“You sure you’re okay?”
“I saw what you did. With that little girl. Your heart is so immense, Gabriella. You have so much compassion inside of you.”
She tipped her head and said matter-of-factly, “It’s what I do. What I love to do. To help people.”
“I can see that. But it’s so much more than helping them. You give them a part of you … what’s inside of your heart. I felt it from here … watching you. I felt your love from inside this room.” He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. He wanted to tell her how fucked up her parents were and that they were the ones who had missed out on being a part of such an amazing human being’s life. And he wanted to tell her that she was even more beautiful on the inside than she was on the outside.
But he didn’t. Instead, he grabbed and kissed her, showing her how he felt. Like she meant the world to him. Like he wanted to hold her close and never let her go. Like he wanted to feel her beautiful heart beat against his chest and hear her breath next to his ear. Like he wanted to smell her with every breath he took. When he released her, he took his hand and tucked her hair behind her ear and simply said, “I think your profession chose you, Gabriella, and it’s damn lucky to have you.” Then he reached for her hand and proudly escorted her to the car.
Gabby beamed as they walked hand in hand. No one had ever said such lovely things to her. Yes, she knew the people she volunteered for appreciated her, but this was unsolicited, so it meant more to her than anything. Not only that, Kolson had looked at her in such a soft way, it made her heart melt. And that kiss was toe-curling and heart-stopping. But it was also sweet, like he was trying to convey something to her. He had such a way with his mouth, and he had certainly made her feel special.
They met Case for dinner and when Gabby finally spilled the details about Danny, Case could barely speak. It took him a few minutes to collect himself, so profound was his anger and sadness. His hand snapped the stem off the water goblet he was holding, slicing into his fingers.
“Fuck,” he swore.
“Let me look at that,” Gabby demanded.
They went to the restroom and she cleaned and wrapped it in some paper cloths and then bound it with first-aid tape. It wouldn’t require stitches.
While they were in the restroom, Case asked, “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”
“I didn’t tell anyone. Kolson was the first.”
He surprised her when he jerked her into his arms and held her so hard, she could barely breathe.
“I’m good now, Case. Much better, in fact, since I told him.”
“What the fuck was wrong with your parents?”
“That ship sailed long ago, and frankly, I’m sick of trying to figure it out.”
“Understood.”
“I just feel like such a shit because I didn’t know.”
“Don’t. I didn’t tell you so how could you?”
Case shook his head and hugged her again. “You know you can come to me any time, right?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“You really like this guy, don’t you?”
She grinned. “Yeah.”
“It shows.”
“In a good or bad way?”
“Good. You’re grinning. All the time. Never seen you like this.”
“Oh. I don’t look goofy-assed, do I?”
He laughed. “No. You look great.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
When they returned to the table, Kolson asked, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. He won’t need sutures.”
Case added, “Sorry for the disruption.”
“No problem. I can imagine how you felt, knowing how close you are to Gabriella. We’d like to discuss her options with you. He’s stalking her now and we need to make a case against him. Given your professional background, we thought you would know best how to go about doing it the right way.”
“There are a couple of problems that I see, but that doesn’t mean we’re at a complete roadblock. The first thing, what you mentioned earlier, is that no police reports were ever filed. The second is that Danny was a minor when this started, but, and this is huge, he turned eighteen and was still molesting you. So that won’t be an issue. I recommend you get full body X-rays to document all the fractures you’ve had. You already know this will be necessary, along with a psych evaluation. You have enough contacts that it shouldn’t be a problem. Forensics can look at the radiology report, too, to add anything to it, such as an approximation of how old each fracture is. When you have that paper trail created, then we start to make a case. In the meantime, I want to investigate this dude.”
Kolson interjected, “Don’t bother. My security team has already done it. And he’s a real piece of work.”
Gabby looked at him, brows arched.
“I know I should’ve told you. I started it after that day he accosted you close to your office. You were so shaken up, it concerned me enough that I also put Sam on your tail for protection, but you know that. I never expected Danny to find out where you lived, though.”
“Would it be possible for you to share with me what you have on him?” Case asked.
“Absolutely. I’ll have Tom Barrett, the head of my team, email everything over to you.”
“Great. So, as soon as we gather everything and I read through it, I’ll figure out who I need to get this stuff to at NYPD.”
Gabby sat without saying a word.
Kolson reached for her hand and it felt like ice. “Gabriella? Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not okay. This is going to lay my life open like a book. For you two to know is one thing, but for everyone else, that’s an entirely different matter.”
Kolson squeezed her hand. “You’re right. But if Danny does something stupid or threatens you, we’ll be ahead of the game. This is for your protection, Gabriella.”
She nodded, but Kolson could tell she was still uneasy.
Case reached over and patted her arm. “One other thing, Gabby. It would be a good idea for you to cut back on your volunteer hours.”
“No! I love doing that!”
“I know, but it exposes you to him, and it’s too risky.”
“Why can’t he just leave me alone?”
The waitress delivered their food, but Gabby no longer had a desire to eat. Instead she sat and stared at her plate. Case looked at Kolson and he nodded.
Gabby wasn’t safe in her office, either, and both men knew it. The problem was going to be persuading her to move, when her funds didn’t allow it.
“Gabby,” Case began, “You know your office leaves you exposed to him. Would you consider moving into my building? I can work something out with you. And most importantly, you’d be safe.”
“I can’t … can we talk about this later? My head is swimming.”
“Anytime. I have two empty rooms and a conference room that can be used if you need it. There’s a receptionist up front and, well, you know the drill. You’ve been there. Just let me know if you’re interested.”
“Thanks, Case. You know I love you for looking out for me.”
They finished dinner and the two men agreed to talk again in a few days. Gabby promised Case she’d consider his offer to move into his office.
The ride home was made in silence. Kolson’s car, a sleek Mercedes sedan, pulled into the underground garage. The area where he parked, exclusive and reserved, had an added layer of security to access it. Once parked, Kolson checked the area before they exited the vehicle.
“Is this how I’m going to have to live from now on?”
He looked at her thoughtfully before answering. “No, I’m only being extra careful. Don’t want to take any chances. Once I’m sure he’s not around, I think it’ll be fine for you to come and go as you please, as long as you take a driver.”
But as he spoke, Gabby got the feeling he was holding something back. “You don’t really feel that way, do you?” She turned to face him, but in the dim l
ight, she couldn’t read his eyes.
“You doubt me?”
“Not doubt. I think you’re holding something back.”
“Come. Let’s go inside.” He ushered her to the elevator and used the security pad to enter his code. They rode in silence, but Gabby’s mind churned with thoughts of what Kolson was doing and how he was handling this.
When the elevator doors opened, they headed to the den, but Gabby ran right into the wall of Kolson’s back when he suddenly came to a halt.
“Hello, brother. Surprise,” a deep raspy voice that Gabby didn’t recognize spoke. “I hope you don’t mind me letting myself in.”
Gabby peeked around Kolson’s shoulder. A tall, dark and menacing-looking man stood in the center of the room. Not menacing as in run for cover—menacing as in sexy as all hell … hang-on-to-your-panties menacing because this man would certainly be going home with them. Coal-black hair and eyes the color of jade, he no doubt had left a trail of broken hearts wherever he went.
He grinned and winked at Gabby. “You don’t have to hide. I promise not to bite.” He extended his hand. “I’m Kestrel Hart. And you are?” His danger level increased exponentially with his grin.
“Kestrel, you know you can let yourself in any time. But what are you doing here?” Kolson’s tone was exasperated.
“Are you going to be rude to your guest, Kol, and not introduce us?” he asked.
“I’m Gabby Martinelli. Nice to meet you.” She shook Kestrel’s hand. It was smooth and warm as he clasped hers. She returned his smile and found herself charmed by him. Though he was quite the handsome thing, he wasn’t nearly as attractive as Kolson, in Gabby’s opinion. When he released her hand, she automatically reached for Kolson’s and he took it, lacing his fingers with hers. That gesture wasn’t lost on Kestrel.
“So?” Kolson prodded.
“Yeah, right. I’m here to run interference for Mom.”
“And?”
“Don’t shoot the messenger.”
Gabby felt Kolson’s hand tighten on hers. “Go on.”
“Dad’s sixty-fifth birthday is next month and Mom is throwing him one of her special dinner parties. She wants you to be there. It’s in six weeks. It would mean a lot to her, Kol.”
“You know that’s not …”
“Do it for her. Not him. When was the last time you saw her? Or spoke to her? She adores you, Kol. Always has. It would make the party for her if you were to show.”
Gabby watched the interchange with interest. Kolson’s twitching jaw made it clear he was not happy with his brother’s request.
“I need to think about this.”
“Fair enough. Let me know something, though, so I can relay it to Mom.”
“Yeah. How’s Kade? Have you heard from him lately?”
“Kade’s Kade. Fucked up as usual. Won’t stay clean. Mom still sends him money on the sly.”
“So do I. When I can find him. He’s MIA again. Do me a favor and keep me posted on his whereabouts. I don’t want him on the streets.”
“Mom keeps a place for him. I thought you knew that.”
“I did. But like I said, he’s gone. Disappeared and I can’t find him. He called me about a month ago and we got into an argument over money and him going to rehab. My men haven’t been able to locate him. He hasn’t been there in weeks.” Kestrel’s face told Kolson he hadn’t known.
“Then where’s Mom’s money going?”
“No idea. My security team is on it.”
“Hell. I didn’t know. I’ll get on that too. If I find him, I’ll let you know. Will you do the same?”
“Yeah. And I’ll let you know about that damn party.”
“Thanks, bro. You’re looking good these days.”
Half smile. Then a nod. “So are you.”
Then he turned a megawatt smile onto Gabby. “Nice to meet you, Gabby. I hope to see you around.” He bent toward her and said, “If you have any influence on this guy at all, will you try to talk him into that party?”
She chuckled and said, “Nice meeting you. I’ll do my best.”
And he was gone.
When they were alone, she said to Kolson, “Well, it looks like I’m not the only one with family issues.”
“Kea, you have no idea.”
“Is your brother a drug addict?”
“Yeah. Sad situation with him.”
“Do you have a picture?”
Kolson looked at her oddly.
“Maybe I can help locate him, or even show his picture around. Someone might recognize him. I have a ton of experience working with addicts.”
Kolson nodded. “That was one of the things that impressed me about you, in your background investigation. Because of Kade. I’ll dig up one of the photos I have of him and email that to you.”
“Do you know his drug of choice?”
“All of them. Whatever he can get his hands on.”
“Heroin?”
“Can’t say for sure. I’ve never seen needle marks or seen him inject, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Truth is, I’m surprised Kestrel and I aren’t addicts too.”
“Because of your dad?”
“Yeah. Long, ugly story.”
“If you ever want to talk about it, I know a good psychiatrist.”
He faced her and said, “It’s not about want. It’s about ability.”
“I can help. I remember sitting in here with you, and you telling me the same thing.”
A pained expression passed over his face, but he quickly shuttered it. “I was protecting you, kea. I needed to know what happened so I could protect you from Danny. I can protect myself. I’ve done it for years and will continue to do so.”
Forcing someone to do something was not one of Gabby’s usual methods, and like she’d told him before, she wasn’t into psychoanalyzing her friends. However, she wanted to impress upon Kolson exactly how much he had helped her. Grabbing fistfuls of his shirt, she hauled him close to her and explained, “You can’t understand how freeing it is to release the burden until you do it. I never knew. Couldn’t have known. And it’s all because of you. If you hadn’t persisted.”
As he stared at her face, he saw honesty and sincerity pouring from her. He wanted to let her in. He did. But it wasn’t possible. The memories were so disturbing, he didn’t dare visit them. He placed his hands over hers and loosened them, then kissed them before releasing, softening the gesture.
“God, Gabriella, I want to. I do. Maybe someday. But not now.” Then he headed to the bar to pour himself a drink.
Gabby knew he needed to be alone so she walked to her room and prepared her clothes for work in the morning. She located her briefcase and checked her schedule and charts for the next day. After she was finished, she sent Sky and Cara texts, letting them know what was going on with her. Just as she expected, she got immediate responses. She promised them both all was safe and secure at Kolson’s and she would bring them up to speed the next day. She was in the bathroom brushing her teeth when Kolson appeared behind her.
“Are you sleeping in here tonight?” he asked hesitantly.
She pulled her toothbrush out of her mouth and answered around the foam, “Only if you want me to.”
Shaking his head, he said, “No. I want you naked, next to me. Finish up here. Then join me in my room.”
It didn’t take her long before she was climbing into his bed and he settled her on top of him.
“Why are you wearing this?” he asked, tugging on her cami.
“It’s what I usually wear to bed.”
“Not in here, I always want you naked next to me.”
“Well, then—” she sat up and slipped the cami over her head—“that takes care of that.”
“Don’t move.”
She straddled him and he cupped her breasts. Sliding his thumbs over her nipples, he circled them until they hardened. She slanted toward him.
He raised his knees and said, “I want you to lean back and make yourself come for me
.”
“You what?”
“I want to watch you masturbate. You’ve seen me, now it’s my turn to watch you.”
“But I don’t …”
“Gabriella, you know how to masturbate, don’t you?”
“Of course. But I usually do it with a vibrator.”
“Go get it.”
“My vibrator?”
“Yes. Your vibrator.”
“But it’s at my apartment.”
“No, all of your things are here.”
“All my … even that?”
“Yes, even that. Now go find it and bring it in here.” Kolson grinned.
She scrambled off him and went to her room. She checked the nightstand because that’s where she kept it at her place and, dear God, there it sat. She grabbed it and returned to Kolson’s room. Her breath caught when she saw him lying in the tangled sheets. His erection was thick and straining toward his belly and his nipple piercing begged for her tongue to lick it.
“Quit stalling, Gabriella.”
“Oh, I wasn’t stalling. I was enjoying the view.”
His eyes smoldered. “So where is it?”
“Here.” She held up her bullet.
“That’s your vibrator?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“I imagined you would have some fancy phallus with an extended vibrating appendage.”
“Why would you think that?”
“I thought all women had those.”
Gabby laughed. “Not me.”
“That doesn’t look very exciting.”
“You know what they say, don’t you?”
“Why don’t you tell me?”
“Big things come in small packages.”
He glanced down at his cock and then at her tiny bullet and said, “Hmm, I think you’re going to have to prove that to me.”
“All right. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she said with a wink. She climbed aboard and leaned back. “You ready?”
“Whenever you are.”
Gabby turned the dial on the bullet and it started to hum. She placed it on her sex and grinned. Kolson eyed her with interest, but soon, her head fell back and she arched her spine as she moaned. Her thighs fell apart as her pussy opened for him, and he watched as her pelvis slowly gyrated against her hand. It wasn’t long before his own desire overpowered him, so he took his hand and grabbed the bullet, taking control of the thing. Moments later, he tossed it aside and impaled her on his stone-hard cock.
The Hart Brothers Series Box Set (Including the bonus book Sabin: A Seven Novel): Freeing Her, Freeing Him, Kestrel, The Fall and Rise of Kade Hart, Sabin: A Seven Novel Page 17
