Coercion (The Cassano Series Book 3) Read online

  My eyes widen as his hands plant on each side of my head. He ducks his face to gaze at me. Holy shitballs. He’s literally a few inches from my face, and I might die right here from how good he smells.

  “It wasn’t presumptuous to think that after my behavior, and I can’t lie; I’m pretty pleased my brother reiterated that to you.”

  “Are you telling the other servers to avoid Noah?”

  “No.”

  “Then why me?” I ask barely above a whisper.

  “I like you, and I don’t want to see you hurt.”

  “Kiss me.”

  He shakes his head no, but he doesn’t move otherwise. “You’re a confusing man, Xavier Cassano. Can you please restart the elevator?”

  Leaning over, his nose grazes along my chest and stalks up my neck, inch by inch. His warm breath is like a hot shower beading on my skin. My palms flatten against the wall of the elevator, but it’s only so I don’t attack him. I’m turned on, every nerve ending taking stock of the voltage being delivered.

  “Damn, you smell like a fucking field of strawberries.” His voice is seductive in my ear.

  “It’s my perfume–Daisy by Marc Jacobs. It has notes of strawberries and violets.” I feel him smile against my ear. “You’re too cute, Tara.”

  I turn my head inward and brave a kiss to his neck. His body tenses but only briefly before he’s sweeping an arm behind me and pulling me against him.

  I let the tension go and allow my body to melt against his. His erection is there, shoving against me, and I’m at the exact place I’ve fantasized being with Zev.

  My earlobe is sucked between his lips as I slip my hands inside his suit jacket and brush them up his waist.

  A low, steady growl vibrates against my ear, and it’s that moment when I notice the throbbing at the apex of my thighs. “Zev, please … more.”

  He freezes. “Shit,” he says in my ear before he’s pulling away from me and slamming his hand on the red elevator stop button, releasing it to start moving again.

  “What did I do wrong?” I ask.

  “Nothing.” His knuckles ghost down the back of my cheek. “I’m a dick to women 99.9% of the time, Tara. You should want to run away from me almost as much as I want you to run from Noah.”

  “I don’t believe it. You’ve looked out for me.”

  The doors open, and he steps off before I can say another word. I gather my wits and walk out. If that’s how he wants it, I won’t go near him again, but I have a feeling it’s going to be next to impossible to forget him.

  Victoria

  I stay at work late thanks to a meeting I have scheduled with Sarge. It’s obvious he’s not pleased with me the second I cross through his doorway.

  “Have a seat, Ms. Hart.” Shit, he’s calling me by my last name. That’s never good. “I want to discuss the Noah Sanders case. Megan said he’s playing in the lounge most every night. Why haven’t you found a way into there?”

  OK, I need to play on his sympathy here.

  “I haven’t felt like myself since the assault.” Damn, I’m being so manipulative, but it’s the only way to buy more time. I lower my gaze and fidget with my hands in my lap.

  “I’ve been a bit skittish about working outside these walls.”

  Sarge leans back in his chair. “I didn’t consider that. You’re usually putting on a tough front whether it’s true or not.”

  “I guess the assault scared me a little.”

  “That explains all the vacation days. Do you need to see the counselor?”

  My head whips up. “No, I’m feeling better now. I had some time to think about it all and sort out my fears. I’m ready to get back in the game. I’ll find a way to get into that poker lounge. I won’t let you down.”

  His eyebrows raise. “Alright then. I’ll wait for you to report back to me on it.”

  Shit, I’m not Catholic, but I see some “Hail Marys” in my future. I leave work and think about how I’m going to break the news to Adrian. I’m getting in that damn poker lounge whether he likes it or not.

  Once I arrive at the penthouse, I find him on the sofa with a scotch in hand. “Hi, how was your day?” I ask before taking the spot next to him. I pat his leg and lean my head against his shoulder.

  Please say it was a good day.

  “It sucked. How was yours?” Dammit.

  “Not good, either. Listen, we have to talk about the Noah Sanders case.”

  Adrian blows out a long breath and takes a drink from his tumbler. “I saw this coming.”

  “I can’t help it, Adrian. My sergeant isn’t budging on this. Not to mention, you need my help, and you know it. I have to play in the lounge to get close to Noah.”

  Adrian leans his head back against the sofa cushion and turns it toward me. I watch as his Adam’s apple moves from his swallowing motion. “OK.”

  “OK? Really?” I ask.

  “Yes. Don’t get mad, but I met with Tara today.” I start to speak but stop myself. I’ll hear him out first. “I had hoped I could figure out a way for her to help us, but after talking to her briefly, I realized you were right. I can’t put her in danger.

  “Simon and Zev aren’t getting close to Noah fast enough, and I need you watching the other cop in there. You can stall the police, and maybe we’ll find a way to get to Ferrera or at least bust Sanders. The only thing is, I’m worried about Noah figuring out your identity.”

  My eyebrows cinch as I think. “He’s never seen me before. I will wear my hair natural, so none of the servers should recognize me from where we might’ve passed in the locker room. I mean, I always wore the wigs when I was employed here.

  “Can you make sure no servers are moved up from Elite to Royal while I’m in there? They could blow my cover.”

  “Of course.”

  “I think we can pull it off.”

  “OK, now what’s your plan once you’re in there?”

  “I’ll convince him he has some competition, not only on the table but in the world of drug dealing. I know all the ins and outs of the business from my police work. Noah is going to want to keep his friends close but his enemies closer, and I’m going to be just that–the enemy.”

  He strokes his forehead. “I’m worried, Victoria. What if he wants to take you to bed?”

  “He won’t. I’m sure he’ll regard me as old, and I’ll dress sophisticated. He’ll know I’m not someone he should fuck with. Noah wants submissive women. He won’t suspect that from me.”

  Adrian sets his drink down and grips my waist. I’m pulled over to straddle him. Hands thrust into my long hair, and he brings my face close to his. “You’re only submissive with me.”

  The storminess in his eyes and the soberness of his voice tell me he needs some control. I’ll give it to him while I can. “Yes, Sir.”

  Letting me go, he yanks off his black, silk tie.

  “Stand and slowly undress for me.”

  A jolt of excitement has me climbing off of him. He relaxes against the sofa and stretches an arm out over the top of it, making himself more comfortable.

  His eyes are glued to mine until I shed the snug t-shirt I changed into at the station. Eyes lower to my silky, red bra, so I unhook it and let it fall to the floor.

  “Shorts. Off.”

  “Yes, Sir.” As he instructs, I shimmy out of my shorts and red thong. He admires me for a stretch of seconds that leave me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

  “My pearl … so damn sexy. You have no idea how perfect your body is. Turn around now.”

  “Mmm … and that ass of yours.”

  My breaths quicken and become uneven as I feel the tie wrapping around my wrists, binding me securely.

  “Turn this way.” Adrian, standing now, takes hold of my shoulders and forces me to take a couple of steps backward. “On your knees.”

  Swallowing the saliva building from his commanding tone, I imagine how wet I must be. Upon our first meeting, I was terrified to give up control to him, but now I fin
d it freeing.

  I don’t have to worry about what is happening in my career or with my family. I can stay locked in the present, surrendering my worry in exchange for pleasure. I can trust Adrian to give me everything I need and want at the moment and then some.

  “Tilt your eyes up at me. I want you watching as I get my cock out and ready. It’s soon going inside that sweet mouth of yours.”

  Undoing his belt and dress pants, he pushes them down over his hips, along with his boxer briefs. They rest there, but his cock is standing tall and firm.

  Adrian’s eyes are clouded with desire as he takes it into his hand and strokes it. I cough a little, clearing my throat. My mouth continues to water from the longing I feel for him. “Do you want to suck my dick, Victoria?”

  “Yes, Sir. Please.”

  “Great answer.” He smirks, and a devilish look gives a gleam to his clouded eyes. “This is for me. Since your hands are bound, I will be leading the show. You’ll suck how fast I want, how deep I want, and for as long as I desire.”

  My pussy is aching with need, my mouth salivating with a hunger to please him. His fingers slide into my hair and massage my scalp before he pulls it together tightly, taking it away from my face. I see the long vein on his shaft as it twitches against his abs.

  “Open.” I obey, and he guides his erection into my mouth. He only pushes my head down to take him about halfway. It slips almost all the way out before he’s gliding it back in again.

  “Mmm … baby that’s it.” He holds it still in my mouth so I can suck. His groan is all I need to want to take him as far back as possible. I start to lean over, but he clamps down on my hair, pulling me back and removing his cock completely.

  “No. I’m in charge.” His erection is wet and glistening in front of me, and I’m eager as ever to get him off. Slowly, he guides it back in. I hold still, following his lead. He pushes my head over, allowing me to take him as far into my throat as possible. I start to gag but get it together.

  “I’m going to fuck your mouth hard and fast.” His pace picks up, and my lips are slipping over his raging cock. It slides with ease as he leans into me, meeting his thrusts with the downward shove of my head.

  Saliva drips from my mouth around his hard-on, and instead of getting flustered, I let go. I revel in the erotic scene playing out.

  His hands clutch and pull my tangled hair. His rigid, magnificent cock fucks my throat, and his groans fill my ears until his powerful thighs succumb to the trembling.

  Adrian holds me still, his cum pulsing into my mouth, and I wait for it all, so I can belt it down. It’s tepid and salty, and I want to swallow every drop of his leftover pleasure.

  “Fuck, yes, Victoria,” he exclaims with a groan. Inside I’m smiling, knowing I’ve pleased him.

  Chapter Twelve

  Adrian

  Victoria has given me the most erotic experience by giving me all of herself. I’m shaking, feeling as if all the blood has drained from my head.

  Instead, it’s all pumping to my pulsating cock as I come down from a dizzying high only Victoria can incite. I pull my dick from her mouth and grab some tissues off an end table. Wiping her mouth with one hand, I undo my tie with the other.

  Her hands come up and wrap around my legs. As her head leans against my thighs, I question why she’s latched onto me. I feel like I should be the one doing the hugging.

  “Thank you for letting me serve you.”

  “Fuck. Victoria, stand up.” I pull her naked frame into my arms. “Your genuineness is remarkable, and I don’t believe I could love you more than I do. It’s already beyond measure.”

  Lowering her to the sofa, I lie between her legs and pull her to me. Her fingers weave into my hair as I give back to her, eating her pussy like I can’t get enough. I am a hungry man when it comes to Victoria, feeling like I can never get my fill of her. I almost lost her, and I can’t let it happen again. I’m terrified something is going to separate us.

  She’s unabashed in her cries of pleasure, the sounds echoing in the spacious room. Her legs are spread wide, heels close to her ass.

  I angle my gaze up at her to take in the view. It’s ecstasy as her half-lidded eyes watch what I’m doing, her mouth parted and breathing ragged.

  My erotic goddess is sprawled out, vulnerable and baring all for my senses. This feels like it’s for me once again, so I pull her closer to my fiery breath and lick her until she’s screaming my name.

  She’s my whole world, and I fucking love her.

  ***

  A good hour has passed since I carried her to our bedroom and made love to her like she deserved. Our sticky bodies are tangled, and we’re right where we should be.

  “I love you, and you know I want this whole situation over as much as you do,” she says. “Right?”

  I kiss the top of her head. “Yes, I know that.”

  “Then don’t freak over what I’m about to say.” My body tenses. “This perfect evening is what made me think of it.”

  “OK,” I say drawn out.

  “I can’t live here while we’re trying to bust Sanders. I can’t believe I’m asking this of you, but I need you to lease me an expensive condo and just as expensive of a ride.”

  I lean back and look down at her, so she pulls away from my chest. “I’m trying to see if you’re fucking serious right now.”

  “Adrian, I’m sorry, but we can’t risk Noah seeing us together. He might have me followed, and I need credibility if I’m supposed to be some big time dealer.”

  “Fuck!” I kick the sheet off of me as I behave about as well as a two-year-old boy. “I just got you back.”

  “I know. I don’t want this, but you’re only angry because you know I’m right.”

  “I’m angry because we’re going to have to be apart–a lot.”

  Victoria cups my cheek. “Please, stay in the present with me. I need you here. We’ll make it work and find a way to see each other some.”

  I pull her hand to my mouth and kiss it. My eyes close as her words register with me. “Some.”

  “I’m sorry. Maybe it won’t be for long.”

  Zev

  A week has passed since I last spoke to Tara, but it hasn’t made me think about her any less. I’ve tried to stay away from her as much as possible by not going to the lounge when she’s there. The pull to be close to her is overwhelming, and I don’t get it. Why her?

  I dragged Kruse out with me the other night to find some women. I would’ve taken Simon, like usual, but he’s up Sadie’s ass every free minute he gets.

  We found some hot, young ass at the Bellagio. I went back to this brunette’s apartment and fucked her brains out. That is if she had any to begin with.

  It didn’t mean shit, but I at least worked out some of the tension that had built up in my ballsack from the blonde who won’t stop sharing space in my fucking head.

  I have too much shit going on right now. My administrative assistant has cancer and has no clue when she’ll return. Yeah, I feel bad for her, but I need some damn help.

  On top of that, I’ve been dodging Noah, and I know my time has run out. I need to make a buy from him, and he’s going to press me about Tara.

  Last, Victoria is going to be playing poker in the lounge soon, and although I won’t be directly affected, it’s another stressor, knowing what we have at stake and what we’re keeping from Noah. If something or someone blows her cover, we could all go down.

  I’ve hit a point where I have to go into the lounge. I haven’t shown my face in there for days, so I should be social with our clients and ensure they’re being taken care of. I also need to speak to Shannon about getting me some help with all my paperwork and shit.

  I stroll into the lounge and exhale a deep breathe. I know Tara is working tonight. OK, I probably could’ve checked on my clients last night when she wasn’t here, but dammit, I want to have a look at her.

  Matthew Becker crosses my path first. He stops me at his table during a brea
k in the game. He’s a young CFO of a construction company. Daddy ran it first and has handed it over. Needless to say, Mr. Becker isn’t getting his hands dirty except in this place.

  “How are you, Xavier? I haven’t seen you for several days.”

  “I’m good, Matt, and you?”

  “Life’s treating me fair, but I must say that your fine servers are holding out on me.”

  I wish I could tell the poor guy that it’s probably because he didn’t inherit looks along with money. He can pay to be in this lounge, but it’s a little more difficult for him to get company outside of it. Shannon might have to put a little pressure on the girls to give the hard-up guy a date.

  “They’re having some busy nights, so they’re probably exhausted after. Give them a little time, and I’m sure they’ll come around.”

  I pat his shoulder and move on my merry way. Glancing around, I see there is only one female client in the lounge, and she’s only one of two who are members of Royal. Victoria is going to stick out like a sore thumb, especially as attractive as she is.

  Hell, I probably won’t need servers because every male client will be trying to stick their dick into Victoria. I’ll have to warn her about fights and lecture Adrian about watching the cameras. I know this is going to turn into a damn nightmare.

  It’s why I have to find a way to make a huge drug deal with Noah before then. If I can make one large enough, he’ll go down, and hopefully the FBI can figure out who’s above him.

  I spot Tara from across the room. She’s grinning, chatting it up with that fucker Brian Nash. He’s twenty-five and an arrogant ass like Sanders. He won his fortune through poker, so most of the clients hate playing with him.

  He pushes the limits with my servers, slipping a hand around their waist or brushing their ass when they go by. Shannon believes they only tolerate it because they find him attractive. Does Tara find him attractive? Hell, I wonder if she’s been out with him.