Freeing Her (A Hart Brothers Novel Book 1)

by A. M. Hargrove

  “You’re going to have to pick a window and stick with it or you’ll end up missing the views.”

  When the sun lowered, he ended the tour with the borough of Manhattan as he flew along the skyline, beginning with the Statue of Liberty. Kolson pointed out each of the highest buildings in their magnificence, including the new World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building. He was lost in the expressions that flitted across Gabby’s features, from amazement to pure joy. And all Kolson wanted to do was imprint those expressions on his mind forever. He had his phone out the entire time doing exactly that. Snapping picture after picture of her, he captured her in various poses looking at the scenery, laughing, smiling, wide-eyed, and awed. And then it hit him. There was no falling anymore. That was a has-been. He was madly in love with this woman. And he would stop at nothing to protect her, even if it meant killing Danny Martinelli.

  Steven set the aircraft down gently on the roof. When Gabby unbuckled her harness, she threw herself at Kolson. “Tell me you have more tricks up your sleeve. That was a blast.”

  He wrapped her in his embrace and nuzzled her neck. “I have tricks all right, but most of them involve nakedness and a bed.”

  “Hmm, I’ll take those too, Mr. Hart.”

  “Yes, you will, kea, and I’ll make sure you love every single one of them.”

  “Thank you, so much, Kolson. That was fantastic.”

  “Come, let’s go home and eat. I’m starving.”

  Gabby had a silly grin on her face all the way home. When they got back to Kolson’s, though, reality invaded.

  “I know we couldn’t keep it out forever, but you know what? I’m not going to let what happened to me ruin my future. I’m just not going to allow it. Danny has already taken too much from me. He’s not going to get any more.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I want to drop all of this and move on.”

  “Oh, Gabriella, I think that’s a huge mistake.”

  “I knew you would. But I’m happy now.”

  “Listen to me. He’s not ever going to stop trying to get to you. You understand what that means, right?”

  “I guess.”

  “That leaves you with no choice.”

  “But …”

  “No buts. He’s not going to let you go. Not until something worse happens. And one of you gets hurt. And you getting hurt is not an acceptable outcome.”

  Their discussion weighed heavily on her; she had to agree with Kolson. They ate in relative silence and then headed to bed. He made passionate love to her, driving her mad with his possession of her body, until she was so weak she couldn’t move. Then she fell asleep, only to wake in the dark of the night, dreaming about Danny. As she lay there, she cursed him for all the trouble he’d caused, turning her life upside down. Why didn’t he simply go away? Why did he persist in these crazy actions? She started to think up ways to get rid of him, but then knew they’d never work. The worse thing that could happen is that she’d get caught and end up going to prison herself.

  “What is it, kea?”

  “Bad dream.”

  “Tell me.”

  “Just an old nightmare.”

  “Roll on your stomach.”

  She did, and he massaged her back. It was a soft caress that soothed and lulled her back to sleep.

  The next morning while they were eating breakfast, Kolson’s phone buzzed and he cursed when he saw who was calling.

  “Kestrel.” Pause. “No, I haven’t decided.” Pause. “I know the party’s in a week. It’s on my calendar.” Kolson looked at Gabby, questioning. She nodded. “Yes, we’ll be there. Tell mom. What time? I’ll tell Gabriella. Any other word on Kade?” Another pause. “None here either. I guess we’ll see you next week.”

  He ended the call. “Birthday party for dear old Dad at their place next Saturday at seven. Kestrel says hi. Cocktail attire and I don’t like this one bit. I abhor that fucking place.”

  “I’ll hold your hand the whole time.”

  “Is that a fucking promise because I swear to God …”

  “Hey! That’s an oath. Okay?”

  She extended her hand to him and he clutched it.

  “You can’t know what went on in that place, Gabriella. You can’t possibly know. A fucking shit show.”

  His eyes were riddled with pain so she pushed her chair back and straddled his lap. Taking his face in the palms of her hands, she said, “I’ll be with you every step of the way, holding your hand, and I won’t let you go for even a second. I swear this to you.”

  Kolson looked at her, and finally spilled it. “I love you, Gabriella. Did you know that? Absolutely, unequivocally, with everything in my heart. I didn’t think I was capable of loving anyone. But you, you’ve short-circuited me, taken me apart, bit by bit, placed yourself inside me and rewired me, made me whole again. You’ve reconstructed me, kea, and you don’t even know it. There are times when I can’t imagine how I ever breathed without you. You are the most perfect human being God ever created and to think He sent you to me. I marvel at that constantly. And then I start to freak thinking you’ll be snatched away from me, or somehow you’re a fantasy I’ve conjured in my fucked-up mind. Because you don’t want anything from me. You only want to give. And you only want the happy. And that’s why I adore you.”

  She touched her lips to his. “I do want something from you—I want you and only you. I can’t believe we found each other, either. I love you too, Kolson Hart, for the way you make me feel, like I mean something, like I am something. I love the way I feel when you’re inside of me, how you make me feel like my missing part has found its rightful place again. You bring me hope that I never had before and joy that never existed. I love how I feel when I curl up next to you at night, right before I fall asleep. For the first time ever, I feel safe. And I feel empty when your arms aren’t around me. I love the way you breathe against my neck and the way your eyes darken and the colors get all mixed together when you’re inside me. I love you for freeing me, but most of all, I love all the bits of you for being you. And I’ll love you always, not just in the good but in the bad too.”

  “Always is a long time, Gabriella. I hope you mean that. I’m a very literal guy.”

  “And I’m a literal girl, in matters of the heart. I don’t give mine freely, so be careful with it.”

  He traced her lips with his thumbs. “I’ll treat it lovingly and cherish it and you every minute of every day. I promise.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Gabby walked out of her room and into the den. She wore a dress Kolson had purchased for her, a fuchsia silk georgette sleeveless cocktail dress with a set-in leather waistband and a full skirt. Sleeveless and cut in to expose more of her shoulders, the back had an open slit to the waist, making the dress sexy and edgy at the same time. She’d added black stiletto platform pumps to complete the outfit. Kolson couldn’t pull his eyes away from her.

  “Well?” she asked, twirling.

  He licked his suddenly dry lips and swallowed. “Are you wearing panties?”

  “Yes.”

  “Get rid of them.”

  “What?”

  “I said, get rid of them.”

  “Why?”

  “Because we’re going to fuck on the way there.”

  “What?”

  “You heard what I said. If you keep them on, I’ll rip them to shreds.”

  Without taking her eyes off him, she lifted her dress to reveal a hot pink lacy thong. Then she slid her thumbs under the elastic. Before she had a chance to slip them off, he was in front of her, snapping them like a flimsy thread.

  “Huh! You ruined them!”

  He slipped his hand under her dress and grabbed the cheek of her ass, hauling her up along his body. The shades of his eyes had darkened with lust. His tongue was licking her lips and kissing her before she could get another word out of her mouth. When he released her, he took out his handkerchief, wiped her mouth, then his,
and said, “You’re a fucking tease, kea.”

  “But …”

  “And an absolutely gorgeous one at that. Now go put your lipstick back on. And make sure you bring it with you because you’ll have to be reapplying it a lot tonight.”

  She walked up to him, took her thumb, and wiped off a smudge from the corner of his mouth. “You missed a spot.” Her hips swayed as she walked back to the powder room. He shook his head and laughed.

  When they exited the elevator in the lobby, she asked, “You’re not driving?”

  “No, we’re being driven tonight.”

  As they walked outside, Gabby squealed when she saw Sam standing there, holding the back door of a stretch limo open for them.

  “Sam!” She hugged him.

  “Dr. M. It’s nice to see you.” He beamed back at her.

  “You too. I’ve missed you.”

  “You’re looking well,” he said.

  “I hate that I have so many different drivers now.”

  “Yes, Dr. M. But I hope the others are treating you well.”

  “Oh yes. But you’re the best, Sam.”

  “Can we take this inside, please?” Kolson interrupted.

  “Yes, sir.” Kolson helped Gabby inside and slid in behind her while Sam closed the door. Gabby noticed the fine luxury surrounding her, including a bottle of champagne chilling and two glasses.

  “Well, isn’t this nice?”

  “I hope you think so.” When Sam got behind the wheel, he said to him, “Sam, take your time, we need about twenty minutes, please.”

  “Yes, Mr. H.”

  Kolson tapped a button and a darkened glass slid up, affording them complete privacy from Sam. He leaned across the seat and slipped his hand beneath Gabby’s dress and found her wet and silky sex.

  “If you wanted a social hour with Sam, you should’ve told me.”

  “Kolson! You know how much I like Sam,” she admonished.

  “Sorry. Let’s say I’m eager for some Gabriella time.” He gave her a scorching look. “Now, sit on my lap so I can fuck your mouth. I want that pink lipstick all over my face. And then I want to lick your pussy right before I fuck it. By the time we get to my parents house, I want us to look like a couple who’s just been on the ride of their lives.”

  Her belly and sex clenched at his words and there was not a thing on this earth that would keep her off Kolson. She scrambled on top of him and greedily sucked his tongue as if it were his cock. She felt his hands tearing her off him and when she protested, he hushed her. He slid his body down, far enough for his mouth to reach the apex of her luscious thighs.

  “I love your scent, Gabriella. I could lick you all day long.”

  She quivered as he blew his cool breath over her heated sex. When his mouth found her, she cried out. His tongue didn’t tease, it didn’t taunt; it went straight for what he knew would make her come. And when she did, her hands tore at his hair, pulling it until her internal muscles finally ceased their clenching.

  Kolson lifted her off him. “I love it when you come on my tongue.”

  Then he unzipped his pants and his thick cock sprang free. “Put that pink mouth on me, kea. I want you to suck me, hard.”

  Her lips covered her teeth as she slid his cock into her mouth and let her tongue swirl around its head. She flicked it across the balls of his piercing and he growled, but when she took him all the way, letting him hit the back of her throat, he sucked in his breath and said, “Oh, Gabriella, you’ll make me come apart like that.”

  She let her mouth ride him until he pulled her off and he said with a smile, “Just what I wanted to see. Bright pink lipstick all over my cock. Now fix yourself up. We’re almost there.”

  She stared at him incredulously, as he stuffed himself back into his pants.

  “What’s the matter, kea?”

  “I-I need you,” she said with a pout.

  “I need you too.”

  “B-but …” she stammered.

  “Be patient.” He grabbed her and kissed her hard as the car rolled to a stop. “You look adorable with that frustrated expression on your face. Besides, you think you have it bad. Put yourself in my shoes. I’ve been teased by your lush pussy. I’ve tasted it, felt it on my tongue and had you come in my mouth. And here I sit with a dick as hard as a rock. Things could be a lot worse for you.”

  She could only stare at him and shake her head.

  The door of the limo opened and Gabby expected to be at some fancy apartment building, but instead they were in front of HTS. She raised her brow as he extended his hand to her.

  “Your office?”

  “Hmm-mmm.”

  “I’m confused.”

  “Come.” He reached for her hand and they rode the elevator to the rooftop, where they exited to the waiting helicopter.

  “Where do your parents live?”

  “Right outside of Atlantic City.”

  “Oh. I didn’t know.”

  “You do now.”

  Steven, the pilot, didn’t have the motor running yet, and Gabby was glad. It would’ve completely demolished the loose chignon she wore.

  “Atlantic City, huh?”

  “Yep. He’s in the casino business.”

  “I see.”

  Kolson took the seat behind the pilot in the back of the craft and had Gabby sit next to him. He put his headset on and told Steven they would be on a different channel and not to be interrupted unless it was an emergency. Then he reached for the bottle of opened champagne he’d brought from the limo and refilled their glasses.

  Once they were airborne, Kolson grabbed Gabby’s wrist and pulled her onto his lap. “Now, what were you saying about needs, Dr. Martinelli?”

  She flashed him a grin and said, “I believe we both need attending to.”

  “Indeed we do.”

  “Um, Kolson, can he see us?”

  “Steven?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you see him?”

  “Not really.”

  “Then you’re fine. But don’t worry. I would never put you in a compromising situation, kea. Lift up.”

  She did and he slid out from under her. Then he pulled her toward the edge of the seat while he knelt on the floor. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a condom.

  “What are you doing?” she asked,

  “I’m getting ready to fuck you. Hard and fast. And as much as I love the thought of my cum running down your leg, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable at the party.”

  She swallowed. That hadn’t occurred to her. She watched him wrap his erection in the shiny latex and her hand automatically reached for him.

  “I love it when you’re hard.”

  “Oh, I know, kea.”

  He slid his cock inside her and they both let out long, slow moans. Then he gripped her hips and began the rocking-thrusting motion she adored. Her hands dug into his shoulders and she leaned her forehead against his, closing her eyes.

  “No, Gabriella. Look at me and tell me who owns this pussy.”

  “You do.”

  “That’s right. And no one else shall ever have you. Now lean back.”

  She did and felt his piercing deep within her.

  “Ah, Kolson.”

  “Yes?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “Wrap your legs around me.”

  He whispered all sorts of dirty things to her and when they both climaxed, it was hard and fast. When they finished, she grabbed his face and kissed him, taking his tongue into her mouth. Afterward, she looked at him and laughed.

  “Lipstick?”

  “Definitely lipstick.”

  “I brought extra handkerchiefs.”

  “Smart man.”

  “That I am.”

  Gabby elbowed him. “This is really something. I’ve heard of the mile-high club, but I’ve never heard of HELO sex. Or maybe we should call it HI sex. You know, like HELLO!” She giggled and as he watched her, he couldn’t help but laugh too.

  “Sw
ear to me you’ll stick to psychiatry and not try your hand at standup comedy?”

  “What? That was funny. Admit it.”

  “Okay. Just that once.”

  “Kolson, what are you going to do with that condom?”

  “Put it in the trash. Why?”

  “Won’t they find it?”

  “Who?”

  “Whoever empties the trash.”

  Now it was Kolson’s turn to laugh. “What? Do you think they’re going to inspect all the trash in here?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Gabriella, we’re adults. We had sex. We didn’t commit a crime.”

  After he cleaned himself up and handed her tissues to do the same, he pulled her next to him. “We need to put our harnesses on. We’ll be landing soon. And finish your champagne.”

  Kolson’s demeanor had changed. A cold, distant man had taken the place of the warm, friendly, loving one present moments ago.

  She took his hand in hers and said, “I’ve got this with you. I swore an oath to you and I won’t leave you, Kolson. I love you and you don’t have to fear this.”

  “Gabriella, you don’t know what you’re saying.” His coldness frightened her. He was untouchable and not the man she knew. She wished she could delve into his mind and find out what had happened to cause this, but she of all people understood what it meant to hold secrets dear. He’d share them when the time was right. For now, she’d be there to support him.

  A few minutes later they landed on a helicopter pad and Gabby could see a sprawling mansion in the distance. It was lit up with thousands of lights, inside and out, and music could be heard. A car waited for them as Steven shut the engine down. Once the rotors had stilled, a man approached and opened the door, assisting Gabby down.

  “Mr. Hart, welcome.”

  “Hello, Kenneth. Nice to see you again. This is Dr. Martinelli.”

  “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. This way.”

  They were driven down a winding road that circled the property and ended at the estate front. It was an enormous Greek revival mansion of the likes Gabby had only seen on the pages of books and magazines.

  “Something, isn’t it?”