Justin's Point of View:

"Rise and shine sweetheart," A soft grin placed across my lips as Kelsey began to flutter her eyes open, a small yawn escaping through her parted lips as she stretched as far as her body would let her.

"Morning," She whispered, looking up at me with a self-conscious smile that tugged at my heart strings. Sitting up, Kelsey hugged the blanket to her chest.

Reaching over, I brushed the hair that fell in front of her face back behind her ear, stroking her cheek with the padding of my thumb. "How're you feeling baby?"

"Mmm," She shrugged, "I'm okay... for the most part but my body's really sore." Her bottom lip pouted slightly but the look of self-disappointment in her eyes told me otherwise.

Running a hand up her arm, I gently massaged her shoulder. "It's probably from the explosion, Bruce told me you guys jumped out at the last second" I cleared my throat, scratching the back of my head. "But don't worry because we'll take care of it."

"What do you mean?" Kelsey narrowed her eyes knowingly.

"It's not what you think," I reassured, ignoring the images of Spencer's burning body from my head, "It's quite the opposite actually." I grinned.

Kelsey calmed though she sat a still dubious towards me. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

"Does going on vacation seem like a bad thing babe," I sighed, "I mean really?"

Furrowing her eyebrows in confusion, Kelsey raised an eyebrow. "Vacation?" She questioned as if tasting the foreign word on her lips. "What are you talking about?"

"Bruce and I have decided it's time we get the hell out of Stratford to relax for a bit. We have a plane leaving to Barbados in about an hour."

"We're going on vacation... in an hour!?" Kelsey screeched, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Throwing the covers off of her, she stumbled on her feet. "Justin, I still have to pack!"

Fighting the urge to laugh, I bit my lip turning my body towards her. "Don't worry about it baby, Carly already helped me pack for you."

Kelsey opened her mouth to say something else but decided against it as she pressed her lips together. "She did?" Looking around as she spotted the suitcases in the corner of the room, her lips curved up. "When did you guys do this?"

I shrugged, "About an hour ago."

She crossed her arms against her chest. "And you didn't think to wake me up?"

"You were sleeping; I didn't want to wake you up besides Risi was already making breakfast when I asked her to help choose whatever it is you girls need. I also called in a few favors over in Barbados; you'll have a batch of new clothes waiting on your arrival."

Biting her lip, Kelsey fumbled on her feet, playing with the string that held her robe together.

"Come here," I held my hand out for her to take. Watching as she hesitated for a moment, Kelsey caught my gaze and slowly made her way over to me, grabbing my hand along the way.

Pulling her so that she stood in between my legs, I interlaced our fingers together, holding her waist with the other. Peering up at her through my lashes, I licked my lips. "I'm doing this for us, for you."

Leaning into me, Kelsey let her head drop so that our foreheads pressed together as her free hand cupped my cheek. "You do enough for me as it is," She whispered against my lips. "Thank you."

"Nothing will ever be enough," I murmured, "But this is the first step in making sure we're back on track. I want to make you feel better."

"Just being here with you makes everything better." Wrapping her arms around my neck as I did my own around her waist, I pulled her up onto my lap so that she was straddling me.

"I love you." I whispered into her hair.

"I love you too." Pulling away, she held onto my shoulders. "When are we leaving?"

Twisting my wrist around to check the time, I cocked my head to the side. "In about ten minutes or so, we have to make it at the airport in time to catch the plane."

"Okay." Pulling away from me, Kelsey was just about to walk away when I grabbed onto her arm before she could.

"And where do you think you're going?"

"To go change?" Kelsey giggled and for the first time, I felt at ease knowing it wasn't forced.

A smirk tugged at my lips. "I could help you if you want." I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively.

Rolling her eyes though a blush crept up her cheeks, Kelsey tugged free from my hold. "No, that's okay. I think I can manage on my own."

Standing, I began to walk towards her, "You sure?" I whispered, cornering her against the wall as I held my hands at either side of her face, "Because I don't have any problem helping you out of that." My eyes traveled down the length of her body before finding her eyes once more taking note at the redness of embarrassment in her face making me grin like a little boy.

"I'm positive." Kelsey squeaked out, cowering back with a playful look in her eyes as she prepared herself for what I was about to do next.

Chuckling, I let my hands scoop down low until they hooked around the backs of her knees before traveling up the curve of her ass bringing her robe with it.

"Justin!" Kelsey gasped, slapping my hands away but failing miserably as I pulled her into my body, my head dug into the crook of her neck. "Why are you so nervous baby?" I pecked the skin behind her ear, "It's nothing you're not used to."

"I have to get ready and you're distracting me." She mumbled, fighting her way out of my hold on her as she huffed, pushing the hair that fell in front of her face away.

Putting my hands up in mock surrender, I dug them into the pockets of my jeans as I took a step back. "Someone's bitter."

Shooting me a glare, Kelsey turned towards the closet looking through whatever it is I had left behind for her to choose from.

Turning back to me once she decided on a pair of jeans and a loose-fitted tank-top with drop holes at the sides with a laced white under layer, Kelsey held her weight on one side as she pointed towards the door. "Go."

"Okay, okay, I'm leaving." I began making my way out, "But if you're not ready in five minutes I'm coming in and I don't care if you're naked or not." Winking enticingly, I dodged the pillow she threw in my direction as I closed the door behind me laughing.

"Asshole," Kelsey remarked.

Kelsey's Point of View:

Looking myself in the mirror, I leaned my palms against the sink. The bruising on my neck stuck out like a sore thumb causing my stomach churned in disgust.

I was absolutely repulsed with myself and despite the way Justin was pursing me earlier, it didn't change the fact that I felt dirty. No matter how much I scrubbed myself clean, the act of his hands on me stirred chills down my back.

Raking my fingers through my hair, I let out a frustrated growl deciding on tying it up into a high ponytail.

Opening the lower cabinets attached, I began looking through my make-up, taking out the cover-up and the little padding in which will help conceal my skin from the discoloration.

After a few minutes of making sure it was absolutely covered, I sighed, stuffing everything into my purse before walking out. Noticing my bags were gone, I figured Justin had taken them. Shrugging, I looked around making sure I hadn't left anything behind before exiting, taking the flight of stairs down to the living room where everyone was waiting and by everyone—I meant everyone.

"Alec?" My eyes widened as my mouth dropped open in shock. "Kadra, Steph? What are you guys doing here?" I gawked in evident happiness spotting each of them sitting on the couch. I hadn't seen any of them since Justin was released besides Steph and even then I had only seen her for a mere ten minutes before she was dragged away.

"You didn't think you'd go on vacation without us, did you?" Kadra laughed, standing up as she walked over to me, pulling me into a hug. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," Pulling away; I gave the rest of the girl's hugs before smiling up at all of them.

"This is going to be so much fun!" Alec squealed from beside me, "I can't wait to just have fun with you girls and go shopping! I also heard the beaches there are incredible," She gushed with joy, "and don't even get me started on the boys!" She nudged us.

Clearing his throat, Marco sent her a warning glare once she turned towards him. "Watch it or every boy there will end up with their dicks chopped off and handed to them, don't mess with me Alec."

Rolling her eyes, Alec waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, relax, I was just kidding."

"Roll your eyes again," Marco threatened and before I knew it, they began arguing.

Sighing, I exchanged knowing looks with the girls. "Some things never change."

"Tell me about it," Kadra flipped her hair behind her shoulder. "Anyways, I heard Barbados has the best sun and you know what that means..." She smirked, "Us girls will be getting our tan on."

"Ou," Justin came up behind me, resting his chin on my shoulder as he gripped my waist in his hands. "Does that mean I get to see my girl in a bikini?"

"I hardly doubt it." I mumbled.

Frowning, Justin looked as though he was about to say something when Bruce interrupted.

"Alright, enough talking we don't have time for chit-chat. You got plenty of time to do that on the plane." Bruce called out to all of us, "Now let's go before we hit traffic."

Shrugging Kadra linked arms with me and Carly, Steph and Alec going on either side of us as we all headed out to the car together.

"I call shot gun!" Carly jumped up and down like a school girl.

"Sorry that seats taken." Justin informed as he put the last of the luggage in the back of the car.

Carly puckered her bottom lip, slouching. "Why?"

"Because I'm driving and that's usually where Kelsey sits." Justin pointed out as he grinned, showing teeth.

"That's okay," I shook my head, "Carly can sit there, I want to catch up with the girls anyways." Before Justin had a chance to question me, I pulled them into the car, closing the door behind us.

"What was that about?" Kadra asked as she eyed me warily. "I may not have been around much since he's come back but I do know for a fact that you guys are practically joined at the hip."

I waved my hand as though she was reading into it. "It's nothing,"

"We're your friends we know when you're lying." Alec crossed her arms, her eyes constricted, "So spill."

"It's—"

"Woo!" Marco pumped his fist in the air, "Who's ready for a road trip?" Plopping himself down beside Alec, he threw his arm around her shoulders as the rest of the guys tumbled in the car.

Pressing my lips together, I looked away, sitting forwards thankful that Marco had interrupted when he had.

"This isn't over yet." Kadra whispered in my ear, giving me a knowing look before turning to Marcus as they began talking.

Sighing, I began playing with my fingers, feeling like a ton of bricks were weighing me down and suddenly I felt the need to crawl into Justin's lap and have him hold me. As if reading my mind, Justin looked into the rearview mirror, catching my eyes before I had the chance to look away.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I slumped back into the leather seat, tucking my chin into my open palm as I looked out into the sky, wishing something would just swallow me up and take me away.

With his hand in mine, Justin led us through the corridor until we were met with a clean shaven wooden, polished door. Taking the key out of his pocket, he unlocked it, pushing it open.

Stepping inside, I nearly gasped at the beautiful sight before me. Everything was absolutely breathtaking, with a glass table in the middle, bamboo chairs placed around it and huge pillars behind that led out to see the perfect view of the water.

"You're going to love it here." Justin whispered in my ear, kissing my cheek. "I can't wait to show you around." He murmured, giving my hand a squeeze before turning to see Bruce stumbling in through the doors.

Dropping Stephanie's bags on the floor with a grunt, Bruce cursed under his nose. "Jesus Christ, what do you have in there, rocks?" He exhaled, straitening up to his full length.

Stephanie rolled her eyes, "Oh, stop being such a baby. You're a gangster for God's sake and a couple of heavy luggages are bothering you?"

Pushing past them, Marco threw himself on one of the bamboo chair, extending his legs as he crossed his hands behind his head. "Alec, make me a sandwich."

"What do I look like to you, your maid? Make your own sandwich!" Alec scowled, kicking past Marco's feet making him sit up with a growl as she sat on the arm of the chair.

"For Christ's sake, we're not even here for a bloody 2 minutes and everyone's already fighting!" Kadra threw her arms in the air, "You guys are unbelievable."

Walking up behind her, Marcus began rubbing her shoulders, whispering soothing things into her ear calming her instantly.

"She's right," John stated from behind as both he and Carly settled their things off to the side of the room, his arm held protectively around her waist. "We came here to get away from all the drama not to start it ourselves."

"Quite the wise words brother," A male whom I had never seen before cupped John on the shoulder, giving him a little shake as John turned, a smile splayed across his face.

"Lou, it's great to see you man." Clapping hands, John pulled his fingers away with a snap. "How've you been holding up?"

"Eh, I'm alright. Business is running pretty slow down here but that's not always a bad thing." Lou smirked, looking over at Carly. "And you must be Rivera's girl," He stuck his hand out, "I'm Lou Santos, Bruce's uncle."

Timidly reaching out and placing her hand in his, Carly gave it a firm shake with a small smile on her lips. "You've got an amazing place here."

"Thank you, it's not too bad." He said while looking around and giving a simple nod to himself before pulling away and walking over to Marco and Marcus as they introduced him to both Kadra and Alec. Laughing at something Marco said Lou shook his head.

"Lou, my man," Justin grinned from ear to ear, letting go of my hand as he walked over to Lou who wrapped a quick arm around his shoulders, giving him a squeeze into his side.

"Justin, what a pleasant surprise," He chuckled, "I'd mess up your hair but we all know what kind of a bitch you turn into when I do."

Growling in mock anger, Justin shoved Lou off laughing purposely running his hand up the front of his hair. "You're just mad cause I'm not balding like you old man."

Lou raised his eyebrows, "Old man, huh?" Cracking his fingers, Lou licked his lips while straightening up. "I'll show you an old man," Moving forwards to grab Justin; he quickly dodged him, moving around the table over towards me.

Finding my eyes, I froze under his gaze.

"Hiding behind the lady as if I won't get you? I taught you better than that Bieber," He teasingly narrowed his eyes at Justin before they met mine. "Kelsey...?" He trailed off in question, "Kelsey Jones right?"

"Yes, sir," I murmured quietly, tucking my hair behind my ear, aware that everyone was now staring at me.

"Sir?" Lou chuckled, "You can call me Lou, little lady," He held his hand out like he had earlier with Carly.

Shaking it, I smiled. "Okay.... Lou."

"I heard some good things about you little lady," Stuffing his hands in the pockets of his worn out jeans, he did a quick once over. "Finally got Bieber over here to settle down," He smirked over towards him before looking at me again, "and it's about God damn time had had. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too,"

Nodding in response, Lou finally managed to find the one guy he had been searching for who made this all possible.

"Bruce," Instantly pulling him into an embrace, Lou left a hard slap to his back before pulling away and gripping him by his shoulders.

He was about a foot taller and looked incredibly similar to Bruce with the same skin tone and brown eyes though his face was narrower and his jaw was more defined, something in his eyes sparked a greater danger.

"It's been a long time." A distant sadness lurked within the chocolate swirls of distress in Bruce's irises, wordlessly explaining to his uncle that a lot has happened.

"Years," Lou nodded, giving Bruce a pat on his arm. "We've got a lot to discuss but we've got plenty of time for that son, you guys enjoy your day." He said now talking to all of us as a group. "Every place on this part of the area is under my control which means it's free to use whenever you guys please. Whenever you want it open, it's open, whenever you want to close it down, it's down. You guys call the shots but try not to wreck this place alright? Or I'll have all your asses handed to you. Do I make myself clear?"

When everyone began to murmur amongst themselves, Lou grew frustrated. "I said," Lou's voice boomed, "Do I make myself clear?" He barked causing me to jump in Justin's arms that instantly tightened his arms around me, holding me close.

We all exclaimed a loud enough pronounced yes in sync with one another causing Lou to smile and nod as he extended his arms outwards. "Then welcome to Barbados." And within seconds, he was gone.

No One's Point of View:

Everyone began to settle in, taking their designated rooms as John began putting his things away, Carly watching from the bed as she folded and put her clothes in the dresser beside her.

Things were quiet between the couple causing the air around them to thicken. Ever since John had saved her from the explosion, Carly kept to herself despite her ecstatic conversations with the girls.

What had happened was the ultimate reason why Carly had been afraid of pursing this any longer. She wasn't strong like Kelsey, she wasn't obedient and she certainly wasn't used to be tied down to one guy.

Having her freedom taking from her within the blink of an eye was a whiplash of change for her and Carly knew it would take a lot of getting used to before she finally let herself settle down and enjoy herself.

John felt his impatience running out as the tension rose between the two. Running his fingers through his hair as he paced the floors, John felt his throat burn at the words that itched to be spoken.

Stopping in the middle of the room with his hands on his hips, John bit the corner of his lip before looking over at his girlfriend for a year. "Where did we go wrong?"

Pausing midway between folding her t-shirt, Carly's body froze as she fought the urge to look up at him. "Uhm," Swallowing, she felt her hands begin to shake. Tucking her hair away from her face she looked down at her lap, "What are you talking about?"

Setting his jaw, John scoffed to himself, "You know exactly what I'm talking about..." Trailing off, he took a second to recollect his thoughts. "You can't even look at me anymore."

"John..." Carly began but stopped once she realized she didn't know what to say to him. "I'm just confused..."

"Confused about what?" He growled, letting his frustrations get the better of him. "What is it that I have to do to make you look at me like you did before?"

"It's not you, it's me..."

"Stop that," John snapped, "This isn't some chick flick, Carly. This is our relationship."

"Would you even consider this a relationship?" Carly looked up at him finding herself losing breath under his intense gaze. "This... thing between us... I don't even know what it is."

"What do you want from me?" John demanded, "I already said I was sorry, okay?"

"Sorry doesn't make up for the fact that our relationship will always be put second to your business!"

Pressing his lips together in surprise to her outburst, John watched as Carly rubbed her face in frustration.

Letting out a sigh, Carly slammed her shirt against the bed, "Don't you get it?" She stood up, "This isn't about me it's about you! Everything is always put before me even Kelsey!"

"What are you talking about?" John spat, shaking his head. "That's not true!"

"It is true! You just don't realize it! You're always there to save Justin or Kelsey but you're never there when it comes to me!" Slapping her palms against her thighs, Carly rolled her lips into her mouth, trying to calm herself down. "I'm not blaming the kidnapping on you because that was my own doing. I shouldn't have trusted Connie but don't you see why I did it in the first place? Why I went against your word?" She pointed to herself, a look of distress in her eyes. "I wanted you to notice me, to finally take charge of us... but you never did."

Opening his mouth as though he prepared to say something, John merely took a step back, "I love you."

"Sometimes that's just not enough."

"What's been going on these past few months...," John trailed off, Lyndon's face popping up in mind. "It's been chaotic but there hasn't been a day since then that I haven't thought about you."

"When was the last time you actually spent time with me?" Carly whispered, locking her blurry eyes with John whose heart stopped at the sight of her near tears. "And I don't mean now or after what happened."

John stood there not knowing what to say as he cupped the back of his neck in his palm.

"Exactly you don't even know because we haven't spent any time together at all these past few months. You say you love me but you don't show it anymore... not how you used to anyways. I feel like we're slowly drifting apart and you're the only one holding onto something that's slowly been fading away."

"Is that what you want?" John swallowed, "You want me to give up? You want me to let go?" His voice loudened as he took a step towards Carly, "Go then, what are you doing here? I love you and I want to make us work but if you don't want that then go Carly."

"That's not what I want..." Carly whimpered as she cradled her body in her arms, tears falling down her cheeks.

"Then what is it?" John spat, "You don't want me to hold you down? I won't stop you. I won't fight for something you don't believe in anymore." Pulling at the ends of his hair, John turned away from Carly, feeling his chest tighten.

At the touch of Carly's hands on his back, John's muscles tightened slightly before easing into relaxation as she wrapped her arms around, laying her cheek against it. Carly squeezed her eyes shut; "Please don't be mad at me."

Closing his eyes in pain at the girl behind him, John peered over his shoulder before drifting away from the wall. "I'm not mad... I'm just confused." Turning around, John wrapped his arms around Carly's body as he pulled her chest to his, her head instantly nuzzling into his neck. "I know I don't express my feelings and I know I don't say I love you as much as I should but I do. I do love you. I love you so much..."

"I love you too." She whispered, feeling safe in his arms. "I do love you, I do..."

"Then tell me what it is I can do to make this all better."

Sniffling, Carly looked up at John, wiping at her cheeks as her eyes slowly drifted down to his lips. Biting her own, she leaned into him, desperate for the closeness she hasn't felt in a while. "Show me."

Marco plopped himself down on the bed both he and Alex were to share after they had finished settling in. Closing his eyes, he fell into a blissful silence, hoping he could finally get a few hours to sleep without any interruptions.

But that thought came to an end the moment Alec began tapping her foot at the end of the bed, her arms crossed against her chest, lips pursed in disapproval.

Sighing, Marco looked at her in exasperation. "What?" He spat, "What is it?"

"Oh I don't know Marco, I mean we came all the way to Barbados I guess to sit around and do nothing." She hissed in sarcasm.

"Yeah, we did actually. Now if you don't mind, you can either lie down next to me or show yourself out." Throwing his arm across his eyes in annoyance, Marco fought to control the anger building up inside of him.

"Are you serious right now?" Alec mumbled in disbelief, "Is this really what you're going to spend your time doing?"

Slamming a fist down against the mattress, Marco sat up in bed. "What do you want from me?"

"I haven't seen you in months Marco!" Alec cried out, throwing her arms in the air. "The least you could do is at least acknowledge me!"

Marco set his jaw. "I did, I asked you if you want to lie with me, didn't I?"

"You didn't really ask it was more of a demand actually." Alec rolled her eyes, feeling at a loss of what to say. She missed Marco more than she could probably explain and it hurt to see him act so nonchalant as if she wasn't even there to begin with.

"What do you want me to do Alec?" Marco sighed, "You want me to shower you with love like Justin? Console you like Marcus? Baby you like John? Hold you like Bruce? I'm sorry but I can't do that. That's just not the kind of guy I am."

"You don't think I know that?" Alec paused, recollecting her thoughts. "I just want you to show... something. Show that you missed me, that you care... anything."

Running his hands through his hair down to his neck, Marco laced his fingers while hanging his head low. "Two of our guys' girls got taken..." Marco looked up at her with nothing but anguish in his eyes. "And that could've easily been you."

Forcing himself to stand, Marco sucked his teeth as he stared off at the other side of the room before finding Alec once more. "You don't think I want to take you out? Show everyone you're mind? Of course I do but the moment they find out, they'll try and take you away from me."

"Marco..." Alec murmured as she took a cautious step towards him. When she saw he didn't move away, she took that as the okay to near him. Sliding her hands up to his chest, Alec bit the inside of her cheek. "That's not going to happen."

"How do you know?" Marco growled as he shoved away from her, walking to the other side. "They took Kelsey; they took Carly, both of whom are known to be Justin and John's. Nobody knows you're mine but you... and I want to keep it that way. The moment those bastards find out that you're claimed, they'll do anything in their power to rip you away from me." Looking at her, Marco felt the pain he's been trying so hard to push back. "I care about you too much to do that to you."

"I know what your life entails. I know that what you do is illegal and that you're most likely wanted by the cops... but my love for you is something far deeper. Now you can stand there and go through the list of why we can't be together but it doesn't change anything between us Marco because I am yours and I will always be yours." Walking over to him, Alec grabbed his face into her hands despite his want to pull away; she held onto him tight, her fingers pressed into his skin. "I'm willing to take the risk if you are."

"Are you sure you're ready for that?" Marco murmured, edging even closer to the girl he knew he loved.

"I'm ready for anything as long as you're there with me every step of the way." Alec whispered as Marco wrapped his arms around her tiny frame, pressing his lips to her forehead.

Kadra smiled as Marcus patted his lap the second she walked inside their room with a bowl of popcorn in her hand.

Walking around the table, Kadra gasped as Marcus grabbed her around her waist, pulling her down on top of him. "Marcus!" Kadra laughed as she swatted him against his chest, looking around the floor where some of the popcorn has spilled.

"What?" He smirked, "I'm hungry."

"Oh, you're hungry huh?" Kadra narrowed her eyes at him in a playful manner, "That's it?"

"Yeah," Marcus nodded, "I'm starved." Leaning in close to her face, Kadra's breath faltered thinking he was going to kiss her when instead he grabbed a handful of popcorn, stuffing it in his mouth.

Chuckling Marcus wiped the palm of his hand on his pants, "If you want me to kiss you babe all you have to do is ask." He winked causing her cheeks to redden slightly.

"Shut up," She muttered, looking away from him as she began picking up the pieces from the floor to distract herself. "I do not want you to kiss me."

"You sure? You look all hot and bothered baby maybe I should fix that for you." He laughed out loud as Kadra turned around, punching him in the arm.

"You're not funny."

"Who said I was joking?" He raised his eyebrows while rubbing the spot in which she had struck him.

Kadra sighed heavily, looking away from him.

"Come on Kadra, don't be like that..." Marcus brushed her hair away from her shoulder as he laid a simple kiss to her skin. "Please..."

"Be like what?" She mumbled, "I'm not being like anything." Grabbing the remote from the table, she began flicking through the channels, desperate to find something to get her mind off of things.

"Alright," Taking the remote from her hand, Marcus shut the TV off, "Enough of this."

"Hey, I was watching that!" Kadra protested as she went to grab it back from him.

"Dora, Kadra? Really?" Marcus looked at her, bewildered as he shook his head in pure amusement of his girlfriend. "I'm sure Dora will find wherever she needs to go with the help of her map."

"But what if she can't find her map, Marcus? I have to let her know it's in her backpack." Biting the inside of her lip to keep from laughing, Kadra watched as Marcus's eyes widened slightly.

"Please tell me you're kidding."

"Of course I'm kidding you idiot." She shook her head, solemnly looking down at him as a comfortable silence fell over.

Brushing her bangs away from her forehead, Marcus caressed her cheek before bringing her closer to him, placing a sweet kiss to her lips. "Mmm," He smiled as he pulled away, "I missed that."

"Me too," Kadra whispered as she stole another kiss. "I've missed you a lot these past few months..."

"I've missed you too." Sadly smiling up at her, Marcus let his hand drop to her lap as he took her hand, interlacing their fingers together. "I've been thinking about you every day."

"Really or are you just saying that because you don't want to upset me?" Kadra cocked her head to the side in question, nothing but understanding in her eyes though Marcus could see the slight hesitation of vulnerability inside.

"Really," He nodded. "It's just been pretty crazy lately with The Snipers on the move and everyone being a target."

"What happened?" Kadra questioned as though it were an easy answer she was looking for but she knew that his life was anything but.

"It's..." Marcus sighed as he wavered for a moment, hoping she didn't catch it, "Nothing that we can't handle."

Kadra brushed her fingers against the stubble on his chin, "Why do you seem so unsure?"

Sighing, Marcus pulled at the ends of his hair, "Kadra, don't." His hand plopped down beside him with a thump against the couch, "We're not going to discuss my business, okay?"

Looking as though she was going to say something more, Kadra decided against it as she nodded, laying her head against his chest as his arm instantly wrapped around her, his hand running up and down her back. "Just be careful, okay?"

Ignoring the pull at his chest, Marcus kissed the side of her head. "Always."

"So I told Brooke not to buy that dress because I knew Courtney had already bought it but she didn't listen to me so she ended up going to the party with the exact same dress like could you imagine the embarrassment?"

"Steph..." Bruce began, trying to capture her attention as she babbled on and on.

"And then Courtney got pissed off and ended up throwing her drink on Brooke and I know she shouldn't have done that but could you really blame her? I mean you knew what you were getting yourself into."

"Steph..." Bruce tried once more, raising his voice slightly in hopes that she'd listen.

"But knowing them they'll kiss and make up in the morning which they did," Steph laughed shaking her head, "Those two could never stay mad at each other and then you won't even believe what happened when—"

"Stephanie!" Bruce shouted, cutting her off completely as she stared wide-eyed in his direction, shirt held in the air, surprised of his outburst. "Just. Stop. Talking,"

Pouting her bottom lip, Stephanie hunched over to one side as she put her shirt down on their bed. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Bruce muttered, gritting his teeth together as he pressed his palms to his eyes. "Actually no," He shook his head. "No I'm not."

Frowning, Stephanie discarded her things as she made her way over to him, a sudden knowing falling over her as she saw just how exhausted he looked, sprawled against the couch with bags under his eyes. "Bruce...?"

"Do you know what the fuck I went through this week?" He yanked his hands away from his face as he held himself up. "Do you?"

"No," She whispered, afraid that if she spoke any louder she'd just anger him more.

"No," He shook his head, "Of course you don't because nobody does but does anybody care? Of course they don't because I chose this for myself."

"Bruce, it's not your fault."

"Not my fault?" He laughed, shaking his head. "This whole entire thing is my fault. Everyone around me getting hurt is my fault. I brought those guys into this, I'm the one who fucked their lives up and now the people they love are being tortured for loving the wrong people."

"Listen to me," Stephanie demanded as she grabbed Bruce's face in her hands. "You didn't force them to choose this; you didn't plan on this to happen, okay? You can't change what happened so why torture yourself by thinking this way?"

"The poor kid had to choose between his fiancé and mother!" Bruce barked before standing up and walking over towards the open window as he looked out at the blazing sun, knowing that somewhere out there, there were people smiling and having a good time without a care in the world and for a split second, Bruce had wondered what it would be like to be one of them. "He shouldn't have to choose one or the other."

Walking over to him, Stephanie slowly wrapped her arms around his body, hugging him to her, at a loss of what else to do.

"I know what it's like not to have a family... I know what it's like to grow up alone not knowing right from wrong but he had everything I didn't and I got that all taken away from him." Swallowing hard, Bruce blinked away from the window, craning his neck around to look down at his girlfriend though their eyes never met. "I fucked everything up."

"No you didn't Bruce, stop being so hard on yourself..." Backing away from him once he began walking away from her, Stephanie watched as he broke through the tough exterior he always held up.

"I should've gotten rid of them the moment they stepped foot onto my territory." Bruce clenched his jaw tightly, his eyes dark with no emotion. "I should've taken the rightful place as leader and brought them down right then and there."

"Bruce... what are you talking about? What are you going to do?"

"Don't worry about it." He shook his head, "It's nothing you have to worry about."

"Bruce... you're scaring me." Stephanie admitted in a whisper.

Snapping out of it, Bruce shook his head, slowly turning around as he saw the small frame of his girlfriend in the corner of the room with nothing but fear in her eyes. "I'm sorry," He whispered, "I shouldn't have dumped that all on you—just forget it."

"No," Stephanie walked over to him, grabbing his hands as she peered up at him. "I want you to talk to me. I don't like when you shut me out, it's just... I don't want you doing something that could end up..."

Squeezing her hands, Bruce brought them up to his lips as he placed a secure kiss to the backs of them. "I've been doing this for eleven years baby," Letting her go, Bruce pulled her safe in his arms, his chin resting on top of her head, "You don't have to worry about me..."

Kelsey stood in front of a mirror in nothing but under garments, a permanent frown etched in the middle of her brows as she pulled and tugged at the skin around her stomach and arms, feeling an aching forming in the middle of her chest.

"What are you doing?"

Gasping, Kelsey whipped around to see Justin standing there completely emotionless, looking anything but pleased.

"I didn't even hear you walk in." Kelsey awkwardly muttered as she quickly grabbed the silk robe from around the chair, wrapping it around her body as she tied it at the middle.

"That didn't answer my question." Justin was eerily calm making Kelsey all the more nervous because Justin wasn't one to hold back on what he was feeling.

When Justin was angry, he made sure she knew that or when he was happy, she could tell within the second he opened his mouth but as he watched her with speculating eyes, Kelsey didn't know what to think.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Kelsey pressed her lips together in a thin line, not knowing how to go about this.

"Kelsey..." Justin trailed off, his eyes darkening ever so slightly causing a chill to run down her spine. "I'm not going to ask you again," His eyebrows were raised in a manner as to question to see whether or not she'd have the guts to go against him, "What were you doing?"

"It's nothing, God, why are you making such a big deal out of this?" Kelsey huffed, refusing to give in as she crossed her arms against her chest, crossing her ankles standing as she looked at anything but him.

"Damnit Kelsey!" Justin barked, the palm of his hand coming in hard contact with the wooden surface of the dresser beside him causing her to jump where she stood. Wasting no more time, Justin charged over to her, forcing her arms apart as he pulled at the string that held her robe together despite the fight she put up against him doing so.

"What are you doing?" Kelsey shrieked as Justin ripped the robe off, pulling it down her arms to reveal her half-naked body to him. Trying her best to cover as much as she could, Kelsey felt like an experiment under a microscope.

Taking her wrists, Justin pinned them up above her head, breathing heavily now as his chest moved at a fast pace. "Stop it."

"Let go of me!" Kelsey tugged hard, desperate for him to release her but resulted in him tightening his grip, his body pressed against hers.

"Enough!" Justin scolded as though he were talking to a child. "Stop this right now, Kelsey." He warned his eyes narrowed.

Tears pulled at the corner of her eyes as Kelsey bit her lip, finally managing to calm herself down, turning so she didn't have to look at him. "Please... just let me go."

"Not until you tell me what the hell you were going pulling at your skin like that." Swallowing hard, Justin loosened his grip slightly. "Ever since..." Trailing off, Justin felt his throat close at the memories but forced himself to hold it down. "You've been..." Shaking his head, Justin let his hold on her fall, his hands instead placing themselves at either side of her head.

"I feel him..." Kelsey began, "I feel his hands all over my body and no matter what I do, how many baths or showers I take, I can't force the image of him on top of me, holding me down..." Kelsey rolled her lips into her mouth, squeezing her eyes shut. "I feel cheap, used and disgusting like some kind of doll that he could just mark in order to get under your skin..."

Feeling as though the wind had been knocked out of him, Justin felt the bile raise in his throat at the effect this all had on her. "This is what he wants, he wants you to remember his face, he wants you to remember what he did, he wants to haunt your thoughts and you can't let him do that to you. You can't..." Slapping his palm against the wall, Justin pushed himself away from her, feeling the anger build up inside of him. "He wanted you to be afraid of me."

"I don't know what it is..." Kelsey choked, pulling the robe up and around her shoulders. "I know it could've been way worse what he could've done but that's the thing... that's what scares me. He had all the power to just force himself..." Covering her face, Kelsey cried into her hands, repeatedly shaking her head. "I'm sorry," She mumbled, "I'm so sorry..."

Looking over at her with nothing but sorrow, regret and anger in his eyes, Justin brushed it all away as he confronted his broken fiancé with nothing but the thought of wanting to make her forget. Grabbing her hands, Justin pulled them away as he cupped her face in his hands, leaning his forehead against hers, "I would do anything to make you feel beautiful again..."

Closing her eyes, Kelsey shook her head, feeling her heart break even more at the words that had just slipped from his lips.

"I'll make you forget." He said now more determined than ever. With her face still in his hands, Justin brushed the padding of his thumb across her bottom lip before taking it in between his own.

With her hands slowly covering his, Kelsey fluttered her eyes open, held her breath the moment she had due to the intensity she found amongst the chocolate swirls of hazel that were his. "Justin..."

"Do you trust me?" He whispered their noses touching as he waited for her response.

"Of course I do."

"Then trust me when I do this." Pressing his lips to hers, a gasp flew from her mouth to his as he swallowed it down, a bolt of electricity shooting through them as he held her close, his hands resting on her hips.

Turning her around so that her back met his front, Justin held Kelsey's hair to one side as he slowly slid the robe down her right shoulder, his lips pressing against her heated skin in gentle pecks following the silk from her body.

Whisking his lips in the other direction, across her back all the way to her other shoulder, Justin let his tongue flick every now and then as Kelsey moaned to herself, letting her head fall over, giving Justin all the more room, falling completely at his control. Holding him close to her, Justin took this to his advantage as he began sucking on her skin, his fingers pressing into her waist before turning her around.

Wrapping her arms loosely around his neck, Justin hoisted her up from the backs of her knees as he began walking over towards their bed.

Gently laying her down as he hovered over her, Justin brushed his fingers against the skin of her legs before pulling away. Looking down the length of her body, Justin sucked in a sharp breath between his teeth, flicking his eyes up to meet hers once more. "You're gorgeous."

Blushing, Kelsey watched as Justin pulled his shirt off, discarding it to the side, giving her full view of him. Eyeing the permanent scar on his chest, Kelsey leaned forwards, pressing a light kiss against it, feeling her heart rate pick up at the sound of Justin's breath faltering.

Grabbing her hands, Justin laced their fingers together, holding them up above her head as his body molded against hers once more. "I love you," He murmured, his lips ghosting over towards her ear, "So much."

"I love you too." Kelsey shyly whispered causing Justin's heart strings to pull violently at the familiarity of the scene unfolding between them. It was like their first time three years ago all over again and the thought alone made Justin crumble in her wake—she was the innocence he tainted not so long ago and the need to reassure her, she was his was evident.

Running his right hand down the curve of her breast and side, Justin slid behind her back, up to the clasp that held her bra together. Searching her eyes for an answer, Justin stuck his tongue to the roof of his mouth at the acceptance to continue in Kelsey's vision.

With a flick of his thumb and forefinger, the straps fell loose. Pulling them down her arms, leaving her half uncovered to his adoring gaze, Kelsey felt her throat dry at the way Justin's eyes darkened with nothing but love and lust for her.

Bending down, Justin began sucking and biting on the untouched skin of her neck, needing her now more than ever. Trailing kisses down her chest, leaving one on each of her breasts, Justin gripped her hips in a strong but gentle grip as he traveled down her stomach near the secure part of her body.

"Justin..." Kelsey whimpered, feeling the heat in between her thighs grow.

"I'm going to make you feel good baby," Justin reassured as he began pulling her underwear down. Spreading her legs apart as he held her ankles, Justin hooked his arms around them, keeping them in place as he flicked his tongue at the sensitivity that sent Kelsey waves of pleasure.

Threading her fingers into his hair, tugging and pulling as Justin worked his tongue in ways she could've never imagined, Kelsey threw her head back in awe as she cursed under her breath, wanting this feeling to last forever.

Pulling away at the peak of her release, Kelsey grumbled in defeat as Justin moved back up the length of her body, pecking her lips gently as he began unbuckling the belt that held his jeans together.

Hooking her thumbs into the waistband of his briefs, Kelsey sucked Justin's bottom lip into her mouth as she tugged gently with her teeth making him growl, sending tingles through her body. Releasing it with a tug, Kelsey slipped his boxers off, leaving him naked on top of her.

With a thin sheet covering them, Justin held himself up, positioning at her entrance as he brushed her hair away, leaving kisses on every inch of her face, desperate for her to feel the love he held for her.

"You're everything to me, baby." Justin whispered and without much as another word but a kiss to her lips, Justin entered, filling himself inside of her.

Parting her lips as a shaky breath fell; Kelsey dug her fingernails into his shoulder blades, moaning at the sensation that built between them.

Hiding her face in his neck, Kelsey held onto Justin tightly as he made love to her as if it were the last time he ever would.

Thrusting at a neutral speed that sent her riveting at an all-time high, Kelsey slid her hands down to his back dimples, gasping at the feel of his muscles contrasting underneath her fingertips, following every move he made.

"You feel so good baby," Justin murmured, nudging her nose against hers until she looked him in the eyes. Justin didn't let his gaze falter as he sharpened his movements, loving the way her eyes glowed in a way only he could make them.

"Justin..." Kelsey whispered, "I...oh God," She moaned, griping him tightly, letting him know she was close to the edge.

"Tell me you're mine," Justin urged as the sweat built at the base of his hairline, his fingers tightening into fists against the sheets as he built up his release as well.

"Yours," She whispered, shakily brushing her fingers against his cheek, "I'm yours."

"Mine," Justin repeated as if testing to see if it were true and by the look Kelsey shared, showing all the love she held inside for him, Justin knew that no matter what they both had endured these past few months, she was his forever. "Let go for me baby."

And so she did, the both liberating themselves at the exact same time, an earthshattering high that neither one of them wanted to come down from.

Justin's Point of View:

Running my fingers up and down Kelsey's back, I hummed quietly in her ear, loving the way she cuddled into my side.

Tracing the scar on my chest with her index finger, Kelsey pressed another kiss there before flattening it over with her thumb, her eyes fluttering to meet mine as she gave me a shy smile, one I adored on her.

Brushing the hair away from her face as I cupped her cheek in my palm, I brought her close to me, kissing her full on the lips. "Mmm," I murmured, licking my lips as I pulled away. "I love you."

Giggling, Kelsey hid her face in my chest, "I love you too." She said her voice coming out muffled.

"Are you okay?" I whispered when I knew it was safe enough to ask. We were going to talk about what had happened sooner or later but I knew with the way she was handling it, that we had to take it slow.

"I'm... better," She smiled though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks to you."

Biting the corner of my lip as I saw the now darkening sky through our window, I knew now would be the perfect time to revel on the surprise I had planned for her, knowing it would take her mind off of things for a bit. "Kelsey?"

"Hm?"

"Can you do me a favor?"

Turning to look at me, her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "Of course,"

"Can you go look out into the sky and tell me what you see?" I kissed her forehead.

"I think I can do that," Smiling, Kelsey sat up in bed, making sure the sheet was wrapped around her body before standing and walking over to the window, staring out ahead. "It's kinda dark..." She noted while cocking her head to the side.

"Yeah?" I slipped from bed, putting my boxers on before digging in the pocket of my leather jacket and pulling out a box. Looking back to see if Kelsey noticed or not, I grinned as she seemed to be in deep thought, her eyes narrowed as she peered a bit closer. "Is it cloudy or clear?"

"Hm, it's clear... I think. I mean, to me it's clear but..." Laughing, Kelsey shook her head, clutching the sheet in her palms. "It's very clear."

Chuckling, I began making my way over to her quietly, careful not to distract her. "Are there any stars?"

"Uhm, yeah I think I see some." Kelsey smiled to herself, pointing them out with her forefinger, "There are about two of them right now," She bit her nail, "but it's still a bit light out so I can't see..." Trailing off, Kelsey stood still as she felt my presence behind her.

Opening the box, I tossed it to the side before taking the necklace I had inside and carefully putting it around her neck.

"Justin..." Kelsey whispered, breathlessly while touching the star pendant that hung from the thin chain. Holding her hair to one side as I clipped the necklace together in the back, I slid my hands over her shoulders, pulling her close while forming my arms around her tiny waist. "I was going to wait a few more nights before giving it to you but I thought tonight was the perfect time."

"Justin..." Kelsey began to shake her head, shocked to say the least. "This is all too much... with the ring and now this?" She pressed her lips together, not knowing what else to say. "I wish I had gotten something for you..."

"Shhh," I soothed in her ear, pecking the skin gently. "Don't even worry about it baby. I don't want anything but you, okay?" Tucking her head under my chin, we both looked out into the dimming sky.

I kissed the top of her head, noticing the way a permanent glow was now fixated on her face making this moment between us all the more perfect. "You're beautiful inside and out and I think it's time you start believing that too."