Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  Once I hear the door close behind us, I turn and reach my hands up to unbutton his shirt. His fingers snap around my wrists and steady them between us.

  “No. I’m in control now.” Still grasping my wrists with one hand, he tugs off the tie hanging around his neck. Repositioning my hands in front of him, he begins wrapping my wrists up inside the silk fabric.

  “You’re tying me up?”

  “Yes, and I’m guessing this is another first.”

  “It is,” I say almost inaudibly.

  “Good.”

  “I take it you’ve done this a lot.”

  “No. A first for me, too.” With a sharp tug of the knot, my wrists are bound tightly. “Now, no more talking. Only moaning and panting permitted on the premises.”

  His eyes gleam with humor as his mouth twitches in that sexy way I’ve grown to love.

  Taking hold of my shoulders, Kruse walks me over to my four-poster queen-size bed. It’s made of light oak and butts up against the wall on the left.

  In one swoop, he rips back the floral comforter and lavender top sheet until there is nothing on the bed but the matching fitted sheet and a couple of pillows. Those are tossed off the bed next.

  “Climb on and lie flat in the middle of the bed.”

  Doing as he instructed, I use my knees to get to the center and gracelessly roll over onto my back. I stretch out, and the rise and fall of my chest is remarkable.

  A wide wooden slat stretches across the back of my bed and is connected to large, round posts at each corner. There is space below the slat of cherry, and Kruse’s eyes study it before they flash to the pile of blankets on the floor.

  Grabbing my top sheet, he loops an end through the silver tie around my wrist and knots it. To watch his handiwork, I tilt my eyes up as he stretches out the fabric and loops it around the wooden slat on my bed until it’s taut.

  Once he’s formed another knot, I’m in the center of my mattress with my arms over my head and my wrists bound to my bed by a tie and a sheet.

  He treads to the foot of the bed, and as he begins to undress, he eyeballs his labor and the erotic exhibit I’ve become from it.

  Soon he’s poised naked before me, the head of his generously sized cock hitting against his stomach. Kruse is tall and intimidatingly striking, and as he takes his swollen member into his hand and strokes it, he pierces me with a confident, lascivious stare.

  I wish I could articulate how stunning he is, but my lungs can only heave from the lustful scene. The enthralling images of what’s to come in our imminent future are whirling around in my head, paralyzing me in the moment.

  Spreading my legs apart, he climbs onto the bed between them and crawls toward me. Making an effort to abate my racing heart, I tilt my head back and stare up at the ceiling. Swallowing in air, my chest sinks.

  “Christ, I’m nervous.”

  “Look at me. Since this is the first time you’re bound, I want you watching my every move. I’ll save the blindfold for next time.”

  I lower my head to view him. My entire being is shaking as I clear my throat and strive to breathe.

  “Don’t be anxious. I’m going to make you feel sensational.”

  Still on all fours, he edges forward until his mouth is hovering over my chest. My tight nipples protrude through the silky fabric, and Kruse uses his parted lips to drag over each of them.

  From the bottom of my top, his nose nudges the silk upward, teasing me until it reaches my breasts, where he lifts it up over them, exposing my hardened nipples.

  He fists the lower half of my chemise top with both hands and pushes it inside my mouth.

  He’s gagging me?

  “Fuck, you look incredible like this. Soak that fabric with your wet mouth, baby. Don’t let it go.”

  A hand reaches between us and draws little circles over my clit. “Mmm … I knew your pussy would be dripping.”

  Since my pajama shorts are thin, it feels as if his fingers are right on my skin. I whimper against the fabric and lift my hips.

  “You want more.” He begins to peel my pajama shorts off of me, grazing them down my long legs and tossing them to the floor. His cock is still at attention as he removes the pillows from their cases next.

  Not wasting any supplies at his disposal, he uses each case to tie my ankles to the corner foot posts of my bed, and I’m now at his mercy, surrendering my body … relinquishing my trust.

  Climbing back on the mattress, he rests his chest between my legs and tilts those dazzling blue eyes up at me. His jaw shifts, his teeth grinding together from excitement.

  “You’re a fucking breathtaking sight, Princess. Watch me. Watch me use my mouth on you.”

  Slowly, he brushes the scruff of his face along my inner thigh, creating a light burn. Once he presses a few kisses in its place, his tongue strokes right down the middle of me. It evokes a gasp, which is a common occurrence of mine when around this man.

  His fingertips spread me open, and he lightly blows on me, taunting me further. Like he instructed, my eyes stay locked on him.

  His golden hair shines as his tongue begins to flick and stroke, his faint touch driving me wild. I squirm, so his hands clamp my thighs.

  “You’re eager to come, but I’m going to take my time.”

  I moan against the silky fabric inside my mouth. My clit is traced with a languid circle of his tongue, a torturous relish, much like the attention he’s given me since our first meeting.

  Although sporadic, his heedfulness has been salacious, his often troubled eyes revealing his inability to stay away, yet I fear I’m the only one addicted in this tango. The tie around my wrist is the tourniquet, but he’s only teasing me with the drug.

  My arms jerk on the bindings attaching me to the bed. I want my hands in his shiny hair to pull him even closer to me, but I can’t move them.

  I’m trapped, left helpless to his taunting ways. I let out a telling moan once he pushes two fingers inside of me and curls them upward.

  Going lax, I sink down on them and exhale. I then reabsorb my torrid breath against the gag. Fingers slowly pump, the exquisite build up beginning.

  He gives me more, and it grows …

  Faster his fingers move, his tongue circling quicker, too.

  Oh, yes. Fuck, I’m dying to come.

  So close …

  It’s a gradual build, but the pleasure increases exponentially with every thrust of his thick fingers and every flick of his wet tongue.

  Kruse pushes a third digit inside me, and my heels press hard against the mattress.

  His–tongue–is–relentless.

  My nails scrape across the wood of my headboard as I attempt to fold into myself to hold onto every ounce of the earth-shattering sensations.

  To hold onto him.

  With his eyes tilted up, he enjoys the show, his gaze chasing my orgasm, and the reverence he bestows is erogenous and perfect.

  I want to continue staring, but I can’t hold my eyelids open a second longer as the pleasure laves my body, giving me the hit I desperately need.

  Feeling the bed sink in around me, I open my eyes. Kruse is holding himself up, hovering over me. He pulls my shirt from my mouth, so I move my dry lips and lick them.

  “You respond to me as if I’m showing you the world for the very first time.”

  “That’s because you’ve become my lifeline to it.”

  He winces. “Don’t say that. I’m not good enough to be included in your hopes and dreams.”

  He shoves his cock inside me, his back arching. “But I am selfish,” he confesses through a groan. He crushes me with an agonizing look. “Why do you let me be?”

  “I want to prove that you’re wrong. This is more, and deep down you know it, too.”

  Without taking his eyes off of mine, he begins to move, and his pulsing length rakes across my lit nerves.

  I want nothing more than to have my hands free to trace the distinct line of his jaw or the defined cuts of his biceps. Or bette
r yet, to wrap them around the flexed planes of his back.

  He rocks a bit faster, and it’s evident from the increased rate of his breathing and the color of crimson his body is turning that he’s feeling good.

  Holding tight to my gaze, he comes undone, spilling deep in me, and it’s at that moment I realize we didn’t use a condom.

  Shit. I do a quick calculation of my monthly cycle and discover I’m about to start any day. I think we’re in the clear.

  I only hope he’s always used them in the past. I’ve only had sex with one other man. I don’t want to think this one encounter multiplied that.

  He finally drops onto my body, which pushes me down, straining the tie around my wrists until it’s painful.

  “Ouch,” I utter.

  “Shit, sorry.” Kruse is soon up on his knees, straddling me and releasing my hands from the tie. I wiggle my wrists and stare at his semi-erection before me. There’s a drop of cum on the tip, and our intimacy spurs my blushing.

  “You didn’t wear a condom.”

  His eyes drop to mine and stare, the news registering with him.

  “I got caught up in the moment.” Climbing off my bed, he strolls to the end of it and begins to set my ankles free. “This is the first time I’ve never used one, so you don’t have to worry about diseases.”

  “That’s good to hear. I’ve only ever been with one other man, so you don’t need to worry, either.”

  “What?”

  “I said you don’t need to worry. I don’t have any diseases. Geez, this is awkward.”

  “No, the first part you said.”

  “Oh, I’ve only been with one other man.”

  “Shit, Aggie.” Kruse comes back to bed with me and pulls me against his body. My head rests on his chest, and I sigh with contentment.

  “I’m surprised you’re being so trusting,” he says. “I assumed you’d been with more men.”

  “I’ve had one boyfriend for all of my adult life. We broke up about six months ago.”

  “We’ve sure lived different lives.”

  “I’ve gathered that much.” I snicker.

  “What’s funny about that?”

  “I’m surprised over how different my life is here than it was in Jersey, but I like it.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. I especially like you and the fun we’re having. The unexpected is thrilling.” Leaning up, I kiss down his neck.

  “I can give you plenty more of that.”

  My hand cruises down his lower abs and takes hold of his forming erection. Steadily, I stroke it.

  “Maybe I can give you some unexpected experiences, too.”

  Abruptly, I straddle him, pressing my palms to his chest. His eyes darken and his mouth parts as I slide down on his cock, feeling it thicken further. I ride him, and he lifts his hips, his hands clinging to mine.

  “Say you’ll stay with me the next two days,” he orders.

  “Will you feed me at some point?” I ask breathlessly.

  “I’ll fuck and feed you plenty.” He groans and closes his eyes as the pleasurable sensations bear down on him.

  “Then I’ll stay here with you, and I might even have a few surprises of my own up my sleeve.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Adrian

  Glancing down at my phone, I verify I’m at the address Vic texted to me. It matches the one I put in the GPS, so I guess I’m at the right place.

  Although the sun has barely risen, its tangerine glow allows me to view the small tan house in front of me.

  I have to remind myself Victoria isn’t wealthy, so her close friends likely aren’t, either. I believe she said Cicely was a paramedic. Definitely an admirable job that should pay more than it does.

  I lock my car and start up the three front steps. The house has seen better days. Along with the home, the yard could use some upkeep.

  The porch light is on, and I manage two knocks to the old wooden door before it opens. Once we make eye contact, an infectious smile spreads across the petite blonde’s face.

  She’s in a pair of yellow and white plaid pajama pants and a solid yellow tank top, which is not doing a good job of hiding what’s beneath it.

  I bring my eyes upward and smirk. I feel overdressed in my navy dress pants and white button-up shirt.

  “Hi, I’m Adrian.”

  “Yes, Victoria texted me that you were on your way. I’m Cicely. Come on in.” She steps aside for me to enter the small foyer.

  “Damn, Victoria didn’t exaggerate when she said you were handsome. I might have to kick Reggie’s ass for causing me to meet you when I’ve just woken up. Please excuse my appearance.”

  Unsure how to respond I ask, “Is Reggie still here?”

  “Yep.” She pivots and points toward the next room. Her straight hair is pulled back in a short ponytail, and she fiddles, brushing loose strands back into it.

  “He’s passed out on the couch. We’ll have to wake him.” Her head shakes. “I wonder if the man will ever wake up and notice the woman standing right in front of him. The one who is always there for him and waiting.”

  “You’re talking about you.” The words spring from my mouth before I can stop them and not as a question, either. Realizing the magnitude of her admission, her eyes dart back toward the other room.

  “Yeah, but I mean what’s not to like? Reg is an all-around great guy. Anyway, he’s over Victoria finally, so that’s a good thing that I’m sure you and I can both agree on.” Her face flushes pink. “Uh, I’ll shut up now. Follow me.”

  Quirky, cute, and bold is my first impression of Cicely. She’s not as modest or stunning as my Victoria, but I think she’d be hard not to like as a friend.

  We round the corner of the foyer and pad to the living room. Reggie, in only a pair of jeans, is spread out on a chocolate brown sofa with his back to us. His t-shirt and shoes rest on the floor below him, and I picture Cicely helping him out of them.

  With her bare foot pointed, she pokes him right in the ass. “Reg, wake up. Another one of your supportive friends is here.” She pushes her toes against his jeans, and I find it funny how she’s brazenly poking him in the ass. It’s obvious they’ve known each other for years.

  He mumbles something unintelligible and groans before he twists his upper body to look back at her. His eyes absorb the sight of me, and in record time, he’s sitting up on the sofa.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” he asks me. He shoots Cicely a warning look, and I imagine she’ll be getting an earful from him later.

  “I’m here to give you a ride home. Get your shirt and shoes on, and let’s go. We both have work to do.”

  Grimacing, he yanks his t-shirt over his head and puts on his shoes. Once he grabs his keys and wallet off the wooden coffee table, he approaches Cicely and plants a chaste kiss to her cheek.

  “Thanks for letting me crash here.” He treks toward the door in silence, so I glance to Cicely and smile.

  “It was nice meeting you. Let’s have dinner soon. I’ll have Victoria get with you to arrange it.”

  “That would be great.” She follows me to the door, and Reggie is already at the passenger side of my car, leaning his back against it with his arms crossed. It’s obvious he’s pissed I’m here, but it’s likely more embarrassment than anything.

  “Seriously, why did you come?” he asks as I back out of the driveway.

  “Cicely was worried about you last night, so she called Victoria. I offered to pick you up this morning.”

  “Yeah, and that’s the part I’m not understanding.”

  “You mentioned my sister while you were drunk last night. I want to hear what happened between you two.”

  “Ah, that makes more sense.”

  Glancing over at him, I scowl.

  “It’s not the only reason. I figured I’d help a friend out. We haven’t spoken since the funeral.”

  Tilting his chin up, he pushes the back of his head against the seat and exhales a loud bre
ath.

  “There’s nothing going on with Agatha. I won’t lie; I like her and tried to start something with her, but some asshole got to her first.”

  My head jerks his direction. “What do you mean?”

  “She said she’s interested in someone else.”

  “No way. She hasn’t even had a chance to meet anyone, and I would’ve heard about it.”

  “She likes someone, man. She wasn’t trying to blow me off with an excuse.” His hands resting on his thighs tighten to fists. “Whatever, though. I’m done with women. I don’t even know why the fuck I try.”

  “Well, if you hadn’t had your head up Victoria’s ass for so long, you would’ve realized there’s a great woman right in front of you.”

  “And who would that be?”

  “Cicely. She likes you.”

  “What? You gathered that from spending five minutes with her?”

  I shift gears and remain silent as we drive on the outskirts of the city.

  “Cicely doesn’t want one man. She’s independent as hell, much like Vic. She’s fucked most of the paramedics, fireman and police in this city.

  “No, let me retract that. It makes her sound like a slut, and she’s not, but she does like to have a good time without commitment.”

  “I’m telling you, she likes you, and maybe she’s still single because she’s been waiting for you to stop pining over Victoria.”

  “Cicely would be a catch, but I doubt what you’re saying is true, and I don’t know how much more my ego could take if I tried to find out.” Blowing out another breath, he tilts his head back against the seat again.

  “That’s your problem right there, Reggie. You don’t get the courage to go after what you want until it’s too late. If you like Cicely, go get her.

  “Don’t wait around hoping she’ll make the first move or give you a sure signal. What turns a woman on is when a man takes what he wants. It shows confidence.”

  “Damn, taxi service and dating advice. Aren’t you just a jack-of-all-trades?”

  I take a glance at him and smirk.

  “This reminds me of the good ol’ days,” I say.

  “You mean when I had to listen to your words of wisdom as I would sweat my balls off in the confinement of a Humvee.”