Coercion (The Cassano Series Book 3)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  There is that part of me excited they’re here. I have an excuse to see him again, but the other part of me wins. The part that is all too aware of the sadness that would bring.

  I’m off tonight, but I settle on delivering them to Shannon. No, then she’ll question where I found them. I’m going to have to face him.

  ***

  Ed lets me into Caged, and I start my way down the long hallway to Zev’s office. My nerves are shot, and I want to get this over with as quickly as possible. I pray he doesn’t touch me. I don’t know if I would have the will to resist him.

  Hearing voices coming from his office I freeze. It doesn’t take long to recognize them.

  “Vicky Stuart and I have developed a professional relationship instead of personal, so I need a good fuck. I’m not telling you again; send Tara my way, or you’re not getting the coke.

  “I can’t believe a chick is more important to you than money. I thought you were different than Simon. I thought you actually had a set of balls,” Noah says.

  “I could say the same about you. Wouldn’t you rather make this deal than have one night with one of my servers?”

  “It’s about trust, Zev. I need to know this is more important to you. I want to see your loyalty.”

  My heart hammers in my chest as I think about the danger I’m in from overhearing this conversation. I conjure up the courage to quietly turn around. I pad as silently down the hallway as I can.

  Once I’m through the doors of Caged, I lean back against a wall of the hotel and take a few laborious breaths as reality sinks in. Victoria isn’t only after Noah Sanders. She’s probably investigating the Cassano brothers, too.

  It hits me to give Zev’s keys to Ed at the door. As I walk to my vehicle, I pull out my phone. Calling Victoria, I anxiously wait for her to answer.

  “Hello.”

  “Victoria, please say you’re not in Royal this evening.”

  “I’m not. What’s wrong?”

  “If you won’t let me see you at your new condo, then I need you to come to mine as soon as possible. I have to speak to you about something important.”

  “OK, sure.” I drive back to my place and pace the floor, deciding how much I should tell her about what I have overheard between Zev and Noah. She arrives fairly soon, appearing puzzled.

  “Please, have a seat.” Victoria takes a spot on the sofa, but I continue to stand.

  “What’s so urgent?”

  “I’ve been patient, not prying about your police work at the hotel and casino, but you have to tell me who you’re investigating.”

  Victoria tilts her head a little and sighs.

  “I can’t share that, but obviously something has happened for you to ask me.”

  “Something did, but I’m not sharing it unless you tell me you’re not investigating the Cassano brothers.”

  “Tara, I’m not.”

  “You’re not dating Adrian to bust him for something?”

  “No, I love Adrian. Listen …” Victoria bites the corner of her lip, and I think she’s now weighing how much she wants to disclose to me. “When I went to work in Elite, I was investigating them.

  “Then, Adrian and I fell for each other, and I found out the facts about what goes on at Submission. It wasn’t what I thought, so I stopped the investigation.”

  Confused, I scrunch my forehead. “If you’re not investigating them, then who are you trying to bust?”

  “You can’t tell anyone.”

  “I wouldn’t tell a soul. I hope you believe you can trust me.”

  “Actually, I’ve wanted to tell you since I need you to stay away from this person. It’s Noah Sanders.”

  Shit, what if she doesn’t know that Zev is dealing drugs and then has to bust him, too?

  “Tara, there are tears in your eyes. You have to tell me what happened.”

  “I can’t. I’m fearful it will get someone I care for in trouble.”

  She studies me. “Does this involve Xavier?”

  All I can do is nod to keep the tears at bay. Victoria pats the spot next to her. “Take a seat.” I do as she instructs, and she promptly takes my hands into hers.

  “I can tell you with absolute certainty that unless he has hurt you, and you tell me to report it, I won’t turn him in for anything.”

  “You swear?”

  Her head ducks to better look me in the eyes.

  “I swear, Tara. My loyalty is to the Cassano family.”

  “I overheard Zev and Noah having a conversation about what I believe is a drug deal. It sounded important.”

  “Shit, yes, I’m aware of that.”

  “What’s happening? You have to tell me. I’ve been so worried that Zev is doing something illegal.”

  “This is absolutely all I can tell you. The Cassano brothers are helping the FBI bust Noah for dealing.”

  I’m shocked by her words, and I don’t want to tell her what Noah wants in exchange for making that deal go down. She will only worry, and I’m uncertain as to what I’m going to do with that information. I need time to think.

  “I won’t breathe a word about this, Victoria.”

  She sighs, and this time it is with relief.

  “Thank you. I don’t want you getting involved in this, Tara. It’s messy enough, and Noah is a dangerous threat.”

  “I’m so relieved Zev is not going to get into trouble.”

  Victoria bites her lip again and glances away.

  “What? There is something else, isn’t there?”

  “Ugh, I’m breaking so many rules here. If the Cassano brothers don’t make this drug deal, they will likely go to prison for other illegal activity going on at Submission.”

  I cover my mouth with my hand and feel the tears building. Is this the real reason Zev won’t be with me?

  “It’s not my place to tell you what that activity is, so please don’t ask me.”

  “This explains so much. Zev ended things with me this morning. He also said under the circumstances, none of his brothers should be in relationships.”

  Victoria nods. “This is why.”

  Zev

  Only a day has passed since I saw Tara’s face. She called in sick tonight, and I’m not surprised. At least I won’t have to watch her around our members.

  My cell rings, and I see that it’s Aggie.

  “Sis, what’s up?”

  “How are you, Zev?”

  “I’ve been better. How are you?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Uh, how is Ma?”

  “Did Simon tell you how great she’s doing?”

  “Yeah, he filled me in.”

  “Zev, please come see her while she’s well. She’s declining fast physically, but she’s sharp as ever mentally.”

  I contemplate her request. It would be the best time to go to Jersey. If her mind is well, it could make for a pleasant visit, and who knows how long she will take her meds. It will also get me away from Tara; although, I’ll never get her out of my mind.

  “I’ll come if Adrian can join me. Let me ask him.”

  “Oh, wonderful. He’s wanting Mom to meet Victoria, so I’m sure he will squeeze in a trip.”

  ***

  I pay my brother another visit at his penthouse.

  “Zev, is everything OK?”

  “Yeah, it’s fine. Aggie called. She’s pressuring me to see Mom. Can I come in?”

  “Sure.”

  He follows me to his living room, and we both have a seat. I hate shit like this. “Uh, could you take a couple of days off and go with me?”

  “Damn, I really want to, but I can’t leave Victoria right now. Ms. D’Angelo from the FBI paid me another visit. We have one month left. That’s it.”

  “I’m aware we’re down to the wire on this situation with Noah, but I don’t want to go alone.”

  Adrian scratches his forehead. “Let me see if she could find an excuse to be away for a couple of days. Victoria is gaining trust from Noah. He’s scared he’s
going to lose our business, so he’s considering her offer. How are things with Tara?”

  I look to the floor. “It’s over.”

  “I can tell you’re upset about it.”

  “It’s for the best. Unlike you, Simon and Theo, I’m not going to put a woman through our shit.”

  “Ouch. You can’t fight love, Zev. You can try, but you’ll be more miserable than before it came into your life. You’ll notice the longer you’re away from her.”

  I stand, feeling the tension in my body rising.

  “Like my last visit, I didn’t come here to discuss my personal life. Let me know if we’re going to New Jersey or not, and I want to leave right away if possible.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Tara

  It’s been a few days since I’ve seen Zev. I’ve avoided work, but tonight I’m going in. My heart is aching to a debilitating point. I’ve went from my bed to the sofa, unable to do anything but think of him and a decision I’ve been trying to come to terms with.

  The ultimate sacrifices are the ones we make for those we love, expecting nothing in return. I couldn’t save my parents, but I can save the other person I love who was meant to be in my life, if only for a brief time.

  ***

  Taking a deep breath, I tap on Shannon’s door.

  “Come in.”

  I find her working at her desk. She’s looking down, writing something. Her amber hair is cascading over the front of her shoulders, and her skintight dress reveals her cleavage. I’m going to miss her sassy personality.

  “Please don’t try to talk me out of this.” Standing up straighter, I hand her my resignation letter. She reads it and tosses her reading glasses onto the desk.

  “Shit, you’re not giving me any notice?”

  “I apologize. I’ll work tonight, though. I, uh, need to start my new job right away. I was afraid they would give the position to someone else if I didn’t start immediately.”

  I’m lying through my teeth, but I don’t know what else to do. After tonight, I won’t be able to return to Royal.

  Shannon leans back and crosses her arms.

  “OK. I should be pissed, but I’m not. I’m glad you’re doing something better with your life. You’re smart and talented. You’re so damn happy of a person, too. I don’t want to see the men in here break your spirit.”

  She gives me the first smile since I walked in, but I want to cry. My spirit. Will I be able to prevent it from being stomped into pieces?

  “Thank you for understanding.” She stands and gives me a hug before I hurry out of her office. I go to a bathroom stall in the locker room and silently shed tears. I can hardly believe what I’m going to do.

  ***

  My pulse is rapidly thumping, and I’m ill as the night drags on. Noah finally takes a restroom break, so I catch him as he returns. “Noah, can I speak to you?”

  He displays a wicked grin. He’s wicked alright.

  “Sure thing, baby.”

  Glancing around to ensure no one is listening, I prepare to coerce him.

  “Zev encouraged me to see you; meaning, outside of the lounge. I thought we could pick up where our date left off.” I bite the corner of my lip.

  “Oh, he did, huh?”

  “Yeah, he said you would show me a good time.” I muster a grin. “Are you up for the challenge?”

  “Shit, you have no idea how much so.” Noah looks off for a second as if he’s thinking and trails his hand over his blonde hair. “Would you join me in one of the Submission rooms after your shift tonight?”

  His grey eyes are a shade darker as he waits for my response. I can already see the endless possibilities crowding his mind. “Uh, sure.”

  Taking hold of my arm, he leans over to my ear.

  “Trust me, it will be a night you won’t forget.”

  The chill that courses throughout my body is glacial. I’ve thrown myself into a frozen lake, and I feel tonight I will drown in that miserable frigidness.

  ***

  I don’t bother changing out of my uniform before I leave with Noah. As we stroll down the hotel hallway, my pulse doesn’t let up. I’m dying a little inside with every step.

  As if sensing my nervousness, he takes hold of my hand. Maybe he’s planning on taking it easy on me, which would be a welcomed relief.

  “I have to say I’m shocked by Zev’s decision. I thought for sure he had a thing for you and wouldn’t give you up. I guess I was wrong. Although, he did leave town today. Maybe he didn’t want to be here when you and I do the nasty.”

  He glances over his shoulder to me and smirks. I come to a stop, and Noah has no choice but to stop, too.

  “Zev’s not here?”

  “No, he left for New Jersey this afternoon. I heard it had something to do with his mother being sick or some shit.”

  He eyes me studiously as my body begins to tremble. I knew Zev wouldn’t be coming to my rescue. He doesn’t even know about this, but the magnitude of what I’m doing is manifesting. Knowing Zev is so far away only adds to my fear.

  Noah pulls on my hand. “Relax, the room is right here.” We reach the door, and he grazes my cheek with the back of his hand.

  I close my eyes as images flash through my mind. I envision Zev’s dimples as he smiles at me and his dark with desire eyes the moments he has longed for me. The times we’ve laughed and talked for hours warm me, the happiness stilling my nerves.

  Then, I picture him in handcuffs. He will hate me after this, but I will always love him. He will be my forever “what if” as he keeps his freedom.

  “Open your eyes. Have you been to one of these rooms before?”

  “Yes,” I whisper, my gaze now tilted up at his tall frame.

  “Good. It means you’re into kink. Let’s play, Tara.”

  End Notes

  Thank you for reading Coercion. Conviction, book four of The Cassano Series, releases December 16, 2015.

  Additional books are available in the teen/YA, contemporary and erotica romance genres. To keep up on the latest release information, teasers and covers, follow me on the web at http://www.scarletwolfe.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

  Here is a link to all of my novels at Amazon. My books are also available at Barnes and Noble, iTunes and Kobo.

  If you enjoy my writing, I’d greatly appreciate it if you would leave me ratings or reviews. Thank you!

  Acknowledgements

  First and foremost, thank you to my loving husband, Patrick. He’s the rock I lean on that keeps me going every day. I also want to say how dearly I love my sons.

  My family and friends, I love you, and thank you for your support.

  Readers, I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your busy lives to read my writing. Your support and kind words continue to lift me up and inspire me to bring you more stories. Many of you have given me your friendships, too, and I’m so grateful for that.

  Ron Reagan, your photography is an inspiration. Ron took the incredible photo for the cover. His work can be found at Ron Reagan Photography and on Instagram.

  Model Ivan Gabriel is the handsome face on the cover. Thank you for once again giving readers someone to identify with as Adrian Cassano. I couldn’t have picked a better match. Check out Ivan on Facebook.

  Kim Black created the amazing cover. She’s a sweetheart and can be found at TOJ Publishing Services. Thank you for all you do, Kim. I value your friendship.

  Teri Fantauzzi, thank you for all the help you give me. Your friendship is dear to me.

  Samantha Wiley, thank you for editing Coercion. If anyone needs editing services, you can find Samantha at Proofreading by the Page.

  Thank you to the members of Red-Hot Readers and The Cassano Series group on Facebook for believing in me and for spreading the word about my writing. I love each of you!

  Thank you, Sheri Bishop, Kim Black, Teri Fantauzzi, Elmarie Pieterse, Samantha Wiley, and Joy Zaharia for beta reading. Your feedback and friendship is invaluable.

&nb
sp; I also want to thank the blogs and book promoting pages that support me daily. I can’t thank you enough for all you do.