Freeing Him: A Hart Brothers Novel, Book 2

by A. M. Hargrove

  “You’re a devil.”

  “Not exactly. I’m a man in love.”

  “That was the most unconventional proposal ever.”

  “Probably. But you’ll remember it until the day you die.” I kiss her, stealing her breath again.

  When we both need air, she asks, “Christmas, huh?”

  “Yeah. I don’t want to wait any longer. I’ve waited long enough.”

  “I have too.”

  Sliding my thumb across her cheek, I say, “Gabriella Martinelli, you make my heart pound; you make it beat with a kind of life that it never had before. You’ve changed the way I think about everything … my past, my present, and my future. I once told you that you short-circuited me, rearranged me inside and made me whole again. And I was right. But you do so much more than that. You freed me from the ghosts that haunted me, the monster that tried to destroy me, and you’ve strengthened me. And I love you for that. But that’s not the only reason I love you. You proposed to me once, and I asked you to marry me too, but the timing was off. It’s not off now.

  “So this is the real deal, kea. Will you marry me and become my partner in everything? Will you become Gabriella Hart?”

  “I will.”

  Opening my palm, I hand her a ring. Her face softens as she picks it up and slips it on her finger. It’s a three-carat round diamond sitting in a wide platinum band. I would’ve gotten her the biggest, fanciest ring in the world, but that’s not Gabriella’s style. She would’ve balked at something like that. I worried about the size of this one, but seeing her smile, I know I’ve hit it right.

  “It couldn’t be more perfect. I love it, Kolson.” She kisses me. “So Christmas, huh? Where?”

  “Here. In the penthouse. I have a friend of a friend who is a judge.”

  “But on Christmas Day?”

  “Well, the day after Christmas. So we wouldn’t interfere with anyone’s family plans.”

  “Just us?”

  I laugh. “I thought we could have my mom, Kestrel, Case, Ryder, and Sky.”

  “That’s exactly what I want.”

  “And then you and I are going away somewhere. To an island where it’s warm and we can relax without any interference.”

  “Really?”

  “Oh, more than really,” I say. “I have big plans for us, kea. Big, big plans.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Gabriella

  The day after Christmas is crisp, clear, and perfect. I wake up in Kolson’s arms, burrow into his neck like I always do, a smile on my face. Today I will become Gabriella Hart.

  Then I frown. Kestrel and Sylvia stayed with us last night, and neither seems to be doing well. They need to get out of the mansion. It harbors too many memories. Sylvia refuses to leave, and Kestrel feels obligated to stay with her. Today, I’m going to give it one last shot on getting Sylvia away from there. What she really needs is to go to a place to recover. Almost like a rehab facility. There are places like that, but I’m not sure if I can persuade her to go. If I can, then Kestrel would feel free to move on.

  “What are you thinking about that has you so preoccupied?”

  “Your mom.”

  “Hmm. You worried?”

  “Yes. She’s depressed, among other things, and she needs to get away from that damn mansion. I’m afraid since Langston was so controlling, she’s unable to make decisions without him. She needs intense therapy. There are several places that deal with issues like hers, but it’s a matter of getting her to consent. And then there’s Kestrel.”

  Kolson rolls over on top of me. He knows when I need one hundred percent of him.

  “You always think of everyone else. This is your wedding day, kea.”

  “Yep, it is, and we’re good, but they’re not. I’m giving it one more shot.”

  “This is why I love you.”

  “Is that all?”

  “No. I love you because you have a beautiful singing voice.”

  I giggle. He can’t be farther from the truth. “Shall I sing for you at our wedding?”

  “I think that would be a marvelous idea.”

  Then he pushes himself against me and I can tell he’s not really thinking about my beautiful singing voice at all.

  ***

  The two of us decide to let the other choose what we’ll wear to our wedding. When Kolson hands me his selection, I’m not at all surprised. It’s a red silk dress that shows off quite a bit of cleavage. He grins and says it’s the holidays and he thinks the color is most appropriate. He’s always told me he loves me in red, so I should’ve guessed this would be the one. What shocks me the most is the ruby necklace he presents to me after I’m dressed. He asks me to close my eyes and when I do, he fastens it around my neck. When he turns me around to face the mirror, the teardrop gem, nestled close to my heart, looks perfect in contrast to my skin.

  “It’s exactly right, kea. Just as I’d imagined.” He kisses me as I blink to stop my tears.

  “This is unexpected.”

  “I hope to do a lot of ‘unexpecteds’ for you in the years ahead.”

  Smiling, I brush a piece of lint off his slate-colored suit that I chose. He’s also wearing a French blue shirt with a ruby red tie. (We both laughed when we first saw each other’s choices.) The corners of his mouth turn up as he stares at me.

  “You look perfect, Kolson. I love this color on you. It looks great with your eyes.”

  “I’ll have to remember that. But if you keep looking at me like this, we won’t make it to our wedding on time.”

  Late that afternoon, as the sun dips below the horizon, we stand in front of the windows that overlook the view of Manhattan. It’s an intimate wedding, his mother, brother, Case, Sky, Ryder, and Sam present as the judge pronounces us husband and wife. Lydia is there as well, and she’s cooked up a storm. Delicious food and ample champagne awaits us after the ceremony.

  As I look at my new husband, I’m so proud of him, for so many things, but mostly for becoming the man he is today. Not very many people could’ve weathered the turbulent storm that he did, for the length of time he did, and end up being the man he is.

  “What?” he asks.

  “Did I tell you that your mom and Kestrel agreed to stay here until we get back from our honeymoon?”

  “How’d you do that?”

  “I told them if they did it for a two-week trial, and felt marginally better, then we’d talk about it when we returned. And they agreed.”

  “You definitely need to be working at HTS. You are a deal closer, kea.”

  “I’m a psychiatrist, Kolson.”

  “True, but think about how you could study the behaviors of my prospective clients.” He smirks at me.

  “Nice try, ace.”

  Then he pulls me into his arms and kisses me. And it’s not a peck on the lips, but a long, sexy, drawn-out delicious kiss that leaves me breathless.

  Case yells out, “Get a room!”

  Kolson replies, “Nah, we’re getting on a plane instead. Come on, Gabriella, we’ve got a jet with our names written all over it.”

  Sam collects our bags and everyone wishes us bon voyage as we head toward the elevator. Kolson has only said we’re going to some private island in the Caribbean and that I will only need a few items of clothing and some bikinis. Fine with me. I’m far more than ready for this.

  As we head down to the garage, Sam says, “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Hart.”

  We laugh.

  Sam drives us to HTS where Steven is waiting to fly us via helicopter to the airport. Kolson finally fills me in. One of HTS’s jets will fly us to Beef Island in the British Virgin Islands. Once there, we’ll take a boat to Guana Island, which is private. Kolson has rented a house on a secluded beach for two weeks. It’ll be just the two of us, plus a private chef and butler.

  After the craziness of the last few months, we’re more than ready to relax and let loose.

  Though Kolson is well traveled, he claims he’s never been anywhere
that has excited him as much as this trip. I, on the other hand, have been nowhere. My parents traveled, but I was never included. So when I get my first glimpse of the azure seas of the Caribbean, I’m speechless.

  Of course I’ve been to the shore before … Fire Island and the Jersey shore. But this is nothing like I’ve ever seen. The turquoise water is warm and clear, I can see all the way to my toes and the sand is so white, it looks like it’s been artificially bleached. It’s magnificent. Our house is the only one on the north end of the island, so we can sunbathe in the nude if we want. There is no one to disturb us because the only access to our beach is by boat or the steps from our house. It’s blocked by huge outcroppings of rocks on either side. We’re giddy with excitement when we see it.

  And our house is perfect. It’s quaint yet luxurious. The one bedroom has a king-sized bed in the center of the room; everything in it is white. The ensuite is opulent, with a double-sized jetted tub, a walk-in shower, and a double sink with vanity. Double doors off the bedroom open to a deck with a private pool and jetted hot tub overlooking the sea. Then a small flight of steps takes you to our private beach. The deck is also accessible off our living room, which is filled with white furnishings and dark-woodbeamed ceilings. There is a full kitchen and dining room. Every morning, a fresh basket of bread and croissants, along with fresh fruit, juices, and coffee are delivered. In a word, paradise.

  Kolson spoils me. He takes me scuba diving and I’m hooked. We go sailing, deep sea fishing, visit the other islands in the BVI, and spend lots of naked time, doing things to each other that sweep us off our feet and then some.

  The sun bleaches his darkened hair back to its lighter shade, and I smile as I run my fingers through it.

  “What?” he asks.

  “You look like my old Kolson again. I like you better this way. But keep the scruff on your face. It’s very sexy.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  Soon it’s time to return to our lives … to Manhattan and to what we left behind. It’s good, though, because now we start to build what we began together. And I have a deep sense of excitement.

  “Are you sad?” he asks.

  “Not at all. This has been the best two weeks of my life. And the beginning of what we build together as a family.”

  “Oh, and that reminds me. I have a surprise for you when we get back.”

  I hate when he does this. “No fair. Now I’ll be in suspense for hours.”

  “True, but think of it this way. It’ll be like getting another present when you get home.”

  I lean in and kiss his cheek. “I don’t need another present. I have the best one of all, right here next to me.”

  ***

  It’s late when we get home. Sylvia has gone to bed, but Kestrel is still awake, waiting up for us.

  We visit briefly as he wants to know how the trip went. He seems to think Sylvia is better since she’s been away from the mansion. This may be my opportunity to get her out of there for good. The FBI is dismantling Hart Entertainment and Sons because of the involvement in so many illegal activities. Kestrel and Kolson will be called in to testify, but so far, all records indicate what Drex told us earlier. They can’t find anything that shows their involvement in any illicit activities. It’s such a paradox when I think about it. For as much as he wanted to destroy Kolson, Langston went to great lengths to protect his sons as far as his business dealings went. It makes no sense at all.

  “How do you feel about all of this?” Kolson asks.

  “Relieved. I feel for the employees,” Kestrel says.

  “Don’t. After the FBI figures out how much money was gained illegally, they’ll take that and leave the rest to you. You’ll be free to regain control if you want. If not, someone will come in and buy the company. They’ll be fine. A corporation that large will bring in all kinds of interest.”

  “I know. It’s just a bit unsettling. I don’t want to stay there. I want to be away from everything associated with Langston. And besides, casinos in Atlantic City aren’t doing too well right now.”

  “What about the Vegas end?”

  “Nah, it still has the Langston touch. I want out of it altogether.”

  “Wanna come to work for me?”

  “I appreciate it, but right now, I need to get my head straight. I have my trust fund, which is sizable. And after the fallout from all of this, I’ll take what’s left and invest in something … do something. I’m just not sure what yet.”

  “You’ll be fine. You have enough money in that trust that you won’t ever have to work again if you don’t want. They can’t touch that since it came through Mom’s side. It had nothing to do with Dad. But I need someone in the south to open up a branch of HTS, if you’re interested.”

  “Maybe, Kolson. Give me some time.”

  “Let me know when.” Kolson stares at him. As I watch their exchange, I note that Kestrel already looks better. Tons better.

  “What?” Kestrel asks.

  I don’t give Kolson a chance to respond. “You look rested, Kestrel. Like you’ve been on vacation too.”

  He actually smiles. “I like it here. You all have the shits of a place. I’ve told Mom she’s crazy for not moving here. And I gotta say, I’ve been laying a guilt trip on her like you wouldn’t believe. I’ve been telling her a smaller place would be so much better for her.”

  “Yeah?” Kolson asks.

  “Yeah!”

  “All kidding aside, I hope it works. That would be the best thing for her. Psychologically speaking,” I say.

  We’re interrupted by Sylvia’s voice. “Okay, I know when I’m being talked about.”

  We turn to face her, like little kids caught with our hands in the cookie jar. I take the lead.

  “Sylvia, we know how much you hate to leave, but really, the change would do you good.”

  “You’re right. Once I let myself go, I realized it. That mansion sort of had a hold on me.”

  We all gape at her.

  Kolson says, “Can you repeat that?”

  “I’m selling. The estate. And everything in it.”

  Now it’s Kestrel’s turn. “Huh?”

  I announce, “Let me repeat this for you. Sylvia is selling the estate and everything in it. She is moving to Manhattan where she can be close to us. I think this calls for champagne. Kolson?”

  “On it!”

  I hug her and say, “You won’t regret this for one minute, and I’ll help you with anything you need.”

  It’s after one in the morning when we finally go to bed, but I don’t mind. What a way to end a honeymoon.

  “So you think she’ll be happy here?” Kolson asks.

  “I think she’ll be happy anywhere away from that dreadful place she’s been trapped in for years.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  “So, you told me you had a surprise for me.”

  “I do.”

  “Well?”

  “Patience.”

  Then, true to Kolson, he takes over and makes me forget everything except him, his hands, his mouth, and his body.

  Right before I fall asleep, as I’m wrapped around my husband, I hear a soft whirring sound.

  “What’s that?” I mumble.

  “Nothing. Go to sleep, kea.”

  I’m boneless from our lovemaking so I don’t bother to argue, and fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.

  I wake and it’s dark in the room. I look at the clock on the bedside table, and I’m shocked to see it reads nine thirty. Kolson rolls next to me and pulls me against him.

  “What’s wrong?” he asks.

  “It’s late but it’s dark.”

  “Surprise.” His voice is rough with sleep and I’m confused. Then he adds, “You always hated the morning brightness, so I had room-darkening shades installed while we were gone.”

  I sit up and look at the windows but can’t really see them because it’s so dark in here.

  “But you hate the dark.
”

  “Not with you by my side. You’ve eased my fears, kea. Haven’t you figured that out by now?”

  I can’t help but climb on top of him, bracketing his body with my legs and arms. “I never thought …”

  “I’ll admit, the basement at the dragon’s lair will be off limits when we go back to help my mom, but I’m good with this. I’m surprised you didn’t take note of it while we were on our honeymoon. We had the shades drawn every morning.”

  “Now I feel selfish that I didn’t.”

  “Never feel that. I’m glad you didn’t dwell on it.”

  “Thank you. This is the best surprise. But now we’ll probably be late for work every day.” I giggle. “Look at the time.”

  “Nah. We’ll set an alarm.”

  “Come on. Let’s get up and cook a big family breakfast. I’d love to do that for your mom. That’s something I’ve never done.”

  “Only after you kiss me first.”

  A quick kiss isn’t possible with Kolson, but I won’t let him do anything more. I’m sure we’re the last ones up, so I push off him, but he tries to hold me down. I end up getting away by tickling him.

  We make it to the kitchen to find we are, indeed, the last to rise. After we offer our apologies, we set to preparing a big breakfast.

  Kolson is in charge of the bacon, a mistake because he makes a huge mess. Kestrel handles the sausage patties and toast and I make eggs and hash browns. We don’t let Sylvia do anything except keep us company at the bar overlooking the cooking area.

  It’s a delicious meal, complemented by mimosas, Bloody Marys, and coffee. It turns into a fun morning. We chat about Sylvia’s move and Kolson says he’ll have his real estate division look into it for her.

  “You can stay here as long as you like. The place is certainly large enough. You too Kestrel,” I offer.

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Kestrel says. “You two just got married.”

  “I still have my studio in this building. You could even stay there, if you’d like. You know, for privacy, if you want,” I add. He gets my meaning and smiles.

  “Maybe that would work out better.”

  Kolson adds, “HTS owns several buildings. I could fix you both up. Even temporarily if you’d prefer. Let me know and I’ll make the calls.”