The Unraveling of Raven (The Unraveled Trilogy Book 1)

by Theresa Sederholt

  I pull her in tighter. “Show me your soul, baby.”

  Her violets lock onto my blues and we’re gone. I slide down the shower wall and just sit with my girl in my lap, my cock throbbing in cock heaven. “Jax, we need to get going.”

  “Hmm…”

  “Is that all you’re going to say? Hmm…?”

  I can’t even open my eyes, let alone move. “Sweetheart, my cock is enjoying being in cock heaven. I can’t deny him this pleasure, don’t you agree?”

  She laughs at me. “I can’t believe you call your cock him, and what the hell is cock heaven?”

  All I can do is smile. “It’s the happy place. Not everyone finds it—it’s reserved for the special ones, a soul mate.”

  She gets up and offers me a hand. “Jax, once again you have rendered me speechless.”

  AS WE FINISH GETTING ready, I look over at him. He still has that crooked smirk and faraway look on his face. I realize, yep, I love him. Done.

  A

  S WE HEAD TO my office, Raven calls her school, reassuring them that she is fine and will be back to school on Monday. Not if I have anything to say about it, but that argument is for later. Right now, we have to meet Max and then Joseph.

  We walk in, and Duke is at his desk. He informs me that Max is already in my office. He stares at Raven. The little fucker better keep his eyes off her or I’ll cut his prick off and kick him to the curb. Duke gets back to work when he notices me watching him. Satisfied, I lead Raven into the office. Max jumps up when we get inside. “Miss Raven, please except my apologies. I’m so sorry.”

  Raven puts her hand up. “Max, it was not your fault. They knocked you out with something. I saw you trying to fight them off to get to us.”

  He shakes his head. “Still, Miss Raven, I’m sorry.” She hugs him.

  “How is Mick? He was trying to help us.” My girl has such compassion.

  He sits her down. “They are releasing him today from the hospital. What do you think we can do to help his situation without offending him?”

  She looks so lost in her own thoughts. “I need to see him, Jax. I need to let him see that I’m okay. I hope this didn’t escalate his nightmares.”

  I can only imagine what this has triggered off for this man. “Sweetheart, I will do whatever you feel is necessary to help him.”

  She smiles. “Thank you, both of you. What Mick needs most is to not be judged by anyone. People look right past him and they don’t take the time to just listen. He’s a proud man and very strong. He’s just needs time to heal and someone to listen to him.”

  I sit in one of the club chairs and I smile at Raven. She returns with one more mischievous, confirming she knows I’m remembering that afternoon, in this very chair. My cock springs to life.

  Trying to give my thoughts a different direction, I turn to Max, “Okay, mate, what’s bothering you? What else have you found out?”

  He looks at Raven. “First, Miss Raven, what did the kidnappers say?”

  She takes a steadying breath. “They knew that Michael and I got out of the duct tape, and they said it saved them the trouble. The voice was the same as the man that was outside the gym. Their faces were covered the whole time. They came into the room one time, when Michael and I were laughing. They videotaped us, and walked out without a word.”

  “Jax, here’s what’s bothering me. First, Miss Raven wasn’t supposed to be on playground duty that day. Second, when we got to the warehouse, there was no one there, almost like they knew we found out where they were and didn’t have time to move them. Third, the interoffice envelopes are bugging me. We saw the first one being delivered, but not the second one. Fourth, they knew everything about Miss Raven’s past, stuff that was classified. How were they going to sell her to the highest bidder? By the ransom they demanded when they asked for Michael, they knew you would pay. So, why not just offer you Miss Raven, too. It would be easier that way. This is about something more. I can tell you now; this is a puzzle that we don’t have all the pieces to.”

  My eyes shoot back and forth between Max and Raven. I still hadn’t told her about her being offered up for auction. She is white and shaking. I jump up and grab her. Fuck.

  “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t get a chance to tell you everything. Fuck!”

  “Jax, is there anything else you haven’t told me?”

  I run my hand through my hair and rub the back of my neck as I glance over at Max. He gives me a knowing nod, gets up and steps out of the room, allowing us some privacy. “Sit.”

  “This must be bad, Jax ,if you’re telling me to sit.”

  Fuck, I could snap Joseph in half right now. “I didn’t want to be the one to tell you this. It should be Joseph, but you need to know everything.” I proceed to tell her everything Joseph told me about her, the half-brother, and finally, about Marco. She’s shaking and very pale. I scoop her up and wrap my arms around her, holding her tight. I’m worried; she’s being so quiet. “Baby, you’re safe now. I promise you, no one will get to you.”

  There is a commotion outside my door. Joseph barrels through it while Max tries to hold him back. “Max, if you don’t fucking let me go, so help me, I’ll shoot your fucking Scottish ass and kick you over the pond!”

  Raven jumps up and runs to Joseph. She reaches back and smacks him so hard across the face that even Max and I wince. I want to stop her, but I realize that she needs to have closure. She closes my office door and leans against it, not saying anything. She walks back up to Joseph, “Why?”

  He has the decency to look ashamed. “Cara, sit, I’ll answer your questions.”

  I see fire in her eyes. “My name is Raven, and I never want to hear that other name again.”

  He has the grace to look embarrassed. “Okay, what do you want to know?” She starts to pace instead of sitting like Joseph suggested. “Why didn’t you tell me I have a half-brother?” She stops and glares at him.

  “Raven, I honestly felt it was for the best. He was a product of your father's evil brother; a brutal, vicious and jealous man.” He pulls a handerkerchief out from his back pocket and wipes his brow before sitting.

  She steps in front of him, leaning into the chair with her arms on each side, trapping him. “He was also part of my mother; a beautiful, kind, and tender hearted woman. Don’t you think I should have had the right to know that there is someone out there? That I actually have a family member somewhere? Do you know how hard it was, after my adoptive mom died? Did you know my adopted father tried to rape me?! Is that why you put Marco into my life? After all this time, I thought he was my best friend—a brother—only to find out he is your fucking employee!” I see her fighting the tears and I want to take her in my arms, but she needs this more.

  “Raven, I promised your father that I would protect you, no matter what. Hate me if you have to, but I would do it all over again. Antonio was not just my partner—he was my best friend, and he saved my life!”

  “What do you mean; my father saved your life?” She asks through her tears.

  “Raven, that day we rescued you, your father pushed me out of the way, and took a bullet that was meant for me.”

  I reach her just as she’s about to hit the floor. “Fuck, Joseph, anything else you want to do to fuck up her life even more?” I snap. Max gets a cold towel for her head and she starts to come around. “I’m not letting you out of my arms, so don’t even ask, sweetheart.”

  She nods, “That’s fine. I don’t want you to.”

  Max looks over his shoulder at Joseph. “Jax and I will keep Miss Raven safe. You need to find out who your leak is—and fast.”

  Max turns back to me, “Jax, that’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. There has to be a leak somewhere. First, the Lansing office conveniently lost all traces of the kid. Then, the second interoffice memo was already here, yet the tapes don’t show anyone delivering it; not like the first one. I told you . . . something is off. I need to have you stick to Miss Raven until we get to the bo
ttom of all this.”

  Raven gets up. “Jax, I need to go back to my place and get some stuff. And I need to see Marco.”

  I don’t want to bulldoze her, so I do my best to remain calm. “Sweetheart, everything you need, I can have brought to the Tower. We can deal with Marco, later.”

  “Jax, I know you just want to protect me, but I need to do this and I need to do it alone.”

  “Sweetheart, I’ll take you to talk to Marco. However, I plan on being there the entire time. Deal with it!” I know I’m yelling, but this woman drives me fucking crazy. She takes in a deep breath, gives me a curt smile, and nods her head in agreement. Good.

  Just like that, we’re out the door. As we were leaving, I hear Joseph and Max arguing, but we’re not sticking around to find out why. “Duke, I’ll be out of the office for the rest of the day. If you need anything, I’m on my cell.” We ride the elevator to the parking garage in silence. Maybe it will give us both a chance to calm down. “We’ll stop by the hospital to see Mick before we go to your place, okay?”

  She hits me with that smile. “Thank you. I know you’re trying to protect me.”

  I pull her into my arms. “Stop thanking me. I would move heaven and earth to keep you safe and happy. I just wish you would let me.” I kiss the top of her head and breathe her hair in.

  “Do you think Mick would be open to working with Max in security? I could have Max put him downstairs as security for the building. Maybe if he has a job, it would be something for him to hold onto—a lifeline. I’ll have Max talk to him about it.” I ramble on without letting her get a word in edgewise. She doesn’t really attempt, either.

  I wish I knew what she was thinking right now.

  WE GET TO THE hospital just as Mick is being discharged. He lets Raven give him a hug, which, I’m guessing, is such progress for him. “Mick, thank you for trying to help us. I’m so sorry they hurt you.” She pulls away and gives him another once-over. As I watch their interaction, I realize how much Raven means to this man. It’s a friendship she forged on kindness and respect.

  “Raven, I’m sorry I didn’t get to the school sooner to stop them.”

  She sits next to him rubbing his arm, offering him comfort. “Why were you at the school?”

  He drops his gaze to the floor, seemingly uncomfortable with my question. “The other day, when we walked to the school, I noticed the van. It felt off to me. So, I thought I would keep a closer eye on you. Like I said, I’m just sorry I didn’t get there sooner.”

  I extend my hand to Mick. “I’m grateful that you tried to help my girl and my nephew. I would like to help you, and before you say anything, please listen to me.” I hold my other hand up to emphasize. We could use a man with your proven courage. You stepped up to the plate to help, when nothing was expected of you. A lesser man would have turned away. Just promise me you’ll think about it.” I reach into my back pocket, pull out my business card wallet, and retrieve one for him. “Here is my card.” “When you’re ready, call Max or me. And again, thank you.”

  “Thank you.” Mick extends his hand out for another shake. With that, we say our goodbyes and leave him to finish anything that needs finishing with his discharge.

  WE HEAD BACK TO Jax’s car in silence. This man has rendered me speechless. He is willing to take a chance on a man that most people walk past every day without a second glance. It’s all the little things that make up a person. He might not show it, but he is tender hearted, and at this moment, I realize how deeply I love this man.

  “I NEED TO CALL Max and let him know what Mick said about the van.”

  She takes my hand. “I wonder how long they were watching before they made their move. I was not supposed to be on playground duty, I took Jackie’s place.”

  “Yeah, she told Max. She was distraught; she thought maybe it was supposed to be her. Max has been keeping a close eye on her.” I reassure her.

  “How long have you been friends with Jackie?” I decide to change the subject a little bit.

  She smiles at the mention of Jackie and their friendship. “We were roommates in college. She is my best friend, and her family treats me like I’m their daughter. I could never ask for a better friend.” Her grip on my hand tightens when I ask her why Jackie doesn’t like Marco. “I’m not sure. I just know they don’t get along, at all. I wanted the three of us to live together, but once they got to know each other, I knew that would never happen. Jackie looks sweet—almost submissive, but she is very intelligent and always observant. I think it has to do with the way she grew up. Most of her formative years were spent at her family’s compound in Switzerland. She always had at least one, sometimes two, security guards.”

  “I’m sure growing up with such tight security made her more cautious when meeting new people,” he states. “I better let Max know right away; what Mick said.”

  While he calls Max to tell him what Mick said, I think I’ll check in on Jackie. “Hey, Jackie, I’m checking in.”

  She squeals, “Oh my God, Raven, I’m sorry. It was supposed to be me!”

  I take a deep breath. “Calm down, we don’t know any such thing. I’m just glad everyone is okay.” She really is like a sister to me.

  “Raven, can we get together tomorrow? I need a girl talk.”

  “Only if you bring the chocolate!”

  She laughs. “I knew I loved you for a reason. It’s a date!”

  WE GET TO MY place in record time, which I notice, is the usual for Jax. I’m not even sure Marco will be home.

  “Raven, do you know if Marco is even home?” Jax asks as if he’s just read my mind.

  Part of me hopes that Marco is home and part of me hopes he’s not. I don’t know if I’m ready to face him and his betrayal, just yet.

  “Sometimes he works from home, but I’m not sure where he is today.” We get upstairs to find the place empty. “Jax, I’m just going to pack an overnight bag. It shouldn’t take me too long.” I put my purse down on the counter and notice some of my magazines came in. I grab them and a pad out of the junk drawer before heading down to my room. I decide to leave a note for Marco, letting him know that I’m staying with Jax and also informing him that I’ve spoken to Joseph. “We need to talk,” is what I finish the letter off with. I walk out of my bedroom and Jax is leaning against the counter. Dang it, he is so beautiful. Before I leave, I have to dig out a picture I promised Michael, so I quickly go back in. I see Jax comes into my room out of my peripheral vision and watches me dig through a shoebox.

  “What are you looking for?” He comes over to see what I’m doing.

  “I promised Michael I would show him a picture of my dog.”

  Jax is looking at the pictures in my shoebox. He finds a picture of my real mom and dad. “You look like a combination of both parents.”

  I’m about to comment but then I see it. “I found it! Look, this was my dog, Winston.”

  “Raven, that is not a dog, it’s a grizzly bear!” he says wide-eyed.

  I laugh, “He was a very protective Newfoundland, and he scared away many of my dates. That’s probably why I never had a boyfriend in school.”

  Jax is stroking my arm, making me feel safe with his constant touch. Part of me wants to close the door and walk away from here, never looking back. The other part of me is determined to live my life without fear. He pulls me into his arms, and I need him. “Raven, you don’t ever have to come back here or see Marco if you don’t want to. I can handle it all for you.” He understands my fear without having to tell him.

  “This is my home and I love it. I’m not ready to let it go, and as far as Marco is concerned, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I would like to see Michael today. Do you think that’s possible?”

  Jax smiles, then he calls Bella, informing her we’re on our way. I have to laugh, he just does whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and watch out if you’re in his path . . . my bulldozer.

  WE PULL UP TO Bella’s and Vito comes out to greet us. Raven kne
els down, petting him and he loves it; licking and nuzzling her. I find this amazing since that beast only likes Junior. Junior comes running up to Raven as soon as we get in the door. I’m guessing he’s excited to introduce her to his dog.

  “Michael, he is just as sweet and strong as you described him.”

  We head into the living room where Bella, Michael, and my mum are waiting, but it’s Junior I’m worried about. He’s clinging to Raven, not wanting to let go. She kneels down so she’s face to face with him. “Hey, buddy, you okay?”

  He seems embarrassed, looking down at his feet. “Yeah, I was really worried about you. Mom said you’re going to be fine. Will you still be my teacher?”

  She smiles at him. “Miss Jackie will take over for a couple of days while I sort everything out, but then I’ll be back. No worrying, okay?” She palms his face. This seems to pacify him, but I can tell something is not right with Raven. “I stopped at my place and found that picture I promised you.” She retrieves it from her purse. “This was Winston.”

  He gasps. “Wow, Miss Raven, he really was huge and he does look like a bear.”

  My mum comes up to Raven and embraces her, and the tension in the room seems to ease.

  “Hey, Junior, why don’t you take Vito out back?” I suggest.

  He laughs, “Uncle Jax, if you want me out of the room, you could just ask.”

  “When did you become such a wisearse?” I growl. Raven is giggling.

  “Um, sweetheart, what’s so amusing?”

  “Well, it seems to me that Michael Jr. has inherited the Phillip’s gene for directness.”

  Michael Sr. looks at Raven and throws his arms in the air. “Welcome to my world!”

  After Junior leaves the room, my mum asks if we found out anything new. “Mum, the only thing we have right now, is more questions than answers.” I let out a big sigh of frustration. Raven takes my hand like it’s a lifeline. “It seems that the kidnappers were after Junior and Raven was only a bonus. The problem is, they now know who Raven really is, which puts everyone around her at risk. Max thinks there is a leak, possibly at the FBI and also at Raiders Inc.”