Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5)

by Scarlet Wolfe

Too confused and tired to sort out my feelings, I drop back onto the bed and wipe my eyes. All I can decipher from my emotions is the pull to be here when he returns is stronger than the nudge to leave.

  ***

  “Princess, wake up.”

  The sound of an alarm has me stirring. The beeping ends, and my eyelids flip open. Kruse’s wary blue eyes are watching me. He’s stretched out in bed with me, and the way the sheet clings to his body, it’s obvious he’s naked beneath.

  “What time is it?”

  “6:00 a.m. I figured you needed time to get ready for work.”

  “Did you just get here?”

  “No. I came in a little after two.”

  “I thought you would wake me.”

  “I wanted you to stay so your warm body would be sleeping next to me.” He looks away, the confession uncomfortable for him.

  “We need to work on your vocabulary. I need you comfortable with me,” I say with a smirk.

  Chuckling, he pulls me closer to him.

  “You’re stealing my lines, lady.”

  “I’m no longer a lady. Not after what I let you do to me last night.”

  “But it felt so good, driving into you from behind, and you letting me touch you in the ass.… Damn, I can’t wait to put my cock there.”

  Lips press to mine and linger for a moment as his brazen words and the memories of what I allowed him to do to me light a match, sending a burning heat to my core and a flush to my skin.

  “I want to take you out soon.”

  “Really?” My question is exhaled with a puff of enthusiasm.

  “Yes. Dinner and dancing. I’m going to show you more of the nightlife in Vegas.”

  “That sounds fun.”

  His brow drops, his eyes and smile faltering behind.

  “Aggie, this needs to stay our secret.”

  I pull back and study his face.

  “Look at me,” I say.

  With hesitation, he raises his eyes.

  “I thought you said you could handle Zev.”

  “The more I thought about it, your brothers are going to have hard questions for me, and they’re questions I don’t have the answers to. We don’t have the answers to. If I don’t give what they consider the right ones, I’m not going to get their approval.”

  I shake my head with disbelief.

  “Kruse, I’m turning thirty-six Saturday. It’s none of their business what we do.”

  “I have a sister. Trust me, it doesn’t matter your age. In their mind, it’s their job to look out for you.”

  “This is absurd.” Plucking myself from his hold, I move to the side of the bed and reach for my skirt. In a flash, his mouth is on my shoulder blade, his fingers sinking inside my hair and the bare skin of my waist.

  “Only for a little while. Until we figure out what this is. It’s intense and happening fast.”

  Sighing, I revel in the feel of his fevered lips and steady fingers.

  “You promise?”

  “A month. It’s all I’m asking for.”

  Dropping my skirt, I shift in the bed to face him.

  “You’ll still be making me feel this incredible in a month?”

  “That was my plan.” A crooked grin crawls upward from his handsome mouth, a tinge of red parading behind it. I’m excited that he’s at least thinking ahead and envisioning me there.

  “OK,” I whisper.

  With his hand clenching the nape of my neck, he pulls me to him. His mouth is hot and all-consuming, another thank you for the give-ins I keep granting.

  “Please stay longer,” he pleads against my lips.

  Without a word, I push him over onto his back and throw off the sheet, exposing all of his nakedness. My top teeth glide over my bottom lip as I take in the sight of his beauty, every part of him exquisite.

  Definition is chiseled throughout, his form streamlined and firm, and his cock thumping against his slab of abs, eager for a release, lures in my gaze.

  My fingertips march down his chest.

  “Kruse,” I draw out in a whisper. His hand wraps around my fingers, and he places my palm over his pounding chest.

  “You see my body hard and ready for you, but feel, Aggie, what you’re doing to my heart.”

  His profound, sweet words rush at me, a windstorm made up of hope and possibilities, contentment and happiness. It steals me away, lifting me to the sky.

  Then, that pained expression he’s revealed before peeks through at the surface of his stunning face, and I’m suddenly in a free fall toward the ground.

  Falling … falling … falling …

  He catches me and yanks me like a doll until I’m flush against his scorching body. His hands and mouth are hasty and everywhere, and either he’s giving in to what I’m doing to his heart, or this is his way of running from it. Regardless, he caught me for now.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Aggie

  Dropping my purse on the kitchen island, I head to my bedroom and change into some yoga pants and a thin white tank top.

  Comfy clothing is what I need this late evening. I’m peering inside my refrigerator when there’s a knock on my door.

  Looking through the peephole, I see it’s Reggie. What is he doing here?

  “Reggie, hi.” His eyes drop to the front of my tank top, and what’s visible registers in my brain. Hurriedly, I cover my chest with my arms.

  “Shit. Bra. Uh, come in, and I’ll be right back.” My face is on fire as I scurry away. The scent of food drifts to my bedroom as I hunt for a nude bra.

  Reggie is removing Chinese food boxes from a bag and placing them on my coffee table when I return to the living room.

  “Make yourself at home,” I say with a smirk.

  He looks up, so I lift my eyebrows. Reggie shrugs and smiles.

  “Sorry. I should’ve called first. I wanted to surprise you with dinner, and honestly, I don’t hang out with many women.

  “I’ve always crashed Victoria’s and my other female friends’ places without warning, so I didn’t think about it.”

  “It’s OK, Reggie. I’m just giving you a hard time. I was actually looking for something to eat when you knocked, so this is perfect.”

  Strolling to the kitchen, I grab us napkins, forks and a couple of beers. Dropping onto the couch next to him, I sigh and pop the cap on my beer.

  “Long day?” he asks.

  “Yes. I was up early this morning and left work late.”

  “Does your brother expect you to put in those kind of hours?”

  “Not at all. I’m doing it to stay busy. It helps me keep my mind off of Mom.”

  Handing me a plate with an assortment of food on it, Reggie sits back next to me.

  “Maybe you need more fun in your life rather than work.”

  “Probably, but I’m still learning what that means.”

  He squeezes my knee. “I could give you some lessons.” My face warms again, so I shove a bite of lo mein into my mouth.

  I can’t deny that Reggie causes a stir in me. He’s attractive, witty, and most of all he’s thoughtful and kind, but I’m falling hard for Kruse. The problem is, I don’t know if he can reciprocate with feelings.

  My emotions for the both of them are jumbled up. I haven’t a clue which direction I’m headed, but I have to hit the brakes with one of them soon.

  Until then, I need to explore what could be with the man sitting next to me, who was sweet and brought me food.

  “So, what do you have in mind for a lesson in fun?”

  “Have you ever been to a gun range?”

  Interesting. I truly thought he’d spout off a sexual innuendo.

  “No, but that sounds thrilling.”

  “I think so, but I am a cop.”

  Reggie tells me all about his arsenal of firearms. It’s adorable how excited he gets over guns.

  “I want you to take me.”

  “Let’s go Saturday.”

  “Oh, I have Simon and Sadie’s wedding Saturd
ay, but I could go Sunday.”

  “Cool.” Without me having to comment, he asks me about my job. It’s sweet how he’s genuinely interested, and I’m beginning to think he needs to be rewarded.

  I take his plate out of his hand and set it on the coffee table next to mine. “I think it’s time for dessert.”

  Giving him a sly smile, I lean over and press my lips to his. He slumps back against the arm of my couch, bringing me with him. I’m on top of Reggie, our mouths still attached, as I somewhat hold myself up by way of my hands on his chest.

  It’s in that moment I discover his heart is beating below my palm. Its … its speed is barely elevated. I stop kissing him and do a push up on his chest.

  He stares up at me, waiting for something … anything. I bolt from his body and huddle at the opposite corner of the couch.

  My knees are pulled to my chest, and my feet even flex as I try to put as much distance between us as possible.

  “Aggie, what’s wrong?”

  “You’re calm.”

  “Uh, I guess a little. I’m comfortable with you,” he smiles bashfully, “but I’m definitely excited, too.”

  “Comfortable.” The word deserts my mouth, but its meaning leaves a bad taste inside. I think of Kruse’s fingers snug around my wrist, holding my hand over his thundering heart.

  “Feel, Aggie, what you’re doing to my heart.”

  “I’m seeing someone else,” I blurt out. Reggie’s forehead wrinkles, and he pushes his body up to a sitting position, still facing me sideways.

  “You’re already dating another man here in Vegas?”

  Ugh, already he appears hurt.

  “Yes,” I mumble, nibbling on my bottom lip. “I’m not sure what will come of it, but it’s exciting, and I like him a lot.”

  Adjusting his body, he faces straight ahead from my couch.

  “Exciting.” He shakes his head in disbelief.

  “Reggie, I’m sorry. I know I kissed you first. I like you. I do, but I’ve done comfortable for twenty years. I don’t think it’s what I’m looking for in my life right now.”

  His head slings my way, and a look of frustration is overshadowing his handsome features.

  “Should I have ravished you instead? Taken what I’ve wanted from the beginning. I’ve been respectful because of Adrian, but am I too nice now?”

  “Don’t be mad at me. I’m being honest here.”

  In a swift move, Reggie’s palms are hugging each side of my face, his fingers weaving through my hair. With determination in his eyes, he brings my mouth to his and smothers it with a kiss.

  He’s passionate, making room for his tongue to ravish mine. Harsh and desperate, our teeth rake as he takes what he wants.

  “I’m fucking you,” he says as his mouth urgently skirts down my neck. “Then, you can decide if I’m too comfortable.” Although his words are hot and tempting, I shove against his chest.

  “Reggie, no.” His breaths are ragged as he releases me. “I’ve slept with him. I’m by no means perfect, but I’m not a slut. I can’t sleep with you both.”

  What I don’t have the heart to tell him is I can’t betray Kruse’s dominance. I can’t tell him what hold Kruse possesses over my body … my heart.

  “I have to go.” Without another word, Reggie tears out my front door.

  Shit, that went terribly wrong, but the second I felt his heart beating comfortably below my hand, I knew what I wanted–who I desired to give my affection to.

  Kruse

  I’m keeping an eye on things in the Elite lounge when I receive a text. Reading Aggie’s name at the top of the screen, I slip out the door into the hotel hallway.

  Aggie: I had my palm over another man’s heart.

  I suck in a sharp breath, feeling a surge of jealousy.

  Me: What are you getting at, Aggie?

  Aggie: His heart wasn’t pounding with an indescribable desire. The blood wasn’t racing through it from excitement or from an inexplicable connection he has with me. It wasn’t drumming with trepidation below my palm. It wasn’t your heart, Kruse.

  From the feel of it tightening, my chest is covered by my hand. I squeeze my phone, too, as the fluttering in my stomach returns, making me ill.

  Me: Don’t see him again. Fuck, Aggie, please don’t.

  Aggie: I don’t want to and I won’t.

  Me: Give me your address.

  Shooting me another text with her address, I then inform her that I’ll be there at two in the morning. Fuck sleep. I’m going to show her who she belongs to.

  Victoria

  It’s after eleven when Adrian and I are getting ready for bed. My phone rings, and it’s a call from my good friend Cicely.

  “Cicely, is everything OK?”

  “No. Reggie took a cab here. He’s blitzed out of his mind, Vic, and he keeps jabbering about no one wanting him. He’s mumbled your name a few times and someone named Aggie.”

  “Shit.”

  “I mean, I don’t mind if he crashes here, but I felt I should call you since you two are closer.”

  I glance to the other side of the bed, and Adrian is staring at me as he unbuttons his dress shirt. There’s no way he would go for me leaving here tonight, especially not for Reggie.

  “Can you please put him up for the night? I’ll be there in the morning to give him a ride home so we can talk.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Who are you giving a ride home?” Adrian asks as I place my phone on the nightstand.

  “Reggie. He showed up at Cicely’s drunk and upset about some things. She’s going to let him crash there.” I look away from him. “I don’t know the details, but he was mentioning Aggie. I have a feeling he’s been rejected again.”

  “I’ll pick him up,” Adrian says.

  I freeze. “You want to pick him up from Cicely’s?”

  “Yes, in the morning. We’re overdue for a chat.”

  “OK, but I haven’t had a chance to discuss the job opportunity with him, so please don’t mention it.”

  “I won’t.”

  Adrian sets his alarm clock for extra early, and we both crawl into bed. I nuzzle my face against his chest and wrap my arm around his waist.

  “Thank you. I believe time with a male friend is exactly what Reggie needs right now.”

  “I figured. I could sometimes use a friend myself. Only having my brothers to discuss matters with gets old at times.”

  “I can’t wait to be working under the same roof as you. I only hope Reg will accept my offer.”

  Adrian presses his lips to my hair.

  “You have a way of getting what you want. I can’t imagine he’ll say no to you.”

  I snicker against his chest. “I do, don’t I?”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Aggie

  It’s 1:55 a.m., and I’m perched on my couch, waiting impatiently for Kruse. I was exhausted when I arrived home this evening, but after the drama with Reggie, and Kruse’s declaration that he was paying me a visit, sleep became the furthest thing from my mind.

  I showered late, fixed my hair, and considered putting on sexy lingerie, but Kruse didn’t let on whether he was angry and coming over to talk or whether it would be strictly a booty call.

  Is that word still in use? I’m so out of my element in this city and with this carnal man.

  I pick at the hem of my silky cream pajama shorts. They’re trimmed with black lace, and the satin black strips of fabric on the front are tied in a bow.

  It’s paired with a matching cream tank that is scooped low at my chest and trimmed in the same black lace. OK, it might be a little sexy.

  The doorbell rings and I jump. A shiver snakes up my spine, so I blow out a heavy breath as I pad across the plush carpeting. Spotting Kruse through the peephole, I open the door and gnaw the hell out of my lip.

  His silver tie is undone, yet it’s still hanging around his neck, and his white shirt is pulled free from his navy dress pants, his hands shoved into the pock
ets.

  As his eyes worm a path over my body, I admire the new growth of hair on his face, a sexy shadow to his handsome jawline.

  Holy shit, he’s intoxicating.

  I take a couple of steps backward, and he steps inside. Our eyes are glued on each other’s as my feet continue to shuffle back.

  His mouth twitches. “Are you trying to get away from me already? I hope not since I plan on taking you prisoner for the next … oh, say thirty-six hours.”

  My eyes are wide with shock. “I have to go to work in a few hours.”

  “I’m off until tomorrow night, so you’re going to need a couple of vacation days.”

  “Zev’s not going to allow that.” I realize I’m still walking backward.

  “I call bullshit, Princess. I think you’re coming down with something, and I’m sure he’ll understand.”

  The back of my calves bump against the coffee table, so I come to a stop. His hand burrows in my hair and grips it, tipping my chin up in the process.

  His stare is endorsed by determination, and although there is still some unknown lurking behind those intense eyes, they’re not pensive tonight. No, he knows what he wants and has accepted he’s here to get it.

  My body reveals the power he holds over it when it shudders against his grasp. Warm lips reintroduce themselves to mine and skate along my jaw until his tongue traces the shell of my ear.

  My body continues to quake from his touch, especially when his other hand squeezes my waist, pulling me snug against him.

  “I need time to remind you what pleasure only I can give to this body.”

  “I do remember.”

  Holding my head back, he bores me with his gaze.

  “Obviously it’s not burned into your mind and pussy, or you wouldn’t have had your hand anywhere near another man’s body.”

  Ashamed that I’ve disappointed him, my eyes cast downward.

  “It made me realize I only want you. I swear.”

  “Then show me by submitting to me completely.” His sizzling mouth moves to my ear. “Let me take you where you’ve never been before.”

  To show Kruse I trust him and am willing to submit to him, whatever that means, I take his hand in mine and lead him to my bedroom.