Hospitals are never like how they depict them in the movies and shows. 

At least its never been for me. The A&E isnt filled with screaming and crying loved ones. They sit silently, watching the whatever show they have playing or scrolling through their phones, trying to take their minds off of what could happen. I had left Josh and my parents in the waiting room to go outside and smoke. I needed it badly or I was going to break. Taking a long drag, I looked up at the sky and closed my eyes. Is this the price I pay for everything? I never knew the Mancinis had enemies--theyre too powerful for anyone to try and threathen them. FInihsing off my third cigareete, I moved on to my fourth just as I saw a familiar carpull up and two men step out.

"Alec!" Milo yelled as he and his brother rushed over to me. "Sorry it took us so long. Miko was making some calls."

"I'm getting the surveillance footage from the hotel and all buildings surrounding it. We're gonna find these sons of bitches and give them hell." I nodded my head at this information and continued taking drags from my cigarettes. I finished it off and went to take another one out and frowned at the empty container. Milo took notice but didn't say anything and I silently thanked him for it. 

"Is there any news?" Miko asked and I shrugged my shoulders.

"He's been in surgery for three hours now. The bullet didn't go through, so they had to take it out. Other than that, I don't know anything. He could be dead for all I know."

"Alec..." Milo said softly and I shook my head at his sympathy. I didn't want it and I definitely didn't deserve it. This was all my fault. I was always getting him hurt or in trouble and this time it could be permanent.

"Why would someone go after Sean? It makes no sense." Miko voiced his thoughts and I was really wishing I had more cigarettes. 

"They didn't, it was meant for me." The brothers both looked at me confused and I honestly wondered how it didn't dawn on them yet. "Obviously someone doesn't take too kindly to me being around all of you again. Shooting my brother doesn't solve that issue, but trying to shoot me with the intention to kill does. Only they missed and now my brother is struggling for his life right now." 

All because of me.

When I first became involved with Milo and his world, I swore to myself that I wouldn't involve Sean in it. Of course, he knew who Milo was when he met him but he had no clue about any of the goings on within the group. He was an innocent sweet soul that got caught in the crossfire of something so minuscule. I understand completely that being a homosexual within the mafia is something many don't seem to keen on, but its the twenty first fucking century. Times have changed along with morals. Everyone is at least a tiny percent gay. I guess, however, this is the price you tend to pay when you mix with such a dangerous group. Especially this one.

"I'm gonna head back in and see if there's any updates." I told them and pushed off the side of the building. Milo moved like he was coming with me and I paused to wait for Miko and he looked up from his phone and shook his head.

"Nah, I gotta make some more calls. Text me any updates." He said before hitting something on his phone and walking away to talk to someone. I looked at Milo to see if he could explain his brother's weird behavior and he just shrugged his shoulders.

"He doesn't like hospitals." He answered and I gave him a look to elaborate, which caused him to sigh. "It's a long story." 

"Lucky you, we're going to be here for a long time and I could use a story time moment." I joked and he smiled at me before we headed inside. I knew my parents most likely wouldn't be upset over seeing Milo, but Josh on the other hand...

"Why the bloody fuck is he here?" My best friend snapped and stood up from his seat. I saw the few other occupants in the room turn their heads to look at us, but thankfully they looked away. "You're the reason he's here and you have the gall to show up?"

"Pipe down with your bitch ass." I snapped as I finished walking to stand in front of him. "Sean is here because of me. There is no one else to blame." Josh scoffed and rolled his eyes at my statement and I literally groaned at how frustrating this was going to be.

"The only reason you would have people after you is because of that dickstain beside you. So, therefore, as I said before, he's the reason my boyfriend is fighting for his life."

"Joshua." My mother hissed and we all seemed to freeze. It's never a good sign when a mother calls anyone by their full name, especially when my mum has always called him Josh. I watched my mum get up and walk over to us. "There is enough going on right now and you know damn well Sean wouldn't want you fighting with Milo and Alec again. He already talked to you about that, might I remind you." Josh stared at her for a while before sighing and going to sit back down. My mum looked at me with triumph before frowning. 

"I'm okay, mum. Honestly." She pursed her lips before smiling sadly and patting my arm.

"The doctor hasn't come out yet so you two can take a seat. Is Miko here as well?" She asked and Milo spoke up.

"He is, but he's making some phone calls to try and get some answers as to what happened." My mum looked extremely pleased with that. 

"Good. It's time we show these mother fuckers who really runs this town." I looked taken aback at my mother by her language. It actually was a little comical to see her so furious and siding with a well-known mafia group. Normally, she would be chiding us on our use of violence but considering her youngest son was just shot, I think the tables have turned. Milo and I took our seats, sitting a little bit down from Josh. I had no desire to talk with him right now, so I definitely wasn't going to sit next to him. 

"So, about Miko." I drawled and Milo made a face.

"I can't even get situated before you want to act like gossip girl?"

"Xoxo." I sassed and he rolled his eyes at me with a chuckle.

"A few years ago Miko had a girlfriend. They had been together a really long time and he was even planning on proposing to her. But one day he made the wrong deal with the wrong people and they found his girlfriend as she was walking home from work. I don't think I need to go into details about what they did to her, but I will say they made to where Miko had to come down to the hospital to identify the body." Milo leaned back in his seat and put his head against the wall. "Having to come to find the body of your significant other after they went missing for a month is really hard. It's why he doesn't handle most things in the group anymore and also why he refuses to step foot inside a hospital."

"So what does he do if he gets really hurt?" 

"He either tries not to or patches himself up at home." I frowned. I would've never guessed Miko held such a dark past when he's smiles and laughs all the time. I guess the saying that the brightest people hold the darkest secrets is true in this case. 

"And most siblings would encourage each other to get back out in the dating scene after a few years have passed, but I'm actually glad he's all but sworn off relationships." Milo sighed, looking down the hall like he was living through the memories again. "Seeing Haley laying in a morgue really messed Miko up. Everyone was surprised that he pulled himself together and continued helping out with the family businesses. But I feel that if he were to be put through the same thing again, I would lose my brother." He looked back at me and gave me a sad smile. "I will personally do everything in my power to bring whoever did this down. Whether they were aiming for you or not, I never want anyone close to me getting hurt because I couldn't protect them enough." I was about to thank him and offer my assistance as well before a loud commotion was heard down the hall, followed by the sound of heels frantically clicking towards us. 

A very dolled up Fawn appeared in front of us, stopping and gasping in relief. "Oh thank God you're okay!" She exclaimed and I looked from her to Milo to see him staring at her in confusion.

"What do you mean? I was just with you?"

"You never told me you were leaving the mansion!" She snapped, reaching into her purse to pull out a compact mirror and a pink silk handkerchief. "So when I went looking for you and I heard everyone talking about someone getting shot and Miko being at the hospital I got so worried!" She dabbed around her eyes, probably to wipe up the fake tears, before snapping the compact shut and looking at Milo.

"Fawn. If I got shot, do you really think no one would let you know right away?" He asked her and she curled her lip and didn't hide the fact that she was now looking at me.

"Duh. They probably would tell him first before even mentioning it to me, you know, your fiance." I started looking around everywhere and heard her scoff. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to find who the fuck you think you're talking to." 

She gasped and stomped her foot before looking at Milo. "Are you going to let him talk to me like that?" I turned to him to see if he had a response and he simply shrugged his shoulders, which made Josh laugh a few chairs down from us. I looked over at him and saw him watching us, as was everyone else in the waiting room. Yeah, this wasn't okay.

"Look, do you fucking need something? Because in case you haven't noticed, we are in an A&E. Because my brother was shot. This has absolutely jack shit to do with you, so please--and I say this with as much respect and kindness as I can muster--go the fuck away."

"Campbell?" I looked up to see a nurse standing in front of us. "If you would follow me, I can take you to his room. Only three people at a time, please." My parents stood up and I looked to tell Josh to go ahead, but he beat me to it.

"You go see him. As long as someone comes out and tells me he's okay, I'll go see him later." I felt bad because I knew how horrible it must feel to not get to see him right away, but I also could tell that he was doing it so I could get away from Fawn before I beat a bitch down. I nodded my head at him and promised to come to get him right after I saw he was okay before hurrying off with my parents and the nurse. As we left, I could hear Fawn's whiny ass voice startup and I rolled my eyes. She only came here so she could show off and try to look important, but she isn't fooling anyone. 

"The Doctor is already in the room." The nurse announced as he gestured us into the room. Upon entering, my mother started crying and covered her mouth and I found it difficult to keep my composure as well. Sean was hooked up to a lot of machines that the Doctor was checking, and thankfully it looked like he was awake. Once he saw us, he smiled and my mum rushed over to his side. The Doctor looked up to see us and smiled before coming over to my father and me.

"Doctor Smith." She introduced and shook our hands. "He's been out of surgery for about an hour so the anesthetic has worn off. We have him on a morphine drip for the pain right now. The bullet didn't go through, but thankfully it didn't hit anything important. It's a good thing I was working when Milo called me, otherwise I'm not sure how well this could've all gone." Ah, so she was a personal doctor for the group. She smiled as she looked at my mother crying and kissing my brother while he kept reassuring her that he was okay. 

"This was a very scary situation and I'm not going to sugarcoat it--it could've ended ugly. But I did everything I could to help him out." My father thanked her and went to join my mother at Sean's bedside. I was about to walk over myself, but Doctor Smith grabbed my arm. "May I speak with you in private?" She asked and I nodded my head.

"I'm gonna step out and get Josh, okay?" I told my parents and looked at my brother. "I know you really want to see him." He nodded his head slowly and smiled at me before I walked outside of the room with the Doctor. Once the door was closed, her face became serious and a ball of anxiety fell into my stomach.

"I figured I could speak with you since I know your affiliation with the group." She said and looked around the hallway before reaching into her jacket pocket and pulling out a bag. "This is the bullet that hit your brother. Normally, we either throw these out or hand them over for evidence to the police, but this one I think could be helpful to you all." I took the bag from her and looked at the bullet through the plastic.

"There was a symbol--may be a family crest--etched onto the bullet. I've seen quite a few bullets pulled from wounds and let me just say, that one is specialized. I hope it can help you fix whatever it is." She patted my arm before walking off down the hall and I bit the inside of my cheek before pocketing the bag and heading towards the waiting room. To my luck, Fawn had disappeared but it looked like she took Milo with her. That was fine though, the less I see him the better. Josh stood up immediately when he saw me coming and I smiled to let him know it was okay.

"Oh thank god." He choked and I pulled him into a tight hug before letting him go.

"He's very eager to see you. Room 410." I told him and wasn't hurt that he rushed off towards Sean's room. Besides, I had some more important matters to take care of right now. And I'm sure Sean wouldn't be upset that I wasn't with him if he knew what I was doing. I pulled out my phone to call a cab as I walked outside but stopped when I saw Miko leaning against the side of the building, smoking a cigarette. He looked up and pushed off the wall, stubbing out his cigarette and walking over to me.

"Figured you would need a ride back." He stated as he blew the smoke from his mouth. I had to say I was grateful he was here because I don't know if I wanted to tell anyone else about the news I just learned from the doctor. "Something wrong?" Miko asked, picking up on my attitude change, no doubt.

"Let's talk in your car." I didn't know who could be listening right now and with what just happened, I was beginning to question my trust in everything around me. Miko nodded his head in agreement and we headed for his car. Once inside, I pulled the bag from my pocket and opened it, extracting the bullet and handing it to Miko.

"The doctor said she noticed there was a family crest or something on the bullet. This could be the lead we need in finding out who did all this." The brother was silent as he studied the object before speaking up.

"Not a family crest, but close." He handed the bullet back to me and put the car into drive. "I'll explain more when we get to the house. In the meantime, text my brother and father and tell them that we need to have a meeting immediately." I put the bullet back into the bag and patted around for my phone before frowning. 

"I think my mom has my phone in her purse still." I kept fidgeting with it while we were waiting and she took it from me so I could calm down. Guess I forgot to get it back from her before leaving.

Miko sighed as he weaved around traffic. "Alright, that's fine. I'll get my dad, you get Milo. We'll all meet in my office." I didn't particularly like the fact that I had to go get Milo. Glancing at the time, I figured I could get an excuse.

"He's probably in bed,"  I stated, gesturing at the clock that showed it was almost two in the morning. 

"Well if he is, wake his ass up." I sighed. No way was I getting out of this. And there was no more time to think of another excuse since we were already at the mansion. Miko didn't bother going to the garage and left his car in the front. Whatever was on that bullet sure lit a fire under his ass and I wasn't sure if I liked his determination or if I was worried about why this symbol was getting him so worked up. We departed once we were inside and I decided against taking my time to go get Milo. I didn't know what was going on and for all I did know, me taking my sweet ass time could jeopardize our chances at catching these people. 

I hesitated in front of the door before taking a deep breath and knocking. It took a few minutes before the door opened to reveal Fawn, dressed in a silk and lace nightie. I couldn't help but look towards the bed to see if it showed signs of any specific...activites and thankfully, Milo's side wasn't even touched. I could hear the shower which meant he was in there and not with her.

Realizing I hadn't said anything when Fawn opened the door made me jerk my attention back to her. "Mandatory meeting in Miko's office. Let Milo know quickly." I told her and it dawned on me that she would have to go into the bathroom while he was showering to tell him, but luck was on y side when I heard the shower turn off. 

"Yeah, I'll let him know," Fawn said and I turned to leave but stopped when she said my name. Turning back around, she looked sad and I didn't like that sudden mood change. "Look, I know we don't really get along or see eye to eye, but I really would like for us to try. Maybe be friends?" I stared at her for a while, letting her stew before answering.

"Yeah, no. I'm good." I told her and left the doorway, heading to Miko's office. That hag had a lot of nerve to try and be my friend. The fuck I look like? Not a stupid fool, that's for damn sure. Opening the door without bothering to knock, Alfonso and Miko both looked up at me before looking back at his computer. I noticed Oli was also here.

"Two down, one more to go," Miko said, probably referring to us waiting on his brother.

"He should be here in a few minutes," I told them and walked over to his desk just as the door opened. We all looked over to the door and I didn't hide my look of disgust when I saw Fawn with Milo.

"Yo, nuh-uh. Nope. This is a family meeting. She needs to go." Miko snapped and started pointing his finger continuously to the door. This didn't appease Fawn and she folded her hands across her chest.

"Alec isn't family." She retorted and I couldn't help but jolt my head back at her. Bitch, excuse you. Oli is also in this room, thank you very much. And also, the hell happened to wanting to be my friend? Flip flop ass hoe.

"He's more family then you will ever be." Miko snapped. "Now run along. The grown-ups need to talk." 

"Miko." Alfonso chided his son, but it didn't look like he was disagreeing with the fact that Fawn needed to leave. But of course, she refused to listen to anyone and I was really waiting for someone to put her in her damn place already.

"I'm not going anywhere. I am your future Donna and I demand respect. I'm tired of being talked to like I'm an outsider." 

"What you need to be demanding is for a new plastic surgeon because honey, those fake tits are lopsided." Oh my god, Miko. I tried to hide my laugh but ended up snorting before coughing to try and cover it up. It didn't work though since Fawn was now glaring daggers at me.

" If someone is a threat to everyone in the group, then they are a threat to me and I want to help bring justice."

"Girl we are a mafia group. Not a bunch of lawyers." Now it was my turn and I felt success when Miko busted out laughing at my comment. 

"Enough!" Alfonso demanded and we all fell silent. "Fawn, while I'm sure you want to help, you are not yet apart of this family so matters like this are not something you can be a part of. Something my son should know." He gave Milo a pointed look that was asking why he thought it was a good idea to bring her and the son sighed heavily.

"She wanted to come and I didn't feel like hearing her whine and bitch all night because I said no." Fawn gawffed at him and I smirked. Ha. Bitch. "Besides, I didn't even know what the premise of this meeting was so I didn't know whether or not she could come."

"Well if I can't be in here, then you cant either. I don't like secrets and I'll be sure to let my daddy know how I'm being treated if you decided to stay here anyway and make me leave."

"Both of you go. We don't have time for this. Oli, be sure they make it to their rooms and don't try and stay outside to eavesdrop." Alfonso snapped, throwing his hand up at them before looking back to Miko's computer. Milo looked livid as he shoved Fawn from the room and slammed the door. Oli moved from his spot and opened the door back up, closing it very softly which made me chuckle for some reason.

"I was hoping we could all speak and work together with this, but seeing as the bitch had spoken, that's not happening." Miko sighed and ran his hands down his face before looking at me with a sad smile.

"I don't have any information yet, but when I do I will come to get you immediately. I won't sleep or eat until I find these fuckers and make them pay for what they've done." I was grateful for his determination, but I didn't bother hiding my disappointment that I couldn't help. I'm sure I could, but knowing Miko, he didn't like people helping him. I'm sure the only reason he was having all of us come in and Alfonso staying was so we could offer advice for things he couldn't figure out. And also because we all wanted revenge as well.

But once again, I was left to twiddle my thumbs and wait for someone else to tell me what to do. And I was getting sick and tired of it.

I needed something to drink, pronto. 

I left the office and headed down towards the kitchen. Opening the second pantry that held all the liquor in the house, I grabbed a bottle of vodka and a whiskey glass, bringing them both to the counter. Normally I would mix my vodka with someone, but I needed something strong right now, so I filled the glass up all the way and took a big swig, wincing at the burning warmth down my throat. Four glasses in and I was already feeling the sweet relief of a buzz forming. I looked at the clock and was surprised I was feeling like this only after an hour of drinking. Oh dear, was I becoming a lightweight?

"What you drinking?" Miko asked as he walked into the kitchen. Guess he couldn't focus anymore after what happened. Can't blame him. That bitch doesn't know how to shut the fuck up.

"Vodka." I answered, finishing the glass before filling it back up.

"Straight?" He asked in astonishment.

"No, gay." 

"Not you, the vodka!" He snapped and I shrugged my shoulders before throwing back the entire glass. I reached out to fill it up again, but Miko grabbed the bottle away from me. I glared at him and slammed my glass down.

"Give that the fuck back." My words were starting to slur, but I wasn't nearly as drunk as I wanted to be. Therefore, he needed to give me my fucking bottle back. I was still aware of my actions and thoughts and I didn't want to be.

Miko only shook his head in response though. "No Alec. Alcohol is not going to help you solve your issues. If you keep doing this, you're going to have a serious problem on your hands and for what? Because you're going to let some chick run you?"

For some reason, what he said really pissed me off and I wasn't sure if it was because of my condition or how angry I was, to begin with. Either way, I just glared at him before picking up my glass and throwing it across the room. Miko flinched as it shattered and I saw Milo and Oli both walk into the room right as I got up and knocked the bar stool over.

"What is going on in here?" Milo asked with his normal demanding voice and that was pissing me off too. Why did I find that tone of voice so sexy coming from him? Why can't I just get over him already!? I groaned in frustration and took the opportunity to storm over to Miko and snatch the vodka back while he was distracted.

"Alec--" He yelled at me, but I had already moved away from him and was gulping down the bottle. They all were silent, probably realizing they couldn't stop me at this point. Good. I'd like to see them try. I finished the bottle and threw it to the ground, which caused Milo to look at me in anger. Fuck. Why do I love that look as well?

"I'm taking him to his room." He said and looked at Oli. "Help Miko clean this up please." He nodded to him and went to go get the broom while Milo walked over to me. I glanced towards the other brother and saw him looking at me with true concern. Yeah, well fuck him. I don't need him babying me and acting like my mother. 

I'm a whole grown ass man.

"Let's go." Milo snapped and grabbed me by the arm, pulling us out of the kitchen and towards my room in the back of the building. Was I thankful that no one else was around to see me in my current state? Yeah, I guess. Though if there was, I would just tell them to kiss my ass and eat shit. I needed to release. Everything that had happened in the last couple of hours was taking its toll on me and I didn't want to have a breakdown. And you can't meltdown if you're too drunk to care, right? We made it to my door and Milo stopped to look at me.

"Give me your keys." Oh yeah,  I forgot I lock my door. Don't want that dumb bitch in my room and shit.

"You get them." 

"Alec, I'm not searching your body for your keys. Just fish them out so I can open your damn door." Milo sighed and I smirked.

"Do it if you're real." I saw his jaw clench and he started feeling my pockets, playing it safe and going for the ones on my jacket first, where the keys were. He pulled them out and unlocked my door before moving me inside and closing it. At that moment we decided to have a staredown and I refused to give up.

"Why do you let her stay? Are you scared of her dad? That's hilarious considering who you all are." I snorted and Milo clucked his tongue and shook his head.

"You're drunk. Shut up and go to sleep."

"I am not. Slightly buzzed. I am fully aware of my actions. See look." I stopped talking and walked in a straight line, only stumbling once because my foot got stuck. "Straight line. Boom bitch."

"Alec shut up." Milo laughed and I glared at him. I wanted to punch him in the face. Who the hell is he to tell me to shut up? I don't give a damn if he's the leader of a large mafia, he still has no right to tell me what to do. But while I wanted to yell at him and fight, my next action wasn't what I was expecting at all.

And that was because I had walked up to him, grabbed his shirt and pulled his lips onto mine.