I LIKE TO START my day with my daughter. Even if she’s asleep, she has a calming affect on me. I lean in and she begins to stir. Well, at least Raven can’t yell at me for waking her up. I scoop her up and breath in her scent. She smells so sweet and pure; my beautiful girl. I love talking to her, we have the best conversations.
“Oh, my sweetest girl, I don’t know how your mum and I are going to leave you. I don’t know how parents do it? Your Uncle Max is going to have some really hard times ahead of him. We need to keep him grounded and strong. I think I finally got through to Grandma Rose about the potential danger she could put the family in if she goes to see Vincent. At least I hope so. Your mum is so strong; I wish I had half the strength she does. Don’t you let her fool you, little one, she holds all the power in this relationship.”
I nuzzle my sweet baby. “Raven, how long have you been standing there?” She never has to say a word, my blood races whenever she is near.
“Long enough, Jax. Michael is not feeling well, the doctor and my mom are in with him now.”
“I should go check on Junior. What have you been up to?”
“I spoke with Jackie and Bella. I let them know that I’m calling a family meeting, and to let everyone know.”
“Wow, you called a meeting? Am I in trouble?”
“Ha! No, for once, you’re not in the doghouse. We need to organize everything before we leave. We need to have a plan. We can’t go running in their half-cocked.” She stops rattling off her list, cocks her head, and furrows her brow. “Why are you looking at me so strangely?”
“I’m not; everything is fine.” Fine—my arse; teacher mode makes me crazy. “What time is the meeting?”
“In about an hour; we have time. I need to feed Antonia, and I want to talk to you . . . have a seat.”
I watch her getting Antonia settled in to nurse, and it warms my heart to see such beauty. She is a perfect mum: kind and loving. “God, I hope we made a baby today.” Her eyes grow wide and she is staring at me. “I just said that out loud, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did. Before the meeting, I have to tell you something. It was never my story to tell, but since Jackie has shared it, I need to tell you. Jackie’s birthday is coming up, and she must be back at her parents home to celebrate it.”
“Why? Can’t she go in a week or two?”
“No, it has to be on that day.” She shakes her head and explains to me why. “Her mom is Buddhist and follows their teachings. Madeline’s ashes are in a temple repository on the property. Every year, Jackie goes to the temple and then spends the day with her mom reflecting upon the year that passed. It is a tradition that is important to both of them. She explained it to Bella, and told her if we leave for Capri, we must be back for this or, if possible, delay the trip until after her birthday. I’m going to talk to everyone and see what would be best. Max cannot and will not go this alone. I will not allow it.”
“Wow, sweetheart, that is so sad. I understand she wants to be there for Max. I would much rather we wait until she gets back, that would buy us a little more time to research what we are walking into.”
“I agree, plus, I don’t want to leave if Michael is sick.”
She’s tugging her ear and I know something else is on her mind. “What else is bothering you?”
“I spoke to my mom and thanked her, her quick actions saved your mom’s life and probably Max’s too. She is sad that she can’t practice medicine any more. Do you think your attorneys can find out what she would need to do if she decided she wants to get back into the field? She sees all the obstacles in her way, whereas I don’t.”
“Oh, Raven, you never do. It’s one of the many things I love about you. I will give Mathew a call today.” I lean in and kiss her tender lips, and then lean down and kiss Antonia. “While you finish up here, I will check on Junior. Aside from the occasional cold, he never gets sick.”
I head toward the door but look back at Raven who is softly singing to Antonia, while lightly stroking her head. God I love this woman.
THE HOUSE IS QUIET. Jackie is probably out at the barn. I head into the kitchen to get some coffee, and I find Mrs. Osla standing at the back door. I know I’m in trouble by the glaring look on her face. I open the door, expecting her to yell, but she surprises me by throwing her arms around me and begins to cry. “Shh, please don’t cry, Mrs. Osla; I’m fine. Come in and sit. I’ll make you tea.”
“Lad, I leave you alone for a couple of days and all hell breaks loose. Please tell me from the beginning what happened?”
It kills me that she is upset yet again because of me. I relay everything that happened, including the fact that my father was associated in some way with Miguel. “When An realized everything, she had a heart attack. I thank God that Rose was here. She quite literally saved us all,” I state with widened eyes. She listens, stirring her tea and so I continue. “Part of me wants to kill him while part of me just wants to know why? I know if I go after him, I might not be able to control myself. I know if I do that, it will cost me Jackie. I don’t know how to deal with these emotions.”
“Maxwell, only you can decide how much power you are willing to give James. How much more are you going to let him take from you? He’s cost you so much, when will you say enough? Is knowing really worth the price of Jackie’s love and respect? Your own self-respect? I love you, lad, but ultimately, it has to be your choice and yours alone. I’m going up to the main house to check on An.” She gets up and heads toward the door. I watch her leave and think about all that has happened. I know what I have to do, what is best for everyone. I need to somehow convince them that we all need to walk away.
I’m about to get up and head to the main house when Jackie comes barreling through the door. “Hey, babe, you okay?”
“Yeah, we have a family meeting in about an hour at the main house. I need to jump in the shower so I don’t go smelling like the barn.”
I follow her into the bathroom, taking my clothes off along the way. “Who called a meeting?”
“Max, why are you naked? Raven, called a meeting.”
“Babe, you said we are having a shower. Why did Raven call a meeting?”
“I said I was having a shower. If you come in, we might not get out. I don’t know why she called a meeting, I guess we will find out soon enough.”
“Jackie, I need to be in the shower with you. I mean, after all, you do need your back washed.”
“I’ve been doing okay all these years, Max. Besides, we have to be at the house in an hour.”
We step into the shower, and as she is about to unravel her braid, I stop her. My voice is low and my desire is high. “Not yet, babe, I need you now.”
She said she wanted to try new and different things, well, now’s her chance. Her back is toward me, and I blanket her with my body. I begin rubbing myself up and down her beautiful arse. I reach around to feel if she is ready for me. God, she is so ready. “Put your hands up against the wall and push that luscious arse toward me.” She instantly takes my commands. I pick up her braid and looped it around my fist, pulling it just enough to sting. “I’m going to take you from behind. It will be hard and it will be fast, are you okay with that? Do you think you can handle me?”
“Yes,” she whispers.
I smack her arse, and she yelps. “Louder, Jackie!”
“Yes, I can handle it, but if you smack my ass like that again, I might not last long.”
Interesting that she likes the sting of my palm. I position my cock over her clit, slowly rubbing the head up and down, front to back. I can feel her beginning to shake and that’s when I slam into her. I find a rhythm; as I push in, I pull her braid. She’s almost there, but I want more. I slow it down, needing it to last. I feel my blood coursing through my veins, as my cock continues to get harder. I take a finger and work it into her beautiful arse. I want to fill every part of her. Now I work two fingers in, still going slow.
“Max, smack my ass again, please; I won’t break.”
Oh bloody hell! I smack her arse over and over again. It’s turning pink and I fucking love it.
“Harder, Max, please.”
“Oh fuck, Jackie, I’m coming.” I throw my head back groaning her name, and she’s following me. Beautiful . . . just fucking beautiful. I bend down and kiss that gorgeous, pink arse.
She pulls away and reaches for the body wash. “Max, we need to get clean or we will be late.”
I spin her around and her face is flushed. “Babe, I don’t care. I want to talk to you first. You said you wanted to try new things. Did you like what just happened? Did you find it pleasurable? Did it hurt at all?” I watch her face, trying to gauge her reaction. Her eyes cast downwards, so submissive—and, fuck me—she is so sexy. I lift her chin up so she’s looking into my eyes. “No secrets.”
“I liked it a lot. It didn’t hurt, it stung a little, but then, it felt warm. I felt like I didn’t have to be in control, yet I knew if I said stop, you would. I gave you power without giving up my power. Does that make sense?”
I pull her into my arms and kiss her long and slow. Our tongues, stroking gentle then hard. When I finally pull away, I look down at my cock and I know I need her again. I lift her up with one arm, while she wraps her legs around my waist. Slowly, I sink deep within her. I steady my legs and begin to move, taking my time—gently—until I can’t take anymore and we both roll into a beautiful orgasm. When we finally come back to life, I let her down and begin to methodically wash her. Nothing needs to be said; she knows I love her more than life itself and I always will.
We finish getting ready and as we head out the door, I stop her, “Jackie, I want to let you know that I’ve decided that I don’t want to go to Capri. I’m going to let everyone else know, but I wanted to tell you first.”
“Can I ask you why?”
“Because I love you, babe . . . more than my own life. I don’t trust myself in the same room with him. I’m not willing to take any chances. He’s not worth it.”
“What made you change your mind?”
“Mrs. Osla was here earlier and she asked me how much more power I am willing to give my father. She’s right. I can’t change the past, but I can protect my future, and my future is you. I will move heaven and earth for you.” I look into her eyes, they are so bright. Her huge smile lights up her whole face, and I know—she understands.
“For us, Max, I love you and I will support your decision. Come, let’s go find out what’s going on.” We walk up to the main house hand in hand. I feel good about my decision. Now I have to make Bella and Jax understand.
DR. MCCORD FINISHES HIS exam and assures Bella that it’s probably the flu. I decide to step out and speak to him before he leaves. “Dr. McCord, I’m concerned about Michael. I know you said you think it’s the flu, however, his fatigue has been building for days. He keeps bruising very easily and now he is running a 103 temp. I don’t want to tell you how to do your job, but don’t you think it would be wise to run a CBC panel?”
“Rose, I understand you are a doctor, but you have been out of practice for a long time. And so much has changed. He probably has the flu; this time of year it’s pretty common. Let’s not jump to conclusions. I’ll check on him in a couple of days.”
He storms off before I can say anything else. I’m about to go back into Michael’s room when I see Jax coming and pull him aside. “Can I please talk to you for a minute.”
“I was just going in to see Michael, can it wait?”
“No, please, it’s about Michael.”
“Of course, Rose, what’s the problem?”
“You can tell me to mind my business, but I can’t. Michael is fatigued. He has been bruising easily and he is running a 103 temp. I suggested to Dr. McCord that it might be wise to run a CBC panel. Michael never gets sick and he’s usually so full of energy. Why not play it safe and run the panel?”
“What did he say?”
“He blew me off, telling me to leave it to him. I would, if I thought he was doing his job. He thinks it’s the flu and I hope that’s all it is, but I’m worried. If it is the flu, then I should have it too. I’m with Michael every day, exploring all the secret passages in this place. Why is he the only one who is ill?”
“Rose, let me look in on Junior and talk to Bella.”
“Okay, I don’t mean to alarm anyone. I’d rather be wrong than right.” As I watch him head into Michael’s room, I pray to God I’m wrong.
I STEP INTO JUNIOR’S room and he looks so pale. He looked tired yesterday, but nothing like this. “Hey, Junior, how are you feeling?”
“I’m tired, Uncle Jax, but I’ll be okay. Miss Rose and I found another secret passage yesterday, it leads to a tunnel. We didn’t go all the way yet.”
“Well, when you get better, you will have to show me. Do you want to watch some Doctor Who?”
“I’m tired, Uncle Jax, maybe later, okay?”
“Sure, you get some rest. I’ll be back later.”
I step outside the room and Rose is waiting for me. I pull out my phone and call Dr. McCord. “Get your arse back here right now and run a CBC panel on Junior” I hang up, not waiting for his answer.
“Jax, you see what I’m talking about?”
“Of course, Rose, one look at him and I can tell something is off. He doesn’t even have the energy to watch Doctor Who. Do you have an idea what is wrong?”
“I won’t speculate, let’s get the test run.”
Before I can ask her anymore questions, McCord walks up. It takes all I have not to rip him apart. “Get in there and run the test now. One look at Junior, and you should have been able to see something is off. It’s not like you’ve never met the kid before.”
“Mr. Phillips, I think Rose is blowing this out of proportion.”
Before he can finish, I grab him by the shirt. “Listen to me! This is not a fucking pissing contest. Get in there and run the test before I snap your fucking neck.” I feel Rose pulling me back, and then she steps in front of me.
“ Dr. McCord, I’m sorry if I offended you, please, just run the test. Thank you.”
If Rose wasn’t here, God knows what I would have done. McCord heads into Junior’s room. I need to calm down before I go in. I don’t want to upset Junior.
“Rose, how long will the test take to run?” Everyone knows I don’t do well with waiting.
“It should take about two hours. Everything we need to run the test can be done at the clinic here. I will go back with Dr. McCord and oversee it. I know the nurses are capable to run the test, but I would feel better being there.”
McCord steps out of the room, and I don’t give him a chance to say anything. “Rose will be overseeing the test. Get me the results as quick as possible. Thank you, Rose.”
I head back into Junior’s room. I’m trying to avoid looking at Bella, if I do, she will know I’m worried. “Hey, Junior, I need to borrow your mum for a bit. Aunt Raven called a family meeting.”
“Uncle Jax, are you in the dog house again?” At least he’s laughing.
“Junior, have you ever known me not to be in the dog house? And stop laughing. Get some rest and I’ll be back up later so we can watch the new Doctor Who.”
We step out of the room and Bella begins to cry. I pull her into my arms and try to calm her down. “Bella, don’t let Junior hear you crying, please.”
“Why did you have Dr. McCord come back and run a test? You seem very worried.”
“Rose asked McCord to run the test and he blew her off. She came to me and said she was concerned about Michael’s fatigue and bruising. She asked me to demand a CBC be done. When I asked Junior to watch Doctor Who with me, he said he was tired. That was all the answer I needed. How long has he been feeling ill?”
“The fever only started this morning. Past couple of days he said he was tired. The bruising I put off to all the exploring he’s been doing with Rose in those secret passageways.”
“Where is Michael? Does he know Junior
is ill?”
“He left early this morning before Junior was even up. He should be back by now.”
“You need to keep it together, Bella, we have no idea what is going on. It could still be just a really bad case of the flu. The test should be back soon. Let’s head downstairs and see what’s going on.”
We are about to leave when Michael comes up the stairs. Bella sees him and burst into tears again. I bring Michael up to speed on everything.
“Jax, he’s been tired the past couple of days, but I figured he was getting back into the routine of school and stuff. Bella, this is just another reason why you can’t leave and go to Capri.”
“Michael, I already decided I wasn’t going. Raven called a family meeting and I was going to let everyone know my decision.”
“Sis, I’m going to head downstairs. I will let everyone know. You stay here with Junior.”
She grabs my arm, “Jax, I’m not going because I can’t put Max in that position. I realize that man is not my father; he donated his sperm, nothing more. Max is my brother and more important to me than that cold-hearted bastard could ever be.”
I lean in and kiss her forehead, “I get it; stay with Junior.”
As I head downstairs, I realize Bella is right; the past needs to stay there. This family needs to focus on the present. I have to keep my brother from making the biggest mistake of his life, no matter what it takes.
I GET DOWNSTAIRS AND hurry up, preparing for everyone’s arrival. I put out some water and, of course, some Scotch. I’ve never been the one to call a family meeting—heck—I’ve only ever been to one. I silently rehearse all the points I want to bring up. I need to stress that the past needs to stay in the past. I only hope I can get everyone to listen. No one has shown up yet, and I’m about to go search out Jax when he walks in; his face is pale and his jaw is clenched. What the hell happened now?
Shattered Lies Page 10