“But you two have become like annoying gnats, never leaving my business the hell alone. I’ve had the greatest thing going here in Vegas until the Cassano brothers screwed it all up, getting caught by the FBI for their casino bullshit.
“I still had it under control and was going to make sure they went down instead of me, but you both had to butt in yet again.”
“Reggie, take the fucking shot!” I stomp on Tucker’s foot, so he head butts the back of my head and shoves the barrel farther against my temple. “Ouch, asshole!”
“I can’t, Victoria. He’s too close to you, and I’ve been drinking. I can’t risk it.”
Tucker laughs in my ear, and the hair rises on my arms.
“Do you honestly think he’d tell us all of this if he planned on us walking out of this house alive? He’s going to kill us, so take–the–fucking–shot.”
“Reggie doesn’t have it in him to shoot me. We’re old pals.” He snickers again, and Reggie’s glare hardens. “See, I’m going to take out the three of you and be sure the Cassanos go down after. Then, I can straighten out my business without your damn interference.
“You’ll both be the crooked cops, informants for Adrian and Theo, and I will be the hero who tried to come to this poor girl’s rescue.” He tilts his head toward Cicely. “But you had killed her by the time I got here because she’d found out your secret, and you were going to kill me, too, so I had to shoot you both.”
“Wow, Fucker Tucker, you’ve put a lot of thought into this,” I say sardonically.
I hear the creak of the hardwood floor behind us before Tucker is dragging me to the side of the room, almost tripping us both over the coffee table. Reggie’s now to our left, still pointing his gun. My eyes shift until Adrian comes into view at our right.
He’s pointing a pistol at Tucker, too, his eyes ablaze with fury. He’s standing near the end of the sofa where Cicely is on the floor. He must’ve came in through her back door off the kitchen.
“Mr. Cassano. I didn’t expect to see you here.” Tucker’s voice is instantly shaky, along with his body that’s hugging me tightly.
“Let her go,” Adrian says in a controlled manner.
“No way. Lower your weapons now … both of you, or I swear I’ll make you watch me shoot her first. I’ll fucking do it!”
“So, you think you’re the king of this operation, huh?” Adrian asks.
“I am the king.”
“Then checkmate, asshole.”
I’m stunned by the sound of a gunshot. My eyes clench shut, and instinctually I hunch over. Tucker’s body falls, his arms sliding down over my stomach, making my skin crawl, until he hits the floor with a loud thud, his pistol flying across it.
I’m shaking uncontrollably, my ears ringing, and although I hear Reggie’s and Adrian’s voices, I can’t make out their words. I’m paralyzed in my spot as Adrian ducks to look at me. He’s gripping my arms, his gaze dancing frantically all over my face.
“Victoria! Vic, answer me! Are you OK?”
I manage to nod before I twist my body to look to the floor. Tucker is on his back with a single gunshot wound to the far side of his forehead.
Adrian took the shot …
Adrian took the shot …
Adrian took the shot …
He’s speaking to me again as I watch Reggie set Cicely free. She’s sobbing and trembling, and I’m astonished by everything. Without warning, I burst into tears.
Adrian took the shot …
“You braved the shot,” I manage to utter.
“Yes, baby, and thank god you weren’t hurt.” He pulls me in close and hugs me tight.
“How did you know you could do it?” I ask.
I’m plucked right from Adrian’s arms, and Reggie gets in his face, pointing a finger at him.
“You could’ve killed her! He could’ve killed her!”
“I saved her, Reggie. Maybe it wasn’t a chance you’d take, but I felt I had no choice. He was going to kill us all if one of us didn’t do it, so back the hell off!”
I step between them and shove them both back.
“Enough! There’s no going back, and we’re all safe.”
The guys are breathing hard as they glare at each other, and Cicely’s cries can be heard. Squatting down, I find my phone in my purse that had fallen to the floor.
I start to call 911 but can barely hold my fingers still as I change my mind and hit Kim D’Angelo’s number instead.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Adrian
Killing a cop who’s a criminal is different than killing only a criminal. Needless to say, I was interrogated for hours. All of us were. Thanks to our stories matching and with help from the FBI and my attorney, I was free to go home.
Victoria and I arrived back at the penthouse around four o’clock this morning. We showered together, helping the other wash, before we retired to bed.
It’s now eleven, and we’re having coffee, trying to wake up. She’s stretched out on the sofa with her feet over my lap as I sit at the opposite end in only a pair of pajama pants.
She’s in a robe and holding a cool washcloth to her head, which is pounding from the ordeal. If I don’t stop dwelling on that bullet flying by her, I’ll vomit … again.
Needing something to do with my hands, I rub her feet.
“J.B., I’m sorry.”
“Don’t, Adrian. You did what you believed was right. Either we were all dying or he was.”
“Do you believe what I did was right?”
“I do, but it doesn’t mean I’m not shaken up. Like you, I need time to process what happened.”
I look away from her. “Do you think Reggie will forgive me?”
“He’s only angry because he let his feelings for me decide whether or not to take the shot.”
“So did I. I couldn’t bear Tucker holding that gun to your head.”
“You’ve had to do it before, haven't you?”
As much as I don’t want to discuss it, she deserves to know more about my past. I look into her emerald eyes.
“Yes … in Afghanistan.”
She nods. “That’s what I thought.”
“An Afghan woman was being held by a rebel in the midst of one of our battles. I was farther away with a scope when I fired, but last night felt the same.”
Pulling her legs up, Victoria shifts and sits sideways close to me. Her fingers trace a scar on my forehead.
“The scars … they’re from war.” This comes out more like a question.
I nod. “They’re memories I try to forget, but last night brought them all back to the surface.”
“It’s over now. All of it. You basically cut off the drugs to this city.”
Shaking my head, I pull her hand down from my forehead.
“That might be true, but it will be brief. I feel like what I do to combat terrorism is never enough. Maybe I should keep trying. I could add men to my spec ops team to uncover more information about the cartels and terrorists they’re harboring.”
“No, Adrian. You’ve already ended several terrorists’ lives, which means you likely stopped multiple terrorist attacks. Sweetie, you quite possibly saved thousands of souls.
“You’re finally free from the FBI’s hold and can choose how you spend the rest of your days, so it’s time to accept that it’s not your lone responsibility to save the world. It’s not a burden your father would want you or your family to carry.”
She cups my cheeks and brings my face close to hers.
“Love me; love our future babies; love our life together. That’s what your father would want to witness. A happy Adrian. A safe Adrian. We could’ve died last night.”
She’s right. I could’ve lost her, and if I had been the one to harm her, I would’ve turned the gun on myself. There’s not a single doubt in my mind.
I grab her face and kiss her hard. I push her over on the sofa and open her robe. I have to show her what she means to me, love on her and claim her as mine
once again.
“You’re right. Nothing is worth the risk of losing you or the life we’re building together. We came too close last night.”
“Make love to me. Live in the moment.”
I’m on my knees between her sexy legs. I lift one and plant a kiss to the inside of her ankle. I’ll work my way down until I’m tasting her sweet pussy.
“You’re amazing, and I can hardly wait for you to be a Cassano.”
Victoria
After our incredible lovemaking, Adrian and I shower and return to the living room. I sit on the sofa about the time there’s a knock on the door. Adrian goes to answer it and returns from the foyer with Theo trailing behind.
“Victoria, how are you?” His forehead is creased as his hands rest on his hips.
“I’m better now.”
“I have good news. I just spoke with Kim. The FBI’s been at Tucker’s home all morning. She said they found plenty of evidence to confirm what he told you right before the shooting.
“He had drugs, a ton of cash, and there were also calls on his phone and emails on his laptop to link him to Ferrera and Larios’s cartel.”
I cover my chest with my hand and smile up at Adrian.
“That’s such a relief.”
“She also mentioned that Russell guy Sadie knows from the university. His contact information is in Tucker’s phone, so they’re pretty certain he’s guilty, too.”
“Well, hopefully he goes to jail and won’t be a threat to her when she returns to school.”
Theo grabs Adrian’s shoulder. “Kim assured me this is finally going to be over.”
“You’ve sure gotten to know her well,” he says with a smirk.
“Hey, it’s helped us in the long run, and she’s far from the bitch you think she is. She’s pretty amazing actually.”
Adrian frowns. “I’ll take your word for it.”
“Let’s turn on the news and see what’s happening,” Theo adds.
Simon
“Holy shit, I’ve never witnessed such a mob scene,” I say to Sadie once the elevator doors shut in front of us, cutting us off from the reporters.
“I better wake up Kruse and have him get down here to organize more security.” Pulling out my phone, I shoot him a quick text.
“Do you think Adrian knows about the reporters?”
“I’m not sure,” I reply.
Sadie rests her head against my chest as we take the ride up to Adrian and Victoria’s penthouse. She has to see for herself that her sister is OK.
“I’m so glad I listened to you and didn’t return to work this week after Professor Edward’s raid. Russell might’ve hurt me and the baby. I knew he was no good.”
“Maybe he was only selling drugs to college kids and wouldn’t resort to violence, but we’re not taking any chances. Anyway, schools out for the semester, and you don’t need the money.”
She lifts her head and gazes at me.
“Simon, I’m not returning to school for a while.”
“Why?”
“I want to focus on my pregnancy and getting everything ready for our baby’s arrival. Then, I want to stay home with him or her.” She scoots her hand between us and cradles her belly.
“Doll, I’m aware of how much that advanced degree means to you.”
“Our baby means more. I feel good about my decision, and I have plenty of time to go back to school.”
I frame her face and kiss her sweet mouth.
“You mean everything to me, Sadie Cassano. You and this baby have already made me so damn happy.” The elevator dings and doors open.
We don’t move for a moment as we gaze into each other’s eyes, emitting what some would call a sickening love. I call it fucking epic.
Victoria
I’m preparing a light lunch of sandwiches and fruit in the kitchen when I hear Simon’s and Sadie’s voices. I hated having to tell her last night what had happened, but it wasn’t something we could postpone since it was plastered on every news channel.
“Sis … I’ve been so worried about you,” she says before she’s pulling me away from the counter to give me a hug.
“Sadie, I’m fine. We’re all safe.”
“I’m so glad this is over.”
“Well, I imagine it won’t be that simple, but once the investigation of Tucker and your professor is concluded, I think Adrian will be exonerated of the shooting. Oh, and the FBI is quite certain Russell’s been selling for your professor.”
“We knew it, didn’t we?”
“Yeah, I always need to follow my gut, like when I first met Tucker. I never trusted the guy. I wish I had realized his deceit sooner.”
“This isn’t your fault, sis.” She grabs an apple slice off of a tray. “This baby is making me ravenous, oh, and there are a ton of reporters downstairs. It’s messed up.”
“Shit, I wonder if Adrian knows.”
“I imagine Simon’s filling him in.”
I hurry to the living room to be sure. Simon’s his animated self, using hand gestures to describe the chaos in the hotel lobby. Adrian takes a glimpse at me and scowls.
“I didn’t even think of this happening.”
I shrug. “It’s huge news. You should have someone give a statement. Maybe then they’ll leave.”
“Put Philosopher Zev on it. I’m sure he’d have something witty to say,” Simon adds.
“Yeah, like fuck off,” Adrian says. “This isn’t a time for jokes, Jersey.”
Simon frowns. “Ace, I’m sorry. You know I get obnoxious when I’m nervous. Tell me what you want them to know, and I’ll go downstairs and say it.”
“No, I’ll get hold of my legal team. They can handle it.”
I think about our wedding that is only days away. The timing of this story breaking couldn’t be any worse.
“Adrian, can I speak to you in the kitchen?” He follows me, and once inside, I spin around. “I’m worried about us being ambushed at our wedding.”
His forehead creases tighter. “Tell me you’re not wanting to postpone it.”
“No, absolutely not,” I place my hand over his chest and gaze up at him, “but I think we should make some changes. I promise it will still be special.”
Tara
“Zev, you’re early,” I say after glancing at the clock on my desk. It reads 1:00 p.m.
“I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about what Adrian and Victoria went through.”
“I didn’t sleep well, either. Theo just left his office to go up and see them.”
Zev tilts his head to the side. “Come on. Let’s go up there, too. I know you’re dying to check on Victoria.”
I smile. “Yeah, I’ve been afraid to call.”
Taking my hand, Zev leads us to the elevator to ride up to Adrian’s penthouse. Victoria opens their door and gives me a weak smile.
“Hi,” she says.
“I hope it’s OK we’re here. We were worried about you and Adrian.”
“Of course. You’re just in time for lunch.”
“Wow, you’re cooking,” I say.
She snickers. “No, sorry. You get cold sandwiches.”
I throw my arms around her neck.
“I hate what you and Adrian went through. I heard it was similar to what Noah did to Zev and me. I’m always here if you ever want to talk about it.”
“Thank you, Tara.”
Zev clears his throat from behind me.
“OK, let me through.” The three of us stroll to the living room. Adrian, Theo, Simon and Sadie are watching the news. Sadie spots me first and hurries over to give me a hug.
“I’m glad you’re here. Are you doing OK … you know, hearing about all this?”
“Yes. Just worried about Victoria.”
“She’s tough. She’ll get through it.”
“Everyone, Adrian and I have an announcement,” Vic says as she uses the remote to shut off the television. While looking up at Adrian, she takes hold of his hand.
“We�
�ve discussed it and made a decision to downscale our wedding.”
“Oh, no, sis,” Sadie says.
“We’re still getting married, but if it’s OK with all of you, we’re going to have the ceremony here on the 24th instead of the 20th. We’ll do it right before we celebrate Christmas together as a family.”
“But you have everything planned for the ceremony at the church and for the elaborate reception here in the ballroom,” Sadie replies with more of a whine this time.
“Sadie, we’re good with this decision. It would be a mob scene here and at the church, with reporters trying to cover it, and I have met Tucker’s parents; they seemed like good people, and I’m certain they’re hurting.
“After knowing Tucker, and the friends he had on the police force, it doesn’t feel right to have a huge celebration only days from now.”
Adrian gives Victoria a gentle kiss on the cheek. They love each other deeply and deserve so much happiness. I hope after this ordeal, they’ll finally have some peace.
“If you’re sure,” Sadie says before she approaches her sister and gives her a hug. “I’ll even break the news to Mom and Nicole for you.”
“That would be helpful. We’ll still wear our dresses and have flowers, and it’ll be wonderful. You’ll see. We’re even inviting everyone to stay after to share dinner with us.”
Zev’s arm snakes around my waist, and he pulls me close. His mouth presses to my temple, and he holds it there.
He does this often when we’re around others, and I’ve learned these physical gestures are his way of saying he loves me without an audience hearing his words.
It’s also his way of telling me that he’s allowing himself to feel something that’s typically uncomfortable for him. I take a glance up at him and mouth the words “I love you.” He winks back. We’re finally in sync, and that thrills me.
I sneak a glimpse at Theo, and he’s frowning. Maybe it’s because he’s not in the same place romantically, and that makes me sad for him. I hope one day he can find love again.
Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5) Page 22