The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy

by Melissa Devenport

  “Weasel? I thought you liked Seth?”

  “No, that fucking bastard creeped me out. He was always lurking in the shadows at the studio and he creeped out Makayla big-time.”

  “My Makayla?”

  “The very same. She always thought he had a thing for her because he was constantly following her around. Now I know why. The best way to find out what you’re up to is talk to your assistant. Who else would know more about you or where you are going than her? She probably did let him in on a few things you didn’t want him to know about, but you can’t blame the poor girl, she was as clueless as the rest of us.”

  “I don’t blame Makayla, David, why would I? No one ever had a reason of suspecting Seth of being my stalker.”

  “Still, I just can’t seem to get my head around it. The only reason we decided to work with his script was because everyone said he was the next big thing. I guess they were right. He definitely is a big thing in the papers right now, but no one will ever know it’s him. Probably not what he had in mind. The mafia sent some guys round to search his house by the way. I thought it was better you hear it from me rather than find out from someone else.”

  “And? Did they find anything?”

  “I’m not sure I should tell you.”

  Jennifer was becoming agitated, she didn’t have time to be hung up on his games right now, “Out with it David, I’m in the middle of something right now. Whatever it is can’t be that bad. The man is dead now. Because of me.”

  Ace seemed to have been listening as she felt a hand grip into her shoulder. He doesn’t like it when I blame myself. She shook him off and she turned to watch him drift towards the kitchen and fumble around in the cupboards.

  “There was basically an entire room dedicated to you, Jen. It looked like a fucking shrine from what I have heard. There were clippings of your articles and photos from the newspapers. It appears he had taken some pictures of you when you were out and about too. Some from when you are in your house. Some really creepy shit. You know you’ve been complaining for a while that stuff has gone missing from your dressing room? Well, I found where they’ve turned up. He’s got your hairbrush, your toothbrush, your lipstick and more. The guys have taken the whole lot and destroyed it. I think they burned most of it. They’ve searched the entire house and removed anything that links him to you. That means that if the police ever come snooping around, then they’ll just think he’s moved out of town without packing most his stuff. I’ll spin them a line about how his creative differences with me led him to stealing from the studio, and they’ll think he just run away so he didn’t get caught. No one will be the wiser. Although Joe did say that he found a rather compromising photo of you and Ace… you want to tell me what’s going on?”

  Jen was still trying to process Seth’s obsession with her when the conversation took a sudden turn. She tried to think up an excuse. But I don’t want to lie. Why should I lie about being in love?

  “I’m in love with Ace. And he’s in love with me.”

  There was silence for a couple of minutes and Jen felt nervous.

  “This could kill your whole career. And his too. Are you sure this is the path you want to take?”

  “Why would it kill my career?”

  “Because he’s a nobody, he’s not even from within the business. On top of that, the twins will kill him if they find out that he’s dating you. Those guys aren’t meant to be mixing business with pleasure. If I had known he was going to fuck around with my lead actress, then I would never have got him involved.”

  Jen couldn’t contain herself any longer, “And I’d be dead! The man saved my life. He carried off his job flawlessly and now his brother is dying in hospital because of it. He may not be a celebrity or work within the industry, but that doesn’t make him any less than the rest of you. I hate how everyone thinks they can tell us what to do and who we can be with. And for the record, the twins already fucking know. Ace told them to shove their job where the sun don’t shine so he can be with me. If that isn’t love, then I don’t know what is. If you can’t support me, as the friend I thought you were, then you can shove your job too. Get another actress to play my part in Demon Hunters. See if I give a fuck!”

  Rant over, she could feel herself boiling with rage. Even after all we’ve been through, one of the hardest things is dealing with those around us. Why does everyone have to look at our relationship as negative? What have we done wrong?

  “I’m sorry, Jen. I didn’t realize you felt so deeply about him.”

  “Well, I do,” she spit back.

  “Fine, I can’t stop you or stand in the way of what could possibly be true love. But you do realize eventually the press will find out and start digging around your new boyfriend’s life and past? What do you think they’re going to find because I can guarantee it’s not going to be rainbows and sunshine.”

  “To hell with the paparazzi. Why do they need to know?”

  “Because they will find out one way or another. It’s not like you can hide him away forever and you’re a fucking A-lister, Jen. The movie will be premiering by the end of the year and your career will be thrown back into the limelight, including anyone you’re closely attached to. Have you even considered what might happen to Ace if people start routing around?”

  Jen paused for a moment. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. What if they find out who Ace has been working for? What if they find out about his parents and Alice? What if they uncover Seth’s death? But, I love him. That’s all that matters… right? Doubt gnawed away at her mind.

  David took the silence as a signal to probe deeper, “Have you two even decided what is happening between you? You have only known him for just over a week and now you’re saying you’re in love with the man. Are you sure it’s not just your near-death experience which is pumping this lovesickness through your veins?”

  No. I know how I feel. I felt like this the moment we met and I’ll feel like this until the day I die. He defended me with his life, I can at least defend him with my words.

  “Fuck you, David. I’m not a lovesick idiot. I love him and that will never change. I loved him before I even knew it. Listen, are you going to support me or not? If not then you better find yourself a new actress because I quit.”

  “You’ve always been a stubborn bitch,” he laughed bitterly, “Fine. If you want me to give my blessing then you have it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you though! And remember, if the mafia has let him go then he probably won’t be in their good books. Stay safe. I’ll see you on set next Monday. Call me if you need anything.”

  And with that the phone line went dead. Jennifer took a deep breath, stemming the anger that had built up inside her. She hadn’t even realized how hard she was gripping her phone until she unclenched her fist and lay the device back on the table. Standing up, she peered around the gloom for Ace. Looking out into the darkness, she suddenly could make out a flickering light on the decking outside.

  Wandering through the open door, the cold night air hit her. The thin sheets did nothing to conceal her erect nipples and she stumbled forward towards the light. To her surprise, she found Ace sitting at the table, a candle aglow on top. He continued to stare out into the abyss as she sat down on the chair next to him. She tilted her head up so she could look at the sky. Stars twinkled like diamonds set into a mulberry velvet. The moon was full and round, blindingly dazzling as it highlighted the tree tops around them. Everything lay in complete stillness, only the silence broken by a hooting from a faraway owl, waking up for its night time hunt.

  It’s because of Ace that I’m no longer prey.

  She looked over at her savior, the man who had rescued her from her relentless stalker. He looked so fragile right now. He had opened himself up to her at one of the darkest times and she had interrupted him on the brink of a breakthrough. She wanted to get the moment back, to find out what he was on the precipice of asking.

  “Sorry about the phone call, David wanted to check up on me.�
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  “I heard what you said, Jen.”

  Fear flushed through her. Did I say something bad? Did I upset him?

  “What did I say?” her voice trembled.

  He turned to face her, “I heard you stand up to David for me. All that stuff you said about me. Would you really give up your career for me? You’ve worked so hard to get to where you are. All that fame and glory down the drain for someone like me?”

  “Of course, I would give up everything for you. You have done so much for me and there is no way I will ever be able to repay you. I love you, Ace.”

  His face hardened, “We cannot be together.”

  What? Her perfect world shattered around her and sprinkled in shards, flying away in the gentle breeze around her. How had everything come crumbling down so fast?

  Ace stood up, “I will not let you destroy your life because of me. That’s what Seth wanted you to do. He wanted you to give up your freedom so he could live out his dream. That’s not me, Jen. I could never and will never do that to you. I’ve let my brother die so that you can finally be free of Seth’s cage. I’m not letting you walk into mine. That was never my intentions.”

  He went to walk away, but Jennifer leaped from her seat and latched onto his arm. Without realizing, she gripped into his injuries and he yelled out like a wounded beast.

  “Fuck! I’m so sorry, Ace. But you can’t go. You can’t leave me like this,” tears pricked at her eyes.

  Ace took a few moments to steady his breathing as she removed her hand and he rubbed his arm. He stretched out his arm then pinned her down with his icy stare.

  “You can’t suffer because of me. Everyone around me gets hurt. I can’t let that happen to you too. After everything we’ve been through in the last week I’ve realized just how precious life is and I’m not willing to ruin yours by being selfish.”

  Anger lashed out in Jen and before she could stop herself she slapped him square across the cheek. His head barely moved from her tiny hands, but she could see a pale imprint from where she had hit before it quickly turned red. She opened her eyes wide in shock as she registered what she had just done before swiftly rubbing at his face. She could feel the warmth of his blood gather from where she had hit him. Now the tears were falling freely and she couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer.

  “You’re being selfish right now by taking away my choice! It’s my choice as to whether I give up my career or not, and it’s my choice whether I get to be with you or not. I didn’t stop you leaving the mafia and you can’t stop me quitting acting. Don’t you dare take away my freedom to choose what I want, or you’re just as bad as that fucking asshole Seth!”

  Realization seemed to hit Ace like a ton of bricks as he shook his head, forcing her hand off him. He scanned her face, his deep set scowl finally starting to soften before placing his palms on both of her arms and drawing her in. His embrace felt magical as she breathed in his scent. They must have been standing like that for a solid ten minutes before they finally pulled apart.

  “I’m sorry, Jen. You’re right. I can’t take that choice away from you,” his voice was gentle and his words soothed her.

  All is right in the world again.

  “You’re right in what you said though. The events in the last couple of days have also made me realize how precious life is. It’s also made me realize that I don’t want to spend another second living mine without you.”

  He stepped back, releasing her from his embrace, before looking deeply into her eyes and speaking, “Are you sure you mean that? Because your answer depends on what I ask next.”

  “More than anything,” she replied smiling warmly.

  “Then…”

  She watched as he dropped to one knee.

  “Your smile lightens up my life and makes all darkness fade away. We have laughed together, smiled together, and suffered together and shared in both happiness and sadness. I need you because I’m the best me when you’re around. I have spent my whole life living in pain, never thinking I would find happiness until you walked into my life. If I have learned anything from what has happened lately then it would be knowing to seize every moment in life, because you don’t know if it’s the last one you’re going to get. I’m seizing this moment, right here, with you, because nothing has felt more right in my life than right now. You are my everything, Jennifer Jacobs. Will you marry me?”

  Time came to a halt and silence fell around them. All she could hear was her heartbeat thumping in her eardrums. The wind brushed the hair from her face as she looked down at the man in front of her. The big butch tattooed Greek god which had walked into her life just over a week ago and here he was, down on one knee, a ring proffered up at her.

  I have fantasized about this moment my whole life. But I could never have imagined that this was how it would turn out. It almost feels like a fairy tale.

  “Yes.”

  The word rolled naturally off her tongue. She knew that the words he had spoken had come from the heart and he had laid himself out on the line for her. For a man who has never opened up to someone, he has sure blown me away with that proposal.

  Ace lifted himself from the ground and held onto her left hand. Carefully, he took the ring from the small velvet box and slid it onto her finger. It was a white gold solitaire ring with elegantly twisted shoulders, inlaid with small diamonds leading up to the solitary diamond on the rings head. The cut delivered exceptional sparkle and radiance which glittered in the moonlight. Jennifer only took her eyes of it to look at the man who had put it there.

  “I love you, Jen, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” his voice was so gentle.

  She beamed up at him, “And I will spend the rest of my life with you. There is nothing that will make me happier. You have got me through the worst time in my life and brought me to the absolute best. You are everything I could ever look for in a man and more. I love you, Ace.”

  His arms wrapped around her and she buried her face deep into his chest. Her hand snaked around his back and she held him in place.

  How did I ever get so lucky?

  Chapter 21

  ACE

  A sunbeam tore through the gap in the curtains and highlighted the tangled bedsheets. His eyes slowly opened and he looked around the room, trying to gather his bearings. Then it all hit him.

  My brother is in hospital. I’ve been fired from the mafia. I’m in love with Jen. I’m engaged to Jennifer Jacobs!

  The last thought made him look to the side and there, curled up in the crook of his arm, was his sleeping fiancée. She looked so dainty as she slept, barely a whisper of breath escaping her mouth. He examined her face, free of make-up, and he found her more beautiful than ever. The spattering of freckles across her nose and upper cheeks was absolutely adorable and her lips were plump and swollen from the previous night’s endeavors. He could feel himself harden just thinking about it.

  I never thought I would get engaged. No one has ever made me open up the way she did last night. She has to be the one, I know it deep down. I have never felt this way towards someone in my entire life. She makes me forget all the pain and suffering and focus on the goodness. She makes me want to be a better man. Nothing will keep us apart anymore.

  As he went to sit up, he could feel her shift and she emitted a tiny mewl as she woke. Her eyelids gently fluttered open and she looked at him in confusion. When registering where she was, she smiled and leaned into him. Without hesitation, he leaned forward and pecked her on the lips.

  She’s mine, all mine. Damn it feels good.

  “Good morning,” she grinned.

  “Morning, my little tigress. How are you feeling?”

  “Absolutely fantastic! I still can’t believe it!”

  She pulled her hand out from underneath the covers and held it into the beam of sunlight. The diamonds twinkled and sprayed a rainbow across the wall. They both stared at the ring, warmth filling his heart.

  “Where did you get the ring? It
doesn’t look new. Did you buy it for someone else?” she turned to face him, brushing some stray strands of hair from her face with her other arm.

  “It was my mother’s.”

  “What? Your mom’s? I can’t take this!”

  She fumbled at her hand but Ace quickly grabbed hold of her. He pinned her down with one of his stares before speaking.

  “You will take it. It would mean a lot to me if you did.”

  “But why?” she looked confused, “Won’t this just remind you of her? Won’t it just bring back bad memories?”

  “Yes, it will remind me of her, but not the bad memories. I will remember the times she used to look after us and play with me and my brothers. I will remember the times she used to dance around the living room with my dad. I will remember the times she used to sing at the bar and bang on the jukebox. I will remember the love she had for my family. And now you’re my family and I want to share my love with you.”

  “Thank you. It’s perfect. But won’t your brothers be angry you gave it to me?”

  “Nope, I already told Red before I proposed. And we each have one of our parent’s rings. Van got my dad’s wedding ring, Red got my mom’s wedding ring, and I got mom’s engagement ring. Three brothers, three rings. Van wears dad’s and Red is keeping mom’s, but I knew that I’d only ever open this box again, if I knew it was for the right woman. To be honest, I thought it would never see the light of day again. But then you came along. And I just knew it would be perfect.”

  Jen looked into his eyes and then pulled herself up his body, straddling him. Her hair brushed against his face and tickled his nose as leaned forward. Their mouths met and Ace automatically closed his eyes. He could smell the coconut shampoo from her hair and he could feel the softness of her skin on top of him. When she finally pulled away, he mock growled.

  “What are you doing to me, woman? I have a reputation to uphold you know? Now away with you!”

  He playfully pushed her off of him and she squealed with laughter. He dove back on top, pressing his throbbing erection against her stomach.