to inspect it. My eyes widened as I saw a small, neutral-colored ear plug. It had been completely hidden.

"Don't worry, they know," Jasmine said with a small smile.

I hung my head and rested it on my hands.

"This is all so crazy. Everyone has to be crazy after what I was told. How can I trust any of you? How does any of this make sense?" I lifted my head up to look at Jasmine desperately. "The Detective said that Damon–"

"Hey, hey. Take deep breaths. You're going to work yourself up," Jasmine cut me off as she moved closer to rub my back soothingly. I flinched away from her, suddenly feeling trapped in the car. I twisted my hair in between my fingers as I began to tremble.

Jasmine slowly raised her hands in surrender.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Rosaline. I only want to help. I helped you get out of police custody and away from the detective, remember?" Jasmine tried to coax me out of my panicked state.

"B-but the pictures and the explosions! Detective Benson said that you hurt people a-and–" I couldn't finish my stuttering as I kept a tight grip on my hair.

Jasmine grabbed both of my shoulders and forced me to look at her.

"Rosaline, you could have easily blown my cover and told Detective Benson your situation. You had plenty of time to tell him anything that you witnessed or seen while on the property. Hell, you could have told him all about your interactions with each of us – but you didn't. Because, deep down, you know that you can trust me and the others, especially Damon. We would never hurt you. You are too sweet and kind-hearted. It would be like kicking a puppy," Jasmine told me sternly, a wry smile tugged the corner of her lips.

"I'm sure the detective gave you some bullshit about us being the Boogeyman underneath your bed, but it isn't true. There's so much that you don't know or understand yet and I can't explain it all to you here. You need to hear it from Damon, not me.

"But you need to ask yourself this– Damon and Xavier run an international security business, protecting civilians and government leaders. Did you really believe their job would be sunshine and rainbows? The business they work in can be a very dark and dangerous place. Sometimes they don't have a choice in the matter and different factors force them to act violently. Remember that, okay?" Jasmine pleaded before scooting back into her seat. I stared at her speechlessly before looking out the tinted window.

The rest of the drive was filled with silence.

I knew Jasmine was right. I'm not ignorant enough to believe we lived in a black and white world.There was always another perspective that brought a conflict into a different light, another reason to strengthen a person's beliefs. I'd watched the news, read articles, and watched enough documentaries and lectures to prove this.

Could the same be said for Damon? What moral and belief system did he uphold that excused his actions?

I remembered the first time I met him, when he defended me from the drunk men at Elysium. He was strong and intimidating, ready for action. My mind flashed to the smiles he gave only to me, his gentle touch, and protective nature. He could be possessive, even controlling, but he never physically hurt me or intentionally harmed me. He always wanted to help, moving me out of my crappy apartment and getting me a new job. He introduced me to his friends and made me feel a part of something...a family? I hadn't experienced this sense of belonging and protection in a long time.

And it was all because of Damon, my partner in crime.

The idea brought a sense of irony. My boyfriend was probably a criminal and here I was thinking about him as a giant teddy bear.

Seeing the cars pass by through the window, I found I had no right to judge when I also had blood on my own hands. I gulped harshly as tears stung my eyes, struggling not to let them fall. The dying man's face and the screams came to the forefront of my mind as I struggled to come back to reality.

When I spotted the mansion, my anxiety and impatience to see Damon increased. The gates opened for us when we were a few meters from the entrance, multiple guards surrounding the premises. A new sense of fear as to why the guards were there made my stomach recoil.

When the driver parked in front of the entrance, Josh and Julian ran toward us from the door. Jasmine opened the door and got out as the twins pulled me out and into their embrace.

Jasmine quietly went inside as I automatically hugged them back, relieved that they were safe. I hadn't gotten to get a good look at them after the explosion since I passed out. I pulled back and gasped as I saw a Band-Aid on Julian's head.

"Are you okay? You don't have a concussion?" I asked rapidly as I tried to examine his injury, but he dodged my advances.

"I'll be okay, ma'am. I'm more worried about you," Julian said sadly as Josh also looked at me with a defeated look.

"We failed you, ma'am, and accept whatever punishment you give us," Josh said, his shoulders slumped.

My heart broke seeing their sad expressions and pulled them into a hug once more. Guilt weighed on my chest for thinking badly of them. They've done nothing but protect me.

"Punish you? You saved me. If anything, I should make you a pie or something," I said as I pulled back, shivering from the cold.

The twins quickly brought me inside, right before I got tackled by Maria.

"Thank God, Rosie! I was told that Garrett held Jasmine back from seeing you. Did he do something? I will fuck him up if he did," Maria rambled before crushing me into her arms again. I tried to escape her strong grip before I suffocated to death.

"Detective Benson told me a few things while I was in custody...I have a lot of questions," I admitted to her quietly. Maria and the twins looked at each other nervously when Xavier came through the hallway. He gave me a small smile as he went to Maria, rubbing her stomach soothingly.

I eyed Xavier warily before fiddling with my hair, Detective Benson's words echoing in my brain. I glanced behind him, hoping to see Damon. I frowned when no one else joined us.

Xavier cleared his throat, sensing how uncomfortable I was.

"You probably want some answers. I'm sure Benson gave you his version, but it's time you heard our side. I already gave Damon my blessing to share our world with you. Just...please be open-minded and listen to what Damon has to say. We aren't fucking angels, but we aren't the sadistic villains Benson wants you to believe." Xavier's deep voice was understanding, a bit of pleading in his tone.

He wanted me to give his best friend a chance.

I looked up at him and nodded, though I was still in turmoil. Xavier wasn't confirming my worst fears, but he also wasn't denying it.

Xavier grabbed Maria's hand and gestured for me to follow them. I did so, the twins staying behind. My heart began to pound, threatening to go into cardiac arrest the further we went down the hallway. We made a few turns before eventually stopping in front of a large door.

"Damon's been in the gym since you were put into custody. The last time I checked on him, he was on his second punching bag," Xavier commented.

We heard grunting and a loud thud on the other side of the door. Cursing quickly followed after that. "Maybe on his third now." Xavier said in amusement as Maria elbowed him in the gut.

Knowing that stalling wasn't going to help me, I took a deep breath and grabbed the door knob that led me to Damon.

"I'll try," I told the couple quietly. Maria looked at me in confusion while Xavier nodded in acceptance. "To listen."

I slowly opened the door wide enough for me to slip inside, ready to face one of the most important people in my life currently.

I hope my sanity will be in one piece after this.

~~~

Hope you enjoyed this extra long chapter! It's almost time for the big moment...