Arrested Pleasure

by Holli Winters

  "Look here, missy—"

  "Don't treat me like a child." Cassie stood and leaned over the desk. "You said ten days, and that is what you'll get. If you don't back off, I'll get an attorney!" Another lie, as she couldn't afford one, but she hoped her bluff worked.

  Isaiah's face turned beet red as he considered her words. His mouth opened, as if he wanted to say something more, but he didn't. Her words hopefully made him think twice.

  "You're playing with fire, girl." He rose and scowled at her. "I'll wait for the ten days, but that's my final word. If you don't have the money, you and your damn crew are out of here." With those damning words, he turned and marched to the door.

  "I'll have your money, Mr. Winkler," Cassie called after him. "Then you won't be able to tear down this block. I'll do whatever it takes. Anything. "

  He turned to stare at her. "And, as always, no funny business. I find out the police have shown up, and you or one of your employees are doing any immoral behavior, you're all out of here!"

  Before Cassie could reply, he pulled open the door and left. She stared at the door in puzzlement. Immoral behavior? What had the man been drinking that made him confused? Neither she nor her employees at Casa de Massage ever did anything that could be called immoral.

  She closed the door with a firm push of her hand and clicked off the sign. She shook her head, wishing she'd turned the light off sooner. Isaiah was acting strange and his visit unsettled her.

  * * * * *

  Gabe pulled up to the back of Casa de Massage and parked alongside a white Honda. He glanced at the car and decided the vehicle must be Cassie's, since her employees should be long gone, and it was the only one back here.

  He shut off the engine and then closed his eyes for a moment to reflect on his hectic day. From the time he'd entered the precinct—very late—he'd been busy, including a meeting that lasted until well after noon. He'd grabbed a bite to eat out of the vending machine, and Chaz almost immediately corralled him, wanting to know what happened yesterday with Cassie.

  Gabe rubbed his eyes wearily. Suspect. That is what Chaz called Cassie, and the knowledge hurt. He knew deep down she was innocent, but he couldn't tell Chaz he'd spent a lot of time with her last night—and this morning—and could vouch for her innocence. He just couldn't figure out what was up with the allegations. If the charges were true, then the culprit had to be Dani or another employee, with Cassie unaware of what was going on.

  Well, he needed to find out, or his job would be on the line for getting intimate with a suspect while an investigation was in progress. If the chief found out, Gabe most likely would be pulled off the case and reprimanded . . . if he didn't lose his job altogether!

  As he got out of the car, he stared up at Cassie's second story apartment. A light shone from the lone window of the bedroom. Her apartment was clean and comfortable, but the location made him nervous. Too close to where hoodlums and other undesirables were located. Burnside was only a block away, and who knew if crime would decide to make a visit here. He needed to get her out of here.

  Gabe grimaced. That implied they had a future together and he had a say in her life, but neither of them had spoken of a future beyond a few romps in bed. Of course, if he had his way . . .

  He dismissed his wayward thoughts and grabbed the bag of Chinese food, before making his way to the back entrance. He'd spoken with Cassie an hour or so ago to confirm what kind of takeout she wanted, and she'd told him she planned a little surprise for him. Blood thrummed through his veins and other points south with heated anticipation. He wondered what Cassie had in store for them tonight?

  The doorknob turned with ease and he groaned as he twisted it. The woman needed to keep her doors locked, or she was inviting trouble.

  As he stepped inside, he heard soft music. The door to the upstairs stood open in invitation. Shifting the sack of food in his arms, Gabe locked the door behind him and headed upstairs. For good measure, he turned the lock on the upstairs doorknob, too.

  He didn't want any interruptions, tonight or tomorrow morning.

  He paused and glanced around the living area. She wasn't in sight. He set the package down on the kitchen table and began to remove the cartons of food. She was probably in the bedroom getting dressed—or undressed if he was lucky.

  "Cassie? It's me. Are you ready for some fantastic food?" He could smell the aromatic cartons of Chinese food. His stomach growled, reminding him how little he'd eaten today. Besides being busy, thoughts of Cassie had filled his mind, making it hard to focus long enough to figure out where to get a decent bite.

  The music changed to a more exotic song. A singer's soulful voice drifted to him as she sang of hot Arabian Nights. His body began to thrum in anticipation.

  But where was she? He still hadn't heard a peep out of her.

  He walked the few steps over to the bedroom door. Didn't she hear him come in?

  Had she fallen asleep? Or worse, had someone walked through her unlocked doors and assaulted her?

  Little by little, he pushed the door open. His cock stirred to attention at the sight that greeted him.

  Cassie lay on the bed, clad only in what looked liked several scarves. A humongous scarf secured her breasts together, the fabric bound as a bow in the middle.

  Another scarf lay loose around her neck and each wrist was decorated with smaller ones. Around her hips a single scarf covered her private parts . . . just barely, tantalizing him with the dark shadow of her curls. Her long black hair lay loose around her shoulders. The bare skin showed off her nicely tanned body, and her long legs begged for Gabe to run his fingers up and down them.

  Oh, boy, she was a wet dream to behold.

  "About time you showed up." Cassie's sultry voice stirred his senses. "I'm yours for the night, and I need you to untie me." She wiggled her hips suggestively, pointing to the bow at her hip, despite her bound hands.

  How'd she tie herself up?

  Gabe advanced into the room and with one foot, closed the door behind him. He toed off his shoes and, in a flash, had his tee off and onto the floor.

  All the while she watched him, her coffee-colored eyes following his every move.

  He barely noticed the candles lit around the room. The smell of incense wafted in the air. Oriental flowers were strewn around the floor and on the bed. She'd definitely been busy.

  "Nice setup," he commented.

  "I told you I'd have scarves tonight." She smiled as he moved onto the bed beside her.

  The music changed to Beautiful.

  Cassie was definitely that tonight. "Do you like the music? I dug this out of the bottom of a drawer. I knew it'd be perfect for tonight."

  Gabe leaned over and kissed her on the lips. He wanted to brand her with his kisses, but for now, he'd be gentle. "Everything's perfect. Just like you." He smiled as he played with one of the scarves on her wrist. "Is this a hint that you like a little bondage?"

  She'd closed her eyes at his kiss, but now she reopened them. "Whatever you want. The night is yours to decide, but ours to enjoy."

  He blew on her right earlobe. "My pleasure." His arms slipped around her and pulled her closer. His tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips, while his hands played with the scarf at her hip, being careful not to strain her arms. Gabe wanted to unwrap her now, but knew, much like Christmas, it was sometimes better to wait.

  She sighed against his mouth and he took the opportunity to sip at the tempting lushness of her lips, while his hands explored every curve of her luscious body. His body felt on fire and ready to explode.

  She sagged against him as her hands crept around his neck. Her wrists had come loose. She wrapped her arms tighter around him as she pulled him closer.

  Shifting a little to relieve the pressure of his cock against his zipper, Gabe fought against the need to take her right there and now. If he didn't, he'd detonate.

  He glanced down and caught sight of the tiny bow between her breasts. They beckoned him. He gave the silky ma
terial a little tug. The scarf slid down her creamy breasts, exposing two pink globes. Her nipples were already tightening into beaded points.

  "You're overdressed again," she murmured. "I'd hoped that you'd ditch your clothes before you climbed on the bed."

  Gabe hesitated. Not because he didn't want to remove his clothes, but rather because he hated to leave her warm body.

  She must have decided to take matters into her own hands as she began to tug on his belt buckle. His penis surged forward, eager to meet her soft hands. Leaning over, she touched the tip of her tongue to his nipple. Lust surged through his body.

  Fucking damnation. She drove him crazy.

  She was struggling with his pants, so he decided to assist her. He lifted his body away for a moment before he shed the rest of his clothes. Now clad only in his briefs, he slid back onto the bed and claimed her lips once more.

  Cassie tasted of mint and fire. Gabe sipped at her mouth, wanting to get every last drop of her essence. She wound her arms around his neck and moved closer into his embrace. Bare skin to bare skin. Her nipples had turned hard and rubbed seductively against his chest, causing his cock to harden even more.

  As if she sensed the effect she had on him, she began to rock against him. White-hot currents burst into flames inside him, and his testicles tightened with need. If she continued this, he was going to explode before he got inside her.

  Gabe tore his mouth from hers. "Come on, babe, let's slow down," he told her, his breath coming hard. He ran his hand down the slope of her breast. "I love what you're doing, but you're going to make me shoot off like a rocket."

  Cassie smiled and responded by running her fingers down his hard chest. She tipped her head back in a seductive pose as she played with the whorls hair on his chest. "Didn't seem to bother you last night. I think at one point, you begged me to go faster." She pulled on a single hair on his chest, but instead of the action hurting, the sensation caused his penis to jerk.

  God, he loved her touch on him. But things were going too fast. Putting his hand on her fingers as they wandered farther south, he smiled. "Last night I wanted it fast and lots of it. Tonight I want things to last."

  Tugging at another scarf, he pulled the fabric off and ran it over the curve of her shoulder. She closed her eyes and leaned back, causing her breasts to thrust out, just begging for his mouth. Her nipples were red, tight beads.

  "Your breasts are gorgeous," he commented, reaching out and touching a tip. He rubbed the pebbled bead between the pad of his thumb and forefinger, causing it to harden more.

  "I bet you say that to all your lady friends," she teased him, a catch in her voice as it quivered.

  Did she feel the vortex of desire that shot through both of them?

  Gabe paused. Lady friends? Sure, he dated, but with his busy work schedule, he rarely went out and hadn't had a steady girlfriend since he'd been in high school.

  "Nah . . . only to pretty, dark-haired vixens." He pushed her onto her back and moved over to straddle her, his legs on both sides of hers. He stared down at her, the sudden surge of passion rising in him. No question about it, she was most beautiful woman he'd ever met.

  "Dark-haired?" She smiled up at him with a teasing look in her gaze. "You checked to make sure it's the real thing?"

  "Sure did, darlin'."

  Tying a scarf to each wrist, Gabe hoisted her arms and tied them to a bedpost.

  Cassie never said a word, even though his cock continued to rub against her lower body through his briefs.

  "Mmm . . . ." she purred, her hips moving ever so slightly.

  The music changed to a harder beat, and Gabe took that as a cue to lean down and take one breast into his mouth. It was like eating an ice cream cone with a cherry on top. He first licked at the slope, and then his tongue slid up to the nub. He repeated the same action with the other.

  Cassie gazed at him with slumberous eyes, but when he took one nipple into his mouth and suckled, she moaned and tossed her head back against the pillow. The smell of her arousal hung heavy in the air.

  "Oh, Gabe . . ." Her voice sounded almost incoherent. "Please. Too much."

  He smiled and reached up to kiss her fully. She returned the kiss and opened her mouth. His tongue slipped inside and explored the inner rim of her lips. He was on fire, and no woman made him burn like Cassie.

  Gabe lifted his head and started toying with the lone remaining scarf at her hips.

  He ran a finger around the top edge and dipped a finger underneath the soft material.

  Her body felt like heat and silk.

  She shifted her hips. "Please, take the rest off. And you. I want you naked. Now."

  Her dark eyes were ablaze with fiery passion.

  "Not yet, sweetheart." Lowering his hand, he ran a finger along the underside of the scarf. He brushed her soft curls and touched the wetness of her hot center. He quelled the temptation to whip off her scarf and end the torture, but instead he slid down the bed until his face was even with her knees.

  Cassie's smile never wavered. "What are you doing?"

  Gabe didn't respond right away, but spread her thighs apart and placed a kiss on the inside of her knee. She relaxed, and her legs spread even wider. He used the opportunity to run kisses up the inside of her thigh. He could smell her heat. His blood thrummed.

  The scarf slid away from her hips, uncovering her sensual secrets. The exposed pink flesh taunted him. Begged him.

  "Mmm . . . this is better than Chinese food," he commented before lowering his head and pressing a kiss to the heart of her core. "Much better."

  Cassie's body jerked, and her legs started to close around his head, but Gabe kept them apart and continued to lave his tongue into the center of her. He plundered the fiery heart of her until she whimpered in pleasure.

  He decided he liked her wild like this. With one last swipe of his tongue, she cried out as she stiffened and went over the edge. It crossed his mind that if she had any neighbors nearby, he bet they heard her screaming with pleasure as she came.

  For several long moments, he watched as she lay on the bed trembling, her body still recovering from her climax. Damn, she looked so beautiful. Her dark hair out of control and her eyes lit with a dark, fiery hue he'd never seen before. Her tanned skin had beads of perspiration that gave her face a dewy look. Cassie had rocked his world, and he never wanted it to be upright again. Even though he hadn't had his needs satisfied, he felt a bit of satisfaction in knowing he'd brought her to hers.

  Slowly, she lifted her head and smiled at him.

  He gave her a lazy smile. "Well?"

  "Mmm . . ." She murmured, her voice so soft her barely heard her. "What?"

  "Are you up for some Chinese food now?"

  "Only if I get to tie you up next," she replied, tugging at her hands still tied to the bedposts.

  "I will let you have your way, sweetheart. For you, I'll do anything."

  Chapter Ten

  "Oh . . . you taste good."

  Cassie tipped her head to the side and smiled at Gabe. She watched as he continued to lick her fingers long after she'd fed him an egg roll. His tongue meticulously dipped between every crevice of her hand, as though he wanted to catch every crumb.

  "Good wasn't it? I told you Chinese food is better warmed up."

  "You're better warmed up, too."

  "Hah!" She laughed. "We'll need a shower to clean up after this." She untangled her hand from his and peered down into the carton. "There's some left. Are you still hungry?"

  "Only for you, sweetheart."

  Cassie shook her head, grinning as she rose to pick up the remains of their meal.

  "Is sex all you can think about? We can do something else."

  Gabe gave an exaggerated sigh. "You know what I want." He also stood. "But I'm game. What do you want to do?"

  She hid a smile as she tossed the paper plates and cartons into the trash. He shouldn't whine, since he hadn't been the one tied to a bed. She bet he enjoyed having his w
icked way with her.

  "We can talk. You know, learn more about each other." She rattled off on her fingers. "Other than you're a cop, like massages, and are into kinky sex . . ." She smirked at him. "Okay, not too kinky, but you like a little bondage."

  Gabe pulled her close. "Only with you. I've never tied anyone up before—or been tied to a bedpost." He dropped a kiss on her lips. "How about you? You seem to know your way around the bedroom."

  Cassie froze. The words were light, yet she sensed an underlying question. Did she get a kick out of bondage for fun or was this a regular part of her relationships? She knew some men might feel threatened by her sexual history, but the truth of the matter was it was mostly myth. Yes, she had experience, but she didn't sleep around indiscriminately.

  She stepped away from Gabe's arms and walked over to the stereo to flip on the music. A soft melody drifted out of the speakers and engulfed the room. They'd chosen to eat on the floor using the coffee table rather than in the kitchen, as it made the mood more sensual.

  "Cassie? Are you all right?" She sensed Gabe studying her.

  "I'm not into that," she suddenly blurted out.

  "Into what?"

  Cassie faced him. "Sleeping around with any man that has the right working parts."

  "I didn't say you did . . . ."

  "No, but you think I do." She ran her fingers through her hair, frustration knotting her insides. "Yes, I've had a few relationships, including Gavin, but I'm like any normal woman with needs. I meet a man I like and can trust and then I date him.

  But to go to bed with him, there has to be something more."

  He considered her words for a moment, his gaze never leaving her. "You trust me."

  "You are a cop. Shouldn't I trust you?" Her words challenged him.

  "You didn't know I was one until this morning. Not until Livi mentioned it."

  He had her at that. Dare she tell him that he exuded an aura of trust and confidence that communicated itself to her from the first time they met? Not knowing much about him had concerned her at first, but the way he acted told her he would be a man she could depend on.