“Sis, cut the kid some slack. We had a talk and all is good now.” Jax nudges him a little. “Go ahead, tell them.”
“I’m sorry, everyone, if I made you worry. Last night I looked up on the Internet what’s wrong with me. I got scared and didn’t want to go. I thought if I hid in the tunnels that you wouldn’t find me. I guess I didn’t really think it through.”
Mrs. Osla steps up and takes Michael’s hand, “Young man, I know this is going to be a long, hard journey, but you’re strong. You need to ask yourself, what would the Doctor do?”
“Ma’am, he would accept the challenge and do his best.”
“Well, then there’s your answer. Now, I have a very special surprise waiting for you at the hospital, in the states, so I suggest you get ready to go.” He gives her a big hug which surprises all of us, including Mrs. Osla.
“Uncle Max, do you think I can have a copy of the blueprints?”
“Why would you want blueprints?”
“They are like a giant treasure map, and I want to study them while I’m away. This way when I get back, I can search out all the secret passage ways.”
“Okay, I will get a set and bring them with me next week. Now, we need to get going.”
Max gives Michael a big hug “Let’s go down to the barn; we will meet everyone at the plane.”
“Okay, Jax, I need to feed Antonia. I will be back in a bit. Then we really need to get going.”
I head out the door, and I can hear a flurry of activity behind me.
JUNIOR AND I HEAD out the door with Vito right behind us.
He sees the new golf cart waiting and he begins to laugh, “Uncle Max, when did you get this?”
“Okay, here’s the thing. I was saving this for your birthday, but since you will be in the States, I thought we could take it out for a spin now. Do you like it?” I probably got this for the both of us, but I will never confess to that one.
“What’s not to like?—a golf cart that looks like a Lamborghini! Can I really drive this?”
“Yes, you can drive this, but don’t tell your mum. And whatever you do, don’t tell your grams or you know what will happen. Hop in and let me show you how to drive this. You have to be careful cause I had it modified to get up to 70 mph.” We hop in and he takes to it right away. I thank God he doesn’t have his mother’s coordination. We race toward the barn, and Vito is running behind us.
“Junior, pull behind the barn; we have to hide this.” As he pulls behind the barn, we find Jackie standing there. Oh bullocks, I’m so busted.
“Uncle Max, looks like you’re in trouble.”
Jackie walks over to my side of the car, “Max, out right this minute.”
I climb out; ready to make up some lame excuse, “Jackie, I can explain . . .”
She doesn’t even let me finish. She hops in the car and begins to laugh uncontrollably. “Oh, Max, I wish you could see the look on your face right now. You’re not having all the fun around here. Michael, hit the gas and let’s take this for another ride.”
Before I can protest, they are speeding away, laughing with Vito running behind them. I turn around and Jax is standing there. “Are you going to yell at me? I had it made for his birthday, and since he won’t be here, I thought he should have a little fun.”
“Why would I yell, he’s having the time of his life. Thank God he doesn’t have Bella’s coordination.”
“He’s gotta be okay, Jax.”
“He will, have faith. Do you know what Mrs. Osla planned for Junior?”
“Nope, but I’m sure it’s special, she loves kids.”
We watch them go around the field one more time and then they pull up to the barn. They climb out and Junior’s cheeks have the most color I’ve seen in days.
“Okay, Junior, give me a hug. Jackie and I will see you next week. I’ll hide this toy till you get back.”
“Thanks, Uncle Max. Miss Jackie, I’ll be ready to give you away next week.”
She gives him a big hug, “I’m looking forward to it.”
I watch Junior climb on Jax’s back and as they head up toward the house, I feel my heart tighten, “I can’t lose him, Jackie.”
“You won’t. We need to be strong.”
I know she’s right, however, it’s not easy. “Hop in and I’ll take you for a spin. I need to store this in the garage for now.”
“You know, Max, I might want to get one of these in purple.”
She can’t be serious. “It will be a cold day in hell before I buy a purple Lamborghini golf cart.” She reaches over and places her hand on my crotch, lightly tapping her fingers. I see where this is headed, but I’m still not buying a purple Lamborghini, it goes against everything manly. “Still not happening, babe.” She removes her hand and places it in her lap. After a few seconds, she unzips her jeans, slowly shimmying them down. She slides her delicate fingers slowly into her knickers. What the hell is she trying to do, kill me?
“As you well know, Max, I’ve never had sex in a car before. I think it’s something I might want to try.”
I clench my jaw and white knuckle the wheel. I’m trying not to look but then she moans. Fuck me. I take a quick peek, holy hell! Her knickers are around her knees and her fingers are working in and out of her sweetness. She tilts her head back moaning. I avert my eyes from her and back on the road. I gave some thought to what she said the other day, how she wanted to have different experiences with me. I guess now is as good a time as any. Her breathing is becoming rapid and I know she is closing in fast. Two can play the same game. “Jackie, if you come without me, I will put you over my knee and spank your very beautiful arse until it’s that very lovely shade of pink again. Remember how you felt the other day, the rush of power you felt. The heat from my hand . . . over and over again?” I glance over and she’s biting her lip, her fingers are moving at a good clip. She’s won’t be able to take much more. I pull into the first building, which is the new distillery, and hit the brakes. After cutting the engine, I turn toward her. “Carry on.”
Her fingers stop moving and her eyes are wide. “Max, I want you to—.”
“You want me to what, babe?” She’s practically whimpering and fuck me it’s hot.
“I want it to be your fingers, not mine.”
“Lose the knickers.” I hold out my hand. She slides them down and places them in my palm. I rub the beautiful lace along my cheek and then shove them in my pocket for later. “You’ve been very naughty and I think now you need to understand what happens when you are naughty.” I get out of the car and head toward her side. Opening her door, I offer her my hand. When she places it in mine, I can still feel her wetness. I lift her fingers to my mouth and brush them across my lips. “Place your hands on the car and stick that luscious arse out for me.” Her breathing is becoming rapid as I slowly stroke my fingers over her arse. I start out with a few alternating light smacks. She takes her hand off the car and puts it between her legs. I stop her and pull both hands behind her back. I tie them together with her knickers. “I might have to give you some extra spanks for that one, babe.” I lean her over and begin spanking her, one cheek and then the other. She’s wiggling, and every time she does, I spank her harder . . . just enough to sting. When I dip my finger into her sweetness, she screams out my name. I drop my pants, take my cock, and enter her from behind. When I’m all the way in, I can feel the heat from her arse. I’m using her hands, tied with her knickers, to pull her back toward me as I push forward. “Oh God, Jackie, please tell me you’re there.”
“Yes, Max, harder, please! Don’t stop! Oh God, again.”
Everything in me tightens and I explode over and over again. When my scrambled brain finally comes back to life, I untie her hands and then bend down to kiss her beautiful pink arse cheeks. “Are you okay?”
“Now can I get my purple cart?”
I throw my head back and laugh, “You really want a purple cart?”
“Of course I do, if for nothing else, but to see yo
u driving it.”
“I guess I’m ordering you a purple cart.”
She throws her arms around me and kisses me hard. “Yes!”
JAX HAS MANAGED TO get everyone from Scotland to Heathrow without incident. It’s already been a long day for Michael. Jax told me about Max’s present for Michael and how much fun he had driving it. I look around the cabin and everyone seems to be busy reading or listening to music. All, except An. She’s so pale. Something is still off with her, and I need to figure out what it is. She is a very strong, proud woman, and getting anything out of her won’t be easy.
Jax puts his magazine down and leans in near my ear. “Penny for your thoughts?” he whispers.
“I’m still concerned about your mom. She seems pale, and before you say anything, I know that she still needs to rest. It’s just been a hell of a few days for her, for all of us.”
“Raven, I know this has been exceptionally hard on her, and I can see it’s taking a toll. I had Mrs. Osla arrange for the top cardiologist to tend to her while we are in the States. Come with me.”
He unbuckles our seat belts and pulls me to my feet. “Jax, what’s up?”
He’s not saying anything as he leads me down the aisle to his office. He pours himself a scotch and offers me a drink. “I have some things I need to talk to you about. With everything going on, we haven’t had a minute to ourselves. There always seems to be something going on, some fire to put out.”
We sit on the sofa and I take his hand in mine. “Talk to me; what’s wrong?”
“I’ve been thinking about your mum and her medical license. Here’s my dilemma: what if she wants to go back into medicine? I mean, she was very well known in that field. You saw how she came to life when everything went down. Matthew might have changed her name, but it doesn’t mean she’s safe. Add to that her wanting to confront Vincent and I’m not sure what to do.”
“What happened when you spoke to her about Vincent?”
“I have to say, Raven, she made a very compelling argument, but in the end, it’s got to be about safety.”
“Did you tell her any of this?”
“No, I haven’t had a chance. And now with everything happening to Junior, all my focus has been there.”
“Jax, let me try talking to her. Maybe I can get a feel as to what she might want to do. In the end, it has to be her decision. Now I have something I need some advice on.” I put my glass down. He gifts me with a huge smile.
“Should I have my mom read Duke’s letter?”
“Why would you want her to? Do you think any good would come of it?”
“At first, I thought no, but then after I read it, I realized he was just as much a victim as the rest of us.” His grip on my hand tightens. “I’m not condoning what he did, Jax. I just thought if she read it, then maybe she could come to terms with everything. She might see there was some good in him. After all, he is a part of her.”
“I get why you think it might help, but honestly, looking at this from a non-emotional side, I think it might do her more harm than good. She might feel guilty for what’s become of him. Even though she’s not responsible, as a parent, you will always take the blame for your child—no matter what.”
“I never really thought of it like that, but I guess it makes sense.” I take his glass from his hand and put it on the table, and then crawl into his lap. He wraps his arms tightly around me and I feel secure.
“What else is on your mind, Raven?”
“Do you know what arrangements were made for Michael’s schooling?”
“No, I didn’t get that far. My goal was to get him into that hospital as quickly as possible. What are you thinking?”
“I spoke to Jackie and we want to homeschool Michael. They probably offer the services at the hospital; however, we would feel better if we did it.”
“Why are you trying so hard to sell me on this?”
“I promised you that I would stay home and take care of Antonia, but if I did this, I would be away from her for a couple of hours a day. I didn’t think you would mind, but I don’t want someone else to take care of our daughter. If I’m not there, then I want you to be . . . not a nanny.”
“Oh, I never even thought about that. Okay, I will go along with it. Besides, Max will be there to help me. Speaking of which, I know Max is stoked that he is getting married in a few days. Is Jackie really okay with everything?”
“Jackie and I had a long talk before we left and she is happy that it will happen on her birthday. She feels it will help her mom the most to have the ceremony on that day. They are Buddhist and believe life is about helping and giving to others.”
“How do you think Max is going to do with her family? I have to confess, sweetheart, I told him what Dylan said.”
“I figured you did, after all, you and Max are joined at the hip. You met him Jax, you know as well as I do that Max will not do well with Dylan. Jackie already called him and told him she was coming home with Max. She won’t take any bull from him.”
“I could never repay Jackie for what she has done for Max. She mended his heart and she stopped him from making the biggest mistake of his life. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to stop him without her. I would like to make the wedding they are planning to have in the States really special for her. Do you have any ideas what she would like?”
“Simple is what works for Jackie, always has been. Don’t worry, I’m sure, knowing Max, he will already have Mrs. Osla handling all the details.”
“Now, I think we’ve done entirely too much talking, don’t you? I also think you have on entirely too many clothes.” I turn in his arms and lean in to kiss him; he has the biggest smile on his face. “What are you thinking?”
He runs his fingers down my cheek and then pulls me toward him, gently pressing his lips against it. “My beautiful wife, I’m thinking that no matter how crazy the world around us becomes, we will always have us. Our sanctuary; so different from everyone else’s.”
I begin to unbutton his shirt, leaving a trail of soft kisses behind. The intercom buzzes. He reaches behind him and hits the speaker. My mom lets me know Antonia is awake.
“Raven, I’ll go get her and bring her in here.” Before I can say anything, he’s out the door. I know he loves tending to her just as much as I do. He comes in the door with Antonia crying in her infant carrier and the diaper bag. He seems flustered as he tries to get her out of the carrier.
“Jax, are you okay?”
“Why the hell are these seats so complicated?” He’s growling with frustration.
“It took me a little bit to figure it out, too.” I quickly show him how it works and then go about changing her. As soon as she is clean, she stops crying and I’m able to nurse her. I snuggle up to Jax, and he puts his arm around me.
“Sweetheart, watching you tend to our daughter takes my breath away. We really need to make another baby.”
I take my time before answering him.
“Raven, I can’t help the way I feel. I love babies and love making them with you. I think you are the greatest mum ever. I want to enjoy my children while I’m young.”
“Have you ever thought about adopting? Jackie said that Max wants to adopt a special needs child.”
“Honestly, I’ve never thought about it. However, I wouldn’t rule it out. Do you want to adopt?”
“I’m not sure. Actually, right before everything happened with Max, I started looking into the foster care program in Scotland. I was thinking it would be a good way to reach many of the children that are considered too old for adoption. We could take the money that the government pays monthly and put that in an account for the child. This way when the child becomes of age, they will have some savings to work with.”
“Obviously, you’ve been thinking about this for quite some time.”
“I always thought about being a foster mom or a big sister, but then everything got a little crazy. I’ve been watching Jackie work with the kids and the hors
es, so I decided to look into it. I know we will be gone for a while, but maybe we can look into it more when we get back.”
“It sounds like a great idea, as long as you don’t rule out making babies.”
“Ha! Never, Jax.” Antonia falls back to sleep and I put her in her carrier.
“You take the carrier and I’ve got the bag. I want to lock that contraption back into the seat and check on your mom.”
We head out to the main cabin, and everyone is getting ready to eat. It smells wonderful and I’m starving. Nursing seems to make me want to eat all the time. Everyone is laughing except for An. I notice she’s pushing her food around but not really eating anything. I decide to wait until I can get her alone later to see how she’s feeling. I don’t want to alarm anyone. Dinner with all of us together is always comforting, but I really miss Max and Jackie. I hope Max is going to be okay dealing with Dylan. Jax takes my hand and kisses the inside of my wrist. No matter how long we are together, I think I will always shiver when he puts his lips there. I rest my head on his shoulder “I think I’m going to try and have a nap while Antonia is sleeping. Lately, I’m tired all the time.”
“Is it normal to be this tired? Maybe we should go to the doctor.” His grip on my hand gets tighter.
“I think it’s all normal. The hunger and the fatigue add to that all the stress that we’ve been going through. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” I get up and excuse myself and Jax gets up, too. “What are you doing?”
“Sweetheart, I think I need a nap. All of a sudden, I’m feeling quite tired.”
If I look at him I know, I will burst out laughing, so I opt to quickly head down the hall.
We get into our room and I’m so tired. I sit down to take off my shoes, barely able to keep my eyes open. Jax crouches down at my feet and begins to take off my shoes. He’s starts rubbing my feet and I feel my eyes growing heavier.
Shattered Lies Page 14