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“River, I’m going to lose it.”
I cupped his balls, glancing up at him. He grunted, and I popped him out of my mouth and stroked him as he came all over my tits. I licked the drop of come off his swollen head. I smiled at him. “I think I can sleep now.”
Once we cleaned up, we climbed back into bed and snuggled up. My eyes fluttered closed, the rhythm of Holden’s chest rising and falling relaxing me. I didn’t have nightmares the rest of the night.
***
The next morning, Brynn, Chance, and Jace left the hotel room to shop with Vaughn. After discussing it more, Holden had decided to have his mom come to the penthouse instead of meeting somewhere else. I would greet Catherine, then Holden and Reid would join us in the living area. A part of me felt terrible for her. Little did she know she was about to be ambushed, but I had to support Holden’s decision. Catching her off-guard was the best way to see her reaction and if she was being truthful or not.
Even though I was expecting it, the knock startled me. Holden kissed me before he and his brother disappeared into one of the bedrooms.
Although a bodyguard was in the hall, I still peeked through the peephole, verifying it was indeed Catherine.
I inhaled deeply, then opened the door. “Hey, Catherine.” I stopped myself from flinching when she stood in front of me. Even though Zayne was next to her, and I was safe, I searched her face for the beauty mark Kassandra had, but it wasn’t there.
Catherine’s red blouse and cream slacks were paired with black Louboutin heels. She’d removed her wedding ring but wore a large teardrop diamond on her middle finger. She clutched her classic Chloe purse that hung from her shoulder.
“River,” she said breathlessly, then flung her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re back.” She released me, then placed her hands on my arms. “Are you hurt? Are you okay?” A frantic expression twisted her features.
“I’m fine.” That question was impossible to answer. If I said no, people would want details, and other than my group of friends, I wouldn’t explain anything. At least not right now.
Catherine patted my cheek. “Welcome home, honey.”
My chin felt wobbly just like my insides. I was well aware that Catherine might have a good reason for what happened to Reid, but meeting her son was about to turn her world upside down.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here.” I took a chair and motioned for her to have a seat. My job was to watch her reactions while Holden and Reid asked the questions.
Before we had a chance to settle in, Holden and his brother strolled into the room.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The color drained from Catherine’s face as she stared at Holden and Reid. Her chin trembled as she stood rooted in place, clearly in shock.
“Catherine?” I asked, encouraging her to say something.
Her attention bounced between each of us. She approached Reid slowly, then she gripped his shoulders. “Garrison?” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Is it really you?”
“I don’t know anyone named Garrison. My name is Reid.” He gently removed her hands.
“How?” Catherine glanced at Holden. “How?”
“Let’s have a seat, Mom.” Holden remained near Reid, and for the first time in their adult life, I witnessed a brotherly allegiance taking place.
Catherine stumbled to the couch, still pale. Hell, I was afraid she was going to have a fucking heart attack. I stood, then collected a box of tissues and poured her a glass of orange juice. “Here.” I gave her the drink. “Please take a few sips. You’re not looking so good.” Resisting the urge to sit next to her, I set the Kleenex down, then returned to my seat. Holden was stone-cold rigid while Reid seemed a little bit more relaxed, but he’d had years of practice detaching himself from reality. Shit. I hope he is going to be all right. This entire situation sucked.
“How is this possible? The police told me you were dead.” She looked at Reid, Holden, then me. “The only way I know who you are is that you’re the spitting image of your brother.” She held her palms up. “Wait, are we sure? I mean sometimes people have a doppelganger. It has happened.”
“Mom, I had the DNA tests run before I reached out to you. Reid is my older brother.”
Catherine fell back against the couch, tears in her eyes.
I cleared my throat and glanced at my boyfriend. He nodded for me to tell her my part of the story. “Catherine, Reid was at the compound where I was held. We were in cells next to each other. Reid was kidnapped when he was small and has worked as a sex slave since he was ten.”
Horror filled Catherine’s expression. “What?” Her hand flew over her mouth as she struggled to hold it together. “Please, River. Please tell me that you weren’t … oh, God, ten years old, Reid? My baby?” Catherine’s shoulders shook, her cry echoing through the room. It sounded like fury melded with sadness and torment.
I couldn’t fucking take it anymore. She clearly had nothing to do with Reid’s disappearance. I hopped out of my seat, sat next to her, and wrapped my arms around her. “He’s home now, Catherine. Both of your sons are home.” I rubbed her back as she continued to cry. I looked at Holden, at the pain evident in his features. Reid sat motionless, detached from the situation.
Finally, Catherine regained her composure, dabbed at the mascara beneath her eyes, and straightened up. She plucked a few more tissues from the box and patted her cheeks.
