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  STRADDLING THE LAW

  In the not what he expected column, Brad Williams is shocked when LAPD Captain Eric Meyers shows an interest. Tempting…but, no. While Brad might be working at The Gates, and seems all law-abiding, in his former life he was a cat-burglar, and Eric knows it. There’s no point in starting something that won’t go anywhere, especially since Brad’s sure all the captain’s feeling is residual gratitude that Brad took a bullet for him. Yet, what they learn about each other becomes deeper and more meaningful than either of them expects.

  BRADLEY

  Gates of Heaven – Book 5

  M. Tasia

  ALSO BY M. TASIA

  The Boys of Brighton series

  Gabe

  Sam’s Soldiers

  Rick’s Bear

  Jesse

  Coop

  Travis

  Grady

  Vincent

  Shadow

  The Holidays

  The Gates of Heaven series

  Saint

  Finn

  James

  Joey

  EVERYONE LOVES THE BOYS OF BRIGHTON

  “I loved this book and I love this town. I hope there’s going to be more.”

  —Melissa Lemons on Gabe

  “An amazing read that was filled with lust, love, crazy hot sex, danger, action and so much more This is the first book I have read in this series but I will definitely be reading more in the future.”

  —Gay Book Reviews on Sam’s Soldiers

  “I was crazy impressed that the author made me teary over the ending of a relationship that I shouldn’t have even been invested in. I didn’t yet know these characters yet the author made me hurt for them. That takes some mad writing skills!”

  —Love Bytes Reviews

  “Jesse and Royce together have my heart. Jesse has it all by himself.”

  —The Book Junkie Reads on Jesse

  “So much action, intrigue, drama and angst for the long awaited story of Grady and Ben. This was worth the wait. Sexy and sweet. I can’t wait for the next.”

  —SamD on Grady

  “I knew this one would be my favorite to date! There was something about Vincent that said awesome then came Tristan.”

  —Booky on Vincent

  “This installment of the Boys of Brighton was so good! I loved Shadow and Randy ‘s story I was hooked from the first page to the last. This book was definitely worth the wait!”

  —AG on Shadow

  “I have loved this series from the very first story and this holiday novella is simply perfect. We get a glimpse of all our couples and what is happening in their lives while the holidays explode around them. I cannot wait for more!”

  —bookobsessed on The Holidays

  EVERYONE’S NEWEST LOVE – THE GATES OF HEAVEN

  “Having read the entire Boys of Brighton series, I was eagerly awaiting Saint’s story and it was so worth the wait. I enjoyed every word. I am always amazed by authors that bring characters to life so much that you can hardly wait for the next story. Cannot wait for Finn and Miguel to have their turn. While I’m waiting I’ll reread the Boys of Brighton series!” —Debbie Kay on Saint

  “Ms. Tasia has done it again! This is Saint's story, for readers of the Brighton Boys, you'll know he needs a break! After being forced to become a plastic surgeon by his father, he rebels by assisting people in 3rd world countries, which puts him in the position to be kidnapped and tortured. You really feel for him, that's for sure! Max is the perfect man for poor Saint's battered soul, not that he doesn't have his own issues! Overall, this was engaging, steady paced and chock full of all the feels!” —Avid Reader on Saint

  “Finn and Miguel stole my heart. This is a great Sunday afternoon read. Finn's character jumped off the page as his story developed through each chapter. I loved reading his truth and watching him and Miguel find their home in each other.” —K.A. Brown on Finn

  “Another tale from the Gates of Heaven, another two brilliant MCs we get to know very well. I loved both the plot and the characters, all their emotions and insecurities on full display. All the descriptions and world building were very vivid, providing a great background for an emotional story of self discovery and developing attraction.” —AL on Finn

  “James...what can I say. I couldn't put it down. This is my first book in the series, so it definitely can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but it will not be my last. Now I'm going to read the previous stories. Solid writing with a gripping style, characters that are right up my alley, and the kind of chemistry I love in my romances. What more do you need for a great reading experience.” —cinnamon on James

  “This is really a great series and I def recommend it. I loved James and Ross, it was a rough start for the two, but they worked it out. I can't wait for more, love everything M. TASIA writes!” —TammyKay on James

  “I may have my new favorite book couple of the series. Joey and Sam just have that something special. At one point I was ugly crying but it was a good ugly cry if that makes any sense. I really love the series and I can’t wait for her next installment!!” —Vine Voice on Joey

  “M. Tasia is an automatic 1 click author for me...she definitely didn’t disappoint with Joey.” —Heather Weissman on Joey

  www.BOROUGHSPUBLISHINGGROUP.com

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Boroughs Publishing Group does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites, blogs or critiques or their content.

  BRADLEY

  Copyright © 2020 M. Tasia

  All rights reserved. Unless specifically noted, no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Boroughs Publishing Group. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without the permission of Boroughs Publishing Group is illegal and punishable by law. Participation in the piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s rights.

  ISBN 978-1-951055-78-3

  E-book formatting by Maureen Cutajar

  www.gopublished.com

  This has been possible because of the love and support of my family.

  Love you Craig, Samantha, Katie, and Jason.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Thank you to my amazing publisher for taking the time to play tour guide in her diverse and stunning area of Southern California. Your indomitable spirit and strength inspires me to continue to grow as an author. Also, to my sisters-in-law, thank you for coming along and supporting my dream. The love and strength of family is the cornerstone of my career.

  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  About the Author

  BRADLEY

  Chapter One

  People stop what they’re doing at the sound of breaking glass. Brad felt the weight of everyone’s stares as he watched as the Napa Valley red pool onto the tiled floor beneath his feet. The shards from what used to be a fuckin’ fancy wine
glass sparkled in the noonday sun that streamed through the tall windows of The Gates. That had been the third time today he’d dropped an order, and he could feel his face warming.

  He flexed the numb fingers of his left hand into a fist while a rush of anger washed over him. He’d gone straight, in a non-felony kind of way, and was trying to live a “square” life.” Regular job, bosses, clocking in, schedules, be nice to the customers, smile—all that shit and more. But his career as a bartender was definitely hanging in the balance. For the four thousandth time, he rethought leaving his life of crime. Yeah, he might be dead by now if he hadn’t, but so what?

  “Brad, you okay, man?” Finn, his supervisor, asked as he came around the end of the bar, mop in hand.

  “I’m sorry,” Brad said. “I keep forgetting not to use my left hand. I’ll pay for the losses.”

  The real gut punch: Brad was left-handed.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Finn assured. The boss was a good guy. The owner and management were all good people. That’s why Brad hated having to leave, but at this rate, maybe it was for the best before they had no other choice but to fire him.

  He reached for the mop, but Finn snatched it away. “I’ll get this. Saint and Max want to talk to you in the office.”

  There it was. Brad had screwed up too many times since coming back after healing from the gunshot wound to his arm months before. He nodded. There was no point in saying anything, and Finn had no control over what Saint would do. What was done was done.

  Several patrons gave Brad looks of sympathy, and a few others laughed. Brad had never reveled in someone else’s pain. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. He loved to see the wealthy criminal element squirm when he relieved them of one item or another. Of course, it hadn’t belonged to them in the first place, and he could fence it for cash. Cash was always best. He didn’t have the “infrastructure” to hide bars of gold, and he didn’t need paintings or statues. That shit wouldn’t feed anyone.

  “Fuck it,” Brad mumbled under his breath. He didn’t want to go back to the life, but he was running out of choices. Even with one messed-up arm, he still had more skill than most burglars out there.

  He held his head high when he knocked on the office door. He tried not to let shit get to him, and even if this hurt more than usual, he’d carry on.

  “Come in,” Saint’s voice called from behind the closed door.

  He didn’t hesitate, reaching for the door handle with his left hand before catching himself. With a loud huff, he switched hands, turned the knob, and walked in. Thankfully, it was only Saint and Max in the office. Saint owned The Gates, and Max owned and ran the construction company that was working on the renovation of the old turn-of-the-century building. Along with being Saint’s partner in all things, Max was a badass.

  “Thank you for coming, Brad,” Saint said. “Please have a seat.”

  Both bosses were sitting behind Saint’s large wooden desk, an effective barrier between them and him. Easier to distance oneself from a distasteful situation with a couple of hundred pounds of wood between you and the subject.

  Brad didn’t sit. “Look, I know you’ve gotta do whatcha gotta do. It’s not personal, it’s business. I get it.”

  Saint and Max looked at each other before turning back to him. “Get what?”

  Seriously, they were going to make him say it. “Why you need to fire me.” There, now on with it. Maybe he’d still have time to stop by Charlie’s on the way to his apartment. Put out a couple of feelers to see who’s looking for his services. Even thinking about returning to that life soured his stomach. But what choice did he have?

  “Fire you? I didn’t call you in here to fire you,” Saint stated.

  “I’ve been breaking glasses every day for the past few months,” Brad said. “Why wouldn’t you fire me?”

  “We’re not in the habit of firing family,” Max grunted. “You were shot protecting Sam and Captain Meyers. You can break as many damn glasses as you want to.”

  Brad doubted he’d forget the night he almost lost his arm. His co-worker, Joey had a nutso grandfather, a local crime boss, who had kidnapped Joey. Brad used the skills he’d honed as a cat burglar to break into the mansion. Joey was found unhurt. That was all that mattered. The little dude was as sweet as they came, but wasn’t what you’d call tough. Brad had gotten shot for his trouble while protecting LAPD captain Eric Meyers. Fucked up his arm and hand, but, hey, life in the fast lane.

  “How’s your arm?” Saint asked. “Are you in any pain?”

  Well, shit. Not fired, and now he had to share. “I promise to be more cautious about using my left hand to pick up anything.” Brad knew he was avoiding the question, but what good was it to tell them that his arm throbbed so severely he could barely sleep.

  “That’s not what I asked.” Saint sat back, obviously wanting answers.

  “It throbs sometimes, but I can handle it, no problem.”

  “Has your doctor set you up with PT?” Max asked.

  Now would not be the best time to let them in on the fact that after being released from the hospital, Brad never returned to see anyone. He took the stitches out himself. Hospitals, follow-up appointments, PT were expensive, and not for the first time, he chastised himself for not putting any real money aside.

  “No, I’ll be fine without it.”

  “That what the doctor said?” Saint scowled.

  “Um….”

  “You didn’t go back, did you?” Max leaned forward, but at Saint’s touch to his boyfriend’s back, Max stopped interrogating.

  “We have something for you,” Saint said before sliding a folder across the table toward him.

  Brad took a seat in one of the two chairs in front of the desk and picked up the folder. The papers inside looked official and had Brad’s name all over them. He read the top of the page: “Jacobson Insurance Plan.”

  “Insurance plan?”

  “Yes,” Saint answered. “The DTLA community has embraced The Gates, and we have clientele from all over the city who have turned into regulars. As a thank you for everyone’s hard work, we’re extending our health benefits coverage.”

  “The plan provides PT for twenty-six visits,” Max explained. “You have a doctor’s appointment at three this afternoon. She’ll give you the script for the PT. It’s only a couple blocks over. We’ll give you the address.”

  Brad looked from the pieces of paper in front of him and back to his bosses at least four times before he could get his mouth to work. “Why? What’s the catch?” He had to know. People in Brad’s life usually looked out for themselves.

  Max shook his head. “The catch is, you go to PT, and we get our bartender back at full speed. It costs too much and takes too much damn time to train someone new.”

  “It’s saving us the huge headache and paperwork of a new employee,” Saint agreed while looking anywhere but at Brad. The man was a horrible liar. “Now get back out there and take over for Finn. I’ll give you the doctor’s address and phone number later this afternoon before you leave.”

  Were these people real?

  “Everyone is getting the same benefits, right?” If Brad was the only one, he’d refuse in a heartbeat.

  “Yes, everyone,” Saint assured. “We need all of you to be healthy as we grow bigger and get busier. Now, go. I have calls to make.”

  Brad found it hilarious when Saint tried to be tough. The guy was the size of a truck with muscles to spare, but had the softest heart of anyone he’d ever met. It had to be the doctor in him. But anyone looking to take advantage of the boss’s nature had to deal with Max. No one in their right mind wanted to take on Max.

  “Yeah. Right.” He stood. “And…uh, thanks.”

  As Brad was walking out, he heard Max whisper, “What calls, babe?” Which further confirmed Saint’s bravado was all for show.

  Brad didn’t think people like this existed, or at least not any in his world. He was becoming attached to the crazy crew and could pictur
e staying on long term if his arm healed properly.

  He’d find a way to thank them for being so decent.

  Chapter Two

  Brad cursed the day he’d ever met Saint and took the position as a bartender at The Gates.

  “One more time,” the sadistic woman cheered. Beads of sweat dripped down Brad’s face onto the padded table in front of him. “You can do it. Then we’ll take a break.”

  Grudgingly, using only his left arm and hand, he picked up the one-pound weight and lifted it two inches off the table before rotating his wrist in clockwise circles. His arm was throbbing, but he had to admit whatever his torturer was doing seemed to be working.

  He’d been coming to PT twice a week for the last month, and his arm was slowly getting stronger. However, he was paying for every step forward with sweat and pain. This broad, Jo, had given him giant rubber bands to do his “exercises” between visits. Two pages of exercises, if you could believe that shit. She was killing him, and seemed to enjoy every fuckin’ minute of it.

  “That’s it. Five more seconds.”

  The muscles around the puckered scar on his left bicep refused to loosen and pulled with every move he made. Between the weights, the rubber bands, and the sponge ball, he’d been gaining strength but not mobility. Jo said it would take time, especially since he’d waited so long to start PT. Brad wasn’t the patient type, and he sure as shit didn’t like to be reminded he could’ve felt better sooner.

  “Okay, good job,” Jo praised cheerily. “Take ten minutes to rest and then we’ll get back to it.”

  “Thank god,” Brad moaned. “You’re evil.”

  As always, she smiled wide and bounced back into her office as if he’d given her a kick-ass compliment. Weird broad.

  He needed some air, and he headed for the door. He wasn’t sure how much “fresh air” he’d get in DTLA, but it was better than waiting here for his torture to resume. The breeze was cooler in the evening, and he shivered as it blew through the sweat on his t-shirt. He leaned against the building’s smooth stone, still warm from the afternoon sun.