I cringed as I slowly pulled the chunk of glass out of Alfonso's leg. He was still unconscious but I knew he was in pain because once in awhile his body would jerk suddenly. I used a pair scissors to cut off half of his jeans —which were already ripped— so I could treat his wound.

" Get me a bowl of cold water and a clean cloth" I ordered Jackson.

" Ohh, I like my women bossy" He winked and I shook my head. Aiden is still geeking out on the computer. something about programming an adapter to withstand unknown provenience...basically making sure our dorm is completely debugged. I have to say I knew the mafia ranked you on your skills and since Aiden is second in line to Jackson I knew he was good at something but this is a big surprise to me. 'Nerd' just doesn't fit his profile.

I made sure my gloves didn't have any holes on it before I inspected his wound in disgust. The one reason my mom claims I could never be a doctor —the look on my face gives everything away. I thanked Jackson when he brought back the bowl of water and shook away the nauseousness threatening to overcome me because of the blood.

I quickly cleaned the wound with the cloth and dressed it before wrapping it with a bandage. As soon as the gloves came off I darted to the bathroom and regurgitated my last meal in the toilet. Jackson rushed in after me and held my hair back in his hands.

" I told you to let him die" He shook his head disapprovingly.

He's actually serious.

" We need him for information remember?" I told him what he already knew. Slowly I got up off my knees before flushing the toilet and and leaning over the sink. I closed my eyes taking deep calming breaths. When I reopened them I noticed Jackson was watching me intenty through the mirror.

" Are you okay?" He squeezed my right shoulder. I could tell he didn't know what to do.

"Yeah, um, I'm a bit queasy" I answered. " I just need a minute"

He nodded and left. I stared at my reflection in the mirror sighing. In my rush to the bathroom my hair tie slipped off leaving me to face this tangly mess. This is what happens when you choose the messy bun route everyday. I thought about how Jackson held my hair back as I washed my hands and began to brush my teeth.

I could tell he was uncomfortable because things got awkward almost as if he didn't know what to do with himself. The mouthwash stinged and I threw my head back trying to erase the sight of blood from my eyes. After a couple minutes I ran my fingers through my hair and tried to regain my composure.

When I walked back in the living room all the blood on the newspaper was gone. No sign of blood anywhere. Jackson hung up the phone when he saw me walk out. I noticed he changed into a pair of light jeans that did not fail to show his V line and a loose white T-shirt. Aiden was still wearing all black.

" You have two options," Jackson turned to me abruptly. " Stay and watch but don't speak or go to your room and turn your headphones on full blast"

" What if—"

" Two options, choose one or the other," He cut me off. " Got it?"

" Yes" I sighed in defeat.

" Good, you have five seconds" He stated.

" No I don't," I rolled my eyes. " You already know i'm staying"

" Rolling of eyes, strike one" He said blankly and turned around facing Alfonso. I gasped in shock. A couple minutes ago he told me if I ever disobeyed him again there would be some form of punishment. He has a short temper and to prove just how serious he is about this I have three strikes. If I make three mistakes —like roll eyes, not follow orders etc— it's game over.

Or in this case the game will just begin.

"Here" Aiden handed Jackson a glass of ice cold water. Condensation slid down the cool surface.

" Oh thanks" Jackson smiled and brought the cup to his lips as if he's about to drink it before throwing the water on Alfonso in his comatose state.

I kept my mouth shut.

He coughed uncontrollably then looked up at us standing around him and squinted. " What...Who...?"

" We ask the questions around here Alfonso," Aiden snarled circling around his chair like a shark hunting it's prey. " Your boss actually left some pretty clear instructions about what should happen if you get caught, and you know what?—" He placed his thumb and index finger under his chin as if he's deep in thought. " We're seriously considering it"

"H-How do you know my name?" The poor man stuttered.

"Cut the B.S," Jackson snapped and placed his hands on either sides of the chair, leaning in and bringing his voice down to a whisper. " We know who you are, we know what your little 'mission' was and guess what? you failed, so why don't you start talking"

"kiss. My. Ass" Alfonso spat. Literally, on the carpet. It's actually a bit gross.

" How about I squeeze your leg instead?" Jackson grabbed the bandaged area of Alfonso''s leg.

" Ahhhh! shi— Okay, okay you win what do you want to know?" He cried out in surrender.

" Everything" Aiden and Jackson both said in unison.

"Okay but...," Alfonso's wild brown eyes locked on mine. " The girl has to go"

" What! why?" I protest.

" Deal" Jackson agreed a little too hastily for me to not get suspicious or angry.

Actually both.

Aiden pulled out his pocket knife and cut the rope around Alfonso's ankles but his hands remain tied securely. Jackson sighed and turned to me. "Go to my room"

I gaped at him. " You're not actually...serious are you?"

" I don't know Ashley does it look like i'm laughing to you?" His eyes warned me not to argue with him. Not here.

" I'm sorry miss...," Alfonso spoke up. He had a thick accent and his voice didn't sound half as macho as I expected. " It's just that this conversation is not for a young lady to hear"

" Why not?" I glared at him.

" Because I said so" Jackson was fuming now I could tell although he was trying to hide it.

" Well..." I paused and thought about what i'm about to get myself into. " ...Well maybe I don't care what you say"

" Strike two" He put up two fingers before grabbing my wrist and dragging me in his room.

I crossed my arms and turn away from him. " Can I at least go to my own room?"

" Must you always be this childish?," He expressed in a frustrated tone. " Your room hasn't been checked for wires yet, I had Aiden thoroughly check through my things to make sure at least one room is safe"

" Whatever" I rolled my eyes knowing he can't see me since my back was turned to him.

" Strike three," He announced. "You're going to wish you never did that"

" No I thought—"

The door slammed shut behind him.

"...You couldn't see me" I finished my sentence, my voice barely a whisper in the cold, dark room.

Crap.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------