by S. K. Hardy
“Do I look like I’m joking to you?”
“I can’t believe you, Raven. ” Jeff shook his head while looking at her through wary eyes. “So now what? You run back in there and tell them what I’m planning?”
“She doesn’t have to.” Both Raven and Jeff turned in surprise when they heard Hawk’s voice behind them. “I heard everything.”
As he thought about what he’d said, Jeff’s skin blanched until his face practically blended in with the off-white walls around him. “Pattel, I...I...”
Hawk held Jeff’s eyes for several long seconds before shifting them to Raven. Without speaking he held a hand out to her. Raven gave Jeff one last glance before going to Hawk and slipping her hand into his.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Mrs. O’Neal is going to show you to the suite you’ll be staying in.” Hawk nodded towards the woman who seemed to magically appear out of the shadows. “I need to have a word with Mills then I’ll be right up, okay?”
Raven’s hand squeezed his. “Hawk...”
“I won’t hurt him, but it seems like I need to reiterate exactly how serious his situation is. Five minutes. Okay?”
Raven hesitated before nodding and releasing his hand to follow Mrs. O’Neal up the wide, sweeping staircase. She glanced back once at Hawk and Jeff before continuing on to the east wing where his old bedroom was located. Once they were alone, he turned back to Jeff.
“Exactly what part of your arrangement with us is unclear? Please. Tell me. I want to make sure I’m able to explain this to you in a way you won’t misunderstand again.”
“If this is the part where you break one of my limbs in order to teach me a lesson then get on with it,” Jeff snapped.
Hawk studied him closely with a smirk playing along his mouth. Jeff’s blustery words were an effort to show Hawk that he wasn’t intimidated, but clearly the son of a bitch was terrified...as he should be. He was lucky that Hawk promised Raven that he would leave Jeff unharmed. Otherwise, he would take great pleasure in showing him exactly what happened to people who crossed the Pattels. They rarely lived to tell about.
“I told Rae I wouldn’t hurt you and I won’t–at least not physically.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Without answering him, Hawk went to Jeff and placed an arm around his shoulder as if they were two buddies shootin’ the shit. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he started scrolling through his pictures.
“I’m beginning to see now that your safety alone is not enough to force you to cooperate. And as much as my lady dislikes the person she’s discovered you are I could tell just by lookin’ at her that she doesn’t want anything to happen to you so.... Ah. Here we go,” Hawk said as he found what he was looking for.
Jeff tensed when he glanced at Hawk’s phone and saw the image displayed on it. “What are you doing with a picture of my daughter?”
“Just look.” Hawk swiped to the next picture, which showed CeeCee Mills having dinner with Hawk’s cousin.
Jeff immediately recognized him. “Is that...Is she with Lorenzo Pattel?”
“Yeah. They look good together, don’t they? Your daughter is a beautiful woman.”
In the picture, CeeCee seemed positively enthralled with Lorenzo, smiling and blushing as he whispered something in her ear. The next couple of photos showed the two of them dancing together, Lorenzo holding her closely as CeeCee wrapped her arms around him grinning widely. The two of them did make a striking couple. Lorenzo seemed to be as taken with CeeCee as she was with him. The intimacy captured through the lens of the camera was damn near voyeuristic. People in the room watched them with soft smiles because it was plain to see that the two young people were either in love or held a deep attraction with each other.
Jeff tried to twist his face away, but Hawk squeezed his neck until he opened his eyes and forced him to keep looking. Hawk wanted him to see exactly how precarious his position was.
The next frame of photos setup for the kill strike: Lorenzo and CeeCee standing in a luxurious hotel suite... Lorenzo unbuttoning CeeCee’s blouse.... The two of them kissing...CeeCee’s expression full of desire and lust...
“That’s enough!” Jeff’s voice cracked with emotion. “I don’t want to see anymore!”
“Why not?” Hawk asked mockingly. “We just gettin’ to the good part.”
But he lowered his phone and released his grip on Jeff. It was no coincidence that the pictures showed CeeCee so clearly; Lorenzo deliberately positioned her that way so that her face was angled towards the camera. Those were all of the photos Hawk had, but he was sure Mills got the message this time.
Looking up, Hawk saw Lucas leaning against the wall. When Lucas shook his head Hawk shrugged. Lucas slowly walked towards them with his eyes on Jeff, who stood with his shoulders slumped in defeat. His face was a sickening ashen gray.
“See what you made my brother do? Believe me, we take no pleasure in exposing a man’s daughter to him like that, but you obviously didn’t hear what I told you back there. Look at me when I’m talking to you. ” Eyes narrowing, Lucas waited until Jeff complied. “You’re not even out of our house and already you’re plotting on how best to destroy my family? The disrespect is truly unreal,” Lucas sneered.
“I’m...I’m sorry.” Still dazed at what he just learned, Jeff stammered out a reply. “I...I...just wanted to–”
“When are you going to realize that you can’t hide anything from us! Nothing!” The volume of Lucas’ tone increased to overpower Jeff’s. “There’s no way out. Try something like this again and we’ll not only destroy you but we’ll destroy that pretty little daughter of yours as well.” When a sound of pain whimpered from Jeff’s chest Lucas leaned closer and ducked his head until they were looking eye to eye. His next words were issued through lips that barely moved. “Please tell me that you understand what I’m saying to you because I do not want to have this conversation with you again.”
“You won’t have to. I...I give you my word. Just please. Don’t hurt Cecilia. Please.” Defeated, Jeff kept his eyes lowered. It was obvious that the knowledge of his daughter involved with a Pattel had destroyed the last bit of his defiance. “I’ll pass your message on to Jonathan and make sure he buries this thing with Raven.”
“And the investigation into Bernstein’s death. If he doesn’t, we’ll destroy both of you and move on to someone more willing to work with us.” Lucas’ eyes met Hawk’s. An unspoken communication passed between them. They agreed that Mills finally seemed to get the message. Lucas nodded and took a step back. “We’ll be waiting to hear from you tonight.”
As soon as the door closed behind Jeff, Lucas turned to his brother. “You do know there’s going to be hell to pay once Lorenzo finds out you showed Mills those pictures, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.” Hawk patted Lucas’ shoulder. “I’m going up to say goodbye to Raven then I’ll be leaving for Vegas.” He started towards the staircase then paused to look back at Lucas. “You’ll take care of her while I’m gone...”
“Of course. I’ll stay at the Manor until you’re back home.”
Hawk’s face relaxed as he nodded. “Thanks Luke. I owe ya’ one.”
“You owe me a helluva lot more than just one, brother,” Lucas replied. The corner of his mouth curved upwards but his eyes remained serious. “Be careful, Hawk.”
“Always.” With a nod of his head, Hawk climbed the staircase and made his way to his old bedroom located on the east wing of the mansion.
The large, luxurious suite consisted of a bedroom, master bathroom, living area, and an office. It was decorated to suit Hawk’s taste with a rich color scheme of browns, neutral grays, and soothing teals. As soon as he entered the room, he immediately spotted Raven standing in front of the window staring out with her arms crossed. He noted the tension surrounding her, the tautness of her body, the stiffness in her shoulders.
Hang on for me, baby. We’re
almost finished with this mess.
CHAPTER 39
Hawk walked up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. Following the direction of her gaze, he saw Mills’ car heading down the long driveway to exit the property. “See? Told you. Not a scratch on him.”
Raven leaned back against him. “I doubt if what happened after I left was as simple as that. Some wounds are delivered in ways that can’t be seen with the naked eye.”
Damn. She knew him too well. “Baby–”
But Raven shook her head to stop him. “I don’t want to talk about Jeff. He brought all of this on himself, so whatever happens is on him.” Turning in his arms she peered up at him with eyes full of worry and concern. “You’re getting ready to leave, aren’t you.” The words were constructed more as a statement than a question.
“Yeah.”
“Hawk, I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry why?”
“It’s my fault you’re in this position. I hate that you have to go through all of this trouble because of me. Your family too. If something happens to you–”
“Nothing’s going to happen,” Hawk gently interrupted. Framing her face between his hands he shook his head to stop her when she continued to try and make her point. “This is the last time I’m gonna tell you to stop apologizing to me for protecting you, woman. I just need you to hang on for me, just a little while longer. We’re almost there.”
Raven nodded and turned to kiss his palm. “I’ll be fine.”
Hawk let out a slow breath. “Before I forget, Lucas is going to stay here until I get back.”
Raven immediately shook her head. “No. I don’t want to be any more of a bother than I already am. He doesn’t have to do that.”
Even though she said the words, Hawk saw the flash of relief that briefly covered her face before she cleared her expression to hide it. “It was his idea. We want you to be comfortable with our family. Eventually that will come.”
Raven closed her eyes as he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “I’ll have to make sure to thank him.”
“No need for that but I know you won’t listen to me. Once this is over, we can focus on planning our wedding. Unless...”
“Unless...what?” Raven asked when his voice trailed off in a teasing pause.
“I mean, we can always elope. Go down to the justice of the peace. Take a quick trip to Vegas, or–”
“Don’t even think about it, Pattel. I only plan on getting married once so we’re doing this right. Understand?”
“Eh, if you say so. I don’t care how we do this as long as your last name changes to Pattel.”
“Raven Pattel. Rae Pattel.” She said the name out loud several times to try it on for size. A soft sigh whispered past her lips as her body melted into his. “Never in my wildest of wild dreams would I have ever imagined this happening.”
“Tell me about it. Not only was I doubtful that I would ever get married, but then I end up being the first one out of my brothers and my cousin,” he chuckled.
“Life has a weird sense of humor, doesn’t it?” Raven grinned, wrinkling her nose up.
“Damn sure does, baby.”
The two of them stood in the room grinning at each other until they remembered their immediate situation. Raven bit down on her lip to stop it from trembling. “I’m not going to cry.”
“You better not. I told you I’d be back before you wake up in the morning.”
“You promise?”
Hawk made the sign of an X over his chest. “Cross my heart.”
A tremulous smile broke through and crossed Raven’s lips. Hawk lowered his head and gently kissed her. He would never be able to put into words how much he loved this woman. His life could now be characterized into two acts: before Raven and after Raven. She was everything he didn’t realize he was missing in life. As long as he drew a breath in his body Hawk knew he would continue to exist with her well being and happiness uppermost in his thoughts.
Their mouths reluctantly parted. Hawk’s eyes ran over her face, studying the features he knew so well. Her skin reminded him of the sweetest of chocolates, luxurious and silky smooth. His fingertips traced the fullness of her lips, the sharpness of her cheekbones, the smoothness of her arched brows. She was so beautiful. And all his.
“You make me feel so beautiful when you look at me like that,” Raven whispered, unknowingly echoing his thoughts.
“That’s because you are beautiful.”
Slightly embarrassed, her lashes swept downward, fanning out against her cheeks but not before Hawk saw the pleasure infused in her eyes by his words.
“Can I tell you something?” He asked.
Looking up, Raven tilted her head and stared at him with curiosity brimming in the depth of her eyes. “Of course.”
“I want us to have a house full of kids but if we’re only blessed with one I pray that it’s a little girl who looks just like her mommy.”
“Hawk.” His name came out a choked whisper. Raven’s eyes welled full as she stared up at him with an expression that made him feel like he had just sprinkled the sky with stars. “I love you. So much.”
“I love you too, baby.” Hawk’s eyes dropped to her lips, ready to claim another one of those intoxicating kisses but before he could, his cell phone rang. Groaning impatiently at the interruption, he looked at the caller ID. His expression sobered when he saw that it was Angel.
“Hey,” He said after connecting the call. “What’s up?”
“Where are you?”
“Pattel Manor. I’m getting ready to leave now.”
“Good. Something spooked Chief. I don’t plan on chasing him all over Vegas if he decides to run so my men are moving in to pick him up.”
“I’m on my way.”
“And where will Raven stay while you’re gone?”
Hawk’s eyes went to Raven who was watching closely. “She’ll be here.”
Seconds ticked by before Angel responded. “At Pattel Manor...”
“She’ll be with my family where I know she’s safe. I wouldn’t leave her here if I wasn’t positive she would be.”
“Is she right there?”
Hawk gritted his teeth and sighed. “Yes.”
“Put her on the phone.”
Bristling at Angel’s tone, Hawk’s frown came quick. He knew Angel was concerned for Raven. He understood that, but he didn’t need him or anyone else questioning his decisions when it came to her and he sure as hell didn’t have to explain himself. He was just about to tell Angel that when Raven placed a hand on his arm.
“It’s okay. I’ll talk to him,” she said softly.
Still Hawk hesitated, but finally he released a harsh breath and gave the phone to her. Walking over to look out the window, he shoved his hands in his pocket. He appreciated the fact that Angel was looking out for Raven but he needed to realize that Hawk wasn’t going to let anything happen to her. Angel should know this. It might cause friction between them but he would definitely hear about this shit. Listening to Raven’s side of the conversation did little to calm his temper.
“Hi Angel...Yes, I’m fine...I know, but it’s okay...Angelo, honestly I’m fine...Lucas will be here until Hawk gets back...No, Nikki doesn’t know yet...I know. I’ll call her as soon as Hawk leaves...Okay. I’ll tell him...Bye.”
Hawk took a deep breath after she hung up. He turned his head and gave her a look that spoke volumes.
“He, um, he said he’ll see you when you get to Vegas.” She walked over and extended the phone to him.
Hawk took it without responding. If he said something now they would either end up arguing or she would get her feelings hurt and Hawk didn’t want to leave with bad blood between them. However, when he saw the way her wide eyes stared up at him pleadingly, he forgot his anger at Angel and became lost in her liquid brown eyes as always. Damn. Was this the way things were going to be from now on? He got upset, she stared at him like that and he gave in?
Well. Maybe not alway
s, but he was smart enough to pick his battles and this one wasn’t worth getting his woman upset over. Blowing softly, he opened his arms, shaking his head at himself when Raven immediately rushed into them and rested her head on his chest.
“Please don’t be mad,” she said hugging him tightly around the waist. “He’s just worried.”
“I understand that but it’s not necessary. I ain’t gon’ let nothin’ happen to you.”
“I know, but you can’t expect him or my sister to automatically be okay with me staying here after what happened the last time. I don’t know which will make Nikki flip out more, finding out I’m staying at Pattel Manor or the news of us getting married.”
Hawk scowled when he heard that. The same with Angel, Nikki really didn’t have any say in either situation. No one did. Sure, Raven’s sister might need time to adjust, but she’d get used to the idea. She really had no choice. However, once again, he kept those thoughts to himself.
No arguments and no hurt feelings, he reminded himself.
Instead, he stayed as neutral as he could. “Things will work out. If it’ll help, I’ll go see her before I leave Vegas.”
But Raven didn’t seem too keen on the idea. “Ahhh, why don’t we just wait until we can go together? I can invite my parents to town and kill two birds with one stone. We can make a weekend of it.”
Hawk nodded thoughtfully. He liked that idea. “Okay. Let’s do that. I didn’t get a chance to spend time with your mom and pops when I was there for your nephew’s birthday so I’d enjoy getting to know them a little bit better.”
“Okay. I’ll tell Nikki when I call her and we’ll make arrangements.”
“Sounds good. Feel better now?”
“Mmmm....just one more thing.”
Hawk’s expression turned wary. Something told him he wouldn’t like whatever that thing was– especially when she started playing with the buttons on his shirt and giving him that “look”.
“Okay. What?”
“Babe, can you please not make this a big deal with Angel when you see him?”