He kisses me. “I’ll be here for you when you get up.”
WHEN I GET BACK to my place, I check my voicemail. I have a message from Jackie, letting me know she’s there for me. She’s a sweet girl. Too good for me, but I can’t walk away from her. I just don’t get why Joseph did this; he hardly knew me. And at our last meeting, Jax smashed his nose and we both left him in a broken heap. I decide to pour myself a hefty scotch and sit down with my letter.
Dear Maxwell,
By now you’re wondering . . . why? Well, it’s what I saw in you, when we were searching for Raven. I saw a man that would not give up, a man of morals, and principals. When I pulled a check on you, I was impressed with your military record. If the Queen can trust her grandchildren to you, then I feel comfortable trusting Raven and Gabriella with you.
When I rescued Gabriella from Vincent, I had to choose to rescue her, knowing he would escape. I never forgave myself for that. She told me that every time he was done raping her, he would look up to the heavens and tell Antonio that it was for him. The man is a vicious pig. If he knew Gabriella was still alive, I don’t doubt that he would come after her. When I got her back to the States, I had the doctors examine her, and that’s when she found out she was pregnant. She would never have an abortion, so she opted to give the child up for adoption. If Vincent had found out, he would have come back for her. I had to protect Raven, and the best way to do that was to send her to boarding school. My plan was that I would keep Raven at school until Gabriella gave birth, then she could come back, and I would relocate both of them in the Witness Protection Program. You know what they say about best laid plans. Every day that Gabriella carried that child, she was driven more and more mad. She felt Antonio was looking down at her with disgust. I tried to get her into counseling, but she refused. Doctors really do make the worst patients.
By the time she gave birth, she was withdrawn, and then, she was hit with postpartum depression. She tried to hang herself. It was a fluke that I came by that day to find her. She never fully recovered, and I couldn’t trust her to take care of Raven so I sent her away to the Swiss clinic and had Raven adopted. I had to do it this way. I needed everyone to think that Gabriella and Cara were dead. With the help of the former director, we staged a car accident in California and then announced to the world that they both died. If Vincent knew that they were both alive, he would have come after them. If you decide to bring Gabriella back to the States, you must protect her from Vincent. If he finds out she is alive, he will come for her and torture her; all in the name of his brother. He has a sick obsession with her. That night when you left me at the Woodstock house, my biggest fear was Vincent. I saw what he did to Gabriella, and I feared what he would do to Raven.
I know that Jax really loves Raven, but I know what you’re capable of doing. I know what happened to your family, and I know you understand. So, please, protect them with all that you have.
I trust you with my family; they are all I ever had.
Joseph
I sit here, staring at the letter, and I decide to pour another scotch. What the fuck was Joseph thinking by making me Gabriella’s legal guardian? Why does he think I’m such a stable person? I’m a loner. I have been since my Gram died. My mum was a weak person, and gave her life to drugs. I never really knew my father; my Gram raised me. I’ve had more heartache than one man should have to bear. He knew what I went through. So, what? He thinks I’m stronger because of it?
I’m not stronger because of it; I’m shattered. My only friend is, Jax, the man I trust with my life. He’s the brother I never had, and now we’re in this together, past the point of no return. He loves Raven, and she is sweet. She’s good for him. She doesn’t care who he is and how much money he makes. She loves him for him, and all his craziness. This, though, is a huge responsibility. I don’t know that I can do this. I don’t know if I have it in me to be this responsible person that Gabriella and Raven need right now.
I consider calling Jackie, but then opt for another scotch. The last thing Jackie needs is me blowing her world apart. I look up at the clock; it’s late, and I have finished half the bloody bottle.
Yeah, Joseph, I’m so fucking responsible.
I HAVE NO CLUE what the fuck Joseph was thinking. I’m glad Raven decided to try and lie down for a while. I just don’t know what to say to her. I decide to pour another scotch and read the letter.
Jaxson,
I never thought I would have to have this discussion with you, but in light of recent events, I guess I must. I have asked Maxwell to be legal guardian for Gabriella. However, I would like for you to manage the trust fund for Gabriella and Raven. I feel that you would be the best person for this task, since you seem to have a golden touch when it comes to money. I know that you love Raven, and I hope you and Maxwell can get her back safely. I know I should have been more up front with you, but I have always played it pretty close to the vest.
Everything I did was to protect Raven and Gabriella from the horrors of Vincent. I know firsthand how sick and twisted Vincent is, which is why I chose to hide Raven from her mother. I promised Antonio that I would protect her, even if it meant my own life. I put Marco into her life to watch and protect her, I never expected him to turn on her. After her adoptive mother died and her adoptive father did what he did, I felt if I stepped back in to her life, Vincent might find her location. That’s why I put Marco with her. I would much rather have kept her with me, but I couldn’t take that risk.
Vincent had a jealous streak where Antonio was concerned that is like nothing I have ever seen before. If he found out about Raven, I have no doubt, he would have hunted her down and do to her what he did to Gabriella. When I rescued Gabriella, she told me things . . . things I would not want Raven to know. He did things to her, some very sick and twisted stuff. It was then, that I knew, I had to let the world believe they were both dead. With the help of the former director, we announced that Gabriella and Cara died in a car accident in California, when their car plunged off of the Pacific Coast Highway.
In the eyes of the world, they were dead. I knew Raven told Marco about her adoption and what little she knew about her family. It was not until six months ago, that I revealed to Marco that Raven was the niece of one of the most feared and vicious crime lords in the country. I told him about Duke, but I never told him about Gabriella. I hope you can bring Raven home safely, and that you will protect and love her forever.
Joseph
Wow, I understand the man had all the best intentions, but what a cluster fuck! I don’t even know where to begin. I have learned that. no matter what, I have to tell Raven the truth about everything. I will not have her running away, ever again. No one is safe until Vincent is found. I have some thoughts on where Vincent may be, but I need to talk about them with Max. First and foremost, I need to check on Raven and feed her. I walk into the bedroom, and find Raven in the throes of a nightmare. Jesus, when she hurts like this it, slays at my core. I crawl in bed and pull her close, stroking her back.
She wakes and looks up at me, and I use my thumbs to wipe her tears. “Raven, what can I do to help you?” I keep stroking her back, trying to sooth her.
“You’re doing it. Just being here with me means so much.”
I kiss her soft lips. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else, sweetheart.”
I take a deep breath, “Did you read your letter from Joseph?”
“Yes I did. What about you, do you want to read yours now?”
She shakes her head. “No, I’m not ready. I’m not sure my heart can take any more.”
I pull her tighter. “I will be here with you when you’re ready.” I need to start going over details with her, but I know I can’t overwhelm her. “There is a lot we have to talk about, starting with your security.”
“I agree, and I’ve been thinking, I don’t think I can go back to work. It would be too dangerous for the children.”
Finally, I feel like we are on the same page. “Agreed. You nee
d to understand that I’m not letting you out of my sight.” Fuck, if I could, I would lock her in here with me and throw away the key.
“Jax, that’s unrealistic, you have a company to run and a life to live.”
“My life is with you. From that day you doused me with your coffee, I knew my life would never be the same. I finally came alive. I agree I have a company to run, but your safety is first on my list. Maybe you should work for me. What do you think about that?”
Oh no. She’s looking at me like I’m nuts. “Do you have second graders at your company?”
I thought about this everyday she was gone, and I actually think this might be a great idea.
“Actually, I have an idea that you might find intriguing. I was thinking of creating onsite childcare for the employees, ranging from infancy to elementary. I have been doing some research, and I found out that the cost of daycare is almost as much as a mortgage payment. If I had a school here on the premises, I could keep the cost down, and my workers would be more productive.” She’s listening, so that’s a plus.
“I wouldn’t know how to set such a thing up, Jax, I teach.”
I know it’s all in how I pitch it. “I understand that. I have done all the research, and I have a business plan already done. I got all the specs from the school board. I wouldn’t need funding from the City, which means, we could get things done much quicker with no red tape. We can go over it later, but just keep an open mind.” At least she didn’t say no. It’s all about negotiation and me getting my way.
“When can I go back to my place?”
Okay, I need to be calm here before I answer, “Sweetheart, Vincent is a major threat to you and your mother. I don’t want to discount your feelings, but . . . never.” Okay, maybe that didn’t come out the way I intended, because the way she is looking at me I can swear I see fire in her eyes.
“Jax, I have a home and I would like to go back there. I will agree to protection, but I’m not a prisoner.”
I need to calm down or I will lose it on her. “Let’s talk about this later, okay?”
She shakes her head, “No, not okay.”
I’m not good at calm, never one of my finer points. “Are you sure now is the time to do this?”
“Yes, Jax. Now is as good a time as any.”
I take a deep breath and try to prepare myself not to come across as a bully. “Okay, Raven, here it is. You have been kidnapped numerous times, you have been shot, you were in the Witness Protection Program, all of this and you’re only twenty-seven. Call me crazy, but I think you should be about done with all of this drama now.”
She glares at me, “Jax, I was done with it all when I was seven! If I give in to all the drama then, the drama wins. I can’t give up, and I won’t give up. You can’t keep me locked up here forever. I understand I can’t go back to the school. I would never put anyone else in danger, but I can, and I will, go home!”
Does this woman think I would actually let her go back there? She doesn’t get it. When it comes to winning, I’m a ruthless, fucking bastard. I will win! I pace around the room, no shirt, with my hands in my hair. Yeah, I know I’m good looking and I’m not opposed to using it to my advantage when needed. Her eyes are running up and down my body. Oh yeah, sweetheart, keep looking. I’m making a show of undressing, trying to distract her.
“Jax, don’t think that you can flash your good looks and I will bend to whatever you want. Not this time, mister.”
Fuck it all to hell! “Well, sweetheart, not only do I own your place, but I purchased the entire fucking building. If I wanted to, I could find a way to keep you out of it for good!” She has no idea how far I would go, and locking her in here is looking better and better.
“You wouldn’t!”
We are nose to nose and I growl, “Watch me!”
With that she goes into the bathroom and slams the fucking door.Okay, I’m not a fucking moron. I do realize that I was probably over the top when I purchased the whole building, but in my own defence, I was not thinking clearly at the time. However, now I am thinking with all my pistols firing now. There is no fucking way I’m letting her live anywhere but with me. Now, I just need to convince her of that.
I NEED TO GET in touch with Max. “Hey, Max, call me back. I need to go over Raven’s detail with you.”
I turn around, and I’m hit with her violets. “Where do you think you’re going?” I ask.
She smirks at me. “For a run, so if you plan on being stuck to me like glue then, get your ass in gear, bucky.”
It’s got to be the hormones, it just has to be. I remember Bella was a nut case when she was pregnant. I need to call my sister later.
I change with the upmost speed, and before I know it, we are in the park. She’s a runner in more ways than one, but if she thinks for one minute that she will ditch me, she can guess again. Her biggest problem is that she really doesn’t know me. Not only am I ruthless when it comes to winning, I’m like a crazy man when it comes to safety. I’ve watched over my mum and sister my whole life. I’ll be damned if this woman thinks she will rule me! Well, at least when I’m not thinking with my cock.
“Will your detail run the entire time with us, Jax, or will you have mercy on them?”
I turn to her and give her the Jaxson smile. I cock my head, “Not only will they run the entire course with us, but I have men stationed throughout the entire park, and at all the various entrances.”
She glances over at me, her chin on the ground and eyes as wide as the moon. I reach over with my finger and close her mouth. “I told you, I’m a ruthless bastard, sweetheart. You’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg.” We do the rest of the run in silence, and for once, I’m happy about silence.
Max is waiting for us, and of course he’s not happy. Lately he’s never happy. I need to talk to him. “Jax, why? Just please tell me why you chose to make my life harder?” He looks at Raven next, “Miss Raven, I understand your need for your independence, but please, can you try to work with me, instead of against me?”
Her eyes fill with tears “Max, what have I done other than go for a run?”
“Well that’s just it, Miss Raven. There’s a very sick, vicious man on the loose out there, and he is gunning for you. I’d like to get through this without getting anymore kinks in my armor, if that’s okay with you!”
I grab his arm. “Cool it, Max. She’s not use to this. Dial it down.”
Max paces. “Jax, I’m trying! I mean. I’m really trying. However, I can’t have unnecessary risks right now. I’m trying to deal with finding Vincent, keeping you and Miss Raven safe, figuring out what to do about Gabriella, and keeping watch on the rest of the family. I just need some sort of cooperation from everyone! Just until, I feel I have gotten a handle on Vincent, is that so much to ask?”
Raven gets up and hugs Max. “Okay, Max, I will do whatever you need me to do.”
My head swings around so fast, it’s a wonder I don’t snap my own fucking neck. “You’re listening now?”
“Well, Jax, maybe it’s the way Max laid it out rather than bulldozed me.” She arches her eyebrow as if to challenge me.
“Miss Raven, I have some things I need to talk to you about; they are personal. However, I know you want no secrets. I have to ask, do you want Jax here?”
“Yes, I have nothing to hide from him.” He takes a deep breath. God, what else are we going to have to deal with?
“Okay, when Tony was looking through Marco’s thumb drive, he found a letter addressed to you, along with pictures of the two of you. Tony put them all on here for you to decide what you want to do with them.” He hands them to her and I can tell by the look on her face, she is in shock.
“Sometimes, good people do bad things. Sometimes they can’t help it, but other times they don’t think it’s bad. Life is complicated, at best, Miss Raven. Have you both read Joseph’s letters?”
“I did, but Raven didn’t read her letter yet.” I sigh. Max paces again. Oh boy, not goo
d.
“Miss Raven, you can read my letter if you want, I have nothing to hide. You need to understand that Vincent hated your father his whole life. What he did to your mother was because of that hatred, and if he knows she is alive, he will go after her.
“After she gave birth to Duke, your mother snapped. She probably had a bad bout of postpartum depression on top of it, plus months of blaming herself for your father’s death. It was too much for her. She tried to kill herself. Joseph found her and got her the help that she needed. His plan was to have you both declared dead from a car accident and then move you both within the Witness Protection Program.”
“After your mum’s attempted suicide, Joseph realized that your mum couldn’t take care of herself, let alone you. That is why you were adopted. Joseph wanted to keep you himself, but he knew the danger. He did what he thought was the safest thing. He had you both declared dead, you adopted, and your mum moved to a clinic out of the country. The danger lies in moving your mum to the States. I can’t let Vincent know she is alive.”
She nods. “Max, I knew how sick and twisted Vincent is my first day as his prisoner, he made me wear my mother’s clothes.”
My mouth drops open in disbelief. She didn’t tell me this, only about the book.
“He also gave me a book that belonged to my mother. Inside of it was a detailed account of what she went through. There were also some beautiful pictures that she drew. Vincent made my mother watch a video of my father getting shot and me being held prisoner. He physically and mentally tortured her for two months. So, what is it that you need from me, Max?”
Max takes my hand, “First, I need to read your letter from Joseph. I need to know if there is anything in there that might help me. Second, never ditch your detail. Don’t even think about trying. I’m assigning you two people, whom I vetted personally.
“Dominika is your female guard. She is originally from Russia and she is former KGB. Your male guard is Daniel, and he is former Secret Service. You will also have a dog. His name is Bo. Bo is listed as a service dog. I don’t have to list which service he falls under. You just need to remember never leave this house without him, and he must at all times wear his vest. The vest has a tracker and a weapon in it. No one ever checks the dog. Also, I want you to wear this bracelet. It looks like one of those magnetic ones, but it is also a tracker.” He puts it on her wrist.
The Unraveling of Raven (The Unraveled Trilogy Book 1) Page 24