“It’s no use wondering. I’ll let him explain it to me.” She turned the page and found the limit list. She was pleased that, like at Club Alpha Cove, they didn’t promote hardcore BDSM practices. “Might as well be proactive,” she mumbled. She found a pen in one of the counter drawers and completed the list.
As she walked down the stairs ten minutes later, she wondered about her decision to commit to Parker Rothman. It hadn’t been a choice she’d made easily. She’d spent all her nights since they’d met thinking about her life and how different and fulfilling it would be with a man like him in it. Correction … with him in it. It appeared the decision had been made on that first night already; it had only taken her mind a little longer to catch up to what her heart, body, and soul had acknowledged instinctively.
The Great Dining Hall buzzed with energy as she walked inside under the huge archway. Shane, Zeke, and Danton were seated at the Master’s table and she headed that way. In a way she was relieved that between Parker and Peyton, she’d been forced to disclose her real name to everyone at lunch the previous day. At least now she could be herself.
“Ava! Over here.”
She glanced to the right, smiling at Peyton waving at her and changed direction.
“Morning, Ava. Did you enjoy your first night in Castle Sin?” Stone’s deep voice invited rosy cheeks as proof of just how much she’d enjoyed the previous night. His chuckle caused heat to rush to her face. “I see my little brother was in top form.”
“Stop teasing her, Stone. Be polite,” Peyton reprimanded him but offered him a blinding smile to soften the sting. He didn’t seem at all upset. Instead, he brought her closer for a brief kiss.
“I’d like to have a private word with Ava, baby. Do you mind waiting for us at the table?”
“As long as it’s quick. I’m starving,” Peyton said with a petulant pout.
“Lately, you’re always hungry.”
“What do you expect? I’m carrying your baby and if he’s anything like you … he’s a big eater,” she snipped as she trotted away.
“Please take a seat, Ava.”
Ava squirmed under the mighty Master Dom of the Castle’s intense regard. His face was a solemn mask. He stretched out his long legs and clasped his fingers together over his washboard stomach, visible through the tight t-shirt he wore.
“I need to know that I can trust you, Ava. Not just with my brother’s heart, but that you will keep in confidence everything you might hear or that Parker chooses to disclose to you.”
“I have no intention of hurting him, Stone. I’m a very loyal person and insofar as keeping the confidence of you and everyone here, you have no need to be concerned.”
“Good. Secondly, I need to know that you are legit. Parker has done extensive research on you and he assures me you are, but I want to hear it from you.”
She shifted in the chair but didn’t lower her gaze. “I did some stupid things when I was younger but I learned my lesson. Nowadays, I don’t trust easily. People, in general, are fucked up, which is one of the reasons I became a loner … mostly. I’ve learned there is only one person I can depend on and that’s me. I’m a hacker and by association, everyone believes it’s a skill that can only be utilized for personal gain and underhanded schemes. As far as I’m concerned, that’s partly true.”
“Meaning?” Stone straightened and leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees. His gaze sharpened.
Her shoulders rolled in a shrug. “I get paid for the information I supply, which is personal gain, but I only work with legitimate Federal government entities and a small group of investigative journalists. I committed years ago to aid the government in keeping our country and its citizens safe.”
“That’s commendable but stealing the Terror Notebook was anything but.”
Ava went as dull as lead. Stone didn’t miss how she clenched and unclenched her hands.
“I trust my brother implicitly, Ava, and he believes you were blackmailed. Is he correct?”
“Yes.” Ava sighed and ran a hand through her hair. Why she felt the need to be honest with this formidable man, she had no idea but the words tumbled from her lips. “He threatened to kill my mother. At first, I didn’t put any stock in it because I didn’t believe he knew who I really was but then he sent me a picture of her with a note that he knew all about her and my father. I didn’t even know who my father was. I had never been so scared in my life. I have no love for her but she’s still my mother. I had no choice but I also knew I had to stop him. Exposing him was the only way I knew how. The fact that he died wasn’t part of the plan but I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit it was a relief at the same time.”
“Because your secret was safe once again.”
“Yes.” She blinked but didn’t look away from his intense stare. “It’s the only thing that keeps me safe.”
Stone’s brows knitted in a frown. “One thing you have to understand, Ava, is that trust is earned, especially as far as I’m concerned. As long as you live on this island or are involved with Parker, you’ll be under my protection.” He waved a hand to the Master’s table. “As well as the rest of the clan. We love and protect our own fiercely. You might be a loner, but here, you’re one of us. You’ll have to learn to trust us so we can in return trust in you. Just remember, we’re here to help, and knowing Parker, he’ll keep digging until he finds what it is. For your own sake, I suggest you discuss it with Parker before he stumbles across something you might not want him to. If it’s something that could impact your future with him it’ll be for your own good to bring it out in the open now. Parker has his own trust issues, but for some reason, he trusts you unquestioningly.” Stone got up and stretched lazily. “Don’t abuse that trust, Ava, because believe me, you don’t want my wrath unleashed onto you.”
He held out his hand. “Come, let’s have breakfast.” He looked around. “Where is that lazy brother of mine?”
“He went for a jog and told me to meet him here.”
“Of course, but if he’s not here soon, we’re starting without him.”
“I’m here, Mr. Grumpy,” Parker said as he joined them, having just arrived as they approached the table. He caught Ava’s hand and scrutinized her face. “Everything okay, Cherub?”
She smiled briefly as she sat down beside Peyton. “Apart from a grumbling stomach, everything is peachy.”
“Good lord, not you too. I grew up with a brother who never smiled until he had his breakfast. Trust me to pick the one woman with the same tendency,” he grumbled as he stood beside her, gently massaging her shoulders. “It’s a buffet breakfast, love. Shall I dish up for you or are … okay, I see you’re coming with,” he chuckled as she jumped up and marched ahead of him to the front of the hall.
“Hm-hm-hmm … just look at those sexy swaying hips. Makes a man’s cock jump to attention.” He bumped into her as she abruptly spun around with her fists on her waist. “Oops, careful there, love. You should at least give a signal before you make a U-turn.”