Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  “I imagine I’ll be seeing you at family functions. Don’t call me sir when I do.” I give him a stern look, and he cracks a smile.

  As long as Aggie’s happy, I’m happy, and if anyone can keep her safe, it’s Kruse.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Mid-December

  Theo

  Hearing my cell phone beep in my pocket, I pull it out and read a text message from Kim.

  Kim: Can we meet soon? I have news.

  My heartbeat thuds faster from hearing from her, but then I frown. We had a bet that she would spend another night with me if I made her come during intercourse. It fucking happened, but she’s been stalling, putting me off.

  Me: I hope the news is how you’re ready to honor our bet.

  Kim: That’s not what this is in regard to; however, I think you’ll like this news better.

  Me: I seriously doubt there’s something better than how you taste against my tongue or how you sound moaning beneath me.

  She’s not texting back. After a minute, my phone dings again, and fuck … I’ve been staring at the screen ever since her last reply.

  Kim: Feed me dinner again, and I’ll honor our bet.

  Me: Meet me here at six. I’ll be ready to collect.

  ***

  Seeing her sexy body step inside the restaurant has me reaching for a tie that’s not there. I’m not wearing one tonight, opting for a deep green dress shirt instead.

  A feeling of needing something to lessen the constriction around my throat leaves me reaching for it anyway.

  Damn, she’s stunning.

  Grazing a hand over my dark brown hair, I stand to greet her. She smiles as she elegantly struts my way. She’s once again in tall heels, but her dress is red instead of black.

  Leaning in, I kiss her cheek. As she sits, the candle on the table illuminates the flushness that has crept up her neck.

  “Good evening, Kim. You look beautiful. How are you?”

  “Wonderful, thank you. How are you?”

  “Better now. Would you like some wine?”

  “Yes, please.” The waiter soon approaches, and along with our drinks, we order our meal.

  “So, aside from honoring our bet, what other amazing news do you have for me?”

  “I shouldn’t be telling you this news until after the fact, but I’ve been feeling rebellious against the Bureau, so here I am.” Kim lays her cloth white napkin across her lap and looks back up and smiles.

  “We have enough evidence against Carl Edward to raid his home and his office at the university. Quickly working with our foreign intelligence, who investigated his half brothers in Mexico, we feel confident we’re going to discover what we need for a solid case.”

  Reaching across the table, I squeeze her hand.

  “That’s amazing news. Thank you.”

  “It’s my job. You don’t need to thank me.”

  “Yes, I do. You could’ve stepped back and not helped us at all, letting us take the fall if we discovered nothing in the time allotted to us. Thank you, Kim.” I look at her with sincere gratitude.

  She averts her gaze and fidgets with her napkin in her lap.

  “You’re welcome. I don’t want to see you go to prison or know that your children are without their father. I’ll continue to help any way I can.”

  Our waiter arrives and pulls us out of an intense moment. We talk off and on during dinner, but Kim seems different, almost sad.

  Once I’ve paid the bill, I walk with her out of the restaurant and into Submission’s hotel lobby. My hand is at her lower back, and I can hardly wait to have her closer.

  “Are you still accompanying me to my room?” I ask.

  She sighs and smiles. “A bet’s a bet.”

  “Yes, but I want it to be a win for the both of us.” Her gaze averts once again, so I pull her chin back to face me. “Talk to me, Kim. What’s the problem?”

  She straightens and gazes at me with those sandy eyes.

  “Theo, I want another night with you, but that’s all it can be.” She glances around as if she’s ensuring no one can hear. “The FBI would not be congratulating me if we began dating and they found out. It would never work, and I–I like you. I can’t get in deeper and end up hurt.”

  “We can find a way around the FBI issue. We’re both resourceful and will think of a way if it becomes problematic.”

  “You’re still married. You also told me your divorce is going to be ugly and take time because of your wealth and children.” She lets out a clipped laugh. “Children … Theo, I know nothing about kids. I’m sure I’d screw this up, anyway, once you watched me interact with them.”

  I swallow and look away from her for the first time tonight.

  “I don’t believe for a second that you would be anything other than wonderful to my children, but I do have a lot of baggage that hasn’t been put away.”

  My eyes flit back to her, and I conjure up a smile. “I guess it would be complicated.” We stare quietly at each other as people move about around us. “OK … I’ll agree to leave you alone if you’ll do one thing for me.”

  “What’s that?” She smiles, but it’s weak and still surrounded by sadness. “I want one more date after tonight. I need a plus one to my brother’s wedding.”

  She cocks a brow and smirks. “Your brother hates me. He definitely wouldn’t want me at his wedding.”

  “He doesn’t hate you, Kim. He only feels threatened by you. Adrian trusts my judgment. He won’t mind that you’re there. Please … I don’t have my kids that night. I think we’d have a great time together, and then we’ll say goodbye.”

  She’s swallowing now and brushing a hand along her short hair. The crease in her forehead shows she wants no part of saying goodbye, either.

  I didn’t think I would ever trust another woman, yet here I am, trusting Kim before I’m even divorced. It’s because she’s honest.

  She knows I’m dealing with a world of shit, and even though she cares for me, she’s going to walk away to give me the time and space I need to work all that bullshit out. Yeah, she’s protecting herself, too, but that only shows how smart she is.

  “OK, I’ll go to the wedding with you.”

  I lean down and give her a soft kiss.

  “Thank you. Now, let’s go to my room so I can show you my gratitude in an even better way.”

  Victoria

  “Let’s go out for drinks. We seldom get to cut loose. I mean, it’s been mostly business and stress since we met … unless we’re in the bedroom.” I lift up on my toes and give Adrian a passionate kiss.

  After he’s thoroughly received it, he rubs my arms.

  “We do have a reason to celebrate. The FBI raiding Carl Edward’s place this week gets us one step closer to freedom. I’ll text Reggie and see if he wants to join us.”

  I’m sure my face is lit up, but I attempt to cover my enthusiasm. I wouldn’t want Adrian to get the wrong idea about my feelings for Reg.

  It thrills me that he’s enjoying time with his friend again. It also means I get to hang out with my two favorite guys in a relaxed environment.

  Taking the silver Aston Martin Vanquish, we head out to meet Reggie at Vanity Nightclub in the Hard Rock Hotel. He’s waiting for us at the front entrance when we arrive, and he’s dressed up tonight in a pair of black dress pants and a thin maroon V-neck sweater.

  Having never been here before, I take time to appreciate the interior of the club while waiting to be seated at our VIP table.

  The room has an electric feel from the variety of colors such as gold, purple, blue, and pink. They’re bold, yet the club still maintains a subdued, sexy vibe.

  Elaborate crystal chandeliers hang above, and as I admire the pearls and jewels that embellish the scene, I’m reminded of my enthralling, intimate moments with Adrian.

  Once we’re seated at our private plush booth, a scantily-dressed waitress shows up and bats her eyes at the guys. I fight rolling mine and have a flashback to being a serv
er at Submission. So much has happened since.

  Adrian orders himself and Reggie the best scotch, and I request a Coors Light. Adrian slips an arm around my back, partly resting it on my chair.

  “My classy girl and her beer.”

  I turn to him and he’s smirking, so I tip my bottle.

  “Hey, this classy girl is also simple at times. I don’t mind getting dirty, either.”

  His smile vanishes, and his gaze becomes lethal. His fingers press into the back of my neck as his mouth moves to my ear.

  “There will never be anything simple about you, and I’m all for you getting dirty with me.”

  His nose trails to the soft space behind my ear before he kisses it. I take a drink and try to calm my libido. I can’t resist sliding my hand along his thigh.

  He looks hot tonight in tailored grey pants and a matching blazer. The shimmery black shirt beneath has a few buttons opened, adding to his allure.

  I need to get my mind off of sex before I’m straddling him right here in this booth. The seductive music isn’t helping that any.

  I glance over to Reggie, who’s watching the crowd.

  “Reg, you should have invited Cicely,” I say.

  “I didn’t think about it.”

  “Bullshit.”

  He turns back to us and smiles before he takes a swig from his glass. “OK, I did, but I need to feel things out with her first.”

  “Pussy. You better feel things out soon before you miss your chance,” Adrian says, grinning.

  I pull my phone from my purse and wave it right to left.

  “How about I call and invite her now?” Turning my phone around, I see I’ve missed a call.

  “Well, you’re in luck, Reg. Look who just called me–Cicely. I’m going to step out of this noisy room and give her a ring.”

  I make my way to the entrance of the club, weaving through the school of partiers, noticing that most are much younger than I am. I step out the doorway and hit call on my phone. Cicely answers on the second ring.

  “Victoria,” she says anxiously.

  “Yes, Cic, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m–I’m just upset over something. Please, could you come over? I need a friend.”

  Cicely’s voice is cracking, and I hear the cry she’s choking back.

  “Of course. I’m out with Adrian and Reggie, but I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “OK. Please hurry and come alone.”

  I stride swiftly through the crowded club and get to our table.

  “Guys, I apologize, but I have to leave. Cicely’s pretty tore up over something and needs a girlfriend.”

  Adrian frowns and Reg grimaces.

  “As much as I don’t want to deal with feelings and shit, I could go and talk to her,” Reg offers. “She’s listened to me enough times.”

  “No, she called me, and she specifically said to come alone.” I clutch Adrian’s shoulder as I stand beside him. “I’m sorry to cut our evening short. Can I take the Vanquish and you get a ride home from Reggie?”

  “Sure. Let me know if you need anything.”

  I give him an assuring smile before I bend over to kiss his cheek. Next, I give Reg a pointed look. “Ease up on the drinking so you can drive.”

  He rolls his eyes. “Sure thing, boss.”

  Valet brings me the sleek Vanquish, and as soon as I’m out of the parking lot, I see that Cicely is calling me again.

  “Cic, is everything OK?”

  “I need Reggie to come, too.”

  “Uh, sure. I’ll call him and have him drop Adrian off first.”

  “OK, good.” She hangs up on me, and I’m still curious as to what could possibly have her so distraught. Aside from Tara, she’s the most happy-go-lucky woman I know.

  I dial Reggie’s number. “Hey, Cicely asked for you to come over, too. Can you drop off Adrian and ride over?”

  “No problem. I’ll see you shortly.”

  Ending the call, I continue driving until I reach her small house. As I pull into the driveway, I study the gold vehicle already parked in the street. Tucker’s car … What the hell is he doing here?

  The EMTs often hang out with the cops, so Cicely knows him from the times we’ve gone to Stopper’s, but I thought they were no more than acquaintances.

  I might throw up in my mouth if she’s dating him, and I most definitely will punch him in the ballsack if he’s managed to break her heart.

  I pull out my phone and shoot Reg a text.

  Me: You won’t believe this, but Fucker Tucker is here at Cicely’s.

  Dropping my phone inside my purse, I start up the front steps of her home. I knock a couple of times, but no one answers.

  After calling out for her, I decide to open the door. Yelling her name again, I trek through the short foyer, but she doesn't reply.

  I step inside the living room and freeze about the time Cicely’s muffled cries fill the room.

  What the fuck?!

  “Tucker.” My eyes dart between his and Cicely’s. She’s across the room on the floor, next to her couch, with her back against the wall and her knees pulled up to her chest. Rope is wrapped around her legs, and her arms appear to be tied behind her back.

  Black tape is covering her mouth, too, and all I can think about is how my pistol is in my purse. My hand gradually moves toward it, and Tucker yells, “Don’t even try it!”

  “What the hell are you doing, Tucker?”

  “Put your hands up in front of you and shut up. I’m going to do all the talking. I’ll also be the only one firing off rounds tonight.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Adrian

  Since the club was so crowded and loud, Reggie and I decided to head home, too. We’re on our way when his phone dings. Victoria has already called once to ask Reggie to come over to Cicely’s, too, and I’m wondering what’s so bad that she needs them both there.

  He pulls it from his pocket and eyes it before scowling.

  “Tucker’s at Cicely’s place. I swear if that asshole puts the moves on her, I’m going to beat his ass.”

  “Wait, isn’t that Theo’s contact from the station?”

  “Yep. It’s odd he’s at Cicely’s. I didn’t think they knew each other that well.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. He’ll probably leave now that Vic’s there.” Reg shoves his phone back into his pocket and is quiet as he pulls on his bottom lip. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

  “Something’s not right.” He takes a glimpse at me. “Tucker’s there, and now suddenly Cicely needs me, too, right after she told Vic to come alone. Did Victoria tell you that Tucker got her fired?”

  My head snaps his way. “No, she didn’t, and why have the both of you kept this from me?” I tighten my fists in my lap. “And don’t take me home. I’m going with you.”

  “I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d go cause a scene with him. You don’t need to be under law enforcement scrutiny any more than you already are. I imagine that’s why Victoria kept it to herself, too.” Reg turns the car around and drives toward Cicely’s instead of the hotel.

  “Why would Tucker get her fired when he’s been working for Theo? He knew she was dating me.”

  “We suspect it was because he worried she might interfere with Theo needing his services. I mean, if she had stayed a cop, she could’ve given you and Theo all the information you needed.”

  “What has you worried right now?”

  Reg is driving erratic, swerving in and out of traffic as he zips through the streets.

  “I hope I’m just paranoid, but I have a feeling Tucker is luring Vic and me there, and I don’t like it one fucking bit.”

  Victoria

  “Why did you have to bring Cicely into this?” I ask.

  “I said shut up!” Storming toward me, Tucker stops just shy of an arm’s reach. He knows me well. I’d like to shove that pistol up his ass right now. What is he thinking?

  “Like every other time, you just couldn’t
keep your nose out of shit that doesn’t concern you. By ending your job, I tried to get you out of the way without harm, but you just wouldn’t stop.”

  I clench my eyes shut briefly as I take a deep breath.

  “Tucker, I don’t understand what’s happening.”

  “You happened, Victoria. I saw you and Reggie scoping out Carl Edward’s home awhile back, and conveniently after, the FBI managed to get a search warrant.”

  “You’re wanting to shoot me because the FBI is going to bust him before you? Seriously?”

  “No, I don’t want him busted period. He’s my golden ticket, and you’re not fucking it up.”

  “Tucker, freeze!” Reggie yells. “Drop the weapon now!” As Tucker’s eyes flash to Reg behind me, I attempt to knock the gun from his hand, but he manages to grab hold of my arm and spin me around until my back is against his front.

  Adrian. Reggie got here fast, so where is Adrian?

  Fear I’ve never felt before pummels me, and I picture Adrian getting hurt. He can’t.

  Tucker’s muscular arm wraps around my chest, pinning my arms down. I feel the barrel of his weapon press to my temple. Cicely’s gasping against the tape over her mouth, her fear muffled but clearly there.

  “Take the shot, Reggie. Shoot his ass now!” I yell.

  Reg swallows as his eyes bounce between mine and Tucker’s.

  “Tucker, start talking. Tell me why you’re doing this?”

  “You two got in my damn way. First, you managed to run off Noah Sanders, who was my friend, and now you’re really fucking with my business, trying to nail Carl Edward.”

  I squirm, but Tucker’s too strong, and I honestly fear he would shoot me if I struggle further. He lets out a sinister laugh, his arm gripping me tighter in the process.

  “You two think you’re so smart, yet you missed the biggest piece of the puzzle. I’m who you’ve been looking for all along.

  “Noah Sanders worked for me. Carl Edward’s brothers are in with Ferrera under Larios’s cartel in Mexico, and they smuggle drugs to Carl. He disperses them to couriers in the college scene, and I handle the rest of the distribution throughout this city.