10. The Truth about Halston
THE TRUTH ABOUT HALSTON
GAbrIEL
In that moment, everything became crystal clear.
She’s a double agent.
Being at war with the Bratva had forced Gabriel to learn a little Russian. That extra effort had finally paid off.
“Besides Halston, who speaks Russian?” Gabriel asked.
No one.
Gabriel was rarely impressed but, as he eyed the dark-haired beauty with the piercing blue eyes, his respect for her grew tenfold. She was bold, brave, and a cunning warrior. After raising his wine glass, he cemented his full attention on her.
“As we head into the New Year, I wish everyone the best,” he said. “And to my brothers, I love you.”
“Nice,” Sin said as everyone clinked glasses.
Everyone continued chowing down, but Gabriel was more interested in the alluring and intriguing woman seated across from him. She’d taken out a Bratva, she’d been ballsy enough to accept a gig in Russia. Nothing like stepping into the lion’s den and playing with the big cats.
If she’d been scared, she’d done the job anyway.
Rather than push for information—and annoy his brothers again—he stayed silent. But his mind was funneling through the questions.
For Halston… and only Halston.
The conversation shifted to Teddy and Sydney’s home furnishings, moving on to New Year’s resolutions. As they chatted around the table, Gabriel only half listened.
Focus on health, more time with friends, less time at work.
Blah, blah, blah.
A power-hungry businessman, Gabriel was heir to the Santini Dynasty of blood and power… and he had every intention of keeping it.
“What about you Halston?” Caroline asked. “What are your top three resolutions?”
Pausing, Halston sipped the Chianti. Brilliant-blue eyes bore into his as if she could pierce his soul. His libido stirred but, to his surprise, so did his heart. Unlike Barbi, she had a vulnerability about her that drew him in—a gravitational pull he could not ignore.
“I’d like to stay in the US for the foreseeable future,” she said, her gaze floating from person to person.
“Being here with all of you is the happiest I’ve been in a while.
I did see my family, recently, and that was great.
” Her fiery gaze halted on Gabriel. “I’d like to do something fun. I know that sounds ridiculous—”
“No, it doesn’t,” Evangeline said.
“Go somewhere nice for dinner, then to the theater or fly to the coast of Italy for a long weekend.”
Her voice was sultry. She spoke slower than Barbi, said certain words differently. From what he could tell, she was deliberate. He liked that about her… he liked that a lot.
“Maybe something crazy like skydiving or spend a day puppy shopping,” she continued. “I don’t know what, but I know I wouldn’t do it alone.” For Gabriel, a little smile. “For me, the adventure is better when shared with someone special.”
He mirrored her smile with one of his own, meant just for her.
She was irresistible.
Completely and totally irresistible.
They finished their late-night meal, compliments for their hosts. As everyone moved toward the kitchen to help clean up and pull out the array of sweet treats, he intercepted Halston. He took her plate, her empty wine glass, set it down on the center island.
“Come with me,” he said.
He paused, giving her the chance to refuse him. Instead, her pupils bled back, she curled her fingers around his biceps. “I could use a little air.”
He led her onto the darkened back porch where the frosty air whipped around them. While he appreciated the smack of cold air that invigorated his senses, she might be cold.
Rather than ask if he could get her a coat, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her.
Without hesitation, she kissed him back, tightened her hold of him.
Their connection was fiery and immediate.
He slipped his hand around the back of her neck beneath her long hair, deepened their embrace.
A growl shot from her, the wildness in her kiss a welcoming pleasure.
In seconds, everything jumped to Mach One, his hardness pressing against the confines of his boxer briefs.
The kiss continued, her throaty moans turning him hard as fucking steel.
Commotion from inside grabbed his attention. When he opened his eyes, hers fluttered open.
“You’ve worked your black magic on me,” he murmured before stealing another kiss.
“You’re the one with the devilish smile and evil ways,” she whispered. “My mom warned me about men like you.”
“What did she say?”
“She told me, ‘They’re a lot of fun in the short run, but they’ll break your heart in the end.’”
Gabriel couldn’t help but smile. “I would like to prove her wrong.”
Suddenly, phone flashlights blinded them. Squinting against the bright lights, Gabriel peered over. The entire group stood on the porch, gawking at them.
“What the hell—” he blurted.
Halston broke away. Frustration slithered through him. He wasn’t ready to let her go.
“G, you couldn’t wait until after dessert to maul her?” Greystone asked.
Greystone was poking the bear… again. Only this time, Gabriel refused to take the bait. If he did, it would be a full-on assault. Rather than respond, he said nothing. Sometimes, silence sent a stronger message.
“Just for the record, the mauling was mutual,” Halston said.
Wasn’t expecting that.
Gabriel peered over at her. She met his gaze.
“I like you Halston Devereux,” he murmured.
A hint of a smile danced in her eyes.
“We lost power,” Sydney said.
“Everything went dark,” Teddy added. “Look around, the neighborhood’s in blackout.”
“So?” Gabriel asked.
“We’re sitting down for dessert,” Caroline said.
“Sounds good,” Halston replied.
Damn it.
Their moment was ripped away from them. He didn’t care about dessert or espressos or the blackout. He was done. Ready to take off and enjoy the New Year with a beautiful killer.
Because that’s exactly what Halston Devereux was to him… a beautiful killer.
Halston took a step toward the kitchen, but he wrapped his fingers around her arm to stop her.
“Two minutes,” he said.
With their phone lights illuminating the way, the group traipsed back inside.
“Do you want to get outta here?” he asked.
Stepping close, she peered up at him. “Are you asking me if I want to fuck?”
“No, I’m asking if you want to leave the group hug.”
“To fuck?”
He didn’t like where this was heading. “Yes, but no.”
“Meaning?”
“I have questions.”
“So, you want me to spill my guts first?”
He chuckled. “You intrigue me.”
“Power-hungry Gabriel Santini has met a woman who isn’t an open book.”
Waiting for her answer, he stayed silent.
“I’mma need an answer if you want our private party to continue—”
He stopped her with a kiss. “We’ll be together when the clock strikes midnight. You choose where.”
He dipped down, kissed her again.
“Cocky,” she murmured as she broke away, headed inside.
She opened the French door, turned back, and shot him a smile. “Are you coming?”
Two slow strides and he stood inches away. “If I was, you would be too.”
He couldn’t miss her smile as she entered the dark and toasty-warm kitchen.
Several flameless candles flickered on the kitchen table and center island, their swaying wicks casting shadows on the nearby walls.
Halston accepted a mug filled with coffee from Sydney.
“Do you want a shot of Santini Whisky in it?” Sydney asked.
“Just milk or whatever you have is fine,” Halston replied.
After setting out the oat milk, Sydney put her arm around Gabriel. “You better treat Halston like a queen.”
He kissed her forehead. “Sorellina, you know I will.” Little sis.
She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I love you, G, but you are a lady eater.”
“Halston is different,” he murmured.
“She is,” Sydney said before opening a bottle of Santini Whisky and pouring a dollop into her own coffee. “Yes?”
“Hit me,” Gabriel replied.
As Sydney added the liquor to his coffee, Sin walked in from the dining room, phone to ear. “I’ll let them know.” He hung up, eyed the group.
“The DMV is in total blackout,” Sin said. “Along with six Tier One cities from here to LA.”
The room went pin-drop quiet.
“The blackouts were synced to happen together.” Sin continued as he shifted toward Carrera. “Check your phone. You missed a call from your boss.”
Carrera pulled his phone from his pocket. “I had it on silent and forgot to turn it on.”
“As Deputy Director, you shouldn’t be silencing your phone,” Sin said.
Carrera and Slash exchanged glances.
“Really, Sin?” Slash said. “You do not want to go there.”
“I’m just sayin’,” Sin tossed back the rest of his whisky. “Carrera is an exec at the FBI—”
Evangeline sidled close to her husband, “Baby, he and Slash were busy welcoming in the New Year early.”
“You gotta have every damn thing explained to you?” Carrera bit out.
Sin flicked his attention to Slash who shook her head at him.
“My bad,” Sin said.
“Some people celebrate before and after,” Caroline chimed in, and everyone laughed.
Carrera stepped away to call the Director back.
“Kathrine Austin and Stoni Alexander told me there had been blackouts in seven cities about two weeks ago,” Gabriel said. “Is this related?”
“No one knows,” Sin replied.
Carrera returned. “I’ve got a meeting in The Situation Room at the White House.”
“Because of these blackouts?” Sydney asked.
“It’s a concern,” Carrera replied before regarding his wife. “Babe, do you want to grab a ride home or can I drop you on the way?”
“I’ll leave with you,” Slash replied before she regarded Teddy and Sydney. “Great party. Thank you for hosting.”
Gabriel was ready to bolt, but he wasn’t leaving without Halston. Plus, he needed a ride.
Sin’s phone rang again. He answered. “Develin. Got it.” He hung up, turned to the group. “I’m heading to the White House.”
As the group got absorbed in too much talking about who was driving whom where, Gabriel pulled Halston aside.
“I’m out,” he murmured.
Halston glanced over his shoulder. “Maybe these blackouts are a bigger deal than we realize.”
“I don’t give a fuck if the lights are on or off,” Gabriel said.