Extra-long chapter for the long wait. I have most of them written out, but when I go back to re-read them I mess with it.

Anyways this and the next one are sorts of fillers for the story. Just to get the ball rolling into Lewis's trial and the rest of the events I have plan.

Thank you to those that have R/R. It means a lot knowing people are enjoying this story.

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Time jump: few hours later

Barba knocked on the door stepping back as he waited for an answer. Looking down both ends of the hallway for anyone approaching. After what Lewis did he had become more paranoid than his usual self, according to James. And much to James's annoyance, Barba had one guard assigned to each member's house and kids' schools. He wasn't taking any risks at the moment. He assured James it was just until the Lewis trial was over. One his 'superiors' recommended he step down and let someone else handle. But one look into his eyes they dropped the request. If Barba wasn't allowed to inflict pain upon Lewis, he would make sure he at least rot in prison. Besides, it's not hard finding someone willing to help him from the inside. Hearing the lock on the door unlock, he frowned at not seeing anyone once the door opened.

"Hi, Rafa!" A small blur of colors attacked his legs in a mightily hug.

"Hola muñeca." Picking Jess up in his arms he planted a kiss on her cheek. "Where's your mami?"

"Inside." She stated it in the most obvious of tones, even managing to pull the same look Rollins did when asked a stupid question.

Barbara cackled. "You are starting to sound like your mother."

"You make it sound like it's a bad thing." Amanda appeared at the door soaking wet. "Jess you know not to open the door unless I so."

"Still under debate." Handing her the child back, he gestured to her soaked shirt. "Gone swimming or you just happy to see me?"

"You're not funny."

"I've been told otherwise."

Opening the door wider, she allowed him into the apartment. "Noah and Jess have agreed that your dog stinks. So, they decided a shower was in order."

"Oh no." Barba choked on his laughter, preventing it from coming out. "I mean really?"

"She's a demon." Amanda growled. "My bathroom is completely soaked and don't get me started my floors."

Barba couldn't hold it in anymore and let out a deep laugh. "Desoro is not the best when it comes to baths. It's one of the reasons I use dry shampoo on her."

"A warning would have been nice." She grumbled. "How's Liv?" She hadn't failed in noticing the bruise on his jaw. "Get into it with Cassidy again?"

"No." Barba ran a hand over his jaw, wincing at the slight pain shooting across. She didn't need to know the details of how he got it. "She's been better, but Liv's a strong woman. She will pull through this."

"She is indeed."

Placing two fingers into the tip of his mouth, he whistled. Amanda threw a small rag at him not expecting the loud noise. Desoro wasted no time in escaping from the bathroom and coming to stop in front of him. "Hey, miss me?"

"Get a room." Amanda gagged.

Ignoring the comment, he spotted Noah coming out of the bathroom. The boy was worse than Amanda. "What happened? You take a dip in the water?"

"No!" He giggled. "Desoro shook herself and wet me." Before Barba could react, Noah tackled into his chest. The water sweeping into his suit. "Hi, uncle Rafa!"

Barba cringed at his wet shirt sticking to his chest. "Hey, mijo." Tossing Amanda, a fatigued look, he picked Noah up and walked him to the couch. "Come over here, we need to talk." He sat the boy on his lap. "I know your mami was supposed to pick you up today." Noah nodded. "She won't be able to, which is part of the reason I am here."

"What's the other reason?" Noah asked.

Noah was a smart boy. He understood the dangers it was to be a cop. Which made this even harder. "Your mami was hurt at work."

Noah's eyes widen filling with unshed tears. "She was hurt? Is she okay? Where is she? I want to see her?!"

The boy jumped out of his lap before Barba could stop him. "Noah wait." Chasing the boy into the hallway, he found him slipping his shoes on and grabbing his jacket. "Noah."

"I want to see her, please uncle Rafa."

Barba had not intended to take him to the hospital, but to his place. But seeing those wide pleading eyes of him, he couldn't say no. Besides Olivia had been asking to see Noah. Kneeling he helped tie Noah's shoes. "Alright, mijo." Grabbing the small coat and helping slip one arm at a time, Barba picked him up in his arms. "I'll see you later Rollins."

"Barba, where is the captain staying?" Amanda walked them out, leaning her shoulder against the doorframe. "She can't go back to her apartment."

"I thought crime tech was done with it?" Barba asked, getting a 'You serious' look from the detective.

Amanda rolled her eyes. "I don't think going back tonight would be the best for her or Noah."

"That was never going to happen, Rollins." Barba assured her, holstering Noah higher up his side. "I am going to have her and Noah stay at my loft after she is released from the hospital. I have more than enough space. On-site security on the place and someone will be assigned to both her and Noah. Carmen is already on her way there to pick out anything, Noah or Liv might need. Anything else I will buy it."

"Well, it looks you have everything worked out." Amanda was curious about that 'someone'. Did he just happen to have people laying around waiting for his call? The man was a lawyer. Right? "I'll check on her after our talk with IAB."

"They called you in too?"

She gave him an aggravated nod. "The whole squad."

"Of course, they did." Barba understood they were just doing their job, but he had seen the way Tucker looked at him and Liv earlier. He knew for a fact query about them would rise. He just hoped Tucker knew to watch himself. "I'll see you later."

Stopping outside Olivia's hospital room, he glanced down at the boy gripping his hand. "Remember buddy, careful when you hug her okay?"

"Okay." His voice had dropped down to a mere whisper.

Pushing the door open he allowed Noah to walk in first. Liv appeared asleep with her face facing away from them. "Liv?" He called out by the door knowing better than to approach her unannounced. "Liv?"

She gave a slight jerk, turning her head towards them, a small smile appeared on her lips. Her eyes got the vitality once more at seeing Noah. "Hey, baby."

"Hey"

"Hi."

A low chuckle emitted past her lips at hearing them both answer. "Come give me a hug,"

Noah stepped tenably towards his mother falling into her embrace. "Does it hurt?" Noah's voice was muffled by his mother's chest. His small arms were in an awkward position as he struggled to hug her back.

"Nothing one of your hugs can't heal." Closing her eyes, she inhaled his sweet innocent smell. While Barba was her protector and safe haven, Noah's scent was her lifeline. He was the one that forced her to fight every day. The reason she rose every morning. Her eyes drifted over to Barba, locking eyes with his sharp green ones.

Barba rested against the window sill in the room. The warmth of the sun warmed the otherwise cold room. Examining the room Liv had been assigned to take he immediately understand why people bring flowers to hospital rooms. Despite our technological lives, there is something in our natures that requires natural beauty as part of the healing process. They aren't robots, they aren't "units" to be fixed; Liv wasn't here for a quick oil and filter change. In their efforts not to offend they succeed in not inspiring or lifting the spirit. Barba knows every place is on a budget but is a cheerier shade of paint really that much more?

Turning his gaze back to the woman on the bed. Noah was telling her of Desoro's bath. His hands were stuffed into his jacket clenched into a fist. He was aching to hold her in his arms. Show her that he would never leave her again. He hadn't been able to hold her since she asked him. Not for lack of yearning. But because she didn't want him to. Every time he tried getting close, she would shrink back. Olivia tried playing it off, but he saw the panic in her eyes. The way her eyes widen when he was near. Her eyes followed his every step when he was in the room. He had made worse when he stupidly lost his temper with a nurse. He hadn't meant to yell at the woman, but after finding the room void of its security, he lost it. Olivia had woken up in the middle of his eruption. He still hadn't been able to apologize.

Olivia could see the conflict in his eyes. His shoulders were stiff as they raised and fell with each breath he took. She got a ping of remorse at seeing the already forming bruise on his jawline. She had been startled from her sleep when his hand stroked her cheek, and she reacted out of impulse and fear. He had waved it off as nothing but has not attempted to approach her since. He almost seemed timid to do so.

Noah had fallen asleep in her arms after telling her how his day had gone with Amanda and Jess. "Rafael, can you lay Noah on the couch please."

For the first time in hours, Barba moved from his spot by the window. Careful to avoid brushing against Olivia, he picked the boy up in his arms and laid him on the couch. Shrugging his jacket off he draped it over him. He knew he needed to get Noah into a bed, but he didn't want to leave Olivia alone. Grabbing his phone, he sent Lucy a quick text asking if she could pick Noah up.

'Not a problem. Am I bringing him to my place?'

He thought about it for a moment. Noah had been through a bit today; it would be best if he slept somewhere he was familiar with. 'No, my loft. There is a bedroom set up for Noah and a guest room just next to it.'

'Okay, on my way.'

Glancing at Olivia, he offered her a smile, as he brought up his phone to his ear. "Steven."

'Mr. Barba, what can I do for you?'

"There will be a young lady by the name of Lucy arriving with a boy named Noah. Please escort her to my loft and have security do a few extra rounds near my floor throughout the night. There will also be two different men standing guard near the building, leave them be they work for me."

'Of course. Would you be coming home tonight? If not, I can have someone take Desoro out for her morning run.'

"If you can spare the worker for two hours sure, if not I'll handle it."

'Everything will be taken care of sir.'

"Thank you."

"Steven?" Olivia asked.

Barba spared her a glance before looking back at his phone. "Uh, he's the manager of my building. I need something done; he helps make it happen."

"Men standing guard?" She now had a raised brow anticipating an answer, she knew she wouldn't get. They still haven't talked about his involvement with her rescue. How did he find her? How did he know she was missing? He was supposed to be in Rome for two days. What made him come back and why? She had numerous questions. But asking now just seemed a little too presumptuous. Peering over at him, Olivia found herself not precisely caring much about it. He was there when she needed him the most.

And he was still here.

Barba opened the door at the small knock. "Hey, let me get Noah." Looking over at Olivia he took notice of her eyes observing his every motion. Picking Noah up with the jacket and all, he passed him over to Lucy at the door. "Security will be waiting to escort you into my loft. Carmen should have dropped off some of Liv's and Noah's belongs at my place." He perched himself between the small gap of the door. "If anything you need is missing, just make a list and I'll have someone to pick it up. Also, in the morning somebody will stop by to take Desoro out for her morning run."

"Will do." Lucy ducked her head to look under his arm at Olivia. "How is she?"

Peeking back over his shoulder, a look of hope in his eyes. "She'll get there."

"Let her know we will face-time tomorrow."

He stood watch until the girl disappeared behind the closed elevator doors. Closing the door slowly, he glanced around the room. 'Where the hell am I going to sleep?' he could ask one of the nurses for a folding bed, but after his outburst, they were sure to flip him off. He stayed by the door pondering if he should just stay awake, barricading the door with his body. It wouldn't be the first time he'd gone days without sleep.

"Hey."

Barba was startled. He was sure she'd fallen asleep. "Hi, how are you feeling?".

"A little sore. Nothing the morphine can't take care of." Olivia rolled her eyes when he didn't move from his spot. She stretched her arm out, with her hand palms up. "Come here."

Barba raised an eyebrow but obeyed nonetheless. He hesitated a little before placing his hand in hers. His eyes searched for any signs of discomfort or fear. To his relief, he found nothing that warned him he should back off.

"Barba, I know the last thing you want to hear is this, but please don't blame yourself." She interlinked their fingers. "There was no way in knowing this would happen. You couldn't do any about the jury or Lewis getting ou-"

Olivia was cut off by his lips crashing onto hers. 'About time!' She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer. Barba released her hand to brace himself onto the sidebars of the bed. Holding his weight on one arm, he moved his hand into her hair. As gently as he could, he gave her a tug. The moment she gasped, he slid his tongue in her mouth resulting in a moan escaping from both their throats. This kiss was not about dominating or stirring them up. It was a reconnection between them. Memorizing each other once again. But to Barba, it was hope that she hadn't lost faith in him. That he was not being pushed away. That she still wanted him by her side, regardless of having failed to protect her. Something he would never allow to happen again. Olivia felt a tear fall on her cheek. Grabbing the back of his neck, she pulled him down even closer. She didn't want to let go just yet. She wanted to feel him. Keep the kiss going for as long as she could, regardless of the protests from both her arms and lungs. She needed for him to understand, she did not blame him. He had nothing to do with any of this. He had saved her That's all she cared about. At the searing pain of her lungs begging for air, she pulled with a gasp resulting in a low growl from him.

"I missed that." Olivia said chuckling.

Barba rested his forehead against hers. "I had made a promise to you and Noah. To keep you safe never let my guard down. If I had just pushed harder, he would have never gotten out." Closing his eyes he exhaled a shaky breath. "Olivia I was scared. It was a feeling I haven't felt in years. For the first time in my life, I was truly scared."

"Rafa." Olivia cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. "You saved my life. You kept my son safe. You kept your promise." She whispered pecking his lips. "I was afraid too. Scared of not seeing Noah or you. It wasn't Lewis that scared, but the thought of leaving the both of you."

Backing up just enough to place a lingering kiss on her forehead, he inhaled her sweet scent. "Let's not worry about that right now. Instead, let's worry about getting you better." Helping her lay back down, he pulled the sheets over her. "It's late you need to get some sleep, so I will-" Her hand shot out to grab his.

"Lay with me?" Olivia was already scooting over to the left making him a spot. Although she planned to evade his spot as soon as he settled down.

Barba's brow knitted in both amusement and concern. "Not a good idea."

"Why not?"

He swore she was pouting. "One, I do believe it's against hospital policy for one to lay in bed with a patient. And two I don't want to hurt you."

Olivia tugged at his hand pulling him down to the empty side. "We will set the alarm an hour before she is to come back. And for the second concern, you are a light sleeper. So, I doubt you will even hurt me." Olivia spotted the hesitation swimming in his eyes. "Please, Rafa."

Barba sighed with a small chuckle. "Esta bien, but I am blaming you if we get in trouble."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he removed his shoes. Followed by removing the cuff links and rolling his sleeves up. Pulling the covers back, he laid into the vacant spot. He wasn't sure if he was allowed to hold her or if she even wanted to.

"Like they will believe an injured woman is capable of forcing a full grow man into her bed?" Olivia grabbed his arm putting it under her head. His other hand laid lazily on her hip. "They will never believe you."

"I can be very convincing Captain Benson." Barba whispered, leaning into her neck. He felt her entire body go rigid at his approach. "Relax, amor. It's just me." Kissing her gently just over her throat, he laid there for a moment. His nose brushed over her windpipe, sending shivers throughout her body. "I won't hurt you."

Olivia shivered at the growl in his voice. She was aware this was Rafael. She knew he would never harm her, but she couldn't help the reactions. "I know." Kissing him on the cheek she laid her head over his chest. The last thing she heard before letting the sound of his heartbeat lullaby her to sleep was his voice.

'Please forgive me.'

Barba woke just as the sun was waking. With half-open eyes, he glanced down at the sleeping woman in his arms. In the wash of the new light, her face takes on the appearance of an old photograph, one of nostalgia, so beautiful. He watches as it brings her skin into focus, not yet animated with the warmth of who she truly is, for she is still in the land of dreams. And since there is no better thing to do but to bring her body so close that their hearts synchronize. Barba refused to wake her. He decided to keep her in his arm till she was to wake when the light is so strong that she will come into the present with him. Until then he closed his eyes.

Time jump: Next morning

New white rays shine through the window and curtain just the same, showing the beauty of the many tan hues that weave together to make the fabric. The browns are as varied as sand dunes at dawn, as pretty as the lightest of wood carried ashore upon windswept waves. Olivia blinks a few times willing her eyes to adjust to the light. Amid the light she sees the beams as if they wave with the undulating pleats, yet in truth they are strong and true, giving structure and form. As the moments pass the intensity rises and soften, bold and gentle, telling of the day that passes in the world beyond.

Her attention is drawn to the man sleeping beside her. He looked peaceful, so at ease compared to recent days. Raising her hand to soothe the frown on his brow, she wondered what he might be dreaming about. Lowering her hand towards his cheek, caressing it with a soothing motion, Olivia noticed his body begin to relax.

The nurse entered the room in blue scrubs, po-faced, serious, washing her hands at the sink like she was lost entirely to worrying thoughts. When she turned to Olivia her face softened into a smile only to twist into a frown at seeing Barba in her bed. "I'm Linda, going to be your nurse today." He gestured to the man. "He shouldn't be there. I could bring a folding bed for him."

Olivia raised her finger to her lips, giving the nurse a pleading look to not wake him up. "He hadn't slept until now."

"Yes, but you're the patient he isn't." She kept her tone just below a whisper. "He could harm you in his sleep."

Biting her lower lip she looked away from the nurse. "He's been here since last night."

"Olivia." The nurse sighed. She has read the woman's file. The entire hospital knew or have heard about her and her reason for being here. The man in her bed was no stranger to her either. She had been in the hallway when he lost his temper with the nurse on call that day a man named Jacob. But to be perfectly honest she didn't blame him. Orders had been given before her arrival to accommodate and do whatever they asked for. Linda herself had warned Jacob not to remove the security detail placed on that room. But of course what does she know right? "Just this one time please."

"Of course." Content with not having to wake Barba up she laid her head back on the bed.

Linda worked around the sleeping man. Changing the dosages of morphine. Giving her the antibiotics assigned to her and giving her a check over, she stood at the foot of the bed. "Everything looks good. Your breathing is back to normal as well. Any pains or concerns?"

"When can I get out of here?"

"That is up to the doctor." Closing the chart she slipped it back into place. "He should be in shortly before breakfast arrives." Walking towards the door, she paused just before closing it. "Make sure he is awake and off the bed before that. Otherwise, you both are getting an ear full."

Olivia nodded. "Okay."

Nurses:

Linda approached the nurse's station, writing down the medications and adjustments she had just done. "Hey, Judy?"

Judy hummed in response typing away on the computer. Someone had to put in the orders they needed. "What's up?"

"Can you page me before Dr. Sanders goes in to see Captain Benson in room 287?"

Judy pulled her sights from the computer, staring over her glasses at the younger nurse. "Something wrong with her? I mean besides what she's in for?"

"No none of that." Crossing her arms on the desk, she rested her chin on her arm. "I walked in to find her man sleeping in her bed. I want to give them a heads up before he arrives."

Judy's eyes widen. "You mean they…" Not wanting to say the word she opted with wiggling her eyebrows.

Linda was slightly confused for a moment, laughing at realizing what she was insinuated. "God no. No, it appears he just held her through the night." Her smile dropped. "After what she went through, I would have done the same."

"You and me both." Judy muttered. "Who's her man? I didn't see any name on the paperwork."

"Remember the guy that went off on Jacob?" Linda waited for her to pick up on what she was saying.

Judy on the other hand was lagging at the moment. To be fair she was working a double shift, on nothing but caffeine and muffins. 'Man that went of-' "Oh, that guy."

"Yeah."

A slutty grin appeared on her face. "Well, can't be mad at her for that. Given the chance, I would gladly jump into his arms."

"Judy." Linda chaste.

Sobering up she leaned in closer. "I just hope he doesn't find out Benson's attacker is three floors down."

Linda cringed at the thought. It took herself and three nurses to calm him down until they were certain he wouldn't kill their co-worker. She had never seen someone so fired up. His eyes still haunt her now. A green fire roaring at wanting release. She didn't even want to fathom what he would do. "Talk to the other nurses and doctors, please. Make sure they know not to mention either name, at least not on this floor. And page me before Dr. Sanders arrives."

"No problem hun."

Liv's room:

Barba waited until he heard the faint click indicating the door was close. "You should have woken me up."

"How long have you been awake?" Olivia was startled by the suddenness of his voice.

"Since the nurse walked in." Barba yawned pulling himself up to lean against the headboard. Olivia winced trying to follow his movements. Barba held her down by the hip, stopping her from sitting up. "What do you think you're doing? Keep moving so much and you'll hurt yourself."

Olivia sighed, resting her head on his abdomen. "I want to leave already." The rumble from his chuckle vibrated through her body. "It's not funny."

"Stop whining." Using his fingers to massage her scalp, Barba laid his head back. "Let's wait on what the doctor has to tell us. Then maybe; just maybe I can pull some string to have you out of here early."

Olivia perked up at that. "Didn't know you had contacts in hospitals?"

Barba shrugged. "There are a lot of things you still don't know about me."

Olivia frowned, diverting her gaze back down. "That's what I'm afraid of."

"What does that mean?" The mood in the room suddenly changed into that of an ice pack. "Liv, what did you mean by that?"

"I am just realizing I don't know any about you." Olivia decided now was as good as any time.

"You know plenty about me." Barba replied.

Placing a hand on his chest, she pulled away from him. "Last I remember lawyers fought their battles inside the courthouse."

Barba adverted his eyes from her. He knew this was coming. It would worry him if she didn't question what happened. "I'm a hands-on kind of guy."

"Rafael."

The man winced at the harsh tone. "Olivia, please. Let's have this conversation when you are not in a hospital bed." Seeing her about to argue, he shook his head placing a finger to her lips. "There are many things I am not able to say or explain. But I will soon tell you what I can when I'm ready, but right now the only thing that matters is making sure you get through this."

Olivia studied his features. Taking in the slight crease in the form of a frown on his brows. The nervous inner lip biting. His pleading eyes. Raising her hand to his cheek, she pulled him down, resting her forehead on his. "When you're ready."

Brushing her lips to his, Barba allowed her to take the lead just as happy to follow. Slowly she ran her tongue over his bottom lip, grinning at the moment he opened his mouth. Neither Barba nor Olivia could hold back the groan emitting from both.

Barba was intoxicated with her scent and taste. How he survived this long without her was beyond him. He quickly realized that before her, he never truly lived. To give her up now would be the same as putting a bullet through his head. He wouldn't survive.

Careful of her bruises he placed his hands on her hip, pausing for a moment at feeling her tense. Olivia gave him the go-ahead with a silent moan. Guiding one leg over his lap, he helped her straddle him. Somewhere in the back of his clouded mind, he knew they needed to stop. Why? He wasn't sure, but he knew they must. But before he ponder anymore on it, he shivered at feeling her nails dig into his shoulders.

Olivia smiled into the kiss, gently biting his lip and earning herself a growl from him. Miraculously she didn't feel any pain. She wasn't sure if it was the morphine or his touch. Either way, she didn't care. All she needed at that moment was to feel him. Replace any reminder of Lewis, with Rafael's loving touch. Olivia refused to let that bastard take away the ability to love Rafael back. To not flinch every time he wished to touch her, kiss her. He was not going to take that away from her.

Barba lowered his hands down to her ass, pushing her up. Lifting her slightly he lowered her directly over the bulge in his pants. Using the gasp to his advantage he regained control of the kiss. Leaving one hand in place, he moved the other to the back of her neck. Holding her in place, he tilted his head adding more pressure into the kiss.

Olivia was lost between his hand squeezing her bottom and his lips on hers she was surprised she hadn't fainted, but the burning in her lungs had her pulling away.

Barba growled moving his lips to her neck biting down gently. Before he could reconnect their mouths, their make-out secession was cut short when someone cleared their throat.

Olivia dropped her head on his chest as Barba looked over her shoulder to see, not only a pissed-off doctor but Rollins and Fin standing behind.

"Mr. Barba this is a hospital, not a place where you can have your way with my patient." Doctor Sander spoke sternly. "I would appreciate it greatly if you could climb out of the bed and step outside, while I check on Olivia."

Barba rolled his eyes but did as was told. Walking out of the room, he joined the other two in the hallway. Leaning against the wall he crossed his arms and stared at the floor. The last thing he wanted was to even see the look on Fin or Rollins.

"So you and Liv." Fin cleared his throat.

Barba nodded. "Yes."

"That's good." Amanda shared a look with her partner. "She seems to be in better spirits."

"Yup."

"Hey." Carisi walked off the elevator holding a tray with coffee. "How's Liv?"

"Doc's in there right now." Fin replied.

"Hey, Barba."

"Sunny."

Carisi frowned at the shortness in his tone. "What's with you?"

"Ignore him, he's just mad doctor Sanders interrupted his morning session with the captain." Amanda stared at him over the rim of her cup. Her eyes dared him to say something back.

"Sessi-" Carisi gapped at Barba. "Here? In the hospital?"

Refusing to indulge them on the subject, he refocused his attention on his phone. Noticing a few missed calls from Carmen and James, he redialed Carmen.

'About time you call back.'

"What is it?"

'James has been trying to get ahold of you.'

"Do you know in regards to what?"

'Rome.'

"Thank you, Carmen." Hanging up the call, he moved on to the next one. "James?"

Fin leaned against the wall closest to Barba. His eyes were straight ahead, but his ears were picking up on the conversation going on.

'What the hell happened in Rome?!'

Jerking his phone away from his ear, he winced at the remaining ringing. "I did what I was ordered to do."

'By killing the man?! You left the man bleeding to death. I saw the video, Rafael.'

"Video?" Barba growled. "They knew not to record the interrogation."

'They gave us the only copy. But that's beside the point, you failed at gathering any information they needed and let their only link die.'

Barba rolled his eyes. "He knew nothing James. The man pissed himself when I mentioned his family, if he had known anything he would have said it. He was just some idiot they hired to build."

'And you let him die why?'

"I don't know if you recall what was happening while I was out there." Barba whispered. "I nearly lost Olivia because of that."

James sighed. 'They want to speak to you about that. I asked for some time, but Rafael they are not thrilled with the idea of you dating a cop.'

"Not my problem." Clicking the call he laid his head back against the wall. A wave of fear rolled off him.

The organization didn't care what you did on your own time. As long as you did nothing to put them or put your assignments in jeopardy. For as long as he could remember, he always placed them before anything. Not that he had a reason not to. He had been a street kid from the barrio when they took him in. Clothed, feed, and took care of him. He owed it to them, to become the perfect sadist bastard that follows orders to the T. And they loved him for that. Having no family, but his sister and nephew were perfect for their agenda.

As he grew older he refused anything serious in his life. It was both because he didn't need it and wanted it. He was content with his life. His needs were easily taken care of with the occasional phone call. The only thing he asked of them was to watch over the only family he had. And they did. But they failed to protect them from those within their circles. He learned quickly that his life didn't allow the luxury of allowing someone by his side.

Yet the moment he met Olivia and Noah that was thrown out the window. He began accommodating his life around them. That meant placing moving the organization a step back. And there would be no way in hell they will agree to that. They may take care of him and treat him well, but that didn't mean he was in control. Should Olivia become a threat to them, they will remove him. He could refuse to do so, but that would only put Liv and Noah facing the barrel of a gun.

'You should have stayed away Rafael.'

"Detectives." Nurse Linda opened the door. "You may come back in."

Barba pushed himself off the way, positioning himself back by the window. Fin and the others gathered around the bed. Olivia's smile had long dropped from her face. She had locked herself in once more, preventing anyone from truly seeing what she was feeling.

"Your bruising and injuries are healing well. No infection anywhere." Doctor Sanders began. "I do want to keep you one more night. Just to be on the safe side and then you can go home." Walking towards the door, he removed his gloves tossing them into the rash car and washing his hands. He tossed a glanced back at Barba before he left. "And no more PDA please."

"PDA?" Amaro walked into the room. "What PDA?"

"Appears Doc found Liv and Barba in a rather compromising position." Carisi spoke loudly with a chuckle.

"You want to say that louder Carisi, I don't think the top floor heard you." Barba muttered. "Liv, I'll be right back. I need to check in on something."

He was gone before she could even reply. "Did anything happen while you were in the hallway?"

Carisi shrugged. "No, he took a call that was about it."

"Bad call by the looks of it." Amanda added. "So, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine Rollins." Olivia lied through her teeth. She knew better than anyone she wasn't. Seeing the wounds and bruises on her body again, brought it all back. "Ah-where is Lewis?"

"He is h-"

"Prison hospital." Fin was quick to cut off Carisi. She didn't need to know Lewis was in the same place as her. Which shouldn't be for long. Dodds was already demanding he is transferred. "He's going to stay there until he is ready to take the trial. By doctor's recommendation, not his."

"I just want his ass rotting in prison." Olivia rested her head back, wincing at the pain rising up her side. She had a broken rib from the kicks Lewis gave her.

Barba walked back into the room holding a small elephant plushy. "Good news and bad news."

"Bad news." Was everyone's response.

"I'll start with the good news." Shooing Amaro and Rollins away from Liv, he handed her the elephant. "I made a call and the paperwork for your discharge are being signed at the moment."

"Bad news?" She asked, although her attention was on the plushy. Its fur was kitten soft. What caught her attention were the large ears, nearly doubling around its head.

"You are to be on bed rest." Barba grabbed onto the sidebars of the bed, tilting his head to the side. "At least until the rib is healed."

"Made a call?" Rollins asked. "To who?"

Barba smirked. "I have my contacts."

"Anything to get out of here." She groaned. "How's my apartment?"

"You're not going back there."

"To my apartment?"

"You and Noah will be staying at my place." He wasn't asking. "Noah is already there. Carmen picked up a few of your things. I can care for you there." Gesturing her to stop with his hand, he softens his features. "Liv, I am not letting you go back there. Not now at least. Besides my place is closer to the station and Noah's school." That got him a questionable look. "I checked after the first time Noah stayed over."

"Fine, just until I am out of bed rest." Fighting him over this was going to get her nowhere. One of the first things she learned about him was his stubbornness. He was just as bad as Rollins. And Rollins was bad.