Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  “Not to sound like a dick, but besides the Cassano brothers giving me orders, my cock is the only other thing that directs me–like when to take a woman on a date. I thought you were amazing from the first day I met you, but I wouldn’t have let it progress past a few dates.”

  “Wow, don’t hold back there.”

  “I’m sorry. Like I said, I’m somehow able to confess things to you. Tara, I haven’t a clue how to do more, nor do I want more, and I sure as hell don’t have time for the distraction. This job is my life.”

  “This job has been an excuse for you and the Cassano brothers not to entertain what is typically uncomfortable for males. You know, things like love, commitment and vulnerability.”

  Hell, just my words have him wincing with displeasure.

  “So, if you were being completely honest and open with me, you would say you’re also scared of getting hurt.”

  His swallow is more straining this time as he likely chokes down the truth I laid out for him.

  “Yeah, I guess that, too. How did you get so wise in your early twenties?”

  “I’m a chick. This shit’s in our DNA.” Standing from my chair, I exhale some of the seriousness we’ve drudged up.

  Honestly, this talk gave me some insight into Xavier and why he’s been the way he has. I learned something, too. I round my desk and motion for Kruse to stand. I give him no choice but to hug me back after my arms have wrapped around his shoulders.

  “So, do you want me to send you my bill?” I ask with a giggle, attempting to lighten the mood.

  “What are you talking about? You’ve scared me shitless. Hell, I need more therapy now. I shouldn’t owe you a dime.”

  We both laugh, and I feel the vibration from Kruse’s chest rumbling against me.

  “What the fuck is this?!” Zev asks.

  I pull free from Kruse, feeling Zev’s anger without even looking his way. I’m frozen as the black cloud of smoke, or I should say fury, floods my office after the explosion, which was the sight of Kruse and me in a tender embrace.

  Shit, Kruse is about to feel the wrath. Philosopher Xavier is about to release more words in a string of profanities.

  “Answer me, goddammit!”

  “Shit. Did you not talk to him about this?” Kruse asks.

  “I haven’t had a chance.”

  In a beat, he’s stepping back from me even farther.

  “Dammit, Tara, you told me you would talk to him.”

  “Talk to me about what?” Zev asks, looking more panicked than angry as his eyes play ping-pong between us.

  “Zev, this isn’t what it looks like,” I say to him.

  “Then what the hell is it? And you, mother fucker, don’t speak,” he spouts to Kruse, along with a point of his finger.

  “I think it’s best you go,” I say to Kruse.

  “She’s madly in love with you, you prick. I don’t know why the fuck you’re so jealous.”

  “I told you I don’t want to hear shit from your mouth.”

  With a shake of his head, Kruse stomps past Zev and out of my office.

  I throw my hands on my hips, pissed over the assumptions he’s making and how he spoke to his friend.

  “Stop being a caveman.”

  “If I were a caveman, I would’ve beat Kruse with my club and dragged you out of here by your hair.”

  “Stop it. You’re being ridiculous, and you would never hurt me, so your words don’t mean shit.”

  “I’d like to fuck you right now. You’re so damn hot when you’re fired up. But first, tell me you don’t have feelings for Kruse. I have to hear you say it, baby. I can’t take this.”

  “I don’t have feelings for him, nor does he have them for me. He only came to my office because he thought I told you we were going to meet. He was confiding in me about another woman. Now, will you stop acting so childish?”

  After shutting my door, he stalks toward me.

  “I’m having trouble letting go of the fact he kissed you, so witnessing you two hugging was too much.”

  “You have to get over it, Zev. Kruse and I are going to be friends, and you’re going to accept it because you’re the man I’m marrying. Not him. You have nothing to worry about, so you owe Kruse an apology, and you need to drop this once and for all. Understood?”

  Finally, he smiles. The cloud of dark smoke dissipates, and he comes at me with determination. Swiftly, I’m in his arms, my bottom lip being dragged between his teeth.

  “Daisy, I have to have you right now.”

  “Why are you here? I was supposed to go to your office later.”

  “I wanted to do something kind for you, so I was going to be a gentleman and take my fiancée to dinner. Instead, I think I’ll be a gentleman and eat you for dinner first and right here in your office.”

  Freeing myself from his embrace, I walk around my desk. “You can’t. Theo and Adrian are right down the hall.”

  “My needs should come before theirs.”

  “Yes, well, they don’t between the hours of nine and six, Monday through Friday.”

  I finally glance his way to receive my scowl.

  “Fine. At six, you’re all mine. I’m taking you to dinner and then home where I can tend to your needs properly.”

  Giggles bubble up from me, and I can’t stop them.

  “Xavier Cassano, there is nothing proper about you.”

  His dimples sink in as he smiles and messes with his onyx hair.

  “You’re right, but I try for my lady.”

  “Come here and give me a kiss, and then I’ll be all yours at six.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Victoria

  Clasping my phone, I sink onto the bed and fight back the tears invading my eyes. My hope for a job with the DEA was shattered about two minutes ago. I was correct that there’s not a field office in this city.

  On top of that, to be a special agent requires months of resident training in Virginia. My career means everything to me, but for once in my life, I can say a person is more important.

  I refuse to leave Adrian for that long. I need to tell him, and I dread the expression he’ll display once I do.

  My mind spins as I entertain options in the area. There are not many prospects for me. I recall the thrilling memories of being on the job with Reggie, and I sure miss my reckless days with him.

  It reminds me that I need to call him to have him check out that guy for Sadie. Hmm … I wonder …

  An idea I have leaves me resolute and hopeful for the future. I swipe the tears from my eyes, sit up, and press Reggie’s number on my phone.

  “Reg, I need a favor.” Along with asking for his help, I need to feel him out soon to discern if he’s still happy with his chosen career path.

  ***

  I’m in the kitchen cooking dinner when I hear footsteps. I turn my head to glance over my shoulder and see Adrian leaning against the doorframe with a smirk on his handsome face.

  The sleeves of his white dress shirt are rolled up his forearms, exposing the masculine dark hair on his arms, which are crossed at his chest, his hands tucked under his armpits.

  OK, I take more than a glance because the man is potent. He’s the epitome of masculine. Exquisite doesn’t do him justice.

  His eyebrows lift in amusement.

  “If you stay bent over that oven much longer, I’m going to take you right there, and that might be the most dangerous sex we’ll ever experience. I’m into kink, but I draw the line at third-degree burns.”

  Giggling, I pull the pan of New York strip steaks out from under the broiler.

  “I fixed meat, your favorite. Then, I can indulge in yours, my favorite.” Over my shoulder, I shoot him a flirty grin, and as I expected, he starts toward me.

  I no sooner get the pan set down before he’s spinning me and pulling me into his arms. His mouth engulfs mine and transfers a passionate kiss to my lips. A hungry hand slides over my ass and squeezes hard.

  “Mmm … maybe I’d enjoy bei
ng the domesticated wife.”

  He smiles against my lips, and it makes my entire day. I have an ulterior motive this evening, but I do love pleasing him and observing how my thoughtful gestures warm his heart.

  ***

  “Dinner was amazing. Thank you. Let’s move to the living room, and I’ll make us drinks,” Adrian says as he scoots his chair back from the dining room table.

  “That sounds nice. Wine please. I have something I want to discuss with you.” I follow him to the living room and sit on the sofa.

  Reaching the bar, he freezes for a few seconds before he looks over his shoulder. “You were buttering me up this evening. I should’ve realized.”

  “Honey, I live to serve and please you; you know that, but I did have a tiny ulterior motive.” Squinting, I hold up my fingers and make an inch with them. “I’ll make it up to you in the bedroom tonight. Anything you want.”

  A look of warning that I better be sure I want to go there is shot at me. “I mean it, Adrian. Anything your heart or dick desires. Anything.”

  He clears his throat with a light cough.

  “It’s going to be difficult to listen to you while I think of the endless possibilities.” Returning with our drinks, he hands me a glass of red wine.

  “Before you respond to what I’m about to tell you, I do have a plan, so don’t panic.”

  He takes a long drink from his glass.

  “OK.”

  “I can’t work for the DEA. Your contact from there was kind and offered me a spot in their training program, but he failed to give you all the details.

  “First, they don’t have an office in Vegas. Second, I would be required to live in Virginia for months to receive my training. I refuse to be away from you that long, and I’m definitely not living in a different state than you.”

  His brow furrows, and he takes another drink.

  “Victoria, I’m sorry. It was foolish of me to get your hopes up without hearing the requirements of the job first.” He shakes his head. “Why didn’t he tell me? I feel like an ass.”

  “He probably didn’t think about it because most of the people who want to work for the DEA are willing to make the sacrifice. It’s a dream come true for them, but I could never be away from you. We’d both be miserable.”

  Sitting sideways with one of my legs bent on the sofa, I lean over and kiss his cheek. “You are more important to me than anything else in this world.”

  His fingers reach out to play with my long hair. He stares at it as he processes my words.

  “God, I love you so much. It’s why I hurt for you. I don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity. What will you do now?”

  “Well, that’s what I wanted to discuss with you. I have an idea.”

  He sighs. “Am I going to need another drink?”

  Snickering, I kiss his cheek again.

  “I want to start a business as a private investigator. I would take on my own cases and prove myself. Maybe then I could get contract work as an informant for agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and hell, maybe even the DEA.”

  Nodding, he processes what I said and smiles.

  “That sounds like a great plan. Why were you worried about telling me?”

  “I want to have a business partner–Reggie.” I squint and lift my shoulders, waiting for Adrian’s negative reaction.

  “Baby, please no.” He’s shaking his head as he gets up to make himself another drink. “Hell, you’ll be working more closely with him than you did at the station. He’ll fall for you all over again, and it will cause huge problems.

  “We’ll end up beating the shit out of each other, and if he touches you again, I might have to kill the man. You’ll be spending more time with him than me. I don’t see how it could work out.”

  Damn, Adrian’s not even coming up for air. He stomps back to the sofa, displaying a scowl, and plops down onto it.

  “Honey, that’s ridiculous. I’m marrying you. He respects that. He’s mentioned Aggie to me a few times, anyway. I think he’s interested in her.”

  Adrian’s eyes widen as he holds his drink out toward me.

  “Oh, hell no. Do you think that makes me feel better?”

  “I’m simply saying he’s over me. It would be a strictly professional relationship. Reggie has my back, and I would think you would want me working with someone rather than handling cases all on my own. It would be safer that way.”

  Blowing out a long breath, he takes another swig from his tumbler.

  “You do have a point there. I would feel better if you were working with someone.”

  “Reggie’s your friend, Adrian. You have to stop holding grudges. You can trust him, and don’t you trust me?”

  His fingers tangle in my hair.

  “Juice Box, of course I trust you.”

  “I’m devoted to you, Adrian. It will only ever be you.”

  His head falls over, his forehead pressing to mine.

  “Woman, you’re going to be the death of me. I can hardly bear the control you have over my fucking heart. OK. I’ll let go of this anger toward Reggie and be supportive. I want this for you, but I do have a condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I want to provide you with office space here in the hotel, and it’s not so I can keep a watch on Reggie. It would mean the world to me to contribute to this endeavor, and it would be great to have you close by.”

  I literally clap my hands between us before I throw my arms around his neck. “Oh, I would love that. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to ask Reggie and get started.”

  “He doesn’t know yet?”

  “No, I had to discuss it with you first. I told you, Adrian, that you will always come first.” Taking his glass out of his hand, I set it on the coffee table.

  “Now, if I recall correctly, I said I would do anything you desire tonight.”

  “Oh, my pearl … Hell. Yes.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Tara

  “Thank you again for doing this,” Aggie says after taking a seat in my white Honda Accord.

  “Please, don’t thank me. I love to shop. Zev insists I do more of it, which is odd to me. I’m having a hard time spending his money, so I’m using my own cash today.”

  “Tara, he lucked out when he found you. You’re not after his wealth like so many women would be.”

  “He added me to his bank accounts this week and insisted on paying off the lease to my condo. I love that your brother trusts me when he’s not a very trusting man, but I guess I’m having trouble returning it.”

  To gauge her reaction, I glance at her as I drive.

  “I get it. You’ve been through a lot because of him. He needs to earn it, and that will come with time. I do believe he’s trying hard.”

  She lets out a clipped laugh. “Somehow your name comes up in every conversation I have with him. He’s crazy about you.”

  Her words are like a tickle to my heart. It’s jumping around inside my chest, trying to escape the hold Zev has on it because at times it’s too much.

  Too intense.

  Too … everything. When he’s sweet, it’s so endearing it leaves my heart physically aching. When he’s an animal, his gaze searing mine with lust and hunger, my heart pounds in my chest.

  I’m his prey and his mate all at once, but ultimately I feel safe knowing he’s just as vulnerable under that domineering layer of his soul.

  The reality of what I mean to Xavier hits me like a freight train. He finally trusts me wholeheartedly. Besides his family, I have earned his trust more than any other person on this earth, and he’s been trying to show me.

  I feel in my gut he’s not going to push me away again or hurt me. I can marry him. The excitement of what this means leaves my heart beating faster and incites a grin. I can hardly wait to speak to him later.

  “One favor, Aggie. Do you mind if we grab me a wedding gown today?”

  ***

  “If there were a college course on shopping, I wou
ld recommend you attend, girl.”

  “Is my style that bad?” Aggie asks.

  “No, you have great taste. It’s getting you to believe it that’s the problem. Also, getting you to cut loose with that cash.” I wink at her, and she giggles.

  “It’s silly of me. My brothers made sure I never wanted for anything while I cared for our mother. Also, I’ve inherited plenty of money from my parents’ estate and I’m working.

  “I have the funds to shop, but I’ve never had the luxury of making myself a priority, so this is difficult to get used to.”

  “Well, spend more time with me, and you’ll get the hang of it. Now, you need to buy that dress. You look spectacular in it.”

  Aggie turns her back to the dressing room mirror and looks over her shoulder. “So, you think a guy would find it sexy?”

  “A guy?” My eyes light up. “Is there something you want to share with me?”

  She’s biting her lip, trying to disguise a bashful smile as she looks back at me.

  “Maybe. Let’s purchase this pile of clothing first, and I’ll tell you about it.”

  Kruse

  “Kruse, it’s Zev. I need to speak to you.”

  “I’m sick of the ass-chewings, so no thanks.”

  “I want to apologize. Why don’t you meet me at the hotel gym in an hour? We’ll get a workout in.”

  “I don’t know. I’m taking it easy today.”

  Actually, I’m over his jealousy with Tara and find it hard to believe he’s sorry.

  “Come on. I got Simon joining us, and I know you enjoy making fun of his skinny legs in his athletic shorts.”

  I sigh. “You’ve seriously come to your senses about Tara?”

  “Yes, man.”

  “OK. I’ll meet you there.”

  ***

  I’m stretching in our gym at Submission after a warm-up on the treadmill. The place is exclusive to the highest-level employees, and on this Saturday afternoon, I’m the only one utilizing it.

  The gym is lined with windows, like most of the rooms in this hotel, and it’s stocked with free weights, weight machines and a cardio area, along with locker rooms on the right once you enter the main door.