Though she was being playful, her edgy and breathy voice made his cock move. “I’m here to ask you out to dinner tomorrow night.”
“No Mitus event or last-minute demand?”
With a sly smile, he shook his head.
“Like a date?”
He grinned. “Yeah, like a date.”
She lifted her face to his. “There is one place I’m curious about.”
God, he wanted her. But when didn’t he? He inhaled her irresistible scent. “Name your spot.”
“I’d like to attend a masked sex party.”
55
Sealing the Deal
From their pre-show dinner at the elegant Marcel’s in D.C., to the Kennedy Center benefactor cocktail reception and opera, Colton made sure Brigit’s evening had gone off without a hitch. He wanted their night to be unforgettable.
After stepping inside the Mitus guesthouse, she leaned up and kissed him. “Thank you for a wonderful evening. Why didn’t we go straight to the party?”
“I want to talk to you.” Colton closed the front door, grasped her hand and led her into the living room.
“Sounds serious.” She tapped the fireplace remote on the coffee table. As canary yellow and cerulean blue flames erupted behind the glass plate, she sat ramrod stiff on the edge of the sofa cushion.
Though he’d made her uncomfortable, she’d soon understand. He removed his suit jacket and laid it over the back of the recliner. “I’ve no intention of returning to the sex parties, so I tossed every mask except the one I used with you.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “I thought you’d relocated them because I moved into your bedroom.”
It was time for her to know how deeply he loved her. “You are all I want. All I need.”
She furrowed her brow. “I see.”
Easing onto the cushion beside her, he lifted her hand and kissed her finger. “Why don’t you look elated?”
“I’m surprised.”
“How ‘bout I paint a picture and if you still want to go, we’ll go.”
“Fair enough.” Leaning back, she crossed her legs. The vintage gold and cream gown fell away, exposing her shapely legs.
“Wow.” He ran his hand along her shapely thigh. “You look amazing in that dress. I’m a very lucky man.”
“Yes, you are.” As she smiled, her nose crinkled.
Too cute. He pressed a lingering kiss on her mouth and his body warmed. “The show is located in a private home with a setup similar to the one you saw here.”
“I survived that.”
“You flew upstairs before it ended.”
A pink hue covered her cheeks. “Well, there was that.”
Colton wanted to be completely forthright. “Afterward everyone heads to the Playroom. It’s a large, candlelit space filled with nothing but beds and sofas. Bowls of condoms everywhere.”
Her eyes widened. “Orgy?”
“Mostly twosomes, although threesomes happen. Occasionally, there are small groups.”
“Good God.” Brigit fiddled with the diamond pendant resting on her chest.
“It’s extreme, especially since everyone is masked.” He took her hand. “Some masks are damn intense, like the ones you saw in my closet.”
Staring into his eyes, she paused for a few seconds. “Good call on the sex parties, but our masked sex was hot. Any chance you’re available to do that tonight?”
He dropped a lingering kiss just below her earlobe. “That can be arranged.” Her breathy moan ignited his need and he started to harden.
“I’d like for us to return to Uninhibited,” she said. “How does that sound?”
“Very sexy. But I just watch.”
With a smirk, she added, “Good thing your rules don’t apply to me.”
He laughed. “Like hell they don’t.”
As she squeezed his hand, her smile fell away. “Since we’re putting it all out there, I’m sorry I kept my identity a secret. I tried telling you, more than once…in spite of the fact that the truth could have ruined everything.
“But it didn’t, Brigit,” he said and kissed her hand.
“No, it didn’t.” After running her fingers through his hair, she caressed his cheek. “My love found a home when you came into my life.”
He felt the same way. This is it.
“I knew you were special from the moment I saw you,” he said. “When we met, your defiance struck a chord. I was intrigued. I love how smart and strong-willed you are. And every day you’re more beautiful than the day before. You’ve helped me let go of my painful past and the demons that haunted me. You make me want to be a better man.”
“Thank you.” She smiled sweetly. “Though I tried fighting it, I sensed our strong connection from the beginning.”
“A connection that will never end.” He got down on one knee.
“Oh,” she gasped.
Surprisingly, her shocked expression calmed him. This was a big deal. The most important decision either of them would ever make. Would she think it too soon? Would she even say yes? “I adore you. Being together feels right.”
She swallowed. “Uh-huh.”
He pulled the small black Harry Winston box from beneath the sofa cushion. Slowly, he opened it. The five-carat emerald-cut diamond was surrounded by a halo of round diamonds. Pink diamond baguettes flanked either side of the platinum setting.
“Marry me, Brigit.”
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, again and again. The kisses turned passionate and she pressed herself so close she almost knocked him over.
Laughing, he ended the kiss. “Shall I take that as a yes?”
“Yes, a million yesses.” She extended her shaky hand and he slid the ring onto her finger. “I wasn’t expecting this.”
“Lemme see that rock, if you can lift your hand.”
She proudly displayed the ring. “It’s magnificent. You have great taste.”
“It’s you. Brilliant, beautiful, sparkly, flawless.”
She laughed. “I love that! But I have a lot of flaws, Colton.”
“Nope, not a one.” He stood, pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I want you.”
Standing on her tiptoes, she murmured, “I’m all yours.”
Suddenly, a flash of light caught her eye over his shoulder. Vanessa charged down the hallway, holding a large kitchen knife over her head. She looked crazed, her eyes bulging as she raced toward them.
56
Attacked!
“Noooo!” Brigit yanked Colton out of the way as the knife sliced through the air, narrowly missing his shoulder.
Vanessa stumbled forward, spun around and extended the blade toward him. Her blonde hair was oily, her sweater was stained, and the stench of stale booze hung in the air. “I gave you the best years of my life and you propose to her? I can’t fucking believe it! I made you who you are! And this, this, is how you repay me? I’m gonna kill you, you ungrateful son of a bitch!”
During Vanessa’s rant, Brigit flew to the security panel on the wall near the front door, punched all the emergency buttons, then bolted back to the living room. “Get away from him!”
With a rabid look in her eyes, Vanessa redirected her wrath and the knife toward Brigit. “And you, you money-grubbing slut! I had things under control until you got here!”
Charging, Colton kicked Vanessa in the solar plexus. She buckled forward, mouth agape, desperately trying to breathe. He gripped her wrist, spun her into a choke hold and squeezed. “Drop the knife or I’ll fucking kill you,” he growled.
Gasping for air, Vanessa released the knife. Colton grabbed her forearms, slammed her to the ground, and buried his knee into the small of her back. Brigit quickly kicked the knife out of Vanessa’s reach.
“You’re hurting me!” Vanessa shouted.
“Shut the fuck up,” Colton said through gritted teeth.
Though trembling, Brigit dropped to her knees beside Colton, undid his holiday tie and began binding Vanessa’s wris
ts.
Vanessa turned her head and spat. “Get away from me, bitch.”
Brigit froze. A silver corded Yurman bracelet clung to Vanessa’s wrist.
“See something familiar, little Brigit?” Vanessa hissed.
“Oh my God, that’s my bracelet.” Still shaking, Brigit unhooked the jewelry.
Suddenly, she couldn’t breathe. Beads of sweat formed along her brow as terrifying images flashed through her mind. Being hoisted into the passenger seat of her Escalade. Dumped onto the cold, hard ground. Kicked and kicked again. Then tied up and left to die. Alone in the cold, scary darkness.
Clutching her chest, Brigit cried out. “Oh, my God! You! You tried to kill me.” The room started spinning and she choked back another wail.
The front door banged against the wall. Vonn burst into the living room, gun drawn.
“Get over here!” Colton shouted. “Bind her with my tie.”
Dropping to his knees, Vonn holstered his Glock, then quickly secured Vanessa’s wrists. “Chad told me she’d left without a scene. I knew that wasn’t the end.”
“Make sure she doesn’t move,” Colton said. “She’s been drinking, but she’s strong.”
“I should clear the house,” Vonn said.
“No, the police will do it,” Colton replied. “I need to help Brigit.”
“Fuck Brigit,” Vanessa rasped.
Vonn took Colton’s place, pressing his massive weight on Vanessa.
“I can’t breathe, you idiot,” Vanessa hissed.
“Silence,” Vonn bit out.
Colton pulled Brigit into his arms. “My God, I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, Brigit, oh, Brigit!” screeched Vanessa. “Colton, you’re a pussy-whipped fool!”
“Enough.” Vonn pushed Vanessa’s face into the carpet and held it there.
Unable to catch her breath, Brigit could not stop shaking. Vanessa Ellison had tried to murder her.
“Let’s get you some water.” With a firm grip on her waist, Colton led her into the kitchen, then poured her a glass of water. “She won’t get away with this.”
Feeling numb, Brigit drained the glass.
“Don’t let her see you like this,” he whispered.
Nodding, Brigit said, “I’m okay.” But, she wasn’t. Hand in hand they returned to the living room.
Brigit fixed a hard stare on Vanessa. “I had you pegged for a first-class bitch from day one, but you’re crazy.”
“You fucked up my long-term plans. I needed you gone.” Vanessa’s chilling voice sent a shiver through Brigit. “You got one swift kick because Colton rented those damned caverns for you. I loved ruining your storybook evening by slashing his tires.”
“I could fucking kill you,” Colton growled. “You’re insane.”
A maniacal grin spread across Vanessa’s reddened face. “He wanted you by his side at the gala. Your punishment? Another kick.” Hatred poured from her eyes. “That fucking piano earned you a third strike. But I unleashed my wrath when he took you into his bed. That last blow should have finished you off. My only regret is not dumping you in the Potomac.”
Oh, my God! Feeling nauseated, Brigit clutched Colton for support. Lunatic.
Vonn dug his knee into Vanessa’s back. “Prison is too good for you. You’re a monster.”
“You’re an asshole, Vonn. I don’t deserve this cruel treatment. I’m Colton’s most loyal employee.” As Vanessa craned her neck around, her expression softened. “Colt, I stood by you from the beginning. I believed in you, did whatever necessary to ensure your success. I kept all the pretty ladies away. But she ruined everything! Let me go and I won’t press charges. We can work this out, like two rational adults in love.”
Brigit whipped her gaze to Colton. “What’s she talking about?”
His lips were slashed into thin lines, his cheek muscles clenched. “I’d planned on telling you. Just not tonight.”
The tightness in Brigit’s chest returned.
“Vanessa sabotaged my business,” Colton said. “I never knew you contacted me until a few days ago.”
Brigit’s rubbery legs gave out and she clutched the sofa to keep from crumpling.
Just then, Taylor ran into the room with police and paramedics close on her heels. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no.”
“I’m Officer Henson,” said the taller man. “This is my partner, Officer Smith. What’s going on?”
“I’m Colton Mitus. We were attacked by a former employee.”
“Stand her up,” Henson said.
As if she weighed nothing, Vonn lifted Vanessa to her feet.
“Ma’am, is that true?” Henson asked.
Vanessa lunged toward Brigit, but Vonn yanked her back. Even so, Brigit recoiled.
Henson stepped between the two women. “What’s your name?”
“That bitch got me fired!” Vanessa glared at Brigit.
“Ma’am, I smell alcohol on your breath. Have you been drinking?” Henson asked.
“Fuck you.”
“That type of language won’t be tolerated,” Henson said, then addressed Colton and Brigit. “Why don’t you tell us what happened?”
Brigit explained how she’d been attacked over Thanksgiving.
“Is that what happened?” Henson asked Vanessa.
She rolled her eyes. “That man is mine. Case closed.”
Eyeing Vonn’s weapon, Officer Smith inquired, “Sir, do you have a permit to carry?”
“Vonn Savage, Mitus security. It’s in my wallet in the main house.”
Smith nodded. “We’ll need to see that. Have you cleared the premises?”
“No.”
“I’ll take care of that.” With his weapon drawn, Smith headed down the hallway. A few moments later, he returned. “I found an empty whiskey bottle, duct tape, rope, another kitchen knife and a keyless remote to a Cadillac.”
Brigit gripped Colton’s arm. “After I was attacked, my Escalade was found two miles from where I was dumped.”
“Good to know,” said the officer. “Mr. Mitus, you and your staff won’t be able to return here until forensics has completed its investigation.”
“Understood,” said Colton.
Officer Henson arrested Vanessa, read her her rights, and cuffed her. As he led Vanessa out, she turned. “Colton, I’ll never give up on us.” Then she shot Brigit a death stare. “He’s mine. Don’t ever forget that.”
57
Holiday Party
Brigit tucked her toes into her Christian Louboutin stilettos and looked at the wall hooks that once housed Colton’s mask collection. His black mask from Halloween and the one he’d bought her were all that remained. Even though Christmas was two days away, she’d decided to give him one of his presents later that evening.
“I love when you wear your hair up,” Colton said as he buttoned his brown silk Armani sport coat.
She flashed him a smile. “I love when you don’t shave.” Turning away, she revealed the unzipped back of her black Versace cocktail dress.
Stepping close, he trailed his fingers down her back then kissed the nape of her neck. Slowly, he zipped the dress. “Something’s not right.”
When he finished, she gazed into his eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m zipping. Shouldn’t I be removing your dress?”
Leaning up, she whispered into his ear, “You’ll get to do that plus a whole lot more before the night is over.”
“How can we arrange for that party to start now?” He kissed her.
“No can do. I’ve been looking forward to meeting your mom all week.”
His eyes softened. “She can’t wait, either.”
His black dress pants and cable brown sweater hung perfectly on his sculpted frame and she ran her hand down his chest, over the soft knit. “Let’s rock this party.” They left their bedroom closet and walked hand in hand down the hallway.
“I’m disappointed Shaniqua and Monica already left for New York,” she said.
&nbs
p; “Tucker left this morning, too. We’ll have a dinner party after the holidays when they’re available.”
“I love that idea.”
Unclasping his hand, he caressed her bottom. “I have a lot of ideas you’d love.”
Her body warmed from his frisky touch and she gave his butt cheek a little squeeze. “Me, too.” As they walked down the stairs, she said, “It’s so quiet. Where is everyone?”
The normally bright foyer was illuminated only by the flickering candlelight spilling from the living room. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, a chorus of “Congratulations!” streamed from the living room. To their surprise, the staff had congregated around the baby grand.
With his tail wagging, Mojo trotted over and Brigit rubbed his head. “Hello, my sweet boy.”
Elliott, Shane, Ryan and Taylor walked in, each carrying a tray of champagne flutes. “Thank you, Taylor,” Colton said as he lifted two glasses. “For everything.”
Chad belted out a whistle. “Okay, a toast, so…quiet down!” He raised his glass and waited until all eyes were on him. “Colton, Brigit. We wish you the best and we love you. Congratulations and bottoms up.”
After lots of clinking glasses, the group sipped the chilled bubbly.
“I’d like to add something.” Taylor cleared her throat. “In many ways, we’re family. Our living arrangement is impossible to explain, so I don’t try to anymore. Even though I love my job and all of you, something was missing. It’s whatever makes a house a home. Turns out it was never a something, but a someone. Here’s to Brigit.” She raised her glass.
Brigit’s eyes misted. “Thank you, Taylor. You guys are my family and I’m grateful for all of you.” She rubbed Mojo’s head.
Elliott and Shane, clothed in their black chef’s uniforms, pivoted toward the kitchen.
“Wait,” Red said. “I heard you two refused to surrender your kitchen to caterers, but you’re joining us after dinner for the live entertainment, right?”
“As long as the entertainment remains clothed.” Elliott tipped his toque.
THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series Page 33