“I adore you, my wife. You’re every man’s dream, and my greatest fantasy.”
She shivered as his words whispered across her flesh, like silk. There was no way she could ever escape this man. He’d stormed into her life, saved her, and now was everything she’d ever want or need.
“I have a present for you,” he murmured. “I picked it up a while ago. I saw it and it reminded me of my Emma.”
She looked around. Somehow, he’d managed to steer them away from the crowd.
Stepping away from her, he pulled a box out of his back pocket. Fortunately, he’d managed to hide it there without her knowing. Inside was the necklace he’d bought for their anniversary. While at the auction, it caught his eye. He couldn’t wait any longer. Greyson needed to see it around her neck. The pale flesh of her luscious breasts would make a beautiful canvas for his gift.
Emma glanced up into his eyes. “Greyson.”
“Open it, my queen.”
Taking it from his large hand, she opened it and found the most beautiful chandelier necklace she’d ever seen. There were crystals, and in the twinkling lights, they flashed fire.
“It’s old and reminded me of your soul. You’re wise beyond your years, strong, determined, and yet fiery to the touch. It’s just something small to show you the depth of my love, Emma. You own my heart.”
Her fingers ran over the necklace. Emma loved whenever Greyson would surprise her with some little token of his affection. It always astounded her that he had the time to think about her.
“I love it.”
He took the slim box from her hand and freed the necklace. “May I put it on for you, my queen?” he asked.
Emma turned, oblivious to the stares of everyone around her. One of the most amazing things about her husband was he never worried what people thought when he was being romantic.
Her heart always came first.
Greyson watched as the necklace rested perfectly against her chest. “I've never seen you look more lovely, my sweet,” he said, tossing a waiter the box, so he could dance with his wife.
The minute she was back in his arms, there was nothing but perfection in the world.
This was where she was meant to be.
There was no doubt.
Before long, as they remained lost in each other, Greyson felt the tap on his shoulder.
“May this old man cut in?” Randall Mason asked, grinning eagerly like a child.
Croft wasn’t shocked.
He knew at some point he’d have to relinquish his wife to the man. That was the problem with having to kiss someone’s ass to help the FBI.
It always came back to bite you in the end.
“Sure, but guard her with your life. I don’t want anyone touching her.”
Randall grinned at Emma. “You look lovely, dear. I think you make the perfect Titania.”
Emma allowed him to lead her in a dance. “This is amazing, Randall. Your party is crazy--and like you--over the top.”
He laughed. “I love doing things like this. The more elaborate, the better because we all need to be known for something. This is my claim to fame. Besides, you only live once, so you might as well throw one hell of a party.”
“How are you feeling?” she asked, noticing that he was a little pale and looked a worn down.
“I’m getting old, Emma. There’s nothing to stop the hands of time. If there was, I would have bought it.”
She had come to love the older man.
While she didn't trust him when it came to his dirty dealings, she still had a fondness in her heart for him. Deep down, she believed that he was good and kind. Randall’s only downfalls were that he loved money, and liked to play dirty to win. “We’re still having dinner Sunday, right?”
He laughed as he danced with her. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he promised. “You better be on time!”
Smiling at him, how could she not be charmed? “I will be.”
“Emma?” he said suddenly.
“Yes, Randall?”
He hated to burden her on such a fun night, but he couldn’t help it. The little niggling voice in his head kept reminding him that there was an urgent detail, which needed to be addressed. “I need to ask you a favor, my dear.”
She didn't mind. “What do you need?”
“When I’m gone, will you promise me one thing?” he asked. “I know tonight is a bad time to talk about this, but I don’t have any children left, and I really need a promise.”
Emma hated these kinds of conversations. She’d buried her parents and her brother. Being left behind was painful for the survivors of death.
But, she sucked it up. “Sure, Randall. What?”
“Have this party every year, no matter what.”
She smiled sweetly, before dropping a kiss onto his cheek. “I would love to host this party in your honor. I will make one change though.”
He watched her expectantly.
“I think that you and Aria should be the reigning king and queen, in absentia.”
His eyes filled with tears at her kind gesture. “Thank you, my dear. You’re a gift from above.”
Emma hugged him, getting that sick feeling.
Something wasn’t right.
She just couldn’t put her finger on it.
Greyson Croft stood by the bar having a glass of champagne. It didn't take long to sense their approach. Sadly for them, he wasn’t in the mood to be bothered, since he was watching his wife.
“What do you want, Dominic?” he asked, before the man could speak.
“I see the military honed your senses,” the man said, laughing. “Or do you have eyes in the back of your head to keep you safe?”
At the slightly veiled threat, Greyson turned to face him and Levi Hammond. “The military taught me to shoot first, Dominic. You better hope I don’t forget what the FBI used to deprogram me from the war zone.”
The man stopped smiling.
“Yes, I do believe I understand what you’re saying.”
“Good to know that you’re smarter than you look.”
Dominic forced himself to laugh. “You’re so difficult, Greyson. I can’t see why you don’t want to be my best friend. It’s not a bad role to fill. Right, Levi?” he asked the man beside him.
The crooked banker nodded, saying nothing.
Croft hated a lap dog.
“I see your lovely wife is dancing with our host. I bet she looks just as spectacular out of that dress as she does in it.”
Croft hated that the man was even looking at Emma. There was this overwhelming urge to rip his eyeballs out with his bare hands.
“No comment. What do you want, Dominic?”
“I think I’ll ask her for a dance, and you’re going to let me. In fact, from here on out, you’re going to do whatever I ask.”
Croft sipped his champagne, hoping that the man would just go away. He was struggling to regain his composure on the inside.
“I wouldn’t bet on that.”
“Oh, you remember what Levi does for a living, correct? He’s on the board of trustees at the bank that just acquired your mortgage. You’re going to play my way, or I’ll make sure you lose it all. What kind of man will you be for your wife if you lose that beautiful home? I’m betting she’ll see you in a whole other light, and not a flattering one.”
The man poked at his one secret fear. “You’re actually going to threaten a Fed? Are you crazy? This is so out of character for you, Dominic. Usually, you make it hard to throw your ass in jail.”
He laughed. “I am losing it, and she’s the cause. I’m as horny as hell, and I want a night with that lovely wife of yours. Stop being so stubborn, give in, and let me win on this. It’ll make your life so much easier. I want her, and you’re going to share. Once I screw her brains out, you can have her back.”
His cheek twitched, the only sign he was slipping.
“No.”
“I don’t want to marry her. I just want to bury my dick i
n that luscious body of hers. You can have her back when I’m done. I guarantee she won’t scream in pain, only pleasure. There won’t be a mark on that amazing body of hers, unless she likes it that way. Tell me, Greyson, does she?”
He nearly went nuts at the visual. It took everything in him not to lose it. “That’s not going to happen. In fact, if you even bring this up to me again, or try to touch Emma, I’ll toss everything in my life just to beat you into a bloody mess. You’ll be dead, and then I don’t have to worry about being stubborn.”
“Don’t take this lightly, Croft.”
He turned, surprising both men. “Unlike the women you both have to buy, my wife wouldn’t leave me even if we have to live in a tent. If you think you can screw with me, bring it on. I’ll bury you, Marianna. I have that body you dumped in the desert. I’ll add it to the others the Feds are working on. It may take me years, but I’ll see you in the chair. One day, you’re going to screw up, and I'm going to be waiting to win.”
There was a slight flicker across the man’s face.
Croft didn't miss it. The body was his doing. He knew it! His instincts weren’t off.
With that, Marianna walked away.
Honestly, Croft was glad. It was time to get his wife and spend time with her. He was hungry, cranky, and now even more on edge. On top of it all, Dominic Marianna was trying to take his fortress.
Well, like any good king would do, he prepared for battle. It was going to be one hell of a fight.
And Greyson Croft wasn’t going to go down easy.
He had everything to lose.
* * *
The night was a blur.
The lights, booze, and fun were making the time fly by.
Curtis hadn’t ever had this much fun with Brynn before in his life. When they headed out, his heart barely could handle the outfit she chose. It was tight, short, and left nothing to the imagination. While guys checked her out, he couldn’t help but get a little Croft-y. There was nothing like knowing you had the hottest babe in the place.
As she rushed over, holding test tube-like vials full of glowing liquid, Curtis knew they needed to stop. Already, they were shitfaced drunk, and he couldn’t think straight. A few more drinks of tequila, and he was going to pass out.
“Here! Drink this,” she said, shoving it into his hand as she chugged the drink.
When he obeyed, he was rewarded with Brynn throwing herself against him and kissing him. As her mouth plundered his, Curtis was lost in the sensation of it all.
His body was alive and ready to take what it wanted. Automatically, his hands cupped her ass as she ground against him to the gyrating music.
God, this was heaven.
After a few minutes, she finally came up for air.
“Are you drunk yet?” she slurred.
He laughed. “You could say that.”
“We have a few more bars to hit before we get back to the hotel. Is there anything you want to do?” she asked.
“Have really hot sex right here and now.”
Brynn leaned into his body and made sure her hand made contact with his lower anatomy. When it did, he shook.
“We’re going to, but let’s dance some more. I want to have fun!”
While that little voice in his head was warning him, Curtis chose to ignore it.
Tonight, he was off probation.
Tomorrow, he’d be a full agent.
He was going to celebrate the monumental occasion to its fullest.
No matter what.
Letting Brynn lead him back to the dance floor, he checked out her ass.
Heaven help him.
This would be a night he’d never forget.
* * *
Emma was having an amazing time at the party. After eating richly decadent food, which Randall had picked just for them, they wandered the house, checking out the spectacular decorations. Finally, they found themselves out by the pool. It was gorgeous and had little lights floating in the water.
“Do you want a drink?” Greyson asked, nibbling on his wife’s throat. She tasted like everything he craved in life.
Joy.
Peace.
Love.
“Yes, I would, Grey.”
He looked around, searching for a waiter. When he saw one heading inside, he pondered his options. There was no one around on the patio, so he wasn’t worried.
“I’ll be right back,” he whispered, giving her a kiss. “Shout if you need me.”
“I’ll be checking out the flowers. It smells amazing out here,” she reassured. “I think we need some for our condo.”
He grinned. “Anything you like, kitten.”
As her husband left, Emma began moving along the flower and tree lined patio. Just as she prepared to lean in and get a whiff of some roses, her instincts went on alert.
The cop came out, and the wife of Greyson Croft dropped back under the veneer. Only, the alcohol diminished her reaction time, and it was too late.
Before she could spin around, a hand was slapped over her mouth and one around her body. Someone far stronger than her practically dragged her to the shadows of the patio and against the wall.
Emma was scared.
Trapped.
Terrified.
Then the whisper filled her ear. “Hello, beautiful. I told you that you’d be spending time with me,” Dominic Marianna said, rubbing himself against her ass.
Oh God!
Her husband was going to lose it.
Emma began struggling, trying to escape his grip and wandering fingers. When his hand freed her mouth, so he could use both hands to feel her up, she fought that much harder.
“Let’s see how soft you really are.”
Emma shouted for help as his hand slid into the bodice of the dress, grabbing a handful of her breast.
Her eyes filled with tears.
Marianna was in his glory. Licking along her throat, he enjoyed her being trapped between his hard body and the wall. Her shouts only turned him on more. He was so aroused, that he couldn’t help himself. Lapping across her shoulder, he showed her pain and took a bite.
She struggled harder, trying to get her hands free. If she did, he was a dead man. Emma would take him down at the knees. When his teeth sunk into her flesh, she made a helpless whimper.
The pain overwhelmed her as his hands violated parts of her that were only meant for Greyson.
Then, she heard it.
It was something between a roar and a wail of horror. It filled her ears, giving Emma hope.
He was there.
When he came out on the patio, she was gone. At first he was calm, believing that Emma had just wandered into the flora and fauna.
Then, he heard the whimpered little sound coming from the darker part of the patio. His eyes focused on the shadow, deciphering what was happening.
His heart dropped as he watched Dominic Marianna put his hands all over Emma.
Something snapped.
He was no longer in control.
The sound that came from him was that of a wild animal seeking its mate.
He roared in anger, heading toward the corner.
Dominic Marianna never saw it coming. He was yanked away from Emma, spun, and punched in the face a couple times. When he stumbled, Greyson Croft didn't let up. He swung hard and fast, laying into the man’s body.
There was a gasp of air as he was pummeled with angry fists. With the last shot to his face, he stumbled backward into the pool.
Emma grabbed onto her husband’s arm as it looked like he was going to head into the water to finish the man off. She’d never seen her husband so lost in rage before. There was no doubt that Dominic Marianna was fortunate he fell into the pool.
Her touch got his attention. Pulling her into his body, he held her against his larger frame as the anger raged on.
“I’m going to fucking kill you, Marianna. You’re lucky there are witnesses, or you’d be going out of here in the ME’s body bag.”
; The commotion drew attention. Randall Mason and other partiers exited the building.
“You assaulted my wife. I’m going to end your miserable life!”
Emma shook against him. “I’m okay, Grey. Babe, I’m okay,” she said over and over again, trying to reassure her husband.
He held her incredibly tight, the fear now beginning to settle over him. Jesus! Had he stopped for a cigar, like he was contemplating, Dominic Marianna might have raped his wife.
Emma was scared shitless. Both because of what had happened, and that her husband would lose his mind and kill the man.
Marianna swore from the water. Blood was beginning to tint the water in a cloud around him. “You’re screwed, Croft!”
He tried to get into the water once more, only Emma held him back.
“Please, Grey,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
For his Emma, he’d calm down. “I warned you to not touch my wife. You’re lucky I don’t call the cops. The only reason I won’t is because your scumbag lawyers will get you off. So, now we do this my way.”
Marianna struggled to the pool’s edge.
Randall rushed toward them. “What happened?” he asked, as Levi Hammond fished the bleeding Dominic from the pool.
Already, a crowd was growing. Those who didn't see Greyson Croft kick the shit out of Dominic Marianna were now asking those who did what happened. There were whispers and stares.
“He assaulted my wife. I came out here to find his hands in her dress, and her body pinned against the wall.”
“She wanted it,” shouted Marianna.
Croft nearly walked on water to get to him. He would have reached the man to kick his ass if there weren’t six security guards blocking the way.
“Bullshit! You’re nothing but some well-dressed thug! You’re a dead man! I’m coming for you, Marianna! Bet on it!”
Emma shook against her husband.
“Dear, are you okay?” Randall asked, noticing that Emma was near tears.
She nodded, unable to speak.
“Did he attack you, Emma?” Randall Mason asked, running his hand up and down her arm.
Heaven is Weeping (A Croft & Croft Romance Adventure Book 5) Page 21