The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy

by Melissa Devenport

  “But you’re doing the right thing. You’re saving lives and protecting the people who serve our country. You’re a good person.”

  Van was frightened when he looked into her eyes this time. They were shallow and devoid of emotion as the words tumbled from her mouth.

  “Have you ever wondered whether we might not be the good guys? We always say we are on the good side because we have been told that we are right. But the people fighting us, they too think they are right. So, who can honestly say who is right and who is wrong? All I know is that seeing innocent people get caught up in it - mothers lose their children, children see their parents beheaded, families being obliterated from the face of the planet… I think maybe we are all wrong. I became a nurse to save lives, but the people I save go on to kill multiple other people. Am I really saving lives or just manufacturing the death of many?”

  Her words sent chills running up his spine and his hair stand on edge. He once again found himself holding her hand across the table, but this time in an attempt to bring her out of her dark thoughts. For a moment he thought she was stuck there, but with a blink of her eyes he saw warmth flood back into her face as she took in her surroundings.

  “I thought I lost you there for a moment,” he murmured.

  “Me? Sorry, I’m just jet-lagged. I’ll be fine once I’ve got a few hours of sleep in a normal bed.”

  “Do you want me to take you home now?”

  “Home would imply that is somewhere I belong. I haven’t really found where I belong yet but it certainly isn’t with my siblings. And no, not just yet. I’m enjoying my time with you and right now I don’t want the night to end. You haven’t said much about yourself so far. Is the mystery part of your act or are you usually this closed?”

  “This is just me, I’m afraid. Actually, I think you’ve got more words out of me tonight than anyone else has in years. I’m not really one for sharing, a bit of a lone wolf.”

  “Well, lone wolf, what brought you to joining the family business? You seem too nice to be a killer.”

  Van cringed at the words, “I’m not a killer. At least I try to avoid that at all costs. I value life and wouldn’t waste it if there was an alternative. Regardless of what you think about your sibling’s business, some of us do actually have morals. I actually joined over twenty years ago now. I was desperate for money and the twins took me in. I had to look after my brothers somehow and it just so happened they followed me into the business when they were old enough. My brothers are pretty much out of the line of work nowadays after settling down. Now it’s just me. Your lone wolf reporting for duty.”

  “Why were you paying for your brothers? Isn’t that your parents’ job?”

  Van’s smile was wiped clean from his face as guilt flooded his system. His mind pounced upon him.

  My parents. Seeing them riddled with bullets lying flat out on the floor, surrounded by a pool of their own blood. Watching my brothers break down and Ace shut out everyone for years. And the reason why…

  “Our parents died when we were young. I had to raise my brothers from there on out. I was never one to stay in school so I didn’t have much to show potential employers. No one really saw what I was capable of apart from your siblings. They gave me little jobs to start with, but after proving myself I soon became one of their best men. I may not be proud of the work I do but it doesn’t stop me putting my all into it. And even though your siblings may not be the best of people, I can never thank them enough and will be eternally grateful for how they’ve helped my family. Although my brothers have pretty much thrown it back in their faces at times.”

  Lily was shocked, “I’m so sorry to hear about your parents. I had no idea. And I’m glad my brother and sister finally made a good decision in their life. I’m surprised I never saw you around when I was younger. The twins practically raised me after my parents died at an early age. I know they tried to keep me hidden to keep me safe, but I still knew some of the guys that worked for them. And what did your brothers do to upset my siblings? I know Pearl has a short temped but Joe is pretty tough.”

  “I was out working all the time and they probably only allowed you to see people they trusted. I didn’t truly earn their respect and trust until I had a good few years under my belt. As for my brothers, the women they settled down with were clients. One very high-profile actress and the Romanos actual lawyer. It all happened while they were on bodyguard jobs and you can probably understand why it didn’t go down with the twins. It took a lot of convincing to let them keep their old jobs, although they are more on the sideline now.”

  “Well, isn’t that a bit amusing!” Lily snorted with laughter, “Ah, is it bad I get a bit of pleasure out of their misfortune? And what about you? You didn’t want to settle down with one of your clients?”

  “No, I keep things professional. I wouldn’t ever consider having a personal relationship with a client.”

  “Maybe you just haven’t found the right one yet,” Lily smiled wickedly.

  Van felt a lump in his throat as he tried to read the woman sitting across from him. He could feel himself harden slightly at the thought that she was suggesting something between them.

  It’s your boss’s little sister, you can’t be that insane! But then again, I have never felt this way about anyone else before. She is the woman of my dreams. Do I just let her walk away out of courtesy to the twins? Do I owe them my happiness? Is it worth the risk?

  “Let me get the check, we should probably get going before your sister thinks we’ve been kidnapped. I wouldn’t want her to find out I’ve kept her waiting.”

  Did he detect a hint of disappointment in Lily’s eyes? Van waved over Lydia and paid the check, leaving a hefty tip as always. She gave yet another of her knowing smiles before saying goodbye and thanking them as they clambered out of the booth.

  Even though it was 66 degrees outside, the cold air prickled his skin as he walked towards his bike. Lily trailed behind and jumped on while he held it in place. He waited until she had the helmet strapped on before pushing off into the night. Street lamps zoomed overhead as he headed towards the twin’s house just outside the city. When they reached the gates, he buzzed the bell and waited for the security to recognize him over the CCTV before allowing him entrance. He drove up the extensive driveway before parking up in front of the house. As they were getting off, a sleepy security guard opened the front door before nodding a greeting at Van and disappearing.

  Lily placed her backpack in the entrance before meandering back over to Van. The movement-sensor outdoor light made her hair glow as she stood in front of him. Her wicked smile was back in place.

  “Well, thank you for the best welcoming breakfast I have ever had. I really think it hit the spot,” she rubbed her stomach to emphasize her point, “I couldn’t have asked for better company either. At least my siblings did well in selecting you to collect me from the airport. Are you sure you have to leave me here? Can’t I come with you?”

  Van laughed, “Not if I want to keep my head. But thank you for tonight also. I had a lot of fun and I don’t think I’ve talked so much in my entire life. I’ve really enjoyed my time with you.”

  “So meet me again?” her tone was suggestive.

  “I can’t. I mean, I want to but I don’t think the twins would understand. Especially Pearl. She’ll have my balls mounted on the wall if I dared.”

  “Dared what? I never said anything inappropriate. That was all in your head,” her eyes glinted mischievously.

  “Did I read your tone wrong?” Van felt his stomach lurch momentarily.

  Did I just hit on my boss’s little sister for no reason? Holy shit! Of course she doesn’t feel that way towards you. You’re just the help after all. How could I be so stupid? Now Pearl and Joe are going to find out and that will be the end of me. She’s too good for me after all…

  “You read it just right, my lone wolf.”

  Before he knew what was happening, her lips were upon his. Their mou
ths meshed together as their kiss deepened. Her tongue found its way into his mouth and he could taste the tang of orange juice from earlier. Everything drowned away around him and for the moment he forgot all about who she was in relation to the twins. Right now, she was the woman of his dreams. That was all.

  I was right! Holy shit! She does feel that way towards me and I’m not just the help. I’m not stupid. Although Pearl and Joe can still find out. The cameras!

  Van quickly pulled away and a look of shock registered on Lily’s face before a blush caused her entire face to turn red. He couldn’t believe how fucking stupid he had been.

  “I’m sorry, Lily, as much as I want to, I just can’t. If Pearl and Joe find out this happened they’ll have my head on a platter. I’d better get going. I’m sorry.”

  To avoid confronting her confusion and pain at his swift departure, he threw his helmet back on and leaped onto his bike. He was speeding away before she could even get a word out.

  Have I just made the biggest mistake of my life?

  Chapter 3

  LILY

  “You’ve been quiet all morning, aren’t you happy to be home?”

  Lily looked up from her coffee to stare across the table at her sister. Pearl had barely aged since she had last seen her. She still had curves that any man would lust over, with raven black pin-straight hair falling just over her shoulders. For once she had chosen a more conservative outfit in which to greet her sister. Pearl had actually managed to contain herself underneath a tight fitting shirt, even though it was close to burst. Pearl was considerably paler than both her siblings, but it just made her black eyeliner and bright red lipstick pop out more from her face.

  “Of course I’m happy. I’m just a little tired, it’s all.”

  “I’m not surprised. Van sure did take his time bringing you home. Francis said you got back at close to 6am this morning. How long did you say your flight was delayed for?”

  Lily chewed her lip before replying, “Just over an hour and a half. As always eagle Airlines does nothing but disappoint.”

  Lily felt a surge of guilt from lying but knew she couldn’t tell her sister the truth. The look of Van’s face from when he left her yesterday, still made her feel sick to her stomach. She didn’t know whether it was respect or fear for her siblings that made him reject her.

  “You sure you don’t want any more rest before the party tonight? I can rearrange your plans for the day and you can stay at home?” Joe asked concerned.

  Home? This is hardly home. You two haven’t changed at all.

  “No, that’s perfectly fine,” Lily faked a smile, “You said you had a surprise for me and I don’t want to bail on all the plans you have arranged for me.”

  “You sure?” Joe asked.

  “She said she was fine,” Pearl snapped, “Stop fussing over her. She’s not a little girl anymore. Anyway, your surprise is actually here, I’ve been informed. Come in!”

  Pearl called to the doorway and Lily turned around expectantly. A man walked through the door, his face instantly recognizable even after all the years.

  “Jin!” Lily screamed, leaping from her seat.

  Jin opened his arms wide and she ran straight into him. Tears of joy streamed down her face and they laughed manically and stood in an embrace. After a minute or so they pulled away.

  “Well, haven’t you grown, Lily Romano. It must have been about ten years since I saw you last! We have so much to catch up on!”

  “Ten years, has it really been that long already? I can see you’ve become quite the man! I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to,” Lily’s grin was ear-splitting.

  “Alright, that’s quite enough chit-chat for now,” Pearl called out, “Lily, you have a tight schedule today and I thought it would be nice, if Jin could escort you around as your brother and I have a lot on our plate. Jin has everything written down so you’d better get ready now. You two can chat while you’re on the move.”

  “Are you sure?” Lily gazed up at her childhood friend, “I’m sure you have better things to do than take me around to appointments.”

  “He’s quite sure,” Pearl interrupted, “I’ve assigned him this role today specifically. Now please get going.”

  Lily was shocked, “Wait, what do you mean you’ve assigned him this role? Jin, please tell me you’re not working for them?”

  “Yes, Lily, I am. We will talk more in the car. I’ll be waiting for you outside.”

  With that she watched him turn on his heel and march out the room. Lily was taken aback.

  But we swore we would never end up like our family. He saw what the job did to his dad, what it made him do. He knew it was wrong, he knew it was evil. How could he still follow in those poisonous footsteps?

  “You’d better not keep him waiting, go get ready,” Pearl ordered.

  Lily had to hide the disgusted look on her face as she rushed out the room. She took the stairs two at a time as she dashed into her room. She could feel a heavy weight in her heart which just added to the despair of the rejection from Van this morning.

  This is not the life I wanted to come back to. This is worse than I could have thought. Who would have thought I’d be wanting to return to the battlefield this soon after leaving?

  Lily had never been one for fashion and quickly threw on a comfy pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. The weather was hot and cloudless so she didn’t bother with a jacket. After digging out a pair of her old sneakers, she was ready to go. Pulling her hair into a high ponytail, she was out the door and jogging down the stairs. She made a quick stop in the dining room to bid her siblings goodbye before heading out to the car where Jin was waiting for her. She clambered in and shut the door behind her.

  “You need to tell me everything. Now,” she demanded.

  “We can talk on the way. We need to get you to the tailor,” his voice was calm but she could tell he was readying himself from the onslaught of disappointment she was exuding.

  The car sped out of the drive and past the gates as the GPS informed them where to go. Jin kept his eyes on the road and silence fell between them for a couple of minutes before Lily could bear it no longer.

  “You promised me you would never end up like your dad. You were never meant to join the family business. How could you? They’re evil!”

  “We were kids, Lily. You may have ran away from it all, but you left me behind. I had no choice but to join. I couldn’t just disappear off the radar like you. Anyway, stop being so dramatic. It’s just a business, and like any business they are cut-throat. Maybe in this business they take it literally, but it’s good money and who am I to turn it down?”

  “You’re a good person, at least that’s what I thought. You should have just left like I did. You just gave into greed like the rest of them. How can you value money over someone’s life? You make me sick.”

  Jin turned to face her briefly, “I have never once harmed a person, Lily. It’s not all about murder and violence in this business. If you actually stuck around to learn a bit more about the mafia, then you might actually understand we are not all bad people.”

  Lily sighed and stared out the window. She couldn’t believe, that the boy she had grown up with had become one of those crooks she despised. She had spent nearly her entire life with Jin. His father was one of Joe’s close bodyguards. When he was born, it was only natural for them to become playmates. It wasn’t the best environment for children to grow up in. As teenagers, they had come to despise everything the mafia represented.

  At least I thought we did.

  “Come on. Aren’t you just a little bit glad to see me?”

  Lily’s wall crumbled. After all this time she couldn’t turn her back on him. They had shared almost twenty years of friendship together before she had left for the army.

  “Of course I’m glad. I’m just surprised, it’s all. I never expected you to end up on their side. I’m not going to lose our friendship over it, however. We have come too far. So, aren’t y
ou at least going to give me a clue as to what type of party the two clowns have planned for me?”

  Jin finally cracked a smile, “You know I can’t keep a secret from you. They’ve booked the entire Juliet Hotel and will host the party in the grand hall. They’ve invited all the mafia and some of the higher clientele. I think Joe wanted it to be a simple family gathering, but of course Pearl had to have her way and is using it to network. They’re planning to expand and they need to strengthen their connection with the neighboring city.”

  “I’ve heard they’re expanding. I can’t say I’m surprised about Pearl seeing me as a business opportunity once again. It’s always the case. Even after ten years of being away they still haven’t changed. Why couldn’t we have one night which isn’t about the fucking mafia?”

  Lily’s seemed gloomy again and she stared out the window. The buildings were getting taller as they wound their way into the city. Eventually they pulled up outside a shop and they both hopped out. Jin escorted her inside.

  “Lily Romano? Is that you? Look how big you are now!”

  Lily turned and saw an old woman. Lily couldn’t quite put a name to the face, but smiled shyly just in case.

  “You don’t remember me, do you? Well, I’m not surprised. The last time I saw you was before your sixteenth birthday. I made your dress for you Sweet Sixteenth.”

  The memory clicked into place and Lily beamed wildly, “Now I remember! How are you, Kimberly? That dress was stunning. I still remember the way everyone looked at me.”

  “I’m doing just great. And I wouldn’t say it was just the dress they were looking at. You’re quite the stunner, Miss Romano. Pearl had me create your dress as soon as she heard you were coming home. I just need to measure you and make the final alterations and I’ll have it dropped at yours later. She told me I was not to show you the dress, so I’m afraid it will have to remain a surprise.”