Are You Willing to Trust?

Chapter 40: Unexpected Encounters

Staring off, I watch as the landscaping races by. I had managed to calm down  a little since the meeting but my heart is still pounding in my chest. The two of those....Fuck I couldn't even come up with a fucking swear that could even reach the disgust that I felt. Forcing a slow calming breath, I feel North shift besides me and I push myself back against the seat trying to get control of my emotions.

 After Owen and Sean had conversed for a little while, North had lead me out of the building and to his car. I had assumed that we were headed to Victors but my assumption was wrong as he swung his Jeep into the parking lot of a small building. Stepping out, I quietly follow behind him keeping my head down. 

North holds open the door and my eyes widen as I step in. The entire first floor is filled with workout equipment. My eyes run over the weights located at the back as I completely ignore the male standing at the front desk. North signs us in and leads the way to the back of the room and I pause in front of a window my blood freezing. 

I watch as two men go at it. This muscles rippling as they make contact with each other. Bile rises up in my throat as I watch one take a swing at the other. Fuck why now? Ducking my head down I force another shaky breath through my mouth and continue to follow North who thankfully hasn't noticed.

Pushing off the terrible memories, I glance around and spot a few weight sections and punching bags. But what surprises me more is the large tattooed Russian male approaching from the other side of the room. Raven. 

A huge smile appears on his lips as he makes his way over to us but to my surprise North steps in between the two of us causing the smile on Raven's lips to disappear. "East what-" 

"Don't." North growls back at the male his back tense as he cuts what ever Raven was going to say off. "Your fucking brother hit her. There is no way in hell that I am going to leave her alone with you let alone touch her. She has had a fucking crappy day and needs to work it out before she explodes." 

North's words don't seem to effect Raven though.  "Malen'kaya vorona, ty v poryadke?" Little crow are you okay? The Russian's voice is heavier than normal and I know that he is getting upset. Keeping my head tucked down, I force a slow breath and slowly look up to meet Raven's eyes.

But before I can respond, North has stepped in between us once more effectively cutting off the conversation. And for once, I am thankful because I don't even know how I would have responded. Was I okay? A numb feeling slowly works its way around my body and I can't help but let out an involuntary shiver. It had been more than just a crappy day. 

Turning to let the two figure it out, I make my way over to the punching bags and wrap my hands up before starting my routine of a couple of quick jabs. I focus in on the spot that I want to hit and go at it. Soon, I begin to feel sweat beginning to tumble down my cheeks but I ignore it working out the tension that is locked up in my body. It isn't until tattooed arms wrap around the punching bag to hold it still that I stop. 

Meeting the worried eyes of Raven, I glance around for North but to my surprise he has magically disappeared. Great... Looking back at Raven he lets out a slight breath before releasing the punching bag. 

"Convinced him that I mean no harm." He states his eyes filled with amusement and yet somehow I don't believe him. Moving away from the punching bag, I slowly begin to remove the tape from around my hands when a warmer and stronger hand wraps tightly around my wrist pulling me to a stop. 

Out of no where my anger flares and I pull my arm away hard before giving the male the best death glare I can manage. I guess he wasn't prepared for my reaction because a look of pure shock crosses over his face before he can school his emotions. Turning around once more, I take a very slow breath trying to ground myself.  "I have had a terrible day Raven. Please let me be." 

Moving away from the male, I can feel my heart pound in pain as I make my way out of the gym and back toward North's Jeep. Guilt was clearly clinging to my heart as I force myself to continue walking away. There was a connection there, I didn't know what it was but it was there and I had a feeling that whatever that might have been was now no longer possible. Letting out a slow pained breath, I run my hand over the bruise marks covering my neck and begin to walk across the parking lot.  Ignoring the questioning looks from North, who leans against the Jeep, I climb into the passenger's seat and buckle up. 

The ride back to Victor's is silent and as North pulls up to the edge of the Morgan property he seems to try and tell me something with his eyes but I am too tired to interpret. Giving a sharp goodbye. I exit the vehicle and make my way down the long driveway to the mansion that stands behind the trees.

Fuck I hated living here. I mean Victor was cool and all but I missed home. This museum was definitely not it. Opening the side entrance, I begin to make my way to the back stairs to Victor's room. My mind completely focused on the home sickness that was washing over me when my eyes land upon Mr. Morgan standing over Victor  in the middle of the third floor hallway with a knife in his hands. 

 Instantly, I am moving on pure instinct.