The Bailey Brothers
BOX SET
The Complete
ORIGINAL SIN
Protector Romance
T R I L O G Y
Contains updated editions of the 3 Bailey Brothers books Protected By Ace, Red & Van.
Melissa Devenport
♥
Table of Contents:
PROTECTED BY ACE
Prologue
Chapter 01
Chapter 02
Chapter 03
Chapter 04
Chapter 05
Chapter 06
Chapter 07
Chapter 08
Chapter 09
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue
PROTECTED BY RED
Prologue Red
Prologue Rachel
Chapter 01
Chapter 02
Chapter 03
Chapter 04
Chapter 05
Chapter 06
Chapter 07
Chapter 08
Chapter 09
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
PROTECTED BY VAN
Prologue
Chapter 01
Chapter 02
Chapter 03
Chapter 04
Chapter 05
Chapter 06
Chapter 07
Chapter 08
Chapter 09
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
ALL ABOUT MELISSA
Written by Melissa Devenport
Published by Perfect Harmony Publications
© 2019 Perfect Harmony Publications
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission in writing from the publisher.
The Bailey Brothers
PROTECTED BY ACE
Prologue
JENNIFER
Sighing, she dropped her clutch on the side table next to the door and threw her keys into the ceramic bowl. She eagerly unhooked her stilettos from around her ankle and kicked them to the side, breathing a sigh of relief while rubbing her sore soles. Just another day in the life of Jennifer Jacobs.
Her mobile trilled annoyingly from her bag, demanding her attention but she wasn’t having it. Not now. Even dinner out with her co-stars had led to the incessant following of paparazzi monitoring her every move. Sometimes she wondered whether the fame was all worth it.
It was then that she noticed it, propped neatly next to the vase on the table. A periwinkle blue envelope, all too similar to the ones that came before. Her stomach lurched as she fumbled for the letter. In the beautiful cursive she had learned to fear, ‘Jenny’ was scrawled on the front. She fit her perfectly manicured finger underneath and popped the envelope open. With a slight tremor, she pulled the paper from its casing and opened it to read.
It wasn’t until after reading the entirety of the note that she realized the placement of the letter. Her maid wasn’t due to visit until tomorrow and no one else had access to her house. Trembling, she grabbed her keys and clutch and sprinted back to her car barefoot.
Chapter 1
ACE
The summer sun warmed Ace’s skin as he rode past the traffic. It was too nice a day to have leather covering his skin so he had decided to take his bike to the lake in a simple black t-shirt and jeans. His heavily tattooed arms rippled in the bright light.
When Red saw his brother pulling up to the water, he popped open another beer and handed it to him as Ace sat down beside him. They gazed out over the calming scenery, sipping their cold brews before talking.
“Where’s Van?”
“Out on a job,” Red took another sip, “Won’t be back for a few days he said. Didn’t mention where he was going but shouldn’t be anything too big.”
“You heard anything from the twins lately?”
“Nah, it’s been rather quiet my end. After the last mess, I think they’ve given me a bit of time to rest up.”
Ace looked at the wound on his brother’s arm. A new scar to add to the mass already scattering his tats. It always worried Ace knowing the jobs they were contracted to do, could bring them one step closer to the grave. But then again, pain was just another part of their lives. An all too familiar feeling that scratched away at their inner beings. He hated when Van went off without telling them where he was going. He knew how much family meant to each of them. In fact, that was the main reason why they left their old MC. The incident with their parents was the final trigger. It felt as if the Bailey family had hit rock-bottom, at the very end of a definite blind-alley. They were stuck in limbo between dejection and death. That’s when they swore the oath to break free and form their own exclusive club. They were more than family, they were blood brothers. Always fighting the honorable battle.
“You going to the bar later?”
“Where else would I be?”
“I’m just surprised you are having a night away from the ladies, that’s all.”
Red grinned, “Who said I have a night off from the ladies? I just get to meet new ones at the bar.”
The brothers laughed and sat in silence before Ace’s mobile started ringing from his saddlebag. Placing his beer down, he strolled over to his bike and pulled out the phone. Hidden number. Must be the twins. He pressed the green button and held it to his ear.
“Hey sexy, did you miss me?”
Her voice sent a shudder down his spine. The woman barely came up to his chest in height but her personality was unmatched in fierceness. Even the rumors were enough to get him to play along in her games.
“What’s up, Pearl? You got something for me?”
“I got plenty for you but I’m not sure you’d be able to handle it,” she giggled.
“I’m pretty sure you didn’t call me for small talk. Is there a job?” Ace’s patience was wearing thin.
“Always so rough with me… can’t say it doesn’t turn me on. But since I can’t persuade you to step up to the plate, then let’s just say I have a biggie for you this time. One of our assets is having an issue with some unwanted attention and she needs a tough man like you to look out for her and find out who’s behind it all. Think you can handle it, big boy?”
“This lady got a stalker or something?”
“That’s to say the least. The poor girl just can’t handle the boys like I can.”
That’s for sure. Ace had heard rumors about last time a man was stupid enough to challenge Pearl’s authority. He had bits of him cut off that made him wince just thinking about it. Don’t mess with the twins.
It was that simple.
Maybe it would be simpler just to give in to Pearl and sleep with her? She wants me so bad, I doubt it would be much trouble. It would just be another meaningless fuck anyway.
“So she needs someone to look out for her and investigate at the same time? Am I on bodyguard duties for the time being then?”
“More than that, Ace! The lucky girl gets you staying in her house until the mission is over.”
Ace was speechless for a second. He had never even spent a night at his ex-girlfriends’ houses
, let alone an unknown woman. He was overthinking things though – this was just another job, just another hefty paycheck heading his way afterward. He was in need of a new fender after some dents from previous jobs so he was eager to get started.
“Fine. Text me her address. When do I start?”
“Slow down, tiger. This is a high profile case and I need to know you’re up for it. You’ve worked some cases with the lower level stars but no one of this level. I need to know you’re mentally in the right place. There can be no mistakes, no screw-ups, and no second chances. Do you understand me, big boy?”
Ace’s anger flared momentarily at her doubt in his skills but brought his temper to a mild simmer before replying.
“Pearl, I don’t have time for this. You know I am up for it. You wouldn’t hand me the job if you didn’t think I could handle it. Who is the woman?”
“Now, that’s the golden question. You ever heard of Jennifer Jacobs?”
Ace froze. Jennifer fucking Jacobs. The Jennifer Jacobs. Of course, he had heard of her. You would have to be completely oblivious to the world to have missed her face plastered on billboards and spattered all over TV screens. The actress was a 23-year-old petite brunette with pale skin, a soft spattering of freckles etching across her nose and upper cheeks and a smile which challenged even the brightest of stars. Oscar-winning Jennifer Jacobs was heavily in the media presence lately with her upcoming movie – Demon Hunters. Ironic how a woman who portrays such a badass heroine was now the one being hunted. However, having a high-profile job meant that he might end up in the press too. He had to be careful with this one. He took a few moments to consider, the mafia twin waiting patiently at the end of the phone for his answer.
“I’ll take it.”
“You sure? If it’s too much for you, I have a nice comfy bed waiting for you here. I’m sure we can…”
“Text me the details,” Ace hung up the phone. She’d make him pay for his insolence later, he was sure, but for the time being, he had to get his head around the upcoming job.
He could feel his brother looking at him from the corner of his eye. Ace turned and headed back to his seat next to the water, picking up his beer as he sat down. He took a hefty gulp before explaining the job to his brother. Red stayed quiet the entire time, only raising his eyebrow in surprise at the mention of Jennifer’s name. They both knew it wouldn’t be an easy case, it meant Ace had to stay concentrated and keep his head low from any prying eyes wondering who the new bodyguard is that stayed close to the starlet’s side.
Ace’s phone pinged in his pocket where he had placed it after the phone call. Pulling it out he saw the text from Pearl with the address for Jennifer’s house. He was to be there at 7am sharp tomorrow morning. He sent a confirmation message before shoving the mobile back into his jeans.
“You need anything and we’re a phone call away,” Red looked at him concerned.
Ace just nodded before finishing his beer and staring out into the forest beyond the lake. He watched as a disturbance in the leafy brush sent a flock of birds noisily fluttering off into the cloudless sky. How he envied those birds, free from concern, able to escape all their damn problems and fly away to distant lands far from their troubles. He couldn’t remember a time in his life where he wasn’t stressed about his brothers or a job. Maybe Van enjoyed the lifestyle and Red could get by on the countless women that he whiled away his hours with, but Ace was an entirely different creature. He had always wanted a simple life, something his brothers had mocked him for whenever he was stupid enough to voice his wishes.
Just stay quiet next time, idiot.
Standing up, he headed over to his bike and strapped his helmet on. He straddled the bike, pushing off the kickstand with his shitkicker and starting the engine. Red looked over.
“See you at the club later?”
“You know it, little brother.”
Chapter 2
JENNIFER
Jennifer examined the tired bags under her eyes. She hadn’t been able to sleep properly in days, not with the constant texts, calls, anonymous gifts and notes she kept discovering. She was sure that the stress was driving her to insanity. Once the director caught her sleeping on set, he knew something was wrong and she had to confide in him. Someone had to know; she couldn’t keep it to herself any longer. David had tried to reassure her that it was just an overly dedicated fan, but she wasn’t having it. Jennifer had received plenty of bizarre gifts and notes from fans, but none had managed to get into her house before. She knew this was different. She felt a cold fear stab through her even thinking about it.
After explaining the effect the notes were having on her, David finally listened. He couldn’t have the main actress getting worked up with the movie getting close to completion. Once he grasped the severity of the situation, he left the room and came back looking serious.
“I’ve handled it. Someone will be around your house early tomorrow morning. You’d better get a spare bed made up for him.”
“Who did you call?”
“It doesn’t matter. All you need to know is they’re getting one of their best men on the case. Just let him help and we can get this matter sorted out quickly.”
Jennifer was shocked, “Listen, David, I am not having some random man staying at my house. He could be capable of anything! I’m not going to ask again – who did you call?”
“Let’s just say it’s one of our primary investors. Don’t get on their bad side or you’ll be blacklisted from the film industry, do you hear me, Jen? Just accept their help. Trust me, they’ll get it sorted.”
And now I’m waiting for some complete stranger to show up at my house.
Jennifer had got the spare room made up as David had suggested, and the maid had emptied out the wardrobes ready for the newcomer’s use. He shouldn’t be staying long anyway. She was sure that the matter should be resolved fast enough if the guy was as good as David claimed he was.
Looking back into the mirror, she hastily applied some concealer under her eyes and finished off her makeup. Pulling her hair into a high ponytail, she heard an engine pull up to the front of the house. Her knight in shining armor had finally arrived, it would seem. She managed to get to the intercom before the buzzer went off.
“Who is it?” she tried to put on her sweetest voice. First impressions counted in her line of work.
“Miss Jacobs? I’ve been sent by the twins to deal with some issues you may be having.”
It was difficult to hear over the static of the intercom, but his voice was husky and tough. Curious to see the owner of such a voice, she buzzed him through without further questions and went to open the front door.
A 6-foot-something Greek god appeared to be strolling down her front pathway. His skin was bronzed and covered in tattoos. Black hair slicked back complimented his masculine jawline and strong features. Glasses shaded out his eyes, but she was already drinking in his muscular frame. A tight t-shirt appeared to have melted onto his chest, outlining his pecs perfectly. Jennifer tried her mightiest not to drool at the sight of this immaculate being.
“Ace,” he held out his hand which seemed to swamp hers when she returned the handshake. His palms were rough from what she could only presume was hard manual work.
“Jennifer, although you can call me Jen.”
She led him out of the sun and back into the coolness of the house, closing the door behind them. He dropped the small gym bag he was holding in the hallway and followed her round to the kitchen where she poured cold orange juice into two cups. She handed him a cup before greedily gulping at her own. She seemed to be thirsty just looking at him.
“So, I’ve heard you’ve got a bit of a problem with some unwanted attention. Could you elaborate further on the issue so I understand what I’m working with?”
Jennifer snapped out of her lusty stupor after being reminded of her current situation. Ace frowned as she scurried out of the room and into one of her cupboards in the hallway. She knew from her experienc
e with David, it was something that needed to be shown, not just talked about to grasp the full extent of this stalker. Returning to the kitchen with the box, she tipped it over, spilling all the terrifying materials onto the counter. She blushed. It felt bizarre revealing her personal fear to this stranger. She watched his eyes dart over the various articles laid out, before picking up the nearest note and started to read.
The latest note from my incessant stalker, the one that caused me to confide in David. Maybe I’m just overthinking things? Will Ace think I’m being dramatic?
Her thoughts were broken as Ace returned the letter to the pile and frowned. His gaze darted from piece to piece as though trying to identify the perpetrator from mere sight. She watched as he picked up the glass and took a sip of the juice, his Adam’s apple bounced in his throat. The stubble on his neck was just grown enough to look like he hadn’t shaved in a couple of days. Clearly not a pretty boy, although eye-candy he certainly was. Jennifer blushed when he glanced over, catching her looking at him with what she could only imagine as a hungry stare. Warmth flooded her face.
Ace seemed to be oblivious to her animalistic emotions. “It seems like we have a hardcore stalker on our hands here, Jen. I will have to look over all this in my own time, see if there are any clues hidden in this mess. I just want you to know that I will find whoever is behind this and put an end to it. In the meantime, I have been asked to act as your live-in bodyguard, if you will. I presume you have agreed to the arrangements?”
“David informed me of such. I guess it feels better to have someone around to look out for me. These letters are getting more frequent and it’s affecting my work. I’m not sure if you know, but I’m in an upcoming film and I have to finish the final scenes this week, so it will be ready for the premiere in December.”
“I am aware of Demon Hunters.”
“Oh, are you a fan?”
“Unfortunately, I do not have time to indulge in movie theaters and celebrities. Regardless, I aim to ensure you finish the movie without further complications from this man,” Ace gathered the stalker’s items back into the box, “Can you show me to my room now?”
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 1