Conviction (The Cassano Series Book 4)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  I pull her naked body flush against mine and squeeze her, wishing my emotions could seep into her.

  “I love you, Daisy. I love you so damn much. The sacrifice you made for me overwhelms me. You’re part of the Cassano family now.

  “You’ll be cherished and protected. I’ll show you that you can trust me, too.”

  Tara

  Water rolls off of Zev’s thick, black eyelashes. He’s gazing at me like I’m the only other person in the universe, and I feel every bit of the love he’s bestowing.

  The pressure in my chest thrusts the billowing sobs from my throat. His loving words are too much. He shuts the water off and grabs a towel outside the glass door. It glides over my hair as I weep.

  Noah Sanders let his pain consume him, turning him evil. Zev probably thinks I’m crying from what Noah did to me, but I’m crying because Zev has already replaced it with something beautiful. His words alone will prevent me from scarring.

  My cries subside as he dries my body. He rubs the towel over my legs, and I cling to his slick hair. A longing in me cultivates from his kindness and gentleness, and I’m aching for him to touch me in the most sacred places.

  Hurriedly, he dries his body. The towel is thrown out the door before he scoops me into his arms like it’s nothing and carries me to his bed.

  He leaves me alone as he goes back to the bathroom, and I wonder what he’s doing. He returns with a strip of condoms. I like knowing they’re not in his bedside table.

  Zev climbs over top of me with a sober expression. He’s not rushed, and a sense of trepidation owns the space around us. His biceps cage me in as he presses his palms into the mattress and stares down at me.

  “I’m tasting you first. Your mouth. Your neck. Your nipples after that. Your stomach and thighs. Then, I’m going to taste your pussy. I’ve missed it.”

  Gradually, he lowers his mouth, and for a second I swear I feel his lip quiver over mine. He’s fearful he’s going to screw this up, but I know otherwise.

  As I wrap my arms around his neck, his tongue slips between my lips. It circles the inside of my mouth … exploring, probing, seeking solace. We’ve kissed like this for several days, but Zev makes each one feel like the first.

  He drops to his forearms and lets a hand brush down the side of my breast and my waist. My body quakes and my stomach sinks in as his thumb grazes along it.

  His mouth is open and wet as it drags along my jaw and trails down my neck. He’s still exercising the control he’s had to hold onto over the last few days.

  “Daisy,” he whispers as his lips continue to mark a path down my chest. His tongue twirls around my nipple, and my fingers play with his hair.

  “You’re mine,” he declares. His words are in a soft-spoken tone, but they’re desperate and sensual, rendering the claim he has made over my mind, body and soul.

  “My delicate flower.” He groans and sucks on my nipple. His tongue sweeps, teeth nip and breath coats it with a blazing heat.

  “Zev.”

  On a journey, his mouth descends, his tongue skimming down my stomach. “Speak to me, baby. Tell me what you want from me. I’ll do it. Anything.”

  “Keep loving me with your mouth. Make me come for you.”

  His growl vibrates against my stomach before he’s moving his mouth again. His lips reach my inner thighs and kisses press to each of them.

  The tingling sensation is a prelude to the pleasure he will lavish over my body. I whimper and lift my hips from the profound desire.

  “Please, more.” One long stroke down my slit is the next sensation. I moan loudly, this time thrusting my hips upward with force. Glancing down, I watch Zev smile.

  “Eager are we?”

  “Lick me. I’m pleading.”

  “Yes, sweetheart. Anything for you.” Fingers open me, revealing my clit. I feel the cool air before his hot tongue. It swirls slowly around it, teasing me and inciting a loud, embarrassing moan.

  Zev chuckles, and I relish the sound of it. His tongue begins to flick, directing me to that blissful place. The way his hands pull at the apex of my thighs, opening me up farther, only adds to the pleasure.

  He knows the speed and pressure I need, and once he latches onto the hood of my clit and sucks, I shove against him.

  “You’re soaking me. So fucking wet. Come on my face.”

  His tongue goes back to licking, and his dirty talk sails through my ears and straight to my core, causing an explosion of ecstasy. I writhe against his mouth that won’t let up until I’m spent from my orgasm.

  He rises to his knees, and I will my eyes open. His thumb and finger start at the top of his mouth and drag around it, wiping it clean. A smug smile of satisfaction reveals a hint of his dimples.

  In no time, he’s ripping a condom wrapper and slipping it on. He falls over me, landing on his arms. He buries his face into the crook of my neck.

  “Are you OK?” I ask.

  He lifts his head and skims a finger over my cheek.

  “Yes, I’m trying to gather a little control, so I don’t hurt you.”

  “That was magnificent. I need to feel you inside of me.”

  Planting a kiss to my lips, Zev shifts to better position himself between my legs. Gently, he pushes into me and squeezes his eyes shut. His face shoves against my neck again, but he doesn’t move his lower body.

  “You’re not going to hurt me. I need this, Zev. I’m ready.” His erection is rock-hard inside of me, his body wanting to do what his mind thinks he shouldn’t.

  Brushing my hands up his back, I begin to move beneath him. It’s only seconds before he’s moving, too, rocking against my motion.

  His cock slides back and pushes into me, his breath bathing my neck from his groan.

  “Look at me,” I command.

  He lifts his head and stares at me. His eyes are glazed with a thick desire, but I also see his reluctance. Gliding my fingers through his hair, I anchor my gaze to his and encourage him to move faster. My hips elevate, along with the sound of my moans.

  This ignites the passion in him, and he thrusts harder, his eyes still never leaving mine. The love and lust is revealed, a flame overpowering the gold flecks of his hazel irises.

  Our breaths collide, ebbing and flowing with every inhale and exhale, exactly like our bodies, until we’re coming together. It’s a beautiful harmony of pleasure and commitment.

  Zev

  My lips brush across Tara’s between my ragged breaths, and I’m overcome with a sense of contentment I’ve never experienced before.

  It’s not from the sex; although, it was amazing. It’s feeling like I’m where I’m supposed to be with the right person. I’m genuinely happy. It’s not a fleeting moment of joy when I find something funny, hang out with my brothers or do something I enjoy.

  No, this is a feeling of total contentment and acceptance. There is no urgency to flee and no fear of trust or commitment. I’m looking forward to the future. I’m going to right my wrongs, so Tara and I can have a life together.

  Chapter Nine

  Adrian

  Tenting my hands in front of me, I swivel right to left in my desk chair. “Dominic took two bullets when he helped Larios take out Don Esquival’s cartel.”

  Theo scratches his head. “Damn, is he alright?”

  “He will be. I’m tired of the bullshit and want all this over with. I want to settle down with Victoria and start a family.”

  “That’s big, Adrian.”

  “I’m worried we’re going to lose one of our spec ops guys, and something happened to Tara, the server Xavier likes. He won’t tell me what, but during our conversation, he sounded regretful. He said he wants all this to come to an end, too.”

  “That’s even bigger news.” My brother comes over and taps my desk with some rolled up papers in his hand. “We’ve done a lot, Ace, but we can’t save the world. Dad would want us to find happiness. It’s time we close the door on revenge.”

  “I can finally say I agree.
”

  “That’s a relief. This evening I’m going to tell Karen about the FBI’s involvement. She has a right to know.”

  “I have something to show you.” I stroll over to my bookcase and open a wooden cigar box.

  “It’s for Victoria.” I hold up the ring I’ve removed and show him. “Of course, I’m not going to ask her until this mess is settled.”

  “Damn.” He grins as he eyes it in my hand.

  “I know, but I’m more than ready. I would ask her now if I was certain we would have a future.”

  “Bro, she’s not going to leave you regardless.”

  Shaking my head and frowning, I turn to put the ring back in safekeeping. “I won’t let her stay with me if we go to prison. I’ll refuse to see her.”

  “Adrian, you shouldn’t make that decision for her. If she knew, she’d be livid with you.”

  “It’s the right thing to do.”

  “Good luck with that. Victoria doesn’t let anyone stand in her way.”

  I can’t help but smile. He does have a point.

  “Well, hopefully it won’t come to that. I’m hopeful we can put this behind us soon.”

  “Amen to that.”

  Zev

  My hands are sweaty as I stroll into the Royal lounge. It’s going to be the first time I’ve seen Noah since he assaulted Tara.

  I practiced my speech and ran through every response I thought he could throw at me, trying to desensitize myself from the hatred I feel for him. I keep reminding myself that he’ll get what’s coming to him once he’s in a prison cell.

  The evening games haven’t begun, so it’s only seconds before he’s striding toward me with a smirk on his ugly face.

  “Zev, it’s been a while. What have you been up to all this time?”

  “Uh, I told you I was going out of town to visit my mother.”

  “I remember, but that was quite a few days ago.”

  Shit, does he know I’ve been with Tara?

  “She’s dying, man. What did you expect?”

  “Right, sorry to hear that. So, I wanted to thank you for handing that server Tara over like I requested. Damn, she was something else.” The corner of his mouth curves up into a smile and is paired with beady eyes.

  “What’s the best word to describe how she liked it? Oh, yeah … rough.”

  Mother. Fucker.

  “You got what you wanted, so when are we meeting outside of here?” My body tries to tremble, so I inhale a deep breath. If only I could stab him in the jugular.

  “Friday night. Eleven o’clock. I’ll text you the details that evening.”

  “Fine, but listen to me; you had your fun with Tara. Now, leave her the hell alone.”

  “No problem. She’s used up, anyway.”

  I swallow the rage bubbling to the surface and turn away from him. My hands clamp shut, so I swiftly spread my fingers open wide. Tara wishes for me not to seek revenge, but Noah’s days are numbered. Somehow, some way, he will pay with his life.

  Tara

  My apartment is too quiet, so I pick up the remote and begin flipping through the channels. “Ugh, there is nothing on that I want to watch.” I’ve resorted to talking to myself. Fantastic.

  I miss Zev. We’ve spent almost every minute together for a week. Now, he’s at work and I’m alone. Let’s not forget I’m also jobless.

  Sighing, I pick up my laptop from the table and pull up my email. This sucks. There are no replies from those I submitted resumes to. What am I going to do with myself? At least Zev will be here early in the morning.

  My phone rings, so I grab it, hoping it’s him. My eyebrows cinch together when I see it’s Victoria. Shit. What am I going to tell her?

  “Hello,” I say.

  “Tara, it’s Victoria. How are you, and where have you been? I haven’t seen you in the lounge.”

  “Uh, about that … I quit.”

  “Why?”

  “I want to put my degree to use.”

  “That’s great.” It’s quiet on the line for a few seconds. “Something is wrong.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  “You’re not your cheerful self.”

  “I’m fine. Actually, I’m more than fine. Zev and I are officially a couple. He’s been amazing.”

  “Oh, well, I’m happy for you. I’ll worry, but I know it’s what you wanted.”

  “It is. I couldn’t be happier.” OK, I would be happier if I didn’t have Noah’s sinister voice burned into my brain, but she can’t know about that.

  “Do you want to meet this afternoon for coffee?”

  “Uh, I’m busy trying to find a job, but next week would work for me.”

  Victoria laughs. “Next week. That’s a long way off.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m spending a lot of time with Zev, and then the job thing… I promise I’ll see you next week.”

  Geez, I’m such a liar today. I’m not one hundred percent healed yet, so she can’t see me. In her line of work, she would pick up on my injuries immediately.

  She snickers again. “I get it. I know how Adrian and I are with our free time. I bet you’re not leaving the bedroom.”

  “You busted me.” That’s sure not a lie. Zev and I are doing it like rabbits. I’m giggling now.

  “OK, girlfriend. I will see you next week.”

  We end our call, and I blow out a long breath. Bullet dodged. If she knew what Noah did to me, I truly think she would shoot his ass. My phone buzzes, and I see I have a text from Zev.

  Zev: I did it. I managed not to kill his sorry ass.

  Me: I’m proud of you, and I love you.

  Zev: I love you, too, and god, I already miss you.

  Me: I’m grinning. I love that you miss me.

  Zev: See you in the morning.

  Tossing my phone onto the couch, I stare up at the ceiling and think about spooning with him once he arrives in the morning. He’s incredible. I always believed he could be if he would open up, and he’s exactly that–amazing.

  Adrian

  Victoria pours me a glass of scotch and sits next to me on the sofa. Her fingers glide through my hair as I take a drink.

  “Ms. D’Angelo from the FBI paid me a visit this afternoon. Somehow, she already knew that Zev is making the deal with Sanders on Friday night. I don’t know how she’s getting her information.”

  “Interesting. Zev just made that arrangement last night, right?”

  “Yes. I’m beginning to think she has my office and penthouse bugged. I wouldn’t put it past them.”

  “Are they ready to bust Noah?”

  “She claims everything is in place to take him down. Zev’s a nervous wreck. He’s going to have guns pointed at him for the first time in his life. It’s going to be chaotic for a few minutes, and he’s not looking forward to it.”

  “I guess not. I will talk to him. I’ll assure him that it’s all procedure. I mean, they’re not arresting him, so as soon as Sanders is in handcuffs, the smoke will settle.”

  The back of my head rests against the sofa as I turn it and gaze at Victoria. “I would appreciate it. Damn, you’re beautiful today. Thank you for taking a break from the lounge tonight.”

  “I could sense you needed me here.” She’s still in the black skirt she was going to wear into Royal. Lace trims the bottom of it, and she’s sexy as hell in it. Even though Noah shot down her offer, she’s still staying close to him, hoping he will leak some kind of information to her.

  My hand slides over her thigh. It’s warm like somewhere else on her sensuous body.

  “I’m taking you to bed. I’m also tying you to it.” Slowly leaning over, her soft lips brush across mine.

  “Promise?” she whispers.

  “Swear.”

  Victoria

  Like many other times, Adrian needs me to surrender to his cravings. He holds my hand as he pulls me behind him to the bedroom.

  Grabbing the duvet, he yanks it off in one swoop, causing the throw pillows to fly off
the bed. I fail at stifling my giggle.

  He’s no-nonsense as he approaches and begins unbuttoning my red blouse. His gaze and expression are penetrating.

  Adrian’s touch is a portal to my personal heaven. It’s the white light directing me to his love. He’s my saving grace, and I’ll cherish him until my last breath.

  “I have to say that I love you. You know I would do anything to protect you and our love.”

  His fingers pause on one of my buttons.

  “What do you have planned?” he asks.

  “I just feel I can’t express to you enough what our relationship means to me.”

  The burning gaze he was delivering mellows to one of yearning. A hand slides over my hair and down to my back.

  “I understand, Victoria. I feel it every moment of the day. But if we ever can’t be together, you have to move on and live your life.” His gaze averts. “You have to find love again.”

  Without thought, I shove his arm away.

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  “If I’m incarcerated, Victoria. This is a talk we need to have; although, I didn’t plan for it to be at this moment.”

  My eyes flood with tears, and it only pisses me off more.

  “How could you say something like that?” He grips my shoulders, but I yank away again and storm out of the room, buttoning up my shirt as I go.

  “Victoria, stop!”

  “Trust me; that’s not what you want me to do right now. A groin shot is in your imminent future if you don’t let me leave!”

  “This is something we have to consider, Victoria.”

  “I can’t even believe those words came out of your mouth. It sounds like our love doesn’t mean as much to you as it means to me.”

  Hurrying to the living room, I slip my heels back on and grab my purse from the couch. I feel his presence behind me, so once I reach the elevator, I spin around to face him. My finger goes out toward him, and he’s lucky it’s not my fist.