Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5) Page 2

  “I know a place that plays music until 4:00 a.m. Would you like to accompany me there?”

  “Aren’t you working?”

  “I’m finished for tonight.”

  I survey his smile that sprouts into a full-blown grin. He probably thinks I’m weighing my safety to go with him, but what I’m actually thinking about is how he hangs with my two youngest brothers. If his history is anything like theirs, then Kruse has been with a lot of women.

  Taking a drink of my vodka tonic, I consider my options.

  “I’m not sleeping with you tonight,” I quip. My eyes widen as his head flies back, a chuckle rumbling from his sexy throat. He leans in toward me, still clutching my hand.

  “Princess, it’s morning.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Come on. You’re safe with me. This morning, anyway.” He stands, and without releasing my hand, he pulls me along beside him.

  He’s quiet as we take an elevator to a parking garage. A button is pushed on his key fob, and a black Escalade comes to life.

  “This is me.” Once we’re inside, he shakes his head. “Don’t tell on me. I’m not supposed to hit on the customers, but damn you’re irresistible.” Taking hold of my hand again, he brings it to his mouth to kiss.

  Swoon … I’m in trouble with this one. How am I going to work with him after tonight? I feel a pang of guilt for not revealing my identity, but this outing would never happen if I did.

  Maybe it’s the alcohol directing my poor choices, but I can’t bring myself to tell him who I am. I feel alive for the first time since Mom’s passing.

  ***

  Once again, I’m mesmerized by those gyrating on the dance floor. We’re at another hotel on the Strip, where Kruse says his father manages security.

  Once in a while, I’ll steal a peek at him, and he’s always staring at me when I do. Since the music is loud, we’ve barely spoken, but he seems content. You’d think this old, plain East Coast woman is a phenomenon by the way Kruse is watching me.

  “Dance with me,” he says, leaning across the intimate table. His breath tickles my skin, and his smooth command cause bumps to rise on my arms.

  “Oh, I don’t know how to dance like that.” My head is shaking, conveying a manic NO. There are a few vodka tonics coursing through my bloodstream, but that’s not nearly enough for me to brave such a sensual style of dancing.

  Standing, he removes his suit jacket. My eyes tilt up at his towering frame and the sober expression boring into me.

  “There’s always a first time. Now, come here.”

  Damn, he’s hot.

  “I won’t know what to do.” While I speak, I’m reaching out my hand, unable to deny him.

  He smirks. “You’ll know.”

  Kruse

  “Who is this intriguing woman?” I had asked myself.

  I was passing by Caged, heading out for the night, when I glanced inside and spotted her. She was the only person at the bar, her eyes transfixed toward the dance floor as if it was the most amazing sight she’d ever seen.

  I had to know what she was admiring, so I stepped inside the doorway and watched her stare at the couples on the dance floor. Their bodies were tangled, the sexual tension simmering.

  The floor was a kettle about to blow.

  And she was lost in the scene. I watched her sexy crossed leg pull a little closer to her as she felt the excitement between her thighs, and I began to feel it in my throbbing dick.

  I’d never witnessed a woman so in the moment, and fuck I had to speak to her. Once I had the privilege, I knew she’d never danced like that, and I was determined to experience it with her.

  Now, here we are, her delicate hand in mine as I lead her to the dance floor. “Na Na” by Trey Songz is playing from the speakers.

  The sexual energy it encourages is discernible, and the second her arms wrap around my neck and her hazel eyes pierce mine, I feel the charge between us.

  She’s nothing like the women I normally find in these places. She’s staring up at me as if she’s entrusting me with her entire future. Her outfit is modest, yet it hugs every perfect curve, leaving just the right amount of arousing curiosity.

  I direct her shapely hips, moving them to the sensual beat, and she quickly catches on. Her arms circle my neck a little tighter, her tits pushing up against me, and damn I want to take her to bed. I need to show her everything my mouth, hands, and cock can do for her.

  Turning her body around, I pull her back against me and take hold of her hands, directing them up over her head.

  They thread through my hair, and I smell her wavy locks pressed against my chest, the scent of lavender filling up my nostrils.

  Her ass is like a pendulum, swinging from side to side, and my cock grows stiff, the desire to dip it right into her pussy overwhelming.

  She’s not trying hard like most of the sluts I take home from the clubs. She’s timid, giving me only enough to drive me wild.

  Who are you, and where did you come from?

  Aggie

  My hands are over my head and fingers deep in Kruse’s blond hair as he taunts me with his fingertips. Gradually, they graze down the backside of my arms, and if it were possible to be closer to him, I would be. We’re tethered by an immense desire, an erotic beat egging us on.

  His cock is stiff against my ass, and I’m grinding against it. I don’t even know him, yet I want him deep inside of me. The sexual energy between us is intense and overpowering my rational thought. Our actions are unabashed as if we’re the only ones in the room.

  The song ends, and I turn in his arms. Lust is burning in his eyes, the blue of them the hottest of flames, revealing the fantasy in his head. His hands grip my waist, and he yanks me to him.

  His warm lips land on mine, giving me one sensual kiss.

  “I should probably be getting back. My head is spinning a little from the drinks, and I think I’m getting carried away.”

  “Sure.” That hint of a smile is playing along his mouth before he takes my hand and leads me to the table where he grabs his jacket.

  As we stroll to the vehicle and ride along the Strip, he keeps my fingers locked between his. The sun is brimming at the foot of the sky, teasing me of its arrival, and instead of feeling my normal dread, I’m euphoric. I can’t help but squeeze Kruse’s hand as a thank you.

  Bypassing the front entrance of Submission, he reenters the parking garage and finds an open spot. Braving a glance at him, I smile.

  “That was fun. I’ve never been dancing before.”

  “I sensed that, but I can attest that you’re good at it.”

  A mind-blowing grin graces his handsome face before his hand shoves into my hair and he pulls my mouth to meet his.

  He’s ferocious with his kiss, his tongue ravishing mine. My head is spinning, my stomach is in knots, and I’m losing all sense of control. I pull free from him and attempt to catch my breath.

  “Invite me to your room, Princess.”

  “I said I wasn’t sleeping with you tonight.”

  “It’s morning.” Damn, his smile couldn’t get any more devious. He’s sexy as sin.

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t. I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’m not comfortable with taking it further.”

  “Another first.”

  “What if I promise you’ll see me again and soon?” I give him a coy smile and receive a puzzled expression back. Pulling out his wallet, he finds a business card and holds it out to me.

  “I’ll be waiting to hear from you, and I’m at least walking you inside.”

  I swipe the card and hold it out, pointing it at him.

  “No tempting me at the elevator with all your sexiness.”

  He chuckles. “I think your drinks are talking now.”

  “I’ve had fun.”

  “So have I, Princess. So have I.” His forehead creases as if this thought baffles him. Shit, I’ve gotten myself into a mess. What is he going to think once he dis
covers my identity? Regardless, it was worth it.

  I feel alive and the furthest from alone, and all the credit goes to this gorgeous man.

  Chapter Three

  Victoria

  Once I’ve finished fixing Adrian’s tie, I study him. He’s restless this morning as we stand in our bedroom.

  “What’s up with you?”

  “Are you tired of being on vacation yet?”

  I blink and smile since he knows me so well. I haven’t been on vacation all that long. I was helping Agatha clean out her house for most of it, but I am becoming antsy, in need of work–or I should say in need of some action.

  “I’m not going insane or anything, but there is only so much for me to do every day while you’re gone.”

  Adrian swallows and pulls on the tie I fixed for him.

  “I have a job offer for you. I know someone at the DEA. They want you to work for them.”

  “You got me a job with the DEA?”

  He’s smiling, but his eyes display a hint of trepidation.

  “Yes, but it’s your experience that made it happen, not my connection. It was only a stepping stone. The DEA was able to pull your record, and they want you because of your skill set.”

  To make him squirm, I put my lips in a straight line and stare at him.

  “Baby, please don’t be pissed at me. I feel responsible for you losing your job. Let me make it right.” He grabs my hands and clutches them inside his as eyes search mine for the answer he’s needing.

  Pulling free, I throw my arms around his neck.

  “That’s like a dream come true. Thank you.”

  “Oh, thank god. I worried you would be pissed.” His arms circle my back, and he pulls me to his warm body.

  “I was worried you wanted me to change dirty diapers already, so I’m thrilled.” Leaning back, I stare into his eyes that are the color of walnuts.

  “I want children with you, Adrian, and I want to be home with them at least the first few years of their lives, but I need to work a little longer first. Just give me a year or two.”

  His fingers come up to graze my cheek.

  “You’re spectacular, and you’re going to be amazing at your job and at being a mother. I need you to make me a promise, though.

  “Promise me you’ll be careful. Promise me that when you’re on a raid, you’ll remember the life we’re building and the future we have before us. I can’t lose you.”

  Faintly, I press my lips to his.

  “I promise I’ll be careful. I’ll only be reckless with you.”

  “Mmm … that’s my temptress.” Adrian’s tongue thrusts inside my mouth. He pulls me even closer to his strong frame and gives a kiss that’s laced with appreciation, love, passion and control. They’re the qualities that build my pillar of strength.

  What I don’t have the heart to tell Adrian is there are no DEA field offices in Las Vegas. I refuse to live away from him, so the likelihood of this panning out are slim.

  To have that carrot dangled in front of me is disappointing, but I’ll let him relish in his relief while I come up with another job prospect.

  Sadie

  “OK, let’s practice this some more, Sadie,” I mumble as I pace around Simon’s condo. It’s a massive space, so there’s plenty of room for me to pace and stress and live on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

  I bite on my nail, wondering when he might wake up. I wasn’t asleep once he arrived this morning, but I faked it, hoping I would be spared more time before I had to tell him the news.

  “Simon, guess what? I’m pregnant. Simon, you won’t believe this, but that butterfly position is pretty impressive. It knocked me up.” Shit, no.

  “Simon, you’re going to be a father. Contain your enthusiasm because I know it’s bubbling at the surface.” Ugh, he’s going to lose his shit. I know him so well.

  “Simon, you’re going to be a father. How exciting is that? Lord, how am I going to tell him?”

  “Sadie,” he says as he strolls out of his bedroom. “Who are you talking to?” His eyes dart around the room, looking for someone besides me.

  “Oh, to myself. I do that sometimes.”

  Sauntering over, he stretches and yawns before bringing me in for a hug. “I thought you’d be at school. It’s nice waking up and finding you here.”

  “Seriously? So, you like having me around every day … day after day?”

  Pulling back, he holds my shoulders and eyes me.

  “Of course. What’s up? You’re jittery, and it’s not like you to skip class.”

  “Um, nothing. I’m a bit tired is all.”

  His hands glide up and down my arms.

  “Listen, I wanted to wait until I could take you out for a special dinner, but after the mess we were in with the FBI, I take no time for granted, so why wait?”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “Will you move in with me?”

  “You want me to move in with you? That’s it? I mean, that’s your news?” Tears sting my eyes, so I try to shut them off.

  “Shit, what’s with the tears? You know I hate it when you cry. I thought you’d be happy.”

  “I am. They’re tears of joy.”

  Damn, that’s a lie. He only wants me to move in with him. I mean, it’s not like I ever dreamed we’d be getting married already, but now that I’m prego, I thought that would be the end result and sooner rather than later.

  He isn’t ready to marry me, so instead of getting a drive-thru Elvis wedding, I get to be the baby’s momma. Now tears are gushing like the flood of Noah’s Ark.

  “Shit, I have to go, Simon. I’m hormonal this morning and need some time alone.” I scurry to the bedroom to change into some clothes, but Simon follows me.

  “Is that a yes or a no to moving in together?”

  “I–I don’t know. I need time to think.”

  “Sadie, you’re scaring me here. I thought you’d want this.”

  Tears are smudged by my shirt as I pull it over my head.

  “I do. I told you–I’m emotional or hormonal or whatever you want to call it. I need space!”

  “Hey, OK. I’m sorry. Is it that time of the month or something? If so, I’ll buy you some chocolate, and we can watch a movie this afternoon before I go to work.”

  I don’t know what drives me, maybe it’s the fact that I can’t have my time of the month, but I pick up my shoe and launch it at him.

  He barely dodges it. “Shit, Sadie, what the hell is wrong with you? I’m sorry I said that. Damn, I’ll give you space.”

  He looks like a wounded puppy as he retreats to the master bathroom, and I feel like a jerk. I was worried he was the one who was going to go apeshit, but I’m already there.

  I’m losing my mind over this because I’ll likely be an unwed mother, possibly raising this child on my own, if he flips like I suspect he will.

  As I pace the bedroom, I give Simon time to get inside the shower. Maybe it will be easier to tell him if I can’t see his face. I hear the water come on, so I poke my head around the bathroom door.

  “Simon.”

  “What do you need, doll?”

  “I want to talk.”

  I can see through the glass that he’s lathering his upper body. I move to the vanity that is directly across from the shower and hoist myself up to sit between the two sinks.

  My legs swing while I clutch the edge of the countertop, and my knuckles turn white from the force of my grip.

  “OK, let’s talk. I’d ask you to join me, but I’m sensing you’re not in the mood.” Simon lathers his hair and begins scrubbing it with his fingertips.

  “OK, here goes. I’m pregnant.”

  His fingers freeze on top of his head. After several seconds, he slings open the glass door. His slim and trim naked body is dripping wet and on display for me.

  I know this because I’m trying not to look at his eyes. Water is splashing onto the floor. Lord, help me. I lift my gaze and stare into his round saucers.
They’re the widest I’ve ever seen them.

  “I’m sorry,” I say meekly. The tears come and rain down my cheeks. Water is still splashing onto the floor, and Simon’s body is covered in suds. If I wasn’t so stressed out with anticipation, I imagine this would be a funny sight.

  He pulls the door shut and stands there–frozen. After several seconds, I begin to sob. Do I leave or stay? What is he thinking?

  The door slings open again, and Simon steps out of the shower. His forehead is creased, his eyes pulling up to meet it.

  Petrified.

  Astonished.

  There’s still soap in his hair as he shuffles toward me, not bothering to grab a towel.

  I wipe my eyes, but more tears come.

  “Hey, please don’t cry.” With his voice gentle and sweet, he squeezes my hands. “I’m not sorry, Sadie. I needed a minute to recognize what I was feeling, but it’s far from regret.”

  To stop my tears, I clear my throat.

  “Simon, I’m scared.”

  “I’m scared, too.” He moves wisps of hair from my eyes.

  “I don’t want to be a baby’s momma.”

  “You don’t want to have my baby?” He winces, and the hurt in his eyes is painful to witness.

  “I want to have your child. I just … never mind.” I cover my face with my palms and blow out a weighted breath.

  “Sadie …”

  Pulling my hands down, I find a naked Simon on one knee. He entwines our fingers and gazes up at me with sincerity.

  “I want you to be not only my baby’s mother but my wife. Will you marry me?”

  “I don’t want you marrying me out of obligation.”

  “I’ve wanted to ask you, but I didn’t think you would say yes until you finished grad school. It’s why I only asked you to move in with me.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Sinceriously, sweetheart. Now, please say yes because I have to look like a total moron as I squat here bare-ass naked, covered in suds.”

  “Yes. Absolutely yes!” I jump off the counter and almost knock Simon backward. He stands in time for me to throw my arms around his neck. “I love you. You took that so much better than I expected.”