Since there have been some shorter chapters recently, here's a longer one!

XOXO

-L





"We should be there in twenty minutes, so let's go over some rules." Xavier said as he looked at me through the rearview mirror.

I rubbed my sweaty hands on my dress.

"Like what?" I asked tentatively. "Did I pick a bad place? Was I supposed to go undercover and wear a wig or something? Did I forget–"

"Whoa, Ro," Xavier cut off my rant. "Nothing like that. But one thing that you need to have is your cool. If you freak out, you aren't going to be in the right headspace to do this. Things can go wrong real easily, especially with Lorenzo on the loose. You copy?"

"I copy, sir!" Julian shouted and did a mock salute. Damon glared in his direction and Jasmine rolled her eyes before going back to inspecting her nails.

"Got it." I nodded and grabbed Damon's hand for comfort.

"You're going to do great, ma'am. But don't poke the cop in the eye with your fork. I did that one time and man, you don't want to do that at the club. Too crowded to run away, especially in heels. It's not easy running in heels, trust me." Josh rambled.

I blinked at him before focusing on Xavier.

"Anyway," Xavier sent a glare Josh's way before facing me. "The main rules are to stay in sight and to follow orders. We're going to give you a comm so we can listen in on the conversation. For privacy sake, your comm will only be connected to me and Damon during your meeting with Adlai. If anything goes wrong, you'll be connected to the others.

"While it might be hard, follow orders. If I tell you to do something, do it – no matter what. If it sounds ridiculous or difficult to comprehend, I need you to do it anyway. There's a reason and a move for everything, remember that." Xavier finished.

I started twirling my hair with my free hand, thinking through everything.

"You got this," Damon squeezed my hand. "But if you want to back out–"

"I won't. Hopefully this will play in both our favors. But thank you for caring." I pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Hehe, she left a lipstick mark on your cheek." Julian snickered.

"Real mature." Jasmine said dryly.

"Like you haven't rubbed your lipstick all over me." Josh retorted, pouting childishly.

"Children, children. Let's behave," Josh mocked. "You're ruining the show!"

"Enough." Damon said, with a finality that made all the bickering stop instantly. I looked up at him with a small smile as he glared at everyone in the car. If I didn't know him so well, I would have found it intimidating.

"As long as you don't mention our organization and plans, you can speak freely," Xavier added as he continued to drive. "If you want to talk about the event in LA, how you got here, and how you came to live with us, you can. I trust how much you will tell, but I still need to remind you that we need to be cautious. We don't know Adlai yet, and he is working with Benson. You can decide what you would like to say as long as it doesn't connect to the O Project or anything criminal. I wouldn't mention what we uncovered from Angelo either. If you seem stuck, we can always add some input."

"Great, decisions. Because we all know how great I am with decisions." I muttered, resting my head on Damon's shoulder. Damon chuckled, but I decided to ignore him.

We spent the rest of the ride listening to the twins' banter. They made the atmosphere more lighthearted, which I was grateful for. I contemplated what I was going to tell Special Agent Adlai.

Xavier and Damon were giving me more free rein than I expected.

Did I tell him about Angelo? Did I tell him about the message Angelo gave me before he died? What about the bomb attempt at my old apartment? Maybe he already knew that? Do I just tell him someone is trying to kill me?

Good gravy, I really didn't think this through.

~*~

"If it isn't Rosaline Sinclair, one of my favorite servers," Michael greeted me from the bar. "It's been too long."

I gave him a wide smile before walking over, leaving the men to do their thing.

I looked around the place in awe. Elysium hadn't changed at all, the club empty as the dancers got ready on the stage. Everything was arranged the same– the tables, the bottles at the bar, and the uniforms that we used to wear.

"Hey, Michael! I missed you." I admitted.

Working here felt like a lifetime ago, but I remember meeting everyone here. Elysium was the place where I got my fresh start and I would forever be grateful.

"Did you come to party? Never expected that, but here you are all dolled up." Michael teased. I blushed.

"I helped get her out of her shell a bit more– with the help of Maria of course." Jasmine laughed as she came to stand next to me.

"I have no doubts about that. Are you still on for your shift tonight or are you playing another role?" Michael asked conspiratorially. He grabbed a couple glasses before pouring some brew.

"A little bit of both. It's been awhile since I've been on the floor. If Rosaline wasn't so busy, I would have her join me." Jasmine gave me a wink before taking the offered drink. Michael pushed a glass my way.

"Don't have to drink it, but it will help you blend in." Michael said as I looked at it with distaste. I sighed before accepting it.

"I guess it will make me feel more like an adult who's ready to talk about the most traumatic experience of her life." I muttered.

"You will do great, Rosaline. This place is secure, as you can see," Jasmine gestured to the security guards in position. "No one is touching you. If someone even runs into you, I am sure Damon will shoot them himself. Now, I need to get ready. Good luck." Jasmine gave me a quick squeeze on my shoulder before leaving.

"Where's Frank?" I asked as I took a seat on a stool.

"He's in his office getting everything ready for tonight. I have no doubt Xavier and your boyfriend are talking with him," Michael gave me a wink. I blushed but waved my hand. "Now, tell me what you and Maria have been up to. I heard she's almost ready to have her first kid."

"And very much over with being pregnant. She's been a lot crankier but can't say I blame her. Other than that she is still very much Maria." I replied with a laugh.

"I miss her snark. It hasn't been the same without her unfiltered mouth."

"Trust me, it's gotten worse. There's no filter in sight. And you?"

We continued talking, catching up with one another. He mentioned a girl that he was seeing when people started coming in.

"The club is opening up. Why don't you head to Frank's office? I'm sure he'll be happy to see you." Michael said as customers started heading toward the bar.

I nodded and hopped off the stool, grabbing my drink.

"It was great talking to you Michael. I'll make sure to stop by again with Maria!" I shouted as the music started to blare. Michael gave me a nod before attending the customers.

I made my way to the office, waving to some of the security people that I'd seen around Xavier's property. I knocked on the office door quickly.

"Come in!" Frank shouted and I opened the door to see him and the others– Damon, Xavier, John, and the twins. I closed the door behind me as Frank stood up from his desk.

"It's good to see you, kid. Have these boys been taking care of you?" Frank asked and crossed his arms. I smiled at the intimidation tactic.

"Yes, they've been very kind." I said with a smile as I practically ran towards Damon. Damon pulled me over and plopped me on his lap. I waved at John, who was trying to keep the twins from messing with Frank's things.

"And 'boys'? You are only a few years older than me." Xavier scoffed.

"Eh, still older and wiser." Frank shrugged before he sat back down.

I looked at the clock. "Agent Adlai should be here soon."

"Perfect. We are all set on our end. You still need a comm. John, do you have it?" Damon asked as he rubbed my arms soothingly. He looked at my drink in confusion, knowing that I wasn't really a drinker.

"Michael said it would help me fit in." I shrugged.

Damon chuckled but nodded in agreement. "You'll surprise me if you actually drink it."

"Hey, I can take a sip." I protested before I heard commotion.

"Will you two stop? I can't fucking leave you anywhere." John snapped at the twins. Done with their antics, he walked over to us, handing me a comm. "Here you go, kid."

I smiled at the nickname both Frank and John called me. I put on the earpiece, and Damon fused with it to make sure it was secure.

"Thank you." I spoke to John, who gave me a slight smile until there was a crashing sound. John scowled as he turned to a guilty-looking Josh next to a broken vase.

Sometimes it's hard to believe the twins were full-grown men.

"It's fine. I gave up expecting the Andersons to behave years ago. As long as they clean up after themselves." Frank said and Xavier let out a snort.

"They're chaotic, but it comes in handy. My men are good to go. You got all your security protocols checked?" Xavier asked Frank.

"I have my regular bouncers and my security working with yours. The cameras are working and online. No one can get in or out of this building without us knowing." Frank confirmed.

"I have a few people on the street to patrol the perimeter as well. If the cops or Lorenzo's men come, we'll be alerted. We aren't taking any chances with Rosaline's safety." Xavier added.

"Damn right." Damon mumbled as he pressed a kiss to my neck. "You should head back downstairs. I won't be far."

I took a deep breath and nodded, ignoring the others.

"Thank you. For letting me do this."

"I didn't let you do anything," Damon stated, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. "This is all for you, Flower. Just be careful."

"And if you need anything, signal us. I have a few exit plans set up." Xavier said. "You are making it out in one piece. Or else Maria and Damon would kill me, Ro."

I stood and shook out my limbs to get rid of my nervous energy.

"Let's do this."

~*~

It's strange being alone at a club when you aren't alone at a club.

Standing in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by the crowd of people, I spotted some of Frank's and Xavier's men.

Damon was across the room, leaning against the wall as he watched the room closely, mostly on me. With his scowl and height, everyone left him alone. I fought back a smile as I put my glass to my lips, pretending to drink it. I tried not to cough as I breathed it through my nose.

"Holy guacamole," I croaked. "I think I'll stick to small sips of wine."

I decided to head toward the booths, uncomfortable in the crowd.

"Head to the VIP section."

I jumped at the voice inside my ear.

"Wow, that's something I gotta get used to. It's different when I'm the one being watched." I muttered to Damon, waving at the waitress who let me into the VIP area.

"There's a table in the corner that we reserved for you. Adlai is entering the club now. I'll personally send him your way, Flower."

"Thanks," I mumbled as I found the room empty. I furrowed my brows as I saw the back table with a reserved sign. "No one is here, but you left a reserved sign?"

"What? You needed to know where to sit, Ro." Xavier stated matter-of-factly.

I made a face but sat down facing the door. It was weird being in here alone, the music muted. I took a shaky breath before placing my glass on the table, clasping my hands.

You got this Rosaline. Just tell the federal agent that you witnessed a murder, ran into a public street, and started a shooting that has been national news for months.

Oh mylanta, what was I thinking?

Before I could scream "abort" into the comm, Damon and another man came into the room.

I eyed the man. He was tall and well-built, only slightly shorter than Damon. His mocha skin shone in the lights as he looked at me with dark, kind eyes.

"Rosaline, this is Special Agent David Adlai. He's the person you spoke to on the phone." Damon introduced.

I stood up, offering a trembling hand.

"It's nice to meet you, sir." I said politely as we shook hands.

"The pleasure is all mine. I am grateful that you are willing to speak with me." Adlai responded. He gestured to the table and I nodded, offering Damon a little smile. He gave me a stiff nod before going to the exit. Though I couldn't see him, I knew he was right outside and was listening in. That brought me a sense of comfort.

Adlai and I sat in silence. I started playing with the ends of my hair, unsure how to get rid of the awkwardness and trying to find something to say.

It was Adlai that broke the silence.

"I know you are nervous, but any information that you give me will help."

I removed my hand from my hair. "Why did you want to talk to me?"

Adlai pulled out something from his suit jacket, a few pictures.

My heart dropped.

Memories flashed across my mind from that day. Running into the crowd. The pain in my side. The screams and stampedes of people.

In the pictures, I saw myself running out the alley, Lorenzo's men following me. Adlai stopped, analyzing my reaction before continuing.

"It's grainy, but we were able to identify it was you. It's strange– a nationally-known attack, and for all the security and technology the government has, it has taken us months to uncover and gain access to these. It was by luck that one of our hackers was able to find this on a street camera.

"It's like people were trying to stall or bury the evidence."

The last statement didn't have a joking quality.

"You think someone was preventing you from finding me?" I asked, trying to talk through the lump stuck in my throat.

"And I think there is a reason you went into hiding. No records of you for weeks until you flew to New York. You didn't know who to trust and you ran. I need to know who the men in the pictures are. There's more to this than we know about and I think you are the key."

"So Adlai isn't a complete dud." Xavier said in the comm.

"Honestly, sitting here with you now feels strange. Not that long ago, I thought I would never have the chance to tell my story. I don't know where to start. So much has happened and...I'm not sure I can trust you." I spoke, looking at my glass.

"And I don't expect you to. But any lead that you can give me will help bring whoever did this to justice. The higher ups and the public want closure. Let's give it to them." Adlai said with determination.

"And if it led to something more?" I asked. "I haven't had good experiences with cops. Agent Benson could twist the information–"

"To try to pin the crimes on Xavier Monroe and his company."

I blinked at the FBI agent.

"Yes. Monroe Protective Services were not involved in the shooting. I didn't even know Damon and the others until I arrived in New York. Benson doesn't seem to care since they put me under their protection."

"You are under their protection?" Adlai asked thoughtfully.

I nodded my head. "I had nowhere to go until I met them here. This is where I got a job when I met Damon. If it weren't for them, I would be dead by now. I'm not going to give any more details about them, but I want to emphasize that they are not the bad guys here."

Adlai rubbed his jaw and sighed.

"What I am about to say stays between us. I knew Benson was going to be a problem once I learned who he was associated with. I read about his history with Monroe and has an irrational obsession with them. I'm not surprised his superiors at the NYPD ignored whatever claims he made against them.

"I've been partnered with Benson for weeks and think he's up to something. I don't trust him either, Ms. Sinclair, and I'm building my own case against him. He's not fit or stable enough to be an agent, but all of the big cases he's been closing have gotten him approval from my superiors. Overall, he's a mediocre or average agent, nothing beyond exceptional or advanced. There's no way he was able to pull this off alone."

I looked at him in confusion. "Why are you telling me all this? It feels like you are laying all your cards on the table."

Adlai gave me a smile. "I am. I'm also informing the others that are listening in on our conversation. Since you have associations with the club and a security company, it wouldn't surprise me if people are eavesdropping. And I am sure you all want to know my intentions or I would be escorted out."

My mouth dropped.

"H-How–"

"I'm an agent, Ms. Sinclair– a damn good one. I know how to put pieces together." Adlai said casually.

"Well, damn. I should've given this man more credit." Damon sounded reluctantly impressed.

That's a good thing, right?

Adlai tapped his ear.

"Would you mind if we had a one-on-one conversation? I only want to chat." Adlai repeated.

I looked at him, debating my next move.

"I think he's telling the truth, Ro. We're watching. If he makes a move we don't like, we'll be there." Xavier reassured me.

"Your move, Flower. Adlai isn't going to hurt you." Damon agreed.

I hated choices. I looked at Adlai, who gave me an encouraging smile.

I pulled out the earpiece quickly before I changed my mind. I gulped before pushing back a piece of my hair.

"Well, you wanted a conversation," I looked at Adlai directly in the eye, summoning up all my courage. "I'm ready to tell you who did it."

~*~

Telling Agent Adlai the truth felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I tried to describe in detail about finding Angelo getting beaten and getting caught after witnessing his murder to, running into the crowd...

Thinking I could lose the Men in Black and not imagining the consequences that followed.

I didn't tell him about the message Angelo gave me or the list, not knowing if it was a good idea to tell him. Time will tell if it would be necessary or not since the Organization was working on it.

I mentioned the gunshot wound I received on my side, how I left the hospital a couple days after. Adlai looked troubled when I told him that I learned my medical records were wiped from the system.

"So I grabbed all the money I could, bought a crappy car, and made my way to New York. I thought that if I stayed under the radar and away from Los Angeles, then they would leave me alone. I began working here and that's when I met Damon. They have been protecting me since."

"And the bomb that detonated in your apartment...the shooters found out where you were staying and tried to take you out." Adlai concluded. I watched his mind work, slowly piecing together the story I told him.

"Yes. That's when Xavier invited me to stay at his home. I've been hiding there ever since. This is actually my first outing in weeks." I said, tapping my fingers on the table.

"Are you able to identify the man that killed the victim? We weren't able to identify any of the suspects." Adlai asked me urgently, wanting more information.

I pursed my lips, pretending to be in thought when I was more stalling. I couldn't ask the guys since I took out my comm.

Was Lorenzi Diablo someone the FBI looked into? I had no doubt that he would be. But if they got news that he came to dinner at the house, would that information be in our favor?

There were too many pieces on the chessboard and I had no idea how to play.

How the heck does Xavier do this?

I bit the bullet.

"I learned his name. It's Lorenzo Diablo."

Adlai's eyes widened. "Lorenzo Diablo? He's one of the top criminals in political deals and espionage on the West Coast. It would make sense that he has the influence to mess with your hospital records. He has been on our radar for years, but there's never been enough evidence to convict him."

"And he has been on my radar for months. I thought if I came here, then he and his men would leave me alone, but it's not the case anymore."

"He's been spotted in the city," Adlai rubbed his chin. "We should put you into witness protection. With you as a witness, we can charge him and–"

"Send him to prison on my word? You and I both know that he won't stay there with the connections he has. You need harder proof than me. And I don't want witness protection. You seem like a nice guy, but I trust no one but Monroe Protective Services." I insisted.

Adlai watched me closely, but I refused to fold on the matter. He must have seen he was fighting a losing battle because he nodded reluctantly.

"Fine, but I want check-ins. If anything happens or learn anything else, I want you to contact me. I'll look deeper into Lorenzo and his whereabouts. When I find more proof, I will arrest him and hope to use you as a witness. With any luck, you won't have to be in the courtroom when he goes on trial." Adlai said.

I saw the determination in his eyes and noted that he said "when", not "if". My respect for him grew. This man wasn't going to go down without a fight and would look deeper into the truth.

And he was willing to work with me. He was by far a way better agent than Benson.

I reached over and clasped his hand.

"Lorenzo hasn't gotten away from you for so long because he is a common criminal. He has connections in high places. I like you, Agent Adlai. Please be careful." I warned him gently before pulling away.

I waved the comm in my hand before putting it back in my ear.

"Sorry, but we aren't necessarily friends and I want to make sure the club is secure. Since they aren't talking in my ear, I assume you really are by yourself." I smiled.

Adlai chuckled.

"Believe me, everything is better without my supposed 'partner' around."

We stood and shook hands. As I pulled my hands away, I saw Adlai studying my face intently.

"How come I feel like you're still not telling me everything, Ms. Sinclair?"

I shrugged, feeling a strange sense of safety with this man. I wondered if it was because I laid a lot of my dark secrets on him and received no disgust or pity.

"Because it's not my information to share."

"You know, technically I can charge you with obstruction and withholding information from a federal agent."

I let out a small laugh.

"But you won't. You're too curious." I said with more confidence than I felt.

"I should get going. It was...a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sinclair. I'm sorry that you have been through hell and back. I'll give you back a normal life. Lorenzo won't be able to harm you again." Agent Adlai declared, giving me a smile and nod before leaving the VIP room.

"I hope you can," I whispered. I cleared my throat. "Guys, are you there? Agent Adlai just left."

"We are still here, Flower. We're going to expand your communication with the others. You can hear everything that is going on, but only follow my or Xavier's orders unless told otherwise." Damon instructed and I let out a sigh, happy to hear his voice.

"We'll leave soon, Ro. We want to make sure it's clear and has Adlai left. Don't want any surprises waiting for us." Xavier said.

"Why don't you head towards me? I am with John at the side booths, near the exit." Damon instructed.

The place where we first met.

My mind flashed back to when Damon rescued me from a bunch of drunk men when I was trying to take out the trash, my first night working at Elysium. I let out a big smile before I nodded. I rolled my eyes and slapped my head once I realized no one else would see it.

"On my way!"

I was met with a blast of music that was muted in the VIP room. I looked over at the stage and smiled as I saw Jasmine performing with the other dancers. She was in her element.

"Ow! How can you guys hear each other with all this loud music?" I complained.

"Don't get Erik started or he will never stop talking, kid." I heard John's voice.

"I can hear you." Erik mumbled.

"You were meant to."

"Frank just informed me Adlai's gone. There was no sign of Benson or any other cop. Tailing him for now." Xavier updated.

I made my way through the crowd, seeing the top of John and Damon's heads. I looked around, happy being back when I spotted someone watching me.

I didn't recognize them from anywhere, but they seemed to recognize me. Once they saw I was looking in their direction, they rushed for me. As he got closer, I realized he was a larger man.

"Guys, someone is coming toward me. A large man with dark hair wearing a blue plaid shirt and jeans." I said in a panic.

"Got eyes on him. Ro, move towards the other exit on your left. Don't run, but walk." Xavier ordered, all humor pushed aside and leaving only the leader of a top security firm.

I quickly moved, seeing the man pushing people aside. I followed Xavier's instructions, not stopping. My heart raced as he got closer and I looked around for any of the security.

The man was only a few feet away, the crowd the only thing preventing him from reaching me as I tried to move faster. I wasn't going to make it–

Before he could grab me, a body crashed into him.

"Hey bud, I was looking for ya!" Josh sang and wrapped an arm around the man's shoulder. I stopped and turned to Josh in relief. Suddenly the man slumped into Josh's arms, his head dropping on Josh's shoulders.

"Dude, how much did you drink? Let's get you somewhere to sit." Josh said with fake concern.

As Josh guided the now limp man away, I saw Josh place a small, thin object in his pocket. Was that a needle?

"Rosaline, I told you to keep moving. Now!"

I jumped at the command and scrambled for the exit.

"Xavier, there are people moving to your exit," Erik reported. "The people stationed in front were distracted and these guys slipped through."

"Damn it. Damon, get ready– we're doing the drinking buddy scam. Rosaline, get to the break room. Time for plan D."

My mind swirled as I changed directions and sped-walked to the break room. What the heck was a drinking buddy scam? And we were on plan D?

I barged into the break room where Xavier was holding a wig and clothes.

"Put this on." Xavier shoved the items into my hands and ushered me to the bathroom. "You've got two minutes. You can leave your clothes; someone else will pick them up later."

Moments later, I was in a pair of dark jeans and a sparkly pink top. I put my hair in a messy bun before attempting, unsuccessfully, to put the blonde wig on.

"Time's up!" Xavier shouted. I got out of the bathroom, blinking as I saw that Xavier had changed out of his suit to a plain shirt and jeans, as well as wearing a wig that made his hair lighter and longer.

"I don't know how to put the wig on." I frantically said as I tried to adjust the wig.

Xavier waved me off.

"It's fine. Better if it's messy anyway. We are about to play the drunk, horny couple about to have sex in an alleyway. Follow my lead all right?"

"Wait–"

Before I could ask any questions, Xavier dragged me back into the club. As we headed to the door I had been attempting to exit a few minutes ago, Xavier spoke into my ear.

"Remember, don't panic, and don't tense up." Xavier said– before throwing me over his shoulder.

"Eek! What are you doing?" I squealed.

"Playing the part, Ro. Just focus on me and not the others." Xavier said before he started stumbling his way to the exit.

I forced my body to loosen as I wrapped my arms around his waist.

"This is so not how I thought this night was going to end." I mumbled into Xavier's back. "You're not my type."

"Whatever, Ro-Ro," Xavier slurred before making it to the exit. "Now start giggling."

I let out some fake giggles and Xavier began to chuckle as he opened the door. I shuddered at the cool breeze.

"Come on babe, just this once," Xavier pleaded as he clumsily got us to the brick wall. He quickly set me down and pinned me to the wall. I looked up and saw the mischief in his eyes, egging me to keep going.

I feel like I'm in a parallel universe.

"But what if somebody catches us?" I whisper-shouted.

"That'll make it more fun. I've always wanted to try public sex– the adrenaline of not knowing if we'll get caught." Xavier put his face close to my neck, but didn't make any contact as he made weird smooching noises. After a few moments, he used his hands to cover our mouths to pretend we were making out.

I don't know if it was because we were in a dangerous and bizarre situation disguised as a drunk couple, or Xavier making those weird noises– but I cracked.

My giggles filled the air when a shout interrupted us.

"Leave now." a man roughly said as he pulled Xavier away harshly. I was able to get a glimpse of the men before Xavier blocked them from my view. I peeked around him.

"Hey! Easy man, leave me and my lady alone. Find yourself your ownnn place." Xavier slurred, pushing him away and pointing at them droopily.

The men showed the guns that were on their waists.

"I'll only tell you one more time. Get. The. Fuck. Out. Or I won't hesitate to pull the trigger." the man threatened.

I gulped as Xavier let out a gasp.

"Shit. Let's blow this joint, babe!" Xavier dragged my hand and pulled me out of the alleyway. I kept my head down, letting the blonde hair cover my features.

My heart raced as I recalled the last time I ran from an alleyway. But this time was different as Xavier ushered me inside a car, Damon in the driver's seat.

"Go!" Xavier shouted and Damon sped away.

I looked out the window in shock.

No gunshots, no screaming or bodies.

Nothing happened.

And I couldn't be more grateful.

I pulled the wig off in relief and took out my comm.

"That was intense...and weird. Thank you, Xavier." I spoke genuinely.

"Did you seriously smack lips with my woman, Xavier?" Damon spoke, his voice both serious and gleeful.

"No, Asshole. I pretended that I was giving her a good hickey though. So you have nothing to report to my Sugar." Xavier stated proudly.

Damon looked relieved and sad at the same time, for completely different reasons.

"I didn't cheat on you, my partner in crime. Don't worry." I teased now that we were driving back to the property, my other safe haven besides Damon.

"I'm happy about that, but I wanted to see the ass-kicking Maria would have given Xavier, despite the circumstances." Damon sulked.

"Fuck you, Asshole." Xavier snorted.

We sat in silence for a while, before Damon spoke up.

"How did it go, Flower? Your conversation with Agent Adlai?"

I let out a small smile.

"I told him as much as I could without telling him anything associated with you guys or the list. I mentioned Lorenzo. Seems that Adlai is determined to help me. I believe that he is going to try. But overall...it felt really good."

"A sense of freedom now that you have to hold nothing back about your trauma," Xavier continued and I nodded, grateful that he understood.

"But I think your deductions are correct, he seems to be a good man. I don't know how far he'll get, but hopefully whatever intel he can find will help us."

"What about the others still at Elysium? And the man Josh took down?" I asked.

"They can find another way home but they are going to make sure they leave Frank's property. Erik will download all the footage and analyze it with John. Jasmine wants to stay to socialize. Josh hopefully didn't kill the guy and threw him in a closet or something. As long as the twins aren't causing too much trouble, it'll be fine." Xavier shrugged.

My eyes widened at his response about Josh.

Hopefully he didn't kill him?

"That's what you said the last time about the Andersons." Damon mumbled and tossed away his comm.

"So they blew up one car. To be fair, it was red–" Xavier abruptly stopped. I turned and watched him with concern as he gritted his teeth, listening on his earpiece.

"What's wrong, boss?" Damon asked.

Xavier's expression was stony.

"Someone tried to crash into Adlai's car. The problem is I don't know who is making him a target."

"What do you mean?" I asked, playing with my hair.

"I don't know if it could be Benson or Lorenzo– possibly both since they have motives. I need to think about this at home. But now we need to watch Adlai for not only info, but to keep him safe. Someone wants him dead."

I rubbed my face in exhaustion and worry, not caring it was ruining my makeup.

It always seemed like once we achieved one thing, another problem arose. I didn't want Agent Adlai to get hurt because of me. I hoped he was okay.

Everything seemed to blur after that. We made it back quickly, Maria asking what happened. Xavier and Damon knew I didn't want to talk, so Xavier pulled Maria away while Damon guided me back to our wing.

I didn't have the energy to change, so Damon brought me to our bed. I cuddled into his side, letting him shield me from the world so I could have a dreamless sleep.

Before I fell asleep, I heard Damon whisper sweet nothings into my ear, promising me safety and love.

I just wanted it all to last.