Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5) Read online

  “Damn,” I say.

  “I know, right?”

  “So, are we to congratulate you?” Theo asks.

  “Yep. We’re freaked out but excited, too.”

  Stepping out from behind my desk, I pull my baby brother in for a hug. “I’m happy for you, Jersey.”

  Simon’s all smiles as he steps away.

  “Thanks, Ace.”

  “We’ll need some good cigars,” I add.

  “Not if Sadie’s around. She’s on me big time about the gum, but this news has me even more anxious.”

  “You and shitty diapers. I can’t wait. You better start censoring that mouth of yours, too,” I say with a chuckle.

  “No shit.”

  We all laugh, and I’m surprised but happy for my brother. I hope one day Victoria and I have children of our own.

  Chapter Five

  Sadie

  “We’ve been discussing this for a few days. I’m beginning to think you don’t want to marry me,” Simon announces into the phone.

  “Of course I want to marry you, but we still have to tell my family. Let’s get married in two weeks. No Elvis impersonator, though.”

  “I’ll make this quick wedding up to you by taking you on a killer honeymoon. How does that sound?”

  “Oh, I didn’t even think about a honeymoon. That would be amazing, but we have to wait until winter break because of my classes.”

  His only dispute is a groan since he understands how important school is to me. “I love you, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “I love you, too, doll.”

  I end the call and pull on the door to the science lab. It’s six in the evening, so there shouldn’t be anyone inside, yet there’s a young guy sitting at my professor’s desk, sifting through papers.

  “Can I help you?” I ask.

  He jumps to his feet. “You must be Sadie.”

  “Yeah, and who are you?”

  “I’m Russell, but you can call me Russ.” He sticks out his hand for me to shake. He’s in designer jeans and a light brown polo shirt. His shoes are expensive, his overall look a bit preppy.

  “OK, Russ. I want to know why you were rooting through papers on Professor Edward’s desk.”

  “Um, I’m Professor Edward’s new right-hand man. His personal assistant.”

  “I didn’t know he was in need of one.”

  “Yes, he has a busy course load to teach this semester, so I will be helping him out. He told me to expect you, but he failed to mention how smokin’ hot you would be.”

  I roll my eyes. “Listen here, Russ; I’m with child.”

  “You’re what?”

  “I’m having a baby, so you can cut the flirting out right now. My fiancé might as well be in the mafia, so don’t fuck with me.” This guy doesn’t need to know that Simon’s quite harmless.

  Russ holds his hands up in defense.

  “Hey, message received and noted.” He takes a seat in his chair again and slides a hand through his strawberry blond hair.

  “So, are you going to be in here all the time while I’m conducting research?” I ask.

  “Some, but I’ll stay out of your way.”

  “Good. Then we should get along fine.” I give him a fake smile. I’m not happy he’s going to be hanging around. I get distracted easily, and he seems like a talker.

  I also feel a bit betrayed. I thought I was handling things fine for my professor. I guess a positive in this is Russ can pick up the slack while I’m on my honeymoon.

  I drop my backpack onto a chair. It’s weighed down with books, and I’m wondering if it’s OK for me to be carrying such a heavy backpack.

  I realize I don’t know crap about having a baby, but I’m sure my sister Nicole could bring me up to speed. She’ll be having her baby in a few months.

  Simon is off work tomorrow evening, so we’re taking my mother, along with Nicole and her husband, Katsu, out to dinner to break the news. It’s been killing me to keep this kind of secret from my family, but I felt Simon and I needed time to process the shocking news.

  I want to convey to my mother a genuine confidence that we can handle the responsibilities that lie ahead. Her Catholic upbringing already ensures she’s going to be disappointed I became pregnant out of wedlock.

  Aggie

  It might be unhealthy how much I’m focusing on my job, working overtime each day. Well, Kruse might’ve owned some of that space in my mind a time or two … or three.

  Three … That’s the number of days it’s been since he was standing here in my office, making my panties wet. I’m disappointed that he likely came to his senses about pursuing me and is purposely staying away, but it’s for the best.

  Sighing, I stare at the two piles of paperwork still resting on my desk. Am I even putting a dent in clearing it off? Unfortunately, I need to give work a break to find a condo.

  A moving company is holding my belongings here in Vegas, and I’m eager to be surrounded by the comfort of my things. I’m sick of living in a hotel room.

  Pulling out my phone, I stare at Reggie’s number. Simon and Zev said there are available condos in their area, and I’m sure Adrian or Theo could hook me up with their connections, but I keep feeling this pull to call Reggie. He would be a good friend to have here.

  It’s dangerous territory with Adrian being as uptight as he is about the man. He mentioned once, when he was home visiting, that Reggie had a thing for Victoria. I’m curious if he’s over her.

  I alternate between biting my nail and tapping the phone screen. “Why not?” I mumble before I press the button that dials his number.

  “Hello.”

  “Reggie, hi, it’s Aggie.”

  “Oh, hi, how are you?”

  “Good. Listen, I wondered if you were still interested in helping me find that condo. I’m eager to get my belongings out of storage.”

  “Sure. Just say when.”

  “Would this evening be too soon?”

  “Not at all. Would six-thirty work? I could pick you up.”

  “That would be great. If you call or text me, I could meet you out front.”

  “OK, sounds good.”

  ***

  I’m in my hotel room changing into a pair of jeans and a red tank top when Reggie texts that he’s out front. I hurry down to the lobby and find him standing outside of a white Dodge Charger.

  “Hi, Reggie.”

  “Hi, how’s your day been?”

  “Good.” We both get inside, and I soak in the new car smell. “New ride?”

  “Yeah, I purchased it about a week ago.”

  Sinking into the comfortable seat, I smile.

  “So, where to first?”

  “Do you want to live near the Strip or on the outskirts?”

  “Close to the Strip makes more sense. I’ve lived in the suburbs long enough. It’s time for some city life.”

  “City it is.”

  ***

  “I love this building,” I say to Reggie, “and the sign says there are vacancies.” I jot down the number in a small notepad I’ve brought with me.

  “We’ve found four prospects. I think that’s a good place to start,” I add.

  “Are you hungry? I haven’t eaten yet. I thought we could grab a bite.”

  “Let’s have pizza and beer.”

  Reggie glances over and smirks.

  “Sounds good to me.” He whips down one street to another near the Strip, and I have no clue where we’re at or going. I’ve got to learn my way around.

  He takes us away from the bustling city and parks at a small pizza joint. In an instant, I feel at ease. This area reminds me more of New Jersey instead of Sin City, where I feel there’s the potential for me to do a whole lot of sinning.

  An image of Kruse encroaches on my mind, so I focus on the inside of the restaurant. It’s an older building with booths around the perimeter and black tables and chairs in the center.

  Reggie leads us to a booth in the corner, and once
seated, we order beers and glance over the menu.

  “Why so quick to pick pizza?” he asks.

  “My mother never wanted it. She said there were too many toppings, so no telling what we were actually eating.” I give a shrug of my shoulders. “You know, from her paranoia. I occasionally got her to eat cheese pizza, but that was boring to me. I need something with flavor.”

  “OK. A lot of toppings it is.”

  “So, you and Victoria go way back.”

  “Uh, not way back, but we’ve been close. It’s hard not to bond with your partner when you’re with them every day. I have a male partner now, and like cheese pizza, he’s pretty boring. I used to hate how reckless Victoria behaved, but this guy is way too drab for my taste.”

  “Hmm … I heard you had a thing for Victoria.”

  “Wow, you want to go there, huh?” Reggie flashes me a grin, showcasing more of his sexiness.

  I shrug. “I guess I’m curious.”

  “OK. I used to want to be with Victoria, but I don’t any longer. We’re only good friends.”

  “What changed your feelings?”

  “We get on each other’s nerves easily, and I didn’t want to acknowledge it at first, but once I realized how good a match she was for Adrian, I let it go. The feelings I had for her disappeared.”

  “That’s a good friend right there.”

  “I don’t know if your brother sees it that way. I think he will always be a little pissed at me for wanting Victoria.”

  “He broods. It’s his thing, so don’t take it personally.”

  We both have a laugh at poor Adrian’s expense. Reggie tells me about his career, and we eat pizza that’s overlaid with a ton of toppings.

  The bill arrives, so I pull out my wallet.

  “My treat,” Reggie says as he swipes it from the table.

  “If you pay, this could be considered a date.”

  “Do you want it to be a date?” he asks. His rich chocolate eyes bore into mine, so I bite my lip. How do I respond when I have no clue how I feel about it?

  “Uh, I don’t know just yet.”

  “I guess I need to try harder.”

  “I’m not sure how my brother would feel about that, and I’m trying to get back on his good side. That man holds grudges for a lot of years.”

  I’m saved by the waitress who approaches us. I allow Reggie to pay, and luckily he drops the subject of us being on a date.

  It’s quiet once we reach the car, so he switches on the radio.

  “Thank you for driving me around this evening. I’m certain I would’ve gotten lost.”

  “It was my pleasure.” We arrive at the front of Submission, and he puts the car in park.

  “I had a good time tonight, Aggie, and I’m a gambling man.”

  “How so?”

  “I’m saying that I’d take my chances on Adrian approving of us going on an official date.”

  I stare at him, letting his words swirl around in my head. The image of Kruse pops into my mind, too, but I’m not cut from the kind of cloth that would allow myself to enjoy a fling.

  If I had to guess, that’s more like what Kruse has in mind, whereas I believe Reggie is looking for his person. That one who he can grow old with.

  I lean in and give him a peck on the cheek.

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  Chapter Six

  Simon

  “Fuck, I’m on edge,” I say as I unbutton my suit jacket at the door of the restaurant.

  Screw looking distinguished.

  I’m going to be part of Sadie’s family soon, so they may as well know that’s a façade. It’s the part I have to play to run the businesses I do. Sadie fell in love with the true me, so maybe her family can warm up to that side, as well.

  I’ll always be the baby brother of the family, the most spoiled and anxious. Simon Cassano is no doubt a work-in-progress, but it’s not like he’s a blank canvas.

  I’m definitely colorful, but I can be mature when necessary. I have been gifted an incredible muse, my Sadie, to create our masterpiece–our child.

  I’ll find the maturity I’m lacking for the sake of my unborn, and I’ll make Sadie proud of the man she’s soon to marry.

  “Simon, it’s OK. My family will be happy for us. They know how much you love me,” she says before leaning up to place a kiss on my cheek.

  Damn.

  Re-buttoning my suit jacket, I then take hold of her porcelain face. “You’re right. They will accept this and be happy for us because I’m going to show them they have nothing to fear. I’ll take the utmost care of you and our baby.”

  Damn, this is heaven on earth right here. Nothing gets my insides gooier than the grins I receive from Sadie when she’s pleased with me. It’s a high like no other, and I’m feeling the euphoria at this moment.

  “I sinceriously love you, Simon Cassano. Our baby is going to be so fortunate to have you as a father.”

  “Ah, Katsu, do you remember when we first got together and you would look at me that way?” Nicole asks.

  I release Sadie and turn to face her older sister and brother-in-law. Nicole is beaming, her eyes dancing between the two of us as Katsu rolls his over her comment. Sadie’s mother, Reba, is poised behind them.

  Nicole’s belly has grown since the last time I saw her, and I try to imagine Sadie that pregnant, our baby being that big inside her. It’s quite the wonderment.

  “Hi, sis,” Sadie says before hugging her sister. “You look beautiful.”

  Nicole’s hand instantly lands over her protruding belly.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me. I feel the furthest from it. One day you will know what I mean.”

  My eyes dart to Sadie’s, and she’s already giving me a meek smile. “Well, I think you’re beautiful, and that baby will be, too.”

  “I agree,” Reba says as she pushes past Katsu to give Sadie a hug. Her mom grazes a hand over her own golden blond hair after, and I think about how Nicole’s hair matches it.

  It’s such a contrast from Victoria’s and Sadie’s long dark curls. They also have a much different personality than Sadie, seeming vain.

  “How’s my other daughter doing?”

  “Wonderful, Mom.”

  I clear my throat, my nerves and confidence dueling for chief position. This draws Reba’s attention, so she leans in to kiss both of my cheeks.

  “I hope you’re well, Simon, and treating my daughter right.”

  “Uh, I’m well, and Sadie’s most definitely being cared for.” Hell, how do I answer that question? I doubt she would say knocking up her daughter equates to treating her right.

  She pinches my cheek and smiles, but the squint of her eyes informs me she’s keen to my unrest.

  “Let’s eat, shall we?” I utter as I grab the door handle to one of the hotel’s finest restaurants.

  “My, Simon, this place is lovely,” Reba croons as she takes in her surroundings. “I must admit that with the name of this hotel, I was unsure of what to expect.”

  “Mom,” Sadie says in a harsh whisper.

  I can’t help but chuckle. Actually, I’ve heard remarks like that before. What did she think she would find, waiters only in collars serving her meal? She’d witness shit like that in D/s, and I sure as hell have more sense than to take her there.

  We’re seated immediately in a private section, and Reba is impressed by this, as well. I only hope I can keep in her good graces.

  Katsu and I order a stiff drink, and Reba announces that she and Sadie will share a bottle of wine.

  Little does she know that isn’t happening, but I order only the best bottle since she will likely consume the whole thing once we give her our news. Things are about to get interesting.

  Sadie

  I wouldn’t dare let on to Simon that I’m nervous. It would only add to his anxiety. I want to believe my mother will be supportive, but it’s not in her playbook unless a timeline is followed. College gr
aduate first, engagement second, marriage third, and then babies.

  Only Victoria gets an exemption, and that’s because my mother doesn’t have the energy to put up a fight. No one tells Victoria what to do. Well, maybe Adrian, and that’s a first.

  I wish she could be here tonight. She and Adrian know our secret and were happy for us. I would’ve loved the support, but they were unable to attend.

  The waiter returns with drinks, thrusting me back to the present. I feel the wave of nausea as he pours my mother’s wine. I know what’s about to come. He moves the bottle my way, and I hold a hand over my glass.

  “No, thank you. A water please.”

  As expected, my mother’s head swings my direction.

  “You’re not drinking? But you love wine.”

  I feel the squeeze of my hand under the table. Simon’s is warm and strong, and I appreciate that he’s showing me his support.

  “No, I’m not.” I glance to Simon, his swallow distinct as he meets my gaze.

  “No matter what happens, it doesn’t change a thing. Our little family is perfect,” he whispers, placing a hand over my growing belly.

  “Um, Simon and I invited you here tonight because we have big news. We’re getting married, and we’re having a baby.”

  Nicole’s hand covers her mouth, but the smile beneath is obvious. I brave a look at my mother about the time she abruptly sets down her glass, spilling a little red wine in the process.

  “You’re pregnant?” she asks with a chorus of emotions, although I can’t pinpoint what those are.

  “Yes, she is, and we couldn’t be happier,” Simon says. His expression is one of pure joy as we gaze at each other.

  “I can’t believe this. You’re both too old to have this kind of slip-up. That’s teenage behavior,” Mom says with frustration.

  Simon shakes his head and faces the jury.

  “I was hoping there wouldn’t be a need for an explanation, but apparently one is necessary. For the record, we used protection each and every time.”

  His eyes return to mine, his mouth turning up in amusement. “Without giving the juicy details, there was a malfunction on one particular occasion. Isn’t that right, my butterfly?”