“You’re all clean now.” And with that, he tells the driver to go to Bella’s!
As we pull up to Bella’s house, I am very aware that I have no panties, and that Jax loves it.
“Bella, thank you for having us on such short notice. How’s Michael doing?”
She smiles, “Better now that I told him you were home safe.”
“How much does he know?” This family has no secrets from each other, which is refreshing, however, he is just seven.
“We told him that you were away for a while. I didn’t want him to know you were kidnapped, again. I think his fear is that the men are coming back.”
I nod. “Okay, well that makes sense since it was always my greatest fear.” When we get to the living room, Michael comes running right to me. I assure Bo it’s okay, and then Michael leaps into my arms. This is what family is about—unconditional love; and I can’t stop crying.
“Miss Raven, are you okay?”
I nod. “I’m more than okay.”
He looks at me confused, “Then why are you crying?”
“I’m very happy to see you.” That seems to do the trick. He takes me by the hand and leads me to the dining room for dinner. After dinner, the men go to the living room, and I’m left with Bella and Mrs. Phillips. I know what’s coming next. With this family, there is no subtlety.
Mrs. Phillips starts the questions. “So, Raven, have you spoken with the doctor about the baby?”
I shake my head, “No, Mrs. Phillips, only what Jax told me at the hospital. I have a follow-up appointment this week with an OB.”
She smiles at me. “Can you please call me An? After all, you’re family now.” She gets up,
“I’ll leave you with Bella,” and she heads into the living room.
“Bella, did I do something wrong? She seems upset.”
Bella takes my hand, “I was pregnant with Michael before I was married, and now you’re pregnant before you are married. It’s just Mum is old school in many ways.”
Oh what this family must think of me. “I’m not after Jax’s money.”
She stops me. “Hold up, Raven, no one said you were after his money. We are just concerned about him, that’s all. My brother is a very strong and proud man, and I know, in some way, he blames himself for what happened to Junior, and then to you. Anyone just has to look at the two of you to see how much you love each other. I know that none of what happened was your fault, however, you have the ability to bring my brother to his knees.”
I’m really confused. “I’m sorry, Bella, but I don’t understand.”
She takes a deep breath, “Look, Raven, Jax doesn’t do anything half-ass, that’s why he is so successful in business, when you run, it kills him. When he couldn’t find you for three months, it was really bad here. Not even Max could help him. He blocked out his family and his business, he was always distracted, and he bought your building. He would stay in your apartment every day. He doesn’t think any of us knew what he was doing, but we did. If you left, there would be no coming back for Jax. For the first time in his life, he loves someone so completely.” She lets out a big breath. I don’t know what to say to her to assure her I’m not running. “I know you’re very emotional now with the pregnancy, but you need to cut him some slack if he is overbearing. It’s just coming from the fear of you running or being in danger. As far as Mum is concerned, just know that she is worse than Jax when it comes to family. If you need me for anything, call me. Remember, I’ve been pregnant. I know all the crazy stuff you’re feeling.” She gets up and hugs me. “Let’s get coffee and dessert.” Just like that, she is done.
As we head back to The Tower Jax tells me that he heard from Max and New Orleans was a dead end. “Now what do we do?”
“Well, first,you need to read Joseph’s letter. Apparently, there is a key to a safety deposit box in it.”
THE REST OF THE ride is in silence. I don’t know how much more stress she can take, but we agreed—no more secrets.
“Monday, we’ll be at the bank when it opens and you can see what’s in the safe. You also have a follow-up appointment with the OB at noon, same day. Raven, are you listening?”
She nods. “Yes, Jax. Are you planning out my life for me? Do I get any say, at all?”
I’m trying not to flip out on her, but it's really hard. I decide not to say anything for the rest of the ride home.
“Raven, would you like to be alone when you read the letter or would you like me with you?” I ask as we walk through the door.
“Can I use your office?” She takes the letter and Bo, goes into the office, and locks the door.
I decide to go next door to Max’s place and vent to him. When I get there, I realize he’s not alone, Jackie’s with him. “Hey, sorry to bother you, I just needed to vent, no big deal.”
As I turn to leave, Jackie stops me. “Jax, when can I see Raven?”
“You know what, she is next door reading Joseph’s letter. I’m sure she will need you after that. Why don’t you both come back to my place?” I hope I didn’t just ruin Max’s night with Jackie, but I need my best friend right now.
“Jax what’s up? You’re crazier than usual!” Max slaps me on the back.
He’s right, I am. I know it. “Look, mate, I know I’m nuts right now, but I don’t know any other way. I am operating out of fear and I don’t know how to control it. I want, no, I need her safe, and I don’t know how to stress that to her without scaring her or having her pull a runner.”
“Jax, I really understand your fear, but you don’t want to push too hard, otherwise it will have the opposite effect. You might want to give her a little breathing room. She’s a smart girl, and she saw firsthand how evil Vincent is. Put yourself in her shoes—she’s pregnant, she has been kidnapped four bloody times. She found out she has a half-brother who is psycho, and her mother that she thought was dead for the past twenty years is alive. Think about it, how would you feel?”
I pour another scotch. “I guess now is not a good time to demand that she marry me.”
He just rolls his eyes and laughs.
I KNOW I NEED to talk to Jax, but right now I need to read this letter.
My Dearest Cara,
I have so much to say to you, but unfortunately—time is up. We live our lives, thinking we have all the time in the world, only to have it end so quickly. I’m sorry you had to find out about your mother like this. Everything I did was for your safety and for Gabriella’s peace of mind. You need to understand that she agreed to your adoption to protect you. She knew how evil Vincent really was (still is); she experienced it firsthand. I can’t stress enough, how much danger you and Gabriella are still in.
I made promises to both your parents to keep you safe, no matter what the sacrifice. I brought Marco into your life because I could not be there. I know that you saw what happened that day Vincent shot Antonio. The bullet was meant for me but Antonio pushed me out of the way. There is a reason he did that. Ten years before that night, Antonio and I were working undercover. The perp realized who Antonio was, he had him dead to rights, but at the last second, I stepped in front of him. I was shot, and years later your father did the same for me. In the weeks that he lingered, I asked him. ‘Why?’ He said, ‘If you didn’t take that bullet for me, then my greatest gift to the world, my Cara, would never have been born.’ In the last few weeks of his life, he made a recording for you and Gabriella. It’s in a safety deposit box, along with some precious mementos from your parents and grandparents.
When the time came to move you, I chose your new name because of your silky black hair. I hope in time you can forgive me. I hope someday, it will be safe for you to reunite with Gabriella. Life is short, so make the most of each day. Jax is a good man, he comes from a good family, and I believe, that with him, you will blossom into the woman that your father knew you would be. I have total faith that Jaxson and Maxwell will keep you and Gabriella safe.
God Bless you, I love you always.
> Joseph
I decide to go find Jax, and I see that Jackie and Max are here. I throw my arms around Jackie. I really need her now. “Jackie, I’m so glad you’re here. Let's go inside.”
“Raven, what’s the matter, I can tell something is bothering you.”
She knows me so well. “I love, Jax, but he is such a take charge type of guy that I don’t have a chance to think for myself. It can be very overwhelming, at times.”
She hugs me again. God, I need her around more. “You need to just tell him. He can’t read your mind. Maybe he thinks he’s helping to relieve some of the stress. He was a total basket case when you were gone. No one could get through to him. I think he fears losing you more than pissing you off.”
I know she’s right. “Let’s talk about you. What’s going on with you and Max?”
“He doesn’t do relationships, yet he is always trying to be with me. For the three months you were gone, he came by to see me every day. I just don’t know what to think. Something stops him every time, and it is frustrating.”
“Well he is under just as much stress as Jax is, so I think maybe you need to cut him some slack, as well.”
Jackie starts laughing. “What’s so funny, girl?”
She smiles, “We just gave each other the same advice.”
We head back inside, and the guys are having a scotch by the fire. I stand there and enjoy a second of normal. Max and Jackie leave, and I decide to talk to Jax about what’s bothering me. “Jax, can we talk?”
He hugs me. “Of course. If I did something to upset you, I need you to tell me.”
I have to try and explain his overbearing way, and I’m thinking, good luck. “I just feel overwhelmed by everything. I know you’re trying to manage everything, but I need to be in on making the decisions. I feel like you’re dictating my life.” He’s looking at me and stroking his chin, so I know he is thinking about what I said. “Maybe I don’t want to go to the doctor that you picked. I just want to be part of the decisions.”
He takes a deep breath. “Okay, you’re right. I tend to just pick up the ball and run with it. That can be over powering, if you’re not use to it. If you want to pick another doctor, that’s fine, but you need to get the follow-up quickly.”
I sigh. “I’m sure you picked the top doctor in New York, and that’s fine. I just need you to understand my feelings.”
He kisses me, “Come here, I need to hold you, sweetheart.” I crawl into his lap and find instant peace.
“What was in Joseph’s letter?”
“Well, apparently, there is a video and some mementos in the box.”
He’s softly rubs my back, and it calms me. “Did he say what’s on the video?”
I shake my head. “The video is a recording from my father. Apparently, Joseph took a bullet for him ten years before, and that’s why he stepped in front of Joseph when Vincent tried to kill him. When Joseph asked him why he stepped between Vincent and him, he said, If Joseph didn’t take the bullet for him then, his greatest gift to the world would have never been born.”
CHRIST, HOW MUCH MORE shit is going to be thrown at her. “Wow, that’s some heavy stuff. How do you feel about all of this?”
She cuddles into me, “I have so many mixed emotions, but in the end, I love Joseph for all he did to protect us. I’m proud of the parents I had. I need Max to find Vincent so I can get some closure, and maybe have some sort of relationship with my mother. I’m going to try and be the best mother I can be. I want our child to know he or she is loved, and wanted. I knew my adopted parents loved me, and I believe my adopted father was just grieving. To know that my mom has been alive all these years makes me feel sad. We lost so many years that neither of us will get back.
I wipe the tear, trailing down her cheek. “I know you’re going to be the best mum ever. You’re kind hearted and very loving. Our child will know true love. Maybe having a baby around your mum might help her, especially if she sees you’re happy and made a good life, even after all the shit you’ve gone through.”
“Jax, can I ask you something?”
I smile. “Anything, you know that.”
“What do you think about Max being with Jackie?”
I see this is bothering her, but why? “Why are you asking me this?”
She starts twirling her fingers, “I just worry about Jackie. You know, she is old fashioned and innocent. I don’t want to see her get hurt. Max is older than she is, he’s um—more experienced.”
“What are you trying to tell me here, Raven?”
I growl, “Jax, why are you being so dense?”
He laughs, “I’m not being dense. I know there is a large age difference, but age is only a number. As far as experience, are you trying to tell me something here? Oh my God, she’s a virgin, isn’t she? You don’t have to answer that. Your face just said it all. Well I can tell you that Max is a man of honor. He would never use her or be abusive. The Royal Army has awarded him numerous medals, and he guarded the Queens grandchildren. As far as financially, he is set for life. I hired him away from the Queen, and I had to make him an offer he could not refuse. He has no mortgage, no car payments. He owns a 20% stake in Raiders Inc. He has unlimited use of the private jet, and has full medical coverage for life. Does that make you feel better?”
Oh God, how I love this man. “Wow, Jax, that’s impressive, but I’m more worried about her getting her heart broken. She has never shown an interest in anyone past a couple of dates.
Max told her he doesn’t do relationships, why?”
He shrugs. “I honestly don’t know. All you can do is just support her in her decisions about Max, and everything else will fall into place. Enough about them, I think I need to be kissing you all over.”
“MAX DO YOU THINK Raven is safe?”
He takes my hand, “Miss Jackie, as long as she follows protocol, and doesn’t try to ditch her detail, she will remain safe.”
He’s like a dog with a bone! “You’re never going to let us forget about that, are you?”
He smirks at me. “Nope. Do you know how worried I was, and how much danger the two of you were in? Vincent is a very dangerous man. Now that I know what I’m dealing with, I have increased security.”
I know I should be afraid, but Max has a way of taking away the fear. “I promise I won’t ditch my detail, and I will be extra careful.”
He pulls me close. “Thank you.” He begins to kiss my neck. I want this man, but I’m scared. He is so much older than me and very experienced. I’ve had a couple of boyfriends, but no one that I ever wanted to give myself to.
“Max I need to get home.”
He stops and looks in my eyes, “Are you sure?”
I nod. “Yes, I have to go.” I reiterate. He doesn’t push me. When we get to my place he, of course, has to come upstairs to make sure I’m safe. As he is leaving, he turns around pulls me close to him.
“I’m a patient man, and I will be here for you when you’re ready for me.”
He kisses me and is out the door. I’m so confused. I want this man, but I’m scared. God, I really need to talk to Raven, but it’s too late now to call her. I decide on chocolate and a glass of wine. This man is going to break my heart, and there is nothing I can do about it. I’m about to go to bed when I receive a text message.
Raven: I need to talk to you alone. I need to get away from Jax. He’s too protective. Will you help me, please?—Raven
Me: Raven, you seemed okay earlier. What went wrong?
Raven: Can’t talk now, will you meet me in an hour, coffee shop on 52nd street and 3rd?
Me: Okay.
The one thing I’m not, is stupid, and it makes me mad when people think that a woman is stupid. I call Max and he answers on the first ring. “Are you okay?”
I take a deep breath, “No, Max, I’m not. I need you back here now. I just got a text, and I don’t think it’s real.”
His mood changes instantly. “Do not leave your place. Do not answer
the door. I’m staying on the phone with you until I get there!”
I hear him running, “Hold on, Max, someone is buzzing me.”
“Fuck, Jackie, do not answer!” he yells.
I get back on the phone. “Max, calm down. The door man said there is a package for me.”
“Jackie, I swear if you open that door, so help me woman… Go into your bathroom and lock the door, right now!” He’s scaring me. Maybe I shouldn’t have called him.
“Why?” I yell back.
“Why? Why are you fucking trying to put me in an early grave?!”
He sounds nuts. “Okay, please calm down. I’m in my bathroom, the door is locked, but someone keeps buzzing. Max, are you still there?” Oh my God, there are gunshots! “Max? Max? Please answer. Please.”
“Miss Jackie, I’m outside your front door. I’m alone, look through the peep hole first,” he instructs.
I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “I can come out of the bathroom, then?”
He growls, “Yes, please let me in.”
I open the door, and I can’t help but throw my arms around him. “Did you look through the peep hole?”
Crap. “No. You said to let you in.”
“I could have had a gun to my head, you should have looked.”
I realize that I’m wrapped around him and holding on for dear life. He walks inside carrying me. “You can put me down now, Max.”
But he doesn’t. “Maybe I don’t want to.” He walks over to the kitchen, placing me on the counter.
“Max, what happened? I heard gun shots.”
The Unraveling of Raven (The Unraveled Trilogy Book 1) Page 26
