by Maren Smith
Crap, Master D was headed back towards her.
Fawn pasted a smile on her face. She still had all day tomorrow and now she had two names to help her find her target. She’d figure it out.
When Fawn yawned for the umpteenth time, Dane made the executive decision that they were going to bed. To his surprise, it did actually turn out to be they. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but when she’d seemed to expect he would come in the room with her, he hadn’t had the heart to tell her no.
Then he’d told himself that he’d just hold her until she fell asleep.
That turned out to be a lie, but not intentionally. He really had meant to wait until she fell asleep and then slip out, but it turned out that when he’d exhausted her, he’d managed to exhaust himself as well.
The fact that the Castle made it hard to stay focused didn’t help. And so far all he and Luke had was their gut feelings. It was also possible that for once their guts had failed him. He knew he was probably also feeling more relaxed about having another confirmed player at the Castle, one on their side. Turner wouldn’t be checking in with him, but it was another set of eyes on the guests.
So Dane fell asleep in Fawn’s bed with her curled up in his arms. For the second night in a row.
And woke up feeling incredibly well-rested with her still curled up in his arms. For the second morning in a row.
Dammit, he could get used to this.
Rather than waking her up, he decided to slip away again and go get them both breakfast. He figured she’d still be sore this morning and breakfast in bed would probably be appealing.
It was when he was leaving the café, his hands full of coffee and breakfast sandwiches, when a blonde came up to him to see if he was interested in a day trip to Granger. The small town was the closest population center to the Castle, even if their population wasn’t very big, and this was the first he’d heard of visits to the outside.
“It’s something we started recently and it’s a very popular outing,” she said, smiling up at him. “The bus runs on an hourly schedule, so if you if you want to get away for a couple hours it’s a good opportunity.”
That made sense. As amazing as the Castle was, it was hard to play all day and night. There were plenty of things to do in the Castle that weren’t necessarily about sex, just exploring the grounds could be interesting, but everything was still going to be tinged with some sexual overtones. That’s what everyone was here for. Being able to take a short break and just relax, in regular clothing, for a few hours might appeal to some people. Likely not very many, since most of the guests were at the Castle for a specific purpose, but if a subbie had gotten a hard workout like he’d given Fawn last night and needed some rest…
Or if a criminal wanted to get away to make in person contact with someone…
Hmmm. A look around Granger might not be a bad idea, especially since he could still be back in time for his meeting with Luke. Plus, he kind of liked the idea of getting away from the Castle with Fawn for a little bit. Somewhere less formal. Less blatantly sexual.
“Yes, please,” he found himself saying. “Master D and, um, Flora.” For a moment there he’d almost forgotten the name Fawn was supposed to be using at the Castle. Considering he’d barely used it, that wasn’t too surprising, but he needed to watch himself. He’d lucked out the first time that she obviously hadn’t remembered him using her real name in the heat of passion; he couldn’t count on being lucky every time.
“Great!” the blonde said, scribbling his name down. “The first bus leaves at ten and then another one will go every hour after that with the last one at two. Regular clothes are encouraged for the trip, although obviously you’ll need to change back when you return.”
“Thank you for all your help,” Dane said with a smile.
“You’re welcome, Sir,” she chirped before turning toward a couple who were up early as well and coming into the foyer.
Fawn hadn’t quite known what to make of Master D’s decision for both of them to take a jaunt out of the Castle, but she wasn’t protesting either. She was still sore, but walking through the streets of Granger and stretching her legs a bit helped. So did wearing normal clothing. Since she hadn’t had a say in it, and protesting would look pretty suspicious when she wasn’t ready for another scene back at the Castle, she was just going with the flow.
Sure, she had one eye out for Mario, but she doubted she’d get an opportunity to do anything even if she did see him. Master D was sticking close by her side—in fact, he’d started holding her hand about five minutes into walking down the street and Fawn had no interest in losing it.
This was almost like being able to pretend she was a normal woman out on a normal date. Why not savor the moment? It might be the last chance she got.
Sometime after lunch she started to notice that Master D was looking for someone or something. At least, that’s how it seemed. Whenever they went into a shop, he’d do a quick scan of everyone in the shop before taking up a position near the front window where he could see out into the street. He definitely didn’t seem to be enjoying himself the way she was.
Then again, what had she really expected? An actual date?
It did remind her that she wasn’t here for pleasure, no matter that she’d have fun pretending for another few hours. Time was running out. She had a job to do. And her target definitely wasn’t in Granger.
They needed to go back to the Castle.
Chapter 9
Granger was a bust.
Spotting visitors from the Castle was easy enough, since they were all still wearing their bracelets, but Carmen had not been among them. Dane supposed it had been a pretty big long shot. He eventually did see a dark-haired man from the Castle, with the same build as Carmen, but he didn’t have any facial hair and he definitely wasn’t the wily assassin. It was possible Dane had confused them this morning and ended up uselessly in Granger.
Well, useless as it pertained to his mission. When it came to spending time with Fawn and enjoying himself, that definitely hadn’t felt like a waste of time but he couldn’t deny that time was running out.
Where in the Castle was Carmen?
That was the question he needed to answer before he could focus on Fawn. The clock was ticking down and Dane absolutely did not believe that Carmen would leave the Castle without making a play for Grace. He supposed it was possible Carmen wasn’t here this weekend and was actually waiting, but he wasn’t known for his patience. Even if Luke hadn’t seen a possible suspect, Dane wouldn’t have trusted just saying ‘maybe he’s not here.’
Fortunately, Fawn didn’t argue when he suggested heading back. He could send her to the Spa for a massage and Wardrobe to get dressed for the evening, giving him more time to poke around while knowing she was safe. Tonight he decided not to put her into anything too uncomfortable, instead he would just ask them to make sure he had easy access.
After dropping her off at the Spa, he still had plenty of time left and he went to the Foyer just to watch people coming and going. Still no sign of Carmen. It was making him very on edge. He ended up getting to the bar a little early and ordering a Manhattan. Since he hadn’t had a single drink all weekend yet, he hadn’t hesitated to order something stronger than a beer. It was damned hard to sit still, knowing that Carmen was out there and time was running out.
When he saw Luke coming into the bar, he felt a sense of relief at seeing his partner. Luke’s black hair looked rumpled and his face was set in unhappy lines, but he didn’t seem alarmed so whatever was troubling him probably wasn’t about Carmen. Something was definitely troubling him though. Luke confirmed Dane’s suspicion when he ordered a whiskey sour before even saying hello.
“Sorry I’m late. Time got away from me.”
“I haven’t been here long myself,” Dane reassured him. “So, who’s this guy you mentioned seeing?”
See, he was totally focused on work, not his cock or Fawn.
“I don’t know.” As Luke answered,
the bartender set his drink down in front of him. For some reason, Luke hesitated to pick it up. Dane had never seen his partner so discombobulated before and he had to admit, he was really curious as to why, especially if it didn’t have to do with Carmen. Maybe he wasn’t the only one who was being distracted by what the Castle had to offer?
“Is it the case that has you so tense, or girl trouble? I saw you leave the meet and greet with a curvy brunette,” Dane hedged.
Luke only hesitated for a moment, and then he spilled.
Hell, and Dane had thought he’d been having issues of the heart. He hadn’t realized Luke had known the woman he’d taken up with; much less that she was his dead best friend’s baby sister. No wonder Luke was looking so strung out. He seemed to feel better once he’d vented a bit, though, and turned the conversation back to the case.
“Now, about this guy, I have to admit, he didn’t resemble Carmen at all, but we both know that doesn’t mean anything,” Luke said, looking a lot more relaxed than he had when he’d come into the bar. Dane nodded. If Luke said he had a feeling about the guy, then Dane trusted his partner. It didn’t mean either of them would focus on that man to the exclusion of all else, but it definitely gave them a starting point. Since Fawn hadn’t turned out to have anything to do with Carmen, Dane didn’t have anything useful to offer.
Luke gave him the full rundown on Carmen’s current looks—dark hair, dark eyes, no visible scars and a scraggly beard, muscular build but not too muscular, and dressed up like a Greek warrior, complete with red cape. While Dane had seen several men with dark hair and eyes, he didn’t remember anyone with the facial hair Luke had described or dressed in that particular outfit.
There were too many people in the damned Castle.
“I haven’t seen anyone with that description, but I’ll keep an eye out,” he said. “Something you should know, I ran into another undercover yesterday morning, confirmed. We were in a class together a ways back but I recognized him. His name’s Turner although he’s here as Master Miguel. Dark hair, and he’s the only guy I’ve seen sporting a soul patch. I didn’t have a chance to talk to him, but I assume he’s here for Carmen too.”
“I don’t care who catches the bastard as long as someone does,” Luke grumped darkly.
“Damn straight,” Dane replied. He sighed. The tug to go check on Fawn was getting stronger, even though he hadn’t been gone long. The last thing he needed was for her to get done at the Spa and go looking for him, especially with Turner in the Castle. If the man did end up recognizing her, it would be a whole new set of troubles he didn’t want to deal with. He felt better by her side, or when he knew she was safely tucked in for the night. “Right. I need to get back to my sub. You’re not the only one who has his hands full in that department.”
Luke tilted his head at Dane, regarding him with curiosity ablaze in his green eyes. “Anything you want to share?”
Nope. Dane threw back his drink, finishing it. Considering some of his thoughts… nope. Luke’s situation made more sense. He already knew Carlie, had a relationship with her outside of the Castle, and his only decision was whether or not to continue their new relationship once the weekend was over. Dane didn’t want to admit to his similar thoughts and feelings about Fawn, when they sounded so ludicrous even in his head. “I… no. At least, not yet. It’s complicated. I’ll keep in touch.”
Dane slapped Luke on the back and booked it before Luke could question him further. Compared to Luke’s situation, he didn’t really feel like he had a right to complain.
After being massaged and primped, Fawn should be a lot more relaxed, but she wasn’t. Now that it was Saturday night, she could practically feel the minutes ticking by. The question was—how to get away from Master D?
He’d been there waiting when she was finishing up having her hair and make-up done in the salon, giving her no chance to slip away. Fawn had liked seeing the look on his face when he’d caught sight of her pirate outfit. A loose blouse that hung provocatively off of one shoulder, short red and black skirt that was hiked up on one side and tucked into her waistband to show off her leg; it was very covering but Fawn was also very aware of how easily all of the clothing would fall to the floor. Master D’s appreciative once over had made her feel even sexier.
And she’d made use of her time away from him while she’d had it. She had been able to gossip with everyone who had worked on her, and Leslie, the woman who did her hair, had been happy to tell her that Holly had been cooped up in her Master’s room for the past few days—and thoughtfully provided Master Miguel’s room number so Fawn could find her.
She just didn’t know how she was going to shake Master D, especially not without making it clear she was purposefully shaking him. After all, she was supposed to be at the Castle to enjoy herself.
So when they were done eating she suggested they do a scene. “As long as you go easier on me than you did last night,” she added hastily.
There was no way she could find and kill Mario if Master D was as enthusiastic as he had been the night before.
“And you think that’s up to you?” he asked, his voice deepening as he escorted her into the hall, and making her stomach twist in delighted anticipation. Her body definitely had different ideas than her brain. And by her body, she meant her vagina.
You’ve had more fun this weekend than you have in the past year, she scolded herself. Now you’re just being greedy.
Yet she ached for more. More fun, more time with Master D—more life.
I’m not going to die.
If only she could run… but then her father would be killed, probably tortured and killed just to send a message, and even if she somehow thought she could live with that, she knew she’d be on the run for the rest of her life. There was no way Don Lenzo would just let it go. So her and her father’s lives for one bad guy’s, that was the price she had to pay.
That, and now giving up Master D. There was no way she’d be able to return to the Castle after this.
But maybe she could find somewhere that did something like this near her. She’d seen something about a club that wasn’t too far away from her when she was doing her research. That’s if she stayed where she was and didn’t move herself and her father farther away from Don Lenzo’s influence. Such a move wouldn’t keep either of them safe if Don Lenzo was really determined to kill them both anyway, but he did have honor—for a criminal. If he said he would let her live once the job was done, she was pretty sure he meant it.
Not like she had any choice but to believe it anyway.
“Kitten, I get the feeling you’re not paying attention to me.” Master D’s voice was amused as he caught her chin in his hand, forcing her to focus on him.
“I’m sorry, Master D,” she said. “I might be more tired than I thought.”
“Too tired to play?”
She hesitated. Shook her head.
Eyes dark, intent as he studied her expression, his lips turned down in a frown. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I want to play,” she said sincerely. One last time. Then she’d go and do what she needed to and whatever happened, happened.
“Okay, kitten. I’ll go easy on you.” His lips curved into a smile. “Just not too easy.”
Dane decided the best course of action was to take Fawn back to her room.
She was obviously tired, so he could wear her out there, tuck her into bed, and head out to look for Carmen again knowing she was safe and sound in her room. That he craved the intimacy of being alone with her, well, he could admit that to himself but he definitely wouldn’t be admitting it out loud.
The Castle was raucous, filled with happy people enjoying their evening on the premises. The smell of sex was in the air, the sounds of conversation, moans, whimpers, and all sorts of implements smacking against willing flesh was audible everywhere. It was the kind of atmosphere Dane associated with his BDSM club.
Normally it was the kind of scene he’d revel in, but tonight he just wante
d to be alone with Fawn.
They did both pause a few times to enjoy some of the more public sights on the way back to her room. Dane was relieved he didn’t see anyone resembling Carmen; it was late enough in the weekend that he would have felt compelled to check the suspect out, which he doubted would go over well with Fawn. Fortunately, they made it to her hall without him spotting anything even remotely suspicious.
Glancing down at her, he decided she looked a little too complacent. She definitely didn’t look like her mind was on him or playing. Again. It irked him and he couldn’t help but wonder where in her head she kept going to.
Well, time to get her focused on him again.
Fawn gasped as he suddenly stopped and pulled her around to face him, ducking down as he pulled her towards him and tossed her over his shoulder before straightening back up. “All right, wench, you’re coming with me.”
“Eek!” she said through the giggles that had erupted. Apparently he wasn’t very threatening. Dane smacked her upturned bottom as he moved towards her door. The skirt she was wearing was made of pretty thin fabric and offered very little protection, and he spanked her hard enough to make her gasp and cut off the giggles. Not that he really minded the giggles, but hey, he was trying to play a part here.
Of course, she started giggling again a second later. At least he knew he had her attention.
Opening her door, Dane kicked it shut behind him, headed straight for the bed and tossed her onto it.
Yeah, he definitely had her attention now. Her cheeks were flushed, her dark eyes bright and trained on him as she lay sprawled out where she’d landed. Legs parted, knees bent, hands up by her head.
“I hope you’re ready to be boarded,” he said in a gravelly accent, giving her a wink.
Fawn burst out laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach. “Oh… oh, geez… I hope you don’t think that’s actually sexy.”