Beyond the Edge (the Knight Series Book 3)

by Mari Brown

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” He tosses the letter on the table. “What the hell is she up to?”

  “That’s why I’m talking to you first. I wasn’t sure if you had any recent contact with her.”

  He grimaces. Before he can reply, a waitress is standing at our table ready for our order. We order coffee to drink. Our food order is placed it’s not as if we don’t know what we want after years of eating here. I watch as she walks toward the counter. I turn back to the guys at my table.

  “I haven’t spoken to my mother in four years.” Drew rubs a hand through his hair as he thinks about something. “She wanted money and I refused to give it to her. Why would she be asking Kat to meet with her suddenly?” He sighs “It just doesn’t feel right.”

  “It didn’t feel right to me either. I’m going to have to show this to Kat when I get back home. I don’t want her going into anything blind. I’m hoping she won’t want to meet with your mom.”

  “I hope she doesn’t want to either but Kat is so unpredictable.” Drew’s words echo what I have been thinking.

  “I’ll go pay the cunt a visit. See what she’s up to.” Pete states, his face is stoic. He rarely gives away emotion. My oldest friend is protecting Kat as well.

  “I’ll go with him.” Drew says as the waitress returns with our coffees. We are silent as we all enjoy our first taste of the hot java. I set my cup down carefully on the table.

  “Good, you should have some information for me by the time I get home and show Kat the letter.”

  “Where was the letter delivered?” Drew asks studying the envelop. “There is no return address or postage on it.”

  “It was dropped off at Knights Inc.” I scratch my head. “The guard gave it to me to bring home to Kat since she is on vacation.”

  “Lucky break.” Pete comments.

  “Huh?” I question.

  “Boss, if Kat had received that before you had you wouldn’t have known about it until it was too late.”

  I study Pete for a moment realizing that he is right. Kat likely would have done something rash. I wouldn’t have known what was going on until it was already over.

  “Good point.” I sigh again “I really hope she wants nothing to do with her mother.”

  Drew and Pete agree with me as the waitress brings our food to the table. It’s not long before we are all too busy eating to talk. In between bites of his eggs, Drew speaks up.

  “I have some news for you…”

  “Oh?” I question setting my fork down.

  “I asked Gracie to marry me.”

  “Congrats, man.” At almost thirty it is time for us to marry and have kids if we are going to do it. My wedding is right around the corner and I can’t wait to make Kat my wife and start a family with her.

  “Gracie says we won’t marry for at least a year. Says we have to get through your wedding before we plan our own.” he shrugs.

  “Planning a wedding is a pain in the ass.” I state. I have watched Julie and Kat the last couple of months and I don’t envy them. I lucked out, Marla didn’t ask much from me. The biggest responsibility I had was making sure she had a list of my groomsmen, including Justin as best man. I was a little afraid of what Justin might plan as a bachelor party for me. It will be here in just three weeks. The big day. The day my Kitten finally becomes my Wife.

  “Yeah, I’ve gathered.” he pushes his plate back away from him “We also are going to start looking for a house.”

  “Holy shit. This is big; marriage and a house.” I tease.

  “Shut up douche.” he laughs “You’re doing it before me.”

  “Yeah but Kat and I aren’t buying a house. In fact, my dad is giving us his house as a wedding gift.”

  “Really?” Drew asks me. He’s clearly surprised by this news.

  “Kat flipped out on him when he told us.” A sad smile crosses my lips. “She was afraid he and Seth would move out.” I sip my coffee. “She is going to be a fantastic mother someday.”

  “I’m sure of it. Although it’s weird to think of my sister as a wife and mom.”

  Pete’s eyes bounce back and forth as he listens to our conversation. “You know Luke and Julie will be next right?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Boss, it’s the circle of life. We grow up, fall in love, get married have kids. It’s just what happens.” Pete speaks wise words.

  The vinyl cracks under my weight as I slump back in the booth. I find thoughts of my little sister marrying bother me. I have come to like Luke and love him as a brother even if he did fuck my woman for the better part of five years. He’s proved to be an asset to the Knight Family. He loves my sister and treats her like a queen so I can’t complain. But she’s my little sister. I’m always going to be the protective older brother.

  “Well that sucks.”

  Pete and Drew laugh. Drew goes on to say, “Now you know how I feel about you and my sister.”

  “Sorry, man.” I apologize even though I’m not sorry and wouldn’t trade Katarina for all the world.

  “It’s all good I’m happy that she’s happy.” He looks at me pointedly. “You make her happy. Keep it that way.”

  “I plan to…” My only goal in life is to make Kat happy. Whatever it takes.

  I run a multimillion dollar corporation; marriage to Kat should be easy enough. Over the last few years I learned how to hide my emotions. I no longer reacted without thinking. Everything I did was calculated for success. My Kitten though had yet to learn that yet. She was still a hot headed spitfire. I think she always will be. She does and only thinks after its been done.

  I dread handing her this letter. I honestly am not sure how she will react. I have to be prepared for anything to happen. “How do you think she will respond?”

  Drew rubs a hand over his chin thoughtfully. His heads cocks to one side. “She’s going to be pissed. Possibly call and cuss her out.” His body sighs without sound. “It will probably get ugly.”

  “That’s what I was afraid of.” I reply to him. “I’ll just be prepared to handle her.”

  “I’ll pick up Gracie after visiting my mother and we will come by the house.”

  “That will be great. I’ll have our cook prepare for guests.”

  Pete and Drew head off together and I take the SUV back to the house. The letter feels as if its burning through my clothing searing my skin. I really dread handing it over to Kat. It would be nice if she was still in bed when I get inside. That thought is quickly dispelled when I see her sitting on the stairs, face clouded with anger. I think I may be in trouble.

  “Where the fuck have you been?” Kat spits out. Her eyes assess me carefully.

  “With your brother and Pete at the diner.” I respond calmly.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were going?”

  “I’m sorry, Kitten. I needed to talk to Drew before I gave you something.”

  “What?” she asks her face mirroring the confusion in her voice.

  “This letter was left for you at the office yesterday. I wanted to get Drew’s opinion on it before I gave it to you.”

  She stands up from the stairs and pads softly across the marble floor stopping in front of me.

  “You mean...” she huffs “… to tell me that you read it… not only that but talked about it with my brother before me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Who do you think you are?” she yells.

  “Kitten…” I begin.

  “Don’t you Kitten me, asshole!”

  “It’s not that big of deal.”

  “Not a big deal? Seriously? You have no clue.” She is stomping around the foyer by this time. Her face is red with anger. I notice that her hand twitches letting me know the anger is consuming her. Yet she is trying to keep it in check. “Again, who do you think you are?”

  “The man who fucking loves you!” I shout frustrated with the whole situation. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”

  She stops pacing and faces m
e her eyes still clouded with anger. “What are you protecting me from?”

  “It’s not a what…it’s a who”

  She rakes a hand through her hair. I watch as the strands fall through her fingers. “Who?” She waits for me to reply. When I remain silent she demands, “Who? Cole!”

  “You’re fucking mother!” I yell. Damn this woman gets under my skin unlike no one else I know. It doesn’t matter what I tell myself I find myself always replying to her passionately. We have a relationship full of passion. A passion that comes with whatever emotion we feel at the moment. Right now its anger and frustration.

  “My mother?” her small voice makes me look up from the floor and face her head on. What I see nearly kills me. Her eyes have lost the anger and I see the scared lost girl I first met all those years ago in a nightclub. The sixteen-year-old girl who was scared to be at home.

  “Yes, Kitten…I’m sorry…I just didn’t trust a untraceable letter.” I explain to her how the envelop was left at the desk and how it had no identification of who had left it so I felt it was best to open it first. She doesn’t speak as she takes a seat on the bottom stair. Her head hangs down in her hands. Her fingers are steady rubbing her temples.

  “What does she want?”

  “To speak with you…”

  “That’s not happening… not now!” She speaks with venom. “What did Drew say?”

  “He and Pete have gone to pay your mother a visit. Figure out why she’s contacting you now of all times.” I squat down in front of her taking one of her hands in mine. “I don’t want any chance she’s trying to ruin our wedding or anything else we are working so hard to build together.”

  Chapter 27

  Cole

  Kat has gone upstairs to shower and dress when Drew and Gracie enter the house. I’m sitting in the family room waiting. Pete follows behind them.

  “My mother is a bitch.” Drew says as he heads straight for the bar. Gracie gives him a sad look as she takes a seat on the couch.

  “Kat should be back down soon and we can talk.” Drew takes a seat by Gracie. “She was upset by the letter.”

  Kat walks in the room finally and greets everyone. As she sits beside me I blurt out. “What did the cunt have to say for herself?”

  I would have killed their mother years ago if I knew deep down it wouldn’t hurt Kat more. She may not like her mother but she is still her mother. Kat and Drew’s eyes cut to me at my words. I don’t back down. I’ve never made any bones about how I felt about their mother. I won’t pretend to be nice now.

  “She saw the engagement in the paper.” Drew’s voice has a sound of defeat to it. “She thought it would be a good time to make amends with her children.” He sighs. His hands fist at his side.

  “You don’t buy it?” I ask.

  “That woman could care less about making amends. She’s up to something.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Boss,” Pete interrupts. “She’s moved up a bit in the world.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask cautiously. “She lives in a condo over in the Towers.” Drew finally says.

  “The Towers?” Kat cries out. “How the fuck can she afford that?”

  “She can’t…Have Hunter track down who is paying for her condo. I want to know who is bankrolling her and why?” I pace the small sitting area. “Is she clean?”

  “She appeared to be. She was so different from the woman we left behind five years ago but I think she’s just as crafty.” Drew says of his mother. “Kat I’d leave her alone. Don’t contact her and especially not before we do some digging. I already contacted Hunter on our way here.”

  “Good” I’m not all surprised that Drew has already got Hunter digging. He’s my right hand for a reason. He’s smart and lethal. The perfect combination.

  “I’m just confused now.” Kat says while sitting back against the chair. “How the fuck did my mom get clean and end up in the towers,of all places?”

  The four of us talk a little longer, throwing out scenarios. I listen to each one trying to figure out which would be the most logical. I can’t put my finger on it but nothing has sounded right. No one voiced it but I’ve thought it and I wonder if any of them have… but I wonder if Sal Martin has anything to do with it. He would be underhanded enough to bribe Kat’s mother to get to her.

  “Guess it was too much to wish I’d never hear from her again?” Kat finally asks.

  I put an arm around her shoulders. “You aren’t the same girl you were back then. You a strong confidant woman. Who is also a killer.” I chuckle. “She should think twice about messing with you.”

  Kat’s snort of laughter follows my words. I feel the tension in her body as I hold her to me. “Yeah, I don’t think I can shoot my mother no matter how much I might want too”

  “I know, Kitten. It was a bad joke.” It really wasn’t the best joke to make in the situation but it’s funny to me all the same. Kat really could take on her mom with no problem. Kat just has to believe in herself. She did it with everyone but her mother it seemed.

  “It’s okay, it was sorta funny.” she comments. She squeezes my hand gently letting me know she is okay. “I love how you are always ready to defend me. I love you so much, Cole and I honestly can’t wait to be your wife in a few weeks.”

  I’m speechless at first by her words. It’s the first time I have actually heard them come out of her mouth. I knew deep down she felt that way but to hear her admit it was totally different. I realize she’s waiting expectantly for me to say something. “I love you, Kitten. I will always do whatever it takes to protect you.” I pull her to me. “And I will be fucking ecstatic when you become my wife.” My lips meet hers gently. I want this kiss to show her how much I love her. That I mean every word I’m saying.

  As our kiss breaks apart she smiles; one that I’m sure matches mine. “Thank you Cole! I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I’m glad I did”

  “I feel the same way about you. I question if I’m good enough for you.” I tell her honestly about my doubts.

  “I think we are perfect for each other.” She finally says.

  “Maybe you’re right...” I reply

  “You two should get a room!” Drew quips.

  It’s only then Kat and I face the others in the room who just witnessed our mushy declarations. My woman’s cheeks tint a little. I pull Kat up to go with me. “We are going to call Dad.”

  When we return to the family room everyone is in there and some kind of lively discussion happening. Even little Seth is hopping around the room in excitement as he argues his point.

  “What is going on?” I ask. The room goes still and silent at my words. Wow when did I become my dad?

  “Um... nothing.” Justin answers for everyone.

  “Liar!” Julie calls out.

  Luke, Drew and Gracie all have giant smiles on their faces as they watch my siblings and I face off. Something tells me I’d get a better idea of what is going on if I ask one of them.

  “Seth?” Kat’s soft voice questions “What are you doing?”

  Seth’s eyes hit the floor flicker back up to Kat’s face and then his whole head hangs down.

  “Seth…” Kat calls his name again. This time Seth’s eyes cut to me before turning to the twins. As he faces me again his chin goes up in the air.

  “Nothing.” he lies. I fight back the laughter wanting to come out. I take a few deep breaths before I speak.

  “Seth!” I boom out “Want to try answering Kat again?”

  There is a bit of fear in his eyes as he faces me but he doesn’t back down. I can’t decide whether to be pissed or proud of him right now. He shuffles his feet nervously as the room remains silent. Justin throws himself on a chair causing me to turn toward him. He sits there looking like the cat who ate the canary. I know he’s up to something.

  “Justin, what did you get Seth involved in?” I question my other brother. Kat’s sharp eyes cut to Justin.

  “I don’t kno
w what you’re talking about, man.” Justin retorts. My brothers think it’s cute to be lying right now. Which it may be since it’s probably not something serious but I need to be able to trust them at the same time.

  “Seth... one last time…” I start.

  “Oh I can’t stand it” Luke jumps off the couch. “Justin was teasing Julie.”

  “Teasing Julie about what?” I ask as Julie’s cheeks turn a bright pink.

  “Ummm, marriage to me.” Luke says a little uncomfortably. “Then Seth got in on it. It was funny until it upset Julie.”

  “I see.” I finally say. Luke just snitched on my brothers in order to defend my sister. The man gained more of my respect in that moment. He let his loyalty for Julie win out over everything else. It was something I understood. It was something I could respect.

  Kat’s laughter begins bubbling out. “I’m sorry.” she says trying to be serious but something has tickled her about the situation. “Luke just became a tattle tell. I never thought I would see him snitch.”

  “Laugh it up.” Luke tells her dryly.

  “But Luke you have to admit you never tell. .

  I remember many times you took punishments others deserved because you wouldn’t turn them in…” Kat reminds her college friend.

  “True, but this is the woman I love.” He says confidently.

  I turn toward him, a smile on my face letting him know I’m pleased with his response.

  “How about we don’t make fun of our sister” I say pointedly to my two younger brothers.

  “When did you turn into fucking dad?” Justin asks.

  Seeing as I have already asked myself that question and have yet to find an answer I give none to Justin. I just walk toward the love seat and stake a seat.

  “Hi Gracie, it’s nice to see you” I turn my direction to Drew’s fiancée and assistant to Kat and I at work. I can’t wait until they share their news with Kat.

  “OH MY GAWD” Kat screams “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?” She continues to yell. I follow the direction and see her staring at Gracie. She has paused where she was getting ready to sit down beside me. “Is that what I think it is?” This time there is no doubt what’s she is asking Gracie.