Playing For Keeps (Checkmate Series Book 4)

by Emilia Finn

  But then again, maybe she’s not incompetent at all.

  Maybe she’s doing exactly what Kane has ordered her to do.

  The minute it takes to move from the TV that shows Dee’s sweet face, until I push through the garage door, is the longest minute of my life. Without her right in front of me, my heart runs into overdrive and almost makes me dizzy. My leg is still a work in progress. My gait isn’t perfect, so while I can move legions faster than I used to, I still need my cane to keep me from dropping to my ass.

  I slam the garage door open, surprising Dee with the loud boom, only to breathe easier when she looks up and meets my eyes. “Jesus, Riley. You scared the piss out of me.” She drops her hand into Nacho’s satchel twenty feet from where I stand to calm the squealing pig.

  I take a step closer and study the pockets of pitch black in the corners of the massive twelve car garage. Kane has officially spooked me. “What are you doing here, Dee? Why aren’t you at work?”

  “Um…” Her eyes widen as the rest of my crew step into the garage. We’re like soldiers going to war. Like fighters stepping up to the cage. “I went home, because I forgot my stretch bands. But… someone was in our house, Riley. It’s completely trashed.”

  I spin back to meet Kane’s eyes. “Yours wasn’t trashed. Spence’s wasn’t trashed.” I turn back to Dee when Nacho’s squealing turns up to impossible decibels.

  My eyes meet the stranger’s for just a beat, then my hand whips down to my hip and I come up with my gun cocked and loaded as Dee squeaks and a thick arm wraps around her stomach.

  Kane storms forward with his gun high and ready to kill, then Eric, Spence, and Angelo do the same. Our visitor wears all black, including a ski mask and ball cap pulled low. He pulls a screaming Dee against his broad chest, but his eyes, they flick from mine, to Spence’s, to Ang’s, to Eric’s.

  “Let her go, motherfucker.” I step forward with a steady hand. There’s no panic. No fear. Because we won’t lose this.

  Kane and Ang separate and circle him. Spence and Eric do the same. My breath whooshes through my chest, but my eyes stay locked to Andi’s as she clamps her lips shut and goes with his jerking movements. He’s bigger than her by a long way. Stronger. More determined. But she trusts me to keep her safe.

  I move forward one step, then two, then three, four, five until the barrel of my gun sits just inches in front of his forehead. She’s a foot shorter than him; safely away from my gun. “It’s five against one. Step the fuck down.”

  His eyes dart from one man to the next. “I’m looking for Kane Bishop.”

  “Well she ain’t him, and she lacks self-preservation skills. Using her was your first mistake. Let her go, then die like a man.”

  This story is not yet over…

  Author’s Note

  I know I’ve left you hanging, but I beg for you to trust me on this. Book 5 is a HUGE turn in the Checkmate universe, and it can’t be squished into an epilogue.

  I promise it’s worth the wait.

  The story that we thought was resolved in Pawns is bigger than we ever suspected. Soldiers abound, women are sold, and the story just isn’t over yet.

  Please trust me, and come on this ride with an open mind.

  As always, I need to say thank you to those nearest and dearest to me.

  Kelly, Tink, and Karen – I love you guys so much. Thank you for being you.

  Debbie, and Siddhi – My sweet beta readers. Thank you for reading my guys when I toss them your way. Your input is so valued.

  Amy Q – You cover my books and do such a fantastic job of it. I love your work.

  Lindsi – My proofreader. The final set of eyes before my books reach the public. Your input in invaluable. I appreciate your hard work.

  To my readers: I love you guys. Thank you for your support.

  To my husband and babies; you’ve stuck by me while I demand to live the lives of other couples. Thank you for believing in me. I couldn’t do this if I didn’t have your support. I love you so, so, soooooo much.

  Join my crew if you want to hang out with me and other readers. The Rollin Crew

  See you all soon. I promise you won’t be mad at me for long!

  Emilia x