“I’m still pissed, but I’ve also missed you. Right now, I only want to have your warm body against me while we sleep.”
I strip off my clothes and climb into bed next to him. It’s soothing to nuzzle against his chest. His dark hairs tickle my skin, and his powerful arms pull me into a snug embrace. It feels comforting and safe.
“I’m sorry. I love you, and I’m glad you’re here.”
Adrian kisses my hair. “I love you, too, you stubborn-ass woman.”
I smile against his chest before a long yawn leaves my lips and I close my eyes. Wherever we are together is home.
Adrian
After pulling on some jeans I brought and making a cup of coffee, I sit at Victoria’s dining room table and open my laptop. I have a message to my private email account from Boone.
It’s vague for security reasons, but it tells me that Victor Larios’s ambush against Don Esquival’s cartel was a success. That means it will be on the news soon, and another drug lord is out of the picture. Another drug lord who helps move terrorists into this country.
The only thing that concerns me is it sounds as if Hammond or Dominic, my two guys undercover in Larios’s cartel, could’ve been injured. I will need to call Boone from a disposable phone when I’m back at the office.
Since Victoria informed me she could return to her condo by ten this morning, I wasn’t about to leave. I know it will be a while before she wants me back here, especially with her getting all chummy with Sanders. I want so badly to kick his ass.
I try to sequester the thought, so I can accomplish some work. Theo will be back in Vegas tonight, but for now, I’m still on my own to handle Hotel Submission.
Opening up emails from Blanca, I sort through what is important and begin the wait for Victoria’s return. We have much to discuss.
***
“Hi,” Victoria says as she steps through the front door of her condo.
“Morning.”
Dropping her purse, she strolls over to me and forces her way into my lap. I chuckle and scoot away from the table, so I can cradle her.
“You’re extra sexy in only a pair of jeans.” Her lips press to my neck, and I pull her closer.
“Are you buttering me up?”
“Do you need buttering up?”
“I’m still angry, Victoria.”
Leaning back, she gazes up at me, her eyes innocent and tender. She’s so manipulative, but I love her like crazy.
“It’s all an act with Sanders. You have to know that.”
My head falls back, and I stare at the ceiling.
“Juice Box, he doesn’t know that. And if I had been him on that stool next to you last night, I would’ve thought you were hitting on me.” I swallow and keep my eyes focused above me. “You and I got together while you were investigating me.”
“Holy shit, that’s what this is about. Damn, Adrian, you have to believe I would never want to be with someone as evil as Sanders. I’m not going to fall for him or anyone else I investigate.”
Grabbing my face, Victoria pulls it toward her. “Look at me. You’re nothing like him.”
“I order to have people killed.”
“The terrorists are monsters, and you are an incredible human being. I love you and will only ever want to be with you. Stop analyzing our astounding relationship, and let me do my job.”
“OK, but that point aside, what if he hurts you?”
“He won’t.”
I frame her face and give her a kiss. “Loving someone as tough and strong-willed as you is trying.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. If it helps to hear it, I feel safer when I’m with you.”
I grin broadly at her. “You do?”
“Yes. I feel safe, comfortable and at home. I never feel as strong as I do when I’m with you.”
“What’s happening next with Noah?”
“OK, don’t freak out. We made a bet that if he won at the table, I would serve him a drink here at the condo, and he won.”
I blow out a lengthy breath and look to the ceiling again.
“Let me guess; this was your idea.”
Her mouth goes back to kissing my neck.
“Let me do my job, and in the meantime, why don’t you do yours, which is to make me feel absolutely incredible.”
“Oh, my manipulative pearl.”
“It’s only the truth with you, Adrian. Now, touch me.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Zev
Tara greets me at her door at noon. I’ve dragged my butt out of bed earlier than usual to see her. I can’t continue to neglect my job at night, so I’m taking her on a date during daylight hours. I can’t believe we’re on date number three. That’s a “never” for me.
It took great restraint to allow her to do actual administrative work for me this past week, but I managed to pull it off.
There were a few exploring expeditions, but I didn’t fuck her in my office, which I felt showed great restraint on my part.
“Oh, my gosh, this is your car?” she asks as she exits her condo.
“Yeah, it’s one of mine.” She’s referring to my red Ferrari 458 Italia. “It’s a little older model, but it’s my baby.”
“Wow, I’ve ridden in some nice rides, but never anything like this.”
“Well, there’s a first for everything,” I say as I open the door for her. I want to roll my eyes. I’m experiencing a lot of firsts lately, too.
“Where are we going?”
“I have a surprise lunch planned for you.”
“Sounds exciting.”
We talk on the way to Lagasse’s Stadium. It’s what I would call an upscale sports bar. Emeril Lagasse serves tailgating food like no other.
It seemed the perfect place to take Tara. I’ve never dined with a woman who would appreciate it until now. It could only be more perfect if it were football season.
The valet takes the Ferrari at The Palazzo hotel. We enter, and as soon as Tara eyes the restaurant, she lights up. I’m beginning to live for those moments, and you get them frequently from her.
She’s becoming dangerous to my heart, but I’m struggling to stay away from her. I’ve definitely tried.
I speak to the host, and we’re escorted to a luxury box room. “Zev, you rented this?” she asks in a keen yet low voice.
I chuckle. “Yes, it will be fun. I hope you play pool.”
“I love it.”
“Oh, no. You’re not going to beat me at it are you?”
“Maybe.” She takes my hand into hers and squeezes. Hand holding. I don’t know about this. We’re left alone, and she’s taking in every inch of the room. “I didn’t need all this, Zev.”
It is way too much space for us. There are several seating areas, arcade games, a massive television and a billiard table.
“Maybe I did.” I take hold of her waist and lower my head to her neck. I breathe in her floral, fruity scent and kiss a trail down her tender skin. “I might want to feel you up.” Lifting my head, I give her a mischievous grin.
“As long as you feed me first. I’m starved.”
While we wait for our food, we play a game of pool. She’s a great player, but I’m in the lead. I debate on letting her win, so I can see that vibrant expression of hers, but I believe she would figure it out at this point in the game.
The cleavage that springs forth when she shoots has me discretely shifting my dick in my jeans. I can’t stop looking at her mouth today, either. Her lips are painted a sensual pink to match her shirt, and they’re naturally plump.
I want to taste it, but it’s too personal to me. I fell hard for a girl in high school once I kissed her. It created sparks like nothing I had felt before. Of course, some of that was probably my teenage hormones.
Nevertheless, I was hurt when she dumped me, and I declared then that kissing leads to heartache. Why break the rule now? Kissing Tara would bring forth feelings, and I’m fighting them.
I’m all for having some fun with her, but she deserves
everything her heart desires. She deserves the things my money can’t buy. Daisy deserves someone who’s happier.
Our food arrives, and she giggles over the quantity. I ordered about every stadium dish imaginable. We have hot wings, nachos, and chili cheese fries. I added some extras like burgers, shrimp and ribs.
Since I work out a lot, I can put away the food, and I’m surprised when Tara keeps up with me. We joke around through lunch, and she has barbecue sauce on her cute face.
She’s like no other woman I’ve ever met. She’s down to earth and easy to please. She’s definitely special.
Tara
Zev is staring at me intently. He reaches out his thumb and wipes my chin with it. “Barbecue sauce.” He doesn’t smile, his gaze intense and libidinous. He’s luscious today in his low rise faded jeans and snug, black t-shirt.
“Kiss me.” My voice is quiet but resolute.
“You deserve a kiss from a man who will sweep you off your feet, Tara. Someone who can give you everything you want and need.”
“You don’t know what I want or need.”
“I have a pretty good idea.”
“I believe you like me, so why are you trying to deny yourself happiness?”
Zev suddenly seems frustrated and leans back away from me. “Don’t you ever get upset about your parents dying or the fact that you have few people in your life?”
I bite my lip to ward off tears. “Of course, but I suffered enough after I lost my parents. If I dwell on those things, I’m not living in the present or dreaming about the future. It would be self-inflicted punishment, Zev. Is that what you want for yourself?”
“Maybe it’s all I deserve.”
I move closer and grasp his hands. “Why do you think that about yourself? I see someone amazing in front of me.”
“There are things that go on at Hotel Submission that you aren’t aware of, and it needs to stay that way. They make my life complicated and leave relationships unfeasible.”
“Your brothers have relationships. Victoria told me so.”
“Yeah, and under the circumstances, I believe that’s a mistake on their part.”
I shake my head, wishing something he said made sense. I believe he’s making excuses.
“Please give me back that smile of yours,” he says.
“Why? You don’t plan on seeing it for long.”
“I have a blast with you. Can we continue with that fun and see what happens?”
I drop my shoulders. “Sure. I guess I fear you’re going to suddenly shut me out.”
He cups my cheek and smiles. “I haven’t been able to yet.”
Feeling exposed, I lightly smack his knee and stand.
“You have to at least talk to me until football season because I want to come back here to watch a game with you. For now, let’s play another round of pool.”
“You’re too cool, Daisy.”
“You won’t say that after I kick your ass in this game. I went easy on you last time.” Zev stands, and I’m surprised when he pulls me into a hug. I don’t want him to let go, and I hope our date isn’t over any time soon.
Zev
Staring at Tara sleeping in her bed, I move fine strands of blonde hair from her porcelain face. She’s young, so her skin is flawless. Her soft high cheeks are flushed from sex, and her nose whistles a little as she breathes. I smile from the sound.
We returned to her apartment around four, and I ravished her extraordinary body until I exhausted her. It’s seven, and I should already be at Submission, but I’m unable to pull my eyes from her.
She’s off work tonight, and that makes me happy. The male members of the club observe and touch her, and I’m aware of their perverted thoughts.
I’m reminded of how I thought about women and their bodies before I got to know Tara. She’s not only a means to my pleasure. She has penetrated my heart, and it’s something I never believed a woman could do.
It’s scaring the shit out of me, and that thought alone has me climbing quietly out of her bed.
She opens her eyes and yawns. “Zev.”
“Yes, sweetheart.” I pull up my jeans and zip them.
“Come back to my bed in the morning when you leave Submission. I’ll stay up tonight, so we can sleep in together.”
She gives me a lazy smile that is fucking adorable. The swell of her tits peek out above the sheets. Tara is irresistible, directing my every move. I lean over and kiss her forehead.
“OK, I’ll come back.”
Her faint smile blooms into a full-blown grin.
“Thank you.”
***
I’m working in my office at Caged when Simon storms in and plops down in a chair across from my desk.
“You need to knock from now on. You never know what you could walk in on.”
“Hmm … still keeping Tara held up in your office?”
“I wish I had never told you about that, but you were such a pest about it, I didn’t have much choice.” I grimace at him.
“You’re going to end up in the same mess I’m in if you keep spending time with her.”
“What mess is that?”
Simon’s elbow is on his knee as he braces his forehead with his fingers. His suit jacket is missing, and his black tie is loosened way too far over his white shirt that’s barely tucked in. His hair is a fucking disarray, too.
“It’s Sadie. I can’t keep our secrets from her any longer. The anxiety of it is eating me alive.”
“Yeah, I see that.”
“I need a fucking cigarette, but I promised her I wouldn’t smoke anymore.” His foot is tapping noisily against the floor.
“If you want a damn cigarette have a cigarette.”
“You don’t get it. I love her and don’t want to disappoint her.”
I won’t tell him, but I am starting to get it. I hate when something I say or do makes Tara frown. I don’t want to disappoint her, and the longer we’re together the more often it’s going to happen.
“OK, so tell her what we’re doing and what could happen to us, but she better not share it with anyone.” I point at him with a look of warning.
“I’m afraid of her reaction. She’s so damn sweet and worries. It’s going to kill her.”
“You look like a fucking train wreck tonight. Get it over with and tell her, so you can get it together here at work.”
“You’re right. I need to do it and deal with the consequences. Maybe she’ll handle the news better than I’m expecting.”
“There you go. There is someone I have to break some bad news to, as well.”
“Who?”
“I have to end things with Tara eventually, but right now, it’s Adrian I need to talk to. It seems Noah has taken an interest in Victoria. I mean a physical interest.
“He’s twisted. He said he is going to fill his free time with Victoria until I hand over the golden prize, which is Tara.
“He won’t do a big deal with me until I do. You would think he would want the payout. He is a sick bastard.”
“Shit, I’d let Victoria break that news to Ace.”
“I know she won’t. She told me she can handle Noah on her own. She’s a hard-ass. He is supposedly going over to her place tomorrow night for a drink. I’m sure he’ll make a pass at her.”
“Shit, man. Yeah, I wouldn’t want to give Ace that news, either. Good luck.”
“Thanks, and good luck with Sadie. It’s crazy that you love her.”
Stopping at the door, Simon turns to me.
“You can’t fight it once you find the one woman who was made especially for you, bro.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Adrian
There is a knock on my penthouse door. I answer it and find Zev before me. He usually doesn’t visit me at night when he’s busy handling things at Caged and Royal, so I panic.
“Has something happened in Royal with Victoria?” I feel the tightness to my chest as I wait for his response.
“Sort of
, but she’s fine.”
My forehead and fists tighten next as I step aside for him to enter.
“What is it?” I ask as I follow him to the living room.
“Don’t flip like you usually do, but tomorrow night is when Noah is going over to Victoria’s place.”
“Thanks for the heads-up. I figured she wouldn’t tell me until after the fact.”
Zev’s gaze shifts away from me. “Let’s have a drink.”
“There’s more you want to tell me.” He doesn’t answer, so I stroll over to the bar and pour us both a scotch. I hand Zev his glass. “Come on, man. Spit it out.”
“Drink up first.” I take a gulp and let out an arduous breath as I stare at my brother. “Noah is going to make a pass at Victoria. It seems he’s attracted to her, unless it’s a power trip. You know, another woman to conquer.”
I battle the urge to break my glass in my hand.
“Why haven’t you scheduled the buy with him? I told you to give him whatever the hell he wanted to make it happen.”
“Yeah, about that … he wants a server of mine. That friend of Victoria’s, Tara. He wants a night with her.”
“Fuck.” I take another drink of my scotch. “Encourage her to go out with him. It’s one date.”
“Hell no. I–I like her. Besides, he doesn’t only want a dinner date. He would fuck her, and God only knows what else. I feel it.”
Setting down my glass, I glide my hands down my face.
“So, it’s Tara or Victoria.”
“Basically, but I believe Victoria has a better shot at getting out of his advances. She’s ten years older than he is. She could play that hand, make a joke of it, and throw some power of her own around.”
I sink onto the sofa. “Do you have feelings for Tara?”
His eyes flash across the room. “I do, but I’m not going to keep seeing her. I haven’t had the heart to tell her, and I’m a selfish fucker.”
“Maybe you can’t let her go because you really don’t want to. Maybe you shouldn’t.”
“Look, I didn’t come up here to discuss this with you, but I don’t want Noah hurting her, so please, let Victoria meet with Noah.”
Coercion (The Cassano Series Book 3) Page 16