Kelsey's Point of View:

"I heard that you're a picky eater around here." I smirked as I sat across from him on the bed. One leg curled under my butt as I leaned forwards, tearing the plastic covers off of the containers and placing them under it on the tray perched in front of Justin. "I actually think the nurses wrote it down on their chart." I giggled, watching as he raised his eyebrows though his eyes stayed remained on the food.

"Oh really?" He questioned teasingly, his tongue tracing his bottom lip in a simple way that made my stomach do backflips.

"Yes, really," Smiling, I pulled the plastic forks out of their small bags, laying them down. "I was gonna cook for you but then I thought it'd probably be healthier and safer if I brought you something you'd actually eat." Taking some food into the fork, I leaned over the tray, gesturing it towards Justin's open mouth as he took the piece of chicken into his mouth.

"What happened with you getting some sleep?" Justin questioned with raised eyebrows, his mouth full of food.

Rolling my eyes, I scowled, "What is it with you always thinking about me in a bed?"

Smirking, Justin opened his mouth signaling he wanted more.

Pursing my lips, I bit back laughter, feeding him once more. "I know this isn't the most romantic setting in the world but," I shrugged, "I feel like we have some things to celebrate."

Swallowing, Justin nodded his head, "I agree." Licking his lips, he smiled, "It looks good, smells even better." Leaning over to grab the fork himself, a slapped his hand away.

"No, no, no," I scolded playfully, "that's my job."

"Oh, so now you're going to feed me?" He fought the goofy grin that threatened to reveal itself as he stared across at me amusingly.

"That's right." Taking in some noodles along with the chicken, I ushered it into Justin's mouth as he moaned in satisfaction at the delicious food he was eating.

"I should get hurt more often," He teased, watching me warily as I froze for a moment's time.

"This is actually going to be a onetime thing, so don't get used to it."

"Mhm, can I have a napkin?"

Grabbing one from nearby, I gave it to Justin's outstretched hand, watching as he wiped his lips dry before taking the other fork still packed in a bag, ripping it open and fondling with the food in my container. Leaning over, he pointed it towards my lips, "say ah baby,"

Crossing my arms against my chest, I shook my head, "What did I tell you? There's a reason why I'm not letting you feed yourself, why in God's name would I let you feed me?"

Rolling his eyes, Justin urged to the fork closer to my lips, "Just eat."

Pursing my lips, I reluctantly did as he said, not wanting to test the waters and accidentally raise his blood pressure. "You're so annoying."

"Yeah but you love me, now stop talking and eat." Putting a forkful of food into my mouth, I swallowed with a heavy sigh.

"Hey, just because I'm giving you to eat doesn't mean you had to stop doing the same for me." Smirking, Justin laughed as I fumbled on the tray to find his fork.

"You're such a child," I stuck my tongue out while we both exchanged food, feeing one another at the same time.

Fumbling with the food, Justin gave me an incredulous look, "Says the one who just stuck their tongue out at me, okay," Chuckling, he chewed silently as he settled back against his pillows, his eyes just taking me in, not saying a word.

"What?" Licking my lips, I touched my cheeks, "is there something on my face?"

"No," He smiled, "you're perfect."

Biting the inside of my cheek, I looked away, feeling my cheeks warm up under his hot gaze, his sweet words swirling around in my head.

It doesn't matter how many times he compliments me, I still never get used to it. It's like the first time all over again.

"What are you thinking about?"

Looking him in the eyes, I felt my stomach flutter with endless butterflies, "Just how some things never change."

Lifting the corner of his lips up, Justin leaned over, brushing his fingers against my red cheeks, his touch sending electric waves throughout my body. "Tell me about it." He cooed, letting his hand rest on my neck for a bit before retrieving his it back.

Cocking my head to the side, I took notice to his extremely goofy, happy demeanor, thinking about how just days before he looked pale and lifeless. "Can you promise me something?"

Licking his lips, something shined bright in his hazel eyes but as quick as it appeared, it vanished leaving me questioning what it was that I had saw though it wasn't too long before the thought disappeared from my mind. "Don't do anything stupid once you're released."

"Kelsey—"

"I know you Justin and I know how your mind works. You're angry and I get that but please, just... don't throw everything away for nothing. Cole can be taken care of easily, if you just let the cops do their job."

Clenching his jaw hard, for what, I had no idea but I prayed that he wouldn't take what I said the wrong way and for once, he'd take it into consideration and actually listen to me.

"Listen to me," Reaching for my hand, I placed it into the warmth of his, watching as they laced together as one perfectly, "I don't want you worrying about my business, okay? This is why I keep certain things to myself. I know me getting shot was a wakeup call to just how lethal this life can get but I'm going to need you to just let it go and let me do what I've been trained to do." Thumbing my chin, he held it tight so that my eyes never left his. "I have far more important things on my mind rather than getting back at Cole. Do I want to kill the son of a bitch? You have no fucking idea but I'm not going to let my anger take over my train of thought. My main priority is you and your safety. Cole will be handled with time but for now, I just want to focus on me, you... us." Squeezing my hand, he gave me a reassuring look, "do you think we can do that?"

Biting my lip, I leaned forwards, capturing his lips with mine, "I think we can." I murmured once I pulled away though I remained close.

"Good," Kissing my nose, he pecked my forehead before letting me settle back down in a sitting position. "Now that we've got that over with—"

"All I wanna do is love your body.

Oooooooh oooh oooh oooooh.

Tonight's your lucky night, I know you want it.

Oooooooh oooh oooh oooooh."

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I gave Justin a weak smile as he stared with raised eyebrows, clearly amused at me, "Ugh, hold on," Shuffling off the bed, I dug in my bag, finding my phone. Unlocking it, I pressed it to my ear without checking to see who it was, "Hello?" Carefully sitting down at the edge of Justin's bed, I furrowed my eyebrows waiting for the other person to talk.

"Kelsey?"

"Dennis?" Looking at Justin, he shot me a questioning look as if to ask why he was calling in which I shrugged, not knowing myself why. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine; I just need a really huge favor."

"Whatsup?" Leaning against Justin's bed, I took the fork, taking some salad in it before feeding it to Justin who hungrily accepted it.

"Well, mom's at work and dad dropped me off this morning. He was supposed to come pick me up but I guess he got held up or something and I have no way of getting home."

"Of course," I muttered angrily.

"I was wondering if you could possibly drive me home."

"What about your friends?"

"They already left."

"Did you try calling mom or dad?"

"Yes and neither one of them will pick up. I would've took the bus but I forgot my metro pass at home. Can you please come? I'm freezing."

Sighing, I gazed at Justin who gave me a knowing look.

"Hold on." Covering the bottom of my phone, I bit my lip, "Dennis needs a ride home from school."

"So? Go and get him. I'll be fine."

"But—"

"Kelsey," Justin warned sternly, "Just listen to me for once. Your brother needs you. I won't be going anywhere anytime soon," Gesturing around him with open arms; he sighed, "as you can already tell. I'll be here when you get back."

Slumping my shoulders, I sighed, "I can't believe you want me to leave so badly."

"It's not that, Kelsey." Shaking his head, he patted my knee gently, "You worry way too much sometimes. At least this way now you know what it feels like for me when I have to leave for business. It's not because I want to go it's just that the jobs gotta get done."

Uncovering my phone, I held it to my ear once more, knowing he was right, "I'll be there in five minutes."

"Okay, thank you Kelsey, I owe you big time."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Just wait at the entrance; I'll be there as fast as I can." Hanging up, I threw my phone back into my bag after standing up to retrieve it. Pulling on my jacket, I walked over to Justin. "I'll see you later. Try not to miss me too much," Giggling, I kissed him gently before pulling away.

"Mmm," Licking his lips, he grinned, "I'll try not to."

Opening the door, I was just about to close it when Justin interrupted me from doing so.

"Take Spencer with you," Furrowing his eyebrows, a thought came to his mind, "where is that son of a bitch anyways?"

"He went to the bathroom then proceeded to go to the café like I had asked because I wanted some alone time with you." Brushing my hair behind my ears, I gave him a weak smile, "He tried fighting it but I threatened to knee him where the sun doesn't shine so..." Shrugging non-apologetically, I leaned back against the door.

"You just love doing that, don't you?" Justin stared over at me amusingly, referring back to when I had done it to Cole himself.

"Only when necessary," I waved a hand dismissively, "Anyways, I'm going to have to drop by the house and take my car instead because Dennis doesn't know about all of this and I don't want to tip him off."

"Spencer will ride with you." Justin cut in.

"No," I exasperated, "Spencer will not. What makes you think having a bodyguard with me will make it less noticeable? He'll suspect something besides, I'd like to have some alone time with my brother since my visit with him didn't quite go as planned..." Glancing down at his covered bandaged chest, Justin sucked in his cheeks, fighting the urge to argue with me.

Running a hand through his hair, wincing at the sudden contrast the pull did, Justin let it fall next to him as he shrugged, "Whatever. Just be back before sun down and make sure you call Spencer and let him know when you start driving back so at least you guys can meet up somewhere. Okay?"

Fighting the urge to protest, knowing this was a part of my life now and I had to deal with it somehow, "Fine," I muttered. Blowing him a kiss, I abided a solid goodbye before leaving out the door.

Taking my phone out again, I dialed a fresh number.

"Yo," He chirped.

"Meet me around the front, I have something I need to do and since I can't go anywhere myself, I'm going to need you to drive me."

"That's what I'm here for," Spencer chuckled, "I'll be right there."

Justin's Point of View:

Once I knew the coast was clear and Kelsey left, I grabbed the phone, dialing Bruce's number. "She left, you can come in now."

Slamming the phone closed, I closed the food containers, putting them off to the side and just as I did, Bruce walked in, making sure the coast was clear before locking the door behind him. "What happened?"

"Cole gave me a surprise visit, threatened to kill me and would have done it if it weren't for Kelsey coming in at the right time and slaying his fucking ass."

"What the hell do you mean he threatened you? Where the fuck were the nurses and shit when he came strolling in armed?"

"He wasn't armed. The son of a bitch had a fucking pillow with him. He was going to suffocate me like the pussy we all know him to be. He doesn't have the balls to kill me any other way. I still don't understand how he's even come to live this far along but I'll be sure to end him once and for all."

"Justin," Pressing his fingertips to his temples, Bruce wildly rubbed against them, knowing where I was heading with this.

"Cole's beginning to become a problem and we're going to need to settle this but," Putting a hand up, silencing Bruce before he had the chance to utter a word, I gave him a pointed look, letting him know I wasn't done talking yet, "We're going to do it my way."

"Bieber—"

"It's my turn to talk now, you're not the one who got shot so I suggest you shut the fuck up and let me explain it to you before you get your boxers in a twist."

Watching him roll his hands into fists, I smirked knowing I had gotten him all riled up.

"Now, we're not going to go in guns blazing and kill the motherfucker as much as I want to. We're going to let him think he's won. We'll let him thrive in his glory, talk all the shit he wants, let the Snipers have this one supposed win and when they least expect it, we're going in." Sitting up more, I looked up at him, "We're going to have to be smart about it though because I can't have Kelsey finding out about any of this."

"Fuck man," Bruce let out a deep breath as he shook his head, "Killing Cole won't be a problem but the last time you kept something like this from her..." Trailing off, he pursed his lips in utter disbelief, "Listen, I don't want to tell you how to keep your relationship alive—"

I shrugged, "Then don't."

Ignoring me, Bruce continued, "but you've risked a lot already Justin and each time, she's taken you back without a second thought. She can only handle so much. Do you really want to do this without her consent?"

Scowling, I glared, "Since when was her opinion ever important to the shit we do? We killed people before without checking to make sure she was okay with it. What does now make any difference?"

"It makes a huge difference because unlike then, she's family to us now. If you get sent to jail, our asses will be on the line and I don't think she'll be able to keep holding on. You're pushing her limits and it won't be long before she can't take it anymore."

"Okay, let's say we go with what you're saying and we let her know that I plan to kill the bastard, then what? Do you honestly think she'll let me do it? She'll constantly be on our ass, watching every move we make and end up risking her life along with ours. The whole point of this entire thing is to make sure they pay for what they did. I don't want anybody else, especially the people we love getting involved. Kelsey knows enough to keep her at a safe distance. If we drop the bomb on her now, she'll never let it go."

"She'll never forgive you either."

"I rather lose part of her trust then have her end up getting killed because I was dumb enough to let her take part in our business."

"What if you lose her instead?"

A thick silence coated the air, burning my lungs with sudden suffocation as the thought invaded my mind. Ignoring the rumbling in my stomach, I glared, "Can you just listen to me for once damnit?" I spat, entirely annoyed. "I refuse to keep them alive long enough to try to finish the job."

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Bruce looked away momentarily, contemplating what it was he was going to say next but he knew, even if he disagreed with my decision, I'd do it with or without his consent. Swallowing hard, he looked down, his shoes all of a sudden taking his interest. "So, we're really going to do this?"

Gazing over at the wrinkled sheets near my feet, I took in a deep breath at the imagery of Kelsey smiling "Yeah," Nodding my head, I clutched the sheets in my palm, "Yeah, we are."

Kelsey's Point of View:

After Spencer dropped me off at the house, I quickly shuffled in my pockets, trying to find the keys. Unlocking the doors, I settled myself inside, sliding the key into ignition as the car roared to life.

Backing up out of the driveway, I began strolling down the streets, Spencer hot on my tail as we drove, stopping at all the needed stop signs, red lights before reaching the all too familiar building I had once called school.

Sliding into an empty spot near the front entrance, I stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut behind me before making my way around to the front. Standing up on my tip toes, I spotted Dennis not too far from where I stood.

Catching my breath in my throat, I felt an uneasiness overwhelm me as I took sight of my younger brother. Cramming my neck to the side, I gave a simple nod of my head towards Spencer who signaled me back, driving a bit farther up so that nothing looked too suspicious.

Rubbing my hands together, I stepped onto the sidewalk that bordered around the entire high school. My heels clicked against the pavement as I began making my way over to Dennis who was tucked inside his jacket, shying away from the harsh weather but much to my dismay, a larger, much taller figure stood in front of him.

"Hey!" I shouted, jogging over to the steps in order to reach my brother in time. "Get away from my bro—" Freezing in place, I took several steps back in surprise as the stranger turned around, revealing his face to me. "D—dad?"

"Your brother said you'd be here but I couldn't believe it unless I saw it for myself." Sticking his chin in the air, his brown eyes, ones that closely resembled mine, locked to mine, keeping me frozen in place.

"Of course I'd come for him." I muttered, taken back by the harsh winds that whisked through my hair. "He is my brother."

"And I'm your father but that didn't keep you from disobeying or cutting contact now did it?" He spat irritably.

"I didn't come here to fight." Sighing, I ran my fingers through my hair, pulling it away from my face. "I came to get Dennis which obviously was a waste of time since you're already here."

"Everything's a waste of time to you when it comes to your family but God forbid, something happens to that boyfriend of yours. You'd kill to make sure he's okay but what about your brother? Your own flesh and blood? The people who gave birth to you?"

Parting my lips, I gasped at his words, "Mom and I are fine, Dennis seems to be okay to me. You're the one who pushed me away." I whispered, "I tried to explain everything to you but you wouldn't listen. You were so keen on seeing the bad, never the good and I couldn't stand it any longer."

"So you decide instead to throw your life away for the likes of a cold blooded murderer who left you alone for years? Somebody who lied and deceived you, left you to fend for yourself?" Humorlessly laughing, he shook his head, "And now what are you left with?" He gestured around him.

"I'm left with a lot more than what I started out with, that's for sure. You always wanted things your way and the moment you didn't get what you wanted, you turned away from me. If you would just open your eyes and hear me out, you'd understand—"

Putting a hand up to silence me, he took a step forward, "You had your whole life planned out for you. You were so bright and smart. You could have goneso far in life Kelsey but you chose instead to live a life that will end up getting you killed."

"Dad..." Dennis began but was ignored.

Closing my eyes, I fisted my hands into my eyes, rubbing angrily at them, "We had this argument one too many times. Time and time again, I keep telling you it's not what it looks like but you just never listen!"

"It seems to me that your boyfriend kills people for a living and you seem to be okay with that. Please, tell me how you find that remotely okay?"

"He has his reasons," I whispered.

"I have my reasons for a lot of things but you don't see me killing them all."

Sighing frustratingly, I stomped my foot to the ground, something I did when I was younger when I never got my way. "I love him dad, why can't you just accept it and move on?" Throwing my hands in the air, I slapped them down against my thighs in frustration. "I'm your daughter for heaven's sake!"

A deep throaty laugh emitted from within as he stared over at me with a blank expression, "The last time I checked, I didn't have a daughter."

"What are you talking about? I'm standing right here," I hissed in disbelief at my father's choice of words. "I'm right here dad."

"No, the daughter I raised and loved wouldn't have done this to herself. She wouldn't have risked everything for the likes of a criminal."

Gaping at him, I shook my head, not being able to believe what I was hearing.

"Dad..." I took a step towards him which only resulted in him backing away.

"I am not your father!" He roared, startling me. "And he's not your brother." Pointing at Dennis behind him, he kept his eyes on me. "Because the daughter I raised," He shakily whispered thought it came hard as intended to, "his sister... she died a long time ago."

His words were like a knife to my chest and that's all it took to shut me up entirely. I couldn't breathe, move nor blink. It was like I was frozen in place and everything around me was fading to complete darkness. Opening my mouth, I closed it, not knowing what to say.

"I hope that boyfriend of yours was worth it," My dad lowly exclaimed, his eyes darkening, "Because as of right now, you're dead to me." Shoving past and taking Dennis under his arm, he began walking away from me.

Fighting against his hold on him, Dennis looked back at me, communicating with his eyes in behalf of our father that he was sorry.

Squeezing my eyes shut, the tears that pooled at the rim of my eyelids fell, scaring my cheeks. Gasping out in pain at what had just happened, I nearly fell to my knees as they gave way. Pressing a hand to my chest, the cold air burned my lungs as it entered me.

"Kelsey?" Spencer questioned quietly, "Are you okay?"

Refusing to look at him, I merely shook my head. The second his arms came in contact around my body, pulling me into his chest, I let it all out. Clutching his shirt in my hands, I began to cry into him, my breathing staggered as I huffed and puffed to calm myself down but the more I tried, the more I failed.

"Shhh," He soothed into my ear, rubbing my back up and down. "It's okay; it's going to be okay."

"No," I whimpered, "it won't. Nothing will ever be okay. No matter what I do, somebody gets hurt in the end. I can never win." Shaking my head, it was then that I wished I was in Justin's arms instead. He always knew how to calm me down in situations like this and being here, with Spencer, it just didn't feel right.

Shoving him back, I stumbled to my feet. Wiping my cheeks dry, I sniffled, forcing myself to walk over to my car, ignoring Spencer's troubling gaze as he tried to figure me out.

"Let's go." I hoarsely spoke, wanting nothing more than to get the hell out of here. With shaking hands, I opened my car door.

"Maybe you should come with me instead, I'll drive you, and it's much safer that way."

"No," I hissed. I wanted to be alone and I knew if I were to go with him, he'd only make things worse by asking questions. "Just go," I mumbled. Watching as he fought against his conscience, he took a step back, fisting his hands in his pockets as he walked over to his car, glancing back at me several times as he did.

Managing to sit inside, I struggled to turn the car on as my vision blurred over once more, my father's harsh words repeating in my head over and over again.

"You're dead to me."

Shaking my head, I wiped my nose clean while pulling out of the parking spot and onto the road as I swerved out of the area and onto the main road.

Clutching the steering wheel in my hands, I fought to contain my emotions, but nothing I did would help. Glancing away from the road, I dug into my purse; in search for the one thing that I knew would help.

Grabbing my phone, I held it to my ear after dialing.

"Hello?"

Bursting into tears at the sound of Justin's raspy voice, I continued to sob as Justin repeatedly asked what was wrong.

Justin's Point of View:

Bruce and I had just gone over my plan several times, making the appropriate changes and add on before we finally decided on what we were officially going to do when the room phone rang.

Confused as to who it could be, I picked it up. "Hello?"

All of a sudden, I heard someone begin to cry and I knew within seconds who it was and my heart sank to my stomach. "Baby? What's wrong? Why are you crying? Is everything okay?" Sitting up, my throat dried at the sound of her vulnerability.

Bruce's head shot up once he heard my various questions, his eyes wide with concern.

Kelsey continued to cry as she fought to say something but nothing came out understandable. "Baby, I'm going to need you to calm down for me, okay? And tell me what happened."

"I... Dennis a-and he—" Hiccupping, Kelsey paused as she tried to find her words.

"Pull the car over Kelsey and talk to me." I ordered.

Shuffling was heard as Kelsey's cries grew messier and I knew something big had to have happened for her to get like this and it killed me that I wasn't with her. "Baby—" Before I had the chance to finish my plea, a gasp was heard along with a loud honking of a horn and a piercing scream.

"Justin!"

My body jolted into an upright position, "Kelsey!"