“I thought you and I could take some time off to spend together.” Zev’s gaze lowers as his fingers latch onto a strand of my damp hair and fiddle with it. “Like I keep saying, I want to take care of you. Let me until you’re well.”
“Uh, OK, but I’m not ever going back to Submission.”
“What?” He’s now staring into my eyes, so I bite my lip.
“I resigned before I went with Noah. I told Shannon I found another job. I mean, surely you can understand why.”
Zev swallows and brushes his hands down my arms, sending a shiver through me.
“Of course. I should’ve thought of that on my own. It will be strange not to have you there.”
“Yeah, it will be strange for me, too.”
“Come eat, and then you can rest.”
Zev
I don’t want other men touching and ogling Tara, and I definitely don’t want her near that monster Noah, but for some reason I feel like she’s being ripped from me by not working at Submission.
“You’ve barely eaten,” she says as we sit at my dining room table. My fork is held steady in my salad.
“I’m not that hungry.” Noticing Tara’s plate is wiped clean, I stretch my hand out to her. “Will you lie down with me?”
She grants me a glowing smile, and it makes me so damn happy. “Of course.”
Once we reach my bed, Tara slips off her little denim shorts. I curse under my breath from the sight of her shapely, long legs and lacy, yellow panties.
She’s being cautious as she climbs into my bed, and I see the pain she’s in as her forehead scrunches.
“I should take you to the hospital to get checked out.”
“I can’t, Zev, and you know it. If I show up at the hospital like this, they’re going to question the shit out of me. I don’t believe anything is broken.”
I contemplate whether I should have my physician make a house call as Tara scoots against my chest.
“I’m glad I’m here and you’re not upset with me,” she says softly.
My mouth presses to her hair.
“I can’t imagine ever being mad at you. You’re a special woman. Tell me what I can do to take the pain away.”
“This … holding me. Once I feel better, you can replace the bad with something beautiful.”
“Can I kiss you in the meantime? I’ve discovered that I like doing it. Actually, I love it. It might be my favorite thing of all time.”
She gives me one of her radiant smiles. It’s the first one this bright since before I left her alone in her bed in tears. I can’t even think about what transpired after that day, but she’s here with me now, and I plan on making it up to her.
Gripping the cleft of her chin, I stare at her lips.
“God, I love your lips. Did I mention kissing them is my new favorite thing in the whole wide world?”
“Something like that, yes.”
“I should have never walked away from you and what could have been between us. Tara, I–I love you.”
In an instant, a few tears trail down her cheeks.
“I love you, too, Zev.”
Tara
“Sweets, wake up.” Hearing Zev’s voice, I open my eyes. He’s holding up my shorts. “We need to get these on you. I have a doctor here to see you.”
“Zev, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“You’re getting checked out. Do it for me. He won’t tell anyone.”
“I need a few minutes, and I’ll be out.”
He kisses my forehead and leaves me alone. I dress, brush my teeth and wash my face with a cool washcloth. My eye that has been sealed shut opens, and I’m relieved. I hate for anyone else to see me like this, but it appears I don’t have a choice.
A man briefly smiles at me as I enter the great room, but then I see the worry crease on his forehead. He’s in casual dress clothes and begins pulling some medical tools from a bag.
I don’t know what Zev did to make a doctor do a house call, but it was sweet of him.
“I’m Dr. Matthews.” Once I’ve shaken his hand, he motions for me to have a seat on the sofa.
“I’m Tara.”
“If it’s OK with you, I’m going to do a brief examination.”
Dr. Matthews looks to be in his forties, and his strawberry blonde hair has a few grey strands throughout.
Zev goes to the kitchen and roams around. He’s attempting to give us privacy, but I sense his need to stay close.
The physician is silent as he begins to examine me, and it makes me uncomfortable. He’s gentle, but it’s too quiet. I can hear his breath as he listens to my heartbeat.
“I need you to tell me what hurts.”
“Mostly my lower back.”
I turn away from him on the sofa, and he carefully feels around on my back. I imagine he’s looking at the marks, too, and the bruises on my arms.
He clears his throat. “You can turn around. I don’t believe anything is broken.” Grimacing, he stares into my eyes. “Tara, please report this.”
The tears invade my eyes, and I blink several times, wishing them away. “Sir, I would in any other circumstance, but I can’t with this one.” I glance to the open kitchen and see Zev staring straight at me. He looks furious again. This anger toward Noah is going to eat him alive.
I lean in and whisper, “Xavier didn’t do this to me. He’d never hurt me.”
Dr. Matthews pats my hand and smiles lightly.
“I know Mr. Cassano, and I believe you. Alternate ice and heat on your back. If it’s not better, uh, once the injuries on your face heal, I want you to get an X-ray.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you for seeing me.”
Dr. Matthews stands and begins putting his instruments back into a bag. “Think about what I suggested. Whoever did this to you could do it to someone else.”
Without another word, he strides purposefully to the foyer. Zev follows him, and I hear their voices, but I can’t make out their words. A woman’s voice replaces Dr. Matthews’s, and she says Zev’s name loudly.
She continues talking as she parades into the great room. At the sight of me, she stops abruptly and silence falls on us like a heavy blanket.
Her eyes grow round, and I wish I could hide my face. She’s carrying shopping bags, and my heart sinks over how comfortable she feels barging in.
She spins around to face Zev, who has followed her in, his eyes dancing from mine to the woman’s. Her shiny red hair is cascading down her back. She’s beautiful.
“You can sit the bags down, Kylie. Tara, I’m sorry. I didn’t know she was showing up right then.”
“Who the hell did this to her?”
“Definitely not me, and you need to forget you saw her like this.” Zev’s voice is one of warning.
“Tara, this is Kylie, my friend Kruse’s sister. She went shopping to get you some things.”
“Yeah, I did.” Kylie turns back and smiles. She fumbles with the bags, glancing into them as she strolls over. “I think I got your size right.”
Her smile is kind and reaches her green eyes, but I still can’t help wondering if she and Zev have a history. She’s in a cute denim skirt and a trim purple top.
“Thank you for doing that. It’s so kind of you.”
“No problem, sweetie. Uh, I hope you get feeling better soon.” Without another word, she stands and strolls back toward Zev. “Will you show me out?”
“Yeah.” His hand slides across the back of his neck as he follows her out of the room. I hear their hushed whispers and Zev’s voice raise an octave.
When he returns, he sighs. “She barged right through the door as Dr. Matthews walked out. I think she was excited about her shopping trip.”
“It’s fine.” My eyes glance to the floor. “Do you know her well?”
“No, I don’t. She’s only shopped for me a couple of times. It was to get gifts for Shannon.”
Sighing with relief, I glance up at him and smile.
“Thank you. This wa
s extremely thoughtful.”
“I’m trying. I don’t know how good I’ll be at this boyfriend thing. It’s nothing I’ve ever done before.”
“Boyfriend.” I’m grinning widely now as my face heats. His gorgeous dimples show, and he saunters toward me without meeting my gaze.
Taking the spot next to me on the couch, his leg rubs up against a bag below us. My eyes want to close as his hand slides into my blonde tresses.
“Please say I can be that to you.”
“Yes. I’m just surprised. It’s a stark contrast from how you were before.”
“I was an idiot and a coward before, and look where it got you.”
His dimples have vanished, replaced with a mixture of hurt and anger. “Don’t. Don’t own any of this. It was my choice.”
“He’s going to pay, Tara. When the perfect moment arises, he’s going to pay with his life.”
I shake my head. “Don’t let the anger turn you into the monster he is.”
“He has to be stopped. You’re not the first woman he’s hurt, and if he lives and walks free, he’s going to do it again.”
We have to get off this topic. “The doctor said I need to alternate between ice and heat. Can you help me with that?”
“Yes, and listen, I know this will be awkward, but I want to take some photos of your injuries in case Noah goes to prison. You could then press charges.”
Zev has some explaining to do soon. What happened to get the Cassano brothers under the FBI’s radar? It’s the one thing Victoria wouldn’t disclose.
I don’t know what lies ahead for us or the tangled mess he’s gotten himself into, but I don’t have to have the answers right now. I only long for his touch and sincerity. I loved the old Zev, but this one is remarkable.
“You can take the photos as long as you agree to hold me after.”
“It will be my pleasure, sweetheart.”
Chapter Eight
Sadie
I open my door and Victoria is standing in front of me.
“What are you doing here? Last I heard you were in Jersey.”
“We got back a couple of days ago. It was a short trip. Are you going to invite me in?”
Sighing, I step aside for her to enter my condo.
“What’s up?”
“I came to apologize.” She sits down in a chair, so I go to the sofa and take a seat, tucking one of my legs beneath me.
I can’t help but stare at my sister. One thing that has happened since she got involved with Adrian is she is more confident and has better taste in clothing. She’s actually out of her jeans and in a pair of cute red shorts.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Simon possibly going to prison. I should’ve either convinced him to tell you, or I should’ve told you myself.”
“I accept your apology. I must admit that I’m surprised I’m receiving one.”
Victoria looks away from me. “I’m trying to change, Sadie. I love you, and I want us to be closer and talk more and tell each other everything. It’s hard for me to get out of detective mode.”
I smile at my sister. This is the most she’s ever opened up about her feelings for me.
“I love you, too, and I would love it if we were closer.”
“How are things between you and Simon? Adrian told me you weren’t speaking to him after you found out the news.”
“I forgave him. He’s persistent and high-strung, so I’m sure you can imagine how over the top all his texts were. I couldn’t take it anymore, and I missed him like crazy.
“It’s so cool we’re dating brothers. Maybe in the future we’ll be one big happy family.” My grin fades. “Well, as long as they can stay out of prison.”
“Adrian believes this will be resolved soon.”
“I hope so. I can’t imagine being apart from Simon for a long stretch of time.”
“I understand, but we’ll all get through it together. I have to head out, but let’s go shopping soon. Call sis, too. I’m sure she’s down for buying more baby clothes or stylish maternity outfits.”
“She’s going to freak over the fact that you want to go shopping with us.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. I love the changes I’ve made, too.”
I go to my sister and throw my arms around her.
“Adrian’s been good for you, but I know you’ve helped him, too. You’re loyal and kind.”
Victoria hugs me back, and I’m relieved to have worked things out with both her and Simon.
Zev
“Jersey, I have to see Noah. It’s been days. He’s texted me twice, wanting to schedule the deal. I think he’s afraid Victoria is going to weasel her way in. He’s so damn selfish and arrogant. I knew he wouldn’t make an alliance with her,” I say into the phone.
“Alright. Come back to work, and make it happen, but you better channel every ounce of will you have to keep from killing him.”
“I will. See you tomorrow night.” I end the call and wipe my forehead with my towel. Sweat still beads there from my workout. I stroll from the gym to my bedroom. It’s two in the afternoon, and Tara has been napping since lunch.
For fuck’s sake!
Why did Kylie buy Tara such damn sexy panties? She’s on her stomach asleep, tangled in the sheet. The lower half of her sensuous body is outside of it, taunting my already waning control.
It’s been four days since I brought her here. Four days of lying next to her sultry, soft body. It’s smooth like silk and curvy in all the right places.
I’ve worked out every day, trying to release the sexual tension, but I might die if I go one more hour without really touching her.
A groan escapes me. Tara shifts her little ass in the bed. She claims she’s not in pain anymore, but I’ve barely touched her body, afraid that I might hurt her.
I stalk over to her and eye her plump lips. They’re parted, and she lets out a whimper. Another strangled groan leaves my throat, causing her to stir again.
I’m struggling not to pounce on her, so I head straight to the master bath. The hot water from a shower pelts my shoulders, easing the tension in them. Tilting my head back, I let the water roll off my thick hair.
I imagine Tara in her satin, black panties again, and an erection takes shape. Trying to ignore it, I grab the soap and lather my body, minus my straining cock.
If I touch it, I’m not going to let go until I have a release, and I’ve already masturbated two times since she got here. I feel like a fucking teenager. Closing my eyes, I rinse the shampoo from my hair.
“You missed a spot.” My eyes fly open, and Tara is facing me with a seductive smile. Her bare body is before me with droplets of water splashing onto her pale, creamy skin. Her pink nipples pebble, protruding far from her perfectly round tits.
She reaches for the soap, and once she has created a lather in her hands, she takes my cock into it and strokes it. A low growl vibrates from my chest, and I shove my fingers into her long, blonde strands.
Ducking my head, I plunge my tongue into her mouth. She’s brushed her teeth and tastes so damn sweet.
“You’re pretty sneaky.”
“I think I should show you how present I am.” Gripping my shaft more firmly, she strokes me faster as her other hand grazes over my balls.
Her fingers brush my inner thigh, and her tongue finds its way back into my hungry mouth. Provocatively, she faintly swirls it with mine.
Clutching her hair harder, I release her lips and fight for the air she steals. “Fuck, I’m going to come, baby.”
“Do it. That way you can hold out longer when you make love to me.”
As her hand glides over my pulsating cock, her thumb rubs down the outer vein. I lose all control, my cum spurting all over her hand.
Tara has opened the door to a monumental amount of pent-up desire. I might have to change my mind about work. If she’s well, we might be held up in my bedroom for days. I only pray I can erase her recent negative feelings about sex.
My legs fe
el like they could buckle as I pull her against me and press several kisses to her hair.
“Promise me you feel better, or I’m not touching you.”
Her blue eyes along with one corner of her mouth tilts up at me. “I promise.”
Now, the difficult part. I look up to the ceiling, letting the water rain over my head.
“I’ve never made love.”
Entwining our wet fingers, she brings them to her mouth and kisses every one of my knuckles.
“Just think of it as ‘hanging out,’ only on a more personal level. I have faith that you’re going to be spectacular at it.”
I look down at her, and she’s giving me a playful smile, but I’m only thinking of serious shit. I press my mouth to her soaked hair and trail my lips down to her ear.
“Why did you have faith in me so quickly? What did you see in me?”
“Some people become their pain, Zev. They want those around them to feel the same misery. Otherwise, it would mean they were the only ones on this earth who weren’t worthy of being loved because someone or some event made them believe they didn’t deserve any better.
“But I saw kindness behind your pain. We spent days talking about things that bring happiness. The way you watched me smile told me you wanted free from the hurt. You hadn’t let it consume you like you wanted to believe.
“Once you told me about your mother, I knew you needed a woman to show you that you could love and trust again. That’s what I saw, and I wanted to be that person.”
Her eyes look away from mine, and I see the tears welling like a wave in her ocean blues.
“Then you rejected me. If it couldn’t be me, I at least hoped that one day it could be someone. It’s one of the reasons I did what I did with Noah.
“I hoped once your anger subsided, you would realize you could trust a woman to love you even if that woman wasn’t me.”
Fuck, I love her. My heart could burst over how much gratitude and adoration I feel for this woman.
“It was always you, Tara. It could only ever be you.”
Blood is thundering through my veins. A thousand pounds of weight rests on my chest. I imagine being in my gym, lifting, pushing it off of me: the hurt, the mistrust, the negativity. I shove it all away. My heart is finally free to love to its fullest capacity.
Conviction (The Cassano Series Book 4) Page 5