It'll Be An Adventure (Masters of the Shadowlands #15)(100)
Author: Cherise Sinclair

 

“Boundaries?”

 

He smiled. “Like fences make for good neighbors, boundaries make for good relationships. Learn what boundaries you need—and respect yourself enough to enforce them.”

 

Whew. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

 

“Yes.” He rose and held out his hand. “You will continue discussing this with your counselor, whoever they might be.”

 

She took his hand and caved. “I will.”

 

“Very good.” He waved at the entrance of the moon garden. “Here she is, Saxon. All yours.”

 

“Yes, that she is.” Saxon walked in—and the moonlight made his golden hair gleam silver, a Viking warrior ready for battle.

 

“I need to buy you an axe and a shield. Do you speak Norse?”

 

With a snort, he tucked her against his side. “No more alcohol for you, sweetling.”

 

 

 

 

 

Later that night, after they’d talked and then talked some more, Saxon felt as if they were connected even more deeply than before.

 

She’d told him about finishing the book. Then they’d discussed the gala again, having both had time to process everything.

 

He told her about Everly and how she’d primed him to believe Murphy’s father’s lies.

 

Murphy had understood and forgiven Saxon for his kneejerk reaction. Instead of damning him to hell and gone, here she was, snuggled up against him.

 

He was blessed.

 

Murphy confessed how she’d overshared and told Dad how his career had impacted Saxon’s life. Her apology had been heartfelt but not needed.

 

Dad had already told him—and about how firmly she’d refused his offer to make her books into a TV series.

 

Saxon had asked him to extend the offer again in a while. She shouldn’t lose this opportunity just because women like Everly had played him. It’d be wonderful to see Murphy’s stories on television where everyone—not just readers—could enjoy them.

 

Pulling her closer, he stroked her shoulder. Damn, but he’d never forget how she’d turned his father’s offer down. He’d never be able to tell her how much that meant to him.

 

He’d tried, though, and tried to show her too.

 

Tonight, there’d been no rough sex, no domination. Instead, he’d made love to her as gently as he could, with all his skill—and all his love.

 

She’d had a rough few days. Her father’s betrayal had hit her hard and today, the panic attack had topped everything off. So there was no way he’d indulge in the rough or kinky sex they normally both enjoyed.

 

He’d give her as long as she needed before they went that route again. She’d have to show him, loud and clear, when she was ready.

 

This evening had been for connecting again.

 

Now, he shifted her closer, breathed in her green, summery scent, and rubbed his cheek against her hair.

 

Tonight, what he’d tried to show her with every movement of his body was that he was happy his heart was home.

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

 

 

 

 

 

The next night, Murphy walked beside Saxon into the club and breathed in the unique scents of people in all their fragrant glory, from light whiffs of perfume or cologne to sweat to pungent sex. Underlying all that was the provocative smell of leather.

 

From the speakers came a compelling song. Leaning against Saxon, she listened to the lyrics for a moment. She didn’t recognize the band. “Who?”

 

“Moonspell’s “Extinct”.

 

“Nice.” Shaking her head, she laughed a little.

 

He slung an arm around her. “What’s that thought, kitlet?”

 

“I’m just surprised at how at home I feel now—here, in this crazy place.” She motioned to the first scene area where Mistress Anne was flogging Ben, her massive submissive. Just past them, a young Dom dropped wax from a candle onto a squirming guy.

 

“Crazy, yeah.” Saxon grinned and guided her across the floor. Past a Dom who’d attached a leash to a woman’s nipples.

 

Another couple trailed after them, and Murphy’s mouth dropped open. That leash was wrapped around the submissive’s testicles. She snorted. “I bet the leashed ones are extremely good at heeling.”

 

Laughing, Saxon tightened his arm around her waist, then ran his hand down her breasts. He squeezed just hard enough to make her inhale sharply. “These little cuties would look nice on a leash.”

 

Oh, major ow. Yet, just his touch, the firm pressure of his hand sent heat streaking through her veins.

 

She frowned at him. “That might be taking pet play too far. Sir.”

 

“You think?” He was dressed tonight in what she’d heard Gabi call Dom casual—black jeans, black T-shirt, black boots. His close-trimmed beard framed his stern mouth as he looked down at her with a considering gaze.

 

Her nipples began to ache almost as if they were already clamped.

 

When they reached the bar, Murphy climbed onto a bar stool.

 

Behind the bar, Cullen pointed at Saxon. “Hey, boyo, can you pull a shift as dungeon monitor—starting now? Holt’s stuck pulling overtime at the hospital.”

 

It took Murphy a moment to remember that Josie’s guy was a firefighter and a nurse. “Will Master Saxon be assigned to the pet room?”

 

Cullen shook his head. “No, sorry, love. Out here.”

 

Oh darn.

 

Saxon ran a finger down her cheek. “How about you go play in there while I’m working?”

 

“That does sound like an excellent plan.” Master Marcus sat at the bar with Gabi standing beside him. He told Saxon, “I’m on DM duty for the other half of this room.”

 

Gabi grinned. “Yes, come and play with us, Murphy.” Raising her nose, she let out a high yip.

 

Next to her, Zuri giggled and let out a long howl.

 

“You two.” Murphy shook her head. “We just saw a couple people on leashes. I’m surprised your Masters don’t do that to you both.”

 

“I might could consider that,” Master Marcus said in his slow drawl.