The Unraveling of Raven (The Unraveled Trilogy Book 1)

by Theresa Sederholt

  I STROLL UP TO Starbucks and there he is, just like clockwork. “You don’t have to meet me here every morning.”

  He brushes my lips with his then leans in and grates his teeth along my earlobe. “You’re right—I don’t have to, but I want to and I only do what I want, not what anyone else thinks I should.”

  “Oh,” I whisper.

  He grazes his teeth up my jaw to my ear, “Yeah, oh.” He gives me a slow, sensual kiss, and then he’s done. And just like that, I’m speechless. “Don’t forget our date tonight, sweetheart.” Forget the date? I’m still trying to pick my scrambled brains up off the ground!

  “I won’t forget, and thanks for the coffee and for Mick's breakfast. He may not say it but he appreciates it.” He gives me that crooked smirk and then he’s off with Max, not too far behind him.

  I cross the street and give Mick his breakfast. “Thank you, Raven.”

  “Mick, walk with me to school.” As we walk I ask him, "What can I do to help you move forward?" I know he is a good guy who has been to hell and back. He deserves a hand, and it’s the least I can do. He’s quiet, and I know this is hard for him. “Mick, let’s sit for a bit, I’m early.” We sit on the bench outside the school.

  Mick’s eyes wander, seemingly taking the surroundings in. “Raven, why is there more security at the school?”

  Wow, nothing gets by him. “There have been some threats to Michael, and Jax wants to make sure he is safe,” I answer.

  After a few minutes of silence, “You, just being here and listening to me, are all the help I can handle right now. I will keep an eye on the school grounds, too—just to make sure.”

  I hug him. “Mick, you’re a wonderful guy and someday, you’ll realize it. I have to go in, the bell is going to ring. Have a great day.” I look back over my shoulder and see that he stays put on the bench, watching the grounds and the kids running into the building.

  When I get inside, I find two dozen of the Abracadabra Roses; they are so unusual and I can’t help but stare at them. I pull out the card:

  Well, I could say the same about him, too, that’s for sure. I bring them to the classroom and the smell fills the room.

  “Wow, Raven, they are so beautiful; very different.” Jackie gapes at them.

  I smile. “I know. Oh, Jackie, I’m really falling hard for this guy.”

  She smiles at me while smelling the roses. “Just approach the relationship with an open mind and an open heart.” What did I ever do to have such great friends? Jackie, Marco, and even Mick are always worrying about me.

  “You’re such a great friend, Jackie.” I hug her quickly before turning my attention to my students, walking in.

  THE DAY WENT BY smoothly and I rush to finish my after-class work. I decide to surprise Jax at Raiders, Inc. As I head to his building, I realize I know so little about this man. I walk in and ask the guard, “What floor is Jaxson Phillips’ office?”

  “Is he expecting you?”

  I look up at him. “No, it was going to be a surprise.”

  He raises one eyebrow, looking at me like I’m a nut—who knows how many other women have tried getting into his office? “Mr. Phillips does not do surprises.” I give him my ID and he rings Max. “Sir, I have a Miss Raven Anderson here, she says she is trying to surprise Mr. Phillips. Yes, of course, sir.” I don’t know what Max tells him but he immediately gives me a visitor pass and escorts me to the bank of elevators.

  “What floor, sir?”

  He holds the door for me. “I’ve been instructed to escort you up, Miss Anderson, top floor.” When we get to the top, I thank him. He nods and the elevator doors close behind him.

  I look around, taking in my surroundings and notice everything is glass. Everywhere I look, there is a view to die for; how does this man get any work done? There is a bevy of beautiful women at the reception area and they are all staring at me. I think this was a bad idea. I feel very inadequate, in comparison to them. Just as I decide to bail, a man walks up to me and introduces himself as Duke Jenson, Jax’s assistant. “Hello, Miss Anderson, Mr. Fleming has instructed me to escort you to Mr. Phillips’ office.” He has a familiarity about him, but then I see Jax and I lose all reason.

  “Hey, sweetheart, this is a nice surprise. What brings you here?”

  I look at this man and I’m amazed; he is so beautiful. “I finished work early and I thought I would surprise you. It looks like you’re busy.”

  He opens his arms for me. “I am never too busy for my beautiful girl.” He pulls me close to him and I give him one of those toe-curling kisses that he always gives me. I’m sure all eyes are on us now.

  “Wow, what did I do to deserve that?”

  I stare into those deep, blue eyes and I could just melt right here. “Well, honestly, you rendered me speechless this morning with a wonderful cup of coffee and a kiss that blew me away. Then I get to school and there are two dozen of those beautiful roses, waiting for me. I thought I would brighten your day like you do mine.”

  We walk into his office and I’m blown away, I still don’t know how he can get anything done with that view! I turn back around towards the door and lock it. He watches me, totally speechless. “Jax, tell your assistant to hold all your calls.”

  He walks to his desk and pushes a button on his phone, “Duke, I do not want to be disturbed for the next hour.”

  I pull him into one of the club chairs and he stares at me, intently. “I have decided I want to have my way with you. Please sit back and let me have a little fun.”

  He has the most beautiful smile on his face and his baby blues are twinkling. I flash him an eager and sultry smile. I get down on my knees, between his legs and keep my eyes locked on his. I brush my hand up his cock to undo his belt and he sucks in a breath. He’s really hard. I find my prize and slowly work the head of his velvet cock. He has a white-knuckle grip on the chair—oh, yeah, I’ve got him. I run my fingertips up and down his V. He closes his eyes and tries to steady his breath. “Eyes on me, Jax.”

  His eye’s lock onto mine; violet to blues. I want him to watch so he will always remember this moment. Slowly I dip my head down, licking the tip of his beautiful cock and never taking my eyes from his. My hair is loose and draped over to one side. His lips part and his tongue starts to slowly stroke them while I swirl my tongue around his massive cock head. I lick the vein all the way to the base and back up again. He just watches me, not saying anything. His breathing speeds up. I swirl around the top again, then I put my lips around his cock and go all the way down. I relax my gag reflex to take him even further and that’s when he lets out a strangled moan. Oh yeah, he’s coming undone. He has both hands wrapped around my head. I’m sure he’s trying not to pound into me but once my hand finds the underside of his sac, he loses all control. His grip tightens as I go deeper. When I reach the head of his cock, I bare my teeth. Just like that he comes endlessly and I swallow every drop. He finally pulls me off of him and drags me up onto his lap. Even after what I have just done, he kisses me.

  “You’re so beautiful. This was a great way to release stress.” He runs his thumbs up and down both my cheeks.

  “Well, I know there is so much going on and you're worried about Michael, so I just wanted to lighten your day.”

  He looks at me, smiling like a Cheshire cat. “I think I can get the rest of my work done now, or I can call it a day and take you home. I could make love to you day and night but it still wouldn’t be enough.” He gifts me with his beautiful smile.

  “I would love that, but I have to run now. I have a class at the gym.”

  He gives me a look like a wounded puppy. “What class?”

  I’m going to see him tonight so I can’t give in, even though I want to.

  “I go to the gym two days a week for Pilates and two days a week for kick boxing. One day a week I try different things. This week its Krav Maga.”

  He leans in and kisses me softly. “Okay, I’ll bring Epson salts tonight,” he laughs. We
both fix our attire before he walks me to the elevators. All eyes are on us, but he’s only looking at me.

  JAX IS AT MY place at exactly seven, that’s good, because I’m starving. “I brought all the stuff to cook in tonight.”

  I panic, “That’s nice, except I don’t cook, so I have no pots, pans, or anything.”

  He laughs hysterically at me. I’m so glad that I’m his source of amusement. “Yeah, I figured that, so I came prepared.” He wasn’t joking. Max walks in, just then, with half of Bloomingdales’ kitchen department! He gives me the Epson salts and shoos me to the tub for a much needed soak. Wow, I really needed this—every part of my body feels bruised. I put some music on, close my eyes, and relax. I recently put some new music on my iPod, everything from Ellie Goulding to Florence + The Machine. I close my eyes and sing along. After a nice long soak, I put on my robe and head to the living room. He pours me a glass of wine, and I sit back and watch the man work. “Sweetheart, I must tell you, I love your singing!”

  Oh crap! I must have been singing loud enough for him to hear! “You weren’t supposed to be listening, and stop smirking at me. A real gentleman would never smirk at a woman’s singing.”

  He comes around the counter and pulls me into his arms. He pulls my ponytail back so I’m looking into his eyes; violet to blues. “Sweetheart, I could listen to your singing all day long.” He reaches down and gently kisses my lips, nibbling and swiping his tongue across them. He searches my eyes and I want him right now! He lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist. He’s hard as stone and I can’t help but whimper. Just as he’s about to lift me onto the counter, Marco comes flying through the door and I swear his chin hits the ground. I can’t help but laugh at him. Jax lifts me into the chair and whispers, “We’ll finish this later, sweetheart.”

  “Don’t worry, Marco. I’m making enough for you to eat, too.”

  Marco grabs a glass of wine and sits next to me. “Have you guys thought about what you’re going to say to Michael?”

  Jax puts his wine glass down and cocks his head. “What do you mean, mate?”

  He eyes us both. “You’re dating his teacher, which is every boy's fantasy. You need to tell him something.”

  I look at them both, “I never thought about it.”

  “Babe, it’s every guy's wet dream to have a teacher, that looks like you and then—”

  “—Enough!” I silence him before he can continue. I can’t have that visual stuck in my head!” They both have that faraway look. Oh, my God, what the hell are they thinking?

  “Don’t worry, Raven, I’ll talk to my sister and see how she wants to handle it.”

  We all begin to eat and the food is fantastic: chicken franchisee, roasted new potatoes, and a salad. Marco grins at Jax and declares his new found love for him. It probably has to do with the cooking.

  “Marco, were you born in New York?”

  He shakes his head. “No, I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. What about you, I hear a slight accent.”

  Jax smiles. “I was born in Wales and lived there until I was thirteen. Which is when we moved to New York.Where were you born, Raven?” Jax asks me before taking another sip of wine.

  Oh shit, I’m not ready for this conversation. I glance at Marco, hoping he can help me. “Raven and I grew up together in D.C.,” he pipes up. Okay. I let out the breath I was holding. If Jax noticed my panic, I’m not sure. A nice espresso and pastry for desert, and I’m officially stuffed.

  Marco excuses himself, leaving us alone. We get up from the table, not worrying about the dishes, and head into the living room to snuggle up on the couch. No stress; just us.

  “Why did your family move to the States?” I ask as his thumb traces circles on my arm.

  “There were more opportunities here, and the people didn’t judge my mum for being a single parent.”

  I know I should tell him and this would be a good time, but I’m not ready.

  “What made you and Marco decide on New York instead of D.C.?”

  I’ve rehearsed this answer so many times that after a while, I started to believe it myself. “We both liked the East Coast and city life. It just seemed logical that New York should be home for us. After college, I applied for a job here, and Marco followed. Jackie came about three months later. Jackie and I were roommates in college.”

  Jax’s phone rings and he excuses himself to get it. He looks at me as he’s speaking to someone. “Okay, I’m on my way.”

  “I had a wonderful time, but I have to go. I’m sorry. Something came up. Can we get together Friday?”

  I shake my head, “I can on Saturday. Friday night, Jackie and I are going out.” I don’t always want to be available, but who am I kidding? I am. He starts stroking his chin, a sure sign he’s deep in thought.

  “If that’s my only option, then okay.” He leans in and gently kisses my lips, slow and softly. I moan and he’s all over me, our tongues doing a sexual dance, his hands are roaming my body. We pull apart and I want more, so much more. “I’ll leave you with that. Since, you’re busy on Friday, we’ll have to continue this on Saturday.” Just like that, he’s out the door.

  “MAX, WE NEED TO get to my sister's house right away. Michael called, he got another threat that he says we need to see,” I order before I’m barely in the car.

  “Jax, when the hell happened did this happen?” he asks, speeding off as soon as he starts the engine up.

  “Just now, I think.”

  Michael is already outside when we pull up to his house. “This must be serious if you’re outside, waiting for me.”

  The look on his face is not good. “Look, Jax, first, I had to tell your sister since she got the envelope before I could intercept it.”

  Michael hands it to me. Inside is a picture of Raven taken outside her gym with a note that says, “No one is out of my reach, ever.”

  Max grabs the envelope, reading it before he shifts his eyes to Michael. “How was this delivered to Bella?”

  Michael opens the door, “I’ll let you ask her yourself, come in.”

  Bella is sitting in the living room, staring into space. Max puts the envelope down in front of her, “Bella, how was this delivered?” he asks.

  Her eyes snap back into focus and she stares at the picture. “Max, I never heard anything, but Vito was barking. I went out to see why, and it was at the front door. I never saw anything. Why wasn’t I told about the other threats? Why was I not aware that my brother is dating my son’s teacher? Why does everyone feel it’s okay to keep me in the fucking dark?!”

  My sister is really pissed off and I’m not sure if it’s at me, Michael, or both of us. “Bella, where is Junior?”

  Michael steps up, “He’s fine, Jax. He’s upstairs watching Doctor Who.”

  Bella turns to me. “Jax, what about Mum and Raven? Are they aware?”

  I shake my head, “No, we weren’t sure if the threats were real, and it all happened very quickly.”

  She glares at me, “Why did you take Raven to the charity function on Saturday? It’s so high profile. You never do that.”

  No matter what I do, I’m always fucked. “I didn’t find out about the threats until Tuesday. I try to keep my personal life private, but with all the latest acquisitions, it seems the public wants to know my every move. Bella, if I go out, you yell at me. If I don’t, you yell at me!”

  Max grabs my arm. “Jax, did you know Raven was adopted?”

  Well, that floored me. “No, but apparently you do. What else do you know?”

  “Not much. Her adoption records are marked as classified, which is really strange. She did have an abusive boyfriend. He beat her pretty badly before she was able to get a restraining order against him.”

  I feel like I’m in a bloody pinball game that just keeps tilting. “Jax, I take it by the look on your face that you didn’t know any of this?”

  I take a steadying breath. “She mentioned an ex, but not to that extent. Tonight, at dinner, we ta
lked about where we were born and grew up. I told her we were originally from Wales. Marco said he was from D.C. When I asked Raven, Marco said they grew up together. However, Raven told me that she met Marco while volunteering at a shelter. She said his parents threw him out when he told them he was gay. She told me her mum died when she was fifteen and she left home right after that.”

  I didn’t think I needed to share with everyone why she left home—after all, it was her story to tell. “Max, do you think Raven could be the target in all of this, or is it me? Now that they have seen us in public together, does she have a target on her back?”

  Max starts pacing. “My first thought would be that she is just collateral damage in this. However, the adoption thing is making my hair stand on end.” I know when he paces, he’s processing information, but right now, it’s fucking driving me nuts. I thank God when he stops.

  “Do you think we need to bring her in on what’s happening? I’m sure if I ask her directly, she would tell me, at least, I’d like to think so.”

  “What do you know about her roommate Marco?” Michael furrows his brows at me.

  “I ran a background check on him at the same time I ran one on Raven and he’s clean. Very protective of Raven, though. However, he just showed up one day.”

  First, I find out my girl is adopted and it’s classified, and now, I find out her roommate just showed up one day! What the fuck?! Michael and Bella are both staring at me, probably waiting for me to lose it. I get up and grab Max’s arm. “What do you mean, he just showed up one day?”

  “Look, Jax, I don’t like this anymore than you do. It’s seems like they didn’t meet until she left home. He’s older than she is, so they didn’t go to school together or even grow up in the same neighborhood. He just suddenly appeared in her life one day.”