Years ago, they had jumped right into sex and skipped all the dating stuff most couples did before that stage. This time, he was going to woo her before they did anythingphysical.
Even if his cock disagreed. He was in charge, not the angry appendage attached to him.
The winding road to Raven Rock was one of Jake’s favorite parts about Willowbrook. Any opportunity he got to come out this way was an experience. He drove with his windows down, relishing the way the wind moved through his car. There was a crispness in the early mornings, which was refreshing. By the time the sun was high in the sky, it chased the chill away to the perfect temperature. And when the sun started its retreat, the cooler weather would return.
Fall in Willowbrook was perfect.
While Moonshadow Falls was located on the opposite end of town and boasted more family-friendly activities, Raven Rock was closer to the city side.
During his time spent at university, which was nestled in the center of a bustling city, he’d missed Willowbrook’s small-town charm. City life, with its constant noises, bright lights, and stimulation, and lack of walkable parks or outdoor activities, was not for him. It felt like a concrete prison with no sign of nature in sight. Worse, he saw no evidence fall was approaching other than the shorter daylight hours.
Though Bramblewood was not far from Willowbrook—about an hour drive—Jake had been determined to live the “college life.” It was an opportunity he hadn’t even known was an option as a child, but one the Liens helped him achieve in pushing him toward college.
Thao and Gia were supposed to be right there with him, but he’d end up going alone. It had been a bittersweet experience. He tried to make the most of the situation while he could. He made new friends and even had a girlfriend or two, but something always held him back.
Willowbrook kept calling him back.
His heart was never fully committed, nor did he feel the same pull as when he was home. Despite the negative memories, the positives always seemed to outweigh them. The Lien family took him in with open arms, offering a sense of belonging, normalcy, and safety his neglectful parents had failed to provide. Each member of the Lien household contributed to his success. If not for their unwavering support and friendship, he would likely have turned down a dark path and become another drain on society.
Despite their best efforts, Jake felt an unshakable need for structure and stability in his life. Thao’s death and Gia’s departure, two events that amplified his need for control, eventually led him to pursue his career as a lawyer.
Laws and rules were logical. It was routine. Precise. And, most importantly, emotionless. Things he thrived on.
Jake had no intention of being a corporate lawyer. His goal was always to represent people like him. Kids like him who had unfortunate circumstances, like neglectful or abusive parents.
It was how Marley came into his life. He’d recognized himself in her. The boy inside of him only wanted to be loved and worthy of his parents’ attention. Though it had been nerve-racking to become the sole guardian for another human being, he opened his home up to Marley as the Liens had done for him.
Jake was quickly approaching Raven Rock, which was a remote location on the opposite end of Willowbrook. Only locals knew it. Its name was derived from its shape, which resembled a raven about to take flight over Moonshadow Falls.
Parking his truck in the small lot, Jake grabbed his raincoat before heading up Shadowvale Trail. He sensed Kenji’s news was serious, lending to an extra air of privacy by having them meet on the seedier side of town. Recruiting Kenji to help with his mission was foolish and likely broke laws, but it didn’t matter. Not when it came to Gia. There was no doubt in his mind he would do anything for her and her family, even at the expense of his owncareer and livelihood. He would protect the only family he had left with everything in his arsenal.
This included rubbing shoulders with suspected criminals. Though it could never be proven, rumors had it Kenji was part of an organized crime organization. Which one was indeterminable. One thing Kenji was good at was covering up his tracks. It kept him out of prison.
The fall foliage parted ways as he approached the peak. As he suspected, Kenji was already waiting for him. Glancing at his watch, he saw that he was a few minutes early for their meeting, but Kenji still beat him.
There was no use in hiding his presence. Kenji probably clocked his approach from a mile away. Whatever skill set Kenji possessed made him both a scary opponent and a useful ally.
With footsteps crunching on the fallen leaves, Jake left the dirt-packed trail and stepped hesitantly onto the large boulder where Kenji stood precariously close to the edge. It made him feel uneasy, reminding him of how Thao lost his footing. Fingers tapping against his thigh, Jake cleared his throat.
Kenji turned around after a moment, a scowl on his face.
“Jake, nice of you to finally show up.”
He didn’t bother to argue that he was early. “Thanks for meeting with me. What did you want to tell me?”
“What?” Kenji raised his arms out to his sides. “No small talk? Not even a hug ‘hello’ for an old friend?”
Jake crossed his arms. Friends? They were far from it, but he was too worked up for friendly banter.
Kenji dropped his arms down to his sides. His expression changed to the cold demeanor Jake was familiar with. “I don’t know if you should get involved. This is some serious shit.”
Jake tensed, brows furrowed. “Who is it?”Who is dangerous enough to make Kenji hesitant to share?
“Is this about the girl?” Kenji’s sharp tone cut through him. Jake could only manage a small nod.
Kenji let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “You’re in over your head with this one.”
“Just spit it out, Kenji,” Jake said through gritted teeth.
