THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series

by Stoni Alexander

  “My suspicions were right. Brigit was chloroformed, then injected with a sedative. That alone could have killed her. Memory loss is always a possibility with a head injury. I’ve ordered an X-ray of her ribs.” The doctor looked up from his tablet. “I’m sorry, but Brigit isn’t pregnant.” He left.

  Pain punched Colton’s gut. The loss tore through him like someone had stomped his soul. If he ever got his hands on the motherfucker who did this, he’d rip out his heart and ask questions later.

  45

  No Memory

  During Brigit’s two-day hospital stay, Colton remained by her side. The police questioned her about the attack but she remembered nothing. Her last memory was the weekend marathon meeting with Colton and Marjorie’s teams. Though confident Vinny Ray was responsible for the attack, she’d say nothing until her memory returned. By divulging his identity, she’d open the door to her secret past. And that door needed to stay shut until she was strong enough to leave.

  As she became more lucid, a recurring image haunted her, like a scene from a horror movie stuck on replay. Alexandra Reed was nestled in Colton’s arms. They drove away and Colton never returned. She didn’t know if it was real or a dream so she said nothing.

  On Sunday afternoon, Brigit was discharged. The nurse’s aide rolled her outside and she shielded her eyes from the streaming sunlight of the midafternoon sky. The cold temperature, along with her breath’s vapor, reminded her of the terrifying attack. I will get past this.

  Vonn exited the Mercedes and opened the back door. “I’m relieved you’re okay, Brigit.”

  “Thank you.”

  With Colton’s help, she eased into the backseat. Instead of riding up front, he sat next to her. Vonn drove out of the hospital parking lot and the knot between Colton’s brows finally relaxed. As the car gained speed on the parkway, the strangest feeling of relief washed over her. If Ray presumed her dead, could she really stop looking over her shoulder?

  When Vonn pulled up to the Mitus compound, an armed guard approached the vehicle. Colton rolled down his window. “Good afternoon, Mr. Mitus. Three of your staff have returned. They were cleared to enter.”

  Her heart dropped. Because of her, precautionary measures were necessary to ensure the staff’s safety. She didn’t want to put them through this. The gates opened. “I should move out,” Brigit said as Vonn drove up the driveway.

  “The only place you’re going is straight to bed,” Colton said.

  As soon as Vonn parked at the fountain, Colton helped her out of the vehicle and into the house. Taylor and Ryan greeted her with big smiles. “Welcome home!”

  A cherry-sized lump lodged in her throat. “Thank you.” The dog trotted over, his tail swooshing back and forth. “There’s my lifesaver. He’s so handsome. German Shepherd?”

  “Purebred, according to the vet,” Ryan said.

  “Thank you for cleaning him up. Did you name him?”

  “We have a few ideas,” Ryan said.

  “King, Lucky, Mojo, and LS for lifesaver.” Taylor gently hugged Brigit.

  Not even the pain in Brigit’s rib cage could stop her from greeting her dog. Moving slowly and holding her injured side, she knelt and patted his thick, shiny coat. The dog licked her cheek. “Hello, Mojo. Thank you.”

  As she stood, she groaned from the pinching pain.

  “That’s enough excitement for one day,” Colton said. “Let’s get you settled.” With a tender hand on her arm, he guided her toward the elevator. Mojo heeled at Brigit’s side.

  “I think the dog owns you.” Taylor smiled. “Can I bring you chamomile tea?”

  “Yes, please,” she said and stepped into the elevator. The doors closed and they rode in silence to the second floor. Brigit couldn’t wait to get into bed.

  Colton opened her bedroom door and Mojo plunked down in his doggie bed, tucked in the corner.

  “Let’s dress you in something more comfortable,” he said.

  “The clothes Taylor brought are fine.” She didn’t want Colton to see her bruised body. If her nightmarish memory was real, then so was his intimate relationship with Alexandra. She sat on the side of the bed and winced. Even breathing was painful.

  “Can I help you get into bed?” he asked.

  “Thanks, but I have to do it so I can manage the pain.” Moving gingerly, she got into bed and relaxed against the propped pillows.

  “Until your memory returns, I don’t think we should tell the staff much.” He sat on the edge of the bed. But he didn’t touch her.

  “I agree.” Her heart ached for him. She wanted desperately to hold his hand.

  “Let’s keep the explanation vague. Tell them you were mugged over the holiday weekend and don’t remember what happened.”

  She nodded. “Thank you for staying at the hospital with me. I’m sorry I’m putting you through this. If I could move out, I would.”

  “No more talking. Rest.”

  Taylor arrived with tea and settled onto the sofa. “I’ll stay with her.”

  “I’ll be back.” Colton pecked Brigit’s forehead and left. Had she mistaken a convenient sexual relationship for something meaningful? Her heart hurt as much as her broken body.

  Throughout the afternoon, returning staff stopped by to express concern and offer support. That evening, there was a knock on Brigit’s door. Taylor jumped up and cracked open the door. “She’s sleeping.”

  Brigit opened her eyes. “Pretending.”

  Tucker and Colton stood in the doorway “Hiya.” Tucker’s usual laid-back smile was fraught with concern.

  “C’mon in.” Still wearing a T-shirt and sweats, Brigit was propped against a mountain of pillows and tucked under the bed linens.

  Looking like a sentry, Colton stood at the foot of her bed and crossed his arms. She wished he’d hold her, not guard her. As soon as Mojo spied Tucker, he sprang from his doggie bed.

  “I heard this fella was your guardian angel.” Tucker relaxed onto the sofa. “How are things?”

  Mojo shoved a pull toy at Tucker who grabbed the end and the two tug-o-warred while Mojo made playful growly sounds.

  “Things were dicey,” she said. “I hope to be back to work soon.”

  “Not likely,” Colton said. “The doctor told you to rest.”

  “I’ve got some good news.” Tucker released the toy and Mojo dropped to the floor and gnawed it. “I found your Escalade.”

  Brigit held her breath.

  “Parked on a side street in Old Town, about two miles from where Colton found you. Spark anything?”

  Slowly exhaling, she imagined driving to Alexandria. No way. I was too scared to leave the mansion. “I don’t know how my vehicle got there, but I didn’t drive it.”

  “It was locked. No damage,” Tucker said. “My guys are dusting for prints. I checked with the City of Alexandria P.D., but there were no incidents around Thanksgiving. Helps that I’m a former Fairfax County police detective.”

  Shifting in bed, Brigit winced. Great, a former cop.

  Tucker glanced at Colton and Taylor. “Could I speak privately with Brigit?”

  Taylor headed toward the door. “Shane baked you something chocolaty. I’ll be back with dessert.” Colton left with her and shut the door.

  Brigit started overheating and slowly tossed off the bed linens. When she reached toward the water bottle on her nightstand, she reared back in pain and grabbed her ribs.

  “Here you go, darlin’.” Tucker handed her the bottle, then sat on the sofa arm and chatted about his ski weekend in Vermont. His attempt to put her at ease didn’t, but she was grateful for the distraction.

  Once finished, Tucker rested his forearms on his thighs. “Now, sweet cakes, I’ve a good hunch the person who vandalized your home is the same one who tried to kill you. Time to make this easy on both of us and tell me who you’re running from.”

  Brigit swallowed hard. Was now the time to come clean? What if her assailant wasn’t Vinny Ray? Of course it’s Ray. Telling Tucker
would open Pandora’s box. Afraid of the repercussions, she shook her head. “I’ll tell you as soon as I remember.”

  Tucker waited. And waited. And waited. Their stare-down continued until Mojo rolled on his back and started snorting, the pull toy still in his mouth. “Okie Dokie.” Tucker slapped his thighs. “When you’re ready, I’ll listen.”

  Colton returned. As he set the tray of goodies down, he looked at his cousin. But Tucker just shook his head.

  Colton hugged his cousin. “Thanks for everything.”

  “Colt, I’ll call you tomorrow.” Tucker patted Mojo. “Sorry about your holiday. Wish I’d been here for you.”

  I interrupted his Thanksgiving with Alexandra.

  “Be well, Brigit,” Tucker said from the doorway. “Call me if you remember anything.” He left, pulling the door shut.

  Colton placed the tray on the bed then eased down next to her.

  “How was your Thanksgiving?” she asked, though she didn’t have the emotional strength to hear about Alexandra.

  A rueful smile touched his eyes, but he didn’t respond. Instead he scooped chocolate truffle pie onto the fork and held it in front of her. “Shane insists chocolate is the cure-all.”

  “You don’t have to play nursemaid.” She opened her mouth and he gently placed the utensil inside. Tiny tingles scurried through her. Even in her broken state, she missed him.

  “If you want to talk about what happened…with the…well, you know. I think talking would be good for us both.” Colton forked a large piece of pie into his mouth, then washed it down with coffee.

  Talk about what? The attack? How could that be good for them both? She wasn’t sure what he meant, but she got confused easily.

  “You scared the hell out of us. You were banged up.”

  She broke eye contact. Gazing into his beautiful brown eyes was killing her. Of course he didn’t want to lose her. She was his wealth manager and a convenient sex partner. He offered her another bite of dessert. “Colton, you really don’t need—” A knock on the door interrupted her. “Come in.”

  Alexandra Reed glided into the room. Brigit’s stomach dropped. Oh, no. The girlfriend.

  “Hey,” Colton hugged her. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

  Brigit looked away.

  “Hitched a ride with Tucker. Been outside on the phone.” Dressed in leggings, boots and a sweater, Alexandra looked like the girl next door. She was makeup free and her long dark hair was tucked behind her ears. Alexandra eyed the pie. “That looks good.”

  “You want a piece?” Colton asked.

  “A big one.”

  Oh, God, no sex talk.

  “Be right back.” Colton headed toward the door.

  “Why don’t you take Alexandra with you?” She did not want to make chitchat with the girlfriend. She’d endured enough torture.

  “I came to see you, Brigit.” Alexandra sat on the edge of the bed.

  Mojo sat up, yawned, and moseyed over to greet her. While petting Mojo, Alexandra expressed concern over what had happened. “I worry about Colton. Your being here has made a difference.”

  Brigit’s head throbbed. “Having financial peace of mind is a big deal.”

  “No, he likes having you here.” Alexandra gave her a sweet smile. “Colton has always been somewhat of a loner.”

  “Oh, I…um…I’m just doing my job. I don’t want to interfere or anything.” Brigit fisted the bed sheet.

  “I want to get to know you better.”

  What? A threesome? A shiver ran through her. “I’m not into that sort of thing, but good for you if you are.” Brigit forced a smile and gave Alexandra two thumbs up. This is so awkward.

  “Into what?” Alexandra scrunched up her nose. “You’ve lost me.”

  Colton returned. “Brigit, would you like to give this to Mojo?” He handed her a doggie treat.

  Ohmygod, he’s throwing me a bone, literally.

  Colton sat on the loveseat and Alexandra moved next to him. Please don’t feed each other. Taking the dessert from Colton, Alexandra took a bite. “I heard he saved your life. He’s well trained.”

  Of course he told his girlfriend the real story. “Are you talking about the dog or Colton?”

  Alexandra and Colton laughed. “Did you tell her?” Colton asked Alexandra.

  “I’m about to.” Alexandra forked a piece of pie into her mouth.

  “Please…really…I don’t…I’m not up for—” Brigit said.

  Tucker popped his head in. “Goth Girl, I have to go.”

  “Tucker! Why do you still call me that?” Alexandra glared at him.

  After he stopped chuckling, he added, “Honeykins, what else would I call you?”

  With plate in hand, Alexandra gave Brigit a tender hug. “Feel better. Colton, thanks for getting me through the holiday.” Alexandra kissed his cheek. “I love you. Will you tell Brigit for me?”

  “Will do,” Colton said. “Love you both.”

  Tucker and Alexandra left.

  They love each other. My head is killing me, but I heard that. Brigit pulled the bed linens up around her neck. “I should probably get some sleep.”

  “Brigit, do you have family I can contact? They’re welcome to visit you. Stay here, too.”

  “No, no one.”

  He sat on the side of the bed and cupped her hand. “Where are your mom and dad?”

  “Killed by a drunk driver,” she blurted. Pain, along with the concussion, clouded her ability to think straight. She needed to be quiet.

  “Is that why you were afraid to go to the hospital?” He caressed her fingers one at a time. God, his compassion was tearing her apart.

  “Yes, but not because the hospital did anything wrong. My mom died of her injuries the next day. My dad woke from his coma a week later, but only survived long enough to tell me how much he and my mom loved me. His dying words were that I make the family business my own.” Brigit shuddered in a breath. She’d never shared that with anyone, yet somehow telling Colton helped ease her pain, a little.

  He kissed her hand and her cheek. “I’m sorry. That’s a big hurdle to get over.”

  She desperately missed his touch. But he had a girlfriend, so she tugged away her hand. “Their deaths are a heavy burden.”

  His eyes grew wide. “You were the drunk driver?”

  “Good God, no. I hardly drank back then and I’d never drink and drive.”

  “I’m not following. Why blame yourself?”

  “My mom and dad had been angry because I’d decided to go to grad school, rather than work at their company. They were overprotective and overbearing. I was making a stand.” She shrugged. “You know, exerting my independence. We hadn’t spoken for a month. They were on their way to visit me when they were hit head-on. If I’d listened to them, they’d still be alive and my life would have gone in a totally different direction.”

  “Did you return to work at the company?”

  She started trembling. “The company was bought by an entrepreneur investor. I lost it, too.” A lone tear trickled down her cheek. Before she could swipe it away, Colton tenderly brushed the tear with his thumb.

  “You’ve endured so much alone.” He caressed her hand, then held it.

  She’d divulged way too much. Must be the pain meds. Stop talking! Clearing her throat, she asked, “How about you? Besides Tucker, do you have family?”

  “My mom and Alexandra.”

  She forced a smile to hide her pain. “That’s nice. You think of your girlfriend as family.”

  Colton screwed up his face. “Alexandra isn’t my girlfriend. Where’d you get that idea?”

  “You two are close.”

  He grimaced. “Not that close! Alexandra Reed is my baby sister.”

  46

  Getting Closer

  Colton couldn’t wait another second. Gently cupping her cheeks, he murmured, “I need to kiss you.”

  “Okay,” she whispered.

  He pressed his lips to hers
and the bad disappeared. Everything felt fucking perfect. Hell, he’d missed her so damn much. She had no family to lean on and no one to help shoulder the pain and loss. He couldn’t imagine life without his family.

  Brigit’s shoulders relaxed and a tiny whimper filled his ears with her sweet sound. And now he understood why she was private, walled-off and guarded with her feelings. She’d learned to be strong for herself and by herself. He kissed her again.

  She smiled. Her beauty and strength shone through her pain. She’d get through this. He’d make sure of it. And this time she wouldn’t be alone. He’d be by her side every step of the way. Especially if she didn’t yet know she’d lost their child.

  There was a knock on the door. “I’ll send whoever it is away,” he said.

  “It’s probably Taylor. She’s been so good to me.”

  “Enter,” Colton said.

  Taylor looked from one to the other. A tiny smile flitted across her face. “According to the discharge instructions, Brigit needs to walk for leg circulation.”

  “Thanks, Taylor,” Colton said.

  “Like I said, she’s the best,” Brigit said.

  Taylor beamed. The dog trotted to the door, stopped and turned. He wagged his tail and barked once.

  “Taylor, how about I help Brigit, if you don’t mind running Mojo out back?” Colton asked.

  “Of course not. Come on, boy.” Taylor and Mojo left.

  Colton rose. Moving slowly, Brigit got out of bed and stood still for a few seconds. He extended his arm. “Hold onto me.”

  “Alexandra Reed is your sister?” She took a few small steps, then gripped his bicep. “I’m wobbly.”

  Her tender touch sent energy and warmth coursing through his veins. “I’ve got you.”

  She ambled out of the bedroom and they strolled in silence to the end of the hallway, turned and headed toward Colton’s bedroom. After one lap, he broke the silence. “Reed is our mom’s maiden name. Alexandra has a public career and likes to keep a low profile but she wanted to confide in you. The staff doesn’t know she’s my sister.”