LA:

South of LA, in the middle of a somewhat calm neighborhood, sat an abandoned house. The house needed more than a new coat of paint. It was falling from years of sitting uninhabited. The last tenants were said to have been tortured and killed in the basement. After a few years of their deaths, the house was deemed haunted by the neighborhood kids. They claimed to hear screams and cry's coming from inside the home. Many dared each other to sneak inside, of course, no one ever would. But the adults knew. They knew what happened to the owners. They knew who it now belonged to. They knew what those screams and cries were from. They knew to keep their heads down, mouths shut and kids away.

It was early in the day and the neighborhood children were currently riding their bikes in the street. A few of the parents standing in front of their homes, talking with each other and watching the group. All stopped when a sleek black Mercedes Benz turned onto the street. Windows were completely blacked out, making it impossible to see the inhabitants inside the vehicle. The children knowing very well who it was, decided to chase after the car. Stopping a few feet away, when it came to a stop in front of the creeper house. It was then that the driver's door was pushed open, revealing a tall white male, dressed in a white dress shirt and black jeans. Scanning the area, he moved to open the back passenger car door. Not once taking his eyes off the individuals on the street.

Rafael Barba stepped out of the car, giving the area a once-over. Buttoning up his suits jacket, he slid his phone into his pocket and made his way towards the house only to stop. Turning to the left, he spotted the children. Giving the house a glance, he turned back to the kids and sighed. Making his way towards them, he flashed them a grin. "Hey, chamacos."

"Hey!" The youngest of the bunch yelled back.

He needed them to leave the area. What was about to happen was not meant for their ears. "Hey, can you boys do me a favor?" He chuckled at their excitement. "Can you head to the store and bring me back a candy bar. Snickers." Pulling his wallet out, he handed the oldest a 50 dollar bill. "Get yourselves something." Once he saw them turn the corner, he made his way back towards the house. He spotted two of his guards by the door as he walked in. Reaching the darkest part of the house, he 'tsk' at the man before him. He stood in the middle of what used to be a little girl's bedroom. Well more like the chains handcuffed to his wrists kept him up. The man was bruised here and there, but he was alive. Rafael removed his jacket, as he addressed the man. "Mi gente, tell me you don't want to talk." The man shivered but said nothing. "So, I am going to ask you nicely. Where is my fish scale?" When he didn't get a response fast enough, he threw a punch into the man's gut.

The man gasped for breath, forcing himself to speak. "I already told you, I don't know!"

"Hombre tiene cojones." Rafael laughed removing his tie and rolling up his sleeves, just to have his phone go off. With an annoyed sigh, he answered. "Hello?"

'Mr. Barba, the nurse is here.'

Rafael glared at the man and sighed. Family first. "I'm on my way." Clicking the phone, he turned to his brother. "Make him talk, do what you have to, but I want to know where my fish scale is."

"You got it hermano." Javier gestured to bring the prisoner closer to him. "We will have it by the end of the day." Javier chuckled, holding a saw in his hand.

With a stiff nod, he walked out. The man's scream echoed through the walls of the old house into the streets. Thankfully the kids were still gone. His eyes fell on the bystanders. Each one turned their gaze to the floor. Sliding into the already waiting car, he began to fix his clothes once more. Time to meet the newest member of his family.

Olivia stood in what she believed was the living room of the house-no mansion-this place was a freakin mansion. Damn room was bigger than her two-bedroom house. As she sat on the couch, she did some recon of the place. She spotted a few people walk by, but neither gave her importance. From the looks of them and their weapons, she figured they were watching the place. Rafael's men.

"Apologies for the wait. I had to attend to some business."

Olivia turned to see the gang lord himself. His voice was deep and husky, regardless of him being the enemy he was quite good-looking. Although he spoke English fluently, he still held some accent. Swallowing hard she smiled at him. "It's fine Mr. Barba. You have a lovely home."

Rafael smiles softly, giving the room a quick look over with sad eyes. "Thank you, although I can't take the credit. My wife oversaw the decoration, I just paid for it."

Olivia frowned. "You're married?"

Rafael's eyes fell to his ringless finger. Ever since he took it off, his hand felt lighter. "No, she died a few years ago."

"Oh, sorry." Olivia whispered. "I know how hard it is losing someone you love."

Rafael watched her closely. She spoke with sincerity. Before he drove himself to ask what she meant, he shook his head and cleared his throat. "Come, let me give you the grand tour."

The house was big that much she knew. She wasn't sure how many lived here, but so far, she counted thirteen armed men watching the house. Another eight patrolled the property's perimeter. She has yet to meet the family.

Rafael took her into his office, gesturing for her to take a seat. "So, what do you think?"

"Like I said lovely home." Olivia tried not to squirm under his gaze. Same as the ones in his picture he held nothing. No emotions, no tell, nothing. Just a green abyss pulling her in. "Your son? Is he here?"

"No, his brother decided on taking him out for a while. Damon has been locked in himself ever since the attack. We tried pulling him out more, but he prefers to stay in his room." Pulling out a file, Olivia realized it was hers. "Olivia Ramirez, says here you were NYPD for a few years."

"Yes, but was discharged due to excessive force against a pedophile." Olivia replied, which wasn't a total lie. Her first year she was nearly fired after beating the shit out of a chomo.

"Either way it comes in handy. I assume you know how to handle and use a gun?" Olivia gave him a hesitating nod. "Damon is still a target to some extent. He will have a watch around the clock when out and about, but I would like to add to your duties." Rafael reaches for a file inside his desk and placed it in front of them. "Of course, your pay will be upgraded, if you chose to accept the new conditions."

"I'm listening."

"You will be guarding Damon as well as aiding him in his needs medically. I want my son to be kept safe at all times. I failed once. It's not going to happen again." Rafael held the pen towards her. His eyes not once wavering from her. "That means doing everything and anything to keep him and this family safe. You up for it?"

Olivia sat there for a good amount of time. She knew what he implied by everything and anything. But was she willing to do exactly that? Then again, it might just help her gain some leverage with the family. Glancing up at the man, she forced herself to look into his empty eyes. "Yes." Grabbing the pen, she ignored the weird sensation she got at touching him and signed the contract.

With a chuckle, Rafael shook her hand and led her out of his office. "Why don't you go ahead and settle in. I'll call Jack and have him bring Damon back." He stopped them in from of a double door. "This is your room."

Olivia placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from leaving. "Don't call him in. I don't mind waiting for him. Besides like you said, it's been a while."

Rafael nodded slowly. "Very well. In that case, I'll let you get settled in." With one last look, he turned the corner and disappeared.

Olivia was quick to send and erase the message to Craigen. She texted him the description of the house and how many men she had seen. Knowing he would not reply, she busied herself in unpacking.

The room was big, queen size bed. Large plasma tv, a dresser, walk-in closet, a desk, laptop, and her private bathroom.

After she finished unpacking her bags, Olivia sat on the bed and pulled out one of her books. There was nothing she could do at the moment but wait. Just as she finished the eighth chapter in her book, a soft knock echoed through her room.

"Come in." Olivia called, setting the book on the nightside beside her bed.

The door opened to reveal a young girl, no older than 15. She popped her head in, giving Olivia a small smile. "Hi, I'm Allison."

Olivia smiled at her warmly. She reminded her so much of Noah. "Hello Allison, I'm Olivia." Jumping off the bed, she approached the girl. "You're Mr. Barba's daughter right?"

Allison nodded. "Yeah, the youngest. Daddy told me you are going to be taking care of Damon?"

"Yes, I am." Olivia glanced down, only to see some fresh cuts on her arm. "You're hurt." Pulling her into the bathroom, Olivia sat her down on the toilet. Scurrying around the cabinets, she pulled out some alcohol, towels, and bandages. "This is going to sting okay?" Allison took in a deep breath, biting her lip as Olivia poured some alcohol. "Want to tell me what happened?" Allison shook her head no, watching as she placed the bandage on her arm. Olivia knew she was not trusted for this sort of thing. She did just arrive. "Alright, when your ready I'm here okay." The girl gave her a small nod and ran out. That cut was not self-inflicted, someone had hurt her. Seeing someone at the door, she jumped.

Said figure chuckled. "Sorry didn't mean to scare you. I see you met my sister."

Olivia nodded, discreetly tossing the bloody tissues into the toilet. "Sweet girl."

"Yeah, she is." A sad look flashed across his. Glancing at Olivia he jumped. "Sorry, I'm Jack."

"Olivia, you are the middle child, right?"

Jack laughed. "Yeah, Damon is the oldest. Speaking of which, come I'll introduce him to you." He walked her out of the main house. Walking down a wooden path, she spotted a small guest house. Jack held the door open for her, gesturing to walk forward. Walking past the little kitchen and living room, she followed him into the bedroom. Damon was at the moment trying to get on the bed.

"Damon." Jack called. Olivia couldn't help, but hear the certain strain in his voice.

"Yo, baby brother." Damon looked up, only to freeze. "And who is this?" His cold dark eyes (much like his father's) scanned her from head to toe. "Damn little brother, how you know I was in the mood."

"This is Olivia, she's going to be helping you out." Jack said, giving him a warning look. "Careful how you speak to her hermano. You know pops don't like comments like that."

Olivia gave him a small wave. "Hi, Damon." Ignoring his comment was the best way to go. But he only gets one free pass.

Damon's smirk quickly turned to glare, his eyes jumping from her to his brother. "Care for me? I am in a wheelchair! Not laying in some bed like a vegetable Jack! I can still do things on my own!"

Jack sighed. "You still need help."

"Not from some Bitch! I need to walk again that's what I need!"

"Damon!" All eyes turned to the figure of Rafael in the doorway. The way he stood blocking the sun, seemed like the devil himself just walked in. "What's all this yelling about?"

"I don't need some bi-"

"Damon!" Rafael stopped him before he could insult her again. "Choose your next words wisely. Show some respect." Taking a deep breath, Rafael fought to control himself. Walking towards his son, he kneeled before him, cupping his jaw. "Mira mijo, you need her help and she is happily giving it. Give it a chance. Para me."

Damon glared at his father. Eyes locked he fought to beat his father at his own game. But in the end, Damon was the one to look away. "Alright pops."

"Atta Boy." Kissing him on the head, he ushered everyone, but Olivia out. "He is simply a boy. Give him time and he will come around." Casting one last look at his oldest, he walked away with a heavy sigh.

Olivia nodded, but couldn't help but scowl him inwardly. Just a boy and he still had him do the dirty work. His son gets shot up and now he wants to protect him. Guess who's not getting the father of the year award.

Allowing everyone to leave, she stood where she was.

Damon glared up at her. "You not going to help?"

Olivia gave him a small smile. She knew these kinds of kids. He was all macho alpha on the outside, but inside he was simply a young man. Looking to be strong and fearless for his father. Olivia held back. "I'm here to help when you need it. You ask and I'll do it."

Damon frowned but gave her a nod. He tried relentlessly on his own to get on the bed. By the fifth try, he looked up at her with embarrassment gleaming in his eyes. "Please."

Olivia placed down her jacket and walked over to him. Grabbing his arm, she draped it over her shoulders. Her arm wrapped around his waist, really to lift him. "On my count, okay." Damon nodded. "One. Two. Three." With ease, he was on the bed but still wouldn't look her in the eyes. Olivia grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about Damon. With time, you won't need me at all. Just give it some time."

Damon took in a breath and nodded. "What's your name again?"

"Olivia."

"Thank you, Olivia. And I am sorry for my earlier behavior."

Olivia couldn't help, but give him a small smile. He reminded her of Noah and his aftermath with the abduction. Letting him get to sleep, she decided to look around. It appeared no one was home and that gave her some ease. She hated having Rafael nearby, his presence alone gave her the chills. He wasn't bad-looking. Nor was he rude or disrespectful. But he simply gave her the wrong vibe. Walking into what seemed like a patio, she frowned up at the sky. It was dark and the stars were brighter than she had ever seen them. Glancing down at her watch, Olivia was surprised to see the time.

"Damn 8 pm already." Running a hand through her hair, she took in a breath. Freezing at the intoxicating scent she inhaled. It was one of those smells, that made you stop and simply take pleasure in them.

"Cold night." Rafael said as he appeared on her right side.

Olivia shrugged. "Used to the cold." Cursing at the shiver her body gave just then.

With a small scoff, Rafael turned to gaze over his yard. "You know how many times I have stood here and watched my family. Kids running around the yard. My children together with their mother. Now, now not so much. My oldest is now in a wheelchair and my wife is dead."

Olivia rolled her eyes, forgetting for a moment who she was talking to. "Ever thought you might be the one responsible for what happens to your family?" She never could stay quiet.

Rafael turned to glare down at her. "Excuse me?" He was surprised at the way she talked to him. The woman had no regard for her safety.

"Look I know who you are. I know who and what Los Angelicos are. Rafael Barba is a well-known name in the neighborhoods. You never thought for a moment, that your son was attacked as a message to you? Or the death of your wife?" Olivia flinched as he raised his hand, only to see him run it through his hair. 'Shit.'

Rafael having noticed this dropped his hand and scoffed. "Not everything you have heard is true Olivia. Yes, I have blood on my hands. I have taken lives and I may not have the cleanest work life. But my family? That's what's important." Shrugging off his jacket, he placed it around her shoulders as she shivered once more. "I would die for them, as I would kill for them." Giving her one last look, he left. That woman was going to drive him into doing something he didn't want to.

Olivia glanced at his retreating form, surprised by his response and action. She honestly thought he would strike her, yet he seemed disappointed by her reaction. Everyone tries to come up in this world, one way or another. Could he just be a man looking out for his family? Who simply picked the easy way to make money? She hated herself, disgusted even in feeling bad for him. 'He is your target, Olivia. Remember see and report, the quicker I do this the faster I can get home.' Yet she couldn't help, but wrap the coat around her.