“I won’t be able to get anywhere near Cara again, Vince.”
“Anna, what I really want is that fucker, Max’s head, on a silver platter.”
“I understand, but for now, let’s concentrate on getting you out of here.”
“Deveno, what kind of deal do you think they will offer?”
“After today, I’m not sure that they will offer any kind of deal. Apparently, Mr. Phillips has a lot of power in all the right places. He made some powerful threats today. It seems that the Feds are taking him pretty seriously.”
“What kind of threats did he make?”
“My source said, Phillips, has a copy of the tape, and he will release it to all the families and the press. He will say you’ve made a deal to snitch, basically putting the final nail in your coffin. Apparently, the only thing he will settle for, is you getting life with no chance of parole.”
“That prick thinks because he has money, he can buy anything! Fuck that, I have more power than he could ever imagine. The difference is, I’m not afraid to use it.”
“I wouldn’t be too quick to count this guy out, Vince. He has a lot of power, and not just in this country.”
“Couldn’t have been too much power if I was able to get my hands on Cara.”
“Do I need to remind you he was also able to find you, when no one else could? He infiltrated the entire United States and European banking system to do it. Does that sound like someone you should dismiss like a gnat?”
“Put some feelers out and see what they’re willing to offer. Find out more about Phillips and that fucker, Max. Make sure you get back to me quickly. I’m paying you enough money, that’s for sure. Now I want a few minutes alone with Anna.”
Deveno gets up to leave, and I know to keep quiet until he is gone.
“Anna, we don’t have much time left. Deveno is only as good as the money he’s paid. He’d sell out to the highest bidder. Don’t trust him.”
“Then why are you using him?”
“I know what he’s capable of. I want everything you can find out about Max. I need to know his weakness; everyone has one. The same goes for Phillips. Get your ass in to see Duke, and convince him to do the time for me. Find out what the fuck Joseph was hiding. Find out how many tapes this Phillips guy has and then get back here in a couple of days. I will get you a list of favors owed to me from other countries without US extradition. Now, go.”
“How the hell do you expect me to do all of this, in only a couple of days? I know you want revenge, Vince. I get it. However, don’t you think it would be time better spent to figure out how to get out of this mess and spend less time on revenge?”
“Anna, let me worry about that. Now, go!” Just like that, I’m dismissed. He wants all of this in a couple of days . . . is he fucking kidding me? As I get outside, I see Deveno on the phone, waving me over.
“Okay, got it. We’re on our way.”
“The permission for us to see Duke just came through. We are going to head over to Sing Sing now.”
Could this day get any worse? “Now? I have some stuff to handle for Vincent. Can’t we go later?”
“Look, we’re up here and we’re going, so deal with it. What else did Vince want?”
“Private family stuff that doesn’t concern his case.”
“If that’s the way you and Vince want to play it, Annabelle, it’s fine by me. I have work to do. If you need anything, tell the driver.”
We get in the car and begin the long ride to Sing Sing in total silence.
WE PULL UP TO Sing Sing, and it looks like another hellhole. I’m finally going to meet my nephew today. I have to convince him to take the fall for Vincent, and I don’t even know him. Security is very tight as we are ushered into a tiny dismal room. Just like the Attica, the table and chairs are bolted to the floor. I have no clue what to expect, but then he walks in and I’m floored. His dark hair and chiseled good looks were not at all what I was expecting. Jesus, he’s so young. He seems lost and dazed.
“Hello, Mr. Jensen, I’m your attorney, Mr. Deveno, and this is your Aunt Annabelle. How are you holding up in here?”
“Duke, just call me Duke. How do you think I’m doing?”
“Duke, I met with Vincent earlier and there is a lot we need to go over. Vincent said you killed Erica and Marco, right before you kidnapped your sister.”
“I snapped and shot both of them, but I never kidnapped Raven. So, it’s true, then? This is this the way he’s going to spin this bullshit?”
“Look, son, we need to get the story straight and get the best possible deal for everyone involved.”
THIS GUY IS AN asshole if he thinks I’m buying his line of shit. “Look, Mr. Deveno, you work for my father and you’re trying to get him the best possible deal. Looks like I need a new attorney.”
“Duke, calm down, please, and let me talk. You have more options than Vincent does. This is your first offence, and there are extenuating circumstances. Deveno can work it to your advantage—plus—we have unlimited resources. If you get another attorney, you won’t have that. Please give Deveno a chance to see what he can do before you dismiss him,” Aunt Annabelle tries to convince me. Funny I’ve never even met this woman before today, and yet she thinks I’m going to do whatever the fuck she wants.
“Our time here is short, kid, so what’s it going to be? Are you going to listen to your aunt or do I walk?”
At this point, I really have nothing to lose. “Fine, for now I will listen, but at any point, if I don’t like the way things are going, then all bets are off.”
“Great, I’ll be in touch over the next couple of days. Keep your mouth shut and let me work your case. I’ll give you some private time with Annabelle.” Deveno gets up and leaves.
I size up Annabelle—she wants something, everyone usually does. “So, Aunt Annabelle, what is it that you want from me?”
“What makes you think I want something? Maybe I want to find out who you are.”
“Look, since I found my family, I’ve had nothing but trouble. I’ve had a lot to absorb in the past six months. I’m not looking for a warm, fuzzy family that television shows are made of; I’m looking to survive this nightmare. So, I’ll ask you one more time, what is it that you want from me?”
“What did Cara tell you when you were in Italy? Did she talk to you about Joseph?”
And there it is . . . she’s here to fish for information. I don’t know what she thinks I could possibly tell her. “She told me who I was and that I was the product of rape. She told me a little bit about our mother. She gave me Gabriella’s diary to read. Do you know what it was like to read about your father raping and beating your mother over and over again? Do you know how it feels to be considered the spawn of Satan? Raven never talked about Joseph or anyone, for that matter. Even if I get to the other side of this, I have no one—nothing.”
“You have Vincent and me; you have a family now.”
“Well, Aunt Annabelle, isn’t that encouraging. Time’s up, I’ve gotta go.” I get up and give the corrections officer a nod of my head to let him know that I’m ready. He opens the door for me and I head out without hearing another word from my loving aunt.
AFTER THE RIDE HOME in silence, Jax and I are greeted by my mother as soon as we get off the elevator. “Mom, is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine, I was worried about you. What did the doctor say?” she asks after hugging me, her eyes on Jax.
“Everything is good. I told her about the family history and she was happy that I gained weight. Everything is going according to schedule.”
“Jax, are you okay?” she asks him.
“I’m fine, Rose, just tired. I’m going to lay down for a bit, excuse me.”
Before I can say anything my mom grasps my upper arms gently. “Go be with him, Raven. I think the pressure is getting to him.”
I head into the bedroom, but he’s not there. I hear the shower running. That sounds really good right now. I head into
the bathroom and find him leaning against the shower wall, the water cascading down his body. I step in and notice his eyes closed and he’s not moving.
“ Jax, what’s wrong?” I grab onto his shoulders.
“I’m very overwhelmed right now,” he says softly, his eyes still closed.
“Damn it, Jax, talk to me! I know it’s more than that.”
He takes in a deep breath. “I’m beginning to doubt my decision to let Jackie come back here. Vincent is going to want to hurt Max in the worst possible way. Going after Jackie would do it. She is so stubborn; I know she’ll never go for Max sending her back to her parent’s compound.”
“Jax, maybe we should go to the island now. We could all use an extended vacation . . . just until the Feds get everything sorted.”
“Raven, have you forgotten something? You’re pregnant?”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.”
“Jax, could I have a doctor on the island to deliver the baby?”
He’s stroking his chin, which means he’s either plotting or processing.
“I asked Sammy to join the company. I don’t want Max in the field ever again.”
“What did Max say about that?”
“It was his suggestion to bring Sammy on board. Max wants a more behind the scenes approach. He wants to spend more time with Jackie. Jackie is interested in heading up the school we talked about.”
“Are you planning out everyone’s life again? I warned you about that.”
“I know, Raven. I’m not telling everyone what they should do. I’m practicing my new found negotiating skills with everyone.”
I know how that goes. “What about me, what am I supposed to do?”
“I’m going to be real honest with you. I would like for you to be a stay at home mum. It was not something that my mum could do for Bella and me, and I would love to give that gift to our child. You could also use the time to get to know your mum better.”
“You don’t have to sell me on it, Jax. I want to be there for our child. Those years only come once, there is no second chance.”
“Wife, have I told you lately that I’m madly in love with you?”
“No, my wonderful husband, you haven’t.”
“Well, sweetheart, I am, and I think I need to have my way with you.
In one fell swoop, he scoops me up and steps out of the shower. He pulls the towels off the warmers and wraps us in them as he heads towards the bedroom.
“Oh, my beautiful wife, I want to make slow passionate love to you for hours. Relax and let me take you to our happy place.” He places me in the center of the bed and slowly crawls between my legs. “I want to taste you and devour you.”
He locks his arms around my legs, keeping me spread wide for him. He’s nipping the inside of my thighs followed by a lick and a kiss. Oh my God what he can do with that tongue; it should be illegal. When he gets to the top he stops and switches to the other leg. When he finally gets to the center, he unleashes that tongue. Round and round, in and out. Swipe, nibble, lick, and kiss.
“Jax, I can’t hold it . . . oh good God, Jax.” My hands are fisting his hair and my hips are going crazy. I’m riding a wave of pleasure. Just as I begin to catch my breath, he enters me . . . every rock-hard, solid inch of him. My eyes fly open and lock onto his—violet to blues.
“Sweetheart, all that I am, and all that I’ll ever be is because of you.”
He pulls back and slowly enters me again. He’s there but yet he’s fighting it.
“Don’t fight it Jax, let it go.”
“No—I want more. I want it to last forever.”
I do the one thing I know that will tip him over the edge—I clench. He throws his head back and begins to come, over and over again. “Oh, fuck all that is holy, Raven!”
Gently, he turns us so I’m on top. “Ride me down slowly, please.”
Pacing myself, I glide up and down, watching a calm take over him. I lean down and kiss him softly.
“You don’t play fair, sweetheart.”
“Hmm . . . I never said I would.”
“Well, my beautiful wife, neither did I.”
As she’s riding me down I’m pushing my hips up to meet hers, slamming into her clitoris. I lean up and take one of her nipples into my mouth, pulling and nipping. They are so sensitive to my touch. I gently roll her onto her back and I pull out of her. She whimpers at the loss of my cock, fuck it’s so hot to watch. “I know what you want but not like this, baby.”
I turn her and pull her up on her knees. “Hold onto the headboard.” I command while taking my cock and spreading my wetness from front to back. I’m ready to take her again. “Push out, come on, baby, let me in.”
I push through that barrier; she’s so tight and so warm. I’m holding the base of my cock; prolonging my explosion. I take a few breaths and begin to move, slowly at first.
“God, Raven, you’re so tight and warm.”
“Faster, Jax, please . . . Oh, God . . . harder please, I won’t break!”
I give her what she wants, what she needs. Taking her harder with each push. I reach around and glide my fingers in and out of her. “Raven, fuck I’m going, fall with me, please.”
I give her all I’ve got and she takes it, screaming my name with her release. I’m still throbbing deep inside of her. My legs and arms are quivering; it’s never enough with her. I will always need more. I gently pull out of her and she rolls onto her side. Her eyes finally open and they are filled with tears. “Hey, beautiful, you okay?”
“Jax, that was so intense. I don’t know what came over me, I was so demanding. Oh my God, I gave you a hickie! I’m so embarrassed.” Her hands cover her face.
I look down at my chest, and sure enough, she gave my nipple a hickie. “Well, that’s interesting. I love intense and it makes me even wilder when you get all demanding. Sweetheart, never be embarrassed for wanting more. You love me and you show it.”
“I do love you, Jax.” She smiles up at me.
“I love you more, baby. Let’s go shower, and then I think I want to talk to Jackie.”
“Have you figured out what you’re going to say?”
“She’s a very smart woman. I’m going to put all the facts out to her and see if she comes to the right conclusion.”
“Don’t you mean your conclusion?”
“Yep, the right conclusion.”
Vulnerable Jax, is gone, and my take-charge husband is back . . . poor Jackie.
IT’S BEEN ANOTHER CRAZY day. I’m glad Max is okay. There is a calm when I’m curled up into his side. He’s finally asleep; today has taken a toll on him. He’s getting better at letting me in, but I know it will take time. I very rarely get to watch him sleep, and I notice, even though he’s sleeping, there is a worried look across his brow. As I stroke him there, he visibly relaxes. I tilt my head in and kiss one of his scars. He has so many both inside and out; my heart breaks for him. I trail my fingertips over his V. God he is so beautiful; imperfectly perfect. I lean in and kiss his chest very softly. I don’t think I can ever get enough of this man.
“Hmm . . . I love to wake up from a nap like this, baby.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb your sleep.”
He pulls me on top of him. “Never be sorry for this. This is where I’ve finally found peace.”
I lean down and kiss his soft lips. God, what this man does to me. “I’m worried about you, Max. You need to get more rest, and a lot less stress.”
“What I need, is more of you, babe, just you.”
“Then, more you shall have.” I slowly work my way down his body. Kissing my way down his happy trail very slowly, I begin stroking his cock. I lean down and kiss the tip.
“Oh, baby, take me deep, please.”
I take him in my mouth, swirling my tongue around as I go down. This is so new for me, but with Max, it’s so comfortable. He lifts his head and watches me, chewing on his bottom lip as he fists his hands. He is literately coming
undone, and it’s all because of me. It’s such a beautiful high, a high I’ve only known with him. He takes a hold of my shoulders and tries stopping me. I’m so lost in my ability to give him such pleasure. I don’t want to stop.
“Jackie, if you don’t stop now, I’m going to lose what little control I have left.”
I’m not letting go. I want to know what it’s like to take him all the way. I work my way down again as I’m pumping his cock. I take his sac and work it slowly and firmly. That does it for him. His head flies back and his hips are going wild. He’s yelling my name as he explodes with such a powerful force. It’s feels endless. I wasn’t sure what to expect but then knowing that I can take him likes this is such a heady feeling. He pulls me off of him and into his arms.
“Oh, Jackie, I’m never letting you go, baby.”
“Max, we will get to the other side of this, I promise.”
He strokes my back, carelessly. “Baby, what do you know about Belize?”
“I know about the Island. Stop acting like Jax.” I lift my head.
“I’m just thinking, after Raven has the baby, it would be good for all of us to go down for a break.”
“Max, you have a tell. Everyone has one but yours is obvious, my love. Don’t play poker.”
“I’m really worried, Jackie. Why the fuck didn’t that bastard die? There’s an even bigger target on your back now. I was thinking maybe you should go to your parents’ compound, just until the dust settles.”
I can feel my body tighten as soon as he finishes his thought.
“Jackie?”
“I’m counting, Maxwell Fleming.”
SHIT COUNTING AND FULL name. “How much trouble am I in?”
She climbs off of me and out of bed. She is standing before me, totally naked. That beautiful mane of golden hair and those legs—oh, dear God—those fucking legs are going to be the death of me. She’s got one hand on her hip, and she has fire in her eyes. Fuck it all, I can explode right now from the sight of her.
“Let me tell you something, mister, I did not turn my life upside down for nothing. I will not be banished to the compound like I’m a child again. I knew the risk coming back here, and yet, here I stand. You will never ever order me to leave, and you will never decide for me what I should or should not be doing. I am an adult. I know what I want, and whom I want to be with. Do you understand?”
Darkness into Dawn (The Unraveled Trilogy Book 2) Page 26