"Oh my God," My shaky hands covered my mouth in horror as I glanced at Lew's lifeless body. "Y-You killed him!"
A pool of blood was forming around what's left of his head. I didn't know what was worse; the view or the smell.

"Did he hurt you?" Michael ignored my question and walked into the room.

"A-Almost." I stuttered. It will definitely take me years, if not months, to get over what I just witnessed.

"What in the flying fuckshit is going on?!" Alex grunted as he stepped into the room, a curious Murph and disappointed Ross behind him. Alex's sleep mask was tangled in his hair and his cute purple silk robe immediately lifted my mood. As soon as he takes in the scene before him, he's not sleepy anymore.

"AHH!" He released a high-pitched, deafening scream making us all cover our ears. "What happened? Who is this? What happened to you, Y/N? Michael did you—? Ugh! What the hell is going on?" He stomped his foot in annoyance, but his fluffy slippers suppressed the noise.

"Who is this guy?" Ross stepped in and covered his nose as soon as he took in the smell.

"I don't know," Michael shook his head. "I thought it was some kind of burglar who tried to take advantage of Y/N, so I shot him."

"Whoever this is we have to get rid of his body immediately," Ross gently moved me aside to reach Lew's feet. "Murph, get the bags and the car ready. Thank God Jonathan wanted wooden flooring for his room."

"Damn, man. What are we gonna tell Jonathan?" Murph complained.

Michael shrugged, "We just tell him the truth."

"You can't!" My sudden remark made them all turn their attention to me. I became timid when they were still staring in complete silence, waiting for an explanation. "U-Um, Jonathan would kill me if he knew I was snooping around his room."

I cringed as the word 'snooping' slipped out of my lips. Now I have no other choice but to explain to them what happened. Maybe just not everything. What if they were aware of these forged documents? I couldn't take them out of Lew's pants now, they would notice.

"Snooping?" Alex raised his eyebrow.

"Right, what were you doing here in the first place?" Michael's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and folded his arms across his chest.

"U-Um," I fiddled with my fingers. "I was just wondering if Jonathan kept my phone. I came looking for it but I found—. . . nothing." I sighed.
Nothing but forged passports and boarding passes to Italy for God knows what.

"Honey, he trashed your phone because he knew someone would try to track you over here," Alex flashed me a pity look. "I'm sorry."

I simply nodded.

"Alex, get her the new clothes Ross bought her this afternoon. I'll get the bathtub running for her," Michael stopped mid sentence and looked at me, "unless you'd like a shower?"

"A shower's fine." I muttered, still fiddling with my fingers. "I just want to go back to sleep."

"Alright, Murph. Help me out," Ross reached for Lew's feet once again.
I didn't want to watch how they were going to get rid of the body so I followed Alex downstairs to where my new clothes were waiting to be worn.

4:35am
"Where is Jonathan?" I asked Alex while he made sure I was okay for the 15th time as I tucked myself in bed. He was sitting at the edge.

"He left to San Francisco for a few days," he shook his head slightly. His tone was quite tender. "He didn't say why, though. He never does." He scoffed.
I remained silent and patiently waited for him to let me rest.

"Are you sure you don't need anything?" He asked, one more time, "if I were you, I would've asked to be taken to a ward or something." He shuddered.

"I'm fine, Alex. Thank you." I assured him with a smile. "I just need some re-"
The bedroom door opened, making us turn our heads towards whoever was coming through it.
Michael.

"Oh, hey." I was genuinely glad he was here. I couldn't help but admire his perfect clear skin and the curls that escape his ponytail, framing his face. He was wearing a gray long-sleeved sweater and black joggers. The sweater was quite fit, therefore you could admire the shape of his arms.

Whoever had the chance to get a hug from those must be lucky, I thought to myself.

Alex took this as a cue to leave us alone. "Alright," he giggled awkwardly. "I'm going to bed." He stood up from his seat and walked past Michael before leaving the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

"Michael, you need to practice knocking on doors," I joked, pointing at the door.
Michael chuckled and flashed a pearly white smile. It was a contagious one.

"Come sit next to me," I padded the space on the bed. Jonathan wasn't here to stop us from hanging out, might as well take the opportunity.
Michael hesitated but proceeded to do so.

"I was hoping you would swing by so I could thank you for saving me." I blushed under his stare. It was hard to keep eye contact with him.

"I got your back." He shrugged. "Although, please be careful next time you try to pull some thing like that. I don't like killing people."

"Noted." I pursed my lips, slightly nodding.

Silence fell upon us. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable, it was peaceful. My arms were bruised from Lew's brutality and these caught Michael's attention.

"Do they hurt?" He asked in a husky voice. His interest seemed genuine. And his big brown doe eyes examined them carefully, before staring back into my eyes.

"Michael, I had my upper arm sliced open and stitched while fully conscious. I'm pretty sure I can handle this." I joked. He released a giggle as well.

"I still don't understand." Michael shook his head and his eyes stared into nothing, "Who was this guy? This house is basically isolated. It would be impossible for it to be a casualty."

Wait, I thought. Maybe these guys knew about the Italy situation but not about who took charge of forging the documents. But what if they knew nothing about this at all?

Our interest is in drug trafficking and robbing banks. That's why we're confused with Jonathan's obsession with buying this new warehouse he's always talking about. We have enough already, Michael's voice replayed in my head from that night I tried to escape.

What a fool! I should've told them as soon as they asked what I was doing in Jonathan's room. They know nothing.

"His name was Lew," I admitted.

Michael turned his attention to me and tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"You knew him?" He asked.

"He found me searching Jonathan's room and saw me slip forged passports into my underwear and he told me to give them to him but I didn't want to so he tried-"
"Y/N slow down," Michael put his hand on my shoulder. His forehead furrowed and he chuckled. I didn't realize I was talking so fast. I apologized.

"He saw me slip fake passports into my underwear when he caught me in Jonathan's room." I explained in a calm manner.

"Fake passports?" Michael became even more confused. "It doesn't make any sense."

"Inside the passports were two boarding passages, Jonathan's and mine." I shrudded at the thought of of being taken away to a foreign country, "The destination was Italy."

"Italy?!" Michael exclaimed in disbelief. Seems like he forgot there's people sleeping.
"Shh!" I held my hands out for him to calm down. "I promise that is all I know. After that, Lew tried to take advantage of me and you already know what happened next."

"Where are these passports?" He questioned.

"Lew took them," I cringed. I regret not saying anything before.

"Oh, no. Jonathan's going to notice they're missing." Michael blew air from his mouth as he tried to think about something.

"I mean, we could play dumb." I suggested.

He shook his head in disapproval. "Nobody's allowed to go in his room and he knows exactly where his stuff is. He'll definitely know somebody took them."

"Then, what do we do?" I wondered, overthinking about how Jonathan might react when he realizes we're onto him. If he finally admits his plan, what will these other guys do? I began to wonder, if his plan was actually successful, what would be waiting for me when we reach our destination.

This is definitely not about buying that warehouse, I thought to myself.

"We'll figure it out before he comes back," Michael shrugged it off as if this wasn't the first time he ever had to lie to Jonathan. He turned to reach for the bedside lamp and switch it off. "Make sure to get your beauty sleep."

He was about to get up from his seat on the bed, but I stopped him by grabbing his wrist unexpectedly. He quickly looks back at me with a puzzled look.

"S-Stay." I stuttered. God, why does this man's stare have to make me so nervous? There is no absolute need for that.

We stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like a long time. I requested his company so quick that I suddenly became shy under his stare. I like spending time with Michael; for once I feel like I can talk to someone. Even though we just met, his company makes me feel unexplainable comfort.

"Are you sure?" He flashed a pearly white smile with a skeptical facial expression. "Unless I was Edward Cullen, I don't usually watch people sleep."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course. I enjoy your company."
That seemed to convince him.

Without hesitation, he made himself comfortable on top of the bed's sheets, keeping his distance. He crossed his legs, showing off his mis-matched socks and placed his hands on top of his chest. "Alright, here I am. What now?"

"We carry on with our conversation," I remarked.

"Absolutely not." He shook his head. "You need to sleep. Today we're planning to watch some movies in the afternoon while we enjoy Jonathan's absence."

"Are you gonna force me to watch movies with you guys?" I raised an eyebrow.

Michael chuckled, "Obviously."

"Fair enough." I nodded. Then I asked, "Why do you guys hate Jonathan so much? I know you told me something before but . . . I don't understand why can't you guys do anything fun around him."

"We don't hate him." He corrected. "Y/N, Jonathan is the reason the four of us made it past 18 years of life. Especially Ross, he was Jonathan's first." His eyes were staring at the wall, but his focus was elsewhere. "Even though he can be a real bitch sometimes."

"Bitch as in I'll-shoot-you-for-talking-to-my-hostage kinda bitch?" I referenced the bandages on his shoulders, which are covering his wound.

"Couldn't have said it better myself." He nodded.

Even though Michael is always having rough times with Jonathan, everytime he speaks about him his eyes light up as if he was his hero. Maybe he is  everyone's hero, but at the same time he's the antagonist. At least to me.

"Y/N, go need to sleep." He reminded me. This time it was an order. "I'll stay here a little longer if you want me to."

"Fine." I huffed and turned my back to him before shutting my eyes. I was able to hear him giggle softly.

"What's so funny?" I ask without turning around. I had the duvet covering half of my face, therefore my voice was muffled.

"Nothing." He chuckled. "Go to sleep."

I didn't say anything else as I allowed my body to relax inside the duvet's warm embrace. Minutes went by and I was in that state of being half-asleep and half-conscious. It's his presence that's keeping me awake. His company makes me feel safe, but my wish to keep talking to him didn't let me drift into the peaceful sleep I desired. Just as I was about to turn around, I felt a big hand gently move my hair out of my face. I slightly jumped, feeling startled. It shouldn't have, but it triggered vile memories I didn't want to remember.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Michael's husky voice was a whisper. "I just wanted you to be comfortable. You know. . . without the taste of hair in your mouth."

I lazily turned around to face him with droopy eyes while his were so tender. The room may have been dark, but the moonlight making its appearance through the windows helped me see Michael clearly enough to admire the color of his caramel skin. I like this Michael; relaxed and vulnerable.

"It's okay." I assured him. "It just kind of. . . I- er, reminded-, I've never-" I stuttered like a fool.

"I know," Michael sighed. "I understand." His face hinted regret.

I felt butterflies in my stomach as I assured him once again, "It's okay. . . I like it."

He seemed relieved and comfortable again. "May I?" He asked for my consent as he gestured towards my hair. He seemed shy; you could tell he was blushing under the moonlight.

I didn't answer but I inched  a little closer to him. He took it as a 'yes' and carefully placed his hand on my head, caressing it gently. Now I felt even more comfort than ever. I couldn't remember one time where someone made me feel like this.

"No one's ever touched me like this before," I admitted.

I've been definitely touched before, but not with good intentions. Michael's gentle caresses sent shivers down my spine and for the first time, I felt safe. Safer than I've ever felt in my own room back at my house.

"I would never intentionally hurt you, Y/N," Michael mumbled. "Not me, not Alex, not Murph, not Ross. . . We're a family and we will be here for you. Even if Jonathan gets angry after. Yes, we're criminals but it doesn't mean we don't care about people. We will help you and make sure you leave alive. You don't deserve what you've been through in the past couple of days."

That's the thing. I suddenly didn't want to leave. At least not now. I wish I could stay here close to Michael for a longer time and keep on feeling what I've been missing out on. I didn't realize how affection-deprived I was until now; it's nice to feel cared about.

"I trust you," was all I told him.

I relaxed my body again as I allowed my eyelids to slowly close. This time I didn't feel the urge to carry on a conversation. I just wanted to enjoy the affection I'm receiving right this instant. I did so, as I quietly drifted away into a peaceful slumber.

9:44 am
The smell of bacon and sausages brought me back into reality and my eyelids felt heavy as they opened. I looked to my side to notice Michael was gone. I swiftly brushed my hand over the space he occupied, it felt cold. He probably left as soon as I fell asleep, I thought to myself. After minutes of staring into nothing, I decided to get out of bed.

On my way to the bathroom, I reminisced about last night with Michael. The memory was very sweet. Not even the taste of mint from my toothpaste could make that sweetness go away. Since Jonathan was away, maybe today could be good. I became hopeful and peaceful, until I felt my chest tighten at the thought of him coming back. I didn't even want to think about what happened last night with Lew. I shook my head, as if my thoughts could be easily whooshed away. I proceeded to rinse my mouth to go to the kitchen once I was done.

The smell of eggs became stronger as I made my entrance into the kitchen. Alex was the one flipping an omelet at the stove. When he noticed me standing here, the corners of his mouth turned up into big smile.

"Y/N, hey! Good morning." His smile beamed. "I'm just making you an omelet, I hope you like."

"Definitely," I assured him, smiling back. "I'm starving."

I looked over at the kitchen island. Ross and Murph were sitting next to each other, too way involved in their conversation to acknowledge my presence. However, I noticed Michael was nowhere to be found.

I stepped further into the kitchen before sitting at the counter next to Ross. He turned around as soon as he heard me pull my chair out.

"Oh, hey. Good morning, Y/N." He flashes a smile with a perfect set of teeth, just like Michael's. "I didn't see you there."

"Morning," Murph joins in and smiles as well. "Passion fruit?" He offers, holding the juice carton forward.

I smile back at them, "Yes, please."

Murph reached for the nearest empty glass to pour a few ounces of passion fruit juice into it before giving it to me. I thanked him as well as Alex, who was almost done cooking. I noticed Ross' and Murph's plates were empty with leftover crumbs. I assumed they already ate.

"Where's Michael?" I asked casually.

Alex shrugged, carefully placing the cheese omelet on a plate. "I have no clue. He simply told me to not make him breakfast."

"He asked me where did we throw Lew's body," Ross clarified. "I told him and he left quickly."

The passports, it came to me quite fast. He's looking for the passports with the tickets.

I believed I was thinking to myself, until I realized I was actually thinking out loud when all of their heads turned to me, completely puzzled.

"What are you saying, Y/N?" Ross' body was completely turned to me now as his confused expression made the space between his eyebrows wrinkle. His head tilted to the side; they were all waiting for an answer.

"What passports?" Alex joined in, slowly placing my plate in front of me. The room was so quiet the sound of porcelain against marble was loud.

"I found forged documents about Jonathan and myself," I broke the intense silence. "He had two passports and boarding passages to Italy."

"Negro, please," Murph scoffed to himself and looked away.

Ross looked down in disbelief and scoffed, "Michael won't be able to find those in the river."

"Italy?" Alex asked for confirmation. I nodded. He seemed more disappointed than confused.

"I knew it," Ross said. Although he was talking to himself and anger was writing all over his face. "There wasn't even a warehouse to begin with."

With that, he stormed off the kitchen to the stairs. It only took a matter of seconds for the sound of a door slam to roar through the house. Alex was leaning into the counter, still dumbfounded.

"Give him a minute," Murph broke the silence, referring to Ross. "I bet you the fool feels more betrayed than ever."

"Oh course he does," Alex scoffed and rolled his eyes. "He's been Jonathan's puppy for the past 12 years."

"Jealousy is a disease." Murph teased him.

I just sat between them as I paid attention to the argument unfolding before me. It took me a few seconds to realize Murph was right. Alex's face had a hint of jealousy, although he denied it.

"I'm not jealous," Alex argued. "It was about time he realized Jonathan is a fucking bastard. For fuck's sake Murph, he sexually assaulted Y/N! We all heard her that night. Plus, I also find it irritating that Ross can do what he wants while we have to wait til' Jonathan's gone to be at peace." He quickly turned around to grab his plate of boiled eggs and bacon, which were already cooling up.

He sits between Murph and me–where Ross was sitting a few minutes ago– and grabs a fork. I even forgot I had a plate in front of me as soon as he mentioned that night. I cringed, reaching out for a fork as well and proceeding to eat quietly.

"Hey, at least Ross' dream career guarantees success," Murph shrugs.

Alex dropped the fork on his plate; its clank! echoed through the kitchen as he intensely stared at Murph in disbelief. "I can't believe you just said that."

Alex always curses when he's angry. This time, I could tell he was genuinely hurt by Murph's choice of words. Considering he didn't have time to insult him, since he seemed to not even think about one. With that, he took his plate in his hands and stood up from his seat before starting to walk towards the hallway that leads to the guest bedrooms.

"Cabrón." He muttered, but loud enough for us to make it out.
There it is.

I was going to speak up, but I didn't want to add more lodge into the lit firepit. Instead, I took a sip of my juice and reached for the carton, gesturing towards Murph.

"Passion fruit?" I offered, uncomfortable by the tension.

12:36 pm
"You should always remember to backstitch at the end of every hem," Alex lectured me while I watched him finish a dress he started making yesterday after Michael's incident.

He took my measurements and immediately started to execute it because he wanted to go out for dinner during the evening. Even though hours have passed since this morning's disagreement, Alex still isn't speaking to Murph. I could tell he was still angry, therefore I took the initiative to ask him about sewing. I paid close attention to everything he was showing me. Although most of it confused me, he was more than delighted to show me what he knew. 

It was just the two of us in the wide and bright living room. Ross and Murph went out to sell narcotics and Michael hasn't come back yet. I began to worry; I could barely concentrate on what Alex was saying now. It didn't matter though, because he was already finished.

He stood up from the couch and walked past the sewing machine towards the naked bodice mannequin that was standing a few feet away.

He carefully placed the dress on the mannequin and stepped aside for me to see. I stared in awe at the cutest black dress I've seen. It was all black, with off-shoulder long sleeves and slightly puffed on the skirt with black net fabric.

"Oh, Alex," I gasped and stood up from the couch. "It's beautiful."

"Thank you." He placed a hand on his chest, flattered. I could tell he was proud of his creation by the way his eyes scanned the piece.

"I love it. I can't wait to wear it tonight, can I-"

"Michael's going to love it." Alex cooed. Now he was talking to himself.

"Huh?" I turned my attetion away from the dress and shifted it towards him. He did not just say that.

Alex looked at me and nervously laughed. "Michael's going to love it."

". . . and why does it matter?" I slightly sassed, crossing my arms. "I'm the one who's wearing the dress."

"Let me rephrase that." He chuckled. "Michael is going to be fascinated when he sees you wearing it."

"Alex," I let out a deep sigh, dropping my arms and loosening my posture. "We're just frie-"

"My parents were friends as well." He remarked, winking. I rolled my eyes.

"Oh come on!" He groaned, "I love love! I haven't seen him this happy and hopeful since-" He stopped mid-sentence, which rose my curiosity. I stared, waiting for him to finish.

He cleared his throat, "It's been a while."

"Anyways," He continued while he slipped the dress off the mannequin before handing it to me. "Try it on!"

I took the dress in my hands and, without another word, I went to the bathroom so I could change. It may be nothing but I couldn't stop myself from wondering what Alex was going to say. Since when what?

7:30 pm
Alex stepped back to admire the art he was working on my eyes. He wanted my make up and hair to look perfect for the evening. Especially the make up, since my bruises are very visible.

"Hey, Alex?" I wondered. I closed my eyes before he gently brushed a bronze shade on my lids.

"Humph?" He hummed as he colored my right eyelid.

"About what you said earlier. . ." I hesitated. It was none of my business but curiosity got the best of me.
"You said you haven't seen Michael this happy since— since when?"

Alex chuckled. "That's not my story to tell, babe."
He tapped the brush against the palette before proceeding to my left eyelid.

"But I can assure you," he continued. "His energy feels different. His eyes are full of hope again. . . He's happy, Y/N. Even with that bullet wound on his shoulder.
He may not be in love with you like I always tease you guys, but ever since you got here, he's got that spark again." He withdrew the brush from my lids, "Open your eyes now."

I did as he said and continued to listen closely.

"So, let's not spoil it for now with questions about what or who ruined it." He advised.

So, someone was involved, I thought.

After clicking the palette closed, he reached for the fake eyelashes which were stored in his drawer.

"Are those really necessary?" I asked, gesturing toward the packaged lashes he was holding.

"Baby, you either give it all, or nothing!" He emphasized. "Now, give me that face."

I didn't argue. I've never worn fake eyelashes, so the process of Alex putting them on my lids made me uncomfortable. We can barely go wrong with trying new things. 

After a couple of minutes, my look was finished with a red lipstick. I found it kind of intimidating, but Alex seemed quite pleased with his work.

"Let's go, we're going to be late for the reservation." He reminded me as he gently took my hand in his and helped me stand up from his vanity's chair. 

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I was able to admire his bedroom through the reflection. It was the bedroom every beauty and fashion guru would dream of. You could never guess the man standing next to me knows how to break your neck and rob banks after spending the afternoon trafficking drugs.

While shelves were stuck to the wall one below the other; there was enough space for his designer shoes that seemed to be more worthy than my grandmother's will. His custom-bedazzled sewing machine sat on his desk while the clothing rack next to it showed off his works like they were in a museum. And the vanity in front of me was lit enough to see every single detail put into my makeup. It also had enough drawers to storage his huge stock of palettes. It felt like a dream.

Alex led the way towards the stairs where, at the end of it, everyone was waiting.

"It was about time!" I heard Ross complain. 

"Shut the fuck up, gold nugget," Alex didn't hesitate on snapping back. "My girl needed to look fierce."

After hours of shining by his absence, Michael was finally here. Just like the others, he was wearing all-black. His black suit with black dress shirt underneath made him look quite attractive. Even though I found it kind of hilarious the fact that anybody would think we're coming from a funeral, I must admit the five of us together looked hot.

The time I was coming down the stairs felt like I was a bride walking down the aisle, or a quinceañera making her dramatic entrance. All eyes were on me but I only focused on the big, brown doe ones that never failed to make me nervous. His stare was so intense I had to look down while the blood on my cheeks painted them pink.

You're such a bottom, Y/N, I joked to myself.

After what felt like forever, I finally made it down the staircase. I was standing in front of Michael now, who wouldn't move his eyes off me. His eyes portrayed an emotional distortion. It was hard to tell what he was feeling, or thinking. It seemed like a mix of confusion, adoration, anger, and dispair. But there was still that portion of comfort they brought upon me last night.

"You look nice, Y/N," Ross complimented with a shy smirk. I thanked him, returning a smile.

"We can't be late, let's go. Plus ya' boy starving!" Murph complained, walking towards the door.

"We know, fat ass," Alex followed close behind him and slightly nudged him.

I lowkey wished Michael said something.

We walked out of the huge house that I've been trapped in for the past three days. As soon as the cold New York air embraced my skin, I shivered, but never complained. It was about time I breathed some fresh air.

"We're taking my ride," Ross said. 

He followed him to his Black Mercedes S55 AMG that was parked in the driveway next to other two cars. I chuckled to myself since it reminded me of Carlisle Cullen's car from Twilight, considering they are both doctors; well, or what Ross wants to be. 

Murph was quick to call shotgun, so Alex, Michael, and myself had to ride in the back. Alex opened the door and was the last one to slide onto the back seat after Michael as I settled on the corner seat.

Ross backed out the driveway and started driving down the wide rock path which led to the main street. It obviously brought back memories from that night when I was abducted by him. The sound of rocks squishing together before the vehicle came to a stop, the feeling my wrists not being able to bear the itch from the fiber in the ropes any longer felt so fresh; as if I was going through it again. I let out a deep sigh, to calm myself down. It seemed to have caught Murph's attention, but he looked away. However, from the corner of my eye I was able to notice Michael looking at me constantly.

I looked at him directly in the eyes and wondered, "What?"

"Um," he smiled and bit his lip. "You look very beautiful."

I blushed under his stare, again.

"Thank you, Michael." I said. "You smell good too- I, er, I mean. . . you look good too."

Michael laughed as his cheeks also became blushed. Everyone in the car giggled in unision as well.

"Thank you, Y/N." He continued to flash that goddam pearly white smile.

After embarrassing myself, I noticed Alex smiling in approval. I looked out the window, wishing Ross would hurry up to reach the restaurant. Michael's cologne did smell good though, but I'm sure it was a thought I should have kept buried in the back of my head.

Way to go, idiot, I scolded myself in my head while I admired the trees being left behind us as Ross sped up past them.

-----

PHEWWWW, guys holy shit this is the longest I've ever written :vv Everything's a little more peaceful with Jonathan's absence. . . for now lmao

Anyways, as always, thank you for reading <33