Shane

by Linzi Basset

  She blinked and felt her face fall.

  “Are you saying I won’t have a limit list?”

  “Of course you will, but I will push every single one of them.” He leaned forward, his piercing gaze dark and filled with promise. “I’ll be the Dominant in this relationship, Alexa … a sadistic one. When you sign it, you fully embrace that you will be at my mercy. To offer me all the deviant pleasure and pain I need from you.” He smirked as her face turned pale. “The only way it will come to an end is when you publicly denounce me as your Master and leave the island.”

  “When? Why not if?”

  “Because I’m not convinced that you have what it takes … to be strong enough to withstand the demands of the sadistic beast inside me. So, yes, Alexa. I do expect there will come a time that you’ll be torn and wish you ran from me.”

  “You’re not exactly painting an inviting picture, Master Fox. Are you sure you’re not secretly hoping I’ll turn tail now and run?”

  He smiled with confidence. “You might be wary and perhaps a little scared but I know you won’t.”

  She crossed her arms in defiance as she stared him down. A wasted effort of course since it only served to amuse him.

  “And you know that ... how exactly?”

  “Curiosity for one, and secondly, you need a sadist who will take charge and not allow you to manipulate him. One who knows what you really need and is strong enough to take it from you.”

  Alexa was startled that he knew her so well. That he had seen through her actions, even though she always believed she’d been very subtle about it. There was no denying that the rush of emotion she felt staring into his eyes was of anticipated excitement … and arousal. He had left her hungry and so tightly strung up after he’d taken his pleasure the night before that she felt all hot and bothered. Not to mention the pressure inside her core that was becoming more than uncomfortable. Every quirk of his full lips and flash of his eyes, combined with the gruff tones of his voice caused it to intensify—painfully so. She didn’t think she’d be able to withstand it for much longer. One way or the other, she had to get him to make her climax … and fucking soon!

  She squared her shoulders. First, she had to show him that she was no willy ninny. Alexa Silver was a survivor and she’d be damned if she walked out of this office without making him realize that.

  “Yet, you don’t think I’ll be able to survive you?”

  “I don’t think so, my pet. I know.”

  “Well,” she snorted as she finished speed reading the contract and picked up the pen, “suffice it to say, Master Fox, I might just have a couple of surprises up my sleeve.” She signed the document with a flourish and got up to stare at him with a haughty expression on her face. “I might be small of stature but I’m a lot stronger than you think.” She bent down to place a heated kiss on his lips. Her eyes flashed as she drew back and whispered, “Bring it on, Shane Sinclair … I have no intention of running.”

  Shane didn’t move as he watched her sashay out of the office, her hips swaying invitingly.

  “Well, well,” Hawk said as she disappeared from view, “that was rather entertaining.” He smiled at Shane. “I daresay you and your beast might just have met your match.” He steepled his hands together and turned serious. “Just know one thing, Shane. I will be watching. Irrespective of the stipulations she agreed to, I will not allow you to push her too far.”

  “I have no intention of hurting her, Hawk. Well, not more than she can bear, but make no mistake, I was serious when I said I’m going to push her boundaries.” He got up and shot a sharp look at Hawk. “You would be wise not to involve yourself in my relationship with her. A masochist and sadist relationship is a different dynamic. Something an outsider, even a seasoned Dom like yourself doesn’t understand. In the end, you would do more damage than good, especially if you intervene at the wrong time.”

  “I understand that, but I will be checking in on her from time to time.”

  “I have no problem with that.” Shane strolled toward the door. “The only one who knows the depth of the sadist in me is Kane. I suggest you speak to him if you need to set your mind at ease … or increase your concern. I have no intention of holding back with her, Hawk.”

  “I have to agree with what Alexa said earlier. It sounds like you’re aiming to run her off.”

  “No, Hawk, but I need to know sooner rather than later if she’s the woman for me. If she is the kind of masochist I believe her to be.” He sighed heavily. “I’ve suppressed my true nature for years and I’m tired of it. The beast wants out. I’ve searched far and wide for the right one. Alexa is it.”

  “Why now? She’s been here almost from the start of Castle Sin. Why wait all these years?”

  “Because I wasn’t ready and she sure as hell wasn’t.” He ran his hand through his hair. “The beast inside me is like any other animal. Wild, free, and feral but there’s always one that can calm the fire to a smoldering ember—it’s true mate. She does that for me … albeit subconsciously at present. I have felt it over the past couple of years. She’s the female version of the sadist in me, Hawk. She’s the only one who can soothe my soul and calm me down when I’m on the verge of losing it.”

  “How exactly is she going to do that if she’s not aware of the power she has over you?”

  “It should come naturally, and that’s exactly why I need to push her as hard and far as I can … and fast. If I’m wrong, it would be better for her sanity to get the fuck out quickly.”

  “Soooo, Alexa. What happened between you and Shane last night?” Peyton, Stone’s fiancée prodded the moment she sat down to dinner.

  “What makes you assume anything happened?” Alexa popped a piece of succulent prawn into her mouth and chewed slowly. She resigned herself that full disclosure was imminent as she glanced at the five women joining them with an expectant looks on their faces.

  “We all saw you leave with him and go upstairs to his apartment,” smirked Rose. Of the five women, she was the closest to Alexa’s age. The two of them had formed a strong bond of friendship since her marriage to Kane. “Out with it, Alexa. You know we’re not going to let you off that easy.”

  “Yep, especially since you only left there this morning.” Hawk’s wife, Savannah, jabbed Peyton in the side. “That in itself tells its own story, right?”

  “It’s a bad habit to make assumptions,” Alexa muttered around a mouthful of fragrant lemon rice.

  “Hmm. Well, since our friend here isn’t full of snarky remarks about the elusive Master Fox, I can only assume it’s because their relationship has taken a turn.” Parker’s fiancée, Ava Harper, studied the reddening blush blooming over Alexa’s face with interest.

  “Bingo!” Remy, Ace’s fiancée, slapped her hand on the table as she too noticed the uncontrolled reaction. “The only question is, which direction did it take?”

  Alexa cursed her inability to control the damned blushes. It was unfortunate because it also meant she couldn’t lie to anyone. Not that she ever did but there were times it was a necessary evil living in a castle filled with dominant males.

  “You are all too curious for your own good.” Alexa glanced over her shoulder at the main table where the Masters of the Castle were seated. “Shouldn’t you join your other halves for dinner? I’m sure they don’t appreciate being made to wait.”

  “Pfft, they can wait.” Peyton brushed her off with a wave of a hand. “This is way more important than their constant appetites.”

  “Which in all aspects are exceedingly healthy,” said Taylor, Zeke’s fiancée.

  “No complaints over here,” Ava said with a wide smile as she coquettishly waved at Parker who was watching her as he always did.

  “Gmphf. That man can’t take his eyes off you. One would think by now he’d have had his fill of you the way you’ve been going at it like rabbits intent on fertilizing the world,” Remy said as she caught Ace’s gaze. The frown on his face was enough warning that he was becom
ing impatient with her.

  “Look who’s talking,” Ava laughed.

  “The same can be said for all of us. One thing we can’t complain about is the sexual appetite of the Sinclair cousins,” Rose interjected. “Still waiting, Alexa.”

  She stuffed her mouth with prawns, not sure she was ready to admit she had caved to Shane’s demands. Her, the sassy Lady S, who had made it clear to them not so long ago that she would never commit to a permanent relationship with anyone on the island.

  “May I have your attention, please.”

  Alexa froze. It amazed her how, even over a distance, she became enthralled by the undercurrent of sensuality in Shane’s graveling voice.

  “Lady S, join me, please.” Her body turned to stone at the request, shocked at the wave of heat pooling between her legs as every syllable reached deep inside her to wrap itself around her soul and toggle to life the submissive that always perked to life in his presence.

  She turned to look at him with wide eyes. He was a very private man; surely he wasn’t going to announce their liaison to everyone—during dinner of all times!

  “Well, well,” Rose said with a wide grin, “who wants to bet we’re about to find out what our friend is too stingy to divulge?”

  “Better get your ass over there, girlfriend. That look on his face usually precedes some severe wrist action,” Savannah warned.

  It was enough to prod Alexa to get up. She found herself approaching him in the perfect submissive posture with her hands clasped behind her, shoulders pushed back with breasts forward—all done unconsciously but with one aim—to please her Dom, Master Fox. His eyes gleamed with pleasure as she stopped next to him.

  “If not for those flashing eyes and pouty lips, it would’ve been the perfect example of a submissive posture, little one.” He pinched her chin between his fingers as he studied her intently. Satisfied with what he saw there, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side as he faced the waiting group of people.

  “It’s with pleasure that I announce that Lady S is now officially my permanent sub. From this point forward, she is off limits to all Doms. Her pleasures and punishments belong to me and me alone.”

  Amidst some unhappy exclamations from the subs, applause broke out with a couple of catcalls from the Training Doms present.

  “Does that go both ways, Master Fox,” Alexa asked with a sharp look at him. He just made it clear that she was exclusive to him. She’d be damned if she’d stand by and watch him share his pleasure around like nothing had changed—not without a fight at any rate.

  Shane didn’t smile, but the flash of pleasure in his eyes left her breathless at the implication. He obviously loved the chilled jealousy she had no doubt glimmered in hers.

  “The floor is yours, my pet.” She gaped at him as he waved his hand in the air—an indication it’s up to her to make the announcement.

  “You’re not serious?” Her breath caught as his one eyebrow indulged in the Sinclair crawl, intensifying the heat in her loins.

  “I’m not?”

  “You expect me to announce that the mighty Master Fox is off limits?” Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not about to make a fool of myself if you don’t intend to honor it, Shane Sinclair.”

  She winced as his fingers dug painfully into her side. “Are you questioning my honor, Lady S?”

  Alexa stared at him for long moments, searching for a sign that he was insincere. She found none.

  “Of course not, but you can’t blame me for being surprised. You love variety, always have, and I can’t help but wonder why you’re willing to change.”

  “What do you think having a permanent relationship with me is all about, Alexa? I’m not looking for a couple months of convenient indulgence. Finding a masochist that is the perfect mate for my sadist is only part of it. If we’re a fit, this is only the first step.”

  “The first step to what?”

  “Our happy ever after. I fully intend to marry you if you are compatible with my beast.” He chuckled as he tapped her under the chin, effectively closing her slack jaw. “So? Everyone is waiting, little one.”

  It took a couple of breaths for Alexa to force the happy amazement aside and say in a clear and confident voice, “It’s with pleasure that I announce my willing submission to Master Fox as my Dom. From this point forward, he is off limits to all subs and trainees. I will be the only one he scenes with and uses for demonstrations.” She cast a warning look at the subs muttering in the wake of her announcement. “I won’t think twice about taking action if I catch any of you forcing your attention onto him.”

  “Come now, Lady S. Surely you won’t deny him some clemency if we’re the ones offering?”

  Alexa seared the woman with a dark look. Sub Cleopatra was one of the longest employed at the castle and had been the one most opposed to the changes happening at the castle.

  “I suggest you don’t bother. I for one won’t stand for it. You’ve had years to play. He’s mine now and I have no intention of sharing him.”

  Cleopatra shunned Alexa as she turned to Shane. “Are you in agreement with her, Master Fox? Surely you of all the Masters aren’t going to allow a sub to order you about?”

  “It seems that you’ve been a submissive at the castle for too long and forgot what the dynamic an exclusive Dom/sub agreement entails. I won’t expect anything from Lady S that I’m not prepared to offer in return. She’s not ordering me to do anything, Cleopatra. I’m the one demanding exclusivity and it would be an insult to me if she didn’t reciprocate.”

  With a finger under her chin, he tipped her head back. His breath cascaded warmly against her skin as he growled against her lips, “I’m yours now, am I?”

  “You better believe it, Master Fox.”

  His mouth covered hers as he sealed her vow with a demanding and possessive kiss.

  “Fetch your plate and join me at the Masters’ table.”

  Alexa’s gaze flickered to the table where his cousins were seated, watching them with broad smiles.

  “You want me to sit at the family table?”

  “You’re with me now, Alexa. You will be by my side at all times, including during meals.” His eyes darkened. “Don’t ever question me again. You’re mine now … I expect you to act like it.”

  He left her staring after him as he strode off. She forced her rubbery legs to obey and fetched her plate. It was one thing to announce their relationship publicly, but to join them was quite a daunting prospect. She had a much closer relationship with the Sinclairs due to her position as Stone’s PA at BSE, which was why she was hesitant to join them. She had no idea how any of them felt about her invading their intimate circle.

  She was worried for nothing and smiled in relief as Zeke got up to hug her when she arrived at their table.

  “It’s about fucking time that old timer brother of mine did what he should’ve done years ago. Welcome to the family, Alexa.”

  “Thank you, Zeke. It means so much coming from you.” Alexa knew how close and protective Shane was over Zeke since he’d played the role of father and mother to him from a very young age.

  “Don’t tell him but I’ve always wanted a sister,” he whispered in her ear. “Someone who could tell him off when he smothers me.”

  She laughed and returned his hug. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Zeke, but even I’m not brave enough to interfere when it comes to you.”

  “Interfere, Alexa. I beg you!” he joked as they sat down.

  The banter continued throughout the meal, setting Alexa’s mind to rest. For the first time in years, she felt she belonged … that she finally had a family who cared for her as much as she had always cared for all of them.

  “Time for bed, little one. I want you to get at least ten hours of sleep tonight, since you didn’t sleep at all last night.”

  “Ahh, so that was the noise that kept us awake last night,” Zeke teased. “And here I thought stray cats managed to make their way onto the isl
and.

  Alexa’s cheeks burned. She hardly needed the reminder of how she’d begged, cried, and screamed her frustrations at Shane while he’d fucked her. Of course, it had served no purpose, apart from embarrassing her now, since he’d refrained from allowing her to climax. The aftereffect still left her feeling raw and her loins under duress with the need for release.

  Which she had bargained on receiving today. Her heart skipped a beat as he accompanied her from the Great Dining Hall after dinner. He stopped at the staircase and pointed upstairs.

  “Time for bed.”

  Shane didn’t hide his amusement as she flashed a pleading look at him. “You need sleep, my pet. I’m afraid there’s no hanky panky for you tonight.” He leaned in and kissed her briefly. “Off you go. I’ll be along shortly.”

  “What do you mean, you’ll be along shortly?”

  “All your belongings were moved to my apartment after we signed the agreement. You’ll be living with me henceforth.”

  Her back straightened and her eyes turned the color of the sky on a wintry morning.

  “I don’t recall discussing about where I’ll be living, Shane Sinclair.”

  “It’s not a topic to discuss. Our agreement was very precise; therefore I didn’t feel the need to drag it out since the end result would’ve been the same.”

  “That’s exceedingly presumptuous of you, to say the least. Just because I’m your permanent sub doesn’t mean I agreed to be treated like a slave.”

  “I have no intention of doing such a thing. You are your own person and outside of our sexual relationship you will continue to live your own life.”

  “As long as I do so under your control,” she snipped.

  “I will always be the dominant in our relationship, Alexa. If you expected anything else, you’re naïve. You’re a strong, independent woman and you’re a brat, which is what attracts me to you. I don’t want you to change and I have no intention of ruling every minute of your day, but I will take care of your needs—all of them—and in that, you will be under my control.”

  He traced the frown on her brow.