He hugs me. “Baby girl, if you want him bad enough, then yes. The ball is in your court.”
I give him a hug. “I love you, but I’m just too tired right now—both mentally and physically—to deal with another thing.” I cross my arms, rubbing them up and down. “Listen, I’m going to bed; I’ve got a lot to think about.”
“That you do, baby girl.” He puts his glass in the sink then wraps his arms around me for a hug. “Hopefully, you’ll have everything figured out in the morning. Goodnight.” And with that, he kisses the top of my head and sends me off.
AS MUCH AS SLEEP was hard coming, last night, my exhausted body finally took over only to be greeted by morning too quickly. I head out the door to meet Jax at Starbucks. I’m happy to see him waiting with my coffee. Every time I see him, I am rendered speechless. He is just so beautiful, yet he doesn’t flash it. He’s wearing a black suit, black shirt, and a deep violet bow tie. I can’t help but stare. My eyes keep traveling up and down his muscular body. He spots me and then gifts me with that crooked smile and his twinkling blue eyes; I’m done.
He walks up to me, “Are you enjoying the view?”
I reach up and adjust his tie. “Well, you already know the answer to that question. I have to say, I’m really surprised you wear bowties.”
He hands me my coffee and smiles. “Well, if it’s good for the Doctor, then who am I to argue?”
I have no clue what he’s talking about. “Sorry, Jax, you lost me. What doctor?”
He actually has a look of disbelief on his face. “Raven, please don’t tell me you’ve never heard of Doctor Who? Because this could be a big problem for us.”
“Sorry, Jax, I’ve never heard of Doctor Who.”
He’s really very shocked. “Okay, Raven, I’m going to have to educate you. We need to have a Doctor Who marathon.”
It must be some sort of television show, but I hardly watch any television. “Whatever you say, Jax. On another note, have you learned anything new since last night?”
His grip tightens on me at the mention of the threats. “Max has been in touch with Joseph. Apparently, when Max started looking into your past it sent a red flag for Joseph. Add to that, Michael contacting the FBI and Interpol when the first threats came in, and I can assure you, Joseph is very aware of the situation now.” He sighs. “I’m going to sit down with the local FBI field agents and run through my business to see if something shakes loose. In the meantime, just be smart and don’t take any chances.” He leans in for a kiss, and I can’t help but feel sad—my past might be responsible for all his trouble. “I’ll pick you up this afternoon, after school.”
I don’t want him to worry about me. “Jax, you don’t have to pick me up. I’ll be fine. Just focus on getting to the bottom of this.”
Oh holy hell, he’s growling again! “Just, please, do what I tell you without any running away. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you, so just humor me, okay?”
I kiss him softly, “Okay, whatever.”
The smirk is back. “Thank you.”
MAX SHOWS UP TO take me to school. “Max, do you think I need protecting, or is Jax just over reacting?” I inquire as we stroll down the street. I see the stress on this man, and it worries me.
“Miss Raven, it can’t hurt to be careful,” he offers. This can’t possibly be because of my parents. That was twenty years ago.
I decide to ask him anyway, “Do you think this is happening because of my parents?”
He’s, seemingly, lost in his thoughts. “I honestly don’t know, but what I do know is, Jax won’t stop until he has all the answers.”
As we walk together, I decide to try to pump him for some information about Jax. “How did you and Jax meet?”
He just smiles at me—which is not something I’m used to seeing from this man. “That, Miss Raven, is a tale for another day.” Just like that, he’s done.
JAX GETS STUCK AT work so he sends Max to pick me up. I let him know that Jackie and I are going shopping and then for drinks. Before we do this, I have to lose Max. It’s ridiculous that he is following me around the city.
I call Jax and get his assistant, Duke. “Sorry, Miss Anderson, but he’s in a meeting. Can I give him a message?” He never puts me through to Jax.
“Just tell him I’ll meet him later at home.” Before I can say any more, he thanks me and hangs up.
Losing Max is not as easy as I thought, but the sales lady lets us slip, out back, after we changed into our new outfits for clubbing. Jackie grabs my arm gently, “Why are we doing this?”
“Really, Jackie, I just want to go out for a few drinks and have fun. I don’t need or want a bodyguard following me around town. Jax might be high profile, but I’m just a second grade teacher. Besides, I told Jax we were going out, and sending his bodyguard with us is like having a babysitter!”
“Raven, I wouldn’t mind him following me,” she admits.
I give her a once-over. Yep, there it is; the look. I can’t believe I didn’t notice this before. “Oh really, you like Max?”
She’s blushing! “Well he’s rugged, extremely handsome, and very James Bond looking, so what’s not to like?”
I have to laugh. Everyone thinks Max is Bond. “Marco thinks he looks like Daniel Craig.”
She gasps, “Oh, please tell me Marco’s not after him, I would just die.”
I can’t believe she’s really interested in him. “No, I don’t think Max is gay, but I can ask Jax.”
“No, I would die of embarrassment,” she squeals, putting her hand to her chest.
I can’t help but laugh. “Come on, girl, let’s have fun.”
We head down to the Village and find a really cute club with some of the most interesting people. I can just sit and watch people all night long, especially in the Village. Oh, the sights! I’m such a lightweight drinker, but Jackie has me drinking something called a Bushwhacker. It is heaven: Kahlua, rum, coconut milk, and ice, blended together, in a frozen cup. The entire inside of the cup is drizzled with chocolate syrup. The syrup is drizzled on top, as well, for the final touch. I’m officially a goner; I’m finally relaxed. It’s been a long and stressful week.
The DJ starts playing fun dance music. I take my long hair out of its clip and hit the dance floor to Lady Gaga singing, “Do What U Want”. He goes right in to Katy Perry’s “Part of Me”, and some random guy starts dancing with us. Before I realize what’s happening, I feel hands on my hips and Jackie’s face looks like she just got a jolt from a stun gun.
I’m not turning around—I know exactly who I’ll find. Damn it, how the fuck did he find us? The DJ puts on The Police’s” Every Breath You Take”. I can’t help but laugh—the frigging stalker song—how appropriate. I turn around and there it is . . . that toe-curling look. Jax pulls me close and sings in my ear. It’s raspy and such a turn-on. He leans down to kiss me, “You're drunk.”
I get lost in those blues, “Maybe, a little bit.” He gives me that crooked smile and I melt. We are swaying to the music and I can feel his rock hard cock, hitting my core. Sweet Jesus, what this man does to me.
I look over to Jackie and Max is holding her up. Oh, she likes him. Interesting.
“Sweetheart, why did you ditch Max?” I know he’s trying not to bulldoze me.
“I just wanted to go out with Jackie and have fun. Life with you is so much more.” He looks confused. Maybe he just doesn’t get it. Nothing is simple anymore.
“I’m confused. What do you mean, so much more?”
I don’t want to hurt him. He’s looking at me with such tenderness. “It’s intense. You’re intense. I’m only twenty-seven, and life has had more downs than ups. And you’re so beautiful. Do you know that?” I can’t believe I just said that.
“You're drunk, I’m taking you home.”
He nods to Max and just like that, we’re leaving. Apparently, Jackie’s not allowed to stay, either. When we get outside, Max doesn’t say anything. Jax has a word with Max and before I know it, Ma
x is taking Jackie home. She looks very happy about it.
“Jax, I’m going back to my place tonight.” Not that I want to, but I can’t possibly let him win all the time.
“Do you really think you're going to win this argument?”
I throw my hands on my hips. “I’ll have you know, I took a Krav Maga classes and I take kickboxing classes too, remember?” I have no idea why he is laughing so hard that I can defend myself. Well, I can sort of defend myself. He reaches for me. I make an attempt to swat him away but he is on me in a second—and he has me in the fireman carry. “Jax, everyone can see my panties!”
He’s still laughing at me. “Only I can, and I know what’s under them.”
I try to wiggle free and he smacks my butt. “Keep it up and I’ll do it again.”
Now I’m growling like he does! “You wouldn’t.” Who am I kidding? He would in a heartbeat and I know it.
“Oh, do you want to try me?” He places me in his car, runs around to get in on the driver’s side, starts it up and drives like a crazy man (which is hard to do in Manhattan). Before I know it, we’re in his ivory tower in the sky. I’m too tired and too drunk to argue anymore. I drift off to sleep, smelling vanilla and spice.
I SWEAR THIS WOMAN frustrates me. I don’t know how Jax is dealing with her. I’m used to order and routine. I have to be like that for the safety of my charges. I can’t believe that Raven and Jackie ditched me! What the bloody hell were they thinking?
Thank God Jax is a crazy fucker and installed a tracker app on the phone he gave Raven. I thought Jax was going to rip my head off when I called to tell him what they did. I hack into the phone and find out where they ditched me. I call Jax and we both arrive at the club within minutes of each other and head in. Both girls are pissed and barely able to stand. Some random guy is on the dance floor with them, until Jax and I step in—this guy seems to know that he needs to slink back to wherever the fuck he came from.
I’m trying to guide Jackie off the floor but she’s not having any of it. I decide to pull her into my arms and just sway to the music. Fuck, she smells fantastic, and I’m instantly hard! Finally, the music starts to change and Jax gives me the nod. Just like that,we are out the door.
“Jax is going to take Miss Raven home. I will be escorting you.” I didn’t give her much of a choice. As I put her in the car, I can’t help but notice how long and lean her legs are—beautiful. We pull up to her flat. The first thing I notice is that security in the building is really good. At least that’s something positive.
“Thank you, Max, for making sure I got home okay.” I take her hand and guide her past the doorman.
“Excuse me, Miss Jackie, apparently you don’t understand. I’m your security until I can make other arrangements.”
She looks at me all wide eyed. “You mean you’re coming upstairs?”
I nod, “Yes, I can assure you, I will be the perfect gentlemen.”
She looks surprised. “Why?”
I guide her into the elevator. “Why will I be a perfect gentleman?” I’m playing with her, but I couldn’t help having a little fun.
“No, Max, why are you coming upstairs?”
As the doors close, I look at her. She really is beautiful. “We will talk upstairs.”
“But…” she starts to protest.
I swiftly pull her towards me, “No buts and no choice. Done. Especially after the stunt you and Miss Raven pulled earlier.”
She opens the door and disarms the alarm. “Please wait here while I do a quick sweep of the flat.” I know I’m over cautious, but I have my reasons.
“Don’t you think you’re being ridiculous?”
I glare at her. “Humor me. After all, it’s the least you can do after ditching me earlier.”
She has the nerve to smirk at me! “Whatever, Max, just make it quick.”
After I give the “all clear”, she comes in and locks up. I’m impressed she has an alarm and actually uses it—so many people don’t.
“I’m going to change, make yourself at home.”
I walk around the flat, taking in all the windows and making sure they’re secure—just a habit. When I turn around, she’s standing in the kitchen, wearing flimsy shorts and a short little top. Oh bloody hell, I’m fucked!
“Tea?”
She must think I’m an idiot. I can’t take my eyes off of her legs! “Excuse me?”
I’m sure she knows what she is doing and just smiles. “I said, would you like a cup of tea?”
I’m trying to keep my eyes off of her legs or it could be game over. “Yes, please.”
I sit down and she starts to question me. I’m having a hard time concentrating.
“Max, are you okay?”
I grit my teeth. “Yes, sorry, I just have a lot on my dish right now.”
She smirks. “Plate.”
I keep reminding myself to focus. “Excuse me?”
She cocks her head to the side, and her beautiful blonde hair cascades around her face.
“You have a lot on your plate. Sometimes the words are the same but different meanings.”
I nod. “Plate . . . got it.”
As she passes me my tea, she’s back to questioning me. “Can you please fill me in on why I am in need of security?”
I try to play everything close to the vest. I’m not ready to tell her anything. “Well, it seems Miss Raven has some security issues that could be a problem, so better safe than sorry.”
Her tongue rolls over her lips; fuck it all to hell I’m as hard as stone! “Well, Max, here’s the thing, I am an educated woman and I know when someone is trying to bullshit me. You’re in way deep here. Let’s start again, except this time with the truth.”
“Well ,Miss Jackie, I don’t know how much I’m at liberty to tell you, I don’t want to put you in any danger.”
She sips her tea and stares at me. “Max, did you do a background check on me?”
I shake my head. “Honestly, no. I didn’t see any reason to. I’m not a bad guy. I’m just trying to keep everyone safe.”
She puts her tea down, “My mother is from Japan and my father is from Switzerland. My father helped negotiate relations between Switzerland and Japan. He is a prominent businessman. I am very used to security and threats. I live in New York because it allows me some anonymity. As you can tell, I’m in a very secure building. However, if you feel I might need some additional protection, I won’t question you on it.”
She has rendered me speechless. She gets up, goes to the closet, and comes back with a pillow and a blanket. “The couch is pretty comfortable. If you need anything else, let me know.” She turns and goes into her room, closing the door behind her. I can’t imagine I will get much sleep tonight. I’m left with a raging hard-on and a cold cup of tea!
I CAN’T BELIEVE SOME gorgeous man is asleep in my living room. If my parents knew, they would freak out. Shit, I’m freaking out. What the fuck did Raven get into that she needs this level of security? I try to get some sleep, but all I can think about is Max on my couch. I decide to read for a while. As I finally drift off to sleep, I realize, I don’t even know his full name!
AS THE DAY DAWNS, I get out of bed and throw on my running gear before heading out to the kitchen. “Where are you going?” Max asks when he glances over at me from the coffee maker.
I need to work off frustration, and I’m training, but he doesn’t need to know everything. “I like to start my day with a run, usually alone.”
His jaw ticks. I can tell he’s trying to control his temper. “Well, Miss Jackie, if you insist on running, then running it is, but we need to stop by my place to pick up my gear.”
This is ridiculous. “Really, Max, you don’t have to come with me.” He glares at me, and I realize . . . it’s fruitless to argue. “Okay, Max, let’s go.”
When we get to his place, I look around in shock. “You live here?”
He smiles and seems proud of where he lives. “Yes, there are two flats on th
e floor—I have one and Jax has the other. It makes it quite convenient since I head up Jax’s detail.”
The place is beautiful, but sadly, it doesn’t look like a home. “Do you entertain much?” I ask him and see such sadness pass over his face that I just want to give him a hug.
“The only people that have ever been in here are Jax, his family, and now, you.” He averts his eye from me after the last bit. “I’ll be right back,” he adds then walks down the hall to his room, I bet.
He changes quickly and re-joins me. I am finally getting an up close and personal look at him. I realize he is very well built; his muscles are very well defined. He is so handsome. I have no clue how old he is but I know he is older than Jax.
“How far do you usually run? I like long distance running, so I hope that won’t be a problem for you.”
DOES SHE THINK I’M too old to keep up with her? “Not at all, Miss Jackie, whatever you decide, I promise not to hold you back.”
As we enter the park, she does a few quick stretches, which I’m sure are for my benefit. Oh fuck, she’s stretching out those legs. When the fuck did I become a leg-man?
“Any time you’re ready, Miss Jackie.”
OH REALLY, WELL HE should know that I usually run marathons, and I’ve been in training for the NYC marathon, next weekend. We start to run and I keep the pace light. I don’t want to kill the guy, especially since I don’t know how old he is. He seems to be keeping up, maintaining a steady pace right behind me. When we finally finish, I stop on the grass and do my usual stretching so my muscles recover quickly. I glance over at Max and notice he’s wincing. “Max, are you okay?”
He grimaces. “I’ll be fine, just a sore muscle.” Some men can be so stubborn.
“Max, in all fairness, I’ve been training for the New York City Marathon. Maybe this was too much for a man your age.” I can’t help but giggle. “Lie flat on the grass and let me help you.”
He puts his hand up. “Don’t worry, Miss Jackie, I’ll be fine.” I just want to smack him. He is so bull-headed!
The Unraveling of Raven (The Unraveled Trilogy Book 1) Page 9