Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5) Read online

  “I love you, too. We’ve got this, Sadie.”

  Simon

  “Oh, good you’re here.” I push past Zev at the door of his condo. Desperate to talk to him, I took a gamble that he might be home sleeping. He’s in only a pair of athletic shorts, and his hair is messy.

  “What’s so dire that you were compelled to wake me up?”

  “Oh, sorry, bro, but it’s super important. Sadie’s … Sadie’s pregnant. Shit, I can barely say it.”

  Zev’s eyes widen and he beams. “No fucking way.”

  “I’m not kidding. She’s having my baby. We were trying this new position, and the condom broke.” I glide a hand over my hair, moving my bangs away while I begin to pace.

  “Anyway, she’s knocked up, and now we’re getting married. The whole bit, Zev. The whole damn package. I’m getting all of it–right now. I’m going to be a dad. Do you know what this means?” I pull a piece of gum from my pocket and pop it into my mouth.

  “Yeah, it means you really got to get your shit together. Like right now. You’re acting nuts.”

  “I’m scared shitless is what I am. Wouldn’t you be the same way?”

  “Yeah, I would. I have news, too. I guess more than one of us brothers are getting married. I asked Tara last night, and she said yes.”

  “Wow, bro, that’s big news. Damn, we’re settling down. It’s strange. Only months ago we were out partying, swearing we’d be single forever. How did this happen?

  “But I want it to happen. That’s what’s so strange. I want Sadie to have my baby. That makes her even more mine, and I feel all primal, like take that all you single guys who probably check her out every day when she’s on campus looking all schoolgirl and shit.

  “She’s really going to be all mine, and we’re having a kid. God I hope it’s cute like her and has her calm disposition. Although, she was tripping out earlier, crying and shit.”

  “Shut the hell up for a minute. You’ve got to calm down.” Zev grabs hold of my shoulder. “It’s going to be alright, Jersey. You two will figure it out as you go.”

  “You think I can do it?”

  “Yeah. Look at the responsibilities you already have. You can handle this if you stop with the worrying. Where is she now?”

  “Napping. She skipped classes today to tell me. I left her alone in bed to come share the news with you. You would’ve been proud of me. I kept it together for her.”

  “See, you already knew what to do. You’re going to be a good father.”

  “Damn, I hope so. We had an amazing father.”

  “Yeah, we did.”

  “OK, I better get back to her. I’m going to have to take extra special care of her.”

  “Ah, shit, you’re going to be neurotic as hell.”

  “I can’t help it, bro. She’s carrying my child. I have to make sure she’s healthy. I need books, but I never fucking read.” I’m biting my nail and chomping my gum. Zev chuckles and squeezes my shoulder again.

  “You go back to Sadie and try to get some rest before work. It sounds like you have a long nine months ahead of you.”

  “A long lifetime of worry is what I have to look forward to.”

  Chapter Four

  Aggie

  I get to my office at five in the evening, and after the all-nighter I pulled, I’m OK with working a late shift today. What was I thinking hiding my identity from Kruse?

  I should regret last night but I don’t. It was exhilarating, and I’ll have that memory to hold onto forever, but I’m sure he will regret it. Hell, he might even think it was gross, messing around with his best friend’s sister.

  I begin sorting through the mounds of paperwork Zev has piled on my desk. I’m guessing it got there over time. He dropped the ball on administrative duties while he pursued Tara, but on the plus side, the work should serve as a distraction from my overwhelming grief.

  If I had to bet why he never had enough help, I would put my money on his trust issues. I can attest to the improvement in him since Tara came into his life. She deserves an award for welding through that steel wall of his.

  I stop sorting through papers to take a bite of the white cake I purchased from one of the hotel restaurants. I’m going to gain weight having these delectable desserts at close range.

  Ugh, my hangover left me with a pounding headache, so I lean over and rummage through a side drawer of my desk, hoping to find some aspirin.

  “Hi, sis. I need to introduce you to someone,” Zev says. I lift my head as he’s stepping into my office.

  Holy shit.

  Kruse is right behind him. Oh, no, I didn’t expect this to happen so soon.

  “Kruse, this is my sister, Agatha. Aggie, this is my friend Kruse. He runs security here at Submission.”

  His eyes widen about the time I feel the blush creeping up my neck. As fast as his eyes grow, they snap closed, and an anxious look sweeps across his face.

  Standing from my chair, I hold my hand out across the desk, giving him the cue to come in and shake it.

  “Agatha, huh? It’s nice to finally meet you, and welcome to Las Vegas.”

  “Thank you. I think I’m going to enjoy it here.”

  “Kruse needs to look at your desk, and I have to run over to the Royal lounge to talk to Shannon, so I’ll leave you two alone.”

  Zev disappears out the door, shutting it behind him, and the seconds of silence that follow have me cringing.

  “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me who you were?” He’s pissed but appears more panicked than anything.

  “In my defense, the alcohol was making my decisions. If I hadn’t been drinking, I’m certain I would’ve given you my name, but would you have treated me differently?”

  “Yes. I mean, probably. I think.” He grips his blond hair. “Fuck, this isn’t happening.”

  “I apologize. I shouldn’t have put you in an awkward position. I’m sure it’s weird and you regret it now.”

  “No, I don’t regret it. That’s the problem. I’ve been thinking about you all damn day. I barely fucking slept.”

  “Really?” I try not to smile but fail.

  “Damn, you’re my best friend’s sister … my boss’s sister. Unbelievable. Uh, OK, we have to put last night behind us. Our secret.”

  “Right.” I shake my head, trying to convince myself that it’s for the best.

  “Zev instructed me to have a panic button installed on each of the desks in his offices, so I have to take a look at them.”

  “Why in the world do we need those?”

  “Ma’am, I would prefer you ask him. I’m not sure how much he has disclosed to you about his affairs.”

  Ma’am?

  Kruse stands a bit taller, his gaze latching onto mine tighter like he’s going to call the shots now. He wants to pretend this is our first meeting, but I can’t forget last night.

  “God, first of all, don’t call me ma’am. I can tell I’m older than you, but I’m not that old. Not to mention, you had your tongue down my throat only hours ago.

  “Second, my brothers may have left me out of the loop when I lived in Jersey, and was caring for our sick mother, but they better not even think of keeping secrets from me now. Whatever it is you’re hesitant about disclosing, spill it.” With a cock of my head, I give him a snide smile.

  What does he have the nerve to do? He chuckles. He chuckles so long that he finally holds his head back as his laughter overwhelms him.

  Geez, he has a sexy throat, the knot of it so pronounced it eludes to how virile and sexy the rest of his body is. He’s extremely fit, and in this light I’m getting a much better look at him than I did in the clubs.

  Wait … he’s laughing at my expense as I give credit to his amazing genes. “What do you find so funny?”

  Lowering his head, he wipes a tear from his eye.

  “I can’t get over how much you reminded me of your brothers right then.

  “You were timid last night, but today you’re headstrong. I had enou
gh to deal with when it was only the four of them. I see you’re going to be an additional pain in my ass.”

  Appalled, my jaw drops. “Maybe you should be fired for that insulting comment.”

  He chuckles again. “That’s an even funnier statement. I’m like an extra appendage to your brothers. They’re not going to get rid of me because I hurt your feelings.”

  “You didn’t hurt my feelings, but it was rude.”

  A few quiet seconds pass between us as his eyes trail down my body. Feeling self-conscious, I cross my arms over my chest.

  Realizing that I’ve caught him perusing, he blinks a few times and clears his throat.

  “We’re not getting off to the best start. Can we try again?” he asks, all business now as he straightens his maroon tie. It’s resting over a crisp white shirt and accents a black suit jacket, which hugs his biceps and tapers around his waist.

  “If it’s true that my brothers find you invaluable, then I guess I can give you another chance.”

  There’s a gleam in his blue eyes. It’s more intense than the hint of a smile he’s making an effort to hide.

  “Thank you. I want to say I’m sorry about your mother. I had to handle things here, so I wasn’t able to attend the funeral. I heard you cared for her for many years.”

  “Yes, I cared for her all of my adult life. It’s a difficult time for me, but I’m trying to make the best of it. So, are you going to disclose why we need panic buttons?”

  “No, I’m not going to tell you. Like I said, Zev can fill you in on that. I can play hardball, too, Ms. Cassano, and we’ll get along much better the sooner you catch on. Now, are you going to let me take a look at your desk?”

  Damn him and his sexy take-charge attitude. Needing an escape from his intrusive stare, I roll my eyes and hold my arm out, welcoming him to the back side of my desk.

  He smiles from his victory and saunters around until he’s standing next to me. Removing his jacket, he carefully lays it over my desk.

  Jesus, his biceps. They’re not too big, yet they’re uniquely contoured to display with the rest of his conditioned physique.

  He pushes my rolling chair back and squats down until he can duck his head to look under my desk. While he studies it, and feels around, I stare at his upper thigh.

  The muscle of it is straining, pulling taut the satin fabric of his dress pants. His big shoes are on display, too, from where his slacks have ridden up. They make me think of something else big that was buried against my ass in the wee hours of the morning.

  Get your mind out of the dirty gutter, Aggie.

  I’m not accustomed to being around such polished individuals like those here at Submission. The only man I regularly spent time with in New Jersey was my ex, and he was always dressed in casual attire.

  We’d been together so long that he was the furthest from intimidating. He’d become quite boring, actually, and I definitely wore the pants in the relationship.

  I’m somewhat of a control freak, but as I breathe in the woodsy scent of this virile man next to me, I’m taken back to last night when Kruse was directing my every move.

  Rising, he looks around the space, straightening his dress shirt and somewhat tucking it back in.

  “OK, that’s all I needed. Maintenance will be installing them next week.”

  He picks up his jacket from my desk, and as he puts it on, he faces me. His gaze is eating me up like I’m his last supper on earth. Kruse is thinking long and hard, his squint deepening.

  I bite the corner of my lip and turn my head toward the door, giving the signal for him to exit the premises by way of his big, big feet.

  Instead I feel his thumb at the cleft of my chin. My head is turned back toward his, my eyes growing round in the process. Deep-set eyes flit to my lips that I can’t help but lick.

  “I was given a strict order never to stray from a professional relationship with you, but you fucked that all up, and dammit, a part of me is glad you did. But now, it’s going to be quite hard to abide by that rule.”

  “It will be?” I ask with quivering lips.

  “You’re irresistible, Agatha. For once, I don’t think I can follow instructions.”

  “I don’t need my brothers acting like protective brutes. I’m not fifteen, but with that said, you’re my baby brother’s best friend, and I’m too old for you. Are you even thirty?”

  “Close enough, and like hell you’re too old for me. Your face doesn’t look a day over twenty-five.” Kruse’s hand finds my waist and lightly squeezes. “Your body doesn’t, either.”

  Pulling away from him, I rub my forehead.

  “What is happening right now?”

  “I’m pretty certain we’re both turned on and like it.”

  I brave a look at him, and you’d think he won a prize from that spine-tingling grin. I’m going to be dreaming about that mouth of his.

  I place both my palms on his firm chest.

  “Out, out, out,” I order as I march forward. He lets me smack right into his chest, the feel beneath my hands warm and strong. Oh, I’m in so much trouble. My eyes tilt up at his, and I admire a small scar on his chin.

  “Seriously, Kruse, you said yourself that we have to put last night behind us.”

  “I changed my mind. Go out with me.”

  “I think my brothers should’ve warned me about you.” I push on his chest again, and once he’s had his amusement over my lack of strength, he backs away from my desk.

  I grab hold of him and turn to where I can push him toward the door. All six-feet-something and big feet.

  Grabbing the doorframe, he turns around. His smile is gone as he shoves a hand into my auburn hair. Lord, he wants to be in control, and a part of me wants to let him, but I don’t need any drama at this point in my life. I’m in mourning for christ’s sake.

  “I’m up for a good challenge, Agatha, so you play hard to get. We both felt the chemistry between us, and you’ll only be able to deny it for so long.”

  “I think you’re forgetting who I am. Stubbornness runs in my blood.”

  “Have a good evening, Ms. Cassano.” Smiling as if he knows something I don’t, he disappears, and I’m left panting for air at my office door, pummeled with the same yearning I felt this morning when he kissed me.

  “Kruse.” I let his name roll off my tongue, and it sounds as smooth as his voice. He exhibits a confidence I’ve never been in the presence of.

  Flustered, I shift my weight from one foot to the other, discovering that my panties are wet.

  “Bad, Agatha, bad.” My head shakes in disbelief.

  I scold my libido all the way back to my desk, but she now holds all the cards. She’s been unleashed and is carrying a fiery torch. My lady bits were set on fire with it, and I’m helpless in subduing her.

  I’ll never be able to resist Kruse. In less than twenty-four hours, he’s brought more excitement to my life than I’ve experienced in the last twenty years.

  Adrian

  “We only have ten more members to speak with.” Theo is standing across from my desk, giving me the rundown. For the first time in a long time, I really take a look at him.

  The auburn is claiming more of his disarrayed dark hair, and his hazel eyes have taken on a tired shape. This divorce is wearing him down already, but he’s still fit. He’s likely working out, knowing he’ll be back on the market soon. Although, he’d never admit it.

  At the moment, he’s a self-proclaimed woman hater. Realizing he’s waiting for me to reply I say, “Everyone appears to be taking it well so far.”

  “That’s because they’re relieved they’re not going to jail.”

  “Well, they’re not going to jail for this matter, anyway.”

  We’ve spent the last several days meeting with each member of the lounges. It was to notify them that they will no longer be playing poker illegally at our casino. Because of this, we had to reduce our membership fees.

  It’s actually the biggest weight lifted off my
shoulders. I have no way to know if the FBI will investigate them individually, but that’s not my problem.

  If they’re doing something illegal with their finances outside of Submission, they will have to answer for that.

  Theo sits down across from me. “Tucker, my contact at the police department, said he’ll let me know if another detective is ever planted here for any reason. We figure their superiors won’t tell Reggie shit now that they know Victoria is tied to us. He’s too close to her,” Theo says.

  “True. I didn’t think of that. He and Reggie are friends, I believe, so tell him to keep Reggie informed, too, if this place is ever under scrutiny again.” I lean back in my chair. “How are things with Karen?”

  “She’s cooperating. I was going to let her stay in the house, but she wants a fresh start with her candy-ass boyfriend. I hate that he’ll be spending time with the kids.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You get to keep your cars in my garage.”

  “You know I don’t care about that.”

  “What am I going to do with that monstrous house?”

  “You’ll still have your children there. It will be good for them to have the familiar space.”

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Things will work out. You’ll see.”

  “After Karen and Blanca’s betrayal, I’ll never trust another woman.”

  “It’ll just take some time. Look how long it took me.”

  He scratches his head. “You did well with Victoria. She’s devoted for sure.”

  “We’ve set a date. December 20th.”

  “A holiday wedding, huh? That’s only a few months away.”

  “I know, but we’re more than ready.”

  There’s a knock on my office door before it swings open.

  “Hey, you two got a minute?” Simon asks.

  “Sure. You’re out of bed early,” I reply.

  “I couldn’t sleep. Sadie stunned me with some news yesterday. Uh, she’s pregnant.”