“Good Lord!” Jackson exclaimed, shaking his head as he laughed at their expense, knowing his sons could accept his teasing.
“Aviva, I'll be candid with you. The last time I had to redecorate the kitchen due to smoke damage was the last day either of them cooked in my house. Oh, and when the fire brigade turned up, you know what these two wanted to do? They wanted to fight a two vehicle crew of burly men because the firefighters laughed when I informed them the cause of the fire was due to my sons practicing their egg cooking skills, and nearly burned down the house – for the third time!”
Aviva pulled her napkin off her lap and placed it over her mouth to hold in her laughter.
Jason did no such thing. He just laughed in their faces. “Jesus, dumb and dumber over there should be glad they've finally got a brother with some common sense. Boys, I stopped cooking after the first time the fire brigade had to be called out!” He finished with a wink, showing his ability to find amusement at his own expense as well as theirs.
Jackson sat with a smile on his face. He was pleased, very pleased. His family was intact once again, and they were teasing each other in a way that only siblings could. His mind was made up. Now seemed like the perfect time to ask the question that he had intended to broach before events of the past week had overtaken them.
“Jason, I have something to tell you and I also have a question.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“The day after I became aware of your existence, I had my lawyers change my will to include you. I also had him draw up some additional papers.”
“Let me stop you there. I have no need for your money. In fact, I have more money of my own than I will ever need.”
“Be that as it may, it's done, and I will not undo it. I mentioned the will merely as a precursor to the question I really wanted to ask.”
Jason sat replete after his meal and waited for Jackson to continue. His mood was such that he was prepared to answer yes to whatever question he was asked.
“At the same visit to my lawyers, I also had another set of papers drawn up. These papers are to formalize that you are indeed my son. Of course, this also means that I would like to be added to your birth certificate. Will you do this?”
Jason became immobile at Jackson’s words. It also struck him as ironic that he was thirty-four years old and didn't actually know with certainty the day of his birth. He could see the sincerity with which the question had been asked, yet part of him wanted to dismiss the suggestion as too little too late. But if fault was to be laid at the feet of any one individual, it was not at the feet of this man – his father. Even as he acknowledged this, he also knew he wasn’t yet ready to give Jackson the answer he wanted.
“I don't really see the point in what you're suggesting, Jackson. I'm a grown man. I don't need a daddy anymore, if ever I did.”
All seated around the dining table immediately recognized Jackson's hurt at his son's words, Jason included. He was immediately contrite for his blasé response.
“Okay, you can all stop looking at me as though I’m public enemy number one. I'll think about it, Jackson. That's all I can say right now...I'll think about it, and I'm...well, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings.” Jason said with downcast eyes.
Without hesitation, Aviva got up from her seat and sat on Jason's lap, surprising him. Taking his face between her hands, she placed a soft kiss against his lips. “You are a good man, Jason King, and that's another reason why I love you.”
Her words immediately snagged his attention and the look in his eyes instantly made them both forgot the other occupants of the room, even as Aviva began to feel the effect her innocent words and touch had on his body.
“Tell me another reason.”
Moving her lips to his ear, she whispered, “I'll tell you later. No, strike that…I'll show you later.”
“Ahem.” Jackson cleared his throat to gain their attention.
The sound startled Aviva back to awareness. Not so for Jason, who remained still, intent in his eyes. She could feel his muscles bunch and knew if she didn't stop him, he was going to head out the door with her in his arms in a matter of moments. Lowering a discreet hand, or at least she hoped she was being discreet, she gave him a pinch in his midsection.
Blinking, Jason gave her a warning look. Opening her eyes wide, Aviva moved them to the side to indicate that they had an audience. Jason raised an eyebrow and grinned before leaning forward and whispering for her ears alone.
“You started this and I'm going to make sure you finish it later tonight.”
This had not been her intention when she decided to give her man a kiss. Her intent had been to show him that she appreciated the fact that he had come so far as to be willing to apologize to this father for hurting his feelings. Chancing a look around the room, Aviva saw that Josh was grinning in their direction while amusement was also burned across Jake's face. She didn't dare look at Jackson, she was too embarrassed.
Attempting to pull herself from Jason's lap, Aviva felt his arm, ever mindful of her injuries sneak around her waist to keep her in place.
Jackson decided to change the subject, knowing when not to force an issue. “As I've already informed your brothers, Jason, we will be leaving for home tonight. The jet is due for takeoff at nine. All of you should be ready to leave for the airport by seven sharp. I find I have a need to be home, and I refuse to be caught up in the awful London traffic,” Jackson spoke as he pushed back his chair and rose to his feet to begin clearing the utensils used during their meal.
Wriggling in Jason's arms, Aviva tried to extricate herself in order to help clear the table, but he held her firmly in place. “Let me go, Jason. I want to help your father clear the table”
“No, you're allowed to do nothing. I'll help clear the table.” True to his words, Jason rose and gently deposited Aviva in the chair he vacated.
Winking at her, Josh and Jake also moved from their seats to help. In no time, the dishes were cleared away, uneaten food disposed of, not that there was much left over, and the dishwasher loaded.
Looking at his watch, Jackson told his family, “It’s six twenty. All of you be back down here and ready to leave by seven. Jason and Aviva, I mean not a minute later. Do I make myself clear?”
Aviva blinked at his tone. What did he think they were going upstairs to do, for goodness sake? “Of course, we'll be down on time. We don't have that much to pack.”
Jason knew exactly what his father thought they would be getting up to and he laughed at Aviva's expression.
Jackson, remained silent.
Chapter 19
Two cars left the house in Hampstead five minutes past seven. Jake drove one, his passengers, Aviva and Jason. Josh manned the other, accompanied by Jackson. As they headed for the airport, it began to rain and Aviva was glad for the warmth that surrounded them in the car. Remembering how cold and alone she had been when held captive, she reached out her hand and rested it against Jason’s thigh, needing the comfort that could be found in loving human contact.
Curling his fingers around her hand, Jason lifted it and kissed her fingers, offering what comfort he could when restrained by the seatbelt. As he lowered her hand, his cell rang. Reaching inside his coat pocket, he withdrew it and looked at the screen before answering.
“Hey, man, what's going on?”
“Jason, where are you?”
“We're on our way to the airport. What's going on, Steve?”
“I'm in London. I knew you were heading this way so I thought we could hook up.”
Jason was immediately suspicious as to why Steve was in London. He had called him and told him he was going to London on a personal matter. Steve had probed him for more details but Jason had refused to explain, unwilling to jeopardize Aviva's well-being. He knew Steve was smart enough to figure out the purpose of his trip, but he had still refrained from an explanation. That had been three days ago and here he was, in London.
“What are you doing here, Steve
?”
“Um...I'm here on a personal matter I had to attend to.”
“I hope you're not here doing what I think you're doing!”
“What shouldn't I be doing, oh Lord and master, Jason King?”
“Whatever, man. I'm not doing this right now. All I'm going to say is, I hope you know what the hell you're getting into.”
“Oh, I know, Jason. Believe me, I know.”
“When are you back state side?”
“I'll give you a call when I get back. Is everything okay with you?”
“Aviva’s here with me, we’re heading home…everything’s perfect.”
Jason was aware that Steve hadn’t answered his question but he didn’t push the issue.
“Good, I’m glad for you both. Give her a kiss for me and I’ll see you all soon. Peace out.”
Looking down at his phone, Jason thought about what Steve was up to in London. He had been acting strangely for a number of weeks. He knew they were having some problems with a number of their business projects but Steve had insisted he had the situation under control. Steve was his closest friend, and although they grew up together, they handled situations very differently.
Jason wanted to handle the whole fiasco at the company one way and Steve wanted to sort it out on his own. While he didn't agree with Steve's approach to certain business matters, he respected him enough as a brother and friend to acknowledge his professionalism.
He was pulled from his musing by the sound of Aviva's voice. “Is everything okay with Steve?”
“Yeah, he's in London and wanted to hook up.”
“What's he doing here?”
“Don't know, he wouldn't say. When he's so elusive, it normally means he knows I'll call him out for whatever BS he's up to.”
Throughout Jason's conversation with Steve and Aviva, Jake listened keenly. He didn't know much about Steve, apart from the fact that he and Jason had known each other for a long time and that his parents took Jason in when he was a child.
With all that had happened over the last week, it struck him as suspicious that Steve should now be in London at the same time as them. Jason seemed to trust him, but Jake would reserve judgment until he got a better handle on this Steve character. For now, he would keep his own council on the matter. Coincidences were rarely just that. Steve was hiding something, and Jake had every intention of finding out exactly what that was.
~~~~~~~~~~
Now that they were in the air, it seemed as though everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They were finally leaving the unknown. Jason didn't try to fool himself into thinking that because they had Aviva back safe and relatively sound, this whole episode was at an end. He knew deep down, as he had known for many years, that the events he set into motion with the distribution of his letters were coming to a head.
Never again would he be caught unaware as he had in New York. He now had too much to lose and too much to look forward to. He wanted it all and he intended to have it, and that meant eliminating his opponents.
In the past, he had foolishly thought the threat of exposure would be enough to keep these ruthless men at bay. He’d been wrong. Then he’d thought that by working behind the scenes to reduce their wealth would be enough to stop them. He’d been wrong again. He knew what would stop them, and if he were honest with himself, he had known all along. Men like these could only be stopped in one way. They had to be put into a position where there was no way back. That was the only way to end the game that had been playing out for so many years. For decades, Jason shied away from the decision he now embraced. These men, coupled with their power and old money, had made sure of that.
Looking over at Aviva, Jason saw she was looking out the window as the last images of England disappeared as the jet climbed higher.
“The last time I left England, I was seventeen years old. My mother had just died and I was so scared of what to expect once I landed in America. I was scared of heading into the unknown, leaving everything I’d ever known behind. I remember thinking that maybe I was making the biggest mistake of my life. England was my home and that's where I should stay. Now I'm glad I'm leaving.” The last sight of land faded away with Aviva's words. Turning, she saw that she had Jason’s full attention.
“Your home is with me now.”
“Yes...yes it is,” Aviva said in all sincerity. “But I still haven't given up on this country. Maybe one day you and I can come back and I can introduce you to my friends. Show you the place where I grew up.”
“I'd like that,” Jason said with a small smile.
“How did you know I was in London?” Aviva changed the subject so suddenly, Jason was caught by surprise.
“Why don't we talk about this later? Do you want something to eat or drink?”
“Because I want to talk about it now. I had my fill of food not that long ago, thank you, and yes, I would love something to drink, preferable something alcoholic.” She smiled to take the sting out of her words but she was getting a little tired of people keeping her in the dark about what they knew and what was going on.
At the start of her answer to his question, Jason raised an eyebrow at her tone of voice, and by the end, so had Aviva, her look left no doubt that she had no intention of backing down.
Pressing the call button on the seat beside him, Jason signaled for a flight attendant. “What alcoholic beverage would you like, dear one?”
Cutting her eyes at him, Aviva told him with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, making it clear that she didn't appreciate his sarcasm.
Jason didn't particularly care for her tone of voice but he supposed he could understand the way she was feeling. He knew once Aviva began to feel better, she would want to take back control of her life. But his instinct was to protect her and he would continue to do so whether she liked it or not.
The attendant arrived and Jason ordered a whiskey for himself and a glass of champagne for her. But Aviva interrupted him before the attendant could leave.
“Bring me the bottle, please.”
“Aviva!” Jason warned.
“Yeah, yeah...whatever. Josh is gonna have some, aren’t you, Joshua?”
Josh, who was sitting across from them, opened his eyes, turned his head and looked at her from under his brows. “I don't know if I like the way you want to pull me into some kind of alcoholic binge.”
“Do you want a drink or not? I'm not forcing you, you know. If you don't want a drink, just say so!”
“So, what's the matter with her?” Josh asked, looking at Jason, completely ignoring her.
“Damned if I know. One minute she was fine and the next...this.”
“Don't you dare speak about me as though I'm not here!”
“I see...probably that ‘femalepropensitytowardfickleness,’” he told Jason, still ignoring her.
Aviva, having no idea what he'd said, remained quiet, blinking at him in bafflement. Then it hit her and her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
Jason turned away and she knew, she just knew, he was all dimpled up laughing at her.
“You lot think you're so funny, don't you. Well, you can both get lost!” Aviva finished in a huff. The sound of Josh's laughter triggered Jason's which was followed by the sounds of laughter from seats towards the front of the aircraft.
When her drink arrived, Aviva downed the whole glass. Jason and Josh were watching her every move, so she poured another and eyeballed them, daring either to comment as she took another sip.
“Okay, I'm ready. Please answer the question I asked before you two turned into Bim and Bam.”
“Bim and Bam?” Jason questioned, confused, never having heard the saying.
“Yes, you’re Bim and he’s Bam. They happen to be a very unsuccessful comedy duo,” Aviva informed them with a smirk.
Aviva knew she was being snappish but she couldn't help herself. She needed to fill in all the pieces of what had happened to her, and part of that was knowing how they had figured out where she had been taken. Ever
ything that had happened to her was still very raw, but if she wanted to heal, and she was determined to do so, she needed to know everything. Bits and pieces being brought up at future dates was not an option. She also knew that if she left it up to Jason, he would want to keep information from her, thinking that it would lessen her hurt. He was so kind and loving to her that she now felt ashamed of how she had just treated him. No matter how maddeningly protective he was, he always had her best interest at heart. Releasing her seat belt, Aviva leaned towards Jason and placed a soft kiss against his lips.
“What was that for?”
“That was to let you know that I love you even when you're a sarcastic bastard, and when you laugh at me and say nothing when your people hold me in derision.”
“Oh, I see. Derision is it? Well, I refuse to let such a thing continue for another moment without retribution.”
Releasing his own seat belt, Jason rose to his feet, folded his arms, looked around the aircraft and boomed, “I demand an apology from each and every one of you gathered here. If it is not forthcoming forthwith, I will be forced to defend my lady's honor with pistols at dawn.” Looking down at Aviva, he mouthed, “don't worry, I got this.”
Aviva recognized each voice that floated around her.
Josh said, “Forthcoming forthwith?”
Jake repeated, “Pistols at dawn!”
Jackson said, “Heaven forefend!”
Three shouts of “Sorry!” filled the air.
“There ‘tis done, my Lady. Thy honor is restored!” Jason said, retaking his seat with a big goofy grin on his face.
Cutting her eyes at him, Aviva raised her voice so they could all hear her. “You lot get on my nerves, you know that, right...” The sounds of their laughter filled the air and she couldn't help but join in at their foolish play on Jason's words. “But I love you guys, and thank you all for coming for me.”
Her heartfelt words silenced the levity which hadn’t been her intention. Josh, followed closely by Jake and Jackson, approached them. Moving into the seat opposite her, Josh braced himself by placing his hands on the table that separated them and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
For Love and Vengeance Page 15