Hell Is Burning (41 page)

This time she did scream as her body bowed in ecstasy.

Greyson was a patient man in bed. He could do this for hours.

When she opened her eyes, she saw his hurt. She didn't flirt, but he’d still been wounded by it. There was no doubt that he was thinking about what had happened to Curtis.

Instead of begging him to stop, she changed route. “More. I want all of you, Greyson.”

His heart skipped.

He wasn’t sure what he was waiting for, but this was perfect. His Emma knew him. She saw the shadows and knew how to chase them away.

“I want you in me, Greyson,” she whispered. “I want to fall with the love of my life. He’s the only man I’ll ever love. He’s the one I crave.”

He moved closer. Again, he slid home to find some peace.

“Free me,” she begged. “I want to make love to my husband. Let me show you what lives in me.”

When he yanked on the restraints, they came free. It was then he began moving, only to have her stop him.

“I need to be on top. I need to show you what I feel for you, Greyson.”

With that, he rolled, letting Emma have the power. She straddled his hips, keeping him fully buried in her body.

When he was focused on her, she began moving, sliding his erection in and out of her body. She didn't give him a chance to catch his breath.

Instead, Emma shared her heart. Lowering herself, she kissed him. When she pulled away, they were nose to nose as she continued to drive herself up and down his body.

“You’re mine,” he whispered, as the chilly ‘C’ necklace slid across his body--a reminder of what they had.

Her heart filled with love. “I’m more than that, Greyson. You’re the man who owns and masters my heart.”

He shook at her words.

His body wasn’t ready to hear those words. He’d never thought she’d say them to him. There was something so powerful there, that it staggered him.

What started as a way to seduce her had become something more.

“Claim me,” she whispered. “I’ll forever be yours,” Emma promised. “Make me yours until the end of time. I don’t want men to flirt. I only want you.”

As the world around him imploded in, and then exploded out, Greyson Croft lost the battle.

His kitten won.

She would always win when it came to this. She held all the power in their relationship. He might be bigger, stronger, and the man, but she was his heart.

Soul.

Core.

Slowly, he let the pleasure drift around him. It helped wash away the insecurity he’d been feeling when the elevator doors opened and Emma was staring up at Dimitri Gideon.

He couldn’t help his fear.

It was rooted in his heart from another time, and another woman. Now his wife had to pay for that until he was completely healed inside.

“Mmmmm, that was so damn hot,” she muttered, running her lips across his throat and chest.

“Emma.”

She stopped him. “You don’t have to say a word. I get it. I know, Greyson, and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“What? Why are you apologizing? Did something happen?”

She kissed him on the lips.

“Yes, something did happen, Grey. That’s why I’m sorry.”

Worry clouded his eyes. They were now a storm cloud gray. “What happened?”

“I allowed my husband to hurt, and that won’t ever happen again. He’s nothing compared to you. He’ll never even be a blip on my radar. You’re it. I wish I could give you something to heal your heart. I won’t cheat. I meant what I said. You own me, Grey. You have all of me.”

He relaxed. “I love you.”

Emma kissed him. “And I love you, my sexy caveman.”

For a few second, she sat there still perched on his body. There was nothing like having her sexy husband beneath her.

“It’s getting late, Emma. They’ll tear this place apart looking for us. Besides, I have really bad news.”

She sat up. “What?”

“My parents are coming here.”

“When?”

“Less than an hour.”

She sighed. “So, you bring me to heaven, only to drop me right back into hell. That doesn’t sound fair at all.”

Greyson was amused. “You’re my kitten. Go hop in the shower, and I’ll be right in. I have to make a call.”

She rolled her tongue making a purring sound, only to have him wiggle his eyebrows. “Behave, Emma Croft, or I’m going to get you one hell of a collar.”

She jumped off the bed, still in her heels. “Promises, promises. Make it a sparkly one, Mr. Croft. You know how diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” she teased, heading out. “You might need to get me a leash. I’m wild and out of control.”

He wanted to laugh, but he was picturing something wicked in his head. It stole his voice.

Yes, all of that could be arranged.

At the door, she touched the wall.

Then it hit her.

“Uh, is this a panic room?” she asked, finally seeing the Steel-reinforced walls.

He was amused. “Yes, so you better panic. Who knows what I’ll come up with in here?”

“God. I can’t wait to find out. Do your worst, Mr. Croft. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”

This time, he did laugh.

She had no idea what was bouncing around in his head.

When Emma headed out, Greyson pulled out his phone. Making a call, he needed to find something. When the man on the other end answered, he was pleased.

“It’s Greyson Croft. Remember that necklace I was looking at?” he asked.

When the man did, he knew he was in luck.

“I need it by tomorrow afternoon. Can you get it over here for me?”

He waited for the man’s reply.

“I appreciate it. Charge my account and bill me.”

When he hung up, Greyson couldn’t help but feel a million times better. Tomorrow, his kitten would get her collar. Then the world would know what he already did.

She was his.

And only his
.

Chapter Twelve  
             

Friday Evening

After her shower, the tour didn't end. There was still so much house to see, and Greyson’s brother joined them. After all, he’d handled all the details.

As they checked out the main level, Emma was impressed with how hard Greyson had worked.

Their home was gorgeous.

It was so amazing that she never wanted to go back to Sky Villa, and that was saying a great deal since she loved the condo.

Here, she could wander while she enjoyed the space. This house was going to be a great place to spend their downtime.

It was heaven.

“What do you think?” Dante asked, glancing down at his watch. It was obvious that he was nervous, and there were two reasons why.

Reggie Croft.

And Christopher Croft.

They were coming.

“You and Greyson did an amazing job,” Emma stated. Handing over control of their home had been a damn good thing. The men didn't miss a thing. From the patio outside Greyson’s office, to the marble bathrooms, not one detail was missed.

“It was Greyson. He designed it to fit you, Em. I just made sure the construction crews stayed on track.”

“Well, you both get perfect scores from me.” Emma went up on her toes to kiss Dante on the cheek. “Thank you.”

Greyson dropped his arm around her shoulders. “You deserve this, baby. After what happened here…”

She didn't want to think about it.

It still hurt.

It was still so raw in her heart, she still hadn’t opened the letter from Randall Mason. It sat in a box in their room upstairs. “When will the rest of our things be coming here?” she asked.

Dante fielded this one.

“Tomorrow. We have movers bringing in your clothes and personal items. Most of the furniture is slated to stay in the condo, including the piano.”

She looked upset. “I love my piano,” Emma stated.

Greyson lifted her chin. “Kitten, do you think I would forget that? There’s one here. We’ll have drinks there after dinner.”

That helped her relax. “I guess we’ll have to christen that one too.”

Dante made some gagging sound, and then was slapped on the back of the head by his big brother.

“Hey!”

Greyson smiled. “The king plans on christening every room. So, keep that in mind.”

Dante snorted. “I hear you. Stay out of my room. That one is Steele’s and mine.”

Greyson didn't go there. Instead, he led Emma through the massive rooms. “Let’s check out the kitchen.”

“Yes, I should start dinner if your parents are coming.”

Dante glanced over at his brother, unsure what was going on. “You didn't tell her?”

Emma looked back and forth between the two men. “What didn't he tell me?” she asked.

“Um…Emma, you know I love you, right?”

She stared at him. “Yes.”

“Well, I don’t know how to say this,” he began, leading her into the kitchen.

She looked around. It was huge, and it was also industrial. It wasn’t anything like she asked for, and that confused her. “Why is this like a restaurant kitchen? Where are the stools, the island, and the little pots of herbs? I know I asked for granite and a giant pot rack for all the copper pans I bought.”

He knew it was time to break the bad news. Greyson had put this off, and for good reason. Emma wasn’t going to be happy.

Before he could say anything, some man walked in wearing a white chef’s uniform. When he began speaking in French, Emma glared at her husband.

“Oh, no… you didn't.”

Dante took two big steps back. He knew what was going to happen because he warned his brother. They’d had this conversation, and he told Greyson not to do it.

“We have a chef.”

She stared at him. “Why would you do that, Grey?” she asked, a little bit hurt.

“Because we like to eat.”

Emma moved away from him. She was having a hard time letting this go. It upset her. She loved coming home from work to cook for him. It was part of their routine, and she would miss it.

“Emma.” He knew she wasn’t happy, but he never thought he’d see that hurt in her eyes.

Jesus!

This was bad.

“Greyson, you know how I feel about this.”

“We needed a chef.”

Apparently, she was done discussing it. As she turned on her heel to leave, both men stared.

“Emma. Come here.”

She stopped. Part of her wanted to ignore him, but she could hear the tone in his voice. Greyson was panicking. If she stormed away, it would escalate.

And it would taint the beautiful moment they’d just shared. She weighed her options carefully.

“I said, come here.”

Dante watched from nearby, trying to figure out how to help them work through this. It was going to be ugly, and he didn't want them fighting. There’d be plenty of that when Reggie rolled in.

She turned and stared at him.

“Emma. NOW!”

Dante was ready for the nuclear explosion to happen. His brother was dangerously close to crossing the line.

Emma obeyed and moved toward him.

It caught Dante off guard, and he stared openmouthed when she didn't lose her temper with Greyson.

What kind of black magic was this?

Lifting her chin, Greyson stared into her green emerald eyes. “I know you love to cook, and that you wanted to do this, but let’s be realistic. We will be hosting parties and have people here all the time. You can’t keep up with it.”

“I love cooking for you. It’s important.”

Tears filled her eyes.

It was rare that Emma pulled the crying card. If she was getting weepy, it was the real deal.

“Honey, you will continue that tradition. On most weekends, Adrien won’t be here. On Saturday and Sunday, you’re going to have to do all the cooking.”

She relaxed a little.

“Meet me in the middle. I’m doing this so we can have more time together--like earlier.”

He had a point.

Dante watched in awe when Emma moved into his body. There was no fight, there was no battle, and they’d come to an agreement.

His brother saved his ass on this one.

“I want us to have romantic dinners on the patio after work, and now we don’t have to worry.”

“Yes, Grey. I understand.”

“He must have some magic elixir pumped into this house,” Dante teased. “Any other woman would have shit a ton of bricks all over the place.”

Greyson was well aware. “Emma isn't just any woman,” he stated, “she’s the best one in the world.” He was being completely honest.

She glanced up. “Is this the only compromise I’m going to have to make?” she asked.

“Yes.”

She shrugged and held his hand. “Okay, but I want a concession. Can we negotiate?”

He lifted a brow. “That depends. What do you want?” Greyson asked.

“I hate this kitchen. It’s cold and doesn’t fit in our home. I want it redone, and Adrien will have to work in the one I picked out.”

He thought about it.

“Please, Grey?” she asked, staring up at him with big green eyes.

How could he say no to that?

“Deal. As soon as we figure out who is after us, Dante will get the plans drawn up, and you’ll get your dream kitchen. Adrien won’t mind.”

He turned and spoke to the man in rapid french. The chef smiled and nodded. Apparently, he was good with it.

“Well, that settles it.”

Dante didn't know what to think. He was obviously looking at the master when it came to women. “You should bottle that skill.”

She laughed. “Please. I let him off easy. Besides, Greyson is really good in bed.”

“Emma! Put away the claws, kitten. Remember what happens?” he teased, slapping her on the ass.

“That’s not a deterrent, Greyson.”

“Jesus! Can you two stop talking about sex?” Dante asked. “It’s weird.”

“Well, that’s not going to happen, bro. You’re in our house, and I get to seduce my woman anywhere I want.”

“I’ll stay in the pool house with Steele. Then we can avoid it.”

Greyson shook his head. “Actually, that’s going to be the home base for our security team. Dimitri, Katerina, and Natasha will have full use of it.”

“You mean mom and dad aren’t staying out there? What room did you give them?”

Emma laughed. “The one right next to yours, so when you play ‘ride ‘em cowboy’ keep it down.”

He looked horrified. “You realize I have sex with my boyfriend every night, and we get carried away.”

“Yes, we’re aware. We’ve lived with you, so let’s not put any more pictures in my head,” he stated. “We don’t need to go there.”

“I want to ask questions,” Emma began, causing Dante to go bright red. “I have so many that need answers.”

“Come on!” Dante hissed.

Emma couldn’t help but laugh.

Until the gate alarm sounded. They had company, and already the mood had changed.

“They’re here.”

Dante tried to bolt from the room, but Emma grabbed his belt before he could make a break for it. “Hell no! You’re not bailing on me,” she stated. “Where’s Steele?”

“He’s showering in our room. He just got in from the morgue and didn't want to start his night coated in death.”

“Good. He’ll have a few minutes to get adjusted before Reggie attacks.”

“I don’t know if I can do this,” he stated, actually sounding freaked out. “You know mom, Greyson. She’s crazy. One minute she’s good, and the next she’s undermining everyone’s authority. No one is safe.”

Emma wrapped her arm around his waist, pulling the men to her sides. She was trapped between them, and they were a united front against what was coming.

“We have you, Dante,” she said. “Don’t worry about what she thinks of Steele. You love him, and that’s all that matters. Her opinion doesn’t.”

Greyson wished his parents weren’t at his home. God help him, but his mother had a way of turning everything upside down. She liked to think she was boss.

It was draining.

Dante knew he couldn’t hide Steele forever, so he dropped a kiss to the top of Emma’s head before speaking, “Okay, let’s go get this over with,” he stated, “before I throw up.”

Greyson laughed.

He completely understood.

He wanted to be sick to his stomach too. Not because he cared what she said to him, but his wife was another story. Emma and Steele would be the main targets. Reggie was super protective of her sons.

Until they headed back home in three months, they just had to buckle in and hold on for the ride.

Hopefully, no one would get hurt.

At the door, they met their housekeeper. “Magda, my parents will be staying in the gold room,” Greyson stated. “Can you please make sure they have everything they need, even if it seems like an odd request?”

“Yes, Mr. Croft.”

He was preparing for the worst--just in case.

Heading outside, they found their parents getting out of their rental car. The minute she saw her boys, Reggie rushed them, practically knocking Emma out of the way.

Well, that set the tone of this visit.

Emma shook her head and waited her turn. When it came to this woman, she was like a pit bull. If you got in her way, you got hurt. The last year had been one hell of a ride. At first it was all good.

Then they eloped.

While Reggie said it was fine, the woman held a wicked grudge. She was screwed out of her oldest son’s wedding, and didn't let them forget it.

There’d be calls.

Comments.

Cards
.

She was relentless.

In the end, she had no one to blame but herself, since she never spoke up. Greyson had warned her, but she seemed to forget that. Emma would have done a big wedding to keep the peace, but Greyson had made the final choice.

Now she was the one paying for it.

As Reggie gushed over her boys, Emma noticed Christopher Croft heading her way. The smile on his face was infectious.

It always made her smile when she saw him. His boys looked just like him, and that made Emma’s heart melt. He was a sweet man, and that was ironic since he was a hardened cop.

“Emma!”

“Hey, Dad! How was your tour of the country?” she asked as he swung her around in a big bear hug.

“It was fun. I’m glad we’re done though. Someone was getting bored. Nice house! I can’t wait to see it.”