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 31
I lean in close. “Are you talking about organized crime?”
He stares back. That, in and of itself, is answer enough.
“Shit.” My brow furrows as I swallow. The sun’s rays pierce the branches, streaking the landscape with golden spears of light. In spite of the beauty that enfolds us, I feel there’s a darkness surrounding us. This sheds even more light on Kolson’s father. He’s feeding me breadcrumbs. No wonder his mother is clueless.
“Just don’t antagonize him any more. Promise me, kea.”
“Okay. I’ll behave.” Now that my guts are in knots, I wonder how he’ll act when we return. I hear a thumping sound and look up to see a black head and two black orbs perusing me.
Kolson chuckles. “Are you checking her out, Storm? Pretty hot, isn’t she?”
“Oh my God. You did not just ask your horse that, did you?”
“Hell yeah. I tell my horse everything.”
Storm’s ear flickers. Then he bobs his head.
“Hey, is he related to that talking horse? You know, on that ancient TV show?”
Kolson lets out a whoop of laughter. “You mean Mr. Ed?”
“Yeah, Mr. Ed. Is this Mr. Storm? Is he going to call me Wilbur?”
At that precise moment, Storm paws the ground and Kolson laughs even harder.
“Okay, this horse is possessed.”
“Possessed? With what?”
“A human being. I think he’s really a man.”
“You know, I’m in love with this great psychiatrist and she’s taking new patients.”
I can’t help but laugh again. “Yeah, and I hear she needs the business.”
“Get over here.” I’m back on his lap and he’s kissing me. “You have all the business you need. Right here, kea.”
“Hmm. I like this kind of business. Can I bite your ass now?”
“Not that I can’t wait for that, but it’ll have to be tonight. We need to get back before we piss my father off even more.”
We dress and I can’t help but notice the grass stains on Kolson’s shirt.
“Um, babe, your shirt is a little green.”
“So?”
“Just saying.”
“It’s not like they can’t figure out what we’ve been up to.”
“Have you ever brought a date here?” My curiosity makes my mouth a little unfiltered.
He’s grabbing Storm’s reins when his head whips around. “Hell no. Why the fuck would I do that?”
I’m so shocked by his reaction. I was expecting a simple yes or no. When he sees my face, his harsh expression immediately softens.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to jump at you. It’s that I despise this place and I rarely come here. In fact, I sneak over here to ride Storm and that’s about it. It’s sick, really. I don’t even tell my mom I’m coming. I’ve thought of moving Storm to a stable closer to the city, but Grady takes such great care of him and Storm’s so touchy he won’t let anyone other than Grady or me near him. I think if I moved him it would kill him. Besides, I don’t technically own Storm. My dad still does. I can only imagine the uproar he would make if I took him away from here.”
“I see. Well, it was a dumb question for me to ask,” I say.
“No, it wasn’t.” He pulls me into his chest and rubs his cheek against mine. I think he finds it soothing because sometimes I can feel his tension dissipate. My heart tap dances in my ribcage when I look at him. Only he is capable of making me feel like this. If I look at him much longer, I’ll want to take his clothes off again.
“Kea, don’t look at me like that or you’ll be back up against that tree.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
Storm’s reins in hand, Kolson mounts and then pulls me up. When I’m situated, he reminds me where to put my hands. His arm is tight around my waist and my back is against him. “Don’t be afraid this time.” His warm breath tickles my ear and I shiver. “Are you cold?”
“No.”
“Frightened, then?”
“Not yet. You’re just sexy when you talk in my ear.” His teeth gently tug on the soft flesh of my lobe and goosebumps erupt. “Stop. That’s not fair. You’re taking advantage of me.”
“And what’s wrong with that?”
“I can’t fight back.”
He laughs and flicks the reins.
“Relax now and let Storm get his exercise.”
In an instant, the horse is in a full gallop, along with my heart. I can’t deny I’m scared shitless. It’s exhilarating, but my hands clench Storm’s mane and I hope I don’t yank the thing out by its roots. How Kolson does this, I’ll never know.
“Breathe, kea.”
I do.
“Again.”
His hand splays across my abdomen and comforts me as he draws me closer to him.
“I’ve got this. You’re safe with me. I would love to see you on your own, riding like the wind.”
“Uh …” My mind can’t think to speak.
“Feel Storm’s strength beneath us. Isn’t it amazing?”
Not exactly what I was thinking, but I won’t spoil his fun.
“You should feel him when he jumps.”
“Jumps? He jumps?”
I feel more than hear his laughter rumbling in his chest. If I were capable, I’d elbow him.
“Don’t worry; I won’t take him over anything today. But he’s majestic when he does.”
A huge part of me would love to watch Kolson ride Storm and see them jump. But I don’t want to be on the horse with him when he does. Oddly enough, I begin to settle into the horse. Kolson immediately notices.
“Atta girl.”
“Okay. Now you’re talking to me like I’m a puppy.”
“No, I’m just happy to feel you relaxing. I want you to have fun.”
Before I know it, we’re back at the stables. Grady helps me dismount while Kolson hops off like it’s nothing.
“So, Doc, how was it?”
“Scary.”
Grady laughs. “Mr. Kolson rides like his tail is on fire and Storm does too. When I take Storm out, he’s not as happy as when Mr. Kolson takes him out.”
“Hmm. So not everyone rides that fast, huh?”
“No, ma’am. Those two are a pair, though.”
“I can see that.”
“Gabriella, we need to get back to the house. Say goodbye to Storm.”
I look at Kolson—he’s completely serious. He acts like Storm is a person. Okay, then.
Moving to Storm’s head, I feel like I need to shake his hoof or something. Maybe I should bow to him. He seems so dignified and bow-worthy.
“Storm, it’s been a pleasure meeting you today. Thank you for the lovely afternoon. Also, I’m really sorry about pulling your mane so hard. I hope I didn’t cause you too much pain.” And I am sincere about that. Poor thing will likely have a sore neck for days.
Storm bobs his head.
“Are you sure you’re not a human trapped in that horse body?”
Kolson laughs. “See ya, buddy.”
We hop in the golf cart and drive back to the house. On the way, Kolson reminds me to be good.
“Don’t antagonize the dragon.”
“I won’t. I swear.”
When we return, we’re informed that cocktails are at seven. We head up to our room and on the way I’m reminded of the last time we visited. Everything is so dark and severe here. The furnishings are massive and ornate. It’s all overdone, not tasteful at all, giving the impression that the Harts want everyone to know they have money. This place gives me the creeps. Nothing is comforting and inviting. There is no warmth. No wonder Kolson hates it so much.
“It’s five thirty. We need to shower and change. Being late is not an option,” he informs me.
“Don’t worry. I promise not to piss old Daddy Dear off,” I say as I head to the massive bathroom to shower. The last thing I want to do is rock this boat any more than I already have. Mouth will stay slammed shut tonight.
Chapter Three
Kolson
Cocktails are served on the terrace, as I expected. It’s Mother’s favorite place and this is one time Dad will yield to her. In all other things, he gets his way. We are the first to arrive, to my father’s surprise. They’ve hired new staff since I was last here. My father’s cutting temper and his inability to be pleased makes it difficult to keep servants for any length of time. As a kid, I never could keep up with their names.
Mom has the terrace decorated with those tiny lights she loves. It’s not dark yet, but I imagine by the time we head into dinner, the sun will have set. Flowers are arranged everywhere and her gas lanterns are already lit. She does a superb job of decorating, I’ll give her this much. The September evening is beginning to chill so she has the fireplace burning, as well as the space heaters. We’re handed champagne, whether we want it or not. Mother loves champagne—it’s her trademark at her functions.
“Thank you,” Gabriella says as she takes a glass. “Mmm, delicious.”
“My favorite.” My mother joins us.
“What is it?” Gabby asks.
“Wait. Let me guess,” I interrupt. “Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve?”
My mom laughs. “My son knows me so well.” I refrain from commenting. I’d like to say we barely know each other because she’s hidden from me her whole life, fearing everything my father would say or do. What I remember is she spent most of the time in her room.
“Mom, what happened to your love of Dom Pérignon?”
“Oh, I still love it, but this vintage is so tasty. Don’t you agree?”
“I do because I happen to love it myself. What do you think, Gabriella?”
“Um, my tastes aren’t anywhere as sophisticated as yours. But it’s wonderful.” She smiles, but I get the sense she’s uncomfortable. And no wonder. She couldn’t afford a Starbucks coffee a few months ago. But things have eased up for her since she moved her office to Case’s.
“Did you two enjoy your ride this afternoon?”
“Mom, do you even have to ask?”
“Son, I was asking more for Gabby’s sake. I didn’t know she rode. What horse did you put her on? I hope you had her ride Daisy.”
“No, she rode Storm.”
My mom looks at me in horror. “You didn’t!”
I laugh. “Quit worrying. We rode him together.”
“Kolson, you nearly gave me a stroke.”
“Sylvia, he nearly gave me one too.”
Mom casts a sympathetic look at Gabby. “You poor thing. That horse is quite menacing. He scares me to pieces. I won’t even go near his stall.”
“You know, Sylvia, after a while, I think he got used to me.”
“Oh, Gabby, don’t fool yourself. He only did that because of my son. If you tried to ride him on your own, he would break your neck.”
Gabby stares at my mother and sees how serious she is.
“Jesus, Mom, you’re frightening her. Storm wouldn’t hurt Gabriella. Besides, I would never put her on him alone. She’s an inexperienced rider, for Christ’s sake.”
“Well, I’m an experienced one and I won’t go near that beast.”
Now I’m pissed off. “That beast saved my life. So stop it. I think we need to change the topic here.”
Right at that moment, the fucking dragon decides to join us.
“What’s got everyone over here so addled?”
My mother, in her damn stupidity, runs her mouth. “Kolson had Gabby up on Storm today.” She pats her chest, like she’s going to faint.
The dragon eyes Gabby and then throws back his head and laughs. “I bet he gave you quite the ride.”
“Jesus Christ, I was with her. What the hell is wrong with everyone?” I fume.
Gabriella speaks up this time. “I was scared for the first part, but then I settled into it and found it to be quite exhilarating.”
And damn it, I wish she hadn’t said that.
The dragon glares at her. “Did you now? Enough to ride him by yourself?” he challenges.
My jaw clenches. He’s baiting her again. Why does he do that? And Mom stupidly stands with that unsuspecting smile on her face. How can anyone be that blind?
“Seriously, Dad. Would you ride Storm by yourself?” Okay, that was idiotic. Why the fuck did I say that? He scowls at me with burning eyes. I swear sometimes they glow red.
A server approaches, unaware of the tension, and holds out a tray of appetizers. I don’t pay attention to what they are but pick one up and cram it into my mouth. Gabriella, always polite, takes one and delicately eats it. As I watch her, I’m turned on by the way her lids flutter in response to her taste buds. How is this possible amidst all the turmoil of our recent conversation? Only she could do this to me.
“Mmm, this is delicious, Sylvia. Your chef is excellent.”
Mom beams. “Why, thank you, dear.”
Bingo. Nice topic change. Even Dad relaxes. Other guests join us and he moves off to chat with them, thank God. When Mom leaves, Gabby says, “That was fun.” The funny face she makes has me laughing. “Jeez, he has a thing for that horse, huh?”
“Something like that. Or it’s more like he has a thing for everything that I enjoy.”
“They really are weird about your horse.”
“Like I said, no one can ride him.”
Gabby tilts her head and says, “You love that, don’t you.”
“Hell yes.” I wrap an arm around her waist. “We’d better go and mingle.”
We do our duty and carry on brief conversations with people I care nothing about. I wonder how tight my dad has their balls twisted. Fake laughter and forced smiles are all around us, except for my gullible mother. She stands there in her glory, loving every minute.
When my father sidles up to Gabby and me again, I ask where Kestrel is.
“Oh, he couldn’t make it. Something came up.”
“That’s interesting,” I say. My comment doesn’t slide by.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because he’s always glued to your side.”
“Yes, he is. He and I are quite close.”
That’s what he calls it. I would call it a sick relationship. Kestrel hangs on his every word for some tiny token of praise. It makes me ill to see them together.
Dad grins. “No doubt he is off soothing some poor girl he offended.”
I’m not interested in Kestrel’s female conquests. There’ve been too many for me to count. Always this one or that. Dad paying them off to stay away after the breakup. Kestrel can’t be without a woman. Has to have one hanging on him constantly. There’s a reason for it, but we don’t discuss it.
“So, Gabby, how do you like being out in the country?”
“I like the change from the hectic pace of the city. A nice break.”
“Good. Tell me, how are things going with your practice?”
“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 rathe
r 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?