Conviction (The Cassano Series Book 4)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  ***

  “Your mom would’ve been proud of the eulogy, Adrian,” Reggie says as we stand in the living room.

  “I believe so. Let’s go outside and talk.” We step out the front door and onto the porch. We face the street as we stand next to each other, and I spot a couple of my father’s old friends. They’re in the yard smoking.

  “Thanks for being here, man. I’m sorry Victoria dragged you out here.”

  “She didn’t. I asked if I could attend.” This news surprises me, so I take a glimpse at him.

  “I need to ask you something,” I say.

  “Shoot.”

  “Are you still in love with her?”

  “I’ll always care about her, Adrian, but no, I’m not in love with her. She said something to me once about us being too much alike and butting heads, and I saw it after that.

  “Things started to change then. I think we always would’ve been at each other’s throats.” Reggie lets out a clipped laugh. “You’re the best hope for taming her.”

  I shove my hands into my pockets and pop my neck, tilting it toward each shoulder. “Yeah, but you were right about her missing her career. She couldn’t even sit her ass still on the plane. I swear she was eyeing everyone in first class like they were a possible terrorist.

  “She needs to work, so I found her a job. Actually, it would be a great career, but I wanted to wait until this was over with to tell her.”

  “What kind of job?”

  “The Drug Enforcement Administration. I know a man there. My contact is in tight with someone from the Bureau. It’s the main reason why we’re likely off the hook with the Feds.

  “He’s going to offer Victoria a job. It’s going to kill me to know when she’s on a raid, but this is necessary to her happiness, and I’ll do anything to make her happy.”

  The first sign of a smile is evident on Reggie’s face.

  “Damn, man, she’s going to flip. That’ll be a dream come true for her.”

  “I hope she won’t care that I pulled some strings.”

  “Considering she’s out of work, I doubt it.”

  “You’re not going to be able to watch out for her, and that sucks.”

  “I told you, man, Victoria watches out for herself. She seems to know when she can push the limits.”

  “I hope so. My sanity depends on it.”

  Victoria

  “How’s Zev?” I ask Tara in the kitchen.

  “The last two days have been rough. Aggie and I talked with him most of yesterday, and we seemed to have broken down some of his walls. I think he’s starting to realize what we all see in him.”

  “He might always need reassurance, but if anyone can show him love, it’s you.”

  “Thank you. I try. How’s Adrian?”

  “Tense. He should calm down now that the service is over.” Tara begins talking to me about the job offer Zev made her to work for Theo and Adrian. I’m trying to listen, but I see Reggie walk in and approach Agatha.

  Has he met her before?

  “So, do you think I should take the job?” Tara asks.

  “Oh, uh, yeah, if you think you can get past what happened with Noah. You’d also have to deal with Adrian’s crabby ass at times.” I pull my gaze from Reggie and smile at Tara.

  “I think I’m going to take it. Zev is right. Submission is like a home for him. I need to be comfortable there, too. I’m hopeful it will help me heal from what happened.”

  “Can you excuse me for a minute?” I ask once I see Reggie alone.

  “Sure. I need to make more coffee, anyway.” Tara’s eyes are glancing around the kitchen. The amount of food on the tables is crazy. So many friends of Adrian’s had meals delivered. Aggie will never be able to eat it all. Speaking of which, I’m out of work. I should offer to help her pack up this house.

  I approach Reggie and fake a punch on his arm.

  “How’s it going?”

  “Good. How are you holding up?”

  “Better than I expected. So, do you know Agatha?”

  “I met her when Adrian and I came back from Afghanistan, but it was awkward then. It’s when he found out his ex was cheating. Then, I came here with him one other time a few years later. I was catching up with her.”

  “Adrian’s ex cheated on him?”

  “Yep, that’s what created the feud between him and Aggie. She knew about it and didn’t tell him. She also dated the dude’s brother most of her life.”

  “Wow. No wonder he’s paranoid about me.”

  “Don’t worry. I eased his mind today on that subject.”

  “You’ve driven me crazy, but I’m going to miss being your partner,” I say to him.

  Putting an arm around my shoulder, he pulls me close.

  “Me, too, Vic. I’m sorry I told Tucker about your relationship with Adrian. At the time, I needed someone to talk to about it, but I believe something better will come along for your future.”

  “I hope you’re right. I’m not quite ready to be a stay-at-home mom.”

  “You, Adrian and dirty diapers–I don’t see it.” Reggie and I both laugh. It is a pretty funny thought.

  “You know, Aggie is moving to Vegas.” Looking up at him, I wiggle my eyebrows and grin. His dark skin turns a hint of red as he skims a hand over his curly hair.

  “I know. She was telling me about it. I always did think she was hot, but she had a man both times I was here. Something tells me Adrian wouldn’t be too fond of the idea.”

  “If necessary, I’ll deal with him.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “Of course, I’m sure Dalia will be back on her corner if that’s more your taste.”

  Reggie shakes his head. “Damn, I’m going to miss you. You’re going to have to crash a poker game with the guys once in a while.”

  “Seeing how I’m not going to be playing in the Royal lounge any longer, I might take you up on that.”

  ***

  Taking off my earrings, I eye Adrian. He’s already in the hotel bed, but he’s working on his phone.

  “What would you think about me staying here for a week or two?”

  “Here in New Jersey?”

  “Yes. Aggie needs help, Adrian. She can’t pack up that entire house alone. I was thinking I could help her. It’s also going to be hard on her emotionally.”

  Setting his phone down, he bends his finger for me to join him in bed. I climb on and scoot up against his chest. His warm arm circles my shoulder, and I let out a sigh from the comfort of his muscular frame holding me close.

  “I think you’re amazing.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” I say.

  “I don’t want us to be apart, but I have to agree with you. Let’s plan for a week, and then we can reevaluate.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “Now, I want to reward you.”

  “Oh, you do, huh? No punishment?” Adrian pushes me over onto my back.

  “Good behavior equals rewards. I have a few prizes in mind, but you only get one of them tonight.”

  “Hmm … now I’m intrigued.”

  “You should be. I’m mysterious.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t agree more.” His tongue darts out to wet his lips, and they’re soon on mine, loving them gently. His hands begin to roam as my mouth opens to allow his exploration.

  He examines it thoroughly while his hands do the same to the rest of my needy body. “Make love to me,” I say breathlessly.

  “You got it, my pearl.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Two Weeks Later

  Sadie

  “Ugh, I’m beginning to agree with you about working. Why didn’t I take the summer off?” I ask Simon as I dress for work.

  “Professor Edward has been an ass lately. He’s super tense and barely lets me out of his sight when we’re in the lab. At least I don’t have to run into Noah any longer.”

  “He better stay the hell away from you.”

  “I don’t see that bein
g a problem. I mean, he’s going to prison soon.”

  “I wouldn’t put anything past the creep. Give me a kiss.” Simon pulls me back down onto him as he lies on my bed. I squeal and try to get away, but he holds me firmly against his quickly growing erection.

  “Why don’t we ever stay at your place? Are you growing tired of me?” I ask him.

  “Hell, no, sweetheart. I didn’t think you’d like to stay at my condo. It’s so … bachelor padish.”

  “That word is not in Webster.”

  “OK, you big nerd.”

  “But I’m your sexy nerd.”

  “Damn straight.” His tongue thrusts into my mouth, and he gives me the kind of kiss you dwell on for the day.

  “How will I ever get work done now?”

  Simon stares at me for several seconds and bites on his lip. “Let me throw on some clothes, and I’ll take you. I want to pick you up this evening. I’m going to have a surprise for you.”

  “Ooh, I like surprises.”

  ***

  “I need to head out for some dinner, Sadie. Are you almost finished with your report?” Professor Edward asks as he attempts to straighten his light brown hair. It’s in disarray, much like his mind lately.

  “I have a little more data to take down from this study. I can lock up the lab.”

  “I don’t know … I should probably do that.”

  “You used to let me. You’ll only be gone about an hour, anyway, right?”

  “Yeah, the key is in the top right drawer of my desk. Once you lock the lab, put the key back where you found it, and then make sure the classroom door is locked behind you once you leave.”

  “Of course. I know the drill.” I give him a smile as I inwardly frown. I don’t know what crawled up his ass, but he’s been acting so strange lately. Maybe he’s going through some midlife crisis. Is that common in your mid-forties?

  He leaves, and I get back to work on my lab project. It takes me only fifteen minutes to finish up.

  I stride to the back of the room where his small private laboratory is (at least that’s what he calls it) and tug on the door to ensure it’s locked. I’ve always wondered what’s inside, but he’s never allowed me in there.

  I debate on looking for a key to it, but my moral compass kicks in, directing me away from his desk with only the main lab key.

  Doing as he instructed, I carefully lock up and ensure the classroom door is secured behind me. Once I’m out in the parking lot, I spot Simon.

  He’s dressed in a snug, navy polo shirt that’s hugging his slim but chiseled biceps as he crosses his arms and leans against his vehicle.

  His coordinating tan khakis are hugging his contoured thighs, and I’m fascinated over how good the genes are that the Cassano children inherited.

  “You’re dressed a little more casual than normal. Are you not working at all tonight?”

  “I took off. Zev’s watching over things for me.”

  “Mmm … I feel special getting you all to myself.” I give him a passionate kiss and then lean against his chest. His lips press to my forehead, but then I feel his body tense.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” he asks.

  I jerk away and look behind me.

  Shit, it’s Noah.

  “Well, well, well. If it isn’t one of the four rats.”

  “Go to hell. Oh, right, you’ll be there soon enough.” Simon takes hold of my waist and moves me behind him. I lean my head against his back, but I’m on full alert, waiting to hear what will happen next.

  “We have a protective order in place. I’ll call the cops this second if you don’t get the hell away from us.”

  “I’m not here to see you or your pet. Although, I would keep her on a leash if I were you. I’d hate to see her run over by a car or something.”

  “I swear on my life if you touch her or any of our girls, I’ll make sure your ass is raw in that prison cell.”

  “Ouch. Good thing I’m not going.”

  “Your daddy’s not getting you out of this one, Sanders. Sadie get in the car.”

  Doing as he says, I rush around to the other side.

  He’s in next, and we’re soon tearing out of the parking lot.

  “Why the hell does he keep showing up here?” Simon asks. “I don’t care what he says, he’s after you. I feel it. Security is coming here with you from now on.”

  I grip his hand. “Calm down, alright? We’re away from him, and I don’t want him ruining the special night you had planned.”

  “You’re too sweet and naïve for your own good, but it’s one of the things I love about you.” He glances over and gives me a brief smile. “I can’t believe he thinks he’s getting out of going to prison. It’s not happening.”

  “He’s delusional. I want to know why he keeps showing up at the science building, too. He’s up to no good.”

  Having no idea where we’re going, I keep quiet the rest of the way. Simon pulls up to a gated condo complex and hits a keypad. I abruptly let his hands go and clasp mine in front of me.

  “Oh, am I finally seeing your place?”

  “Yes, doll, and I’m sorry I didn’t bring you here sooner. I’m new at this boyfriend thing.” We pull into a parking garage and Simon seems to be on edge as we tread to the elevators.

  He’s glancing around and chomping on his Nicorette gum, which I’ve failed to get him off of, not with lack of trying. We’ll conquer that eventually.

  “Zev has a condo here, too.”

  “That’s cool.” In the elevator, Simon brings me to his chest and lets his arms hang loosely around my waist.

  “My sexy scientist,” he says before he’s dragging my bottom lip between his teeth. “Plump–wet–lips. Just the way I like them.”

  Feeling frisky, I push a hand against his hardening package. “Mmm … hard and big. Just the way my lips like it.”

  “Fuuuck. Remember I’m a ‘B’ guy, mostly sucking. B, B, B.” I giggle at Simon’s remark before I’m plunging my tongue into his mouth. He hardens further against me as his hand slips under my sundress.

  The elevator doors open, so he reluctantly pulls away.

  “Damn, we might not make it through dinner.”

  “You’re feeding me?”

  “Yeah, your cooking aren’t ya?” My head jerks toward him, and he’s grinning. “I’m playin’, doll.”

  “I would cook. I’d wear an apron and nothing underneath.”

  “Shit, I should’ve had Marla stay home.”

  “Who’s Marla?” I ask with a frown.

  “My housekeeper. Zev and I share her.”

  “That sounds, um, wrong.”

  “Lord, no. Not like that.” Simon opens the door to his condo and steps aside for me to enter. It’s grand as I expected, with an open floor plan.

  A lady smiles at me from the dining room. She’s lighting candles on a long, glass table. It has black, metal legs, and as I take in the sight of his black and grey furniture throughout the great room, I realize it truly is bachelor padish. I stifle a giggle.

  “Everything is ready, sir.”

  “Thank you, Marla.”

  “You did all this for me? I feel bad for complaining today.”

  “Hey, like I said, I should’ve brought you here sooner.” Simon follows Marla to the door, and I hear him thanking her again.

  “I think she’s more than a housekeeper. This place smells delicious,” I say once he returns.

  “I paid her extra to hook us up with dinner. We have a reason to celebrate. Adrian got the final word that we’re not being indicted by the Feds.”

  “Oh, thank the Lord.” I hug him hard and kiss his neck. His hand holds the back of my head, and we stay like this for a long minute.

  “I’m thankful, too. I would’ve lost my mind if I was taken from you.” Before we get more emotional, he pulls me to the table. “Sit. I’ll pour you some wine.”

  Simon pushes my chair in, which is extra sweet, and he pours me a glass of red wine
.

  “I believe you’re buttering me up for some letter ‘B.’”

  “It wasn’t my intention, but I’m all for it if it works.”

  We have a pleasant evening as we dine on Filet, roasted red potatoes and asparagus. When he brings up Noah toward the end of dinner, I declare it a “Sanders free zone,” and he agrees.

  For dessert, we have a decadent piece of chocolate cake, and I’m in heaven. He’s definitely getting more of “B” tonight.

  “I want to see your bedroom. I want to dissect it.”

  “I don’t know what that means, but I’m certain my sexy scientist will have it ending with some kind of research, and I’m always down for that.”

  I’m giggling as Simon practically drags me down a hallway. He opens the door to his master bedroom, and I gasp. It’s humongous.

  “Geez, you got enough room in here?”

  “We need room for acrobatics.”

  I swat his chest. “I better be the only one you’re getting flexible with.”

  “Of course you are.”

  “I did that research on positions, and I think we’re in luck. Stand at the end of the bed.” Simon sports a sexy and mischievous grin and struts over to it. “Perfect height.”

  “What for, doll face?”

  “The butterfly. It’s supposed to be good for hitting the G-spot. If anyone can make it happen, I believe it’s you, Simon Cassano, and since you said it’s my special night, I think it’s perfect for the occasion.”

  “I already like where this is going.” Once I explain the position, we undress like we have ants in our pants. I get flat on my back at the end of the bed while Simon puts on a condom.

  He abruptly slows his pace. “We’re making this last.” He’s standing between my legs as they dangle off the bed. His mouth hovers over mine, and he teases my lips with it, barely skimming his across them.

  My nipples pebble from the erotic feel of it. His chest grazes mine as his body moves south, and I hitch a breath from the excitement looming.

  His breath is a ghost of his mouth, haunting me as it floats along my skin, all the way to my stomach. Two fingers glide between my thighs and slip into me.

  “Damn, your pussy is soaked. You might’ve earned a new nickname, Butterfly.”