Barba sat by her bedside watching the heart monitor her every beat. When they brought her in, Olivia had passed out. Javier had to physically keep him back as he threatened each and every one. He was in a panicked mode. Demanding they save her. It took them four hours before someone came out and updated him. They told him what the doctor had done. The bullet had missed any vital organs, but she had lost a substantial amount of blood. Barba nearly buckled to the ground when they told him she flatlined twice on the table.

Feeling his phone vibrate, he looked down to see a message from his daughter. Both she and Noah have been texting nonstop trying to get an update on Olivia. Turning the phone off, he leaned back into the chair. He wouldn't give them any news until he was sure she'd wake up. At the moment he had every Angelico and allay looking for the ones that gave the order. He was about to teach them why they must never come after his family.


"He's been very tolerant with all of you." Javier was currently blocking access to the hospital chapel. Preventing Elliot and his partner. Chapel and his team. Craigen and his team from stepping foot inside. "Let the man pray in peace."

"Move out of the way!" Elliot growled taking a step back step the gun now aimed at him. "Or tell your men to let me in and see Olivia."

"Since when do you give orders." Javier scoffed. "Rafael doesn't want to be interrupted at the moment. And he doesn't want anyone in Olivia's room ."

Craigen sighed in relief the moment the gun was pulled off his detective. "We need a statement."

"The woman was just ambushed and shot." Javier growled. "He had to see her take her last breath in his arms. The last thing he needs is to talk to you lot."

Suddenly the doors to the chapel were open. Javier glanced over his shoulder, stepping to the side. "Be mindful of your words."

Rafael was kneeling on a bench, head bowed. Upon hearing the multiple footsteps walk in, he stood up and turned to face them. "Oh, my prayers have been answered. It's the police. What can I do for LA's and NY's finest?"

"How's Olivia?" Elliot was the first to speak.

Barba leaned against one of the benches, his hands gripping the edge in a vice grip. "Now you're worried?"

"Excuse me?" Elliot raised a brow, not sure why he was being spoken in such a way.

Pulling a phone out of his pocket, he tossed it over to Elliot. "She called you. Multiple times." A fake smile on his lips. "While Olivia and my daughter were being shot at, you were out doing who knows what."

"We were on-"

"Before you finish that lie, let me just say where ever you go, I have eyes on you." Barba clicked his tongue. "I don't work well with people that lie to me. The only reason you don't have a bullet to the head is because she vouched for you."

"You sure you want to threaten a man in front of us." Chapel smirked.

Rafael's eyes drifted to chapel with a dangerous look. "You do not want to test my patience today Chapel. I am not accountable for my actions."

"Mr. Barba." Craigen stepped into the man's view. The look in his eyes drew a shudder from him. The blood of his detective staining his shirt didn't help. "If we plan on catching who did this, we need to know what happened."

"You catch them and then what?" Barba asked.

"They get prosecuted." Fin replied.

The man laughed. "A slap on the wrist."

"If we catch the-"

"The shooters are dead." He snapped. "From what I was told anyhow. So your job is done. There is nothing more you can do."

Chapel scoffed. "Don't try and play us, Rafael. We know you already have men looking for whoever called the shot."

"Don't know what you're talking about." Barba turned his back at them, gripping the bench. "My men have not been given any orders. If they are out there, they are doing it on their own accord."

"You don't have to do it, Barba." Chapel changed his tone of voice to a more friendly one.

"It's that right. Let me as you something." He turned back around pinning his glare at Chapel. "If one of my men were to gun down your wife...Marie is it? Would you turn the other cheek?"

"Is that some kind of threat?" Chapel clenched his jaw. Hands fisting at his side.

"No. No." He shook his head, before lifting his gaze back up. "You don't care enough about your own wife, for it to be one."

"What did you say you son-" Chapel lunged at him only to be intercepted by Ryan.

"Easy. Not here." Ryan pulled him away. "Not now."

"Leave." Barba's voice was low. "Now."

Ryan knew better than to push Rafael when he was at his end. It only brought bloodshed and nightmares. "Let's go. We can come back when everyone's calmed down."

Javier followed the group out of the chapel. Pulling Amanda and Elliot back in. "Not you two."

Barba gestured to Amanda to step closer. "I want you two to meet up with Hector and Marco. They will be leading a raid. No questions. Just do what they say. When it's over head by to my place and wait there."

Elliot frowned. "Raid?"

"What did I just say? No questions." Brushing past them, he stopped next to Javier. "Keep an eye on him."


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?

The nurse had told him Olivia would be waking up in a few moments. It felt wrong seeing her laying in a hospital bed. She should be driving him crazy, demanding he takes a break. Dragging him out to random places she wanted to see. For the first time in hours, Barba moved from his spot by the window at a soft knock. Open the door he found Javier on the other side.

"They found him."

He didn't need to ask who him was. "Take him to the old house. No one touches him until I get there. Should be a few hours."

"You got it carnal."

Closing the door slowly, he glanced around the room. 'I need to get some men here.' He stayed by the door pondering if he should just deal with the bastard now, or stay and wait for her to wake up. He didn't want her to wake up alone or to one of his men.

"Hey."

Barba was startled. He was sure was still 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 anger 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 of knowing this would happen. You had no idea they would ambush us-"

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 tugged at her.

The moment she gasped, he slid his tongue into 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 him to understand, she did not blame him. He had nothing to do with any of this. He was there when she needed him the most. 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 myself. To keep you safe. To never let my guard down. I should have been there with you. I should-" 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 your promise." She whispered pecking his lips. "I was afraid too. Scared of not seeing Noah or you. It wasn't the bullets that scared me, but the thought of leaving 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." 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." As tempting as the offer was, he had to deal with something.

Olivia spotted the hesitation swimming in his eyes. "Please, Rafa."

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

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.

"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.


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.

She traced his jawline as he slept, her heart fluttering as a small smile graced his lips. She felt as if she could live in that moment forever; the moment between her finger brushing his beard and the smile appearing. It was soft and simple, but it felt like everything. At that moment, she felt beautiful, not because she actually was, but because even while he was asleep her touch could cause a smile, and that was more than enough for her.

"That tickles." Barba's voice was heavy with sleep. "What time is it?" Raising his hand, he turned his watch over. It was 12 last 7 am. Reaching for his phone he found a few missed calls from Noah, Javier, and Allison. Dialing Javier's number, he glanced down at Olivia kissing her gently over the head. "Morning."

"Hmm."

"You called?"

'We have them settled in the house. Also, Chapel and his NYC buddies have been snooping around.'

"Okay, I'll be there in a few. Make sure no one touches them."

'Rafael, how is she?'

He looked at the woman snuggling into her side. "She's good." Hanging up the call he pushed himself up into a sitting position. His back is against the headboard. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Resting her head against his stomach, she played with a button on his shirt. "Who is them?" 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." She didn't want to push him. There were still many things he kept from her and after what happened, she wasn't sure if he'll ever let her get close to it again.

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 side 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. Taste him. Hear him.

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 to 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 and biting down gently. While he focused on that, his hand trailed down to her hospital gown undoing the knot holding it close. Before he could reconnect their mouths, their make-out secession was cut short when someone knocked on the door. "Who is it?" His voice was heavy with a growl.

"It's Jessie boss." The voice trembled. "Javier sent me with the boy."

Dropping his head against her chest, he pulled back with a laugh. "This is going to have to wait." Helping her off his lap and settling back into bed, he jumped off. Adjusting his pants and attempting to calm himself down, he ripped the door open. Noah stood by Jessie, his eyes wide and red from crying. Stepping to the side he allowed the boy into the room. "Jessie, don't go anywhere."

"Yes sir."

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.

"I have to step out for a few hours." Rafael kept his voice to a whisper. "My men will be standing outside the door if you need anything. They also have a way of getting ahold of me." Grabbing his coat, he reached for the door handle pausing at his name being called.

Olivia knew exactly where he was going and what he was going to do. "Please, don't." This would just be another scratch to his downfall.

Barba tilted his head slightly towards her. Hesitation crossed him for a moment. "Blood for blood."

Watching him walk out she held her son close. Her eyes fell on her phone. One call and this would stop. He'd go to jail and she'd go home. Continue as if none of this ever happened. But she also knew she wouldn't do it. Not when the definition of home was him.