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.

(unedited - subject to change)

Darcy moved to glance out his condo’s panoramic windows. “The view is amazing.”

“Thank you. Doesn’t come close to the luxuries you’ve enjoyed in the Accardi mansion, but it works for me.”

She tightened her face into an angry mask. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve enjoyed nothing.”

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

“Life with the Accardis has been hell,” she gritted through her teeth. “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. “No need to answer. We both know it’s close to a lifetime. Have you gone over every single one of your past actions? What about the damage you left behind?”

“I didn’t—”

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

Darcy stared at him. A doubtful expression in her face. 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 thrust the document at her. “This is your ticket out.”

He couldn’t help being amused as he followed the progression on her face. From steady, to bewildered, to a deep frown and flushed cheeks.

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

“You mentioned compensation for my services. That’s my list, my non-negotiable fees.”

Gently, he retrieved the document from her fingers and sat on his sofa. Leaning his elbow on his backrest, he adopted a pose of lazy indifference.

He placed the contract at his side, then tapped it with his fingertips. “This crap, as you call it, will ease your getaway. My requirements stand between a safe out thanks to yours truly, or an escape you’ll have to risk all by your lonesome.”

Her skin 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 document. “What will you do to me if I don’t agree with your compensation or whatever you call that?”

“Not a f-cking thing. You’re free to walk out right now.” Calmly, he signaled at his door.

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

“I’m not negotiating with you. This is a one-way deal. I grant you a word. Red. The only one. Read the language at the bottom of the list. It’s quite clear, but take your time. Make sure you understand. I don’t want to hear you bitching later. The word is a complete deal breaker. Use it and you’re on your own.”

“But—”

“Let me repeat, non-negotiable. 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 out in the open for everyone to…admire.”

“I didn’t—”

He waved. “How am I an abuser?”

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

“Forcing? I’ve given you a choice. Take it or leave it.” Tsking, he stood. “Sadly, for you, I know your drama all too well. And it ain’t working on me, darling. I’m not Cam.”

“Cam,” eyes wide, she whispered. “What about Cam? I don’t understand.”

“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 such an attitude, I’m done with you. I want you out of my house.” He moved to her side and grabbed her arm.

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

Darcy could struggle, hold on to the chair and try to stay seated, but he easily pulled her to her feet. “I’m helping you out. That’s what.” He yanked her toward the door…