Concealment (The Cassano Series Book 1) Read online

  “What I won’t allow is for you to be friendly with clients and my brother.”

  His eyes are as black as night, darker than Adrian’s, and they remind me of a cave. You know darkness lies in them, but is there danger, too?

  “I’m not in a relationship with your brother.”

  “Good. As long as you are both clear on that detail, we shouldn’t have a problem.”

  Simon leaves me alone, and I’m stunned by what has transpired today.

  Chapter Twenty

  Adrian

  I drag my fingers down the glass, right over top of where Aggie’s pretty, auburn hair is showing.

  Some of it is shielded under a knit hat as her head rests on my shoulder. Her smile is as bright as the sun shining on the fresh snow.

  My thoughts drift from the image in the photo to the memories of us playing in the front yard during that New Jersey winter.

  Dad bought Theo and me matching black snowsuits and Aggie a baby blue one when she and I were around fourteen.

  To be a butt, my sister would put on my black suit and run outside before I could stop her. I was always left inside trying to dress Zev and Simon while Mom was in bed or in the hospital for her depression.

  I’d be left with no choice but to put on the girly, blue snowsuit or go out in the cold without one.

  Purposely, I would wear it, so Aggie and my brothers could have a good laugh at my expense.

  Having a reason to laugh together was a rare occurrence for my siblings and me, so I’d go along with anything that would keep smiles on their faces.

  Actually, I catered to everyone in our home to ensure it ran smoothly. I’d give my siblings whatever they wanted to keep them from upsetting Mom.

  “I remember that winter,” Simon says. Jerking my head up, I clear my throat and drop the five by seven framed photo back onto my desk. I didn’t even hear him enter my office.

  “You were only five.”

  “I still remember. We got to play in the snow a lot that winter.”

  “Yeah, I believe the dryer ran nonstop. I would get our clothes dry enough to put on again, so we could go back outside and repeat the cycle.”

  Simon chuckles, and I try to recall the last time I saw him smile like that.

  “I think we went through a couple of boxes of those hot chocolate packets every day, too.”

  “Zev and I used to bug the piss out of you and Aggie to make it for us.”

  Leaning back in my chair, I entwine my hands behind my neck. “Used, too. You’re both still pains in my ass.”

  “Yeah, whatever.” Simon’s forehead scrunches as his customary anxiety returns. He’s gazing out the windows behind me and chewing on his bottom lip.

  “Would you go with me to Rick Jacobs’s party tonight? Zev is staying here to oversee the clubs and lounges.”

  “I’m not in the mood to socialize.”

  “Noah Sanders is going. Zev needs me to do a buy from him there. I’m thinking if I can talk with Noah when he isn’t distracted by his poker hand, I might get him to divulge something.”

  “Why don’t you stay and Zev go?”

  “Zev thinks Noah needs to feel he can trust both of us, and I agree.”

  Gazing up at the ceiling, I pop my neck by tilting it to each side. My muscles have been coiled like a cobra since being in the shower with Victoria Hart.

  “I can’t stand that you’re buying drugs.”

  “We’ve been over this. If we’re destroying them after, then I’m actually helping the drug problem in this country.”

  “What if you get busted or hurt?”

  Simon scoffs like my words are absurd.

  “I can take care of myself.”

  I’ve been hearing those words a lot lately. Victoria and Simon are so much alike, it’s no wonder she gets under my skin so easily. It’s probably another reason why I worry and care for her, too.

  “Bro, Noah is eventually going to trust us enough to unveil the arms dealing side.

  “Once we tap into that market, things are going to turn around. We’ll have more supply to use against the very people we buy it from.”

  Sitting up, I rub my temples. The increased thumping of my heart is echoing there.

  “Everything felt safer and more secure when we were only the financial vigilantes.”

  “Yeah, and that’s getting us nowhere. I don’t care what shit Theo feeds you, the terrorists are winning.

  “If we get Ferrara here in Vegas to trust us, then we can get Boone and his spec op guys closer to Victor Larios in Jaurez.”

  Holding his hands up, Simon punches his right fist inside his left palm. “And boom! We got them right where we want them.”

  Coming straight at me, he slams his palms onto my desk, and the determination owning is eyes is not the positive kind that earns gold medals.

  “Ace, they won’t understand why their men are being picked off one by one. There won’t be a way for the terrorists to cross the border since there won’t be a fucking person left to help them do it.”

  The wickedness sprouting from his grin is alarming. “We’ll be taking out a drug lord or two and some arms dealers while we’re at it. Hell, border patrol and the ATF will owe us a reward.”

  “They’re never going to stop, you know. We’ll always be fighting this battle.”

  Simon lifts a hand and points at me.

  “With that pussy attitude we will. You’re getting soft on us.”

  “You’re hardening, and I don’t like it. This is never how I intended to fight this battle. Theo has kids, Jersey. We have to be careful.”

  The overwhelming seriousness of what we’ve gotten involved in burrows into the pit of my stomach.

  Pushing off my desk, he turns and paces across the floor. “Fuck, bro, have some faith in me. I’m not going to put sweet Miranda and Elijah in danger.”

  A roaring laugh fills my office, and the noise only intensifies the thumping in my temples.

  “That little shit took a dump on my lap last weekend,” Simon says. “Theo gave me no choice but to hold the kid, and Elijah decided it was the best time to take a watery shit.

  “Ran right out of his diaper and onto my shorts. I would’ve been dropping the F-bomb way more than once, but little Mir began laughing, and she’s too impressionable, so I had to suck it up and deal with it.”

  Even as overwhelmed as I am, I can’t help but laugh. The image of Simon holding a one year old is hilarious enough, but to picture him getting shit on is even funnier.

  “Go to the party with me tonight. You need to lighten up.”

  “Alright, fine, I’ll go. Now, get out of here, so I can get some work finished beforehand.”

  Victoria

  “I don’t like this. We haven’t even done a check on this guy, Rick Jacobs,” Reggie says.

  I roll my eyes and tuck the last of my hair under the long, black wig. Rick has only seen me in the platinum and pink, but I have to say this one is sexy, too.

  “I heard other servers gossiping about the party this week, so I know there will be plenty of people around. Maybe I’ll find something out tonight that will put all this to rest.”

  “I hope so. You’ve been different this week.”

  Turning away from the mirror to face him, I lean back against my dresser. “Have you ever heard any rumors about Submission? You know, besides the possibility of prostitution?”

  “Have you been inside club D/s yet?”

  “No, but Adrian’s brother, Simon, oversees it.”

  “I’ve never been, but a couple of the guys on the force have. It’s a dance club, but I guess it’s also a place where Doms and subs can meet.

  “They said it’s freaky if you’re not into that sort of lifestyle. People show up wearing collars and shit.”

  “Well, there’s nothing illegal about that.”

  “You asked, and that’s all I know.”

  Reggie struggles to keep his eyes off of my chest. “What is your deal?”

>   He rakes his hand over his hair.

  “I’m sorry, but I’m not used to you showing so much skin. It’s not a secret you have a nice body.”

  I glance at my black halter dress that hugs every curve down to my thighs.

  “Is it showing too much?”

  “He won’t think so, and I find it humorous that you managed to cover your legs with that long gown.”

  “Those men see enough of my legs every day. I wanted to wear something that didn’t look like lingerie. Tara loaned it to me.”

  “You made up with your BFF?” Reggie chuckles, and I swat his arm.

  “Yes, we made up.”

  He grabs my wrist and pulls me against his chest. “Find a spot on your body to hide your phone, and promise you’ll call me if you need help.”

  His voice is conveying sincerity, but his smoldering eyes and close proximity tell something entirely different.

  My gaze shifts abruptly as I suck in air. I pull away and turn back to my dresser. I’m fumbling with my earrings and breathing hard.

  What is it with the men around me lately? The last few weeks have been crazy.

  “You should probably get going. The car will be here to pick me up soon.”

  “Promise me, Vic.”

  I walk toward the door, putting an earring in along the way. “I promise, and I’ll text you once I’m home.”

  I’m at the kitchen counter when I hear the door to my apartment shut. He didn’t even say goodbye.

  We’re going to have to talk about our relationship. I don’t see how we can remain partners if things get weirder between us. We struggle as it is.

  The doorbell rings, and I figure it’s my ride. Instead, a young woman is holding a floral arrangement.

  “Ms. Stuart?”

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  “These are for you.” The girl smiles and hands me the assortment of colored daisies.

  “Thank you.” I pull the card out as I walk to the kitchen.

  I apologize I can’t be there personally to escort you to my party. I’m looking forward to your company this evening.

  -Rick

  That was a sweet gesture. The doorbell rings again, and I take a deep breath. I’m nervous over the challenge ahead. I have to gather information without giving Rick what I imagine he wants.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Adrian

  I’m already pissed when I hand the valet my keys to the Vanquish at Rick Jacobs’s mansion. I fucking miss Victoria. Her smarts–her beautiful face–that body. I miss her cleverness and brash retorts.

  I feel pathetic that I miss her, and now, as I stare at this home, I’m pissed that I live where I work.

  I have another house in Arizona, but I’m hardly there. It’s also where the spec ops group meets with me to discuss our dealings, so it’s not a place to truly escape.

  Simon and Kruse are already here, and I’m late on purpose. The less time I have to be social the better.

  Upon entering the home, I move through a small crowd of people congregating near the spacious foyer. The marble floor shines and leads a path into a great room.

  There are at least thirty or more people inside, some conversing on two sofas and chairs throughout the impressive space with towering ceilings.

  Across the room, I spot two sets of glass doors, one on each end that are open to a patio. It’s noisy inside, so I stroll toward them to get some air.

  It’s about seventy degrees still this evening, and with a breeze, it’s comfortable. Palm trees sway, and patio furniture lines the outer perimeter of an inground pool. I look out on the throng of people ahead of me.

  Simon and Kruse are in chairs near the back, so I stroll toward them. The closer I get, I see that my brother has a woman on his lap.

  Similar to the other women he dates, or I should say hooks up with, she looks straight out of a club. Since he runs one, I guess it’s fitting.

  Her scarlet dress barely covers her ass, and she’s playing with his hair as she laughs at something he’s saying. Her blonde hair is full, along with the lips that appear to be injected with Botox.

  I think of Victoria’s natural, full lips that she wets almost every time we gaze at each other.

  “Bro, it’s good to see ya. I was beginning to think you were a no-show.” Simon’s grinning, which means he’s feeling pretty good already from drinks.

  “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “That’s good to hear,” a voice says from behind me. I turn my head as Rick Jacobs slaps me on the back of the shoulder.

  “Rick, hi.” Shaking his hand, I manage a broad smile. “Nice pad you got here.”

  “I like it. A little more room than I need, but it’s great for parties.”

  “That it is.”

  “So, when are you going to sit in on a game of poker?” he asks.

  “I think that would be mixing business with pleasure.”

  “Yeah, and we know how much you stick to that rule,” Simon blurts out before chuckling. I shoot him a quick glare.

  “No, my father was the poker player,” I say.

  “Then you should have him stop in.”

  “Oh, he passed away quite a few years ago.”

  Hearing my brother clear his throat, I take a glimpse at him. His eyes are narrowed, and I realize he’s alerting me to shut up.

  He barely tips his head back, so I look that direction and see Noah Sanders standing directly behind him but with his back to us.

  Discussing how my father died would not be the conversation to have in front of the man working for those who harbor terrorists.

  Regardless of his reasons, Simon is getting in deep with the wrong people, and I hate it. I can’t lose any more of my family.

  With our mother mentally ill and our dad gone, I couldn’t take losing one of my siblings, too.

  Victoria

  First, I see Noah Sanders. What are the odds of that happening, and how does he know Rick? Then, seeing Simon here added to the churning in my stomach.

  I was terrified Adrian would appear, but the fear is easing with every passing minute that he hasn’t shown up.

  After touching up my lipstick, I reposition some stray hairs that have blown out of place from standing on Rick’s patio.

  I twist my body and look at my bare back in the mirror. It’s exposed from where the dress ties around my neck to the dip at the top of my backside.

  I can’t even believe my transformation in the last few weeks. Who knew I’d ever enjoy playing dress-up? My sister, Nicole, would be so proud.

  I’m not going to get the scoop on anything if I’m primping in the bathroom the entire night, so I should find Rick again.

  I carefully walk across the grey swirl of marble in the hallway until I reach the matching ceramic tile in the great room.

  Fortunately, I step onto some ornate rugs, so falling and busting my head open becomes less likely.

  I’m adjusting to wearing heels, but my black dress almost reaches the floor, and I’m waiting to trip on it. If I hit the ground again in front of Rick, I might die from embarrassment.

  He’s been quite the gentleman this evening, introducing me to his friends. I’ve continuously asked each person questions about themselves, so I don’t have to answer to what I do for a living.

  It’s been working so far. There’s nothing demeaning about being a server, other than the uniform I’m forced to wear, but I have a feeling not everyone at this party would agree.

  I wonder what Rick will say if anyone asks how he knows me, and what is his motive for wanting a date? If it’s only for sex, he’s going to be disappointed tonight.

  I spot his light blue shirt. Damn, he’s talking to Simon. Kruse is sitting next to him, and … oh, god, no. This can’t be happening. Adrian is sitting on the other side of Kruse.

  What do I do? Shit, I’m almost to them.

  I turn to scurry back to the house.

  “Vicky,” Rick calls out. I scrunch my nose and snap my eyes shut. This
is happening whether I like it or not.

  Pivoting back around, I walk toward them with a smile, never taking my eyes off of Rick. Slipping his arm around my waist, he pulls me close and kisses my cheek. I can’t remember a time I felt this low as a person.

  Not telling Adrian I’m a cop hasn’t felt as bad as this does. I never wanted to hurt him, and something tells me this will. Knowing I have to look at him, I slowing let my eyes wander that direction.

  He’s transfixed by what is in front of him, and I don’t see hurt. No, that’s rage. In my line of work, you see it often.

  I feel a burn in my throat and swallow the bile that has come up. After what feels like an eternity but is probably only seconds, his head jerks toward Simon.

  “You asshole.”

  “What?” Simon asks.

  “You fucking knew this was going to happen.”

  Adrian comes out of his seat, shoving it across the concrete. The noise causes me to jump and draws several sets of eyes our direction.

  He storms off toward the house, and I can’t stop myself from going after him.

  “Adrian!” He doesn’t turn around, so I stop and yank off my heels. I’m running like a fool, but I can’t let him leave like this.

  “Adrian, stop,” I plead loudly as I follow him into the house. His fists are clenched as he charges through the great room.

  I know all eyes are on us, but I only care about one person right now. Out the front door he goes, and I’m on him. Stretching my hand out far, I grab his arm.

  “Stop, please. It’s not what you think.”

  Adrian spins around, stopping abruptly. I slam against his chest, my hands now clutching his shoulders.

  “What is it then, Victoria? Explain to me what I’m seeing right now.”

  “At this moment you’re seeing me desperate because the last thing in this world I would ever want to do is hurt you.”

  “You’ve already done that this week, so this isn’t something new.”

  I look away from him, ashamed from his words. “I’m sorry about the other day. I shouldn’t have left like I did, and I don’t want to be with Rick. Please believe me.”