Freeing Him: A Hart Brothers Novel, Book 2 (4 page)

“What do you mean?”

He’s so lovely, sitting naked in front of me. I push my hands through his hair and then run my finger over his scar. Putting my cheek against his, I say, “You’re acting a bit different is all.”

He stiffens. “I’m sorry. It’s this place.”

“Don’t apologize. Just talk to me. That’s all I ask. I’m not pushing you to tell me things you don’t want to, but to be open with me.”

He nods. “One thing, kea. Don’t piss off the dragon. He’s a very dangerous man. I know you’re not afraid of him, but you should be. He has, um, connections that could ruin you.”

“I don’t understand.”

Kolson glances at the sky for a moment and then back at me. “The dragon’s been in the casino business for a long time. It’s undergone many changes but there are still some ruling entities. And he’s a part of that. Are you following me?”

I lean in close. “Are you talking about organized crime?”

He stares back. That, in and of itself, is answer enough.

“Shit.” My brow furrows as I swallow. The sun’s rays pierce the branches, streaking the landscape with golden spears of light. In spite of the beauty that enfolds us, I feel there’s a darkness surrounding us. This sheds even more light on Kolson’s father. He’s feeding me breadcrumbs. No wonder his mother is clueless.

“Just don’t antagonize him any more. Promise me, kea.”

“Okay. I’ll behave.” Now that my guts are in knots, I wonder how he’ll act when we return. I hear a thumping sound and look up to see a black head and two black orbs perusing me.

Kolson chuckles. “Are you checking her out, Storm? Pretty hot, isn’t she?”

“Oh my God. You did not just ask your horse that, did you?”

“Hell yeah. I tell my horse everything.”

Storm’s ear flickers. Then he bobs his head.

“Hey, is he related to that talking horse? You know, on that ancient TV show?”

Kolson lets out a whoop of laughter. “You mean Mr. Ed?”

“Yeah, Mr. Ed. Is this Mr. Storm? Is he going to call me Wilbur?”

At that precise moment, Storm paws the ground and Kolson laughs even harder.

“Okay, this horse is possessed.”

“Possessed? With what?”

“A human being. I think he’s really a man.”

“You know, I’m in love with this great psychiatrist and she’s taking new patients.”

I can’t help but laugh again. “Yeah, and I hear she needs the business.”

“Get over here.” I’m back on his lap and he’s kissing me. “You have all the business you need. Right here, kea.”

“Hmm. I like this kind of business. Can I bite your ass now?”

“Not that I can’t wait for that, but it’ll have to be tonight. We need to get back before we piss my father off even more.”

We dress and I can’t help but notice the grass stains on Kolson’s shirt.

“Um, babe, your shirt is a little green.”

“So?”

“Just saying.”

“It’s not like they can’t figure out what we’ve been up to.”

“Have you ever brought a date here?” My curiosity makes my mouth a little unfiltered.

He’s grabbing Storm’s reins when his head whips around. “Hell no. Why the fuck would I do that?”

I’m so shocked by his reaction. I was expecting a simple yes or no. When he sees my face, his harsh expression immediately softens.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to jump at you. It’s that I despise this place and I rarely come here. In fact, I sneak over here to ride Storm and that’s about it. It’s sick, really. I don’t even tell my mom I’m coming. I’ve thought of moving Storm to a stable closer to the city, but Grady takes such great care of him and Storm’s so touchy he won’t let anyone other than Grady or me near him. I think if I moved him it would kill him. Besides, I don’t technically own Storm. My dad still does. I can only imagine the uproar he would make if I took him away from here.”

“I see. Well, it was a dumb question for me to ask,” I say.

“No, it wasn’t.” He pulls me into his chest and rubs his cheek against mine. I think he finds it soothing because sometimes I can feel his tension dissipate. My heart tap dances in my ribcage when I look at him. Only he is capable of making me feel like this. If I look at him much longer, I’ll want to take his clothes off again.

“Kea, don’t look at me like that or you’ll be back up against that tree.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Storm’s reins in hand, Kolson mounts and then pulls me up. When I’m situated, he reminds me where to put my hands. His arm is tight around my waist and my back is against him. “Don’t be afraid this time.” His warm breath tickles my ear and I shiver. “Are you cold?”

“No.”

“Frightened, then?”

“Not yet. You’re just sexy when you talk in my ear.” His teeth gently tug on the soft flesh of my lobe and goosebumps erupt. “Stop. That’s not fair. You’re taking advantage of me.”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“I can’t fight back.”

He laughs and flicks the reins.

“Relax now and let Storm get his exercise.”

In an instant, the horse is in a full gallop, along with my heart. I can’t deny I’m scared shitless. It’s exhilarating, but my hands clench Storm’s mane and I hope I don’t yank the thing out by its roots. How Kolson does this, I’ll never know.

“Breathe, kea.”

I do.

“Again.”

His hand splays across my abdomen and comforts me as he draws me closer to him.

“I’ve got this. You’re safe with me. I would love to see you on your own, riding like the wind.”

“Uh …” My mind can’t think to speak.

“Feel Storm’s strength beneath us. Isn’t it amazing?”

Not exactly what I was thinking, but I won’t spoil his fun.

“You should feel him when he jumps.”

“Jumps? He jumps?”

I feel more than hear his laughter rumbling in his chest. If I were capable, I’d elbow him.

“Don’t worry; I won’t take him over anything today. But he’s majestic when he does.”

A huge part of me would love to watch Kolson ride Storm and see them jump. But I don’t want to be on the horse with him when he does. Oddly enough, I begin to settle into the horse. Kolson immediately notices.

“Atta girl.”

“Okay. Now you’re talking to me like I’m a puppy.”

“No, I’m just happy to feel you relaxing. I want you to have fun.”

Before I know it, we’re back at the stables. Grady helps me dismount while Kolson hops off like it’s nothing.

“So, Doc, how was it?”

“Scary.”

Grady laughs. “Mr. Kolson rides like his tail is on fire and Storm does too. When I take Storm out, he’s not as happy as when Mr. Kolson takes him out.”

“Hmm. So not everyone rides that fast, huh?”

“No, ma’am. Those two are a pair, though.”

“I can see that.”

“Gabriella, we need to get back to the house. Say goodbye to Storm.”

I look at Kolson—he’s completely serious. He acts like Storm is a person. Okay, then.

Moving to Storm’s head, I feel like I need to shake his hoof or something. Maybe I should bow to him. He seems so dignified and bow-worthy.

“Storm, it’s been a pleasure meeting you today. Thank you for the lovely afternoon. Also, I’m really sorry about pulling your mane so hard. I hope I didn’t cause you too much pain.” And I am sincere about that. Poor thing will likely have a sore neck for days.

Storm bobs his head.

“Are you sure you’re not a human trapped in that horse body?”

Kolson laughs. “See ya, buddy.”

We hop in the golf cart and drive back to the house. On the way, Kolson reminds me to be good.

“Don’t antagonize the dragon.”

“I won’t. I swear.”

When we return, we’re informed that cocktails are at seven. We head up to our room and on the way I’m reminded of the last time we visited. Everything is so dark and severe here. The furnishings are massive and ornate. It’s all overdone, not tasteful at all, giving the impression that the Harts want everyone to
know
they have money. This place gives me the creeps. Nothing is comforting and inviting. There is no warmth. No wonder Kolson hates it so much.

“It’s five thirty. We need to shower and change. Being late is not an option,” he informs me.

“Don’t worry. I promise not to piss old Daddy Dear off,” I say as I head to the massive bathroom to shower. The last thing I want to do is rock this boat any more than I already have. Mouth will stay slammed shut tonight.

What Kolson told me earlier keeps running through my mind. Organized crime. Daddy is a dangerous man indeed. The sooner this weekend is over and the faster we can get the hell out of here, the better off we’ll both be.

CHAPTER THREE

Kolson

Cocktails are served on the terrace, as I expected. It’s Mother’s favorite place and this is one time Dad will yield to her. In all other things, he gets his way. We are the first to arrive, to my father’s surprise. They’ve hired new staff since I was last here. My father’s cutting temper and his inability to be pleased makes it difficult to keep servants for any length of time. As a kid, I never could keep up with their names.

Mom has the terrace decorated with those tiny lights she loves. It’s not dark yet, but I imagine by the time we head into dinner, the sun will have set. Flowers are arranged everywhere and her gas lanterns are already lit. She does a superb job of decorating, I’ll give her this much. The September evening is beginning to chill so she has the fireplace burning, as well as the space heaters. We’re handed champagne, whether we want it or not. Mother loves champagne—it’s her trademark at her functions.

“Thank you,” Gabriella says as she takes a glass. “Mmm, delicious.”

“My favorite.” My mother joins us.

“What is it?” Gabby asks.

“Wait. Let me guess,” I interrupt. “Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve?”

My mom laughs. “My son knows me so well.” I refrain from commenting. I’d like to say we barely know each other because she’s hidden from me her whole life, fearing everything my father would say or do. What I remember is she spent most of the time in her room.

“Mom, what happened to your love of Dom Pérignon?”

“Oh, I still love it, but this vintage is so tasty. Don’t you agree?”

“I do because I happen to love it myself. What do you think, Gabriella?”

“Um, my tastes aren’t anywhere as sophisticated as yours. But it’s wonderful.” She smiles, but I get the sense she’s uncomfortable. And no wonder. She couldn’t afford a Starbucks coffee a few months ago. But things have eased up for her since she moved her office to Case’s.

“Did you two enjoy your ride this afternoon?”

“Mom, do you even have to ask?”

“Son, I was asking more for Gabby’s sake. I didn’t know she rode. What horse did you put her on? I hope you had her ride Daisy.”

“No, she rode Storm.”

My mom looks at me in horror. “You didn’t!”

I laugh. “Quit worrying. We rode him together.”

“Kolson, you nearly gave me a stroke.”

“Sylvia, he nearly gave me one too.”

Mom casts a sympathetic look at Gabby. “You poor thing. That horse is quite menacing. He scares me to pieces. I won’t even go near his stall.”

“You know, Sylvia, after a while, I think he got used to me.”

“Oh, Gabby, don’t fool yourself. He only did that because of my son. If you tried to ride him on your own, he would break your neck.”

Gabby stares at my mother and sees how serious she is. 

“Jesus, Mom, you’re frightening her. Storm wouldn’t hurt Gabriella. Besides, I would never put her on him alone. She’s an inexperienced rider, for Christ’s sake.”

“Well, I’m an experienced one and I won’t go near that beast.”

Now I’m pissed off. “That beast saved my life. So stop it. I think we need to change the topic here.”

Right at that moment, the fucking dragon decides to join us.

“What’s got everyone over here so addled?”

My mother, in her damn stupidity, runs her mouth. “Kolson had Gabby up on Storm today.” She pats her chest, like she’s going to faint.

The dragon eyes Gabby and then throws back his head and laughs. “I bet he gave you quite the ride.”

“Jesus Christ, I was with her. What the hell is wrong with everyone?” I fume.

Gabriella speaks up this time. “I was scared for the first part, but then I settled into it and found it to be quite exhilarating.”

And damn it, I wish she hadn’t said that.

The dragon glares at her. “Did you now? Enough to ride him by yourself?” he challenges.

My jaw clenches. He’s baiting her again. Why does he do that? And Mom stupidly stands with that unsuspecting smile on her face. How can anyone be that blind?