by A. L Inman
We almost have enough to lock the Esteban cartel down and a big raid is planned for the beginning of June. We just have to get through May and keep them off of our radar a little longer.
The DEA is working to get proper channels opened and teams formed including search warrants for all things surrounding the cartel. When it hits there will be no stone uncovered.
Technically, we could go today- but there is rumor of a kidnapping and possibly a trafficking ring that we are trying to get proof of before bringing the charges.
Archer slides me a folder and inside it has a picture with the outside aerial view of Abby’s house, dated for yesterday.
Confusion must be covering my face because he explains that there is a black sedan parked a few houses down from Abby’s drive way that stays there the remainder of the time we are.
One still shot shows Lil-J, one of Emilio’s henchmen, clear as day through the windshield of the car with a camera taking pictures. Shit, they’ve been following us.
“How the hell did we not see this Arch?”
“Well, brother. We’ve had our eyes set on your girlfriend and not on our backs, for one.”
I feel heat rise at his insinuation that Abby caused all this. “What the fuck is your problem with Abby, Archer? She has done nothing to you.”
Archer jumps up slamming his hands on the table, his face shows a mask of rage, which isn’t common. Archer always keeps his emotions in check.
“The problem, brother, is that we have let our guards down to protect a girl and you’ve put all of us in danger to do so. You’re going to blow our cover you asshole! I don’t have a problem with Abby… I have a problem with you and your infatuation of her!”
Jaxon must realize this was not going to end well when my fist balls up because he immediately interjects himself between us holding up his hands to each of us.
“Now listen here. Archer, Ash did what any of us would do. He protected a bystander. Would you not have done the same?” He lifts an eyebrow. Archer has the decency to look ashamed.
“That’s what I thought. Now listen, we all need to put our all into making sure Abby is ready for tomorrow night. We’ve suspected for a while that Emilio was on to us and we cannot have any loose ends tomorrow.”
“Ultimately, we need to make sure Abby is protected. We have enough to lock Emilio away even without the additional few weeks but it would be easier if we could hold him off.”
“Arch- we’re going to have Abby strapped tomorrow night and I need her ready. She needs to be able to protect herself. Got it?”
Archer doesn’t look pleased with Jaxon taking my side but really, this was the best for everyone involved.
He signals his consent with a nod anyways and I know ultimately no matter how mad Archer is at me and the situation, I know he would train and protect Abby- just like the rest of us would… if not better.
Archer is fierce in protecting his family and I hope after he sees how I feel about Abby and spends time with her himself, he will consider her family too.
I’ve been pining after Abby for 3 years. If it was up to me, she would’ve been mine three years ago.
It’s only a matter of time I make that dream a reality. Although it may seem crazy or irrational for these strong feelings, I’ve never felt anything so right in my life.
ABBY- Chapter 16
After dropping off Nick at school Brayden and I headed to the mall.
I look over at him and I can see exactly why every girl in our school wants a piece of one of the Badd brothers. All of them are devastatingly handsome.
Brayden, like Asher, has chestnut brown hair, though his is wavy, and the same crystal blue eyes. His has tiny flecks of green infused but they are very similar. His jaw has a few days' worth of scruff and his cheekbones are hard and masculine.
I know going to the mall with him will make me the envy of every woman we pass by. I smirk at that thought, because I’ve never been envied.
On our drive there I notice a black sedan following behind us but I chalk it up to being paranoid. When we arrive at the mall, the same black sedan parked a few rows back.
I realize how silly I’m being to even think someone was following us. Of course, they came to the mall, there isn’t much to do in this town.
Brayden and I get out and make our way to the entrance, but the hairs on the back of my neck prickle like I was being watched.
Looking around at my surroundings causes Brayden to give me a curious glance and I make up an excuse of not ever being here and just looking at my surroundings.
He nods understanding but really, something feels off to me.
First stop we make is into the cell phone store where we spend about fifteen minutes getting Nick and I up to date with the coolest phone on the market.
I don’t even know how to use the dang thing but Brayden quickly goes over the easier features like where the camera is and how to access text message.
He programs all of them on speed dial and explains number one is voicemail so he has listed the others as 2- Asher 3-Nick 4- Brayden 5-Archer and 6-Jaxon.
I nodded that I understand but in reality, it will probably be weeks before I learn how to make a call or text.
When we make our way into a party dress shop, I figure out that I’m really out of my element.
Brayden introduces me to a cute little brunette named Lexa who looks at him like he hung the moon.
I stifle a giggle when she cuts her eyes at me, obviously thinking I'm with him in more ways than being physically in the same room.
When I shake her hand, I clear that up quickly by introducing myself as Asher’s girlfriend and I see her visibly relax.
Brayden excused himself and Lexa got to work quickly. Measuring my boobs, stomach and ass, making me I feel like I’m a doll.
She brings out 3 party dresses and as soon as I see the deep emerald mid-thigh dress, I know it is the one. She helps me put it on and not to toot my own horn, but it looks amazing.
The sweetheart strapless neckline accentuates my breast, which by far are my best feature. A substantial C cup and the right bra makes me look extremely busty.
The dress does wonders on my body, making my figure look like a coke bottle and Lexa nods in appreciation. Saying that she agrees this is the one.
Brayden comes back to look at what we found and I literally thought we would have to roll his tongue back up into his mouth. It makes me extremely self-conscious causing my face to turn beet red.
“Wow Abbykins, that is beautiful. Ash isn’t going to want you to leave the house in that thing.”
“Oh… well… I can find another if you think it looks bad. Yeah, you’re right it's not the right dress...”
“Um, no, you are getting that damn dress. I can't wait to watch my little brother squirm and reel in his testosterone watching you in that dress. You look beautiful, you're getting it Ab.”
I nodded my agreement before going back to change while Lexa wraps up the dress and a pair of black pumps that make my legs look a mile long.
Coming back out of the dressing room I see that Brayden is carrying a handful of additional bags and I raise a questioning brow.
“We don’t have much time Abby so I had Lexa shoot over your measurements and I got you some more outfits. You’ll love them. I also got you some workout gear for the hand to hand combat you have with Jax tonight.”
I go over and give him a quick hug to show my appreciation, causing him to give me a warm smile in return. Affection is a new concept to me with anyone other than Nick, but it feels good with the guys.
As he is finishing up paying I point over to the hall that has the sign for the bathroom and he nods back before returning to flirt with Lexa.
Lost in thought I start thinking of how with my first check I need to get Nick some new clothes and shoes.
Maybe even a new backpack for next year. And, oh I could buy a new dress for graduation since its only 2 weeks away!
Giddy with excitement
I don’t even notice the man standing in the cove where the water fountains are. Not until I go to open the women's bathroom and I’m shoved from behind falling onto the nasty floor.
I hit my head against the sink on the way down and feel the knot welling up near my temple immediately while my vision flickers with spots.
Looking up at my attacker, my blood runs cold when I see the calculating eyes from the thug we saw at the park that night. The one who had the lips and numbers 69 on his neck that had looked at me like a piece of meat.
I scurry back with my back against the wall and he clicks the button on the lock. Instantly, I regret not waiting on Brayden to go to the bathroom.
The nasty smile he sends me does nothing to comfort me.
His pants are baggy and the t-shirt he is wearing hangs on him like a paper bag. I consider if I can take him, he is kind of scrawny compared to my guys.
When did I start thinking of them as my guys?
“Hola, Puta, my name is Lil-J and there is nothing little about me, just to clear that up,” he gives me an over exaggerated wink and I feel sourness rise in my belly.
“I’ve never seen a piece of ass look as good as you baby, I’m going to show you what a real man can do... teasing me like that at the park. I can’t get you off my mind...”
Out of instinct I scream which quickly rewards me with a backhand across the face, sending me back flat onto the floor.
Moments later I hear someone bang on the door and feel relief when I hear Brayden yelling for me to open the door.
Lil-J pulls out a knife, indicating to me he would slice my throat if I yell again, before he starts towards the door.
I know when he opens that door that Brayden will have the element of surprise against him and will most likely be hurt by the knife Lil-J is wielding.
I know I have one shot to save Brayden and myself.
Lil-J heads towards the door while I brace myself on the floor screaming Brayden’s name as loud as I can, followed by the word “knife” so he knows the danger.
Lil-J whips around with fury and I take my opportunity to sweep my leg under his to knock him off of his feet; causing him to fly flat on his back and lose control of the knife.
We both are scurrying to reach it before the other, when a loud crack sounds and the door fly’s open, sending wood splinters everywhere.
Brayden has a gun drawn and I reach for the stray knife just before Lil-J grabs my ankle pulling me backwards.
I swing the knife with all my might catching him with the blade in the palm of the hand.
Lil-J cries out like a wounded animal and Brayden quickly scoops me up off the bathroom floor.
Lil-J is still on the floor, blood pouring from his handed, as Brayden and I pick up all the bags and literally run all the way to our car.
Out of breath and full of adrenaline I don’t even realize I have tears streaming down my face until we were buckled in and flying down the road.
Brayden is speaking quickly into his phone but I can’t focus on the words. Somehow I knew by his tone that he is talking to Asher.
When he hangs up he glances over me with a face full of worry before slipping his hand into mine offering comfort, which I gladly accept.
We pull into the warehouse on two wheels. Before he could even get us parked the doors were opening and Asher was pulling me out and into his chest.
Looking me over from head to toe, he immediately notices the knot forming on my head and curses under his breath.
Eyeing over my shoulder I see Brayden has his hands stuffed in his pocket looking pensive.
Suddenly, I’m being ushered upstairs quickly to the table we sat at the day before where Jaxon and Archer are already waiting.
“Well, I had planned to do a debrief with just Archer and I this afternoon but pending the recent attack on you at the mall Abby, I think we should all be in on this.” Jaxon starts.
“After we leave here you and Arch will head to the range and then we’ll do our hand to hand combat. This is significantly more urgent than it was prior.”
I cast a glance at Asher and I can feel the rage radiating off of him.
Brayden fills them in on what happened starting with me leaving to go to the bathroom, to hearing me scream. He tells how he immediately came looking for me and tried to get into the bathroom, but the door was locked.
He wasn’t sure what was going on until he heard me scream his name and the word knife- that’s when he knew he had to take down the door.
He includes how when he got the door kicked open it was just in enough time to realize Lil-J had been taken down, assumingly by me, and we were fighting for control of the knife.
He described how I swung the knife like my life depended on it and jabbed it through Lil-J’s hand and how we left him bleeding in the bathroom.
The boys look impressed at my fight skills and even Archer acknowledges I did everything correct in our brawl.
Asher voices his opinion that we should have killed him but Jaxon quickly reminds him that we still have work to do with Emilio and can’t bear to get in a war right now. Then he commends Brayden and my actions.
I could tell regardless of the explanation, Asher isn’t happy. Brayden still has the most lost look on his face and I know he blames himself. That tears me up.
ASHER- Chapter 17
I am absolutely furious that Abby had gotten hurt while shopping.
I know I’m being irrational by being mad at Brayden but I’m furious he hadn’t done a better job watching my girl.
Realistically, it could have been with any of us and I know Brayden is feeling guilty. I also know that he would do anything in his power to ensure nothing like that would happen again.
Abby slips her hand onto my thigh, giving it a squeeze.
I know she is trying to comfort me and let me know she is okay but all I can think about is having a little chat with Lil-J tomorrow night. The bastard better hope I can’t get him alone.
Jaxon goes over our files with Abby and I see her watching with amazement at everything we have accomplished; that gives me a sense of pride.
I want Abby to feel safe with us, especially me. I want her impressed by our actions and accomplishments of the team.
Jaxon explains how important it would be for us all to keep our cool tomorrow, particularly me. I know that was his warning to keep it in check about Lil-J.
Jax dismisses us and Archer tells Abby he would meet her downstairs in the gun range in ten minutes. As everyone disperses I take advantage of gathering her into my arms, yet again, and looking her over.
“Abby, are you okay babe? I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”
Abby looks at me like I have three heads before replying, “Asher, there was nothing you could have done differently.”
“I felt like we were being followed and I didn’t tell Brayden. I chose to go off to the bathroom without waiting on him and I was the one not looking at my surroundings headed to the bathroom.”
“I know better now and I know to listen about proper ways to defend myself. It could’ve went a lot worse. Brayden saved me, Ash.”
She reaches up giving me a soft kiss on the cheek before heading to get changed into her workout clothes for her sessions with Arch and Jax.
I notice Bray is still sitting at our round table with a lost look on his face. I know he feels bad and I also know I have to forgive him. So, I make my way over clapping a hand over his shoulder.
I must have knocked him out of his fog because he jumps just a little bit and turns his blue eyes up to me. I can see they are brimming with worry and fears so it doesn’t take me long to pull my brother into a big hug.
“I didn’t mean to let her get hurt Ash. I was just… I was just talking… she just went to the bathroom… I swear I didn’t mean for her to get hurt...”
“I know Bray. I know. I’m sorry for taking it out on you. Abby said she felt like she was being followed all morning and didn’t tell anyone. It’s no on
e's fault, especially not yours or Abby. I need you to help me though Bray.”
He looks at me and nods his head, “Anything man.”
“I need to get time alone with Lil-J tomorrow. Man, if you weren’t there… he could’ve… he could’ve really hurt her… and I just got her… I can’t lose her…”
Brayden nods with understanding, “We’ll get him man. I promise.”
ABBY- Chapter 18
I take out the workout clothes Brayden has gotten for me and of course they fit like a glove.
I pair a purple sports bra with a pair of black workout leggings that have purple arrows on the side of the right leg.
He has gotten me a few pairs of shoes too, but I pull on the pair of all black Nikes.
I quickly fix my braid back since it was a little scathed from my rumble with Lil-J before looking at myself in the mirror.
I see the knot on my forehead and I wince knowing it could’ve been so much worse. What if Bray didn’t come just at that moment? What if Lil- J.... no, I can’t think like that.
I have to make sure I’m ready for Emilio’s tomorrow night no matter what.
When I get down to the basement of the warehouse, Archer is waiting with two cases that I assume house guns.
I’ve never even held a gun before so I’m definitely nervous of the new experience. I’m also a little uneasy about entering into a room that has no windows and looks like a bomb shelter.
Sensing my apprehension, Archer explained this was their in-house gun range and points down the row to a hanging target.
Archer lays on the table the open cases which have two black guns in them. Even though they were small, they are intimidating.
“Abby, this one is one of my guns, it’s also my favorite. It’s a Glock 23. This one is yours now, it’s a 9mm Ruger LC9. Yours is one of the best guns for women self-defense. Your magazine is this part of the gun, it holds 7 rounds. You load it like this.” He articulates clearly as he clicks the magazine into place.
He quickly goes through showing me where the safety is located and tips for safe gun handling. A lot of which are common sense rules like, never point a gun at anything you don’t plan to shoot. I nod my understanding which seems to please him that I’m willing to just shut up and listen.
