Coercion (The Cassano Series Book 3)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  “And here,” he whispers, dragging my earlobe through his teeth. I catch a sharp breath and hold it in. I’m so responsive to his touch, and I want him to touch and taste me in all my sensitive spots.

  “If you can’t kiss my mouth, then kiss me everywhere else.” Zev brandishes a pleased smile before he’s pulling my tank top over my head.

  Eyes stay locked on my chest as he undoes my lacy, black bra, his fingers teasingly slipping it off my shoulders.

  “Fuck, your tits are magnificent.” His round eyes and use of his favorite dirty word have me giggling. My fingers slip into his shiny hair, and he wets his lips. “Are you sure you’re ready, because I’m going in?”

  I burst out laughing, and he gives me the sexiest grin, his eyes finally meeting mine again.

  Squeezing my ass, he pulls his upper body away from the chair and circles his tongue around one of my nipples. It hardens and tingles.

  Zev laps and sucks, paying each of them immense attention as I whimper and let his hair repeatedly coast through my fingers.

  Magnetizing. Invigorating. Zev’s mouth and fingers are his pen and ink to express his emotions. He claims feelings only crash a party, but his absolute patience and reverence over my body have me questioning whether or not he brought some as guests.

  Cradling the back of my head and waist, he lays me back onto the lengthy chaise lounge. Piercing me with his hazel eyes that are greener tonight, he removes his black dress shirt.

  I battle the urge to gasp over his virile body. His chest and shoulders make a medieval wall of a Roman warrior’s castle, and his biceps are the towers of added protection.

  A tattoo of a sword in a swirl of flames is bold coming off of his right pectoral muscle, and his waist tapers to a slab of chiseled fibers.

  Maybe a Greek god is a better depiction of his exquisite, dominating physique. “Like what you see?” That sexy ass grin is the cherry on top of a dessert I’m ready to dig into.

  “You better believe it.” I giggle like a silly tween. Yes, Zev and I are going to have a lot of fun.

  Zev

  “Time for running backs. I pick Steven Jackson,” Tara says. We’re playing a game where we try to outdo the other with our choices of the most fit football players.

  I shrug. “OK, muscular guy for sure. I think I can do better. Melvin Gordon.”

  “Hmm … smaller biceps but definitely more definition.” Tara grants me her gushing grin for the zillionth time tonight. I guess I should say morning. “OK, now for safety. Adrian Wilson.”

  “I’m going with Laron Landry.”

  “Oooh, you got me there. He has huge muscles. I think you might be a meat lover after all.” Her chuckle roars, so I thoroughly tickle her.

  Somehow, once Tara saw my body, the topic of football came up, and I found out she’s a major fan. I couldn’t love a sport more, and she’s as obsessed with it as I am.

  We’ve been discussing it for at least an hour, and I can’t help but picture her in a jersey with paint under her eyes, ready to cheer on her favorite team.

  I bet it would be a blast to watch a game with her. The energy she projects while only breathing is unsurpassable, so I can only imagine her exuding excitement over something she enjoys.

  I played college football and gave it up to move here with my brothers. I lift weights to help with my anxiety, but I think I also do it to feel closer to a time in my life I miss so much.

  If I told her about my playing history, I guarantee I’d see a disappointed expression for the fact that my football days are over, and I’m enjoying her happiness.

  ***

  My eyes flip open, and I lower my chin. Tara and I are lying backward on her long chair with our feet toward the seat end. Her head is on my chest, her arm wrapped snugly around my waist.

  She’s topless with only her shorts on, and I’m still shirtless. She has to be cold. We talked and laughed for hours, and I didn’t even try to get into her pants. I lift my arm to glance at my watch. Six in the morning.

  What the hell? I have to get out of here.

  “Tara, wake up. I need to get going.”

  Her head lifts and she smiles. Of course she’s smiling. She’s always fucking smiling.

  “What time is it? I could fix you breakfast.”

  “Uh, I have some things to take care of before I have to be back at Submission.” Damn, that’s such a lie.

  “Oh, OK.” Sitting up, she frowns. Her tits are in my face, and I feel my cock stirring. “I’m freezing.” Swiping her tank top from the other end of her chair, she swiftly pulls it on. Now, I see her perky nipples through it, and my pants bulge.

  Staying up all night having pillow talk is definitely going to give her the wrong idea. I’m not a morning sex kind of guy, meaning I’m not supposed to be here in the morning.

  I button up my dress shirt and put on my shoes. She follows me to the door and blushes.

  “I’m sorry I fell asleep. I hope I get a chance to make it up to you.”

  Dammit, her blonde waves are trying to hide her tits again, but it isn’t working. She’s sexy as hell in her little shorts I could remove in a heartbeat.

  I can tell she’d let me, too. Maybe we can pick up where we left off, but I need to put some space between us first, so she doesn’t have expectations I can’t fulfill.

  I kiss her cheek. “Maybe I’ll see you tonight in the lounge.”

  “Right. Bye, Xavier.” She grins, and I feel the pull to stay. The thought of her smiling over bacon and eggs is appealing. So is showering with her and taking her to bed. Fuck.

  Victoria

  I phone Adrian on Monday morning before I leave for the station. He’s quiet on the phone, barely making conversation. “What’s bothering you?” Hearing his prolonged sigh, I know exactly what’s wrong.

  “I swear I didn’t stare at the cameras all weekend, but I saw the way Noah was examining you at the poker table and flirting with you after each night. He’s definitely going to take the bait. I also miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. It isn’t pleasant being in a different bed as you. I thought I could take the elevator to your penthouse this afternoon before I take it up to the Royal lounge. Unless Noah tries to get into the elevator with me, he won’t know my whereabouts.”

  “True, I hadn’t thought of that. Please, come see me before.” The excitement in his voice tells me his mood has lifted.

  “You’ve got it. I love you.”

  ***

  Reggie picks me up inside the gated community I’m now residing in. Noah shouldn’t have a clue of my whereabouts this early in the game.

  Once we’re at the command, I give Bishop an update on my progress at Submission. I’m back at my desk when Megan approaches me. She’s undercover in the lounge under the name Marcy.

  “I see you’ve been winning a lot in the Royal lounge,” she says with a smirk.

  “Yep.”

  “You know, it’s not safe for you to be in there.” She tucks a wayward strand of her short, dark hair behind her ear. Dropping my pen, I lean back in my chair.

  “I have to hear this. Why is it safe for you yet not for me?”

  “I don’t stand out like you do, Victoria. I’m a server. Sanders isn’t going to suspect a thing by me being in there. You on the other hand … let’s just say you’re drawing a lot of attention to yourself.”

  “That’s the point, Megan, and I can handle it. Uh, are you having any luck getting info out of the other servers?” Am I ever curious to hear her answer to this question.

  “No, I’m not. Other than a few of them mentioning that they spend time with the clients outside of the lounge, they aren’t giving anything away.”

  “That’s a shame,” I say. Actually, it’s the best news ever.

  “If you weren’t in there to keep an eye on, I would call it quits. The perverts are getting harder to ignore. They’re always trying to get me to see them after hours.”

  I scowl. “I don’t need you keeping an eye
on me. I’m perfectly capable of handling things myself.” My arms cross as I stand. “Maybe I need to go have a word with Bishop to get you out of there.”

  “Good luck with that. He doesn’t jump when you say how high, Victoria.” Her voice has raised, and she’s leaning over toward my face.

  “OK, OK, ladies, break it up,” our coworker, Tucker, says. “Actually, maybe I should let you go a round first. That would be pretty hot.”

  “Fuck off, Tucker,” I say without glancing to him.

  “Damn, calm down. What are you two even bickering about, anyway?” he asks.

  “Don’t worry about it,” I say.

  “As usual, Victoria thinks she’s a badass and doesn’t need my help at Hotel Submission.”

  “We’re not supposed to share those details.”

  “Tucker isn’t going to say anything.”

  “I’ll get a few beers in Megan at Stopper’s, and she’ll spill the beans.” He winks at her, and she gives him the finger. That’s all I need is her blabbing to everyone else about what we’re doing. The Commissioner cannot find out we’re investigating his son.

  “Like I said, I don’t need your help in the lounge, so back off.” I glare at her before I take a seat and go back to doing my work.

  Without another word, she storms off. She needs to keep her damn mouth shut, too, but Tucker’s probably right. He’s so nosy. He loves to feed everyone beers at the local bar, so they’ll tell him what they’re investigating. I don’t trust his spoiled ass.

  Adrian

  I head up to the penthouse from my office around four-thirty. Victoria is going to arrive any minute, and I get her to myself for an hour. I plan on making the most of it.

  I call room service and order our dinner. She’s eating before she goes to the lounge to play. I don’t need her passing out in there like she did in Elite.

  Hearing her key rattling in the door, I go right to it. Barely letting her step inside, I kick it closed and push her against it. My tongue thrusts into her mouth, and I drink her in, the wet heat of it rapidly turning me on.

  “Damn, I’ve missed you,” I say. We’re both panting as I lean my forehead against hers.

  “I’ve missed you, too. It sucks sleeping without you.”

  My insides twist when she reminds me of nighttime. The spot beside me in bed has felt cold–empty.

  I start to speak, but my words catch in my throat. I clear it. “I ordered dinner. You must eat before heading to the lounge. Then, I’m making love to you.”

  “I can’t, Adrian. There isn’t time, and I’ll be a mess after.”

  “Are you telling me no?”

  “Only temporarily.” Her fingers trail along my cheek. “I’ll make it up to you.”

  “I feel as if we’re always making up for things.”

  “We won’t be forever. I promise.” Her lips press to mine and linger there. I want back my vulnerable pearl. I only feel in control and content when she’s allowing me to be her protector. When she has surrendered and is lost in our intimate time together, I feel found.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Tara

  It’s Wednesday, and I haven’t spoken to Zev since Saturday morning when he left my condo. He gave me a brief smile when he passed through the lounge Saturday night, and I haven’t seen him since.

  Shannon told me I wasn’t needed in his office on Monday. Once I arrived this evening, she told me the same thing, so I’ve changed into my lounge attire and have been working on the floor.

  To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. Is this because I didn’t put out Friday night? If so, that’s ridiculous. I would’ve done it, but we talked until I’m guessing we both fell asleep.

  I also offered to make it up to him. Maybe I fell asleep while he was talking and it upset him. Who knows? He hasn’t given me a chance to find out, and I’m pissed about it.

  It’s been challenging to ignore the advances from the male members of the club. I will typically have a dinner date with one once a week or be arm candy for a special event they must attend.

  Since spending time with Zev, I have no desire to do it, but if I’m going to work in the lounge, I can’t avoid it much longer.

  Noah Sanders has been especially tricky to avoid. I keep making excuses, and he’s only becoming more irritated. I don’t know what I’m expected to do about it. I feel as if Zev and Adrian have abandoned me in this situation after telling me to stay away from Noah.

  Brian Nash, a professional poker player, has been on me hot and heavy to attend a benefit function with him Saturday evening, so I agreed to be his date. He’s closer to my age and quite attractive.

  I don’t feel the draw to him the way I do to Zev, but a simple evening out with him shouldn’t hurt. I’ll get to watch a televised poker game he will be a part of where some of the winnings are donated to a local children’s’ literacy program.

  I’ll hardly be near him since he’s a player, so why the hell not? He’ll take me to dinner first. Easy peasy. I only wish it felt that easy. I imagine conversation with him won’t be as exciting as it is with Zev.

  Zev

  My work is piling up since I haven’t let Tara help me, and I might have to cave on Shannon finding me a temporary assistant.

  I’ve avoided Tara like she has the plague, but it’s the last thing I want to do. I’ve only felt it necessary because she’s too sweet to hurt. She can’t find out about Hotel Submission’s illegal activity.

  Also, I vowed that no one outside of my family was going to be burdened with my bouts of depression. I was subjected to dealing with my mother’s illness my whole life, and it’s been troublesome to say the least.

  Tara is all I can think about, though, which leaves me conflicted, and the desire to be selfish is alarming. I want to fuck her already and move on, but guilt is overlaying the thought. That’s a first.

  Roaming into the lounge, I check on a few of my best clients, including the arrogant Brian Nash, before the evening games begin.

  “Good evening, Brian. I heard you’re going to be a celebrity after this weekend.”

  He furrows his brow as he stands at the bar.

  “Not if I play like I did tonight. You had to put a female in here to beat my ass. Where did that tornado Vicky come from?”

  “Oh, yeah, she’s a firecracker.”

  “I think this should be a male only club. Well, except for the servers.” He boasts a grin as he slips a hand over his brown hair that’s a bit too long. “The hottest one of them all, Tara, agreed to be my date for the show Saturday night.”

  My breathing halts, so after a second, I force the air to move in and out. The thought of Tara spending time alone with Brian creates a raging storm inside of me. I feel something foreign, a word I can’t even bring myself to say in my head.

  Don’t care, Zev. Don’t fucking care if she goes out with someone else.

  “Oh, really. Well, good for you. That’s what they’re for, right, to take to social functions?”

  He glances around as if he’s ensuring no one is listening. “That and a good fuck if I get my way.”

  My hands clench into fists, and I feel a warmth spreading throughout my body.

  “Uh, I better check on some of our other members. You have a good night.”

  Fuck. Me. Sideways. How do I get her out of this one?

  Tara

  I arrive at Submission on Friday evening in denim shorts and a red tank top. I saw no reason to dress up since Zev will only dismiss me once again.

  Stepping up to my locker, I pull off the note stuck to it. It’s from Shannon, asking me to see her before I change. My heart quickens as I wonder if Zev is asking for me, but then the realization that he’s been an asshole registers in my brain.

  I head to her office and knock on the door.

  “Come in.”

  “Hi, did you need to see me?”

  “Yes, Xavier said to hire him a temp, but now he has changed his mind again and would like you to go to his
office. Men say women are indecisive. I beg to differ. Males are mercurial beings.”

  Clasping her hands in front of her, she smiles. “So, I guess I will see you at eight o’clock.”

  “OK, I’ll see you then.” Closing her door behind me, I lean against it. What do I say to him? What will he say to me?

  I’ve missed him. Our banter, his smile and his touch, I’ve missed it all, but I need to stay strong and not allow him to use me.

  I march to his office, biting into my lip the entire way. Ed lets me through, and I cross the quiet bar. It’s only a little after five, so it’s empty.

  Striding down the dimly lit hallway, I take a deep breath before I knock on the closed door. It opens, and unsure of what to do, I smile like always.

  “Hi,” I say.

  Letting out a huff, he grimaces. “Hi.”

  “Don’t look so happy to see me.” I don’t understand why in the hell I’m here. Can’t he get a temp if he finds me so repulsive?

  “I expected you to be pissed at me, but like always, you seem happy.”

  My shoulders drop. “Look, if I’m honest, I am pissed and a little disappointed. I can’t help but feel like you’ve been avoiding me, and that hurts after our time together last weekend.”

  The back of Zev’s hand comes up and skims down my cheek. I close my eyes, my body trembling in the process.

  “Zev, no.”

  “Why not?”

  My eyes snap open. “Because I’m not a play toy. You can’t touch me one minute and toss me aside for a while when you don’t feel like I’m worth your time. I imagine another toy has been keeping you company this week.”

  “That’s where you would be wrong. I can’t shake you, Tara. I can’t stop wanting you.”

  I shake my head no. “You’ll avoid me again. I feel it.”

  Zev steps toward me until his body is flush with mine, so I take steps back, shutting his door in the process. He keeps coming until I have nowhere to go. Grabbing my wrists, he pins them above my head in seconds.