Believing in Bad: A Badd Brothers Series

by A. L Inman

  Alek went to Harvard and busted ass, graduating early and top of his class. He's the best attorney around and he and Jaxon became close during an assignment. We were hired on to where Alek’s little sister Lily was kidnapped by the Russian mafia in retaliation for a deal gone south.

  Alek has since been at Badd Incorporated's disposal for legal advice saying he owes us for life.

  He gets a hefty salary and still has a vacation package to handle business in New York with his family when it arises. And boy, does it arise more often than not.

  Alek does a hand shake, one armed hug, with Jax and nods towards the rest of us. His vision lingers a little too long for my liking on Abby. Instinctively I put my arm around her shoulder, pulling her to my side.

  I don't care how big Alek is, that shit isn't going to fly.

  Alek smirks at me and tilts his head more out of curiosity then disrespect. He’s not used to seeing any of us with women- none of us have ever had one to be serious about. Until now.

  Except maybe Jaxon. I suspect he got close to Alek’s sister during that mess, but he left her behind at the end of the assignment. I’m not sure if it was because he didn’t love her… or because he did.

  He nods at me showing that he is acknowledging my possessiveness towards Abby. He respects it. Abby is none the wiser to the testosterone I’m admitting- that’s evident by the smile she graces me.

  This girl does something to me for sure. Who would’ve thought that she's only just started to give me the time of day?

  “Abby, you and Nick go pack up anything you think you'd like to take with us and we'll go ahead and load it in the back of the SUV.” Jaxon instructs them.

  “We can go ahead and get things out of the way so we don't give your dad a lot of time to change his mind once he signs the papers.”

  “You are pretty confident he's going to agree," Nick murmurs.

  “We have our ways,” Brayden retorts shooting a wink Nick’s way.

  Bray always has a way of making people relax. He brings a lightness to a situation no matter what.

  If a situation is most likely going to be heated or dangerous, Bray usually goes in head first. He enjoys the adrenaline of seeing how fast he can cool someone off.

  Now, don't get me wrong, Brayden will throw hands with the best of us. His temper shows no bounds, but he'd much rather use his personality then his hands.

  Abby gives Nick a little shove towards what I'm assuming is his bedroom reminding him that he has suitcases on the top shelf of the closet. Then she turns to head upstairs to presumably her room.

  She stops short of the steps, looking at me, questioning as to if I am coming with her or not. Of course I follow her like the puppy dog that I am.

  Having Abby Jacobs walk up the steps in front of me is very bad for my composure that I've been doing so well at keeping.

  Being face level with her glorious ass makes it hard to think straight.

  We stop in front of a door that had a big “A” painted on it artistically. The delicate designs swirl lilac and pale pink around the solid black “A”.

  When she opens the door, I’m not surprised to see it looks exactly how the rest of the house looks, empty.

  It makes me furious that her and Nick have been so neglected of basic necessities when their dad not only works, but received a hefty amount of money from their mom passing.

  Abby’s shoes look like she’s been wearing them since she turned 15. That was going to change, my girl was going to have what she needs.

  Abby goes to her closet pulling out a duffle bag, shoving the little bit of clothes she has into the bag.

  On the top shelf she grabs a blanket, opening it up to reveal a small black binder. Nodding her head in approval for me to look with her, I step closer glancing over her shoulder.

  There are cartoon drawings, really good cartoon drawings. I connect that the big “A” painted on her bedroom door must be the handy work of the artist who completed these drawings.

  “My mom drew these for Nick and me when she was alive," Abby explains. “I keep them hidden so dad doesn't destroy them. He says we don't deserve anything she left us because we caused her to die.”

  I shake my head, wrapping my arms around her. Slowly pulling the binder from her grip, I close it and secure it in her bag for her to bring.

  She looks up at me with big green eyes, pleading for comfort.

  Bending down I softly kiss her lips and she returns the favor.

  We are in sync and my whole body is on fire. The more into it we get, the harder it is going be to stop, but at this point- I don't care.

  Abby runs her hands up my arms, letting them rest on my shoulders. I wrap my arm around her back pulling her flush to me.

  Running my tongue at the seam of her lips she opens up willingly, granting me access.

  She moans my name and I swear I almost come in my pants like I’m a 13-year-old boy going through puberty.

  Sliding my thumb along the edge of her shorts she quickly breaks the kiss. We’re both breathing heavy and I'm glad she stopped us because I'm not ready for that with Abby.

  But, I'm only a mere man and I couldn't stop myself without her help.

  “I… I'm sorry, I've never…”

  I smile at that revelation. She is still a virgin, which is perfectly fine for me. It’s not like I have been with a tremendous number of women but I’m not anywhere near a virgin anymore.

  One thing is for sure, I don't like the idea of any other man touching Abby. I really like the idea of me being the only one who does in the future, though.

  “That's okay baby, I won't rush this. This will be on your time. I respect you and your decisions.” I comfort and she visibly relaxes.

  I reach down giving her another peck on the lips and squeezing her into a tight hug.

  “How about we finish packing up and we'll order some pizza while we wait for your dad to get home, yeah?” She nods her approval of my plan and we go back to work on packing up her belongings in the room.

  Ten minutes later Abby has two barely full duffle bag and I silently vow I'll get her anything she wants when we got settled; it’s apparent she isn't taken care of here.

  Nick has even less stuff then Abby that he wants to take, which makes sense because Abby has all of their mom's sentimental stuff she was able to stash that their dad hadn't found yet in her bag.

  She shows Nick where the jewelry box is if things don’t work out. Nick takes it and hides it in a spot easy for him to grab quickly, should he need to.

  Abby gives me a sincere smile, making me melt a little more towards her.

  As soon as we get out of all of this mess, I’m going to ask her to make things official. I would do anything I could to protect this girl.

  ABBY- Chapter 12

  I look around the living room at the boys who have their stomachs full of pizza. A movie is playing on the TV that Brayden picked- a comedy, which is not surprising at all. The guy lives to be the life of the party.

  I think Asher almost choke slammed him three times already for borderline inappropriate comments he's made towards me, but I just find them funny, not offensive. He is definitely someone I could go to with my problems if I needed to feel better.

  I hope I can become close friends with Asher’s brothers; they've been nothing but kind to me and Nick. Archer is a little prickly but that's just his personality I think, nothing because of me- or at least I hope that’s the case.

  I head into the kitchen to make some drinks after gathering requests with a smile on my face for the first time in a long time.

  How great would it be to have this much fun and be around caring people all the time?

  Nick and I haven't even sat in our living room since mom died. It always seemed more like a battlefield then a common ground in the house.

  I remember mom use to cut fresh flowers from the garden and put them in the windowsills saying it made the room look alive.

  The curtains were always drawn back
to let in the sunlight and music always came through the speakers of the TV. A fresh scent of pine sol covering the room.

  Now the room has dust covered walls and is dark. Mainly because dad hates the curtains open. It smells like moth balls and must.

  The last time there were flowers were the days following the funeral.

  I guess because I’m so lost in my own thoughts I don't hear him come through the back door.

  I once again have let my guard down, so when someone grabs the back of my head wrenching it backwards I let out a startled scream.

  Before I can even realize the mistake I’ve made, I’m face down on the floor. I smell the Jack Daniels on his breath. My first instinct was to make sure Nick isn't in the room.

  I lifted my eyes to scan the room, sighing in relief when I don’t see Nick in here with me. Unfortunately, this gives him the perfect opportunity to flip me over on my back.

  He grabs me by the throat, making it a struggle to breathe. I feel my vision start to blur while dots dance in the corner of my eyes.

  He rears back his fist, so I close my eyes tighter knowing this is going to hurt like hell. But the blow never comes. Instead I hear yelling as the pressure from my throat is released.

  The weight of him sitting on my stomach is gone also and before I can even think, I’m getting drug up off the floor and into someone's chest.

  I look up and see Brayden has me plastered to him, but he isn't looking at me. No, he is looking over my head with a murderous look in his eye.

  I try to turn in his arms, but his grip tightens and he shakes his head at me- indicating I don't want to see what’s going on behind me.

  I hear flesh hitting flesh, followed by a sickening crunch.

  I wiggle until I’m turned around and see my dad being pushed up against the wall by his throat, blood pouring down his face. A fist of none other than Asher Badd is being pulled back ready to strike again.

  “Stop!” I hoarsely yell, effectively making everyone quit moving.

  I hadn't even noticed Jaxon and Archer have Nick held back, pushing him up against the refrigerator to prevent him from getting involved.

  I’m grateful for them keeping him out of it.

  Brayden still has a protective hand on my arm preventing me from getting closer. I’m also grateful for that. I’m sure if he let me go I would crumple to the floor.

  Asher lets dad go, causing him to immediately drops down to the floor, wiping the blood with the back of his hand.

  “You bitch!" he directs towards me. That’s all it takes to have Asher turned back on his heels grabbing him back up by the collar.

  “You. Don't. Speak. To. Her" Asher grinds out in such a menacing tone it makes me shiver.

  Jaxon whispers in Nick's ear and Nick quits fighting against them, relaxing slightly. Archer lets go of Nick before grabbing one side of my dad's arm, helping Asher throw him down into a kitchen chair.

  I hadn't even noticed Alek standing in the door frame with his hands casually pushed in the pockets of his black dress pants.

  His tie is loose and the top couple buttons of his shirt are unbuttoned. He looks like he didn’t have a care in the world and that he didn’t just witness a brutal fight.

  Asher walks over to me pulling me into his arms, I don't even realize that I’m shaking until he holds me firmly to his chest. Lifting my chin with his fingers he examines if there is any damage on my neck.

  “Motherfucker…” he mumbles indicating that it must already be bruising.

  “Does it hurt?” he questions.

  I nodded and hold up my fingers indicating that it only hurts a little bit.

  He nods before kisses my forehead, telling me to not talk, that he will take care of everything and get me something to cover the bruises. He says they aren’t bad; for that I’m thankful.

  The boys surround my dad menacingly. Dad spits blood out onto the floor beside the table.

  “Who the hell are you and what are you doing trespassing and getting into my family business?" he asks with such venom.

  Asher slams his palms on the table causing me to jump. “Putting your hands on any woman is unacceptable. Putting your hands on my woman is asking to be killed. Do you understand?”

  “Oh, so you’re who Abigail has been whoring herself out to. Or is it all of you? Nasty whore. Have you opened your legs to what- all five of them?” dad asks with a smirk.

  I feel my eyes well up with tears of embarrassment.

  This time I don't see it coming, especially when it is Nick who flies over the table, grabbing my dad by the throat and getting an inch from his face.

  “I've sat and watched you disrespect and abuse my sister because I thought I couldn't do anything to stop it, but that stops tonight. I'm a coward for not stopping you sooner. But you dad. You’re pathetic. You will not speak to Abby like that again.”

  I feel the tears fall at that point. Nick is my pride and joy. For him to stick up for me means the world.

  I’ve never considered Nick a coward because he’s always been a baby in my eyes- my little brother. I’ve always made him let me handle everything.

  Tonight, I see Nick isn’t such a little boy anymore and if I have any say so Nick will be an awesome man. Nothing like the monster sitting in the chair spitting blood.

  Nick lets go of my dad, backing up behind Jaxon, showing him he is going to let them handle the rest. I’m relieved he isn’t going to be any more involved then he already was.

  Alek took that as clue to intervene slapping papers down in front of my dad. “These Mr. Jacobs are custodial papers granting Abigail Elizabeth Jacobs primary physical and legal custody of Nicholas Wade Jacobs effectively immediately. Please sign and date the bottom.”

  Right to the point I guess is how Alek rolled. I like it.

  Dads face flickers through some emotions- fear, confusion and then anger.

  “Who the hell do you think you are? You come into my house, assault me and then make demands to kidnap my children!? Abby can leave and never come back, she's worthless, but Nick is staying.”

  My chest tightens because he has never came out and told me I'm worthless.

  Then it tightens further, because how am I going to win custody from my own parent, for my sibling that I'm only a few years older then.

  Alek laughs. That’s right, he outright laughs at my dad before he lays it in front of him. The laugh is humorless though. Alek’s eyes have darkened and he all of a sudden doesn’t look like that ruggedly handsome lawyer anymore.

  No, he looks like he wants blood. I can see how the mafia is in his background.

  “Mr. Jacobs, my friend Archer here is very tech savvy. When Abby screamed he immediately started recording before entering the room. What he has recorded will not only cause you to lose custody of your children but will put you away for assault, and attempted murder if I chose to be a prick. And believe me, I choose the option of being a prick a lot.”

  Dad pales. I know it that moment I would never enjoy being on Aleksander Vitale’s bad side. He is a friend I needed to make.

  “This is the one and only offer we will put on the table. Upon signing this contract, which states that you will be signing over your rights of parental responsibility over to Abigail- Abigail and Nicholas will sign over their rights to the house that the three of you share ownership in. My colleagues are willing to give you ten thousand dollars cash for your immediate decision.”

  “Also, you will agree to a no contact order unless Abigail or Nicholas decide to reach out to you in the future. You have two minutes to make your decision Mr. Jacobs before we do this the hard way.

  That means no cash money in your hand, we call the cops and have you arrested for assault on your daughter, I push for the attempted murder charges, you lose custody of Nicholas and Abigail will file for immediate custody, which I will ensure she will be granted. Which way would you like to play this Mr. Jacobs?”

  Dad looks at all the faces in the room knowing he is extremely out
numbered and outsmarted.

  After mere seconds of contemplation he signs the papers. Just like that he grabs the pen and signs on the dotted line.

  I’m immediately relieved, but also a little sad that he didn't fight harder for Nick.

  Jaxon pulls out a stack of hundred-dollar bills with a bank strap on them, throwing it on to the table in front of my dad, who grabs it up like a lifeline. Kind of the same way he holds his liquor bottles.

  Alek picks up all the papers before nodding at my dad and going back into the living room to gather his things.

  The rest of us stand there until Jaxon gives us a nod towards the door. We all head in its direction.

  Nick grabs the jewelry box he had hidden and Asher places his hand on the small of my back to usher me out. I look back at my dad over my shoulder and the bastard has the nerve to smile at me.

  He doesn't care that he just basically sold his child for ten grand. He is glad to be rid of the responsibility of us.

  Now I realize, the monsters you read about in story books aren't real- and the ones under your bed are imaginary, too.

  The real monsters are the ones you live with every day and they can wear many faces.

  The real monsters can be in the bodies of the ones you love.

  ASHER- Chapter 13

  I escort Abby out of the house where her and Nick live, bringing them into a brand-new world.

  They get into the SUV, locking hands immediately in comfort. That didn’t go exactly as planned and I’m furious that he had the chance to hurt Abby.

  I know Abby is torn between wishing he’d give in easy and wishing he’d fight for them, but a man like that doesn't know what he had and never will. His loss is my gain.

  Sliding in the seat next to Abby she looks at me mouthing thank you with tears welling up in her pretty green eyes.

  I put my arm around her shoulder kissing her temple, whispering in her ear for only her to hear, “I'd do anything for you baby. Anything."

  She nods her understanding and I see her paste on her brave smile for Nick.

  Nick's eyes are red from crying but I won't call him out on it. They've both had an emotional day. I know the weight of what happened is on them.