Chapter Fourteen: Offering Protection

"Somebody messes with me, I'm gonna mess with him." Capone in The Untouchables

Lauren was overly exhausted, though she knew she had probably been asleep for hours. It was no doubt the longest she had slept in a while, but somehow, it wasn't very restful. Her eyes were still sore and burning from crying herself to sleep. She wasn't even entirely sure she was at Bo's place, though she briefly recalled last night. It was like she on autopilot as soon as she left the hospital. She had never actually been inside of Bo's place, so this could be her mind playing tricks on her. She wouldn't be surprised considering the amount of stress she was experiencing.

She had actually meant to go home and change and to just call Bo when she got home. Bo's place was further from the hospital and in the other direction, but Lauren still found herself at this particular doorstep last night. Was it because she needed to tell Bo in person? Why not just call her when Trick was in surgery?

Lauren hadn't stopped and didn't even have a chance to call her, and she didn't want anyone else to tell Bo her grandfather was shot. She felt selfish, but she felt like she was the only one who should tell her that. Somehow, Lauren knew Bo would react differently with her telling the news than if one of the others did.

One of the soldiers from the compound came to serve as an extra bodyguard outside of Trick's room, and he brought Stella with him. When they arrived, Trick was resting and was just there for observation after his surgery. It was a clean shot, and he was lucky there was a woman in front of him.

Lauren made it a point to find out who the unlucky woman was to be standing in the crossfire. One of the things she made sure to do was arrange for one of the assistants to follow the woman's case and make sure her funeral arrangements would be anonymously covered. There was nothing that tied this woman to any of the families, but it was still the right thing to do. She was shot and killed by a bullet obviously intended for Don McCorrigan. She had just been going to enjoy a nice dinner in a nice part of the city; she didn't know she was going to die that day.

Even though there was no word yet, Lauren knew their contacts in the police department would make this a high priority. The soldiers were putting in overtime to do their own investigation and patrolling for any word on the streets. Since she was in command until Trick recovered from surgery, Lauren had taken her job seriously and worked without emotion. She did what was necessary to ensure the safety of everyone. Everyone but the two people she cared about the most at the moment. Everyone but the two people who probably were in the most danger. When Stella arrived, Lauren realized her oversight, so she called to have a patrol around Bo's place with orders not to disturb them unless it was necessary, since it was almost midnight and past Bryce's bed time.

She really did mean to go home. She really did want to get out of her bloody clothes.

Finally awake and alert completely, she sat up in the bed and noticed the tshirt and pants she was wearing weren't her bloody clothes. She was grateful that she didn't have to deal with that this morning. Bo must've helped her last night, but she was so on autopilot that she didn't notice. Briefly, she felt embarrassed because that meant Bo had seen her naked. This wasn't exactly how she'd imagined that happening. She really had no idea this was how she would eventually get back into Bo's pants.

The sound of a pan hitting the floor and a mild curse caused Lauren to finally crawl from the bed. It was more out of a need to do something besides sitting idle, even if it was extremely tempting to just fall into the deep burgundy sheets and comforter.

"Don't say 'shit,' baby. Don't listen to your mommy." Bo's mother tone was quite charming and made her smile through her yawn as she followed the sounds to the kitchen. Was it wrong for Lauren to actually feel relief she didn't spend last night alone? Was it wrong for her to be happy to wake up in Bo's bed, despite the events that led her there?

She walked into the kitchen to find Bryce sitting at the counter and coloring. He was obviously trying not to laugh at his mother, who was on the floor and cleaning whatever mess she made. He noticed her walking in, and Lauren felt her resolve fade. When she woke up, she was convinced she would harden again so she could go back to doing the job. Looking at the clock, she noticed she had definitely slept in; she was glad it was a Sunday, so she had no patients waiting on her to arrive two hours late.

"Dr. Lauren!" Bryce dropped his crayon, not caring that it fell on the floor, as he hopped from the barstool and ran to grip her waist. Lauren wasn't sure if Bo was a good mother because Bryce was a good kid, or vice versa. Either way, she felt the need to cry again. It had been a long time since she'd experienced that level of raw, innocent emotion. Not even her nephew hugged her like that when she came back. It was something she didn't realize she truly missed until this moment. "When did you get here?"

"Good morning." Lauren placed her hands around his back to keep him in place. She wouldn't admit it out loud because it only fortified her vulnerability at the moment, but she felt this strong need to be hugged. Bryce was definitely a master at hugs. "I heard your mommy needed me. I came."

"She's a mess." Bryce chuckled, his toothy grin wide and familiar dimples showing. Again, Lauren felt the need to cry, but this time it was because she felt a moment of pure happiness looking into this child's eyes. The innocence there; she wanted to protect that at all costs. She could wait to talk about Trick until Bryce was preoccupied and not within hearing range. She didn't want him to hear about the bad stuff that surrounded him, and she quietly thanked her parents for keeping her in the dark long enough for her to enjoy her childhood.

"Morning." Bo finally stood and discarded the contents of her pan into the garbage before tossing the pan in the sink. "I'm sorry if I woke you. In the battle of Bo v. Omelet, I think the omelet won this round. Are you hungry? I may have some frozen waffles."

"I wouldn't protest some..." Before she could finish her sentence, Bo handed her a mug. The aroma from the vapors caused Lauren to close her eyes in appreciation. "…coffee. Thanks."

"Still dark roast; two creams?" Bo smiled a bit as she opened the refrigerator. She briefly made eye contact with Lauren before turning to look what was in there.

"Thanks." This was one thing Lauren missed while she was in the Congo. Coffee like this was a rare treat, and when it was, it wasn't the same as this particular cup of coffee. For a moment, Lauren wanted to ignore real life and just enjoy how safe and loved she felt in that moment. Bryce had gone back to coloring, handing her a blue crayon so she could help him. Bo just went about going another round with her eggs, though she looked like she gave up on the omelets. Lauren could've helped and made them breakfast as a thank you, but she wasn't entirely comfortable rummaging through Bo's kitchen. She was surprised she felt comfortable sitting at the kitchen counter and coloring with Bryce while Bo cooked. It was almost too domestic and too tempting to believe the lie that this was real and everything was okay. "I should probably head out soon."

"But you just got here!" Bryce seemed extremely offended, his brow furrowed as he stared at Lauren like she'd just told him Santa Claus wasn't real. "Mommy, can't Dr. Lauren stay and watch Avengers? I was good yesterday."

"That's up to Dr. Lauren, baby. She has work to do today." Bo had no idea just how much work Lauren had to do today. When she got up, she should have already been on the phone and well on her way out of the door by now. Instead, the safety and warmth of knowing Bo and Bryce were protected was what kept her there. She needed to make sure the patrol stayed on the house all night, and she needed to check on Trick. Still, something kept her from her doing her job. Maybe it was how sexy Bo looked in her sleeping shorts and tank top. Maybe it was how adorable it was to be coloring like a four-year-old with Bryce. Maybe it was her need to let her mind rest for a minute before she dived back into the crazy the day promised.

"I need to call and check on some people and things, but I may be able to arrange to stay and watch with you. I haven't seen it yet." Lauren eyed Bo, as she took a sip from her mug, relishing in the hot liquid coating her throat and the mug warming her hands. The aroma was enough to wake her, too. As she took another sip, she carefully watched Bo's surprised expression that she even considered staying. They both knew she needed to be elsewhere, but would it be so bad if she did stay? At least for a few hours?

"Are you sure? You don't know what you're signing up for. This is the third time this week we're watching it, which is less than usual. He may quote and try to reenact the film in its entirety for you." Bo's eyes were fluttering, almost like she was still in shock. The smile that graced her features, though, carried through her entire body. After all, this was an awkward situation. It was the morning after they had shared a bed for the first time. Even when they were younger, they probably only slept through the night together once or twice; whenever they had zero parental figures around, which was an extreme rarity. Lauren couldn't even recall a time when they did; no memories came to mind.

"Well, it must be amazing if you watch it that much." Lauren convinced herself that she wasn't being bad at her job. She was doing her job by staying and making sure the heirs to the McCorrigan family were carefully watched.

"It is. It's the best! Come on, Dr. Lauren!" Bryce put down his purple crayon and went to climb from the stool again. Bo gave him a look, though. Lauren could only describe it as the "think again" look. She wasn't prepared to admit how sexy that was, and she didn't know what that said about her that domestic, mother Bo turned her on when the last thing she should be thinking about at the moment was her libido. Still, the look seemed to do its job, as Bryce looked defeated and stood with his eyes downcast. "Okay, mommy."

"Breakfast is ready, so go wash your hands. Then, you and Dr. Lauren can go watch the movie." Bo pulled down plates from the cupboard after she turned off the stove range. Bryce hopped from the counter and ran into the other room, presumably to wash his hands in the bathroom. "That means you, too, Dr. Lauren. Wash your hands before breakfast, then you can watch the movie."

"Yes, ma'am." Lauren didn't mean to let her tone belay her interest. Seeing Bo's smirk and eyebrow raise told her she wasn't successful at hiding her libido after all. "I need to call and check on Trick and Dyson first. I'll have a few other calls to make, if that's okay?"

"Thank you." Bo placed three plates on the table, where Lauren finally noticed orange juice and glasses were sitting. Bo had made the table for breakfast, and Lauren was already included in that. Somehow, this made Bo sexier. "For taking care of them. For being you. For waiting to say something about what's going on in front of Bryce. I know you, and I know you need to leave. This is important, and you're in charge right now. I can explain to him; he'll understand."

"Let me just make a few calls." Lauren felt this strong desire to never leave. She stood and didn't think about it; it was that damned autopilot again. She moved over to kiss Bo on the cheek before finding her way back to the bedroom. If she was here, then Bo and Bryce would be safe, and she would know they were. Right now, they were her priority. Right now, this is where she needed to be. She even ignored her own blush when she realized she kissed Bo like this was an every morning routine. Lauren realized she really wouldn't mind that at all.

Bo was not in the least bit surprised that she was accurate about how the movie would go. She knew her son too well; he couldn't resist showing off for Lauren, as he proceeded to quote and act out the film for her. To Lauren's credit, she actually seemed genuinely interested. There was that slight hint of distraction behind her eyes, but that was understandable.

What was really surprising; what Bo really couldn't understand was why Lauren stayed instead of going to make the rounds. Sure, she had excused herself to make and take a few calls throughout the morning and afternoon, but now Bryce was down for a nap, Lauren could easily escape. Yet, she stayed and hadn't even bothered to change out of the sleeping pants and tshirt Bo had given her last night.

Actually, the fact that Lauren managed to get Bryce to take a nap at all was impressive. He was at that stage where he felt like he was way too old for naps, which meant Bo had to let him play in his room while she did chores around the house. This morning, though, she was extra worried and suggested he color or play with his dinosaurs at the island counter while Bo made them breakfast. He only huffed for a bit before agreeing. Once he got into his coloring zone, he seemed content and forgot about his protest anyways. She knew he would. He was trying to be more independent, but he still loved spending time with his mom. She hoped that wouldn't change any time soon.

Once Bryce was down, Lauren hadn't made any strides to leave, either. Instead, she moved back to the kitchen and attempted to help Bo clean up from lunch. Bo was having none of it. Lauren was a guest in her house, and she kind of wanted to show off a bit. Cleaning used to be a problem of Bo's; mostly because she had a maid who did it for her. So, when she and Kenzi had the clubhouse, they had some issues with keeping it rodent and roach free because of their bad habits. Kenzi hadn't yet completely gotten out of that phase, but Bo learned quickly to keep things tidy because Bryce liked to get into things.

Lauren was sitting on the couch again, as they casually watched some nature channel show. Bo was trying to pay attention to it, but she couldn't with Lauren sitting on the couch with her. Bryce wasn't there as a buffer or a wingman, either, so she only had her own charms to work with now.

Lauren moved to tuck her feet underneath of her, but her foot grazed Bo's. She tried her best not to seem affected, so she decided to just be flirty and polite. It seemed to be working for her today, and Lauren hadn't run off yet. Something was keeping her there, and Bo gathered from her phone calls that it was for protective purposes. She wasn't entirely positive if it was for Lauren's protection or for her and Bryce's. Either way, she was glad Lauren was there, even if the shooter was apparently in custody now. According to Lauren, the guy wasn't that smart and left the rifle there; he knicked himself on the gun, so his DNA was all over it, proving he wasn't a professional. Lauren had people looking into him to see which family he was affiliated with; they were just waiting to hear back on that.

"Wanna stretch out?" Bo lifted her arms up, indicating for Lauren to stretch her legs. It wouldn't be the most comfortable position, since Lauren was facing the television, but she still did it anyways. Lauren's slight blush was subtle, but Bo picked up on it as she placed her hands over Lauren's legs and settled in. "It's like couch yoga."

The phone ringing caused them both to jerk away from the position and sit on their respective sides like they'd been caught doing something more compromising. Lauren was the first to chuckle when they realized it was just Bo's phone.

"Hey, Trick." Bo didn't bother with formalities when she noticed it was her grandfather.

"Isabeau." Hearing his voice only made it more real that he was alive and well. It also made it more real that he was in serious danger right now, even if they did apprehend the shooter. This meant that one of the other families was making a power play. A stupid one, but still a power play. Suddenly, she understood exactly why Lauren was there. She was being protective of her and Bryce. Bo's eyes widened at that realization, and she knew this was Lauren's way of fighting for her. That meant it was Bo's turn. That meant when Trick was completely healed, Bo would be finding a way to approach him regarding her relationship with Lauren. It was time.

"How are you doing? Lauren said they were already discharging you?" Bo let out a breath and looked over to see the forlorn smirk on Lauren's face. Lauren was obviously trying not to pay any attention to her, but Bo saw how she kept failing by looking up at her instead of answering her emails on her phone.

"I'm home now. Stella and the nurse are already fussing around me. It's infuriating." He didn't sound like he had just been shot the night before. Then again, this was maybe the third or fourth time he had survived an attack like this, so Bo wasn't surprised he was back to instantly being the leader. That also meant the heat was taken from Lauren, which would also explain why she wasn't out there in the field right now.

"Want Bryce and I to come over for dinner?" Honestly, Bo wanted to see her grandfather was alive, even if she was hearing his voice. Then again, he would be weak right now, so he was no doubt going to say no to her. He hated showing weakness and vulnerability, and he rarely did. This was one case that was out of his control, which she knew he hated, too. He lived for controlling everything and everyone around him.

"I'm not that injured. The bullet only grazed me. Didn't Lauren tell you that when she called last night?" He had no idea where Lauren was right now, which meant it was a possibility nobody else did, either. How did she manage that?

"She was quite…thorough, as always." Bo arched an eyebrow and bit her lip when she noticed Lauren was seriously concentrating on her phone. Whatever it was caused the other woman to have this deeply focused expression; her brow furrowed, eye narrowed, and lip bitten. It was sexy as hell, and Bo found herself biting and licking her own lips at the view. "Thanks for calling, though. I planned on calling later."

"Of course." Trick never was one to stay on the phone long. He was the type of businessman who did what was needed and didn't waste time. His cryptic version of talking was sometimes frustrating because nobody could get a straightforward answer. Lauren used to say that the greatest power came from knowledge, and Bo couldn't agree more. It's one reason she believed Lauren was the best person for the consigliere position. She was smart and resourceful. This crisis only proved her point. "I need to go, but how about dinner tomorrow night after the meeting?"

"Sure." She wasn't surprised that he was keeping the business running despite this obstacle. Not even a bullet to the abdomen could keep a good Trick down. She hung up the phone after they said their goodbyes, and she let out a deep breath and chuckle before turning back to Lauren. "He says he's home, and Stella is already driving him nuts."

"Good to know." Lauren looked up from her phone and had that sparkly-eyed expression again. It was almost like she was relieved and wanted to relax further here but wasn't sure if she should. At least, that's how Bo was reading her expression. It would make sense, too. Wasn't Lauren always preaching at her back in the day to use her head?

"I…" Bo didn't get to finish her thought as Lauren's phone buzzed in her hand. Not that Bo really knew what she was going to say; she just knew that she needed to say something. She needed to tell Lauren to stay.

"Hello, Trick." Lauren arched an eyebrow and looked amused when she caught Bo's gaze. "Of course. I'll make sure everyone knows the meeting is still on tomorrow." She closed her eyes and looked tense again. "Yes, Dyson is back home already. Hale was supposed to go over there today and check on him. They're probably hanging out and doing their guy thing; I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. I will call, just in case." As though she lived there, Lauren stood and made her way into the kitchen with her water glass. Bo couldn't make out much more of the conversation, and she tried desperately not to eavesdrop despite wanting to. If it was important, she'd find out about it soon. All she could hear was "It's already been taken care of." In this business, that could mean a whole lot of things, but most of them weren't good. It felt strange to hear those words coming from Lauren's mouth.

That's when it dawned on her that if this attack had been more successful, she would be the one taking command. She knew she wasn't ready for that. She was nowhere near ready. Even if Trick literally did so last night, Bo felt like she dodged the bullet right along with him. Okay, so he didn't exactly dodge, but it was an accurate cliché to use.

Lauren walked back into the living room with her filled water glass and handed Bo one, as well. Bo smiled as she accepted the glass and bit her lip again when their fingers touched in the exchange. It was hard to not notice that Lauren had sat down closer to her on the couch this time, which caused her breath to hitch a bit.

"I should get going soon. I'll make sure a detail is on you until we know what's happening." Lauren leaned her body more towards Bo, and their knees were lightly touching.

"You don't have to do that." Bo still felt her stomach flip a bit that Lauren cared enough to do that. She knew it wasn't just about the job, too. She knew it was more than that.

"I needed to. I wanted to." Lauren looked up, and Bo noticed just how sparkly her eyes really were. They looked like they had little stars in them, and it was hard not to stare. "I feel better knowing you're safe. You and Bryce."

"Feelings aren't always black and white." Bo bit her lip again to keep herself from just leaning in and kissing this beautiful woman in front of her. She desperately wanted to, but she still had that nagging little fear that she would screw up. Lauren hadn't come over last night looking for a booty call; she had come over looking for a friend and some intimacy. Now that everything was settling, they had to go back to the real world. "I know mine aren't."

"Yeah, well, just once I wish you could be sure." Lauren scoffed as she rolled her eyes to the ceiling. It was one of the things she used to do when she was surprised at letting her feelings be so transparent, or whenever she was admonishing herself. "It appears the stress from last night has changed my hormone levels."

"Look, Lauren, I get it: You deserve more." Bo placed her hand on Lauren's knee to keep it from going anywhere away from her. Lauren just placed her hand over hers. They sat there staring at each other for a few moments, silently acknowledging that they couldn't just walk away from this but neither sure how to move forward. They needed to figure a lot more out before they could jump in; no matter how tempting it was.

Bo wasn't surprised when Lauren left before Bryce got up from his nap. Neither of them said anything, but Bo could tell they both understood that this meant something. Last night and today meant something to both of them. And that was the best form of protection Bo could ever ask for: Hope.