Decisions (4th Book in the Boss's Niece Series)

Memory

*Flashback*

I rested my head against Spencer's chest as the warm water and bubbles surrounded us. I had been feeling sick recently and, as a romantic gesture, Spencer decided to draw us a bath. Nothing inappropriate, get your minds out of the gutter.

"How're you feeling?" he asked. "Your stomach feeling any better?"

I sat up to look Spencer in the eye.

"A bit. This is really sweet of you, you know. You didn't have to do this." I said.

"I hate seeing you in any kind of pain. I guess I have a protective nature in me."

"Everyone does." I replied. "Everyone has that someone that they would take a bullet for. It's just in your blood whether you know it or not."

"Would you take a bullet for me?"

"Of course. You and just about anyone close to me." I said.

"Who else?"

"Well, the team, my dad, Rossi, Gideon, Prentiss" I replied. "Basically my family and closest friends. I would've taken a bullet for Molly, but, you know."

Spencer chuckled.

"I love you." he said.

"I love you, too." I said.

Spencer wrapped his arms around my bare back, pulling me to him and kissing my lips. I could've stayed that way forever. I loved Spencer with all my heart. I was lucky to have found him.

Suddenly, Spencer's phone began to ring. I let out a groan and leaned my head against his shoulder.

"How much do you bet that's Uncle Hotch?" I asked.

"I know it's him. Who else would call at a perfect moment like this." he replied.

I snaked my arms around Spencer's waist and hugged him close as he leaned over to grab his phone off the counter.

"'New case. Important. Be here ASAP'." he read. "Looks like we gotta go."

I sat up again. I took a bit of the bubbles in my hand and blew them at Spencer. He laughed and grabbed me around my waist, pulling me to him once again. I let out a squeal, giggling as his soft lips pressed to my neck.

*End of Flashback*

I blinked awake again. Now, it was only my arm that was in severe pain. I lifted my head to see that I was alone, for now. John must be gone to work. He has to keep up his Officer Franco facade, obviously. If he stopped going to work, someone would suspect something.

I noticed a tripod set up with a camera on it. The button was blinking red and I knew then that I was being recorded.

I remembered back to what Spencer had told me about Tobias. Tobias had filmed himself torturing Spencer and sent it to the team, making them watch as he hurt the youngest of the group.

"If you guys are watching, I'm okay." I said to the camera. "At least, for now. He's-he's already given me Dilaudid for the first time. My arm kills. He says he's going to keep me for 2 days, the same way Tobias did with Reiders, then he's going to kill me the way Tobias was killed. I'm guessing I've been here for about 12 hours from the way I feel. You guys still have 36 hours. I'll try my best not to let him win, but I honestly don't know how long I'll be able to hold out."

I looked to my lap, running what I said through my head to see.

"I'm strong." I said, mainly to myself. "I-I can hold out."

I lifted my head again. The light shone down on me, causing intense heat. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"Reiders, if you're there, none of this is your fault. Don't be too concerned about me. Watch over Haley. I realize I'm all the way in Georgia right now, but he might be able to get her some how. He might have insiders. Make sure Haley is okay. I'll be fine."

My voice rang out through the silence. That was what scared me the most right now. The silence. Not knowing when John would return and when my torture would continue.

"I love you so much." I said in a defeated voice. "I love all you guys. The whole team. If this should end bad, I just want you guys to know you're the greatest family I've ever had."

I nodded. That's all I had to say and I think I got my message across to them.

What to do now, I thought.

The only thing to do. Wait.

***************

"Each relationship nurtures a strength or weakness within you." ― Mike Murdock