A/N: I tried to get this chapter out a little quicker considering I have a break right now. I hope you all enjoy it!

Warning: This chapter is LITERALLY 10,200 words. I'm so sorry! I couldn't find a good place to stop and I just...*sigh* and grammatical errors are probably everywhere.

Comment, comment, comment! Please?

- - - -

"So, who's hoe numero cinco?"

Liam slid himself into the driver's seat of his silver Mercedes. He threw his phone into a cup holder on the side, revved the engine, and buckled his seatbelt. Switching the car into drive, we peel out the driveway before William could even get the rest of his leg in the car, the door still wide open.

"Jesus Christ," Will lays on the back seat, breathing heavily at his brief encounter with death. Liam doesn't say anything at first, but I catch him looking in the rearview mirror. I was positive he was purposely speeding as I felt myself sinking into the passenger seat, but with the light ahead of us turning red, he slams on the breaks. He slams on them so hard in fact I feel myself leaning forward, only protected by the handy-dandy seatbelt.

William wasn't wearing a seatbelt. The scruffy blonde haired man was flipped from the backseat, landing on the ground behind us with a thud, multiple curse words, and a groan.

I catch Liam smiling.

His wrist rests lazily over the steering wheel, his other hand planted on his thigh. Within the span of a red light turning green, he pulls his lips into his mouth, licks them, angles his head towards the window, and watches a woman with leggings on cross the street in front of us. I clear my throat as he releases the brake and allows us to continue our journey to Rico's apartment.

It was clear he was still pissed from his earlier argument with his stepmother, so I treaded lightly during our conversation.

I clear my throat again, bringing my fist up to my mouth and everything for emphasis. Liam leans his head back and glances at me out the corner of his eye, both of us making eye contact. I smile sweetly, "You didn't answer my question."

"Hoe number cinque," He corrects me flawlessly, "Cinco is Spanish; Cinque is Italian." He twists his wrist just enough on the wheel to cause it to hit the sun perfectly, sending a glare my way. I nod at the unwanted language lesson and glance out the window at the passing of developmental homes.

I couldn't wait to move out on myself; no more sharing bathrooms, nor would there be any parents telling me when or when I couldn't come home - as if I had a party life. Hah.

"Well, yes, then hoe number cinque," The word didn't exactly flow off my tongue the same way it did off Liam's, but he got the gist. I finish staring out the window and turn back towards the interior of the car, pointing at his phone. "Honestly, I'm just curious, because number five? Really?" Luciano lets out a hearty laugh.

"You cannot take any of my contacts seriously," He says through a smile, "Not on that phone, anyways." Liam switches hands, giving his other a rest as he handles the steering wheel. "But Hoe number five is Will."

I let out a laugh and snag his phone. He quickly reminds me of the password, allowing me to scroll through. The car falls silent, even Will is silent in the back, scrolling down his phone also. Through his entire contact list, I felt myself smiling. I pause, my finger slowly coming to a stop when I eye a name.

"Who the hell is Eye Patch?"

Liam blinks slowly, a teasing smile crossing his lips. He looks at me playfully, before turning his attention to the road. I watch his adjust his position in the driver's seat, but he never addresses my question. "If I tell you, I'd have to kill you," He teases.

Right underneath the Eye Patch character, is another weird name.

Sex Addict F.

"Who is Sex Addict F?"

Liam just chuckles, "That's Eye Patches amigo."

I continue to eye the incredibly long contact list. A few names are highly inappropriate, but most are hilarious. I frown and burst out laughing when a contact name reads this: IGNORE THIS NUMBER. I glance at Liam out the corner of my eye and hold the phone out to him; he takes his eyes off the road for a second, before laughing.

"That's a crazy chick I met at a club. So I put her number in my phone to remind myself not to answer."

I nod in slight understanding; I felt sad when I began to scroll and the screen stopped, telling me I was at the end. "Wait, who was William?" I heard Will groan from the back as Liam bites his tongue, refusing to look me in the eye. I wait for an answer, and it finally comes.

"He's Cagna Uno," Liam mutters under his breath. I bite back a laugh, but just as I'm about to lock his phone and put it away, I stop.

"And what was Rico under?"

Liam's face turns red as he lets out a smile, "Well, his needs some explaining. But in my phone, he's My Vagina."

My facial expression causes Liam to elaborate.

"Well, you know how you hate your vagina during your period? It makes you irritable, angry, and annoyed? Well Rico, Rico is my vagina - my nonexistent one anyways."

I let out a laugh, one that's followed from Will's cackling in the back. Liam smiles softly when he glances at me, but it disappears as he eyes William in the back. For the first time since we entered the car, William speaks a full sentence.

"You should tell her the story."

"Fuck no," was all Liam had to say.

"Please?"

"Hell no."

"But L-"

Luciano holds up a finger, "Don't pressure me William, your left nut is at stake."

I angle my body towards the two men, laughing loudly when I find William leaning forward, his hand cupping the pants area of his crotch. "I would offer up my left testicle just to hear how you and Federico met again, please." I frown and nudge Liam with a playful shove.

"I want to know how you and Rico met!"

Liam sighs and runs a hand through his hair, shaking his head in the process. Will makes a sound with the click of his tongue, turning to me. "Liam here is still hurting," He slaps a hand on Liam's shoulder, laughing boastfully, "He still hasn't picked up all his pride yet. Federico beat the shit out of Luciano," He throws his head back, laughing loudly from the backseat. I could see Liam's facial features hardening from here.

"He did not," Liam replies defensively.

"Please!" William breathes between laughs, "Liam couldn't see straight for a fucking week," He goes off into another moment of hysteric laughing, writhing around in the backseat like he was having spasms.

I couldn't help but smile and laugh softly. "Come on, Liam," I push my shoulder against his, urging him on. He sighs reluctantly, occasionally glancing in the rear view mirror to stare at William, who continues to laugh his ass off. Rolling his eyes, he sighs.

"Fine," He says through gritted teeth. "This happened four years ago, when Rico was first coming on to the scene. I was 24, he was 18. . ."

- - - -

| Third Person POV |

4 years ago...

There's always that one part of town that you never go too. The one you steer clear of when driving around; but occasionally, you can't help but have to drive through the projects. Yet, you can't deny the fact that at every stop light and stop sign, you lock the car doors - excessively, almost compulsively. That's where three very well dressed men found themselves that late July evening on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan.

Marcel Quantico was a large man; he weighed in at 270 and was measured to be about six foot five. He was the largest man that had ever been hired to protect Liam Luciano. On this evening, he leans forward in the blacked out Mercedes Benz, staring suspiciously at the looming warehouse across the street, fear creeping into the back of his mind. He had operated hundreds of drug deals before, but something wasn't sitting right with this one.

"I'm not so sure about this one boss," He closes his hand in a fist, wiping at the condensation that was gathering on the inside of the window. It had just finished raining cats and dogs, drenching the entire Michigan area in easily an hour. Marcel leans back, glancing over at Liam, who sits quietly in the passenger seat.

A freshly shaved Liam, young face and all, looks up, only to laugh softly before returning his attention back to the case that was resting in his lap. With the swivel of a few nobs, the case opens; containing hundreds of grams of cocaine. He smiles to himself, before shutting the door and glancing back up, eyebrows raised.

"Seriously," Marcel hooks a thumb behind him, a worried expression growing on his face. "Why would De Santis pick a sketchy ass location like this for a swap?"

"Maybe because it's secluded," A head pops up from the backseat, where Ian Handler smiles widely. He nimbly buttons his suit jacket together, before slipping a pair of dark shades on his face. Ian dips back into hiding as he continues searching the backseat for everything he would need.

"That," Liam agrees, "And you shouldn't be worried. De Santis assured me that he was only sending two people; the dropper, and his security," Luciano shrugs, "There's three of us, as long as our guns don't run out of bullets, I think we'll be okay, Cel." He winks before throwing open his door and easing his way out.

"You're way too confident, Liam," Marcel sighs as he slips out the car, closely followed by Ian. The two men flank Liam on either side as they pause for a second and eye the street.

"That's why everyone loves me," Luciano smiles widely as he clutches the briefcase and begins to make his way across the street. The two men behind him, the ones hired to risk their life for him, rest their hands on their hips, readying themselves to draw their weapons in case anything with awry.

Gravel crunches underfoot as the three stop a few feet away from the entrance. The building seems to go on forever as they look up, squinting when the sky begins to release more rain. The warehouse seems old, almost as if it's standing on its last leg - ready to fall any moment now.

Liam takes a step forward, then stops when he realizes he isn't being followed anymore. "Well? You all coming?"

Ian rubs the base of his neck, just below the beginning of his jet black baby hair. Marcel, who was known for speaking up, answers, "No."

Luciano blinks, glancing between two men that outweighed him and were taller than him by an average of four inches. He steps back and points towards the door, "Ladies first," Without disobeying their boss, Marcel and Ian retrieve their guns from their sides and kick the door open; but neither of them missed the, "Bitches," Liam mutters as he follows them inside.

The inside was worse than the out. The room they stood in was large and spacious and most definitely empty. Not a chair was in sight as the three eyed the entire room in full. The ground was made of concrete and dead cockroaches and other scurrying bugs were scattered on the floor. Cause of death: being stomped on. Now the question was, by who?

"Yo!" Liam takes a step forward; his eyes squinted as he eyes the darker areas of the room. Light only seemed to illuminate certain portions of the room, keeping most of the area in darkness. "We going to do this or what?" For a second, all that was heard was the dripping of water, ragged breathing from Marcel and Ian, and the rain hitting the building. Thunder crackled outside and fear quickly grew in the hearts of Luciano's bodyguards.

The sound of footsteps pierce the air, but the direction of where they came from was hard to recognize. Liam, Marcel, and Ian whirl around multiple times before they find themselves staring at a pair of shoes that were more expensive then all of theirs combined. Luciano's eyes rise from the black loafers to the bell of the man's pants, then on upwards. Most of his body was emerged in the shadows of the warehouse, but he takes a step forward without Liam having to complain.

"Thomas is the name," His voice was deep and laced with an accent that didn't sound Italian; Russian, maybe? Liam grips his case a little tighter, his eyebrows connecting.

"This isn't the fucking Russian mob, where the hell are you from, Thomas?"

"I can assure you, Mr. Luciano," He smiles, showing a pair of horrid looking teeth. In fact, they matched the rest of his face. He was an older looking man with frown lines and creases in his cheeks. His skin didn't look smooth and he looked pale, almost sick looking. It was as if the grim reaper had knocked on his door a few times and he had failed to answer it. "I'm Italian. I just have a Russian background."

A sound of something falling and clattering against the hard floor caused Liam and his men to whip their heads in that direction. Nothing within the shadows of the building moved. Marcel and Ian had their guns aimed in the direction of the disturbance and that's when Liam remembered.

"Your security," He nods, "I want to see him. I want him visible, not lurking in the damn shadows." The man that identified himself as Thomas chuckles deeply, glancing behind the right side of his shoulder quickly.

Another set of feet make their appearance right beside Thomas. He leans in far enough that Marcel and Ian can keep an eye on him, but just enough to keep his face hidden. He wasn't dressed like the others; he didn't support a designer suit, watch, and shoes - not at all. On his feet were a pair of shoes that seemed two sizes too tight. His jeans were ragged and worn out and the hoodie that he had pulled over his head was thin and useless against protecting himself against the wind. Liam was able to analyze his outfit, but not his face. His shoulders weren't broad and filled out like many men seem to do in their early twenties, causing Liam's suspicions about his age to diminish.

"You have a fucking kid as your security detail?" Ian hollers from behind Liam, snorting as his laughing increases. Thomas just stands there, glancing between all three of the other men.

Despite his possible lack of experience, the boy kept his feet spread a shoulder-length apart, his hands delicately folded down towards his crotch, and his head remained bowed as if he were praying. The hood he had pulled over his head was covering any details on his face; he remains silent through-out the entire encounter.

"What's your name, kid?" Liam cuts Ian off from laughing as he takes a step forward, frowning. Thomas takes a few steps to his left, a smile on his lips as he watches Luciano. "Does he not talk?" Liam glances at Thomas as he takes a step forward, raising his voice even more to the boy, "You speak when spoken to, you bastard. What is your name?"

Luciano steps close enough to the boy to eye him up and down fully. He wears a gun holster around his upper right thigh, a glock resting peacefully in its holder. Liam smiles smugly as he inches forward even more, in an attempt to rattle the young man. Yet, no vein in the his neck is raised, he fails to flinch, nor does a muscle in his body move. Liam takes a step back, his fingers still latched around the handle of his briefcase. He shoots at look at Thomas, who watches them both impressively.

All it takes is Liam to raise an eyebrow, causing Thomas to let out a hearty laugh. Luciano glances quickly at the boy, before returning his attention to the man. "Is he mute?" Liam points at the quiet man.

"No. He's keen on orders. Only listens to voices of authority."

Liam palms his chest, "I'm a voice of authority."

"Not to him."

Luciano glares at the boy before turning his attention back to Thomas. "Whatever, fuck that guy." He shakes the briefcase, smiling. "I have your coke."

"-and I have your money," Thomas leans forward, placing his own briefcase in between the two of them. Liam does the same, carefully guarded by his two men. Thomas and Luciano swap briefcase; while Thomas rifles through the case with the drugs - without the help of his security detail - Liam stands from a distance, watching Marcel and Ian mentally counting up the direct amount of cash he was to receive.

550 grand.

Thomas stands up, straightening his suit as he locks the briefcase and smiles, content. Marcel frowns, pushing stacks of money aside as Ian recounts the money again, both of them shaking their head in discontent.

"Liam, there's only 300 thousand dollars here. They're way short," Ian speaks up, tossing the money back into the case and frowning. Luciano turns to Thomas, who stands there with his mouth open.

"That's not possible!" He argues, clearly shocked, "I swear, there was 550 grand in there, I-" Thomas didn't even have a chance to finish his sentence; Marcel, even for a bigger man, was quick. He wraps his hand around Thomas' neck, before slamming him down to the concrete and keeping him there.

"Are you trying to scam me, Thomas?" Liam eases his way over to Thomas, who still lies on the floor, wincing in pain. His head throbs and vision blurs, causing him to see nothing but three blurs - all Liam's men. For a second everything fades to black, but he's shaken before he could let his body drift into any type of unconsciousness.

"No!" He begs, "There's 550-"

Liam reels his hand back as he squats, the frailer man beneath him, and let's go head whipping punch. Thomas's right side hits the concrete with an incredible force, blood seeping out the corner of his lips. Marcel and Ian dare to move as Luciano relays punch after punch on Thomas, his eyes closing shut after every hit.

Yet, his security detail remains still; head still bowed, hands still folded.

"I'll give your security detail an E for effort," Marcel quips, him and Ian laughing quietly to each other. Liam pulls back, his fist covered in the man's blood. He nods towards Thomas and steps away, addressing Marcel.

"Kill this man,"

Liam joins Ian at his side as Marcel checks his rounds. With a click, he aims his gun, and closes one eye. "Any last words, Thomas?" Marcel addresses.

With a busted lip and a half closed eye, Thomas raises his head just as far up as he can to speak. "De Santis," He coughs on his own blood, before spitting out a wad of it beside him, "De Santis said violence would be the last resort. So violence, is what I'll fall back on." He drops his head to the ground, just as Marcel makes eye contact with Liam and shrugs.

He clicks the safety off the gun.

"Fantasma."

His security detail moved. The boy that had stayed utterly still and silent the entire time his voice of authority had been beaten up was simply waiting on his word. His movements took the attention of everyone's in the room; he lifted his head up slowly, his bright eyes locking on every single man in the room, one at a time, lingering for a few second, then he would move on.

He moved quicker than any of them had ever seen. One minute his hands were folded, the next he was aiming his gun and dropping both of Liam's men.

Two shots - two kills.

Ian through the right eye, Marcel through the left.

His lips stay pursed as he licks them, drying them out even more. They were plump, but raw and ready to crack. He whips the gun at Liam's head, but he doesn't fire - at least not immediately.

For the first time in his life, Liam actually felt fear. He actually felt like he was about to meet death. All this man had to do was sign, seal, and deliver it. Liam holds out his hands, a smirk masking his real emotion.

"You going to shoot me? Just like you did my two men?" Liam points at his friends, shivers running down his spine as bile rises in his throat. Tears prick his eyes, remembering the two men that had been serving on his detail since he started; now, however, was not the time to cry. "Why don't you drop the bitch weapon and fight me like a man?"

Liam was positive he was going to obey when his finger relaxed on the trigger; but he didn't. He tilts his head, an emotionless expression on his face - and he does it.

He fires.

- - - -

Present Day...

"Did you die?!"

I squeal from my seat, leaning forward in anticipation. Will, too, was nearly in the front seat, on the edge of his seat - literally. But once the two heard my question, they both turned and gave me a look that caused my IQ to drop.

"Well, we know who isn't going to be the one who finds a cure for cancer," Will shoots in my ear sarcastically.

I glare at him, "Shut up." I turn to Liam and wave him on with my hand, "Continue, please!" Luciano sighs as we pull into the parking lot of Rico's apartment building.

"But we're here."

"Liam," William deadpans, "You can't skip the part where Federico whoops your Italian ass." Luciano rolls his eyes.

"Fine, but what I'm about to say never leaves this room."

"Well, technically, we're in a car-"

"Faith!" They both shout in unison as I throw up my hands, an innocent look on my face.

"Okay, okay," Liam sighs as he kills the car engine and leans back, "Now where was I?"

- - - -

Four years ago...

The bullet skimmed his cheek. Liam Luciano brings a hand up to his cheek and when he draws it away, blood coats his fingers. When the shot was fired, it simply sounded like a fly had buzzed past much too closely to his head; and although the bullet didn't hit him, the fact that the man purposely missed him, scared him even more.

The hooded young man twists the gun in a weird fashion, causing the bullets to drop out of their case. He drops the gun to the ground and steps forward, his lips tugging in a teasing grin.

This was the first time Liam was able to get a good look at him. He was young; his face fresh, skin smooth of any blemishes. From this angle, he looked like any 18 year old should, but the sparkle and glimmer in young ones eyes weren't found in his. Although his hazel eyes were bright, they held no glimmer of hope, love, of emotion.

Liam felt his heart drop as he proceeded to gather himself in a defensive stance, his hands outstretched for protection. He shakes his head as his feet move, the two of them rotating in a circle for the longest minute. "What the hell are you doing working for De Santis? You belong in a fucking high school."

He doesn't say anything.

"You have a name?" Liam questions again, his curiosity rising. The man takes a jab at Luciano, causing him to flinch. "If you want to know why I'm asking; I just need to know what name I should write on the card when I send flowers to your family in order to apologize for killing you."

The man's lips peel apart as he smiles at Liam's trash talking. Luciano chuckles, right before he throws a harsh jab at the man's jaw. He dodges swiftly; and for a few moments, the two dance. Liam goes on the offensive, throwing punches and angling his legs for lower blows. The young man side steps them all; he blocks the punches, dodges them, and neatly pushes away his leg shots without harm. Within the first five minutes, Liam was already certain he was dead. This hooded man already knew Liam's moves, as if he had memorized his entire fighting style in a matter of seconds.

"You're good," Luciano mutters, wiping the back of his hand across his forehead. Beads of sweat run down his forehead; the man across from his had yet to break a sweat.

Unlike Liam's offensive attack, this man's actually does some type of damage. It takes four punches; one to Liam's throat, causing him to wheeze in air. The next is thrown to his stomach, causing him to double over - the next was a cheap shot to his panel of glory - causing more air to leave his lips; then he goes in for the finishing hit. He uppercuts Liam, causing Luciano to stumble back and fall to the ground, dazed. Blood begins to pool in Luciano's mouth, the hit causing him to bite down on his tongue accidently.

The world moves, the ground feeling as though it were tipping him upside down; but everything stops and the blurriness fades when he blinks and eyes the barrel of a gun. His heart hammers against his chest as he breathes a nervous breath outwards. He closes his eyes as he hears the familiar click - a sound that he had inflicted on so many other people - yet, it was normally him who was aiming, not the other way around.

But the young man's finger relaxes as his attention is drawn away from Liam. His eyes lay on the ground beside Liam's thigh, his eyebrows furrowing and lips parting. It was the first time he actually looked somewhat perplexed.

"Who's that?" He uses the gun to point to a fairly recently taken photo sitting at Liam's side. Luciano hesitates, the idea of taking his eyes off this man - and his gun - didn't seem so great, but he did so anyways. The photo immediately makes him smile.

Rosalie Peters has her arms thrown around the back of his neck as Liam squats in front of her. The picture was clearly taken off guard; the two of them staring at each other, issuing smiles that warmed even the coldest heart. The little girl wore a large Christmas sweater, the signs of a fire and glistening Christmas trees in the background indicating the season. Liam was wearing his usual dress shirt and dress pants, but his facial hair had grown out just a little more. One of Liam's hands was holding on to Rosie over his shoulder, whereas the other was attempting to stabilize a Santa hat that had been thrown on his head at the last second.

"That's...that's my life," He answers finally, smiling. Liam glances up at the man, whose eyes are locked solely on the photo - an emotion is displayed in his hazel eyes that Luciano couldn't pinpoint. "That was this past Christmas, when she turned three."

"Are you her father?"

"No," Liam snorts, "Just her brother, well, step-brother." He glances up at the gun that's slowly being aimed away from him. The picture must've brought by memories for the young man, because even without knowing it, he was subconsciously holstering his gun.

Liam made a sign of the cross.

The hooded man takes a step back, surveying the bodies around them. Both of Liam's bodyguards were dead and the gash that covered Thomas' forehead suggested he was too. His chest didn't budge.

They both glance at the case of money, then the drugs, before looking at each other. Liam moves slowly, following the young man. He reaches down first and picks up the cash, handing it to Luciano. "At nine o'clock tonight, there will be a knock on your hotel door. The rest of the money will be there." Liam hangs on to it with dear life as the man snags the case of drugs. "And buy something nice for the little girl," He orders over his shoulder.

"How the fuck am I supposed to believe you're going to give me the rest of my money?"

The man stops and turns, "I'm a man of my word."

"I don't trust your word," Liam calls after him, "So where the hell can I find you?"

"People don't find me; I find them."

And he disappears within the shadows as if he was never there

As if, he never even existed.

As if, he was a ghost.

- - - -

Present Day...

"I still feel that uppercut," Liam groans as we exit the car, rubbing his chin. Even William was rubbing his chin once he joined me on the right, escorting me into the run-down apartment building.

"Same," Will sighs, "I felt it too once you started explaining it," He rubs his chin again, causing Liam to roll his eyes.

Luciano pushes the doors of the apartment building open, allowing me to walk in first. The place was the same way we left it. The same elderly woman that was banging on her door the first time I had entered was there again, pounding with a fist closed.

"Marty! Open the fucking door!" She shouts, her voice cracking in the process. "I swear to God, Marty! I sw-" Her attentions drifts to us. I just stand there in the middle of Liam and William, all of us staring at the poor lady as if she had lost it. She pulls her glasses to the bridge of her nose and glance downwards, glancing at Liam, then Will, and back again. "Oh my, look what the Lord dragged in."

She walks over to us, smiling widely - well, correction, smiling widely at Liam and William, not me. Her eyes glistened with youth that she probably hadn't used in years and her voice went an octave higher. And to say her posture had increasingly improved would've been an understatement. She extends her hand towards Liam first, smiling. "The name's Gladys,"

Luciano glances at us out the corner of his eye, before bringing her frail hand to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss against her skin. "Ciao, Gladys," Liam purrs. I didn't think it was possible to make that name sound sexy, but Luciano found a way. The woman's name rolled off his lips wrapped around an Italian accent that caused my knees to weaken - it surely caused her the same effect, because I swore I saw her almost faint.

Gladys's smile was wide, a few of her silver teeth shining underneath the dim lighting of the building. She practically floated away from Liam, past me, and slipped her hand in Will's, her smile brightening even more. William does the same, "Hello, Gladys." Just as he pulls her hand away from her lips, their hands still touching, Gladys's apartment door is swung open with an annoying sound.

I assumed the man that stepped out was Marty. His hairline had receded all the way to the back of his head, silver-like hair still holding on, on the side. He was short and hunched over, a cigar resting between his chapped lips. He wore a pair of un-stylish brown pants, a stained white shirt, and black overalls - all the outfit did was make his beer belly even more evident than it already was.

His demeanor changes as his eyes fall on Liam and William, causing him to squint; then his attention falls on William's hand, which was still gripping on to his wife's. "Gladys, are you cheating on me?" When he speaks, a puff of smoke pours out the side of his lips, his cigar bouncing at the movement of his mouth.

"Please Marty," Gladys giggles as she pulls her hand away from Will, "If you got this close these fine gentlemen, you would cheat on me to." Her husband comes to her side, wrapping his arm around her waist protectively as Gladys continues to beam. Liam's deep chuckling comes from my left, just as William lets out a boyish laugh. "I do have a question though; what are two very well dressed young men like you doing in this rat-hole?"

Luciano takes the lead. "We're here for a friend, Ma'am." He points up the stairs, but continues to make eye contact with her. Her elderly facial features flash with recognition - and almost, almost, fear.

"Oh my god, are you all friend's with that psychopath upstairs?"

Yep, that would be him.

"Yes?" William answers warily, "What does he look like?"

"The one with short hair," Gladys waves a hand over her hair, "Broad shoulders," She pats her shoulders, "A beautiful, absolutely breathtaking smile," She peels her lips apart with her fingers, "And Jesus," She sighs, putting a hand up to her forehead, "He's probably blessed downstairs too, because that is all man."

TMI, Lady. TMI. Never had I ever even begun to think about how "blessed" any man was anywhere; but of course, now she had my mind rolling.

Liam glances at Will over my head; shorter people problems.

"Anyways!" Gladys says breathlessly, "He's insane," She adds in a deadpanned sort of way. "He always comes inside around three in the morning drunk as all get out! Normally a woman is on his hip - I think he has a think for brunettes with fat asses," She rolls her eyes, "I guess that means I'm out the running for qualification."

Granny, I think you were out the running 80 years ago; but okay.

"-He just moved in about two or three weeks ago. He didn't have that much furniture, just a suitcase and a pillow," She shrugs, "Something tells me this home isn't going to be permanent for him. Oh well!" Gladys says, "I'll just enjoy the view while I can."

Luciano's mouth drops open in a form of a response, but before he could get any words out, a beeping noise gathers all of our attention. It comes from the door Marty had just exited from.

"Oh shit!" Gladys grabs her husband's hand, and without a word, they scramble quickly into their apartment, "I forgot about the cookies!" The door is slammed not a moment too soon, and the three of us are left in eerie silence.

"And she said Federico was insane," I hear Will mutter from behind me. Liam just laughs as he heads up the stairs first, followed by me; William takes up the rear. "Wow Faith, you have a really nice a-"

I whirl around, "Be careful how you finish that sentence, because while LuLu shoots your left testicle, I'll shoot your right."

"LuLu?" William changes topics quickly. I was pushed out the way as Will hops up the rest of the flight of stairs, meeting up with Liam - who comes to a stop in front of Rico's door. The blonde punches Liam playfully, "When did the ship sail?!"

I stifle as laugh as Liam rolls his head to the right, all while his hand is digging in his pocket for a key. "William, don't ever - e-v-e-r - call me that again. I will skip over shooting you in the balls and just flat out kill you, are we clear?"

William sulks as Liam pushes the door to Rico's apartment open and we all take a step inside. Will falls behind once again, causing me to laugh once I hear him reply, "Sir yes Sir, LuLu," under his breath.

Federico's apartment hadn't changed from my first life altering visit just a few weeks ago. If anything, it had gotten worse. The air reeked of cigarette smoke; and with just one inhale, I saw twenty years of my life fading right before my eyes. I could've sworn that the alcoholic stench was rising up from the carpet - possibly from one too many bottles being spilled. Other than that, the apartment was dead silent.

Liam moved around and over broken coffee tables and crushed up boxes of pizza on the floor swiftly as he made his way to the opposite wall. He unlocks a window and yanks it open with enough force to cause the room the shake. Almost immediately, fresh air fills my senses and the reeking stench of alcohol and cigarette smoke become a distant memory.

William hooked a left and headed towards the small kitchenette. Not much light was needed, thanks to the natural sunlight that Luciano let in once he reeled back the blinds. I tread nervously, not quite sure what I would find. I hear Will peels open the refrigerator door and breathe in a sharp whistle; when I reach his side and lean in, my eyes widen.

I was anticipating on seeing a bunch of frozen meals, possibly a good amount of mold, and some type of leftover carryout, but I was wrong. All I saw was beer; beer bottles, beer cans - not much of a variety of anything to be honest. Just alcohol.

When I move away from Will, I notice Liam walking around Rico's living room area, eyes glued to the objects on the coffee table. I hadn't noticed the items on his worn down, barely standing blue sofa till I got closer. Liam held out a hand, "Don't touch a thing." And I obeyed.

Black parts, all belonging to a type of gun, were spread out on the sofa, coffee table, and surrounding floor.

"He was cleaning his guns," Liam states; he eases down and picks up a smaller gun, rotating it in his hand and eyeing the inside of it. "I don't understand," He puts it back the same way he found it and sighs, clearly frustrated.

I leave William and Liam to check the larger room. I find myself pushing the door to Rico's designated bedroom open with a creek and then I step in. The room was pitiful if I had to be honest; for someone making 700 thousand dollars on a hit, couldn't Rico afford more than just. . .this?

A mattress was thrown lazily in the corner near the window; he had no bedspread, let alone a bed frame - just a mattress. A thin sheet was balled up in the mattress and a pillow was hanging off the edge. Clothes were scattered around on the floor and a dresser, that I assumed came with the apartment, was worn out as well. Articles of clothing hung from all the open drawers in a messy manner. I step over a variety of alcohol bottles, not all of them completely empty. Even a couple dollars in cash lay exposed, thrown about the room as if Federico didn't even care.

I was shaking my head by the time I dragged myself into the adjoining bathroom. If anything, the bathroom was the cleanest room in the house. Razors - both mechanical and hand-operated - rested on the grimy looking counter. The mirror seemed fogged up and greasy also. The toilet seat was up, and I felt shivers run down my spine as I eyed the wall beside the toilet - where speckles of brown lined it.

I felt sick. Nobody, nobody in this world should have to stay in a place like this.

The sink was dripping, but despite the amount of times I tried to turn the faucet the entire way off, it wouldn't stop. I gave up on that quickly, before latching my hands around a medical cabinet overhead and yanking it open.

I wasn't prepared for what I saw.

Pill bottles; not five, not ten, but hundreds. They were all the same; the orange pills bottles with the white caps - every prescription label seemed the be torn off, some of it still remaining on the bottle. The bottles were stacked up three rows high on both shelves.

"Holy..." I saw Liam's reflection in the mirror as he snuck up behind me, his eyes scanning over the rack of pills. I swallow hard.

"On estimation, how many of these pills are prescribed?" I asked hopefully. Liam snorts.

"None," He reaches over my hand and grabs a few bottles, causing some to fall. I turn my attention to him as he twists it in his hand, then breaks the lid. He pours a few out on his hand, shakes his head, then does the same to the others. The pills that he recognizes, he speaks up about, "Molly," he says once he pours on out on his hand. "Acid?" He seems to question it himself when he eyes the container. Liam shakes his head and shoves all the drugs back into the cabinet and slamming the door.

"Whoa," William's voice causes both Liam and I to glance at each other, before heading back into the bedroom. Will stands by Rico's dresser, one of the smaller drawers pulled open. I count seven packs of cigarettes; four were unopened, the others were open partially.

"He likes to self-medicate," Liam spoke the obvious as Will shut the door, causing both of us to turn to Luciano as he spoke, "But since he isn't here, let's just go visit Rosie and I'll make a few calls and see if someone I know can find him, yeah?"

"Sounds fine, Liam," Will responds as he heads out the bedroom door. I nod and turn to follow Will out, but I stop at the door and whirl around when I see Liam isn't following. He has his hands shoved deep into his pockets, a sorrowful expression on his face. I glance behind me at Will, who's quietly making himself at home by snagging a beer from the fridge. Closing the door behind me, I step in and address Liam.

"What's wrong?"

He seems hesitant at first, his eyes darting between the mattress, the alcohol bottles, the stains on the wall. "Rico is one of the greatest people I know," He winces, "Did that even make sense?" Luciano groans, bringing a hand to his face, "Sometimes my English isn't the best, I'm sorry." It was visibly obvious that Liam was upset.

"It made sense," I laugh softly, taking another step closer.

"I just don't like him being like this," Luciano points to a beer bottle on the floor, "I get drinking once in a while, I do it too. I get smoking, at least marijuana, to 'get away'-" Liam air quotes the word and continues, "But every night?" He leans his back against the wall and sighs, "He's like a little brother to me; I feel like it's my responsibility to help him, and mentor him, and keep in touch with him when I can," He shakes his head, "God, I just..." This was different, this was nice; no, I didn't like seeing Liam upset or in any emotional pain, but I liked the fact that he was opening up more, speaking his mind.

I open my arms and tilt my head, "I think someone needs a h-u-g." Liam lets out a breath, one that mimics a laugh so well. He brings his head out his hands and takes a step forward. His arms around outstretched, before our bodies collide and our arms find each other's backs. I rest my cheek against his chest, listening silently to the beating of his heart. His grip is firm on my back, but he raises a hand, cupping the base of my neck. I can feel a few of his fingers entangling themselves if a few strands of my hair.

"Yep, I definitely like the ship name Laith." Both Liam and I turn around. William stands in the doorway, sipping his cooled beverage obnoxiously. His eyes widen and he sticks his beer out, his index finger pointing at us. "No! Fiam!"

I couldn't even hate him for ruining our moment. Luciano lets go of me and heads towards Will; the blonde flinches, his hand immediately finding his crotch in a form of protection. I laugh loudly as Liam flinches, causing William to jump back even more. But when Liam walks past him without another word, I hear Will sigh.

"Phew."

- - - -

Do I have to remind you that I hate hospitals?

Most of the nurses we passed were fairly nice, but of course there were the occasional ones that had their breasts hanging out their white garments. Those were the ones that seemed to eye Liam like he was a piece of meat.

Those dogs.

But I won't lie; when a cute, tanned male nurse with light brown hair and chocolate brown eyes walked past me carrying a clipboard, I nearly flung myself down the closest stairwell in hopes he was my nurse.

We enter a hallway with Liam in the lead, memorizing the room number the receptionist has politely given us. The visiting bracelets they had strapped around our wrists tightly was beginning to itch as Liam came to a slow and pointed into a room. Before the door, came a well-sized mirror. It was tinted with lines going in two directions, but with the shade pulled open, all three of us were able to get a glimpse inside.

We all let out a collective sigh of relief when our eyes landed on Federico and Rosalie. The little girl had finally woken up. She had a bandage wrapped around her head and a few tubes running in her arm; Rosie had a little dried blood on her face, but other than that, she was smiling. I let my eyes drift over to Rico, who had a chair pulled up to the edge of his bed. Liam, William, and I stop slowly, tuning in to what was going on in the room.

"No!" Rosie lets out a string of giggles as she points to her ankle. She lifts it up as high as she can, still laughing, "My ankle hurts, Uncle Rico!" He pouts.

"I'm sorry, mi amor."

"It needs a kiss," She shakes her foot, making Rico laugh. He leans down, pressing three consecutive kisses on her ankle. "That's better!" She leans back and continues to smile. When I turn to Liam, he was smiling softly, his eyes glistening.

"I'm going to um, go sit over in the waiting room around the corner," William points down a hallway and without anyone's interjections, he leaves.

Luciano taps on the glass, causing Rico to glance up. He looked the same from when I saw him, maybe a little paler. He winces when he stands up and I can't help but notice his hand immediately going to his side. But that isn't all I notice; I drop my gaze when my eyes landed on Rico's tight fitting black shirt. He was wearing a long sleeve today, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows - completely canceling out their purpose. His legs were covered with burgundy colored joggers and when he stepped out into the hallway, I noticed he had a fresh pair of black Jordan's on his feet.

Rico closes the door behind him as he turns to Liam, who's already whispering loudly. "Where the hell were you?"

I watch Federico pull at the hem of his shirt, allowing both Liam and I to get a glimpse of the gauze wrapped around his abdomen. A growing blood stain pierces the white medical gear, where his injury had been. "I went to get it checked out last night, went home to change, and came back here-" Rico stares into Rosie's room, watching the little girl silently, "Five nurses tried to convince me that I wasn't allowed to be here this late, but since they couldn't find enough manpower to escort me out, I was able to stay." He smirks, then his attention falls on me. I could've sworn I saw his smile brighten.

"That's fine," Liam sighs, "Just, tell someone next time, yes?"

Federico connects his fingers together, not allowing the palms of his hands to touch. He bows his head, "Si, god." Luciano groans and mutters something, before sidestepping Rico and latching on to the door handle.

"Faith, take Rico back to my place and watch him, he tends to wander-"

"-You make me sound like a two year old."

Liam ignores his comment, "I'll be back this evening." He tosses me the keys of the Mercedes - which I shove into my pockets - before adding, "And don't worry about William, he can stay with me." I nod and turn, ready to march down the hallway; but Rico passes me, walking much quicker.

"I'm driving!" I shout back at him, smiling widely. He chuckles and turns around, reaching his hand into his pants and pulling out a pair of keys.

"No you aren't."

I pat my pockets, letting out a string of curse words when I can't find Luciano's car keys.

Federico De Santis, you son of a bitch.

- - - -

The rest of the day went by fairly smoothly; other than getting into a car with Rico and wishing I had repented my sins beforehand, nothing disastrous had happened. I stayed in my room, purposely doing so in order to avoid Melanie Luciano. I took about three showers, all lengthy; washed my hair, brushed my teeth, and danced around in circles when I realized my period was over. I even stood in front the full length mirror for about an hour and tried on random outfits - basically, I had my own mini-fashion show.

But by the time eight o'clock ran around and my stomach started growling, I knew I had to leave the comfort of my room and head out into the Lion's den. I didn't want to admit as to why I was trying to avoid Melanie, but it was fairly obvious. I was regretting what I had said to her; calling her a bitch. But I couldn't grow a pair fast enough to run down there and apologize.

I peak my head out the door and wallow in the silence for a moment. I had come to learn that Sebastian and the other hired hands were normally off duty at around seven p.m., unless Liam stated otherwise - so downstairs was seemingly quiet also. I knew Rico was still in Liam's bedroom, where I had thrown him in earlier today. He had fallen asleep the minute his back hit the mattress and I had yet to hear anything from him. I know Liam had waltzed in around six; because he peeked his head in my room and shot me a smile, asked me how I was doing, and said he was going into his room. The only whereabouts I didn't know was Melanie and her husband Michael.

I was already nearing the top of the steps when I finally heard some type of sound of life within the ginormous house. Down the hall, I could see light peering from Michael and Melanie's room; faint voices accompanied the distant sound of the television, but their bedroom door remained cracked open. The thought of eavesdropping on them didn't even cross my mind; but the thought of eavesdropping on Liam and Rico surely did.

Noises were coming from Liam's bedroom too; but it was them, mostly Liam, talking loudly. I tip-toed my way towards the door, peering through the crack. Rico was sitting on the edge of Liam's bed, a laptop in front of him. He had his shirt off and the gauze that he had given us a tease of earlier was much larger than I had expected. It stopped an inch or two short of his pectoral muscles. I was guilty of staring - not just at them, but at his nipples. Gladys had been right; Rico's shoulders were broad.

Liam then appeared on the scene; my heart nearly leaped out of my chest as I watched him gather his shirt in his hands, readying himself to peel it over his head. "-You do it all the time, Rico," Liam was saying. His words were muffled as he pulled the shirt over his head, causing his back muscles to tense. "You go somewhere by yourself and you self-medicate. And nothing is wrong with a little drinking, and a little smoking, but you do it religiously."

"I'm a very spiritual person."

I could see Liam's shoulders falling, and even with his back facing me, I could tell he was looking at Rico in a disappointed fashion. "That isn't what I mean," He says, his voice softer. "When you're upset, or need to talk, just call me. Anytime, anyplace, I'll answer - and you know that. Yet, you don't." Federico couldn't keep his eyes locked on Liam long enough; he drops his gaze to the laptop, his finger tapping the keyboard.

I knock on the door now, waiting for a response. Liam whirls around, his eyes on the door and not on the crack that I was previously looking through. He yells a 'Come in', but before I could twist the knob, I heard Rico shout.

"Don't! I'm naked!"

I roll my eyes at his playful tone and enter anyways. He was still sitting on the bed, his face an expression of pure horror. "I could've been naked!" The seriousness in the room must've left the moment I opened the door, because if I hadn't witnessed their previous conversation, I never would've known things had been tense.

"It's okay Rico," I smile, "Even if you were naked, you're probably too small to even see so." Luciano breaks out in dimple-worthy smile. My eyes rake over his upper body and I inwardly frown when I realize he had quickly pulled the shirt he was wearing back over his head before I had entered.

Federico glances at me as if I had just committed a crime. He stands up quickly, causing the laptop to fall back on the bed. His hands are fumbling with the laces of his joggers. I cover my eyes quickly, but Liam stops him before he can yank his pants down.

"Rico!" Liam shouts, "I do not want to see that. I laugh loudly as Federico sticks his tongue out at me and drops back to the seat. Luciano clears his throat and turns to me, "Remember when I promised I would find the men that killed Mary?"

"Si," I mimic them, nodding. The answer catches Liam off guard, but Rico turns to me, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Oooo, look at you trying to be ethnic," He smiles, before turning back to the computer, "Ethnic girls are so hot. Those Puerto Ricans-"

"-The Cubans," Liam adds.

"-The Dominicans."

"-Those Hispanics in general."

"Yesssss!" Liam and Rico find each other's hands in a high face. Rico sighs, talking loud enough for us to hear, but it seemed as though he was speaking to himself, "It's a shame thick girls get hate, man," He shakes his head, "They're beautiful, just like skinny girls are. It's...stupid." He mutters.

I watch Rico carefully, his eyebrows furrowing at what he's reading. That was probably the first time I had ever heard him say anything, remotely... sweet. I smile and turn back to Liam, who continues.

"Well, I found the man that did it; that organized and called the hit. They were aiming to kill me, but since they couldn't find me, they killed one of my employees."

"Who so happened to be Mary."

Liam nods. "But, this man, his name is Abram Volkov; he's Russian. I dug really deep; found out he has it out for my father, when Michael used to run around and do shit. But instead of hitting my father, he wanted to kill me. He's going to be at an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles in two days," I could see Luciano smiling now, "The exact same date that I," Liam sidles up to me, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling us close, "Take you out to dinner." He winks and nods at Rico, "I put Rico on the job; didn't I?"

Rico looks up and smiles. "I'm going to light this bitch up."

I laugh softly as Liam pulls away. "I'm going to go on a walk," He briskly walks over to a chair in the corner, grabbing a hoodie. "You want to come?" I shake my head immediately, not wanting to join; not tonight anyways. He looked dejected at first, but nods, "Alright." I watch him pull the hoodie over his head and leave.

The room is quiet as Rico continues to type away; but the minute Liam's footsteps fade, Federico closes the laptop and looks at me.

"I heard about the blowup earlier today; I heard what you said to Melanie."

Uh-oh.

I went on the defensive immediately. "She called me a bitch." Rico stood up and took a step closer to me.

"Faith, she was worried about her child; her blood. No matter who was with Rosalie that night, she would blame them, of course she would. Her daughter got hurt, it pissed her off, and she yelled at two of the people she knew that were there," He explains. I can't help but sigh, he had a point. "And she called you a bitch, sticks and stones, Faith; sticks and motherfucking stones! If I actually gave a fuck about what people called me, I would've killed myself years ago."

I turn away from him.

"And you know something," He places a hand on my shoulder, turning me around in the process. "You aren't a bitch and you know that; but what you said to her, you proved her point. You really acted like a bitch. You could've taken the high road, but you didn't," Rico continues, "Let me tell you something; I've been running this race a long time. I've seen women that were bought for sex, waltz into a house as the most humble person. They thanked everyone, they were sweethearts. But three years later, when they marry the multi-billion man that had hired them all those years ago - they turn into bitches."

"I'm not going to do that, if that's what you thi-"

Rico holds up a hand. "You spoke to Melanie like you have something," His voice lowers itself as he takes another menacing step forward, closing the small gap we had between us. "Faith, I like you, but you have nothing; so don't you dare speak to Melanie Luciano like you do. Don't be that bitch. Please don't. You're sweet, you're funny, and I can see why Liam is attracted to you. You're beautiful - inside and out. But don't change, please don't."

"I...Okay, I won't." I nod softly. Rico pulls his lips into his mouth.

"You should go apologize."

"Not, not-"

His index finger lifts underneath my chin, causing me to look his dead in his hazel eyes. "That was not a question."

We eye each other for the longest time, before I nod and take in his advice. We separate and I turn, heading straight towards Melanie's bedroom. I could feel his eyes on the back of my head the entire journey out into the hallway. I close the door behind me and sigh.

I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. So I did, I hauled my ass over to Melanie's door and knocked, mentally preparing myself for my apology to come.

She opened the door and I spoke the first two words that came to mind.

"I'm sorry."

- - - -

A/N: 10,241 WORDS. I need help. I hope you all enjoyed this incredibly long, long, long chapter! I highly doubt I'll ever have another chapter this long, so yeah! - [edited, lmao my ass was lyin but I didn't know that then - 1/10/18 ]

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Liam and Rico's first meeting?

More Fiam moments are to come, I promise!