Deadly Reckoning: Central Florida Stories

Is she a snake in the grass, or an innocent victim?

Pete Brummer excels at his Club Nexus security job, where he’s worked since his friends Kurt and Ethan opened its dungeons. But his personal life is taking a dive. His sometime-sub has moved on. His nights are disrupted by intense nightmares of his best friend’s suicide ten years ago.

Neck-deep in logistics for accommodating a VIP guest—an import/export “businessman” with a suspiciously scrubbed history—he’s shocked to recognize two faces: Gio Accardi, rising crime lord, and the hot number in his entourage, Darcy effing Thomas. Back in high school, when he’d assumed his Dominance was too much for her sweet innocence, she answered his rejection with a string of poor choices that cost more than one life—then she vanished.

Darcy’s hiding a cache of proof against Accardi and needs Pete’s help. Despite the danger, he can’t resist the perfect chance to avenge his friend’s death. As he takes her on an extreme sexual journey, he suspects she’s trying too hard to pretend she isn’t enjoying his demands and humiliations. And that maybe she’s not the conniving snake he thought she was, but a woman who’s paid far more than she deserved for the past.

Adults Only: Deadly Reckoning is a standalone dark romance, the final book in the Central Florida Stories/Club Nexus universe. Contains revenge, morally gray MMC, enemies to lovers, dubcon, erotic BDSM elements, and explicit D/s dynamics.

Snippet.
(adults only - language)

The devilish sunlight played with her amazing, clear emerald eyes. Pete’s heart jolted. She was stunning.

Out of all of Darcy’s exquisite attributes, her eyes always took center stage. The passing years and toxic resentment had dulled the memory. But in the proximity of his living room, with morning light happily bouncing around and hitting every surface, they were on full display. Fantasies and dangerous desires he’d suppressed barreled back, threatening to sidetrack his resolve.

You can’t weaken. No. F#cking. Way.

Pete closed the door, and the weird effect dissipated. Back in control of his basest male instincts, he joined her.

“The view is amazing,” she said.

“Thank you. Nothing close to the luxuries you’ve enjoyed in the Accardi mansion, but it works for me.”

She tightened her features. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve enjoyed nothing,” she gritted through her teeth.

Pete arched an eyebrow. “So you mentioned last night.”

“Life with the Accardis has been hell.” Darcy faced him. “Their so-called luxuries meant nothing to me. Why can’t you believe me?”

“Belief requires trust. Trust takes time.” Pete tilted his head. “Not counting last night, when did we see each other last? How long has it been?”

Darcy opened her mouth, but he waved a silencing hand. “Rhetorical. No need to answer. We both know it’s close to a lifetime. Have you gone over every single one of your past actions? The damage you left behind?”

“I didn’t—”

“Stop right there. I’ll be right back.”

Darcy stared at him doubtfully. He didn’t bother to answer her silent question. He went to his office, snatched a pen and the handwritten contract, and returned to the living room.

“You want help to escape the Accardis? Here. Read.” He handed the paper to her.

He couldn’t help but be amused as he followed the progression of her reaction. From steady, to bewildered, to a deep frown and flushed cheeks.

When she finished reading, she slapped the paper against her leg. “What is this crap?”

“You mentioned compensation for my services. There you have it.” Gently, he retrieved the contract from her fingers. He sat on his sofa and leaned his elbows on his backrest, adopting a pose of lazy indifference. That should rile her even more.

Putting the document next to him, he tapped it. “This crap, as you call it, is what stands between a safe escape thanks to yours truly, or being all by your lonesome.”

She paled. “But I never imagined…” The plump lower lip he’d fantasized about nibbling and sucking trembled. She wiped her fingers over her forehead and sat opposite him.

She pointed at the paper. “What will you do to me if I don’t agree with your compensation or whatever you want to call that?”

“Not a f#cking thing. You’re free to walk out right now.” Calmly, he nodded toward his door.

“Your demands are insane. Where are my safewords?”

“I’m not negotiating with you. This is a one-way street. Red is your safeword. The only one. The language at the bottom of the list is clear. The safeword is a complete deal-breaker. Use it, and you’re on your own.”

“But—”

“Nonnegotiable. Should you find my terms acceptable, a fair amount of bondage will be involved. Walking around won’t be so easy.” He chuckled.

“This is not funny,” she hissed. “I didn’t realize you were a perverted abuser. Wow, Pete. You and Gio have a lot in common.”

“Perverted?” He smirked. “Interesting comment from a woman who showed up at my club with her shaved sn#tch exposed for everyone to check out.”

“I didn’t—”

He waved. “How am I an abuser?”

“Because…you’re…you’re forcing this on me.”

“Forcing? Stop the act.” Tsking, he stood. “Sadly for you, I know your drama all too well. And it ain’t workin’ on me, darling. I’m not Cam.”

“Cam,” she whispered, eyes wide. “What about Cam? I don’t know what you mean.”

“When did you ever understand or take responsibility for any of your actions or for the world of pain you left behind? You dare call me names? Guess what, sweets, I ain’t forcing sh#t on you. In fact, with that kind of attitude, I want you out of my house.” He went to her and grabbed her arm.

“What are you doing?” She stiffened, one hand holding the chair.

Darcy could struggle and try to stay seated, but it wouldn’t work against his strength. He easily pulled her to her feet. “I’m helping you out. That’s what.” He yanked her toward the door…