Page 40 of Betraying Bexley

“There’s more,” Alé said. “We found a video.”

“It was more like dropped in our laps,” Eito interjected.

"It's pretty fucked up." Alé nodded again and the images on the screen changed to a video. "We don't believe Bex knew she was being videoed. Nor did she consent. Just a word of warning, it's pretty graphic."

“Ah, fuck me.” Duncan scrubbed his brow. “Do you have a bead on who videoed it?”

"Working on it," Alex grumbled. "Whoever was behind it, they did a good job of keeping their identity a secret. Plus there is something wrong with it, besides the shitty quality."

"We've narrowed down the time, day, and year. It coincides with when Bex lost her leg," Jacolbi added. "This shit got sent to her father."

“We believe,” Alé stated, “the All-Americans and The Bitches are behind it. My gut says Marybeth figured out who Bex is and decided as a way to fuck with her, she’d send it to Raul, however, I can’t prove the latter half.”

“Anything else?” Asher folding his hands.

“No.” Alé shook his head. “We have her at the house now. Hopefully, we can get her to open up a little. Maybe talk her into staying, but I doubt it.”

Asher inclined his chin. "You've all done good work. Your quick action saved Bex in more ways than one. Showing off a little in the cafeteria also puts the message out loud and clear, anyone who fucks with her, or you will have hell to pay. The fight this afternoon only reinforced your standing in her life."

“We’re still going through financials,” Alex said. “We should have more information on that front soon.”

“As for the food situation, we can run something by her place before taking her home,” Alé said.

“Be more persistent kid,” Duncan said. “She’s a caged, broken animal right now. She doesn’t know who she can trust and who she can’t. By all of your actions, you’re giving her a chance to see people care. Keep going.”

Asher nodded. “Exactly. Alex, Eito, I want the financials in my email by Monday morning. Jacolbi and Alé keep up with being makeshift bodyguards and keep stepping in when something happens. Tell Bronx she’s doing good too. Also, from our last meeting, you’ve all stepped up your games. I’m proud of you. However, if you could keep your asses out of the office, that would be great.”

Alé chuckled. “Won’t make any promises, but we’ll do better.”

“All I can ask for,” Asher said. “Now, get out of here. We have business to take care of, and you guys can’t be here. Dismissed.”

Alé grabbed his phone and dialed Bronx’s number. When she answered, he grinned. There was something about her and Bex he couldn’t get out of his head. Kissing Bex earlier had been a spur of the moment thing, and he’d been half tempted to do the same to Bronx. “Hey, we’re on the way back. What’s going on there?”

“Hey yourself. You need to make a pizza run, Bex picked it out.” Bronx laughed at something then it grew quiet and a door closed. “You should know Bex had a panic attack too.”

“How bad?” He frowned.

“Really bad. I didn’t think she was going to come out of it.” Bronx blew out a breath. “I don’t think it was her first one either.”

Yeah, he doubted it too. With all the shit Bex had been through in her life, he figured it was part and parcel for her life. “Shit.” He scrubbed his head. “That’s some fucked up shit.”

“Tell me about it. Jamie gave her hot chocolate and we’re trying to act like nothing happened too.”

“We need to get this show on the road so we can explain everything to her. The longer we lie or omit the truth from her, the worse it’s going to be once she finally finds out who we are.” Alé pressed the button on the elevator. “We have to up our game starting tonight. Next level shit. No holds barred on any of us.”

“Agree. Anyway, I should get back out there,” Bronx replied. “Don’t forget the pizza.”

“I won’t,” Alé replied. “Don’t worry.” He hung up the phone before stepping into the elevator. “Looks like Bex had an episode at the house and it was bad.”

“Bet you she crashed out,” Jacolbi said. “All that fear and adrenaline is a lethal combo. The minute she relaxed, boom. It exploded and she bottomed out.”

Alé nodded. Yeah, he suspected the same thing. “We’re having pizza for dinner, too.”

“Sweet.” Jacolbi grinned. “So about upping our game?”

Alé nodded. “Yeah. Starting tonight. Whoever can get the closest to her, go for it. I want her bad, but in a situation like this, I have to think of the big picture.”

“Look at you,” Eito teased. “You never put shit like that out there.”

No, he didn't, but in this situation, he had to. He was gunning to push his way into her life. He couldn't tell them when he fell for her, but he had, and seeing her having to deal with the bullshit day in and day out was taxing. If they didn't get it fixed soon, he was going to lose his shit and when he did, nothing would be left to salvage.

“Whatever, asshole.”

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