Freeing Him: A Hart Brothers Novel, Book 2 Page 4

  “Dad, I thought you talked about that at lunch.”

  He doesn’t care for my interruption. “I just want to get to know the girl who stole my son’s heart. Is that such a terrible thing?”

  How the hell am I supposed to answer that without sounding like an ass? “Not at all.” I grimace, though I try not to.

  “It’s fine. Busy. Always something.”

  “Good. Good.”

  He’s not genuine.

  “I’m working a lot with drug abusers.”

  “Yes. I’m aware.” He’s curt with her. He doesn’t want to discuss this. I nod slightly, indicating this topic is off limits.

  “What exactly would you like to know about me?”

  “Tell me about your cousin Danny.”

  My champagne sloshes when she gasps. The son of a bitch had to go there.

  “With all due respect, sir, I’d rather not,” she says, looking him directly in the eye.

  He steps back. He wasn’t expecting that response, I’m sure, and it’s not a good one. Fuck. This is going to be a bad night.

  “Understandable. It must’ve been quite a bad experience for you.”

  He’s persists. What an asshole.

  “Quite.”

  “So, Dad, how’s business?”

  Scowling, he says, “The Vegas expansion is going well.”

  “Vegas?”

  “Yes. Oh, you didn’t know. But then, how could you? You’re not involved in the business anymore.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Do you gamble, Gabby?” he asks.

  “Afraid not.”

  “Oh. That’s a shame. It can be a lot of fun.”

  “I never had the extra money to gamble, Langston. So I never learned how to play any of the games.”

  “Son, you need to bring her to one of the casinos. Teach her. She’d like it.”

  I cringe. The thought of Gabriella stepping foot in one of his places almost makes me shudder.

  “Sure.”

  Someone pulls Dad away. Gabriella turns so only I can see her face. “What was that? He doesn’t care a bit about homing in on his target, does he?”

  “You’re starting to see the real Langston now.”

  She grabs my hand, leans in, and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thank God you turned out different.”

  I let out a bitter laugh as I drop my arm over her shoulders and bring her closer. “It would only be my hardheadedness.”

  “Hmm. Think we need to mingle?”

  “Yeah, but damned if I want to.”

  She takes my hand and we move into the crowd. Again we’re swallowed by talk of stupid crap that I barely pay attention to. We move into the house for dinner and we’re served an extravagant seven-course shitfest and later I can’t recall a bite of anything I ate.

  Then the dragon pulls his usual perfectly orchestrated bullshit. He has Gabby trapped in a one-sided conversation and he casually asks me to go to the wine cellar to grab a few more bottles of red. Apparently he didn’t bring enough up for the meal. Right. I’m not an idiot. I know this game. It’s the ideal place. I squirm and Gabby gives me a look. She doesn’t know … can’t know why I abhor this moment. I freeze. My thoughts ping. How can I get myself out of this? What excuse can I use to avoid the wine cellar?

  Her hand is on my thigh and she squeezes, bringing me back to my dilemma. I take hers and she feels my angst.

  “Kolson, take me with you. I’ve never seen the wine cellar.”

  Ah, sweet rescue.

  My voice is croaky when I answer. “Sure. Come, kea.”

  The dragon shoots daggers at both of us. His plan backfires and he doesn’t like it one bit.

  We move through the house and down the steps. My breath wheezes through my trachea as I attempt to gain control of my anxiety. It’s so fucking dark down here. This is where my terror was birthed. Where it all began. Down in this depth of hell. I freeze again and lean against the wall, halfway down the steps.

  “It’s all good, babe. I’m right here with you. It’s dark, but nothing can hurt you. I want you to look at me, Kolson. Can you do that?”

  Nodding, I look into her beautiful eyes. She smiles.

  “Good. Very good. Listen. You’re almost there. A few more steps and I see a light over there. We’re good, you hear?”

  I nod. She holds my hand and I clumsily move down the remaining stairs. When we get to the bottom, she spins me and kisses me like she hasn’t seen me in days. I pull her off her feet and nearly devour her. We’re breathless when we finally end it and then she laughs on my lips.

  “Have I ever told you the story about Lenny Cramer?”

  “No.”

  “He was this guy in college who asked me out, so I went. When he brought me home, he kissed me goodnight, and I felt like I was kissing a Hoover vacuum cleaner. His mouth opened so wide, it encompassed everything from my chin to my nose and he proceeded to suck it all in. I wasn’t sure there would be anything left of my face when he finished. I couldn’t tell if it was a kiss or a lab experiment. I’m so glad you’re not a Cramer-kisser.” Her palm is on my face and I want to melt right into it.

  “Kea, I promise never to Cramer-kiss you. Ever. God, I love you.” It’s more of a desperate plea than a declaration of love. She understands.

  “You ready to go get that wine?”

  “Jesus, it’s so dark down here.” She can’t know why I truly despise this place. This prison. I won’t tell her now. But one day …

  “It is. But you know what, there is no real darkness when you’re around, only imaginary. You light up my world, Kolson.”

  “You’re beautiful. Let’s do this.”

  I lead the way, though it isn’t easy. We walk through my hell and I want to curl up in the tight ball like I did when I was young. But I don’t. We go into the cellar, collect the wine, and return to the dinner table. Though I’m a bit sweaty, only my dad knows why.

  Dinner finally ends and we move into yet another room for cigars and drinks. I want to get the hell out of here and go upstairs to be alone with Gabriella.

  Time drags on but the hour for escape finally arrives and we’re one of the first to head up.

  “Okay, so that was the most awful dinner I’ve ever been to. Sorry. I think I ate sawdust.”

  I plop backward on the bed and laugh. “Thank God it’s over. I swear I’ll never torture you like this ever again.”

  “I looked around and everyone had fake smiles on their faces. Except your mom. She was oblivious. She needs to meet my mom. Except my mom has vodka for her excuse. I don’t know what your mom’s is.”

  “Fear. She’s afraid of him. You didn’t see it tonight, and I doubt you ever will, but she cowers from him. I’m pretty sure he beats her, though I’ve never seen it first hand. But she’s so loyal to him.”

  “That’s typical for an abused wife. And your dad. He enjoys baiting people. He’s …”

  “A sociopath.”

  “No, he’s not. He’s not that at all. He loves being the center of attention. A sociopath is very antisocial. But Langston is very power driven and controlling.”

  “Oh, you’re right about that.”

  “But there’s something else going on there. He certainly derives a sense of power from humiliating people, which is what defines a sadistic personality disorder, though that isn’t recognized as a valid psychiatric diagnostic category any longer.”

  “He seeks power over everything, no matter the cost. And he won’t stop until he has it. And it’s not sexual.”

  Gabby looks at me and asks point blank, “You weren’t sexually molested?”

  “No.”

  “Never?”

  “Never. Not once in my life.”

  “But I thought …” She seems shocked by my answer.

  “I’m sorry, kea, if that’s what I led you to believe. He’s a sick motherfucker, but he never touched me like that.”

  “Thank God.”

  “I suppose so. But
what he did do was …” I can’t prevent the violent shudder that rips through me.

  She crawls on top and hugs me. After a moment, she asks, “Wanna get naked?”

  “Thought you’d never ask.”

  I flip her over so she’s beneath me and tug at her velvety earlobe with my teeth. I love that part of her. “Your scent is so luscious.” I inhale. My mouth makes its way slowly down her neck, taking its sweet time to enjoy her silky skin. Her hands unbutton my shirt and slide underneath as her fingers massage the muscles in my back. Only she knows how to relieve my tension. Her hands are suddenly gone from my back and are tugging the waist of my pants, unbuttoning and unzipping.

  What started out as slow and easy has turned into hurried and tumultuous, and now she’s on top of me. Shirt flies off, dress follows, pants right after until we’re both naked and panting. She straddles me and eases my stiff cock into her warm, tight pussy. She’s slick for me, but then she always is. My hips rise to meet her and we begin our pelvic dance.

  We sway against each other, rocking to and fro, her hands on mine, palms against palms, and I watch her as her head drops back. I free one hand so I can cup her breast and when I do, she reaches for my pierced nipple.

  My groan is loud. Very loud.

  “Kea, you know how to touch, when to touch, and exactly how firm yet gentle. What have you done to me?”

  Her bottom lip catches between her teeth and why this is so sexy, I can’t answer. But it is and I pull her head down so I can bite it too.

  “Say my name. Tell me who you belong to.”

  “You, Kolson, I belong to you. Only you.”

  Then she lifts her hips, and I slide out until my crown is at her entrance. She sits back down, fiercely, and moans so that the muscles in my abs jerk. I raise to my elbows to get a better view and she repeats this action over and over. I’m close. So close and I always have this pressing urge to hold her, but tonight it’s especially strong, so I sit up. My hand winds around in her hair and I say to her, “Come for me, my gorgeous kea. I want you to grip me hard with your pussy.”

  Her arm coils around my neck and she moans, “Oh, yes. Ah …”

  Her muscles tighten around me in a series of spasms and then I get my own as I release. But this won’t be all for tonight. I’ll take her again and again because she relieves my anxiety like nothing else can.

  “You are indescribable.” I taste her lips. My tongue pushes past them and plays with hers as we breathe together. We fall back on the bed, and I roll to the side, still joined with her. “You calm me. Have I told you that before?”

  “Maybe. A time or two.”

  “I have something for you. I wanted to give it to you earlier, but I know how you are when it comes to things.”

  “Hmm. Things. What kind of things?”

  “Something small.” I don’t want to get up but I want to give her the gift. Kissing her, I hop up and rummage through my bag until my hand lands on it.

  “Here.” I smile and hand her the box.

  She grins. Upon opening the box, she gasps and then sits motionless looking at the box’s contents. Finally, she says in a small voice, “It’s so beautiful.” Her finger traces the delicate design as she holds it in her hand.

  It’s a gold filigree locket that I had designed especially for her. On it is an intricate heart entwined with an abstract rod of Asclepius, the symbol associated with medicine and health care.

  “This is … did you design this?”

  “I had a little help,” I confess. “I’ve wanted to give you something special for the longest time and I know how you are with this type of thing. So I sort of came up with this idea. The rod of Asclepius is obvious, but the heart is, well, for my last name. If you look closely, our initials are in there too. But it opens up. Look inside.”

  She does. Inside is a picture of us lasered into the metal.

  With tears in her eyes, she says, “This is by far the best gift I’ve ever received.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  She pounces on me. “Love it, not like. I’m never taking it off,” she says as she puts it on.

  My finger touches it on her chest. “It looks lovely against your ivory skin.”

  “You always say the nicest things to me.”

  Lifting the bedcovers, I say, “I wish I could give you the world. But I don’t say the nicest things. I could say more, but sometimes I’m afraid.”

  “Afraid? Of what?”

  My tongue pokes the inside of my cheek. “Scaring you off.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I want you forever, Gabriella, but something’s about to happen and I’m worried that it will interfere with my plans. I’m worried how you’ll feel about me.”

  “What do you mean? You talk in riddles. I don’t understand.”

  “I know. Promise me something. Remember this night. This locket. And that I love you more than anything. Even my own life.”

  “Kolson, you’re frightening me.”

  “I don’t mean to, but just promise me.” I need to hear her say the words.

  “I promise.”

  We fall asleep in each other’s arms, her head on my chest, right after I make sure all the curtains are wide open and the bedside light is on. Sometime in the middle of the night, I wake up when I hear a thump.

  “Ouch.”

  “What’s wrong?” I’m out of bed in a flash, trying to find Gabriella. She’s in the bathroom.

  “Nothing. I stubbed my pinkie toe.”

  I fall back in bed on my stomach and she gets in too.

  “What a fine sight you are,” she says.

  “Hmm?”

  “You’re tempting me.”

  Lifting my head, I ask, “What do you mean?”

  “That ass of yours.”

  Before I know what she’s up to, I feel her tongue leave a hot, wet streak across my left cheek.

  “Christ, kea. If you keep that up, there won’t be much sleep for you tonight.”

  She disregards me. The next lick is accompanied by the addition of her teeth. I hiss. I try not to, but damn. Then she sinks her teeth into my ass. A full-on bite. Not hard, but not soft, either. And she sucks.

  “Oh, fuck.” The muscles in my abdomen jolt in response and my cock reacts. It’s now stiff and at an awkward angle, so I slip my hand underneath me to adjust.

  “Don’t you dare touch yourself,” she says, voice husky with passion.

  “Sorry, but I had to. It was uncomfortable.”

  She bites me again.

  “Ahh.” I wriggle around. She runs her fingers down my crack and wiggles them so she can reach my sac. Next she squeezes me as she sucks where she just bit me. I feel her tongue licking me and I wonder why the hell I never thought of doing this to her.

  “Spread your legs for me.”

  Oh hell, if she keeps this up, I’m going to come on the sheets.

  Her delicate hands massage my balls and she sucks, bites, and licks the cheeks of my ass. My cock is so hard; I’m not sure how much more I can stand.

  “Jesus, Gabriella, are you trying to kill me?”

  “Don’t you dare come. Do you hear me? I want to lick and suck you dry, babe. You’re not allowed to come yet.”

  Ohmygod. Where did this all come from? She’s never done this before. It’s like she’s giving me a reverse blow job. And then she bites me again. My ass is going to be bruised.

  “You really have the greatest ass.” Her mouth works me over like that peach she was talking about.

  “Kea, if you don’t want me to come, you’re either going to have to stop or let me flip and fuck you. Because I can’t hold back much longer.”

  “Flip, then, but you’re not going to fuck me. I’m sucking you off.”

  Rolling over, she’s on my dick like she’s been waiting for it all day. She slides it in her mouth and her tongue works up and down my shaft, making it harder than it already is. Just when I think I can’t possibly take anymore, my balls tighten a
s she bites and sucks the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. Holy hell! Where did she come up with this? I’m going to be covered with bruises from ass to knees, but do I care? Hell no!

  Her hot mouth covers my head and her tongue plays with my piercing. Back and forth, she flicks her tongue, whipping me into an even bigger frenzy. My heart is hammering so hard, I briefly wonder how it can stay inside my chest. She takes as much of me as she can into her mouth, then pulls back and keeps her hand tight at the base, pumping and squeezing. I groan as I feel her teeth gently drag up my shaft while her hand pumps and squeezes me. Her mouth and tongue continue to work their magic.

  “Fuck. I’m going to come.”

  Her mouth drops down until I’m as far as she can manage and she looks up at me. Our eyes connect and lock, and she pulls back and then draws me back in. Hard. Groaning, my fingers sink into her hair and I hold her with both hands as I climax into her mouth. She hums and the vibrations make me come even harder. She sucks and licks every last drop, paying particular attention to my piercing. Jesus, what the hell was that?

  When my spasms cease, my hands are still in her hair, caressing her head and face. It takes a few minutes until my breathing normalizes. Totally mind-blowing.

  “What the fuck was that all about?” I ask.

  “Did you like it?”

  “Like it? Fuck! It was … WOW!”

  “Yeah. Told ya your ass was sweet. I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.”

  “Why haven’t you?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m going to return the favor one day. But right now I want to do something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I want you to ride my face.”

  She hops aboard and I do my thing. She is so damn sweet, from her taste to the sounds she makes when she comes. There’s nothing better than Gabriella. And I know this is all going to come to an end. I can see it crumbling before my eyes. The dragon … the way he eyed her tonight. He knows she’s my weakness and he’s going to make my debt somehow involve her. I’m not sure how, but he will. And I’ll have to leave her in order to save her.

  She tenses and clasps my arms. Then the sighs and whimpers that squeeze my heart and turn it inside out hit me and she comes all over my mouth and tongue. And tonight it’s the saddest sound for me because I know I won’t be hearing it much anymore.