Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

TW!!: Roofies and gun violence 

“Everyone’s staring.” Jake said through the tense, fake smile plastered on his face. 

Bradley tightened the grip around his waist and continued steering them through crowds of people towards the bar. 

“At you .” 

Jake could admit Bradley was right— men and women would take a quick look at Bradley and then hold their focus on Jake with a mix of curiosity and desire. Jake liked attention just as much as the next guy, but even this was a little overwhelming. 

“And why is that?” He muttered once they finally made it to one of the larger bars with champagne glasses ready for the taking. 

Bradley reached to hand him a glass but Jake already had a glass to his lips and champagne down his throat.

“Partly because you’re with me. But mostly because you’re hot.” Bradley’s eyes playfully checked him out from head to toe. 

Jake set down the empty glass and picked up another one, this time choosing to cradle it in his hands like a normal person and not chug it. 

“You never brought a date to one of these before?” he lifted his brows in surprise. 

Bradley took a sip of his drink and shook his head. 

“I don’t come to things like this. I haven’t been to one in years— also probably why people are staring.” Bradley grunted awkwardly and adjusted the collar of his tight black shirt. 

Jake began to realize that this was just as much out of Bradley’s comfort zone as it was his. Bradley had spent the last 10 years trying to stay out of the mafia world, but now he was diving straight back into it. 

“Bradshaw, is that you?” 

Jake looked up to see a man in his 40’s or 50’s in an expensive navy suit slap Bradley on the shoulder like they were old friends. The terse smile and clenched jaw on Bradley’s face told Jake otherwise. 

“Eli— it’s been a while.” Bradley stepped closer to Jake so their shoulders were brushing. “How’s the family?” 

The older man brushed back his salt and pepper hair and took a sip of what looked to be a whiskey sour. His glassy blue eyes indicated he was at least three drinks in. 

“Oh good, nothing to report.” Eli grunted. “Heard some rumors about the Rigazio’s fucking with you again. What’s their problem?” 

Jake was relieved to see that this guy appeared to be on their side. Bradley still kept his posture firm beside him.

“You know how they are. Sadistic.” Bradley deadpanned while taking a large gulp of his champagne. Jake’s hand tensed around his own glass.

“Yeah— I met his girl once. She was real nice and innocent.” Eli reminisced. “I can’t believe he put his hands on her. Oh, and his own daughter too? That family is fucked up .” 

Bradley controlled his expression carefully and nodded. Jake, on the other hand couldn’t hide a single fucking emotion from showing on his face if he tried. 

“We’re trying to get them kicked out of our business circles.” Bradley gestured to the room around him. “There’s no telling who they’ll target next. We can’t trust them.” 

Jake raised his eyes and watched as Bradley easily schmoozed and networked. 

“That’s what I’ve been saying!” Eli agreed enthusiastically, whooshing the smell of alcohol all around him. 

The men continued to chat, while Jake stood silently, not really finding a time to butt in on the conversation. Bradley never introduced him— and part of him knew it was a purposeful tactic to protect him– but a separate part of felt like an awkward extension of him.

His eyes continued to scan the large ballroom, now packed with men and women in designer suits and gowns. The buffet table had just been restocked, and Jake’s stomach was begging him to eat some of the steaming mashed potatoes he smelt in the distance. 

“Well I’ll make sure to pass the news along. I think it would be better for everyone to have the Rigazio’s out. Fucking psychopaths— I heard rumors about what Ivan did to you—”

“Want another drink babe?” Jake interrupted Eli with a terse, angry smile splattered on his face. He could feel the tremor that rolled through Bradley’s body next to him at the mention of Ivan’s name. 

“Sure.” Bradley swallowed roughly. “Well it was nice talking with you.”

Eli said his goodbyes to them and walked off, even though his eyes never met Jake’s completely. He grabbed Bradley another champagne flute and shoved it in his hands. 

“Thanks.” Bradley groaned and rolled his shoulders. “I hate this shit.” 

Jake scoffed and finished his second champagne. “You’re good at it though.” 

“And you’re good arm candy.” Bradley winked.

Before Jake could form a retort, another man walked up to Bradley with nearly the same script as Eli. 

This happened for over two hours— sometimes the men had wives, sometimes escorts— sometimes they were single. More than one dared to look at Bradley like a piece of meat, even when Bradley gracefully introduced Jake as his date. Unfortunately, most of them didn’t seem to think he was any kind of obstacle. 

He was on his 6th glass of champagne making his stomach start to ache for bed and a warm cup of tea. 

Bradley shot him a look communicating “we’ll be done soon” which Jake gratefully nodded back that he got the message. 

“Want a final drink? I’ll order us a cocktail.” Jake murmured in Bradley’s ear as they stood locked in a circle of about 7 people. 

“Wait for me.” Bradley whispered back, making goosebumps spread over his skin. 

“Just let me get them. The lines are long and this conversation is never going to end.” He grumbled. 

Bradley huffed and nodded. 

“Whiskey neat, please.” 

“Coming right up.” He lightly slapped Bradley’s ass as he walked away, enjoying the muffled grunt he conjured up.

He weaved his way through the crowds of people and stood in line for the bar. While he waited he pulled out his phone to check for any texts from Ashley.

He got nothing— so he let himself assume she and Kiley were doing just fine. 

“You in line?” 

Jake turned his head to see one of the men Bradley had talked to earlier. He was closer to their age, handsome— but a little bit too cocky for Jake’s taste. 

“Yup.” He popped back to the man with a nod. 

The guy lifted his brow and settled next to him. Jake internally groaned at the awkward silence between them, and the way the guy brushed his hips. 

“How much do you charge a night?” The guy asked plainly. 

Jake’s neck grew hot and his spine stiffened. 

“Excuse me?” He gritted out, glaring at the man.

The man’s eyes widened with what looked like… excitement . 

“Oh shit— my bad— .” He let out a nervous laugh. “I just assumed you were an escort, Bradshaw never has an actual date.” 

Jake clenched his jaw and fists involuntarily. 

He of course, had nothing against sex work. But he could tell the man had not assumed he was an escort by accident– but that he was using that as a coverup to insult him.

“Well you’re mistaken.” Jake managed to grit out without grabbing the guy by his collar and tossing him on the ground. 

He figured doing something like that would probably cause a scene and not look too good on Bradley’s part. 

“Honest mistake.” The guy said, but there was a slimy smile on his face as he slid his eyes down Jake’s frame. 

Jake grimaced and finally approached the bar, choosing to ignore the presence of the idiot behind him. Unfortunately for him, the bartender looked past his shoulder and greeted the guy before even looking at Jake. 

“What can I get ya?” 

“One vodka soda and one whiskey neat, please.” Jake grumbled and slammed cash on the counter as fast as he could. 

He glanced over his shoulder to find Bradley across the room, looking at him already. Jake sent him a wave, indicating he was fine, which seemed to allow Bradley to turn back to his conversation. 

“Thank you.” Jake nodded at the bartender and grabbed the two drinks without looking back. 

As much as he tried to hide it, Bradley picked up that something was wrong as soon as he handed him his drink.

“What’s wrong?” Bradley asked, turning away from the circle of people he was chatting with.

“I’m fine.” Jake rolled his eyes and quickly pecked his lips. 

“You’re lying.” Bradley shot back quietly. 

Jake chucked back half his drink and grimaced when the alcohol stung his throat. 

“You used to bring escorts with you to these?” He asked, knowing he probably fucking shouldn’t, but the burning in his chest wanted to know. 

Bradley shot him a puzzled look. 

“Why?” 

Something about that response pissed Jake off. He crossed his arms over his chest, careful not to spill his drink.

“Because it would have been nice to know that people are going to assume I’m your escort when I’m hanging on your arm all night.” He grit out, heat rising in him. 

He wasn’t mad about the last escort thing— it just— well, was it possible that Bradley didn’t view him as more than a hookup?

They’d already had sex— and what if that desire wore off?  What happens when Bradley gets bored of him? What happens when Jake is head over heels for him and Bradley isn’t?

“Okay, where the hell is this coming from?” Bradley asked lowly, eyes dark and focused on him. 

“Just answer the question.” Jake pushed back, irritated that it took him this damn long to answer. 

Bradley let out an exasperated breath.

“No, Jake I’ve never brought an escort to an event. It’s not my style. And I already told you I hardly go to these things.” Bradley motioned around him to the crowds of people. “Now would you like an explicit list of my sexual history?” he asked sarcastically, though his tone was obviously irritated.

Jake felt himself deflate— which was embarrassing, considering he knew all along it was a stupid fucking thing to bring up. 

“Sorry.” Jake eventually said with a small frown. “I don’t give a shit either way really. I’m just being a dick.”

Bradley hummed and shifted closer, so their hips were touching. 

“You jealous? Or is it something else.” 

Jake subtly rolled his eyes and took a sip of his drink. 

“Definitely a little jealous of the imaginary escorts.” He paused. “Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t…as temporary as that.” His cheeks warmed at the admission, but he didn’t let himself back down from Bradley’s stare. He stood by what he said.

Bradley’s eyes studied him, going from dark, to a soft, but firm understanding. 

“You’re not temporary. Not if I can help it.” 

Bradley reached his arm around his waist and pulled him in close. Jake's stomach stirred with nervous excitement.--the kind that had him hopeful for the future for the first time in a long time. 

“Yeah, well I don’t plan on going anywhere.” Jake chewed on his lip slowly.

Bradley leaned down for a kiss, which Jake eagerly accepted. It was a short, warm kiss, but enough to make him feel at ease once again. 

“Some guy asked how much I charged a night.” Jake admitted as soon as he caught his breath again. “He said he assumed I was an escort because I came here with you. I told him to fuck off, but that’s… why I asked.” 

The large hand around his waist stiffened.

“ The fuck? Who?” Bradley’s nostrils twitched and his eyes turned from relaxed to a sharp focus. 

“It’s not worth making this a big deal. Trust me. ” Jake chugged the rest of his drink before setting it on an empty table. 

“Dammit Jake, just tell me who so I can have a chat with them and we can get out of here.” Bradley demanded. “I’m not going to let someone disrespect you— fuck that.” 

“Well that’s a little dramatic.” Jake said sarcastically and grabbed onto Bradley’s bicep. “But it is kind of hot.”

Bradley muscled his jaw.

“He upset you, so he should fucking apologize.” 

Jake grinned.

“Yup, still hot. Come on.” 

Bradley fought against his grip at first, but eventually consented to Jake lacing their fingers together and pulling them through crowds of unsuspecting people.

He shouldered his way through the line at the bathroom and kept walking forward, acting like they were both supposed to be there. Bradley’s fingers tightened around his. 

“Do you even know where you’re going?” Bradley said from behind him.

“Somewhere private?” Jake responded, turning his head back to shoot Bradley’s flushed face a wink. 

Bradley cursed and mumbled something but Jake kept leading them through the dark hallways, past what seemed to be the kitchen and staff bathrooms until he found a small janitor's closet. 

Perfect. 

And god was on his fucking side because when he went to open the door, it was unlocked. He rushed into the small room with just a few brooms and mops in the corner and yanked Bradley in after him. 

“Shut the door.” Jake ordered, letting go of Bradley’s hand.

Bradley shut and locked the door quickly, leaving the room dimly lit from the small lightbulb hanging above them. Jake didn’t give either of them time to say a word, he just surged forward and connected his lips to Bradley’s. 

He’d been wanting to kiss him all goddamn night, and by the way he was being kissed right now, he thinks Bradley felt the same way. 

Bradley’s hands found his hair, tugging his fingers through it while Jake’s hands roamed his wide back.

“This was a good idea.” Bradley murmured against his lips.

Jake grinned.

“I’m full of ‘em. I got another one too.” 

Bradley moaned when Jake reached his hand down and palmed his dick through his pants. He shifted their bodies so that Bradley was pressed against the wall and Jake was blocking him in, kissing his neck and squeezing his dick again. 

Bradley’s hips jutted into his touch, desperate for more, and Jake obliged him by dropping to his knees.

He gripped Bradley’s thick thighs in his hands and slowly shifted to mouth his hard dick through the thin cloth of his pants. 

“Fuck.” Bradley hissed, his neck strained towards the ceiling. “So fucking hot.” 

Jake flicked his eyes up for a moment, taking in the sight of Bradley’s flushed cheeks, tousled hair and solid frame being controlled by just a few touches. He loved that he had the power to unravel him.

“Been wanting to suck you off for months.” Jake hummed against his pants, biting softly— but enough to make Bradley hiss with a mix of pain and pleasure. 

He moved to undo Bradley’s pants, but his eyesight blurred for a quick moment. He stilled— waiting for the dizziness to pass before reaching up again, this time more determined than before. 

“You okay?” Bradley panted out.

He nodded.

“Yeah.”

But while he tried to get his fingers to work, a small ringing in his ears muffled the sounds around him. He could feel his surroundings begin to spin. Nausea hit him like a freight train.

Shit shit shit shit shit. 

He gripped Bradley’s thighs so tightly his knuckles grew white. Panic etched its way up his throat.

He knew this feeling. And it was coming on quickly.

“Jake? Jake what is it?” 

At some point Bradley had dropped to his knees in front of him— hands gripping his shoulders to keep him up.

“Don't freak out.” He muttered, eyes heavy as he managed to catch a glimpse of concerned brown eyes. “But I think I got roofied.” 

“What?” Bradley sounded as panicked as Jake had ever heard him. “How do you know?”

“Happened to me before— know the feeling.” 

He groaned at the worsening symptoms and clenched his eyes shut to protect himself from the light above him. He instinctively leaned forward, resting himself against Bradley while trying to calm his breathing. 

Bradley wrapped an arm around his back so that he was supported against his chest. 

“I’m calling Mav.” 

Jake grunted in agreement, still gripping onto Bradley as hard as he could. He knew what was coming next — passing the fuck out . The anticipation of the loss of autonomy scared him the most. Anything could happen when he passed out. 

He wouldn’t be able to protect the girls, or Bradley— or himself. 

“The west back entrance.” Bradley’s firm tone hit his ears, and Jake realized he must have been talking on the phone for a while. 

He groaned again, now feeling like his limbs weighed twice of what they usually did. He felt himself slump more into Bradley’s hold, while the arm around him tightened. 

“I don’t know yet. Just get here.” Bradley’s words were short and controlled. He felt Bradley shift to put his phone in his pocket and then wrap both his arms around Jake’s waist. 

“Hey, you think you can stand?” Bradley was so close he could feel his breath on his cheek, but he sounded a thousand miles away. 

He didn’t realize his head was facing the ground until Bradley’s hand tilted his chin up. Jake tried to focus on the brown eyes in front of him, but only winced at how much his head hurt to focus. 

“I’m going to black out. 10 minutes max.” Jake managed to breathe out the warning before allowing his eyes to shut. 

Bradley swore under his breath.

“Alright, that’s okay. We’re going to get you home before that happens . ” 

Jake wanted to say that would be fucking impossible— but he couldn’t bring himself to banter back.

He felt Bradley slowly raise them both into a standing position. Jake’s world spun, and his eyes clamped shut. He was leaning on Bradley entirely to stand, his legs locked to the best of his ability. He could feel the strain of Bradley’s muscles keeping him steady.

“I'm going to have to carry you—”

The sound of the doorknob jiggling interrupted them. 

Jake stopped breathing— and Bradley froze next to him, watching, listening. Jake strained for the sound of footsteps outside the door, but the ringing in his ears was too loud. 

The knob twisted again.  

Bradley instantly shifted one hand into his back pocket, and pulled out his matte black pistol. Jake tried to take a step backwards, but Bradley’s grip around his waist didn’t budge. 

“Occupied!” Bradley shouted in warning.

The jiggling stopped. 

Relief swooshed over him, figuring whoever was at the door was the poor janitor or another couple looking for a private place. But the way Bradley’s eyes darkened, scanning the door cautiously and positioning his body protectively around him made his heart drop.

He couldn’t process everything that happened, because it happened too damned fast.

Within seconds, the door was yanked open, and three large men were crowding them. 

Bradley pushed Jake backwards, causing him to tumble into the wall furthest from the entrance. He felt himself crumple to the floor while his mind frantically fought to rise, to get up and protect Bradley and himself— but he felt like his entire being was made out of concrete. 

He could barely open his heavy lids to see Bradley pinned to the closet wall by one man and socked in the stomach by another. Jake flinched forward to get up, gripping the wall to try and stand. 

He had to get to him– he had to help.  

But when he blinked his eyes a second time Bradley was kicking the largest man off of him while pistol whipping the second man.

Before he could feel relief,  rough hands gripped his hair and yanked his head up. The movement caused his eyes to roll back and a painful cry to leave his throat. 

“Jesus you’re drunk as hell aren’t you?” The unknown blurred face moved around quickly, forcing Jake's eyes to shut from the nausea it caused him to follow the movements. 

Fuck fuck fuck fuck. 

He could feel the man crouching around him, still fisting his hair so hard that it held him in place against the wall. He tried to cringe back and slide away from his weight– but he was practically crushed against the ground.

“Anthony is going to love this.” 

The hand in his hair yanked him up while another hand gripped his waist so hard he wanted to scream. He couldn’t balance himself as he was forced to stand— so he toppled against the stranger. 

Pain laced throughout his body and his mind fought for solutions to escape. He couldn’t move his arms— as much as he tried he couldn’t. But he swore he could feel a sensation in his leg, so he imagined himself kicking out as hard as he could. 

“Fuck!” The man keeled over in pain, releasing Jake enough to send him stumbling back into the wall again. His head throbbed and he could feel wet blood streaming down his temple. If only his god damned body would move he could help.

He saw the man reach for him again— but Jake sucked in a sharp breath when the guy was yanked backwards and thrown against the closest shelves. Jake’s ears began ringing and his vision blurred again as he listened to the sound of grunts and punches, which eventually faded into silence.

He panicked when he felt arms wrap around his middle again and began twisting and squirming as hard as he could. He still wasn’t sure if his arms were actually moving or if he was imagining it. 

“It’s me. It’s me .” Bradley repeatedly breathlessly. “It’s me babe.”

Jake tried to focus on his face, but there were four of him— and his fucked up brain couldn’t understand what the fuck was happening.

He went limp and let himself be scooped up off the ground and tucked against Bradley’s chest. He clenched his eyes shut and tried to will the dizziness to fade, but he only felt more groggy and groaned.

Fear shot up and down his spine as the pounding of footsteps echoed in the hall behind them. Bradley’s arms tightened around him and held him closer to his chest– Jake swore they were moving at an alarming speed. 

The outside air hit his face, causing his eyes to flutter open despite the dizziness. He blinked up at Bradley to see him panting and looking around him frantically. 

“Come on Mav.” Bradley swore as he glanced over his shoulder again and back to the street.

“I’ve got to set you down. I dont know if you can hear me— fuck. ” Bradley said while Jake desperately tried to mouth back okay — or at least nod. 

Instead he could only swallow and blink his eyes back as Bradley set him sitting up against the alleyway wall in the shadows. He thought Bradley was going to wait there with him for Maverick to arrive— but more panic seized him when he realized Bradley wasn’t doing that at all— he was hiding him. 

Bradley stood with his gun pointed at the back door, finger on the trigger with his stance wide, guarding the shadows Jake was laying in. 

He fought desperately to scream, but he could only watch when four men came rushing through the door directly towards them. 

His mind was so dazed he couldn’t track every movement— but three loud shots boomed through his ears. Bradley was standing— gun smoking while two of the four men held their bleeding kneecaps on the ground. 

Jake watched, horror filling him as the two men who were still up launched themselves at Bradley, grabbing his shirt and throwing their fists. Jake clenched his eyes shut, trying to fight back the nausea rushing through his body. He could hear the sounds of groans and cracks echo around him. 

He’d never felt so helpless in his life, crumpled into himself and watching the world spin around him while Bradley fought their way out for him.

“Who sent you?” Bradley’s voice boomed, breaking through the ringing in his ears. 

He squinted painfully to see Bradley pinning a large man against the dumpster with his gun pressed against the man’s bloodied temple. 

“Anthony! Please, let me go, I —”

Bradley growled and slammed him against the metal dumpster again, shaking him violently.  

“What else does Anthony want?” Bradley pushed. 

He wished he could sit up, but he could feel himself slowly sliding to the ground, and his consciousness with it. 

“He wants them back. He— he’s gone nuts—”

Bradley huffed at that, and then Jake heard the man choke.

“What did you give him?” Bradley gestured towards Jake’s slumped form.  

Jake could barely listen any longer. He knew he was missing bits of conversation, and his eyelids grew heavier and heavier.

“We didn’t give him shit!” 

The man screamed at something Bradley did, Jake couldn’t make it out exactly, he only heard a loud crack.  

“ Tell me what you put in his fucking drink or you’re all dead .” Bradley threatened coldly. 

“I swear, we didn’t.” The stranger strangled out. “There’s a guy here— Cal— he roofies guys a lot — could have been him—”

Jake couldn’t make out what happened next, but he knew that suddenly everything was quiet. He tried to open his eyes to make sure Bradley was still okay— that he was the one standing but he couldn’t. 

He could only see infinite darkness. 

Raw panic began to cripple him again. It was one thing not to be able to move— but being frozen and blind? He could feel his body involuntarily start to shake. 

“Hey, can you hear me? Jake?” Bradley’s muffled voice flowed through his ears. 

Was he dreaming?

He felt firm hands grasp his shoulders, pulling his body forward from the wall. He sensed more movement going on around him, but everything sounded and felt like he was underwater. 

He couldn’t open his eyes— couldn’t understand if he was safe for not— his chest ached—

Everything was moving— maybe his body was too— he had no control over anything and no sense of reality. 

“Bradley—” He thinks he managed to say it out loud, his brain only allowing him one small word. 

He felt two hands on him squeeze instantly, one behind the nape of his neck and the other wrapped around his waist. He couldn’t be sure, but he felt cradled against something— he could feel warmth on his cheek. 

“You’re okay, I’ve got you.” Bradley’s voice was suddenly clear against his ear. “Mav is driving us home now. You can sleep, okay? Don’t fight it.”

He realized the fight he’d put up to stay awake was what had caused him all the anguish. He so desperately wanted to give into the sleep induced state, but his instincts had fought the idea of losing consciousness completely.

“We’ll be home soon, and we’ll get you some medicine. You’re going to be alright.” 

Jake thinks he hummed in response, but he felt like his eyes and mind were completely numb.

“Jesus Mav— his breathing is so shallow—” Bradley’s panicked voice muddled through his head. 

“Just hold onto him kid. He’s going to be alright.” 

Jake tried to stay awake longer, he really did. But he felt himself drop into unconsciousness over and over. Sometimes experiencing complete darkness and other times he swore he saw snippets of bedsheets and nervous eyes at his side. 

The last thing he saw before he blacked out completely was Bradley sitting at his bedside with bloody knuckles and a bruised cheek.

He felt soft sheets against his bare skin, and the weight of a blanket up to his shoulders. His throat was aching for water and his eyelids were so heavy he couldn’t make himself open them. 

By the smell, he instantly knew he was in Bradley’s bedroom. 

“He should be awake by now.” 

Bradley’s strained voice came from beside him. 

Jake tried to open his eyes– tried to speak– but he could only lay in the darkness his mind trapped him in. 

“The doctor said 8-12 hours. It’s only been 7.” Mavericks' familiar voice countered back, slightly farther away. 

“I should have been watching for this–I should have known someone would target him–” 

“You couldn’t have known, and it’s impossible to protect him from everything.” Maverick shut down Bradley’s spiral quickly. 

Jake wanted to add that Bradley did protect him– had always protected him. But his lips wouldn’t move. 

“If my drink was spiked too, though– I wouldn’t have been able to get us out and fuck I don’t know what I would have done.” Bradley’s voice was anguished, and his breathing quick.

“Bradley, breathe.” Maverick ordered. “You’re both safe now, okay? And if anything did happen to either of you, you know I would come find you.”

Bradley sucked in a sharp breath of air and pushed it out slowly. 

“And if you can’t find me?” 

Jake’s chest ached at the tremor of Bradley’s voice. He wanted to hold him against his chest and tell him he’s not in Ivan’s clutches anymore– he’s safe– he’s here with him–

“I’ll find you.” Maverick promised, his voice thick with promise.

Bradley let out a few shaky breaths, deep and tired. Jake could imagine the pain he carried in his eyes, and the slump of his shoulders. 

“I don’t know how to fix this.” Bradley finally said.

“The doctor said he was totally fine–”

“No, I mean everything.” Bradley paused. “Anthony is being more aggressive than I thought he would be.”

Guilt laced through him, knowing full well he was eavesdropping on a private conversation. He tried to move his fingers again, but he felt nothing. 

“He’s turning into his father.” Maverick’s tone was full of ice. “We just have to be more careful.”

“How much more careful can we be? We basically have them locked up here 24/7”. Bradley cleared his throat after a long pause. “I’ve been thinking about organizing a takedown. I think the other families would support us.”

“What do you mean by takedown?” Maverick asked carefully. 

“Killing them. Anthony, at least.” Bradley’s voice didn’t waver. 

Jake’s chest tightened instantly. The last thing he wanted was Bradley putting himself in danger because of him . And more than that, he didn’t want any more blood on Bradley’s hands, because as much as Bradley denied it, Jake knew every kill was a weight on his shoulders. 

“You think I haven’t thought of that already? I’ve been wanting to put a bullet through Ivan’s head for 15 years.” Maverick let out a dry laugh. “But you know how this business works- you kill the head of one family and the first thing their loved ones do is get revenge.”

Jake’s mind flashed images of an eighteen year old Bradley thick with remorse, vengeance and anger, gunning down anyone he could to get his revenge. 

“But whoever's left won’t have a personal connection to Ashley and Kiley. There will be no reason to go after them.” Bradley remarked. 

There was a long silence. 

“They would go after you . But you don’t care about that do you?” Mavericks voice was laced with controlled anger.

“Why does it matter?” Bradley jut out. 

Jake could imagine the way his jaw was squared tightly. 

“Jesus, Bradley. You’ve known him, what— a couple months? You’re willing to die for his cause?” Maverick hissed. “You’ll be six feet under and he’ll move on. You know that, right?” 

“It’s not just about him and you know it.” Bradley’s voice shook. 

“Really? Because you haven’t talked about Ivan or Anthony in years— you practically act like they don’t exist—”

“I think about them every fucking day!” Bradley yelled, slamming his fist on the nightstand hard enough to shake the bed Jake was laying on.

“Every time I look in the mirror— every time I wake up and see this house without my family in it. I think of Ivan, and I think of everything he took away from me. How he left me, stuck here, dealing with the aftermath while he gets to move on.” Bradley’s voice shook, his words thick with pain. “So don’t fucking tell me I don’t think about them. Because I do.”

Jake felt like crying— fuck he wished he could. He wished he could move his god damned hands and hold him. 

“I’m sorry.” Maverick said in a quiet, broken voice. “But killing them won't change any of that. It will just get you killed too.” 

“You don’t know that. I think I could do it.”  

Jake wanted to scream, he could feel it working its way up his throat. But every movement was numbed by the god awful drugs in his system. 

A silence passed over them again.

“I don’t want to grieve you too.” Maverick finally said so quietly he wasn’t sure he meant to say it out loud. 

“You have Ice.” Bradley suggested warily. 

Maverick let out a sad laugh. 

“Yeah, for how though?” 

Another long silence drafted over the room. This one felt longer, heavier. Jake wondered if he was falling back asleep until he heard Bradley’s voice.

“If.. if you were in my place. If Jake was Ice— you would do it wouldn’t you? You would do anything to protect him. Make sure he doesn’t get hurt the same way you did.” 

“Ice and I have been together for 30 years—”

“Yeah but when you first met him, you knew, right? You knew you would do anything to protect him— crazy shit. And you can’t really place why but you feel like you have to.”

“Love will do that.” Maverick grumbled, but his words were soft.

Jake’s heart stopped. 

“No… no— fuck, I don’t know. But something like it. Something that’s making me lose my goddamn mind.” Bradley strained out.

“Sounds a lot like lov—”

“But you’d do it, wouldn’t you?” Bradley prodded.

Jake could imagine him with those wild brown eyes and tensed shoulders, searching Mavericks eyes for an answer.

“Probably. But it’s because I’m fucking stupid.” Maverick groaned.

Bradley laughed loud enough that it warmed something in Jake’s chest.  

Jake could hear them talking, but they must have moved further out of the room because he couldn’t make sense of the details. 

His mind spun with Bradley’s grandiose thoughts of killing Anthony and Ivan. A part of him agreed and understood his reasons for wanting to— in fact most of his brain agreed. He wanted to see those fuckers suffer and finally be stopped from their sadistic behaviors too.

But— killing two men— two important men that had security, probably just as strong of security as Bradley did… it just seemed impossible. So many things could go wrong, and it could all be for nothing. 

Maverick said what Jake had been thinking all along. Even if Anthony was out of the picture, who would come looking for Ashley and Kiley next? Who would want revenge? The two will always be connected to the Rigazio’s. 

He wouldn’t even let himself think about the legality of it all. Bradley would be murdering two people, and even if they deserved it— he could still be charged for the crime. But from what both Mav and Bradley had said, the cops don’t get involved with any of their shit out of self preservation.

The soft pounding in his head began to grow, and his eyelids felt heavy. He strained his ears to listen to the muffled voices echoing around the room. 

Silence passed over him for a while, or he fell back asleep, he couldn’t be sure. Until he felt a familiar hand press over his own, squeezing it and planting a soft kiss on top of his head. 

“You’re gonna be okay.” Bradley’s smooth voice filled his ears. 

Fingers brushed through his hair gently, moving from his scalp to caressing his cheek. The movements were so comforting, it didn’t take him long to fade back into unconsciousness.

Jake could move— his fingers were gripped around the sheets at his hips. He needed  to open his eyes, but his eyelids felt weighed down by sandbags. 

“Jake?” Bradley’s voice murmured tiredly beside him. 

Jake groaned softly and released the sheets, searching for Bradley with his hands blindly. 

“Hey, I’m right here.” 

Bradley’s hands collapsed around his tightly. He could hear the inching of a chair scooting closer to the bed, and the sweet smell of Bradley next to him. 

Jake squeezed his hand back, enjoying the familiar warmth. He tried to open his eyes again, this time he was able to flutter them for a moment, seeing a glimpse of the white ceiling. 

“Don’t push it. Take your time.” Bradley instructed, voice firm.

“M’ okay.” Jake mumbled out, surprising himself when he heard his own voice. 

He swallowed roughly, wincing as he slowly realized his throat felt like sandpaper. He opened his eyes again, this time long enough to catch a glimpse of Bradley leaning over him with worried eyes before closing them.

“Can I have some water?” He managed to ask through the coarseness of his throat. 

“Yeah, I’ll be right back.” Bradley said quickly, releasing his hand and rushing out of the room before Jake could even say thank you. 

He grumbled and forced his heavy lids to open. He scanned the room— everything looked in its place besides an empty chair beside him and the dim overhead light. No light was peaking through the blinds, so he assumed it was nighttime. 

Bradley rushed into the room with a small glass of water, nearly spilling it as he set it down on the nightstand next to him.

“Let me help you sit up.” 

Before Jake could protest, Bradley was reaching over him and grasping his hips on either side. Jake grunted and forced his back upwards while Bradley shifted the pillows behind him so that he could be supported. 

It was only when Bradley handed him the glass of water that he noticed two bruises blooming on Bradley’s face. One was on his right cheek bone— the other just above his nose. 

“You’re hurt.” Jake frowned, scanning down the rest of Bradley to see if he could find any other obvious injuries. The fresh sweatpants and tshirt covered most of him— but he could see dried blood and swelling across his knuckles. 

“ You’re hurt.” Bradley said back sadly. “Take a sip. Just a small one.” 

Jake wanted to argue but with Bradley’s help he lifted the cool glass to his lips and drank. The fresh water slid down his throat, immediately relieving some of the pain he felt. He took another few gulps, knowing Bradley’s eyes were watching him the entire time. 

He debated bringing up what he overheard while in and out of sleep earlier, but decided against it. Bradley would tell him in his own time– at least he hoped. 

“The girls okay?” Jake asked instead, as Bradley took the empty glass from his hands and set it on the nightstand. 

“A little freaked out about everything, but they're fine. Sleeping right now.” Bradley checked his watch. “It’s 4:30am. You’ve been out for… 10 hours.”

“Can’t believe I had to get roofied to get the best sleep of my life.” he joked, even though his head was beginning to throb and his muscles felt incredibly sore all over. 

Bradley shot him a glare and tensed his jaw.

“Sorry, I’m just trying to cheer you up. You look like a kicked puppy.” Jake smirked, hoping to get a smile out of Bradley but he only got him to flare his nostrils. 

“Someone drugged my fucking boyfriend, forgive me for being pissed.” 

Boyfriend. Shit. 

He knew they were— at least pretty much. He just didn’t expect to hear him say it. 

Most men he’d been with in the past never put a label on it. They liked to keep their options open, and truth be told, Jake had too. 

But the way Bradley had said boyfriend like Jake was his . 

Fuck. 

It scared him how much he likes the sound of it. 

“I think you should feel flattered. It means I’m a hot commodity.”

Bradley huffed.

“I’m glad you find this funny.”

Jake knew it wasn’t funny, not really. A part of himself wasn’t ready to process it. To contemplate what could have happened and what some disgusting assholes plan would have been if Bradley wasn’t there. 

Bradley seemed to be thinking the same thing, because after a few moments of silence he took a deep breath and leaned forward. 

“You said you knew the feeling of being roofied.” Bradley looked at him with a hardened stare. “What happened the first time?” 

“Nothing. I got lucky.” Jake admitted, though a small spike of anxiety shot through his chest at the memory. “I was out drinking with some Navy buddies right out of bootcamp. Someone spiked my drink— never figured out who.” 

“And you just… what? Did a friend notice?” Bradley pushed, mouth still in a frown. 

Jake cringed but decided not to lie. 

“Well… no. I knew something was going on, so I went out to my truck and locked myself in. Didn’t even wake up til afternoon the next day.” 

“Jesus, Jake. You didn’t tell anyone? Someone could have followed you out, or broke into your truck.” Bradley huffed out in frustration more than anger. 

“I didn’t want to bug anyone on their night out.” He shrugged. “Plus, I was fine.”

Except, he hadn’t been fine. He’d actually stopped taking drinks at bars for months, not trusting anything but a bottle of beer here and there. The possibilities of what could have happened haunted him for a few years after that. 

Bradley looked like he was going to call his bluff, but decided against it with a huff. 

“Well, preferably, this will never happen again.” 

Jake scoffed. 

“Yeah. I’d like the same.” He swallowed roughly. “What exactly… happened? All I remember is being in that closest and…. then outside.” 

Flashes of Bradley being punched in the stomach made him feel nauseous all over again. The memory of Jake’s head being yanked backwards had him wincing as he checked the back of his head with his fingers. 

“Anthony must have got intel we were there and sent some guys in to extract you— or both of us. I was able to get us out in time.” Bradley’s fists clenched together. “They say they weren’t the ones who drugged you. I'm still not sure.” 

Jake’s chest tightened.

First— he was freaked the fuck out that Anthony was specifically looking for him, and not his sister. On one hand, that made him fucking happy, but on the other, he wondered what the hell Anthony would do with him if he had been successful last night. 

Secondly, he was almost positive that the guy who purposely accused him of being Bradley’s escort was responsible for the roofie. He’d seen how he and the bartender interacted. 

“I think it was the guy who thought I was an escort. He… looked at me like he wanted something. And he and the bartender had this weird exchange.” Jake shook his head, trying to remember the details. “We actually talked to him earlier. Our age… white guy, blonde. But I could be wrong.” 

“I’ll look into it.” Bradley’s voice was low with promise.

“At least they didn’t go after the girls, I guess.” Jake muttered. “How the hell did you get us out of there?. There must have been at least 7 guys… I… and I couldn’t do shit to help.” He shook his head in disbelief.

Bradley licked his lips and rubbed his hands over his face tiredly. 

“I just did what I had to do….I knew they were after you and—” Bradley squeezed his hand tightly. “I just wasn’t going to let them take you. No way.” 

His eyes trailed over Bradley again. He looked fucking exhausted— like he’d keel over at any second. He knew there were other injuries scattered across his body that he’d failed to disclose. 

“Did you get yourself checked?” He asked.

“Yeah, you have Mav to thank for that. I’m fine besides a couple of bruises.” Bradley sighed. “I had to shoot a few people… I’m not sure if they made it or not.” 

Jake forced himself not to react— to not show the anxiety he felt swirling in him at the thought of people dying because of him. Even if the men would have killed the both of them – the idea of killing someone made him uneasy.

“You were protecting me, and yourself. They would have hurt you if you didn’t.” He muscled out his best logic in an attempt to calm them both down.

“Come to bed. We can figure everything out tomorrow.” He urged, honest to god, too damn tired to figure everything out anyway. He could already feel his eyelids growing heavy again. 

Bradley glanced at the door, his body still sitting straight up with an alertness that made Jake’s chest ache. Silence passed over them for a while before he finally spoke.

“They can’t get to you here.” Bradley said quietly, eyes hard. 

Jake knew he was saying it more to comfort himself than him. And Bradley knew that, too— but neither of them said anything. 

“I know.” Jake reassured him. “Come on.”

Bradley finally caved, giving up the stoic and protective position he had at his bedside. Jake’s eyes followed him as he walked around the bed and stripped off his shirt and sweatpants. 

It made Jake realize that he was also only in boxers, meaning Bradley must have stripped his clothes off earlier. His stomach felt a little fuzzy just thinking about how much he cared for him.

Bradley snuggled up against him on his side, reaching his arm over Jake’s chest. Jake nuzzled into him and breathed in his soft, pine scent. 

“The doctor said you’ll be out of it the next 48 hours. So no driving— or alcohol.” Bradley said in the darkness. 

Jake hummed in response. 

“You had a doctor come here? How much did that cost you?” 

Bradley just wrapped him in closer. 

“Not much. Go to sleep, you need rest.” 

The baritone of his voice purred through Jake’s chest, releasing a calming feeling over him. There were a million things he needed to think about. But all he wanted to do was be in this moment with Bradley, asleep, and safe with him. 

When he woke up the next morning he noticed two things. 

First, his head hurt like hell. 

Second, the body next to him was noticeably smaller than the night before. 

He blinked his eyes open to see what he had suspected: Kiley snuggled against his side and Bradley nowhere to be seen.

Her blonde hair was soft against her cheeks, and her little arms were tucked against her chest. Jake snuggled closer to her and wrapped his arm around her little body protectively. 

He wished that somehow he could reverse time, and make all her pain go away. He never wanted this kind of life for her– the kind where she couldn’t just be a kid with the freedom to go wherever she wanted. 

He wanted to go back to sleep, but his mind kept wandering in endless loops. Kiley needed to be in preschool soon, and right now he knew that wouldn’t be possible. Anthony would snatch her up in an instant– no doubt about it. He didn’t want to think about murder while his niece was sleeping peacefully beside him, but it floundered into his mind anyway.

He never understood what drove people to murder– but now he did. With the combination of the Rigazio’s terrorizing Ashley and Kiley, while also being responsible for the torture and murder of Bradley’s family… he had more than enough reasons to want them 6 feet under. If the cops could do their fucking job, he wouldn’t have to even contemplate the possibility. 

But the mafia runs deep, and somehow they were all above the law. So much so that whatever happens within the NYC mafia circle, the cops learned to look the other way.

Based on what Bradley had discussed with Mav last night, he knew they were all close to the same conclusion: The best way to get Anthony and Ivan to stop coming for them was to kill them. 

He sighed and opened his eyes back up and began running his fingers through Kiley’s hair. He wished he could just run away from it all and take Kiley, Ashley and Bradley with him. Escape the madness and just be happy for once, feel freedom again. 

He wondered what Bradley would be like without the weight he carried on his shoulders. Would he feel safer if Ivan and Anthony were dead, too? Would it make him feel like he avenged his parents? Would he smile with his eyes again?

Kiley stirred next to him, stretching her small arms out and fluttering her eyes open. Her blue irises studied him sleepily. 

“Hey babygirl.” Jake rasped, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. He desperately needed water and some food.

“Are you still sick?” Kiley asked, lips in a small frown. 

Jake groaned and stretched his body out, wincing at the way his muscles burned.

“I’m feeling better. How’d you get in here by the way?” He asked, eyebrows perked up with amusement. 

Kiley giggled and sat up from under the covers. 

“Bradley said I could sleep here. Mommy said I could too– as long as I let you sleep.” 

Jake hummed and rubbed his eyes with his fists. He needed to get his ass up and figure out what was going on with Ashley and Bradley this morning. 

He glanced at the clock and cringed when he saw it was 2pm. So, Kiley had been in here for a nap– not as an early morning snuggle. 

“I’m going to take a shower and get dressed, okay? Then maybe I’ll make us a snack.” Jake sat up next to Kiley and tried to fight off the immediate dizziness it caused him.

“Yay!” Kiley grinned ear to ear. 

Jake smiled too as he crawled out of bed and let himself stretch once again. His back popped loudly, along with his knees and ankles. Christ, he was getting old. 

“Why don’t you go find your mom and Bradley while I get ready? I won’t be long.” He suggested as he trailed toward Bradley’s dresser to find something to change into after his shower. 

Kiley whined. 

“Bradley went to work and mommy is sleeping.” 

Jake twisted his lips together while grabbing a pair of boxers, sweatpants and a t- shirt. He obviously knew Bradley had to work– but after yesterday his stomach flipped with what exactly he and Mav might be classifying as “work”. 

“Okay, well you can stay in here. Just don’t leave the bed.” He warned.

Kiley agreed happily and snuggled back under the covers. His chest warmed thinking about Kiley and Bradley interacting without him, coupled with the fact that Bradley had given her permission to come into his room. 

He knew Bradley could have said no, and that would have been a completely valid boundary to have. But, Bradley seemed to have as much of a soft spot for Kiley as he did.

He took a quick shower, pleasantly surprised at how good he felt after last night's events. He figured the 12+ hours of sleep definitely helped his situation. 

After slipping on the pine scented clothes he swooped Kiley from bed and carried her into the kitchen while she hung onto him with small giggles. Jake made them both peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and sliced up some apples for them to eat at the kitchen table. 

It was nice to have the alone time with Kiley again, and to see her happy. It’d been two weeks since they’d temporarily moved in with Bradley, and she seemed well adjusted. 

“What do you want to do today?” Jake asked her as he took their now empty plates to the sink to wash off. 

He’d texted Bradley while they ate to see when he’d be home– but there was no response. Based on how long Bradley’s work days were in the past, he was guessing he would be back around dinner time. 

“Swim! Mommy said I got new swimsuits.” Kiley grinned ear to ear and jumped up from her chair. 

Literally everything in his body did not want to deal with the amount of effort it would take to go swimming with a 3 year old. Sitting on the couch would be about a thousand times more relaxing– but seeing how excited Kiley was literally made it impossible for him to say no. 

“Alright, let's do it.” He grinned.

So, an hour later, after digging through the packages Bradley insisted he buy for Kiley, they were heading up the elevator with multiple floaties, a bag full of water, snacks and goggles. Kiley was wearing a brand new swimsuit, while Jake managed to find some swim shorts of Bradley’s. He texted to ask him if it was okay if he borrowed some– but again, no response. He tried his fucking hardest not to overthink it. 

There was a security guard with them, who insisted he guard the elevator while they were on the roof. Jake wanted to tell him to fuck off, but then he remembered how close of a call last night was and let it be. He wasn’t going to let his pride get Kiley hurt. 

“Remember to always keep your floaties on. And don’t get in the pool without me.” Jake warned as the elevator door opened and he let go of Kiley’s hand. 

“I know!” She yelled out, running straight towards the pool gate. 

Jake thought about how Bradley must have done the same at Kiley’s age– how this was once his home– his childhood. He still couldn’t believe Bradley had stayed here all these years, when a place like this held so many memories. 

He unlocked the pool gate and set their stuff down on a pool chair. After blowing up arm floaties for Kiley, and a donut floatie for himself, they were waist deep in the pool and laughing. 

Kiley swam and swam and swam some more, until she was so exhausted from doing laps that she crawled onto Jake’s floatie with him. She was smiling ear to ear, and looking like a complete dork with her bright purple goggles. 

“I love it here.” Kiley said happily as her little chest rose and fell against his. 

“Hmm I’m glad you do. I do too.” He agreed, laying back in the donut and letting the warm sun soak into his skin. It had been over a year since he enjoyed a day like this, and he was suddenly glad he decided against watching TV on the couch. 

Jake eventually let Kiley take her floaties off to practice swimming without them. He never let his hands leave her waist as she splashed in the water and attempted to doggy paddle. She was happier than he’d seen her since he arrived eight months ago.

After two hours, he was able to bribe Kiley out of the pool with the promises of goldfish and watching Disney on the couch with him. He was in the process of wrapping a fresh beach towel around her when he looked up to see Ashley walking in the pool gate. 

“Hey you two.” She smiled at both of them, eyes bright and relaxed. 

“Momma!” Kiley ran up to her, towel still wrapped around her chin. Ashley lifted her into her arms and supported her against her waist. 

“Hi lovebug.” She kissed her on the side of the forehead.

“Get some good rest?” Jake asked, pulling in Ashley for a short side- hug. 

Ashley nodded, but her eyes assessed him carefully. 

“You seem to be doing better.” 

Jake shot her a wary look and shrugged. 

“I feel fine. Just had to sleep it off I guess.” 

He wasn’t sure how much Bradley told her, but he figured now wasn’t the time to discuss that anyway. He gathered up all their belongings and swung the bag over his shoulder. 

“I promised to watch a Disney movie and goldfish. Care to join us?” Jake raised a brow.

Ashley looked like she wanted to ask him a million questions, but she just shook her head. 

“Alright.” 

Jake checked his phone in the elevator for a text from Bradley— but there was nothing. He ground his teeth together and tried not to feel a mixture of annoyance and worry. Bradley had literally saved his life last night, he should be home and resting not out doing whatever the hell he was doing. 

Sorry to double text, I’m just worried about you. Can you let me know you’re okay?

He sent the text without thinking twice and shoved his phone back in the bag. It was 4pm, if Bradley didn’t text him back by 7 he would call Maverick and see what the hell was going on. 

Ashley and Kiley ended up snuggled next to him on the couch while they snacked on popcorn and chocolate. Frozen was on the big screen, much to Ashley and Jake’s protests. They must have seen this movie 50 times by now. 

But it was turned down enough that Jake could hold a conversation with Ashley without interrupting the movie or Kiley hearing. 

“So… how was last night?” Jake asked. He’d been curious about how things went with Javy since the moment he stepped out the door for the event. 

Ashley’s face immediately gave it away with a pink blush covering her cheeks. 

“It was fine. Just watched a couple movies.” 

“ With Javy?” Jake egged her on with a smile. 

“Well, he was literally being paid to be there. So yes.” Ashley shot back sarcastically. 

“Based on how he was looking at you before we left, he would have watched movies with you regardless.”

Ashley elbowed him in the side hard enough to make him cough out in pain. 

“Shut up. No he wasn’t.” She defended, though her eyes shone with amusement. 

“Um, he definitely was. Did he…. Like try anything when we left?” Jake asked, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Ashley groaned and shook her head. 

“No. We just talked a lot— and Kiley fell asleep pretty early so I put her to bed.” She bit her bottom lip and chewed on it. “We ended up staying up until you got home. Which scared the fuck out of me by the way. Bradley barreled in here carrying you and I thought you were dead—”

“ Wait. You guys stayed up together? That’s like three hours of chatting.” Jake interrupted her, ignoring the guilt in his chest regarding Ashley seeing him in such a shitty state. 

“Maybe. I don’t know… he was just easy to talk to. I think that’s just his personality. Nothing to do with me.” Ashley said quickly, glancing back at the TV with sad eyes. 

Jake sighed, scooted closer to her and snatched her hand in his. 

“Ash, I’m going to be honest with you. You’re an idiot if you think that man wasn’t into you.” 

His heart felt full when she smiled.

“I mean, maybe. I guess… it’s just hard to believe. I’m not exactly a catch.”

“You can’t actually mean that.” Jake studied his sister, noticing the way she caved in on herself. 

Her green eyes flicked up to his, wet with tears.

“I’m still legally married— and my husband is a crazy psycho who would kill any man who touched me. I’m literally a danger to him.” She gritted out, her bottom lip trembling. “So, I think I’m the opposite of a catch, Jake. I’m… I’m a trap. Javy should stay far away from me.”

Jake’s chest ached at her words. He hated Anthony for this, and he missed the way Ashley was before him. He missed seeing her happy. 

“Something tells me Javy won’t give two fucks about Anthony.” Jake brought Ashley in closer to his side and let her head fall against his shoulder. “I’m going to figure this out, Ash. He’s not going to control you anymore.” 

Ashley sniffled and nodded against him, obviously biting back cries. He eyed Kiley, who was half asleep on the other side of Ashely and oblivious to anything they were saying. 

“He could have killed you last night. And then what? You’re all we have left. I would have no other choice but to go back to him—”

“Hey, hey, look at me.” Jake said in a hushed voice. “If anything happens to me— which it won’t— but if it does, I want you to get on a plane and get out of the country and never look back. I already have money set aside.”

“ Jake—”

“Going back to him isn’t an option, okay? Never.” His voice was strained with anxiety, but he tried to hide it. His chest was tight just thinking about Ashley and Kiley back in Anthony’s grasp. His brain pictured Ashley endearing Anthony’s abuse until she was in her 80’s and Kiley growing up in a home that hurt her. 

He blinked back the terror in his mind and squeezed Ashley’s hand to ground him back to reality. 

He was going to protect them— whatever it takes. 

“I promise I’ll try.” Ashley muttered out, voice thick. 

Jake's thoughts were interrupted by his phone buzzing in his pocket. He whipped it out to see that Bradley was calling. Relief flooded through him as he swiped to answer it. 

“Hey.” Jake said quickly, eager to hear Bradley on the other side. 

“Hey– sorry I missed your texts. I got caught up with some stuff.” Bradley sighed. “How are you feeling?”

Jake glanced at Ashley, who was still tucked against his shoulder with her head down.

“Honestly, not bad. Just been hanging out with the girls.” He cleared his throat. “Will you be back soon…or…is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah everything's fine.” Bradley’s voice was unusually upbeat. “I’ll be back in an hour. Do you need anything?”

“No, I’m all set. I’ll see you soon, then.” Jake couldn’t help the small smile that formed on his lips. 

“Can’t wait.” Bradley teased. 

They said their goodbyes, and Jake hung up the phone feeling about a million times more calm than he did a few hours ago.

“Bradley will be back soon.” Jake said to Ashley softly. 

Ashley nodded and tilted her head up to look at him.

“You really like him, don’t you?” She asked quietly. 

Jake paused, stomach tight with something he couldn’t quite describe. 

“Yeah. I like him. Probably too much.” 

Ashley smiled and nudged him with her shoulder. 

“Wow, I knew you were like… attracted to him but I didn’t know you were smitten. That’s pretty rare for you.” She teased.

Jake flushed and nudged her back. He knew she was right– he’d only ever had one long term boyfriend that he felt comfortable enough for Ashley to meet. Maybe that’s why he felt connected to Bradley so quickly – because he was already intertwined with his family in a deeper way. 

“I know. It freaks me out. But for now I’m trying to focus on you and Kiley. He gets that too– he wants to help.”

“I know– and I’m grateful…for all of this. I mean, he’s done so much for us by letting us be here. I haven’t felt this safe in years.” Ashley pulled back and let out a long sigh. “But don’t you think it’s weird that he’s doing all this for us? I mean… he barely knows us.”

Jake understood, really, he did. He wondered the same thing– especially after last night. Bradley was putting himself at risk time and time again, and for what?

“I think…well….” Jake started and stopped. He wasn’t sure how much he should disclose about Bradley’s experience and trauma. “Bradley, um, was hurt by Ivan. And… his family was too. All of them were murdered.”

Ashley stilled for a moment, hand frozen under Jakes. 

“So I think he does care about us…but I think part of protecting us is because he doesn’t want the same thing to happen again. It’s more personal to him. And, he wants the Rigazio’s to suffer.” Jake explained slowly. “What’s crazy is that our worlds collided to begin with…he had no idea who I was–who you were.”

“God, I had no clue…” She shook her head. “I mean, I knew their families were feuding… but I didn’t know….damn.”

Jake swallowed down the lump in his throat when he thought about the terror the Rigazio’s caused everyone in this god damned room. It pissed him the hell off that they were still out there, living freely and happily. 

“I trust him.” Ashley filled the silence. “The way he looks at you…it makes me trust him.”

Jake smiled. 

“I trust him too.”

The girls eventually wrapped up the movie and dragged themselves to bed. Jake knew Ashley was doing so just to give him privacy when Bradley got home, which he was grateful for. 

He tidied up the living area and kitchen and then finally poured himself and Bradley a glass of wine they both discovered they liked. He honestly found it cute that Bradley liked trying different types of wine for home, even though while he was out he refused to order it to protect his “image”. 

It was twenty minutes past when Bradley said he would be home, and he was just about to call him when Bradley walked through the front door. Jake immediately stood, stalking over to him in the dimly lit living area and wrapping his arms around his neck.

“Hey.” Bradley said as he returned the embrace, wrapping his arms around Jake’s waist and holding him still. Jake kept his head tucked into Bradley’s warm neck and inhaled his scent– he was freshly showered. 

“Hey.” Jake muttered, letting his shoulders fall and body release the stress he was holding. 

“You’re wearing my clothes.” Bradley murmured, kissing the top of his head softly. “Looks good.” 

Jake smiled against his neck and slowly planted his lips on the bare skin, sucking gently and pulling back to study him. 

“How has your day been–”

He stopped mid sentence when his eyes caught on Bradley’s bottom lip. It was freshly split– Jake could almost say with 100% certainty it hadn’t been there this morning. He took another step back, silently assessing Bradley over again. 

There were scratch marks on his arms– also freshly washed– and most noticeably, the knuckles on both of his hands were doubly as split and bruised as they were yesterday. 

“What the hell happened to you?” Jake asked, his chest beating faster with every passing second. He grabbed Bradley’s hand and studied it up close, then grabbed the other to do the same. “You need to ice these.”

Bradley sighed and pulled his hands back from Jake’s grip and planted them on either side of Jake’s hips.

“I’m fine, babe. Just a couple more bruises.” Bradley smiled lazily and stepped in closer, hovering his lips over Jake’s. “I missed you.”

Jake nearly got caught up in the distraction– in fact, he smashed against his lips for a few seconds before Bradley winced when Jake nibbled on his lip. Jake pulled back, waking himself up from his daze and shook his head again. 

“I’ll get some ice and you can tell me what happened.” Jake nearly demanded, letting go of Bradley and rushing towards the freezer. 

Bradley hmphed out a sound of submission and trailed behind him. 

“I’m really fine, you know. I already cleaned everything up at Mav’s before I came home.” 

Jake tried not to let his emotions show, thinking about the million things those two could have been doing to get Bradley’s fists that fucked up. He tried not to think about the conversation he overheard last night– he knew Bradley would tell him if he went out to kill Anthony. Right?

“Ice will help with the swelling. It’ll hurt less tomorrow, too.” He insisted, filling up two zip lock bags full of crushed ice. 

Jake eyed Bradley, who looked handsome as ever in dark blue jeans and his signature black t-shirt. His limbs were so goddamn long, sometimes he reminded Jake of a giant giraffe. He knew Bradley was only a few inches taller, but damn did it make a difference.

Jake grabbed his hand and led him to the couch, sitting him down on the cushions before sitting himself across from him on the wooden coffee table. Their knees touched as he grabbed Bradley’s hands and rested the makeshift ice packs on them. 

Bradley hissed at the contact, but managed not to squirm too much. Jake was still trying not to overreact– trying to convince himself that if Bradley thought this was a normal day at work– then maybe it was. 

“So?” Jake questioned again, lightly knocking his knee against Bradley’s. 

Bradley looked up at him with nervous, pretty brown eyes. 

“Um.” He scratched behind his head and looked at Jake wairily. “I…I found the guy who roofied you. Mav and I had a little chat with him and his friends.”

Jake’s eyes grew wide. Of all the possibilities his mind had guessed, that was not one of them.

“What?” He asked, chest tightening with a mixture of astonishment and worry.

“He fessed right up to it as soon as I got to his door.” Bradley let out a cautious breath. “Got him to apologize.” 

Jake had a few ideas of how Bradley managed to get the guy to apologize . None of them were pretty. He shook his head and removed his hands from Bradley’s swollen ones so he could massage his temples slowly. 

“You didn’t have to do that…you could have gotten seriously hurt– or killed .” Jake said, voice tense. “It’s not worth it.” 

Bradley muscled his jaw and tilted his head at him, studying him quietly. 

“I had Mav with me. And you are worth it, by the way.” Bradley promised, eyes dark with something Jake couldn’t quite place. 

Jake gulped, trying to decide whether or not he should be freaking out. A part of him wanted to keep screaming that Bradley shouldn’t have done something so stupid out of revenge. But at the same time, Jake could see himself doing the same damn thing if the roles were reversed. 

“I just worry about you.” Jake finally said, his jaw tight. “When you go out and do that shit it takes a toll on you. Physically…mentally.” 

Bradley’s lips formed a soft smile as he reached out his right hand to cup Jake’s cheek. Jake leaned into it, inhaling and exhaling slowly. 

“I’m not used to having someone worrying about me.” Bradley murmured. “I promise I’m alright.”

Jake searched his wide brown eyes and found a careful, deep, calm there. It struck him that he was staring right into Bradley’s soul at that moment, seeing everything bare in front of him. 

Jake leaned in to kiss him, grasping the back of his head and digging his fingers into his soft hair. Bradley moaned into his mouth, flicking the ice packs off his hands and reaching under Jake’s thighs to lift him off the coffee table and into his lap. 

Jake straddled him completely, grinding down hard enough to make them both tense against one another. 

“You have to get used to it, Bradshaw.” Jake muttered, lifting his lips to suck against Bradley’s jawline, and down to his collarbone. “Because next time you don’t answer my calls I’m going out looking for you.” 

Bradley tightened his grip on his thighs and grunted.

“You better fucking not.” 

Jake grinned at the warning and ground down on Bradley again. 

“Oh I fucking will.” He threatened back, licking up the base of his throat. 

Bradley nearly growled as he swiftly stood up from the couch, hands still wrapped around Jake’s thighs. Jake immediately wrapped his legs around his waist and held tightly as he was carried into Bradley’s bedroom, the door slamming behind him. 

Bradley backed him against the wall, kissing him like he had something to prove. Jake cried out when he sucked so hard on his neck he knew it would leave a bruise. 

“You’re an idiot, you know that, right?” Jake panted out.

Bradley ignored him, only nibbled on his ear, relishing in the squirms Jake made against him. 

“M’ not letting anyone get away with hurting you.” Bradley said, like beating a guy to a pulp was nothing. “You scared me to fucking death last night, okay?”

They both stilled for a moment, staring at each other, the only sound around them their heavy pants. 

“If it’s any consolation, you scared me, too. I could only…watch.” Jake’s voice wavered and he blinked his eyes shut. “I couldn’t do shit to help you.”

Bradley titled his forehead against his, their mouths just centimeters apart. 

“I’m fine. We’re both fine.” Bradley reassured, kissing him softly. 

Jake didn’t have the heart to tell him that nothing was fixed. That everything was fucked. 

So instead, he leaned in and kissed him harder, until they both forgot about the outside world around them.