In the Heart of Forever (28 page)

I smiled. “Better with every second.”

Rave kissed my arm and curled a hand in mine. He spread my legs with his other hand, running his fingers lightly over my center before slowly thrusting one into me.

My breathing picked up and I squeezed my eyes shut, my heart racing against my chest.

He removed his fingers and trailed kisses over my upper back. “Baby, look at me.”

Doing as he said, I opened my eyes and stared into his green depths. “Rave?”

“Yeah?” he asked, placing small kisses on my shoulder.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you.” He smiled and slowly sank into me, filling me completely.

***

“You are amazing,” Rave whispered against my lips.

I giggled and sighed feeling completely satisfied. I was sore and my muscles twitched from the overuse but it felt good, none the less, and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. “I didn’t really do anything.”

“Oh baby, you did more than you know.” He kissed me one last time before rising from the bed. I curled under the covers, watching him walk to the bathroom naked.

The muscular tone of his backside made my mouth salivate and before closing the door behind him, he turned to me and winked.

My cheeks flushed and I snuggled into my pillow. Hearing the shower turn on, I got an idea and headed into the bathroom. Rave was just about to step under the hot spray when he saw me enter. I smiled and he held his hand out to me.

I grabbed a hold of his hand as he pulled me into an embrace. Kissing me hard, the next thing I knew, hot water rained over my body not even realizing we had entered the shower.

Releasing Rave’s mouth, I ran a hand down his cheek. I wanted to stay in that moment forever. I was with the one that I loved. I was relaxed. My nerves no longer getting the best of me and I was happy. He made me feel good. Taught me things about myself that I never thought was possible. He helped me forget and no matter what happened, I would always be thankful to him for that.

Chapter 36

That afternoon, after our very wonderful morning, we pulled up in front of the hospital where my mother was at. Nervous butterflies soared through my body at the thought that she was in there and at how long it had been since I saw her or talked to her. Images of that horrible night flashed through my mind. It had been months since the accident but it only felt like the day before.

I had called Officer Pike to see if he was able to get the information for me on where my mother was and thankfully, he succeeded.

Before heading to the hospital, Rave took me to a clothing store to buy a new outfit to try and brighten my spirits even though he had done that earlier. My body flushed at the memories and I couldn’t wait to do it again. I settled on a white summer dress, a coral cardigan and flip-flops. Now that I could start dressing like a girl and not have to worry about anyone hurting me again, I did.

“Rave, I can’t do this.” I turned to him as he pulled into a parking spot outside the small building.

“Baby, it’ll be fine. I’ll be right here with you.” He grabbed my hand and placed a kiss on my knuckles.

I took a deep breath and turned back to the hospital. My mom was in there, walking around. Awake. Angry tears burned my eyes knowing that she was awake all of this time but Allan had never told me. “But…what if she hates me? What if she doesn’t want to see me? What if…” Tears rolled down my cheeks at that thought.

“Jesse.” Rave grabbed my face in his hands and placed a soft kiss on my lips. “She could never hate you.”

“But…”

“I promise you.” He kissed my forehead and got out of the car. He walked around to my side and opened the door for me, holding out his hand. I hesitated before placing my hand in his. I stepped out of the car and stared up at the small hospital in front of us. It was modern with windows lining the walls.

My heart raced against my chest, blood pounding in my ears.

Rave stood beside me and rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand.

“I…I…” I stuttered. I took a deep breath and tried again. “Don’t leave my side, please. Rave, whatever happens, please stay with me.”

He hugged me close and walked us up the steps. “You have my word, baby. I won’t leave. Ever.” He kissed my head.

We walked hand in hand into the building, knowing that in a couple of moments, my world would change forever. I just didn’t know how much.

***

“Can I help you?” A lady sporting blonde hair and a fake tan much like the Triple M’s, looked up at me from behind her reception desk. She wore a business suit tailored too tight for her and she kept making googly eyes at Rave.

I rolled my eyes and huffed. “Yes, I’m here to see my mother.”

“And who would that be?” she asked without taking her eyes off of Rave.

I cleared my throat and moved my head into her field of vision. She startled and frowned. “Good, now that I have your attention, I’m here to see Jackie Dawson.”

“What floor?” she asked, huffing.

“How am I supposed to know that?” I snapped.

“Jesse,” Rave said softly.

I ignored him.

The receptionist glared at me and typed away on her computer. “Fifth floor but she’s not accepting any visitors.”

“That’s fine.” I turned and tugged Rave’s hand.

“Only immediate family can see her.” The receptionist called out.

“I’m her daughter.” I yelled back.

Rave chuckled beside me. “You getting jealous is really hot, you know,” he said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

I bit my inner cheek to keep from smiling. “Yeah well…” I cleared my throat.”

“You have nothing to worry about, baby. I only have eyes for you,” he whispered in my ear.

My cheeks heated, heart swelling with adoration for Rave. God, I loved him. Biting back a sigh, I led the way down the hall. Each step I took, knowing that in a couple of moments, I’d be seeing my mother again, my body felt heavier and heavier, like I was being weighed down with bricks.

“Deep breaths, Jesse. It’ll be fine,” Rave said, encouragingly.

I looked up at him as we reached the elevators and he smiled warmly at me.

Once we stepped into the elevator and the door closed, Rave pushed me up against the wall. A gasp escaped my lips as he covered my mouth with his, pushing his hard body against mine. I moaned as his tongue explored my mouth, controlling, teasing. He ran his hands down my body to my hips, pulling me flush against him. Squeezing, kneading as they roamed over me. The elevator stopped and Rave released me, leaving me dizzy and light headed.

He grabbed my hand and tugged me beside him as people entered the elevator. “I like seeing your lips swollen from my kisses.” He whispered in my ear.

My skin heated from his words and knowing that just a moment ago, he had me up against the wall kissing the life out of me, made me all the more frazzled. When the elevator reached the fifth floor, we got off and headed to another reception desk. “What was that for?” I asked Rave.

He smirked. “I wanted to get your mind off of things and that was the only way I knew how. I had to think quickly.”

My cheeks heated. “Well it worked, thank you.”

“You are always welcome.” The way he was looking at me with heat in his eyes, made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in the world.

Once reaching the receptionist who was older and seemed friendlier then the first one, I held Rave’s hand tightly in mine.

“Hi dears. How can I help you?” Her smile brightened up her face, reaching her eyes. She reminded me of Mrs. Johnson. An ache formed in the pit of my belly. I missed her.

“Jesse?”

Rave’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Sorry. We’re here to see my mom, Jackie Dawson.”

The older woman’s eyes widened. “Oh goodness. We thought you would never show. I’m so glad you’re here.”

Surprise struck me like a blow to the chest. “What do you mean? Is everything okay?”

She rose from her seat, quickly came around the desk and wrapped me in a hug. “We were so worried about you.”

I frowned. “About me?”

The older woman held me at arm’s length and looked down at me. Wrinkles marred her pale skin but she was beautiful. “Jackie talks about you nonstop. She’s so proud of you and the things you’ve accomplished.”

“I…I don’t know what you mean.” My heart sped up against my chest. I had no idea what was going on.

“Maybe I can explain.” A deep voice came from behind us.

I turned and saw a middle aged man sporting a black suit, red tie and a briefcase. Wrinkles crinkled at the corners of his eyes. He smiled warmly at me. His hair was greying and his bright blue eyes shone with excitement like he had a secret and couldn’t wait to share it.

“Who are you?” Rave asked.

“I’m Stanley Dawson. You’re uncle, Jesse.”

My eyes widened. “My uncle?” I had family besides my mom?

“Yes, Jesse. I’m your uncle.”

“I…how…” My thoughts were scattered at the new revelation.

“Let’s sit.” He motioned to a couch in the corner.

I looked back at the receptionist and she nodded encouragingly. Looking up at Rave, he just shrugged but his eyes were bright, like he was excited for me.

We walked over to the couch and sat while Stanley…my uncle…grabbed a chair and sat across from us.

“So, I’m sorry to drop this on you so suddenly. I’m sure you’re wanting to visit your mom and all.” He paused. “I know she’d be happy to see you, Jesse.”

Tears filled my eyes and I forced them back. Rave placed a hand on the back of my neck, rubbing his thumb up and down softly. “So how come I’ve never met you or even heard of you before?”

Stanley cleared his throat. “Well, when your mom married Allan, it was like she fell off the face of the earth. He wouldn’t let her keep in contact with anyone from before.”

I swallowed hard, memories of Allan, his abuse and what I had done, flooded my brain. My breathing picked up and my palms became sweaty.

Rave leaned down. “Breathe, baby.”

“Jesse?” Stanley asked, his voice filling with concern.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I took a deep breath and then another.

“That’s it, baby. Breathe with me.” Rave took a deep breath.

I took another breath, easing my racing heart and slowly opened my eyes.

“That’s my girl. He can’t hurt you anymore. I’m here. I’m here now, Jesse,” Rave said, soothingly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…” Stanley said softly.

I swallowed hard, forcing the memories to the back of my mind where they would be lost forever but definitely not forgotten. “It’s fine. Continue, please.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Rave answered for me.

“I’m sorry and your name is…” Stanley asked him.

“Rave Black.”

“And I assume he’s your boyfriend?” Stanley asked me.

I nodded. “I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for him,” I murmured. Rave seemed to sit up taller at my words, making me grin.

Stanley smiled. “That’s good. I’m glad. I want what’s best for you seeing as you are my niece. I can’t tell you…” His voice cracked. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to finally meet my sister’s child. You look so much like her.”

Tears welled in my eyes.

“I’m sorry. It’s been an emotionally trying day.” He sighed. “Ok, where to begin?”

“Can I see my mom?” I asked, hopeful.

“I just need to go over one thing with you and then you can. Your father passed away a couple of years ago,” he stated.

My eyes widened. “My father? He left my mom before I was born. He died?”

Stanley looked at me, oddly. “You didn’t know that? Allan never…” He shook his head. “Of course he didn’t.”

I shook my head. “I don’t understand.”

He took a deep breath. “He did leave your mom, yes, but he knew she was pregnant with you and still sent her cheques every month to help pay her bills and for you. Well he passed away a couple of years ago due to ill health and he left everything to you as you were his only child.”

Shock tore through me. “Ok, so…”

Stanley smiled. “Jesse, your father was rich.”

“Excuse me?”

“He was the owner and CEO of an oil company and a year before he died, they struck oil. A lot of it, too, and he became rich. Everyone that worked for him became rich. He tried sending your mom some money but he couldn’t find her.”

I shook my head. “How do you know all of this?”

“I was your father’s attorney.”

Chapter 37

“I’m sorry…but…” I stuttered.

“I know. It’s a lot to process but I just wanted to let you know that everything, his house, vehicles, the company, was all left to you, Jesse.”

Tears welled in my eyes. I would be safe. I had money to take care of myself and I didn’t have to leave. As much as I hated my school, I didn’t actually hate the city. I would get my high school diploma online but I wasn’t going back there and then a thought crossed me. “Wait, what’s the catch?”