Heaven is Weeping (A Croft & Croft Romance Adventure Book 5)

by Morgan Kelley

  The look on Dante’s face was priceless.

  “I never really thought about kids,” Steele admitted. “I’ve never even held a baby before. Well, there was that one time in medical school, but it wasn’t alive. Does that count?”

  “Yeah, it counts if we’re talking about creepy shit that’s totally inappropriate at the dinner table,” Greyson teased.

  “I can’t believe this conversation.”

  It was fun being Dante’s big brother. “Well, son, it’s about to get worse. Reserves are up soon. Are you reenlisting or finding something else to do?”

  Now he sounded like the man’s father.

  “Well, I always wanted to run my own business. Since this is Vegas, I’ll have plenty of opportunity. Maybe I’ll open a brothel or stable of fine young men.”

  Greyson stared openmouthed at his younger brother. “For my career’s sake, I pray you’re yanking my chain.”

  Dante grinned wickedly.

  “I’m going to go clean up. How about bourbon and cigars on the couch?” she offered, stacking plates to carry into the kitchen.

  “Tell my cigar wench to get ready,” Greyson stated, looking up at her. When he did, she dropped a kiss to his lips as he patted her on the behind.

  “I will,” she replied, heading toward Dante to drop a kiss to his forehead. “Behave,” she warned. Then, for the hell of it, Steele received a kiss to the cheek. “Welcome to the family. Get meds--a whole lot of them. You’re going to need them.”

  With that warning, she walked away laughing.

  When Emma was gone, the conversation changed drastically.

  “I made the call,” Croft stated. “She’s safe.”

  “Good. I don’t want anything to happen to Emma. She’s the heart of this family,” stated Dante.

  “I’ll do whatever it takes, even quit the FBI if that’s what has to be done. This one is on me. I’m taking care of my woman. If Dominic Marianna thinks I won’t kill to save her, he’s underestimated me. He won’t see the bullet before I take his life.”

  Dante knew about his brother’s past, so he didn't doubt it.

  It was dangerous to taunt a killer, and that’s what Greyson Croft had once been.

  * * *

  She had to admit, it was getting boring in the old, run down motel. Already, she’d seen a roach scurry across the toe of her pricey heels.

  The sooner she got out of there, the better.

  The informant was late, and that was pissing her off. As far as she was concerned, this mystery asshole had a few minutes left, and then she was taking off.

  It was creepy sitting there alone.

  Just as she glanced down at her watch, there was a knock on the door.

  “It’s about damn time!” she stated, angrily yanking the door open to face her informant.

  She didn't see it coming.

  He plowed into her, taking her to the ground. The wind was knocked out of her as she struggled to breathe. His body weight held her in place as she tried to scream.

  “It won’t matter, my dear. I’m here to make your fantasies come true. I saw you on the website. I know what you like.”

  She struggled as he began tying her arms behind her back. As she opened her mouth to scream, her panties were stuffed there to keep her silent.

  The panic overwhelmed her.

  “I saw that you like rape fantasies, so I’m going to give you what you want. Then, afterward, you’ll give me what I need.”

  He rolled her over, staying on her legs.

  Her eyes filled with tears.

  “It’s time to begin,” he said, sliding the knife up her silk shirt to cut it from her body. “Very nice,” he said, running his hands over her flesh. When she whimpered, he enjoyed it.

  Unlike the last one, he’d get off.

  He could tell.

  Leaning down, he licked her neck.

  The tears began streaming down her face.

  “Let’s begin. I find that I’m really into brunettes, but you’ll just have to do.”

  Nia Howard tried to scream.

  Only it didn't matter.

  Her time on Earth was over.

  She’d never seen this coming.

  * * *

  There was nothing like cigars and bourbon on the couch. Generally, Emma would be playing the piano for him, but tonight he really wanted her near.

  Offering each man a cigar, Dante accepted but Steele passed. Once Emma had helped her brother-in-law light his, she nestled down in Greyson’s lap.

  Immediately, the remaining tension drained from her body. She wished she could say the same about his. Instead, Greyson was tense, taut, and off balance. Emma could feel it.

  Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she nuzzled his cheek, hoping to help him calm down. When her teeth found his earlobe, he growled.

  “Behave.”

  It made her giggle. “Yes, Grey.” His body began reacting to her in his lap, and Emma’s mission was complete.

  If he was thinking about sex, he wasn’t stressed.

  Before he could say anything more, his cell began ringing. He immediately recognized the tone. “It’s like her ears were ringing,” he stated.

  Pulling out his phone, Dante was shaking his head.

  “Don’t do it! Oh for the love of God, don’t answer!”

  Croft knew he had no choice. The woman would hunt them down if he didn't. The last thing he needed was his mommy to show up in Vegas.

  He had enough problems to deal with.

  “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”

  “Greyson Thaddeus Croft! Why is it that every time I turn on the national news, you’re on it? Now, you’re carrying Emma and she looks like hell. What is going on out there?”

  “Same shit, different day, Mom. You know how wild ‘Sin City’ can be.”

  “Watch your mouth, Greyson. You know how I feel about my boys cursing.”

  He rolled his eyes.

  Emma had to save him. Taking the phone from him, she opted to face the woman down. “Hi, mom. It’s Emma.”

  She put it on speaker.

  “Sweetheart, are you okay?”

  “Yes, there was an incident, but I’m good. Greyson took care of me. You raised an awesome son, so thank you.”

  He could have kissed his wife for taking one for the team and facing his mother down. ‘I love you,’ he mouthed.

  “Well, we’re coming to visit.”

  Both men looked horrified.

  Dante went to stand and Greyson pointed at him. If he was going to have to deal with their mother, so was he. There was no one escaping this sinking ship. The captain and first mate were both equally screwed.

  “We’re good, Mom. I swear. We’re in the middle of a case right now. You know how it is. Maybe now isn't a good time to come here. We won’t be able to show you around.”

  Dante was shaking his head, practically pleading.

  Steele was amused. So, it was like this for all families, not just him. It was good to know.

  “We insist. We’ll stay at a hotel, since you two are newlyweds.”

  Emma had to do it. She knew the in-law etiquette, and what was expected of her. “Not happening, Mom. We have a spare room. You’re both are staying here with us.”

  She apologized silently. ‘Sorry.’

  “When are you coming, Mom?” Emma asked.

  Good! That gave them time to escape into the night. It appeared both men were already planning.

  “We’re packing right now. We’ll be there in a week or three. Christopher wants to drive. Something about seeing America while we still can. It’s going to be one heck of a drive. He plans on stopping to see that house that looks like a boot, and the world’s largest ball of twine.”

  Croft fought not to laugh. He’d cut out his eyes before ever suggesting that. Then again, his dad had been a cop. Maybe after seeing all he did, this was his escape--twine.

  “If we’re not done with our case, we’ll find something for you to do,” she offer
ed.

  “We’ll be fine. Is Dante around? He’s not answering his cell phone.”

  He shook his head.

  “Yes, he is. Would you like to speak to him?” Emma offered, picking up the phone and taking it off speaker.

  “Yes, I would.”

  ‘Traitor,’ he mouthed. “Hello, Mom,” he said, into the phone. Then, he looked right at Steele. “Yes, we were having dinner.” Knowing why she was calling, he headed to the patio.

  It gave them all a clear hint--especially Steele.

  “Don’t worry,” Emma reassured. “Reggie’s bark is worse than her bite. I had to meet her in the hospital after Grey was almost killed. At least you get to meet her over dinner.”

  Greyson laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “Yeah, it’s still going to suck,” he offered. Croft noticed the doctor was watching his brother through the glass.

  The conversation became heated.

  Immediately, big brother mode kicked in. “She’s a handful. I hope you won’t be scared away.”

  Steele glanced over. “I’m stronger than that. When you’re gay, you have to be. People often forget you have feelings too, and believe they can hurt you because you’re less than human.”

  That broke Emma’s heart. “Steele, I’m sorry,” she began.

  “It’s okay. I’m used to it.”

  Well, the mood of the evening had begun deteriorating rapidly. They would catch random words from Dante.

  No.

  Stop.

  My life.

  Forget it.

  All of them were ominous. When he headed back in, Greyson and Emma saw it coming. They weren’t new at the relationship game.

  “We’re getting out of here,” he stated, tossing his brother his phone.

  “Why?” Steele asked curiously.

  “To avoid my parents at all costs,” Dante admitted.

  There was a quiet that befell the room. Emma saw the hurt in the man’s eyes, and Greyson noticed the expression on his face. His brother had a lot to learn about relationships.

  He was screwing this up left and right.

  It reminded him of his dating life at that age. Thank God he was past that.

  “So, you don’t want me to meet your parents?” Steele asked, giving Dante one last chance to rectify what he was saying.

  “No. Never.”

  “We’re going to bed,” Greyson stated, grabbing his wife and cigar. This was about to become a bloodbath, and frankly, he’d cleaned up enough of Dante’s messes this week. “Lock up when you’re done, kids.”

  With that, he practically carried Emma from the room as fast as possible.

  When they were gone, Dante faced Steele. “Please don’t make this into something it’s not.”

  Steele stood. “I don’t think I’m doing anything irrational. I just asked one question. You’re the one who is ashamed of our relationship.”

  “Wait! What?” Dante got that sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

  “You want to hide me from your parents. I get it. That’s fine, Dante.”

  “No, you don’t understand, Steele. I’m trying to keep you safe. My mother is crazy. She’ll be talking weddings and flowers before you know it.”

  He didn't speak.

  “She’s a control freak. Reggie Croft makes Greyson Croft look mellow. The woman is crazy and on good days should be medicated.”

  Again, Steele Bentley simply stared at him.

  This was frustrating as hell. Dante knew instinctually that he was going to lose this one. “I’m afraid she’ll scare you away. You’ll take one look at my family and run. I’ve finally found someone who makes me happy, and my mother will ruin that. She’ll over analyze, harass, and talk you into leaving me somehow. I love her, but she’s out of control.”

  Steele relaxed. He could see the true fear in Dante’s face. “I want to meet your parents. I look at you and your brother and know they have to be good people. The man I love and one, who I respect a great deal, are decent, kind human beings. That says a lot about the parents who raised them.”

  Dante didn't know what to say.

  “I’m in love and tired of hiding who I am. All day long, I listen to people talk about their girlfriends and boyfriends, and I can’t. I have to pretend I don’t feel, hurt, or want the same things in life. I don’t want to hide any more, Dante. If you want to be with me, I need you to feel the same way. It’s hard not to ever hold someone’s hand in public because you’re afraid you’ll get jumped and attacked. I can never kiss my partner in a movie theater, or I’ll be told I’m perverse and sick.”

  Dante knew the struggles.

  He lived them too.

  “I don’t want to hide. I want to go to functions with my partner. I want to get married one day, and not have to wait for the Supreme Court to tell me it’s okay when my heart already knows that.”

  “I feel the same, Steele. I’m just trying to protect you.”

  “At the same time, you’re making me feel like I’m less than human. I love another man, and that’s who I am.”

  “I love you too.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m deserving of love.”

  He moved toward him. “I’m sorry. I didn't think my actions would make you feel like I was ashamed of you.”

  “Do you love me enough to be out in public with me, Dante? When we’re all invited to a party, are you going to stand three feet away and pretend I’m just a friend?”

  “No.”

  “When someone points at you and asks if you’re gay, will you deny it?”

  “I prefer being called jovial, but no, I won’t deny it,” he stated, trying to make him laugh. He thought he saw the corner of his lip curl.

  “I want to live in the world. Not watch it.”

  “As soon as my enlistment is up, I’ll be out with you. The government says there’s no problem with its soldiers being gay, but trust me, that’s really not the case.”

  He understood.

  “Just let me retire and not get discharged. Then, we’ll start living our lives. I promise.”

  “Can I meet your mother?” Steele asked.

  Dante laughed. “You’re sick to even want to do that,” he teased.

  Steele grinned. “I play in dead bodies all day. You’re preaching to the choir.”

  Closing the gap between them, Dante hugged him. “I’m sorry if I hurt you, again. Want to go to bed?” he asked, leaning his forehead against the other man’s.

  “Yeah, I’d like that.”

  Dante took his hand. “Oh, one thing.”

  “Yes?” he asked, as they hit the lights and headed toward Dante’s bedroom.

  “When she makes you miserable as sin, and you want to jump off the balcony, don’t ask for mercy. You brought this on yourself,” he stated, laughing. “I tried to rescue you, but you were too stubborn to run for your life.”

  Steele grinned. “IF she makes me miserable, I’ll own it.”

  Now, he was laughing. “Oh, Steele, I almost feel sorry for you. Reggie Croft is the conductor of the crazy train, and now you can never get off.”

  Oddly, Steele didn't mind.

  He’d found love.

  And a family…

  * * *

  Curtis Briggs usually liked hanging out at Brynn’s place, but tonight felt off balance. As they sat side by side, trying to relax, he was afraid to say anything, but his gut was on fire.

  He was irritated.

  Pissed off.

  Mad as hell.

  Finally, he went for it. “Are you happy that I’m here?” he asked, glancing over at her. “If not, I can leave.”

  Brynn was glad he broke the ice. Since getting married, the entire time she was alone with him was awkward. All Brynn kept thinking about was what they’d done.

  Had it been a mistake?

  Would they fall apart or could it work?

  “Yes, why?” she asked.

  “You haven’t been saying much.”

  “I
was thinking about what we’ve done,” Brynn admitted.

  Curtis wasn’t one for confrontation. In fact, he thrived on peace in his life. For the last few weeks he’d found it. “I don’t believe you’re happy, Brynn. Here I am, married to the woman of my dreams, and she’s miserable.”

  She glanced over. Holy shit! This was out of control.

  “You took off your ring.”

  Good! He finally got that one thorn removed from his heart. It had been eating away at him all day.

  “I’m just worried that we rushed into something. I’m not like you, Curtis. I’m not impulsive.”

  Her words hurt. She’d once broken his heart, and he wasn’t going to stick around while she wondered if he was a mistake. They’d been down that road once before, and it wasn’t happening again.

  Curtis held out his hand. “Give me the ring.”

  She stared at him. His words were harsh. All gentleness was gone from them. Yet, she did what he asked.

  “Why?” she asked, knowing that once he had it, he was gone. Brynn was afraid of this.

  “Since you see what we did as a mistake, I’ll keep it safe. If you decide you want it back, it’s yours. If you don’t, just get me the divorce papers.”

  As he stood, her heart began pounding. “I just think we moved too fast. We don’t really know each other.”

  He stopped, his back toward her. “I know you, Brynn. I know you’re breaking my heart again. Like last time, I’ll walk, but this time I won’t crawl back to you. I won’t take you back for destroying what’s left of me.”

  He didn't wait.

  Instead, he grabbed his keys and messenger bag. At the door, he paused. “I love you, Brynn. Decide what’s best for you and let me know.”

  With that, he was gone.

  Heading to the couch, Brynn closed her eyes and tried to think. All she needed was a sign--something which proved to her that she was on the right path. Her gut was screaming that there was a mess ahead.

  She really wanted to be happy, but deep down, she couldn’t help but think this was a mistake. In her heart, she didn't know if she was marriage material.