Katerina faced them down. “While Brynn is greatly missed and mourned, Curtis has decided that life is too short to mourn forever. He’s deserving of happiness. I hope I bring him a glimmer of it.”
The media started throwing more questions at her. Instead, she tucked herself into his body and led him up the stairs.
“I hate when they ask about her. I try to put it behind me, but it keeps coming up. I’m sorry that it ruined our coming out moment.”
The moment was far from ruined.
“I’ll keep you safe, Curtis. Don’t worry. That’s one bullet that will never hit its mark.”
“About me calling you my girlfriend...”
She grinned. “I’ve never been one. It should be fun.”
“Really?”
Kat smiled up at him. “Would Anfisa lie to you?”
His heart flipped.
Surely, she would not.
Inside, the ballroom of the hotel they were amazed at how perfect everything looked.
It was gorgeous.
Dante Croft had run it like always, making sure each detail was perfect. The soldier in him was attentive to the small things, making sure everything worked in harmony.
“You did a good job,” Greyson said, patting him on the arm. “You’ve found your calling—interior designing—imagine that. My gay brother can decorate.”
Steele began laughing as Dante choked on his champagne.
“Grey!”
He laughed. “What?”
“Joke all you want, but I love this hotel. The ceilings alone are amazing.”
“Spoken like a gay man. We have ceilings?” Croft teased.
“Speaking of gay men,” Emma said, pointing at Steele before they continued with the brotherly teasing. “Want to dance?”
He grinned, holding out his hand. “I’m honored that you picked me first.”
“I did it to flirt and make Dante crazy. If I can get you to kiss me, we’re golden.”
“Hey! No, he’s not! The media is talking enough!”
They laughed as they walked away.
It didn’t take long for a waitress to stop, holding a tray. They each took a drink, and began sipping it.
“So, where’s the security detail?” Chris asked, looking around.
Greyson laughed. “That waitress was Natasha. You didn’t even notice her.”
“What?” he asked, looking around. “Where?”
“She was the beautiful redhead,” Dante stated. “How did you miss her? She’s got the same aqua eyes as Dimitri and Katerina.”
He really believed they were yanking his chain. The woman didn’t exist.
“Asshole at two o’clock,” Curtis muttered, flanking his family.
They all glanced over.
It was Dominic Marianna, and he was watching Emma with lecherous intent in his eyes.
“Grey, don’t lose it.”
He was trying not to, but it wasn’t easy. As he watched the man, he noticed he was pointing Emma out to his attorney, Kenneth James.
“If he touches her, I’ll kill him right here and now. I’ll need the best lawyer, so make sure you get me one.”
They didn't doubt that.
Just as Greyson managed to get his bearings, the man glanced over, did a little finger wiggle wave, and then headed right for Emma.
Both Chris and Dante grabbed his arms.
There was no doubt that the man was trying to start a fight. He wanted Greyson unhinged, and the one way to do it? That was easy.
Emma Croft.
“Breathe,” Curtis said, moving to stand in front of him.
Katerina motioned toward someone, and they saw Dimitri heading right for Emma.
“It’ll be okay,” she said, still in protection mode.
Unfortunately, Dominic reached Emma and Steele first, and he leaned in.
The outrage was on Emma’s face, and she did something no one saw coming.
She punched him in the face.
Hard.
It was bare knuckled and it took the man to the ground. The entire room spun and the music stopped.
Emma Croft was quite the sight. She stood over him, her heel on his chest and pointing at him.
Greyson didn't know if he should run over, or let Dimitri handle it.
From the way his friend and brother were holding his arms, it said it all.
Then, it was over.
Dimitri directed Emma to walk away, and Steele had her arm tucked into his. As they arrived, Emma was back to her normal calm.
Before Greyson could say a word, Steele began laughing.
“Excuse me. I have to do this. Trust me, it’s worthy of it. I’m sorry, Dante.”
He kissed her right on the mouth, and even dipped her. People around them watched, and Dante’s mouth dropped open.
“What the hell?”
He righted her and both were smiling.
“What happened?” Greyson asked. “He didn't touch you, did he? Did he threaten you, because I’ll beat his ass right into the ground?”
She ran her hands over her well-coifed hair. She knew everyone was talking, and that was fine by her.
“He crossed a line.”
“By doing what?” Greyson asked, glaring at the man over Emma’s shoulder. Dimitri had helped him up, and he had him in a painful wristlock.
There was no doubt what he was telling him.
“Dominic came up to us, and he decided to tell Steele that his father hated him for being a gay fag.”
This time, it was Dante they had to grab to keep from going after the man.
Oh, the Croft boys were cut from the same cloth.
“I’ll kill him,” he stated.
Steele patted his cheek. “I’m okay. He’s not telling us anything we didn’t know. If he thought that I’d cry, he’s way off.”
Emma cracked her knuckles. “He’s lucky that I’m in a dress or I would have really given him one hell of an ass kicking.”
They didn't doubt it.
As Dimitri approached, he didn't look happy.
“What’s wrong?” Emma asked.
“I really wish you didn't do that,” he stated. “You’ve just added fuel to his fire. Punching him out in the middle of a public event pissed him off. Dominic is all about public persona. He’s going to take a shot at you.”
She didn't care.
There was no way she was going to sit around and let Steele’s heart be battered to spare herself some grief.
It wasn’t happening.
“Listen, he was going to take a shot at me despite that punch. He’s not coming to a public venue, that we own, and disparaging my family. It’s not happening. Steele is going to be my brother. I protect the people I love.”
Greyson saw her point.
For Emma, it was a catch twenty-two.
He would have done far worse.
“I’m with her on this. He’s already gunning for us. He tried to kill Paris and Tessa, he had someone take a shot at Curtis. We’re already dead to him.”
Dimitri got that, but this was exactly what Dominic wanted. He wanted them pissed off and distracted.
“I’m sorry, but I stand by punching that douchebag in the face.”
Emma was over this.
She didn't care if he came at her.
Let him.
It was better than losing someone else.
“Croft,” Chris said, tapping him on the arm. “The commissioner is signaling you.”
It couldn’t be worse timing. The last thing he wanted was to leave his wife.
“Shit!”
Dimitri reassured him. “Go. We’ll watch Emma. Dominic won’t come near her.”
She gave him the look. “I don’t need a babysitter. In fact, I want to dance. Chris is up, so you better watch Greyson, or Curtis.”
Dimitri knew he didn't have to watch the one man. The way Katerina was leaning against him, she had that covered.
He tried not to think about it.
“Try not
to punch anyone,” he muttered, moving back into the throng of people.
Now that Dominic knew he was there, he didn't need to hide. He could mingle.
All he could hope was the man didn't flip out and do something rash.
Unfortunately, he knew that wasn’t going to be the case. Dominic Marianna was insane.
And now he was pissed.
* * * Croft & Croft * * *
He blotted his lip.
For a little woman, she had one hell of a swing on her. He’d have to remember that later when he tied her to his bed and fucked her.
Oh, he was just going to kill her before, but now he was going to make her suffer. She should know her place, and it was clear that Greyson Croft didn't know how to handle his woman.
Well, she’d learn.
He’d take her, he’d use her, and he’d make sure she was never seen again.
Yes, she was making him nervous with the bodies, but he had his plan.
He would have his revenge. The dead should stay dead. He’d killed Rutherford Bentley for trying to walk away to tell the world his secrets, and he’d ended Famiano for challenging him.
But the Crofts?
He was going to enjoy that.
In the end, he was going to make sure they bled.
When the men’s room door opened, there stood Kenneth James, his trusty companion.
“Are you okay?” he asked, looking under the stalls to make sure they were alone.
“I want her to bleed. I want her to die by my hand. I want into Terrace Glen, and I want to shoot Greyson Croft in his bed, and then take her to mine.”
Kenneth James was appalled.
There was no way that could happen. His boss was out of control.
“Shhhhh! You can think it but don’t say it! This is his place! He could have it bugged! Then everything is ruined!”
That shut him up.
The switch was flipped.
“You’re right. You’re right. I’m okay.”
He took a deep breath.
“Let’s go out. I want to mingle. I need to find a woman to take home tonight. Make that happen.”
Kenneth knew that wasn’t his job, but keeping Dom calm was vital to all of their lives.
“Okay, let’s go have some fun. Don’t engage Croft. He makes you angry. You don’t want to go there.”
“As usual, you’re right.”
They headed out.
All the time, Kenneth James was nervous as hell.
Bad things were coming.
He could tell.
* * * Croft & Croft * * *
Curtis was captivated.
He’d never embraced such strength and beauty before. While Brynn had been pretty, the girl next door, Katerina was stunning. The almond shaped eyes, the long black hair, and the lean athlete’s body.
It stunned him that she was pressed against him as they danced.
This had to be some dream.
When he woke up, he was going to be miserable.
“I love dancing with you,” she whispered into his ear as his arms remained around her body. While in heels she was taller, she loved that she felt protected against him.
It was amazing.
“You’re really good at dancing,” he said, his hands running lower on her back. He was thinking about her ass, and having those legs around his hips.
His body reacted.
It was hard not to.
Curtis hadn’t had sex in around five months, and the last four weeks, Kat had been dangled in front of him like very sexy bait.
Bait he didn’t dare touch.
“Where did you learn?” he asked, trying to focus on anything else. Still, his hand moved lower, until it was cupping her ass.
He was a horrible person.
Sue him.
“Dimitri.”
Well, that threw a blanket on his sexy fantasies. In fact, he was forced to remember that he was there…watching.
Shit!
Shit!
Shit!
“What’s wrong?” she asked, gazing into his eyes. “You went tense. Did I do something wrong?”
He wanted to lie.
Only, he didn't feel like any relationship should start that way.
“You turn me on.”
That’s all he said.
She blinked, as if weighing what he just said to her.
“I’m sure you’ve noticed. You’re pressed to my body. That’s all. There’s nothing wrong. I’m trying to be a gentleman, and it’s getting hard.”
She stared at him.
“I’m getting hard.”
She was aware that he wanted her. It was amazing, beautiful, and precious. Only, she wasn’t sure if she could do it. After her childhood, she was damaged.
He’d be the first man…
She’d tried with one other, and had to bail. She couldn’t stand the intimacy.
Now, Katerina had to be honest.
“I don’t know if I can have sex with you.”
He didn't speak.
“I want to, but that part of me died a long time ago, Curtis. If you want to leave, I’ll understand. I’m not sure I’m able to be what you need.”
“You must think I’m shallow.”
She stared. “What?”
“Wanting you doesn’t mean I have to have you, Katerina. I want to kiss you. I crave your touch. When we fell asleep, and woke up together, that was amazing.”
She listened.
“I’m male, so yes, I like sex. It doesn’t mean I don’t have control over those urges. I’m not going to throw you over my shoulder and pillage you in some closet. Give me some credit.”
She touched his cheek. “I didn't mean to upset you. I offended you.”
“I want you for you. If you’re ‘broken’, like you claim to be, that doesn’t make you less attractive to me. If I couldn’t have sex, would you walk?”
She was horrified. “No!”
“Why are you here with me?” Curtis asked. “I know it’s not the money, because you have your own. I know it’s not because I’m the most handsome man in the world because I’m not, so why?”
“I feel safe. You don’t scare me, and you wouldn’t hurt me.”
“It’s true. When, or if, we opt to be intimate, that’s still going to be true. I’m okay with moving slow. Don’t take the signals my body is giving off that I’m going to jump you. You’re safe with me.”
She was aware.
Slowly, Kat moved into his body. He was still hard and erect, and she didn't fear it.
“With Brynn, I jumped into bed the second I could. It blew up around us. I wanted pussy. I’ll be blunt. It cost me in the end.”
“What do you want now?”
“Your heart. I’ve found something more valuable than sex. It’s the person. I can’t help how my body reacts. I can only promise you that I’m not going to lose control, throw you on a bed, and rape you. That’s not who I am. I’m not your father.”
She kissed him.
He must not have been expecting it, because he actually released her body.
Kat moved closer, running her hands through his hair. She knew she could do it.
She could be with him, because Curtis was a gentleman. Like her brother wouldn’t ever hurt a woman, he wouldn’t either.
When she released his mouth, he was staring at her. “I like how you’re impetuous.”
“Stay right here,” she said, crossing the room toward Dante. When she cut into their dance, she could feel Curtis watching her.
“I need a favor, and I probably shouldn’t ask it,” she said, keeping her voice low, “but I need to.”
Dante and Steele looked worried.
“You’re family. Ask.”
“I want to spend the night with Curtis. I can’t do it under Dimitri’s nose. He’ll be a nervous wreck and that’s going to be bad for everyone.”
“You want me to kill him?” he teased.
Kat laughed. “Not quite.”
“What then?”
“I need a room upstairs. Can you help me? Curtis is like your brother, no?”
He grinned. “Actually, I think he’s more like my nephew now, but I’m not sure. This adoption thing has me confused.”
Kat stared at him.
“Sorry. I got sidetracked. Anyway, if he comes after me, and by he, I mean the mad Russian, you have to save me.”
She grinned. “I swear. I’ll pay for the room, but you run this place, so…”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key to the penthouse. “No one will be up there tonight, and I’ll make sure I warn Greyson in case he thinks about taking Emma there.”
“Thank you.”
“Kat, are you sure?” Dante said. He knew about her past. “Curtis is a good guy. He wouldn’t force you. If you can’t, he’ll understand.”
She was well aware.
She did something impetuous. He called her family, and she was ready to see if that was true.
“Thank you,” she said, giving him a peck on the cheek. “What girl doesn’t need more brothers watching over her?”
He grinned.
“Wish me luck.”
Walking away, Kat met Curtis back in the middle of the floor.
“Uh, what was that about?”
She touched his cheek. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes, of course I do.”
“Then I need five more minutes until I’m ready. Meet me by the door.”
“Kat, I don’t…” He didn't get to say anything else. She was gone.
Instead, of following her, he did as she asked.
It was the least he could do.
Katerina found him by the bar, watching the room. She knew this was going to be bad, but she had to make a stand. He’d always told her when you wanted something in life, there was nothing that should stand in the way.
Well, he was her last obstacle.
“Hey,” Dimitri said, as she approached. “Where’s Curtis?”
“He’s waiting for me. I’m going upstairs to have sex with him.”
He started choking on his drink.
She had to pat him on his back to make sure he was going to be okay. It was rare to catch him off guard. It appeared he didn’t see that coming.
Funny…neither did she.
“What?” he managed to get out.
Justice is Dead (Croft & Croft Romance Adventure Book 7) Page 33