Colt, Billionaire Reunion: Sweet, Clean Christian Romance with Suspense (Billionaire Protectors Book 2)

by Alexa Verde

  “That rules out the boyfriend, then, unless he was smart enough to make it look like that.” Aster’s lip curled. “I really can’t see the guy being that smart. He’s the star of the college football team, but barely getting passing grades.”

  “Hmm.” Mirabella chewed thoughtfully on a piece of garlic bread. “I’ll investigate him, as well as my other suspects in Karli’s murder.”

  The reporter leaned further forward, eyes bright. “Anything I should know?”

  So many suspects. Marlowe? Scarlett? Jade? Ross? This boyfriend? Somebody else they didn’t think of? As Mirabella had just forked up another mouthful of her pasta, he replied. “We’re on our way to talk to Jade Cantorini, the Daisy Killer’s sister.”

  “Why would she kill?” Aster dropped her fork on her plate and pushed it aside. “Continuing in the family tradition?”

  Aster had a peculiar sense of humor. Maybe that was why her reports were so popular and the ratings so high. Plus, of course, the camera loved her. On screen, she emanated presence and beauty.

  For him, only one woman mattered now. He glanced at Mirabella, and she smiled. Just a touch of a smile, really, but enough to turn his insides into mush.

  Yes, he was a goner.

  He’d given his heart to Mirabella over five years ago, and she still held it in the palm of her hand. Now, he hoped she’d never give it back.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Colt knew one thing for sure. Until they discovered who the killer was, he wasn’t letting Mirabella out of his sight. He couldn’t lose her again.

  Brow creased, she chewed on a breadstick. “I’ve been receiving bouquets of daisies. I discovered today that Scarlett sent the first one.”

  Aster threw her a questioning glance.

  “Scarlett O’Grady. The ex-girlfriend of a suspect in Karli’s murder,” Mirabella explained. “But the second one, complete with a large spider, I’m not so sure was her. I’ve also received threats on my phone. If something happens to me, maybe the killer wants to claim the Daisy Killer wasn’t really dead and was out for revenge? Having another murder with the same signature and a similar MO would strengthen that claim.”

  Leaning back against her simple oak chair, Aster took a quick sip of her mineral water. “Sounds like a good next move to visit Jade. Did you discover if Cantorini has other living relatives or a pining girlfriend who could be out for revenge?”

  Mirabella rolled her eyes, just enough to show her opinion of the question. “Of course. I did my research. His parents are living in Italy now. Said they wanted to be as far from their son’s murders as possible. I checked the records. They haven’t put a foot in the United States in five years. He did have a girlfriend, who—at the time I interviewed her—claimed Cantorini was the most loving person in the world. She remained single after his death.”

  “There’s your suspect!” Aster gave a decisive case-is-solved nod.

  “Wish it was so easy, but nope. She died from a heart condition over a year ago.” Mirabella drew a line with her finger on the table, crossing out that possibility. “I’ll see if I can visit Jade today.”

  He gestured for the bill to the waitress. “Lunch is on me. We will visit Jade.”

  Mirabella shrugged. “I can perfectly well do it by myself.”

  When would she stop being so stubborn? Strangely enough, instead of irritating him like it usually did, her words only raised a smile. That independent streak was one of the things that made Mirabella who she was, and he’d learned to accept and even love that about her. He wouldn’t change it if he could.

  He was grateful to God for creating Mirabella exactly as He had. Even more, he was thankful to God that this woman was meant for him. At least, he hoped she was.

  As he gave the waitress his credit card, he shook his head at Mirabella. “While your life is in danger, I’m not letting you out of my sight, if I can help it.”

  The hint of a smile she flickered his way suggested she didn’t mind in the least.

  Aster rose, chuckling. “You two are adorable. Thanks for lunch. I hope you’ll update me with anything you get from Jade Cantorini and your other suspects. I’ll do the same for you. I’ve got to run. Gotta track down my teen, or she might end up on the news.” Her lips twisted. “Who does she get that from?”

  “Um, do you really want to know?” Mirabella scrunched up her nose.

  This time Aster rolled her eyes. “Okay, don’t answer that. Stay in touch. Bye.”

  As Mirabella rang the doorbell at Jade’s house, she stole a glance at Colt.

  Dare she hope things could be different between them? For that, first, the investigation had to be over. She couldn’t afford distractions. Distractions could put in danger not only herself but Colt, too.

  Receiving no answer, she pressed the doorbell again. The door opened, revealing the barrel of an old-fashioned Smith & Wesson .38 revolver pointed straight at her. She swallowed. Old-fashioned it might be, but it could kill her just as dead. “How about you put the weapon away, and we’ll talk? Because if it’s guns talking, people get hurt.”

  The tall skinny brunette opened the door a few inches wider but didn’t lower her weapon. “Yeah right. You ruined my life, Ms. Jarvis, and now you’re trespassing. I believe I have the right to shoot you.”

  Mirabella had a different opinion.

  “We can leave. No problem.” Colt lifted his arms in a placating gesture. “But there was a new murder in Austin with the Daisy Killer signature. Wouldn’t you be interested in finding out who really killed the latest victim?”

  Jade Cantorini’s brown eyes darkened. “It couldn’t be my brother. He’s dead. You’re not going to accuse him of any more murders.”

  Colt moved forward slightly. “We’re very interested in finding out the real culprit. Besides, if you knew Mirabella like I do, you’d guess she’d stake out your house until you agree to see her. So why not save yourself time and talk to her now?”

  Head cocked, Jade eyed them. Then her shoulders loosened, and she gestured with the gun for them to enter. The ordinary suburban home appeared to have changed little in the last five years.

  Jade strode toward the living room, and Mirabella followed Colt there without an invitation. When Jade sat on the sofa, Colt took an armchair as if the short distance was enough for the bullet not to hit.

  “Have you been in contact with your brother in the last five years?” Mirabella dropped into the chair next to his and watched the woman closely.

  The gun rose slightly. “Are you kidding me? He’s been dead for five years, thanks to you!”

  Mirabella winced at the anger in Jade’s voice. “I know I caused the accident, but I had no other choice.”

  Jade huffed, her lip curling. “There’s always a choice.”

  “And your brother made his.” Mirabella blurted out before she could stop herself.

  She expected an explosion of anger from Jade. Maybe even a gunshot. Instead, the corners of the woman’s mouth turned downward, and she looked very tired.

  Colt edged forward in his chair, bracing his elbows on his knees, every bit of his posture nonthreatening and solicitous. He was so good at this talking thing. “I know you loved your brother very much—”

  “No, I didn’t,” Jade interrupted his careful speech. “But I can’t talk bad about dead people, so I’m not going to say anything else.”

  “Oh.” Mirabella zoomed in on Jade’s eyes, trying to read her. So far, the woman didn’t look to the left or away, and her gaze remained open, though hostile. “You just said I ruined your life.”

  “Because my name was dragged through the mud. So many people hated me by association. You’re the one who started everyone saying my brother was a serial killer.” Jade’s lower lip trembled before her mouth set in a thin line again. “You can’t begin to imagine what it’s been like.”

  Mirabella tried to imagine it, and it hurt her heart and hurt her head. “I’m sorry.” She really was. However, Brett had taught her that, whi
le interviewing people, she had to refrain from being swayed in either direction. She steeled herself against compassion. “I have to ask this question, though. Where were you yesterday evening, and did you know Nicole Mathers?”

  Grimacing, Jade placed her gun on the coffee table. “The police already asked me. Apparently, I need an alibi. I was with Fred.”

  “Fred?” Colt’s bodyguard Fred? Family emergency Fred? Couldn’t be. Could it?

  Jade’s tired face suddenly glowed, and she straightened in her seat. “Fred Rogowski. I know he worked for you and I should hate him for that, but I don’t. We’ve been friends for years, ever since you started investigating the Daisy Killer and set him following me. Lately, things have changed. We’ve been dating for three months now. He doesn’t care that I’m an alleged serial killer’s sister. He likes me for me.”

  Mirabella couldn’t stop her surprise from showing. Probably, she looked like a goldfish, all goggle-eyed and gaping-mouthed. Both at the image of tall thin Jade and short stocky Fred together as a couple and the undeniable fact that one of his trusted staff members had lied to Colt.

  She should’ve expected this new development, but she hadn’t. If Jade was guilty, Fred would make a very useful accomplice, knowing both her and Colt’s locations, their planned movements, and any security weaknesses. At the same time, his absence left Mirabella with less protection.

  Colt’s jaw set in a stubborn line. Looked as if he thought the exact same thing. Brett had Fred vetted, of course, but people could do irrational things for love.

  “Did you leave daisies at my apartment or Colt’s ranch?” Sure, the answer was likely to be a reflexive no, but she wanted to check Jade’s reaction.

  Disgust convulsed the other woman’s face, and she made a gesture as if pushing something away from her. “No way. I hate the flowers, now. The smell makes me gag. I won’t even touch them, let alone start sending them to anyone.”

  Somehow, Mirabella knew Jade was telling the truth. Chances were, she wasn’t the killer. So who was? Mirabella was running out of suspects.

  Minutes later, as Colt and Mirabella walked to his car, he tensed at the sound of a gunning motor. Of course, there was nothing to be alarmed about. This was a public street and a fairly busy one.

  “Get down!” Mirabella’s scream pierced his ears.

  He ducked behind the nearest vehicle, a souped-up maroon truck, relieved that she did the same. As shots roared out, he drew his gun from its holster.

  Sure enough, Mirabella returned fire first. But despite wishing she’d stay safely concealed, admiration stirred inside him instead of the usual irritation. He aimed at the black sedan with tinted windows, not surprised in the least to see an obscured license plate. More than likely, the same car that delivered yesterday’s daisies and spiders. No point him firing at it as it disappeared in the distance.

  Instead of hiding, Mirabella also took aim but didn’t loose another shot. Best not to in a public place. And from his army experience, he knew how difficult it was to hit a moving target, especially a moving tire. The sedan was already too far away.

  He sized up the short distance to his car. “Let’s see if we can catch up.”

  Together, they sprinted to his car. He clicked on the fob to open and start the vehicle. They reached the car at the same time. No arguing who should drive. He jumped into the driver’s seat, and she was in the passenger seat immediately.

  Burning rubber, he took off. He’d be fine to let her drive, but she was a better shot.

  “Go ahead and say it.” She clicked her seat belt closed. “That I should’ve stayed behind the truck.”

  “I wish you did. I care too much about you to lose you.” Those words weren’t that difficult to say, after all. “But I love your courage. Your readiness to put your life on the line.”

  For some time, silence reigned as he did his best to weave between traffic. He frowned at the red light and considered driving through it, but cars already flooding across the intersection stopped him.

  When he moved forward, he suppressed a sigh. The black sedan was nowhere in sight. “We lost them.”

  “But we gained something else.” An incredulous note wobbled in her voice. “You never told me that you cared. I mean, I know you married me because you fell in love with me, but this is deeper. I always felt you fell in love with my outer shell. My physical appearance and the chemistry between us. But you didn’t love who I was inside. Instead who I really was… irritated you.”

  Why had he never told her this? The answer was simple. “I only just discovered it myself.”

  He passed a few cars, in case they could still catch up to the black sedan. Nope. No sign of it. So he asked the satnav to guide them to the nearest police station. Best to report the incident.

  During the six months of their marriage, once the initial overwhelming attraction had subsided a bit, every time she’d left for her dangerous work or seemed deep in one of her cases when he’d talked to her, something like anger would start burning his gut. He couldn’t show it, of course, had to suppress it as much as he could.

  He’d wished a few times that he’d married a sweet, shy woman who would stay home instead of racing off looking for criminals in the middle of the night. Though when he’d hired sweet, shy Ashley as the twins’ nanny, they’d had zero spark. None at all.

  But sparks were abundant with Mirabella.

  She reached for his hand, sending delicious tingles along his skin. “This is who I am. This is what I love doing. Just because I want to be a PI doesn’t mean I love you or the twins less.”

  His heart softened as he made a turn to the street leading to the police station, then pulled up into the parking lot. “I know it now. God made things clear for me. I couldn’t forgive you for leaving because being angry at you was easier than admitting I messed up in our marriage, too.”

  He’d done a lot of work on forgiveness this past year. Forgiving his dad and his step-mom. Forgiving himself for not protecting Mom and Brett from Dad. Forgiving God for letting it happen. The one person he hadn’t forgiven was Mirabella.

  “I understand.” Her fingers intertwined with his. “Forgiving isn’t easy. But it hurt me that you thought I’d leave you for another man or would cheat on you.”

  “I knew the truth after you came back. But then it made me wonder that maybe you didn’t tell me because you didn’t think I could be trusted. That I’d just become angry and do crazy things like my father had.”

  “I’d never think that.” Her voice shook slightly.

  He turned off the engine. Seeing tears in her eyes made his throat constrict. She’d never cried, not even when he’d thrown such hateful words at her before she’d left—when he’d thought he and the children didn’t matter to her any longer.

  Words he knew now he’d been wrong to say. The children mattered enormously to Mirabella. And maybe, so did he.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Even while they spoke of such important things, Colt kept his surroundings in his peripheral vision. This close to the police station they should be relatively safe. And thankfully, all of his vehicles, including this one, were bulletproof.

  “We should’ve talked things through,” Mirabella whispered.

  Her words somehow soothed him. He wasn’t a talkative man, but he knew now how important it was to try. “It could’ve changed a lot of things. From now on, I’m not going to attempt to change you or mold you into what I want you to be.” His lips quirked. “Or I’ll ask God’s help not to, anyway. I want to support you in your work.”

  “And I’m going to support you in yours. I should’ve told you why I always changed the subject when you talked about your lab and your research.” Her voice grew quiet. Then she heaved in a noisy breath.

  He squeezed the hand he held but said nothing. Time to listen.

  “It happened years ago when I was starting out in security, long before I worked for Brett. My husband’s work took us to Spain. I had a security job in a lab.
One of the experiments went wrong, and there was an explosion. I wasn’t harmed by the blast, I thought. But I later discovered there’d been a release of toxic gas. Invisible, odorless, and, it turned out, deadly to a woman’s fertility.”

  Somehow, her voice stayed steady as she recounted this, but then it wobbled. “You remember how, when we were married, I’d have nightmares sometimes? That was what it was about. Every time you mentioned the lab, I’d get flashbacks.”

  Something changed inside him. She’d gone through so much pain, and all the time they’d been married he’d thought she couldn’t care less about what was important to him.

  “Oh, Mirabella.” He had no other words, but he poured all the love he felt into them. Now, it was time to admit the truth about their marriage—that they were both to blame for any problems—and forgive her.

  “You already learned my biggest secret when you found out Corbin and Kitty weren’t my biological children. I can’t have kids. But now you know why.” Her voice shook again. “And I know I should have told you. But I just couldn’t. My husband treated me differently once he knew—as if I was less than a woman. Took every opportunity to humiliate me. Started having affairs and blamed me. I knew you weren’t like him, but I wasn’t brave enough to take the risk of losing you.”

  “You’re brave. The bravest person I know.”

  And she was. Now, instead of pushing his buttons, it even flattered him that she could outshoot and outdrive him easily. A lot had changed in just two days. He reached out to hug her, but she pulled back.

  Surveying the parking lot, she glanced around them. No surprise—he’d never expect anything else from her. And now could he hug her?

  “There’s… there’s one thing more you need to know. Something else I was too afraid to tell you.”