“You okay?”
“I’m not sure. Suicide. It’s so strange. I mean, when I saw him he was unbalanced, with definite psychosis emerging and possible personality disorder. But while we always have to consider suicide as a possibility, he just didn’t look like the typical patient that presents with suicidal ideation. Something had to have triggered it. Did he leave a note? Something that might explain what happened?”
“I’ll see if Case can find out.”
“Thanks.”
“I think we need to do something tonight to get your mind off of this. What do you think?”
“I don’t know. What are you thinking?”
“We haven’t been anywhere in a while. Let me think about it.”
“Ok.”
Kolson noticed how glum she acted. He put his arms around her. “It’s going to be okay, kea. I’ll see if we can find out what happened. But the nice thing is you don’t have to fear for your life anymore.” He smoothed her hair with his hand.
“I know. It’s so weird. How did he get so fucked up? Was is because he resented the fact he was my dad’s son?”
“Who knows? Sometimes people are just born bad.”
“That’s so creepy.” Gabby shuddered.
“Do you want me to stay home today?”
“No, and I’m going to work today too.”
Kolson pulled away from her so he could get a good look at her. “You sure about this? You up to it?”
“Yes. It’ll do me good.”
Later that day, Kolson called and told Gabby he had a surprise for her and she needed to be ready to go out by five thirty.
“Look beautiful, like you always do, kea.”
“Where are we going?”
“I’m not telling.”
* * *
Gabby came home from work early to get ready for her surprise. She was ready to go at five thirty, like Kolson requested.
“Gorgeous, as usual,” he said when she walked out.
“So?”
“You’ll see.
They went to dinner and then on to see Phantom of the Opera. Dinner was outstanding and the play was unlike anything Gabby had ever experienced. She had tears in her eyes for most of it because the music was so poignant, she wouldn’t let go of Kolson’s hand. He promised to download the score for her as soon as they got home.
“That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Gabby said as they walked out of the theater. “The music was so awesome. Thank you, Kolson.”
They climbed into the car and started back for home.
“So you really enjoyed it, huh?”
“Yeah, I ...” and all of a sudden, Gabby burst into tears. She cried her eyes out, for so many things, but mostly because she was sad that Danny’s life had been so tragic in so many ways. Even though he had terrified her, there had to have been a reason somewhere for it and the kindness in her heart tried to find the why behind it.
“It’s okay, you can cry all you want.”
“I’m sorry. I really did love the show.” She sniffed.
Kolson rubbed circles on her back. “I know you did. I could tell by the way you squeezed my hand the entire time.” Then he kissed the top of her head.
“Thank you for taking such good care of me. And for loving me.”
“I hope you don’t cry like this when I take you to the opera.”
“Is it as good as the theater?”
“It’s unbelievable. We’ll do that next. Seriously can’t wait to see your reaction. Oh, and by the way, don’t forget about spending next weekend at my parents’ house.”
“Are you sure about going?” She sat up and faced him. They were in the back seat of one of his limos. The shadows of the night danced across the planes of his face and it was too dark to read his expression.
“Uh-hmm. I want to be better about seeing my Mom and she loves her little get-togethers. It will be relaxed. Not like last time.”
His casual attitude didn’t fool her one bit.
“Kolson, what aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing. It’s just one night. I’m doing it for Mom.”
“I’m not buying it. You hate that place and after what happened between us the last time we went, I’m not too sure I want to go back.”
“Gabriella, I was overreacting. I’ll be fine.”
“Kolson Hart, you can say a lot of things to me, but don’t you ever lie.”
“I’m not. This will be fine. I’ve been feeling guilty lately about not ever seeing my mother. Dad called and invited us so I said yes. I didn’t think it would be a huge deal.”
Gabby was silent, digesting what he’d said. She didn’t believe him. Something else was happening, but he wasn’t going to tell her. She’d have to resort to other tactics to find out.
They pulled up in front of their building. As they walked in, hand in hand, her brain spun. When the elevator doors closed behind them, she attacked. Turning on him, she shoved him back against the wall and grabbed the lapels of his jacket.
“Tell me the truth. What the hell is going on?”
“You’re turning me on, that’s what.”
“Stop. You know what I mean.”
“Gabriella, it’s a matter of spending one goddamn night at my parents’ house. Can you drop it? You’re making something out of nothing.”
Her eyes dug into his, assessing, evaluating.
“And if you don’t stop looking at me like that, I’m going to fuck you right here. I mean it.”
The doors opened and he carried her out, not stopping until he reached the dining room table. She felt the edge of it dig into the backs of her thighs as he laid her down. He took his arm and cleared everything out of the way—silver candleholders and crystal vases cradling floral arrangements crashed to the floor.
He leaned over her and said against her mouth, “I’d like to shred this silk right off you, but I know it would piss you off since it’s the first time you’ve worn it.” Standing back up, he jerked it up to her waist. “I’m going to fuck you in here, and then I’ll get rid of the damn thing.” He slid his fingers beneath the elastic of her thong and asked, “Yes, or no?”
“Doesn’t matter.” She panted. She was ready for him and didn’t give a damn about her stupid panties.
He snapped the thing into two bits of lace. His hands spread her legs and he murmured against her thighs, “Throughout dinner, while you were mmming over the food, all I wanted was to eat your pussy.” His tongue made one long, drawn-out lick, and then tunneled into her depths. “God, you taste good. Never tasted anything this sweet.” He went back down on her, licking everywhere but her clit. She arched up against his mouth, seeking that place, trying to get him to touch her there. But he wouldn’t. He laughed as he lifted his head. “I know what you’re trying to get me to do. You want more, don’t you?”
“Yes. You’re a tease.”
“You tortured me all night in this sexy dress. Call this payback. If you want to come, you’re going to have to do it yourself while I tongue you, Gabriella.”
Her hand moved to her sex and she flicked her clit while he flattened his tongue and bathed her with it. Then he stood back as he watched her. He pulled his cock out and stroked himself as she masturbated.
“Put your fingers inside yourself.”
She moaned as she did it.
“Don’t come yet. I don’t want you to come.” He spun her around so her head was now hanging off the end of the table. “Suck me while you play.”
She took his cock deep inside her mouth. Tongue licking and swirling around his piercing, she worked his head and then took him in as far as she could take it.
“Oh fuck, Gabriella, that’s so damn sweet.”
She sucked his cock as she played with herself. But when he grew closer to his release, he wanted inside of her. He pulled out of her mouth and spun her back around. He grabbed her hand away from her sex and took her fingers and sucked on them.
Gabby wanted to squeeze her le
gs together but couldn’t because he stood between them. She writhed on the table and said, “I need you inside me. Now, Kolson.”
Releasing her hand, he clutched her around the waist and in one swift motion picked her up and thrust his hips into her, burying himself deep inside. She put her arms around his neck and wrenched his hair as she called out his name. His hands wrapped her legs around his waist and slammed her into the wall as he drove into her over and over, until they were breathless.
Every single thing about their joining was violent … their passion, their touching, their emotions. The air around them was charged with it. Her hands held on to him, gripping his shoulders with a singular strength, and her heels dug into his ass. Her mouth sought his skin, tasting everywhere she could reach, biting and licking him. When they kissed, it was with the ferocity of two people desperate for each other. She bit his lip and tasted blood, and when her orgasm hit, it was like a cannonball crashing into her and ripping her apart. Everything in her body tensed brutally, pulsating, bringing his own on, milking him until he was bone-dry.
When it passed, they stood together, wrapped in each other, trying to collect themselves. They sucked in air, trying to replenish lost oxygen. Their gazes were locked, but neither spoke, trying to assess what had taken place between them.
“You bit me,” he finally said, licking his lip.
“Hmmm. You crazy fucked me.”
“That I did. And you liked it. You crazy climaxed on me.”
“That I did.” She gave her head a little shake. “Are we good here, Kolson, because that really was crazy?”
“Yeah. I’m good. I’m real good. What have you done to me, Gabriella?”
“The same thing you’ve done to me.”
He grabbed her lower lip with his teeth and gently tugged. “I lose myself with you. I’ve never done that before. I don’t ever lose myself. Lose control.”
“Good, because I’m lost in you and would be lost without you.”
“Every time we fuck, I lose more and more of myself to you. I gotta say it worries me.”
She tightened her legs that were still around his waist and rubbed her cheek against his. “Oh, babe, you’re not losing anything. You’re sharing. And the part that you’ve given me is the best part of all … the part I’ll treasure.”
He rubbed his rough cheek against her softness. “You don’t understand. I’m different with you. My urge to control isn’t here. Well, maybe a little. But I want more with you. I want it all. Including the future.”
“So do I. And we can, someday. But you know what has to happen first, right?”
“Yes. And I’ll tell you one day. Soon, perhaps.”
“I’ll support you, the same way you did me.”
His lips brushed over hers, stroking them lightly. “I love you more than I can tell you. Let’s get some sleep, kea.”
“Walk me to bed, babe, ’cause I don’t think my legs are worth a damn.”
* * *
On Tuesday, the news broke regarding Gabby’s parents. Most of the media reported the following: A civil suit had been filed against Mr. and Mrs. John Anthony Martinelli by Dr. Gabriella Martinelli for child abuse, child neglect, and aiding and abetting the act of rape of a minor. The charges go back sixteen years. Dr. Gabriella Martinelli, a psychiatrist practicing in Manhattan, is the daughter of the plaintiffs. Dr. Martinelli was also part of the manhunt for Daniel Martinelli, which had been ongoing for the past month. Mr. Martinelli had been charged with rape, attempted rape, attempted murder, assault, attempted kidnapping, aggravated assault, and battery with a deadly weapon. Mr. Martinelli’s body was found late last week. He allegedly took his own life to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. A suicide note was found in his possession admitting his guilt to the aforementioned crimes.
Their phones did not stop ringing. The media wanted to interview Gabby. Exactly like the attorneys had predicted, she had become an instant sensation. The perfect scenario for a psychiatrist. Now she didn’t want to go out for an entirely different reason. Kolson surrounded her with a team of bodyguards just to keep the nosy paparazzi at bay. The phone at the office rang nonstop. People called from all over to get an appointment with her. If they had any instance of sexual abuse, they wanted to go to the doctor who had dealt with it herself.
“What a damn monster this has created.”
“It’ll pass.”
“I hope so. This is a much bigger crazy train than I thought it would be.”
“Gabriella, you know I’m here, if you need me for anything.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, her phone rang again. She looked at the number and gasped.
“What is it?”
“My parents’ number.”
“You’re not supposed to talk to them. Stan will shit a brick if you answer it.”
Gabby hit the record button and put it on speakerphone. “Hello?”
“What do you seek to gain by all of this?”
Her father’s voice, the one that used to addle her so much, filled the room. This time, however, the effect on her was more of a bother than anything.
“Hello, Dad. What I seek is the truth. I’m tired of being called a liar. For years Danny terrorized me while you and the rest of the family stood by and supported him. You gave him carte blanche to rape and beat your daughter. You accused me of being sexually promiscuous. I was raped, for Christ’s sake, and as my father, you were supposed to protect me. But what did you do? You threw me right back into my rapist’s arms. Do you even know how many bones that disgusting piece of filth broke? Do you? Don’t bother to answer because of course you don’t. You didn’t care enough to notice. You never came into my room to check on me. You never once came to find out why I tried to kill myself. What kind of a man allows that to happen to his child? What kind of a shit parent does that?”
Silence hung in the room. For a moment she thought he’d hung up on her.
But then she heard him clear his throat and say, “He was such a great kid.”
“A great kid? Do you want to know what that great kid would say to me? He’d call me a cunt and would tell me if I ever spoke a word of what he did to me, he’d hurt me even worse the next time. Shall I tell you all the things he did to me? I tried to before, but you and Mom wouldn’t listen. Do you know how many nights I’d curl up in my bed, trying to breathe through the pain of cracked ribs, but I was afraid to tell you, because I’d end up getting punished for lying?”
“I … I didn’t know.”
“Yes, you did. You wanna know how I know? Danny told me. He told me the truth about you. That you’re his father. And he blackmailed you. And you didn’t have the goddamn balls to stand up to him because you were scared he’d tell everyone. So instead, you let your daughter get raped. Over and over. And beaten. Over and over. You knew. But the only thing you cared about were appearances. And mom only cared about her booze. And then you’d tell me that I was a difficult child. What the hell did I ever do to deserve that? Was your pride that important to you? Maybe you should’ve thought about all that before you fucked your brother’s wife.
“Goodbye, Dad.”
She ended the call, lost in her thoughts, high on adrenaline, until Kolson’s voice brought her back to present.
“You clearly surprised him. He never expected you to come at him like that.”
When Gabby glanced at Kolson, she was surprised to see the admiration written all over his face. A contagious smile spread across his face and she felt herself respond to it.
“Yeah, I believe you’re right. And you wanna know something? That felt really good. I felt damn strong when I was talking to him. For the first time in my life, he didn’t make me feel browbeaten.”
“The way you spoke to him, I don’t think anyone will ever browbeat you again, kea.” And there was that gorgeous smile again.
“If you keep looking at me like that, you’re going to have to take your clothes off.”
“Hmm, tempting as that sounds, I’m lat
e as it is. I’ll see you tonight,” he said.
She sat back and watched him leave the room. She hoped he would let his burden fall off his shoulders soon. The weight of it was showing. He tried to hide it from her, but he wasn’t doing too well. The lines around his eyes and the increasing tension were all the evidence she needed. He was playing off the upcoming weekend at his parents’, but it was eating at him, gnawing him up inside. He thought he could hide these things from her, but she was an expert. She’d lived that life for so long so she knew his game. If there was one thing she wanted to do, it was to free him, like he freed her. She knew how life changing it was. When the time was right, she’d be there for him, ready to help him in any way that he needed her.
She heard a buzzing noise and realized Kolson had forgotten his phone. It vibrated on the bedside table. Reaching over to grab it, a text popped in from his dad. Gabby was surprised to see it, but not too much since they were going there on Saturday. But when she read the words, she puzzled over them: Looking forward to Saturday. Favor is done. Now the debt is owed.
The End …
Until
Freeing Him (A Hart Brothers Novel #2)
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The Best of Forevers Page 117