Love is Bleeding (A Croft & Croft Romance Adventure Book 4)

by Morgan Kelley

  Not far ahead, stood a woman with a clipboard. When she turned, Emma fought to not roll her eyes.

  “Hello, Trudy,” stated Greyson, dropping a kiss to her cheek. “How are you doing tonight?”

  Trudy Booker looked like she had lost weight. The woman had been through a lot the last few weeks, since her husband was murdered and she’d found his body.

  “It’s been hard, Greyson,” she admitted. “Although, having this event to organize and focus on has kept me distracted.”

  Emma made the introductions. “This is Dante Croft, Grey’s brother.”

  The woman shook his hand and smiled at him. “Welcome to the event. I hope you’ll all find something to try and purchase,” she said. Then, her focus was back on Emma. “You’re scheduled for the final item up for bid. I hope you don’t mind,” she stated. “We wanted to go out with a bang tonight. Already, there’s so much talk about your hour of piano being a big bid item.”

  Emma was glad to help. Even if she couldn’t stand Trudy Booker, she’d play nice with the woman. It wasn’t her fault that her husband was corrupt and had met an ugly end.

  “That’s fine,” she stated. “I hope I can bring in plenty of money for the charities.”

  Trudy looked at her gown. “You look lovely.”

  None of them expected that. Maybe having her husband gunned down in cold blood had mellowed the woman and made her less catty.

  “I hope it’s not too much,” Emma said, playing nice.

  She shook her head. “No, you’re the spotlight. You need to shine. In fact, we had call in bidders who want to get in on the action. That’s a first,” she admitted. “Well, I have to keep moving. Get some champagne and mingle. You're going to have to work hard later.”

  As the woman walked away, other people moved around them. Greyson had expected a big turnout, but this was over the top. In fact, it made him nervous.

  When the waiter approached, he pulled Emma closer to his body, pressing her along the length of him. After they each got a drink, he glanced over at his team. “Curtis and Brynn, go explore. I have Emma for now.”

  She went to object, but instead found his mouth against hers in a kiss.

  They hurried away, glad to be given free reign. It was fun to explore parties that they normally wouldn’t get an invite too.

  “I hate to interrupt,” said a voice, filled with laughter.

  Emma broke away, only to find Doctor Steele Bentley standing there. He was in a tuxedo and his glasses were gone. It was hard to miss that he looked incredibly handsome.

  “Doc,” she said, hugging him. “How are you feeling?”

  He laughed. “I’m good, Emma. I wanted to tell you that I saw you come in, and you look amazing.”

  Croft lifted a brow. Already the males were circling. It was destined to be one long night.

  Dante offered his hand, shaking the ME’s. “It’s nice to see you again, Steele,” he stated. “I’m glad to see someone I know here.”

  “It’s overwhelming,” he admitted. “This is the first year it’s been this big. I heard from my mother that it’s because the director’s wife is a hot commodity. Everyone is curious to see what she has to offer.”

  “Yeah, I bet,” muttered Croft.

  As soon as he said it, there was a tap to his shoulder. Turning, he found Dominic Marianna standing there. Only this time, he was missing his tag along woman.

  “Where’s the girlfriend tonight?” Croft asked, staring at him with icy gray eyes.

  “I seem to have found someone better to focus on. In fact, I’ve brought my checkbook, and I’m ready to buy a sexy redhead. I hope you deliver,” he said, tormenting the man.

  Greyson tensed. This was his biggest fear.

  Immediately, Steele Bentley offered his hand, drawing the attention from Emma to himself. “Mr. Marianna, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, calmly. He could see the tension on Greyson’s face and wanted to help Emma keep him calm.

  The man stared at him. “And you are?”

  “I’m Doctor Steele Bentley.”

  The name must have registered. “Oh, your old man and I used to do business many years ago. He was quite the charmer.”

  Steele didn't show any emotion. He wasn’t exactly proud of his father, and vice versa. They didn't part on good terms. “Yes, he mentioned you before he died.”

  He focused on the Dante. “Who the hell are you?” Dominic asked, pointing at the younger Croft. “He looks like you.”

  Emma remained quiet. Her husband was tense, and she didn't doubt for a minute that he’d go all gangster on Dominic Marianna’s ass.

  “This is my brother, Dante Croft.”

  They shook hands.

  “Want to play cards some time, Dante?” he asked, scoping the man out.

  “No thank you, Mr. Marianna. I’m not a poker player. I’m more into sports, but I appreciate your offer.”

  Steele could see the glint in the man’s eyes. It was time to help his friends out. “Dante and I were just going to go grab something to drink. We’ll see you later,” he said, nodding at the Crofts and leading him away.

  Greyson was glad they were gone. He didn't want his brother in the same shark tank with the man in front of him.

  “I’m going to be bidding on you tonight, Emma,” Dominic promised. “Then, you’ll be playing for me.”

  Croft didn't like the leering tone in his voice. “Yeah, and if you win, I’m her escort.”

  The man ran his finger down Emma’s bare shoulder. “So, you like to watch, Croft? I’m more than okay with that.”

  His blood pressure shot up, and he knew that if they didn't get away from the man, Croft was going to kill him. It was one thing to allude to something, but he’d put his fingers on his wife. Her silky skin was his and his alone.

  “If you’ll excuse us,” Greyson said, taking Emma’s hand in his. “We need to mingle.”

  When they were far enough away, Greyson tried to breathe through the rage. “I really hate that asshole,” he muttered.

  Emma wasn’t too happy with him either. “It’s going to be okay, my sexy pirate,” she purred, leaning into his body and rubbing against the front of him. When his body reacted, she stared into his eyes. “I wish we could sneak off and make out,” she whispered.

  If he was thinking sex, then he wouldn’t be planning a murder.

  “Are you trying to distract me, Emma?” he asked, running his hand down her back to the one side of her ass.

  “Yes,” she replied honestly. “Is it working?”

  His free hand slid into her hair and his mouth claimed hers hotly. Getting lost in his wife was a blissful thing. Everything around them disappeared, as they ignored the stares. For now, there was only that one grounding moment to keep him in control.

  When her hands slid up into his black hair, a moan broke free of his chest. Slowly, he released her mouth.

  “There’s only you, Greyson.”

  He was well aware. When it came to his redheaded kitten, he wasn’t going to share.

  “There you two are,” stated Randall, approaching them. He’d been watching the duo since they arrived, and he’d seen Dominic Marianna tormenting Greyson. As much as he secretly enjoyed stirring the director of the FBI up, he didn't like the other man doing it.

  This was his family.

  Sort of.

  “Hello, Randall,” she said, grinning at the man in his dapper tux. “You look very handsome tonight.”

  He smiled. “I do try, Emma, but let me tell you. You’re stunning. That dress is perfect for tonight’s performance.”

  She moved toward him to fix his bowtie and drop a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.”

  “Randall, I have a huge problem,” stated Croft, trying to remain calm.

  “Yes?”

  “Dominic may be one of the men who bribed Edward Green, the last director. We traced the money. Now, he’s sworn that he’s winning Emma’s private concert tonight.”

  He didn't look su
rprised.

  Croft noticed he didn't even bat an eyelash. “You already knew that, didn't you?”

  He nodded. “There has been increased chitchat the last few days. In fact, Dominic has already put out that no one is to bid but him, or heads will roll.”

  “Great,” he muttered.

  “I’m going to bury him,” the older man stated. “Since I have more clout and power, he can’t stop me. You need to relax, look happy, and let me handle it. I need you to trust me with your wife.”

  That was a big pill to swallow.

  “How much are you willing to sink, and is Dominic able to drop nearly as much?”

  Randall took a glass of champagne off the passing waiter’s tray. “I’m willing to offer up my entire bankroll. Let’s just say I can buy Marianna about one hundred times over. You don’t have to worry.”

  “If you win, Randall,” Emma began, “I’ll throw in dinner with just you and I at your place.”

  Croft didn't like that one bit, but he liked Dominic Marianna a whole hell of a lot less.

  “Deal?” Randall asked, holding out his hand to the director.

  Croft had no choice. It was the enemy you knew over the one who was creeping behind you.

  “Deal.” Croft shook his hand, selling his soul further to the man.

  “You two should mingle. I’ll see you at the auction. I have some business to attend.”

  Greyson protectively dropped his arm over his wife. Now, he’d help her work her way through the crowd. His only saving grace was that the media wasn’t allowed in until the bidding began. It was a small miracle.

  “We can do this, babe,” she offered, leaning into his body.

  “I know, Emma my sweet,” he reassured.

  Only, he wasn’t buying it, and somehow he didn't believe she was either.

  * * *

  It had been a productive day. The FBI ran around, backtracking, as they tried to figure everything out. It was fulfilling to know that they were clueless.

  By not leaving a trail, it was making it nearly impossible for them to figure out who was marking the guilty for death.

  In the mind of the killer, it was justified.

  It was meant to be.

  Now, it was time to push forward and get the next person ready.

  Tomorrow, there would be a tip called in.

  When the FBI arrived, they would have two deaths to deal with. One profiler would fall, and one agent would take the tumble into death too.

  It was nearly complete.

  With their deaths, justice would have almost come full circle.

  That was all that was ever wanted.

  “It’s all for you, my brother. All for you.”

  * * *

  As they mingled, Croft noticed something. People were drawn to his wife, more so than to him. Yes, he was the one who had the power in Vegas, but his Emma had something so much more.

  She had sparkle.

  Working the room, they ran into Harrison Tyler and his boyfriend Jeffery Martin. They were cordial and made Emma laugh. When they told her that the Crassmount Theater was now theirs, you could see the joy on their faces.

  If only they knew that Emma was the reason.

  She was simply a good person. Her heart was pure and filled with so much compassion. Greyson aspired to touch the breadth of love deep within her, if only to find some for himself.

  He was beyond a lucky man.

  As they continued moving, they found Brynn and Curtis walking around, her arm linked through his, as if a couple. Neither knew if that was destined to come to fruition, but they were glad both were getting along. The last thing anyone needed was a team torn asunder by sexual tension.

  In one corner, they spotted Dante and Steele Bentley on a couch, drinking and laughing uproariously. Later, Greyson would have to thank the ME for helping his brother get over whatever had been stirring him up when they arrived. Everyone needed a friend, and it looked like his brother had made a good one.

  It was nice to know that all the people he called family were able to relax marginally and enjoy the night.

  In fact, he was pretty calm too.

  That was until the announcement was made that the auction was about to begin.

  Emma kissed her husband, touching his cheek with so much reverence, that his heart threatened to overflow with emotion. There was his kitten, and she was about to dazzle the crowd.

  As she was whisked away by some event volunteer, he watched the crowd close in around her until she was gone from his sight. It made him nervous.

  Now, it was all about hoping and praying she was safe.

  When Emma was gone, the team moved back into position, taking their reserved seats in the audience at round tables. Each center of the elaborately decorated tables were set with alcohol, caviar, and expensive cheeses.

  Croft couldn’t eat.

  He was scared shitless.

  As they slowly moved through the auction, each with a numbered paddle, they watched everything unfold.

  People were laughing, as they purchased everything from signed celebrity memorabilia, designer clothes, purses, and things that there weren’t any use for, but sold in the spirit of charity.

  In fact, Greyson had made a purchase himself, getting his anniversary shopping done. Besides, it helped distract him from what was coming.

  His wife being bought and sold.

  There was a heady mix of anger, lust, and want, brewing deep within his body. His companions at the table must have known he was stirred up. Occasionally, his brother would lean over and whisper in his ear, offering him that moment of sanity.

  Then came the final item up for auction.

  When Emma’s name was mentioned, the crowd hushed as she was escorted out from the side to the center of the stage. First, the person hosting was going to talk to her briefly, like he had every other person.

  Greyson watched with baited breathe, his brother’s arm slung over his shoulder in support.

  “Our next item up for bid is a one hour concerto with Mrs. Greyson Croft.”

  There was clapping and Emma regally curtsied.

  “Mrs. Croft, what charity are you working for tonight?” he asked, holding the microphone up for her.

  “My husband and I have a special place in our hearts for the Eighth Avenue shelter. It’s in honor of Sister Mary Catherine.”

  Everyone clapped.

  “Now, I’m sure all the bidders want to see what you have to offer, so would you mind playing a song for us?” he asked.

  “I wouldn’t mind at all.”

  “What have you chosen?” he asked.

  Emma stared straight at her husband and her eyes locked with his. “I’m playing a song dedicated to the most important man in my life. Without him, I would have no reason to carry on. So, the song I chose is ‘I forever belong to you’.”

  His heart stuttered at her selection. “Emma,” he whispered, as she moved to take her seat at the large baby grand.

  As she prepared, the room fell silent. A dropped pin could be heard as they all waited in anticipation.

  Then, she began.

  The notes floated through the air as her music wrapped silkily around everyone who was there listening. As she played, so much emotion and feeling was found in the music, that it kept everyone enthralled, especially Greyson Croft.

  His heart quickened at the title of the song, and the meaning behind it. As a dominant man, the idea of her willingly offering herself up to him and not hiding it from anyone around them, was a priceless gift.

  His Emma was giving him his wildest hopes and dreams. Here he found a woman who would always need and cling to him.

  As her fingers danced over the keys, bringing so much beauty to the room around him, he was lost in it. Greyson didn't even notice he was in a trance, as the people around him stared at him.

  All that mattered was the music flowing from Emma.

  His darling wife.

  His only love.

  Greyson’s
living breath.

  As she hit the crescendo, the room came alive with an audible gasp. She now had their full attention. It was too powerful a moment, even for the people who had no idea the secret meaning behind her choice in songs.

  As she moved her fingers adeptly across the keys, her heart was focused on one thing.

  Him.

  All that thrived in her came pouring out, as she pounded out the truth that lived in her. Greyson Croft was all that ever mattered. If her life were to end, she prayed it be in his arms, or alongside the man who owned her heart and soul.

  She was lost in the moment and swept away with love. As she played, it was like making love to her husband, as her hands stroked the keys like they would the hard lines of his body. She made love to the ivory, hoping to share the experience with everyone who was there.

  As she came to the end, it slowly drifted away, leaving everyone there holding their breath.

  At the last note, there was thunderous applause.

  Greyson Croft was the first to his feet, his heart filled with so much love.

  At first, she stayed right where she was. Head bowed, as she tried to catch her breath and slow her heart. Then, she sensed the host approaching her.

  “Mrs. Croft, please take a bow. That was spectacular!”

  Emma stood, and once more curtsied demurely at their response.

  The charity announcer spoke, “I’m sure everyone here was touched by your performance.”

  Emma stared at her handsome husband. “I’m glad the audience enjoyed it, but in all honesty, it was for an audience of one,” she said, blowing him a kiss.

  Croft pretended to catch it, and held his fist to his heart, in a sign of adoration.

  The man on stage continued, “Let’s begin the bidding. The offer is a one-hour private concert from Mrs. Croft. It can be used at a holiday party, wedding, function or anything else the buyer wishes.”

  As soon as he finished speaking, the paddles all went up, furiously. When that happened, the bidding jumped, as the auctioneer began rattling off numbers.

  Then, the pack thinned out, as the bidding reached a ridiculous number. Yet, there were still calls coming in, and paddles being lifted.