“I didn’t buy that,” said Colton. “You should be on top of the world. What’s going on?”
“Alexandra is on her way.” Crockett offered Colton the whiskey. “You’re gonna need this.”
Colton took the glass, but set it down on the coffee table before relaxing on the sofa.
Fueled by anger, Crockett paced. “A handful of scum was arrested the night we found Sophia. The sex club was a front for sex trafficking. It was deplorable.”
“That’s disgusting,” Colton said.
“After Danny read the police report, he thought Alexandra should know the truth. She’s due home any minute and I’m not doing this alone.”
Colton furrowed his brow. “I’m not following.”
“One club member was a serial pedophile. He was arrested the night we found Sophia.” With clenched fists, Crockett stared out the window. “He also had a thing for Alexandra. That prick never laid his hands on her, but he came close.”
“Jesus, what a sick bastard.”
“I never knew his real name until today.”
Colton stood beside him and Crockett felt his stare boring into him. “Who was it, Crockett?”
His guts burned, his head pounded. Crockett pivoted. “Wilson Montgomery.”
On a growl, Colton’s eyes blackened with hatred. “Fuck. No.”
“You told me Wilson Montgomery was behind the hostile takeover,” Crockett bit out. “What you failed to mention was his goddamn relationship to you.”
“And said what, ‘My father is trying to ruin me?’” Colton raked his hands through his unruly hair. “You brought me a phenomenal opportunity. I shouldered it and every damned thing that came with it. I wasn’t going to fail you or the Francesco Company, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to let that son of a bitch win.”
“That fucking pervert—Wilson Montgomery Mitus—would have sexually assaulted his own daughter if I hadn’t gotten to the club in time.”
“Jesus,” Colton growled. “I’ll kill the motherfucker.”
“You’ve got to help me tell her. Alexandra doesn’t know.”
35
Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
Alexandra was bursting with the good news about her job offer, but when she entered the living room, the tension radiating off both men was palpable.
She rushed over to Colton. “It’s Mom, isn’t it? So much has happened in the past few days that I haven’t—”
“Mom is fine,” Colton said, cutting her off. “She’s settled in and loves the constant attention. That’s not why I’m here.” He picked up a shot glass and downed its contents.
As she slipped off her winter coat, panic soared through her. “Did something happen to Sophia?” She’d visited Crockett’s sister in the hospital every day and had become very attached to her.
Her brother paced in front of the window. The V between Crockett’s brows wouldn’t go away. Her chest tightened and she couldn’t catch her breath. Lightheaded, she sat on the sofa. “Please, tell me. I feel like I’m going to pass out.”
“I heard from Danny,” Crockett began. “Jase Payne has been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for over a decade. His real name is Rodney James.”
Alexandra swallowed. This couldn’t possibly be the reason Crockett had summoned her brother. “Okay.”
“Francois is Frank Robinson. No priors. Dracule is a man named Wilson Montgomery.” Crockett flicked his gaze to Colton.
Colton sat on the coffee table across from Alexandra and clasped her hands. The pain in his eyes surprised her. “Last November, Wilson Montgomery attempted a hostile takeover of the Francesco Company. If he’d succeeded, Crockett and I would have lost the biggest deal of our careers. He wanted to ruin me professionally and he almost succeeded. I didn’t know who he was until I met him.”
“I’d never met Montgomery,” Crockett said. “And Colton never told me who he was.”
Eyeing the two most important men in her life, Alexandra vented her exasperation. “I’m not following. Who is this Montgomery guy and what does any of this have to do with me?”
Crockett turned from the window. “If I had known, we wouldn’t have returned to Incognito.”
Alexandra flew off the sofa and stormed over to him. “Then I wouldn’t have found your sister! What could be more important than that?”
Colton rose, the anger rolling off him in waves.
“Goddammit, tell her,” Crockett bit out.
Her brother stared into her eyes while her heartbeat raced like a locomotive. “Wilson Montgomery is Wilson Montgomery Mitus. He’s our father, Alexandra.”
The air got sucked from her lungs. For several seconds, no one moved. Or spoke. Or breathed.
When she clutched the pillar for support, Crockett was by her side. Feeling like everything was happening in slow motion, she allowed him to guide her to the sofa. And there she tried to breathe. But she couldn’t.
Dracule is a pedophile…and my father. The image of him removing his clothing popped into her consciousness. Her guts heaved and she choked back a gag. Little yellow stars blurred her vision. She slammed her eyes shut and pulled air into her lungs. Passing out was her way of not dealing with issues. This time she’d face it, no matter how difficult. She gobbled down a breath. And then another. Slowly, the nausea passed and she opened her eyes.
She had no idea how long they sat in silence, but eventually she found her voice. “He has a tattoo on his wrist. Cain’s initials. He told me he lost a son.” Colton’s eyes blackened with hatred, but he said nothing. “I have questions about our childhood, Colton. And you have the answers.”
“I’ll give you two some time,” Crockett said.
Alexandra clasped his hand. “I’d prefer you stay, if Colton doesn’t mind.”
Colton eyed his best friend. “I don’t like talking about this, but I trust this conversation will stay between us.”
“Of course,” Crockett said. “You know that.”
Colton poured a shot of whiskey, tossed it back. Then, he stared out the living room window for a long moment. Alexandra let go of Crockett, but her stomach was tied in knots. She’d waited a long time to learn about their past from him.
“Wilson adored you, Alexandra,” Colton began, his back still to her. “Regardless of what he’s become or the way he treated Mom and me, he was kind to you.”
“Go on.”
Colton turned, his eyes seething with hatred. “Even though Cain and I were inseparable, we were very different. He was loud and funny. I was quiet and shy. I developed a stammering problem. Instead of trying to help me, Wilson criticized and ridiculed me. So, I withdrew further. Kids bullied me, but Cain defended me. He’d beat the living hell out of anyone who dared tease me. Wilson stroked his ego and encouraged his aggression. But with me, he either poked fun or ignored me as if I didn’t exist.”
“Oh, Colton,” Alexandra whispered.
“I don’t remember much about you when you were first born, but as you got older, Wilson treasured you,” Colton continued. “He would read to you and play with you. It was like he had three different personalities. Things got worse when Mom went back to work. He started bringing women into the house.”
“Oh, my God,” she said.
“Jesus.” Crockett shook his head.
“I saw him with them,” Colton continued. “It was fucked up. You might have seen, too. I don’t know. I think Mom knew, but she was trying to keep the family intact. They fought a lot. He was horrible to her. I tried confronting him, but he’d terrorize me and I’d retreat.”
“I’m so sorry,” Alexandra murmured. “I never knew.”
“He got involved in some shady business dealings and couldn’t pay the debts,” Colton said. “Cain wasn’t supposed to be home.” His body stiffened and he turned away. “They killed him and I found him.”
“Oh, Colton.” She ran to him and threw her arms around her brother.
He kissed her forehead, tears in his eyes. “You couldn’t know th
e truth. It was too horrible, too violent.”
She sat on the arm of the sofa and dried her tear-streaked cheeks while Crockett held her hand and rubbed her back.
“Mom kicked Wilson out. That was the turning point for me, Mom, too. She never told me not to tell you anything, but I knew better. You were six, Alexandra, and so sad when Cain died. When Wilson left, you turned to me. I was ten and did the best I could.”
As the sun dipped below the buildings and dusk cast its shadow over the day, Colton continued. He explained how the three of them had grown close. How he’d found his inner strength. How she’d helped him get over his stutter. Why he’d turned to kink. How falling in love with Brigit had changed him for the better. He’d never been so forthright; so honest. She admired and respected the man who had been more like a father to her than her own had been.
Crockett said very little. Wiped a few tears, stroked her back. Offered tissues and hot coffee. She wondered if the information would scare him away. Mituses were anything but normal.
When Colton finished, the truth hung heavy. “I’ve said plenty,” he said and rose from the leather chair. “I want to get home to Brigit and check on Mom.”
She kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she said. “I love you so much.”
“I love you,” he replied, then he shifted his attention to Crockett. “You got an earful.”
Crockett hugged him. “Nothing I can’t handle. Still love you like a brother. Still think you need a haircut.” He smiled. “Thanks for trusting me,” he said and walked Colton out.
When he returned, he folded Alexandra into his arms and kissed her. “You are the love of my life, Alex. I’m here for you if you want to talk and it’s okay if you don’t.”
Alexandra felt gutted, but also relieved. Learning the truth had finally freed her from the ghosts of her past. As she gazed into Crockett’s soulful eyes, she felt certain of one thing. This amazing man loved her unconditionally and that, above all else, mattered most.
36
Beginnings
Crockett stared through the glowing candelabras and across his elegantly set dining room table, appreciating Alexandra’s beauty and grace. She’d wanted to throw a simple dinner party. But in true Mitus fashion, she’d created a culinary feast.
Roasted beet salad with arugula, preserved cherries, caramelized pecans and goat cheese. Filet mignon drizzled with balsamic glaze and served with spinach risotto. For Red, who didn’t eat meat, she marinated sliced tempeh in minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and spices. Then, she baked the fermented tofu with the steaks.
At the opposite end of the table, Alexandra laughed with her mom, Brigit, Red and Gavin. He smiled. How could he not? He had his Goth Girl and his sweet sister was alive and safe.
The daily angst that haunted him had subsided. Sophia’s road to health continued at a facility in Leesburg where equine therapy played a significant role in her recovery. His mom and dad had rented a cute house nearby. Slow, steady steps.
The following Friday, Colton would pilot their flight to California for a long weekend. Alexandra had insisted he and Brigit join them. She was eager to put her LA home on the market, collect her belongings, and say goodbye to her former boss. Though her new job didn’t start for a few weeks, she’d already jumped in, learning everything she could about the major players on Capitol Hill.
She turned in his direction. Her loving smile made his heart beat faster. He couldn’t wait to make her his, forever.
“So, what do you think?” Colton asked.
“He’s not paying any attention to us,” Maverick said. “He’s lost in love.”
“About time,” Danny said.
“From what I can tell, Alexandra is in the same love boat.” Gavin winked at her.
With a chuckle, Maverick shook his head. “First Colton. Now Crockett. The law of averages is definitely working against me.”
Red glared at Maverick. “From what I can tell, you’re working against you.”
The group broke into laughter.
“Red’s got your number, Mav,” Crockett said.
“I’m on the move,” Maverick said. “No time to settle down.”
“Find the right woman and you won’t have to settle.” Colton kissed Brigit’s hand.
Beaming, Brigit pecked his cheek.
“Excuse me.” Danny pushed out of his chair and walked into the kitchen.
Crockett followed. “I’m sorry Allison couldn’t make it. Is she okay?”
“We found out Tuesday,” he said, lifting his phone from his pocket. “She’s pregnant.”
Crockett smiled. “Congrats.”
“She crashes the second she gets home from work. We’re so damn excited. I’m gonna check in with her.”
He slapped his cousin on the back. “Thanks for sharing your good news. Give her my best.” Crockett extracted a bottle from his bar and returned to the dining room. “I’d like to propose a toast.”
“Hennessy Eclipse,” Maverick said. “That’s the good stuff, bro.”
After opening the cognac, Crockett poured a finger’s worth into each brandy snifter. As he filled Alexandra’s glass, she rose to kiss his cheek. Rather than returning to his seat, he slipped his hand around her waist and gave her a little squeeze.
Maverick raised a glass. “Here’s to the two idiots I love like brothers and the women who make them better men.”
“Charming,” Red mumbled.
After the clinking of glasses and murmurs of delight at the luxury liquor, Crockett raised his glass. “To my Alex. My forever love.”
“Oh, Crockett.” She snuck a quick kiss. “Here’s to the most amazing man I’ve ever known and will ever know.”
“Finally,” Kimberly said and the group laughed.
When Danny re-joined them, Crockett suggested they move into the living room. “I’ve got a short video I want ya’ll to see. I’ll throw it on the big screen.”
Brigit got comfortable on the sofa. Colton sat next to her, pulled out his phone, and after a subtle nod from Crockett, started recording. Using her walker, Kimberly joined them. Gavin and Danny each grabbed a dining room chair to sit on. Red relaxed in the ergonomic chair and Maverick leaned against the pillar between the living and dining rooms.
“You can sit with us, Maverick,” Brigit said. “I’ll sit on Colton’s lap.”
“I thought Red would make room for me on her chair.”
“Not happening,” Red said. “Decker, you can sit with me.”
Chuckling, Decker joined her.
Alexandra brushed against Crockett. He loved having her by his side and pulled her close.
“Mom, did Crockett wrangle home movies from you?”
With a twinkle in her eyes, Kimberly shrugged.
“No Goth Girl home videos, babe,” Crockett replied. This is it. He tapped his phone. The television screen displayed Kimberly Mitus propped up in her hospital bed, fluffing her hair.
Kimberly choked back a sob, her eyes filling with tears.
“You okay, Mom?” Alexandra asked.
“Would you be if your hair looked like that?” Her mom pointed to the TV screen.
With a smile, Alexandra peered up at Crockett through her lashes. He tightened his grip and pecked her cheek.
“Okay, everyone, settle down.” Crockett started the video.
“You look lovely,” Crockett said. “Not even a hospital stay can change that.” He turned the lens on himself—flashed a grin—then switched it back to Kimberly. “I’ve given this a lot of thought…for a lot of years. You know how much I adore Alexandra.”
Kimberly smiled. “I do. And I tried to help you out every time she came home. But my sweet girl can be strong-willed, too.”
“She is and I love that about her.” Crockett paused. “Kimberly, I’d like to ask you for Alexandra’s hand in marriage. I’m waiting to pop the question, but I’d love your blessing.”
Alexandra’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Crockett.”
“Ah hell, another one bites the dust,” Maverick mumbled.
Beaming, Kimberly said, “I’ve waited a long time for this.”
“You and me both. I’m not sure she’ll say yes.”
“If she doesn’t, she’ll have me to answer to,” Kimberly replied.
The dinner party group burst into laughter.
“It means a lot that you asked me, Crockett.”
“Me, too,” Alexandra murmured and squeezed his hand.
“I’ve loved our Goth Girl for a long time,” Crockett continued. “Even time and distance couldn’t change that.”
Kimberly patted his hand. “I know that, dear.”
“You have my word that I’ll keep her safe and make sure she knows how much I love her—every day. I’ll protect her and build a wonderful life with her.”
Alexandra swiped a tear while Red murmured, “So romantic.”
Through the tears in her eyes, Kimberly smiled. “I wholeheartedly give you my blessing. You’ve had it from the very beginning. I wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter. Be good to each other and you’ll find that life is beautiful, even in the darkest times.”
Crockett sat next to Kimberly, placed himself in the shot, and kissed her cheek.
“Ooooh, a selfie,” Alexandra quipped as she breezed into the hospital room. “What did I miss?”
“Crockett doing what he does best,” Kimberly said. “Making me happy.”
He flipped the camera on Alex. She blew him a kiss and he stopped filming.
The TV screen went dark. No one spoke. All eyes on Crockett. He’d waited a long time to get to this moment with this woman. And he couldn’t wait to let the world know how much he adored her. And couldn’t live without her.
Turning to face her, he pulled the ring box from his pants pocket. Then, he knelt. Alexandra’s wide-eyed gaze followed his every movement.
“Breathe,” he murmured and waited until she inhaled.
Her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes filled him with happiness. The intelligent, sexy, wild, gorgeous and insanely curious woman standing before him was everything he wanted in a life partner. If she would have him, he would cherish her for the rest of his life. He stared into her beautiful brown eyes.
THE WILDE TOUCH: Book Two of The Touch Series Page 33