by Linzi Basset
“Understood.”
“Who the fuck are you?” Drake sneered as he rattled the chains. His eyes drifted to where Rita was throat fucked so hard and stuffed so full, she was choking on her own vomit. It only spurred the sadist to increase his efforts. “What the hell is this?”
“This is you and your bitch paying for what you did to Alexa Silver ten years ago.” Shane walked close and grabbed Drake by the throat. “Let me make myself abundantly clear, Lambert. If, and it’s a very big if, you survive this night, you stay away from Alexa, the Sinclairs, and anyone associated with either of them. If not … what happens tonight will be child’s play to what I’ll do to you then.”
Ignoring his angry shouts that turned to painful screams, Shane and Kane left the room.
“I would've felt better feeding the bastard to the fucking sharks but this is what they deserve,” Shane rasped as they exited the club.
“Yes, it’s their just deserts, even though you showed leniency toward Rita,” Kane said as they got into the rental. “He, on the other hand, might not survive. Did you see the look of pleasured anticipation in their eyes?”
“Yeah, those bastards are unfeeling motherfuckers.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brodie Clinic, Washington D.C. ...
“Are you ready, my friend?” Shane squeezed Danton’s shoulder. He studied him worriedly. He’d been exceedingly quiet for the past couple of weeks and had kept to himself. “You haven’t been around much lately.”
“I didn’t trust myself around people, Shane. You saw how volatile I could become. Look what I did to Alexa.” His voice became strangled. “I’ll fucking never forgive myself for that.”
“She did and she’d be highly pissed if you didn’t do the same.”
“What the fuck?” Danton caught the silicon ring on Shane’s ring finger. “If you tell me you married her without asking me to be the best man, now that’s gonna make me go all Hulk on you.”
Shane chuckled as he turned the ring around his finger. A satisfied smile lurked on his lips. “This is a commitment ring she gave me this weekend … when she asked me to marry her.”
“Hell no.” Danton pushed upright. “That’s fucked up, Shane. That’s not how it was supposed to go down.” He shook his head. “Why the hell do you think I insisted you take her out on the yacht? You were supposed to pop the question. Dammit, man, was I supposed to draw you a picture?”
“Relax, Danton. I had the ring and it was the plan but she did it so … er … sweetly, I couldn’t find it in my heart to deny her.”
“So?”
“So, what?”
“Did you say yes, for fuck’s sake?”
“Hell yes, I did.” The smile threatened to split his face in two. “I have to tell you, Danton, I have never felt so much love as I do with her. She has turned my life around and I can’t wait to build a future with her.”
“I’m happy for you, my friend. It’s about time you found happiness.”
“Alexa said to tell you she loves you and you better get your ass healthy since apparently you’re the only one who can keep the Sinclair clan contained.”
“Always knew why I loved that little squirt so much.” He laughed and nudged Shane in the side. “Yeah, you’ve got it. I’ll fucking take her for myself if you don’t take care of her.”
“Never gonna happen, my friend. Not for as long as I live.”
“So, you got all the bastards?” Danton was still miffed that he wasn’t allowed to go on the sting operation.
“Yes, the FBI took Hastings, Moore, and Muller into custody as well. Randazzo and Yong are attempting to be extradited to their countries and stand trial there but that’s not going to happen. They’re going to rot in an American jail for the rest of their lives.”
“And Rebecca?”
“Parker and Zeke are searching for her but she’s like a fucking phantom. So far there’s no sign of her.”
“What about Yale’s children? Surely someone must have some information to inform them of their father’s death.”
“That’s if they’re still alive. All we have are speculations but no proof as of yet.” Shane ran his hand through his hair. “It’s such a fuck up. We might have finally closed down SPEONUS but there will be a backlash from the Sicilian Mafia and the Triads, you can be damn sure about that.”
“We can only fight the battles, Shane but winning the war against all of them? That’s fucking impossible.”
“Ready, Mr. Hill?”
Danton’s body went rigid as he glanced at the nurse standing in the doorway. He looked at Shane. “I’m fucking scared, Shane. What if this doesn’t work?”
“It’ll work. We are all rooting for you. Just be positive.”
“I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything. You know that.”
“I refuse to be a vegetable, Shane. If that happens, you take me to a state where euthanasia is legal. I’d rather die in peace than live like that.”
“Danton, you’re asking too—”
“My life, my choice. Promise me, Shane!”
“I promise.”
It looked like the weight of the world slipped from his shoulders at Shane’s words. He relaxed back on the bed and smiled at the nurse.
“Let’s do this, little one.”
Shane, Kane, Zeke, and Stone stayed at the Brodie Clinic until Danton came to. They were relieved when Jeremy Saunders confirmed all went well and that the pressure had successfully been relieved.
“And his brain function?” Shane asked with bated breath. The promise he’d made weighed heavy on his mind. It would kill him but he knew he’d honor his friend’s wishes if it came to that.
“It’s too early to tell. We’ll only know if his brain function is normal in a couple of weeks. However, you need to be prepared that he might wake up with slight amnesia. That is normal and usually lasts a couple of days.”
“Thanks, Dr. Saunders. You have no idea how relieved we are.”
Shane, Zeke, Kane, and Stone had stayed at the hospital while the four women had returned to the penthouse suite the Sinclairs owned at the Residence Inn Hotel. Peyton was tired and Stone didn’t feel the stress they were experiencing was good for her. They decided to stay overnight in Washington to visit Danton once he was awake before returning to The Seven Keys Island.
“A barbeque? You’re not serious?” Peyton tapped her toe on the floor as she regarded the four men with her hands on her protruding stomach.
“We all deserve a treat, my love, and you have to admit, no Michelin star chef can do a marinated ribeye steak like I can.” Stone planted a resounding smack on her lips.
“I don’t deny that, but I also know HOW the Sinclair men do barbeques. We’re going to have dinner at midnight and by then I’ll be passed out from hunger.” She shook her head. “No, I’m afraid your cheffing will have to wait for another time. We’re either ordering in or going out. Take your pick.”
“I’m afraid we’re in agreement with Peyton on this and since she has two votes …” Rose smiled sweetly at Kane as he glowered at her. He had been salivating for one of Stone’s steaks since he mentioned a barbeque at the hospital.
“Come now, Peyton. I promise to—”
The doorbell interrupted Stone’s attempt to change her mind. She shook her finger at him.
“I’ll get the door while you decide, but do remember, Stone Sinclair, a barbeque isn’t one of the choices.”
“Wait! We didn’t receive a notification that someone was on the way. Peyton, don’t touch that door.” Stone and Shane stormed after her but she had already opened it.
“Oh, my God,” she gasped as she stumbled backward. One hand searched frantically behind her for Stone. He reached her and caught it in his.
“Get away from her, Stone Sinclair,” Rebecca Lomas sneered as he attempted to pull her behind him.
Peyton screamed as a shot echoed through the apartment. She watched with horror in her eyes as Kane
groaned and clutched his leg. He had been edging closer from the kitchen to try and disarm her.
“Move away from her. I’m an excellent shot, Stone. I never miss what I aim for. The next one is going to be between the eyes of one of the pretty two women at the table.” She gestured with the gun. Stone refused to let go of Peyton. She smirked as she aimed it over Shane’s chest. It was clear that she wouldn’t hesitate to kill all of them if any of the men tried to overpower her. The safety of their women took precedence and they had no recourse but to allow her to play out her scene.
“Glaring at me isn’t going to achieve anything, Shane. I’m not one of your submissives,” She taunted him as she caught his murderous look. “Eenie, meanie—”
“No! Please, I’m moving away.”
“Peyton, no!”
Stone was left helpless as Peyton yanked her hand loose and stepped away from him.
“Just don’t shoot anyone else,” Peyton pleaded with her hands raised sideways.
“Oh, I don’t particularly have any interest in shooting any of them but if anyone takes another step, I will. I suggest you all behave like good little boys and do as I say.” Rebecca looked to each of them.
“What the fuck do you want?” Shane bit out through clenched teeth.
“Justice.” Rebecca took a step closer to Peyton. “Aha,” she berated Stone as his body tightened to jump her. Her gun was now pointing directly at Peyton’s head. “I won’t miss this close, Stone. Don’t test my patience.”
“How did you get past the security guard at the private elevator entrance?” Stone’s body was taut, prepared for that one split second where she lowered her guard and he could attack.
“Let’s just say there’s one less heartbeat in the hotel at the moment.” She flicked the black access card between her fingers. “He was kind enough to give me this and before you ask how I knew about this place, let’s just say I’m as resourceful as you are.”
“What do you want?” Shane sneered.
There wasn’t much to associate the disheveled woman with the stately Speaker of the House that everyone loved and respected. Her eyes glimmered as she stared between him and Stone with a crazed look.
"The Sinclairs destroyed everything.” Her eyes glazed over with the venom of poison as she glared at Stone. “You, it’s all your fault! You took everything I had, my dreams and my hopes for a bright future.”
“A bright future? You’re delusional if you believed for one moment you would’ve been able to obtain world power. The American people wouldn’t have stood for it.”
“Shut the fuck up, Shane Sinclair! What do you know? What do any of you know? I had … we had them all in our pockets. We had leaders in place on every one of the seven continents.”
“Leaders? You were in fucking cahoots with the Mafia and crime syndicates,” Kane sneered as he nursed his leg. He’d tied a kitchen towel around it to stem the flow of blood.
“You’re all so shortsighted. Those who were in control of the good and the bad had it all … unbreakable power. All-consuming power. We would’ve perfected the balance between law abiders and criminals.”
“Lining your pockets, you mean,” Zeke snapped. He’d positioned himself in front of Rose, Taylor, and Alexa. “We’re not fucking idiots. This is about money. Power is nothing but a sideline.”
“Keep your mouth shut, little boy. I’m old enough to be your fucking mother.” She snorted as she shifted her gaze back to Stone. “He's dead and it’s your fault.”
“David Yale?” Stone didn’t move but he remained watchful.
“Who else, you motherfucker!” she screeched. “You were the one who caught him before he could join me in the tunnel and escape. I watched, helplessly as you forced him outside.” She jerked the gun between Stone and Shane. “Which one of you pulled the trigger? Tell me, you fuck!” she screamed when they didn’t respond.
“What does it matter? You won’t believe us either way.” Stone deadpanned.
“You’re right, I probably won’t.”
“Why did you come here, Rebecca?” Shane interjected, hoping to keep her attention while Kane inched closer from the side. “Yes, I get it, you’re pissed at Yale dying and want revenge but you were home free. We’ve been searching high and low for you but you managed to stay under the radar. Why take the risk of being caught?”
“Because it doesn’t matter anymore. Without David … I’m nothing.”
“Really?” Shane prodded in a deep voice. What about your son? And Yale's three children? Surely it’s worth living for them?”
Rebecca turned pale. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that you managed to find out about Leon. That he’s my son.” She shrugged. “I tolerated David’s children while he was married to Veronica … but she was venom and made sure they believed I was evil.” She smirked as she noticed Stone and Shane exchange looks. “So you know about her too.”
“That you and Yale killed her and used the airstrike as a cover to get away with murder?” Shane snapped. “Yeah, we know.”
“Ah, well, it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m going to disappear, gather Leon and his siblings and start over where no one will find us.” She cackled a laugh at their expressions. “Yeah, they love me now. Even accepted me as their mother. Believe me, they know who is responsible for their father’s death. If you think your battle ended in Belize, you’re sadly mistaken. It’s only beginning.”
She pulled her spine taut as she cast a cold eye at Stone. Her voice cracked through the apartment.
“An eye for an eye, you bastard,” she sneered and pulled the trigger and with a hysterical laugh, sprinted from the apartment.
“Uggh,” Peyton stumbled back, her eyes wide, shocked, and filled with painful horror as she turned to Stone. Her hands covered the wound in her stomach, desperately attempting to stop the blood spilling from her body.
"St-Stone! Our b-baby ... she sh-shot our—" Her eyes rolled back into their sockets as she succumbed to the black void of unconsciousness.
“Peyton!” Stone caught her before she hit the floor. He laid her down, yanked off his shirt and pressed it against the gaping wound.
“Get that fucking bitch, Zeke! Kill her!” Stone screamed as he watched the white of his shirt turn red. He lifted tortured eyes to Shane, unaware that Kane and Zeke had chased after Rebecca.
“What do I do, Shane. She can’t die! Shane! TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK TO DO!”
“I already phoned the ambulance,” Alexa said as she kneeled next to Shane who did his best to put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.
Shane kept his mind blank to what this meant for their little baby. His heart was heavy as he listened to the gulping sobs from Stone as he cuddled Peyton’s head in his arms.
“She can’t die, Shane. I c-can’t lose her. DO SOMETHING, damn you! Don’t you let her die, Shane.” Tears streamed down his cheeks as he pressed his hand over Shane’s. “Tell me what to do, Shane. How … how do I help her?”
Shane threw the soaked shirt aside and took the towels Rose handed him. Stone gasped as he noticed the blood seeping from between her thighs.
“She’s hemorrhaging, Stone. I’m … there’s … we need to get her to a hospital and fast.”
“God! Please don’t let her die. She’s my savior. I can’t … I can’t s-survive without h-her.”
“Stone …” Shane couldn’t talk. He didn’t know what to say … how to tell him …
The End.
For now at least ...
Danton: Book 8
Danton Hill was originally only meant to be a secondary character throughout the series but he has come to his own right and very loved by all the fans of Castle Sin.
It’s only fair that he’ll have his own story! Keep your eyes open for Danton’s story of lost hope, past regrets and an astounding revelation that will blow your mind.
Find more details of Castle sin on my website: www.linzibassetauthor.com
Excerpt: Fierce Paxton
The Stiletto PI Series
The PI Series is about the four women of the Red Reign PI Agency: Paxton, Jordan, Knox, and Kezlin. All four are seasoned ex-military combatants. They’re badass, sassy and measure up to any man worth his salt, especially when challenged by the four men of The Cobra Black Ops group.
In FIERCE PAXTON, Book 1, we meet Paxton Lee and Jared Bates.
CHAPTER ONE
“Get your big-ass body off me, Commander Bates!” Paxton Lee hissed like a hognose snake. She struggled to breathe under the sheer weight of the black ops commander who had pressed her flat to the ground. Her anger sprouted from the Cobras’ arrival minutes after they started their surveillance.
In response to her expletive-laced outburst, he clamped a meaty paw over her mouth and growled into her ear, “Keep quiet or you’ll get us both killed.”
If she could’ve uttered a word, she would have succinctly informed him that she wasn’t an imbecile and knew exactly what she was doing— until he butted in. She was becoming exceedingly annoyed that he and his team continuously pitched up where they weren’t wanted or needed. This was the third surveillance job of the Red Reign PI team with which they had interfered.
“Fuck,” Jared Bates cursed and glowered at the squirming woman under him.
“For the love of god, woman, bite me again and you’ll reap the consequences,” he growled. To her, the sound of his voice snapped like the bark of a feral dog and yet, it had been hissed through barely moving lips.
Although Paxton couldn't see much in the darkness, she was transfixed by the fullness of his lips enough to wonder what they might feel like. That thought quickly metastasized into an almost uncontrollable urge. If that wasn’t bad enough, feeling his hard, muscled frame pressed against her only ramped up the voltage. Her now unhinged libido responded like a five-alarm fire with a white-hot flash of heat to her loins.
