Alexandra
God, this is so hard. I didn’t want to tell Colton about what happened because I know it will blow up even worse.
He’s waiting for me to tell him about the rest of it, but I’m having a difficult time. I feel so fucking violated.
“Take your time, Goldie. I’m not going anywhere.”
I must admit that if I have to be in this situation, there isn’t anyone I want with me other than Colton.
“I’ll be right back.”
I walk to my bedroom and grab the manila envelope out of my dresser drawer. I know once he sees what’s in it, he’ll kill Miller and Anderson.
I debated all day whether or not to show him, but I finally decided things have gone too far for me to deal with this on my own.
When I walk back into the kitchen, he’s poured himself a shot of whiskey. He’s going to need it.
I sit down next to him with tears in my eyes. Fuck, this is so hard because I know this is all my fault.
I know he’s going to flip out, so I need some reassurances before I hand him the envelope.
He notices my tears right away, and wipes them away with his callused thumbs. “All right, I’ve waited long enough. I want to know what has you so upset.”
“Colton, I’m going to show you something, but you have to promise me that you won’t rush out of here and do something stupid.”
His jaw clenches and I can see a vein in his forehead. He rubs his hands together but it’s not gentle. I can see how hard he’s squeezing them.
“I can’t do that, darlin’, because if someone did something to hurt you, then I’ll kill them. Now, let me see what’s in the envelope.”
Looking down at the envelope in my hands, I place it on the table and slide it over to him.
Colton picks it up, never taking his eyes off me. I can feel his stare penetrating me.
Still not looking up, I hear the contents hit the table.
“What the fuck is this?”
There, on the table, are pictures taken at the park the night we had sex in his truck. Whoever took the photos had a world-class lens because he or she was able to zoom in to see exactly what was going on.
Colton scans through the six photos, and although you can’t see any naked body parts, it’s pretty obvious what we’re doing.
“Un-fucking-believable. This has to be Miller and Anderson.”
I look over at Colton. He has a murderous look on his face. I’m scared shitless to show him the rest.
He turns to me and places his hands on my face. “I’ll take care of this, Goldie. I won’t let those fuckers get away with this.”
My hands move over his, as if I’m trying to soak up his strength because I’m going to need it.
“What is it you’re not telling me, Alexandra?”
I take the thumb drive out of my pocket and place it in his hands. “There’s a video too.”
I can’t even look at him. I’m so embarrassed and pissed. But it’s all my fault, so I’m not sure if I’m more pissed at myself or whoever did this.
Colton jumps out of his chair with such force, it goes flying across the room. I jump at the crashing sound. It reminds me of the night the brick came through the window.
Colton moves to the sink and splays his hands on the counter. He’s seething. I know the feeling, but I also know I have to calm him down or this could escalate.
“I’m not going to fucking watch it, Alexandra, but I am going to make them pay, and pay hard.”
I move to his side. “Colton, listen to me, please.”
He’s not looking at me, just staring straight ahead at the wall.
“We’ll make them pay soon, I promise, but I don’t want either of us to go off half-cocked and regret it later.”
Colton laughs, but it’s anything but funny.
“Oh, honey, I’m full-cocked. And believe me when I say I won’t regret what I’m going to do to those fuckers.”
This conversation needs to take place while he’s looking at me. I turn Colton around, so I can see him.
There’s a darkness in his eyes. I need to turn this around, real fast.
“Please, let’s sit down and talk this out. We need a plan, and we can’t do it without each other.”
Colton pours us each a shot of whiskey. Even though I know it’s killing him, Colton grabs the chair he threw across the room and sits down.
I’m hoping if I remain calm, he will too.
“I made a call to an FBI agent who I’m friends with. I didn’t know about the photos and video when I spoke with him. Colton, he’s going to look into Miller and Anderson. He’s also going to see if he can find out any information about your father. I don’t want you to do anything until we hear from him.”
Colton is pissed. “What’s the matter, Goldie? You don’t think I can take care of this, and you? I clean up my own messes, darlin’. I don’t need no G-man sticking his nose in my business.”
Wow, that hurt. Did he really refer to whatever this is between us as a mess? Yeah, it’s fucked up and yeah, maybe we need to take a step back, but I’d never consider him a mistake.
My emotions apparently show on my face because Colton immediately looks remorseful. “Shit, I didn’t mean that the way you took it, Alexandra. I don’t regret anything you and I have done together. In fact, I replay every touch, sound, and taste in my mind.”
Colton takes me by the hand and pulls me into his lap. I curl up and wrap my arms around his neck.
“Look, darlin’, I’m a caveman, OK? I need to protect and take care of you. That’s my job.”
When I search his face, I can see he’s unsure how to do that. “Maybe you and I should play it cool for now, Colton. We could wait until we figure who’s behind all this.”
“Don’t you think I know who’s behind this? I mean, who else could it be but Miller and Anderson. They have it out for both of us.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. Isn’t too obvious it’s them? Do you think they’re that stupid?”
“Oh, Goldie, I know those fuckers are stupid. Do you have idea who else could do this? Someone maybe you put away up in New York, or an ex-boyfriend.”
“No, there isn’t anyone like that. What about you, Colton? Do you have some crazy ex-girlfriend out there?”
Colton and I have never really talked about past relationships. It feels as if we should’ve had this talk before.
He tips my chin up to him. “Both of my ex-girlfriends are married, Goldie. I know neither of them would do this.”
“Both? You mean, you’ve only had two girlfriends in your life?” I laugh at the absurdity.
“Why are you laughing? Do you think I’m some kind of playboy?” Now he laughs.
It’s a moment of levity in a serious situation.
“Well, we did sleep together the first night, so I figured you did that a lot.”
“Alexandra, I won’t lie. Yeah, I’ve had my share of one-night stands, but I’ve never led any woman on. They always knew where I stood.”
I want to ask him where he stands now, but I’m afraid of the answer. I don’t really want to stop seeing him, but if it gets the heat off of us, then I’ll do it.
“You want to know where I stand with you, don’t you, Goldie?”
“I’m that transparent, huh?”
Colton rubs his nose against mine. He kisses me gently on the lips before he melts my heart.
“I’ve never met anyone like you before, Alexandra. You’re strong, yet sensitive. You’re sexy as fuck, but not in a skanky way.”
I laugh. “OK, I’ll take that as a compliment, I guess.”
“Shit, I don’t know what I’m saying.”
“Colton, you’re doing a good job. Keep going.”
He takes my face in his hands. “You are perfect to me, Goldie. Now, I don’t want to hear another word about staying away from each other. We won’t let those bastards win. We’re stronger together than separate.”
I’m officially a puddle of goo. This man is mine.