On the Edge of Fear Read online

  She laughed softly. “I would say Elan Isle is a major eye opener. Ryan and I almost witnessed his parents last night.”

  Kendrick barked a laugh. “Poor guy. That’s something nobody wants to do.”

  With a smile, she continued to check out the costumes until she came to… She gasped. “This…” It was the chainmail halter dress she’d fallen in love with.

  “Yes. That’s one of them. But realize, Alexis, you’ll have to go completely naked underneath. No bra. No panties. Nothing. I have to say, against your skin that’s going to draw every eye. Everyone’s going to ask you where you got it. Master Jake will have to push his subs to work twice as hard to refill his stock.”

  Master Jake. That must be the guy who ran the shop. She lifted the dress up and checked the size. It would fit perfectly. Could she do it? Walk around the Faire in that and nothing else? Alexis fingered the chain and sighed softly.

  “You’ll look beautiful in it,” Kendrick said and she grimaced as she placed it back.

  “I don’t know if I could wear it. Not out in public where everyone could see me.”

  He stood up again and walked over next to her. He stared right at her. It felt a bit like being under a spotlight. “It’s difficult,” he said in a smooth voice, “for a sub or bottom the first time they venture out. Whether it’s wearing a corset, a pony costume, going completely nude, or out in a chainmail dress. Imagine, though, how proud and excited it will make Ryan. He’ll probably want to ravage you right out there in front of everyone. Though I think it’s more likely he’ll drag you behind a building to do so.

  “You’re a beautiful girl, Alexis. Along with the dress, you’ll wear a sign that states you’re part of the Faire. That means that every DM will watch out for you as well as all the actors and the shopkeepers. If anyone tries to mess with you, they’ll take a quick trip to the dungeon for a meeting with our Discipline Master.” There was a pause and he reached out and stroked a piece of leather on the wall. “I’m going to suggest to Ryan that he places a collar around your throat while you’re on Faire grounds, as well.”

  She reached up to her neck. She’d seen several people with collars. James had worn a simple piece of leather with the words Alec’s pup on it.

  “There are several different types of collars,” he explained. “The most important is the mental. But for your protection, a physical collar will point out to every Dom or top that you’re taken. You are taken, aren’t you?” he asked in a firm voice.

  A little shiver went down her spine as she remembered Ryan’s voice in the cafeteria. “Taken.”

  “Yes,” she whispered. There was no other man she’d want to be with. How had that happened?

  “There’s no shame in that,” Kendrick said kindly. “It will take some time, but you’ll find there’s freedom in submission. Pride. Self-esteem. And the you that you were always meant to be. Ryan will help you, Alexis. He’ll help you let go of the last few years. Let go of the bad memories. And let go of your fear. It probably seems like a dream now, but in a short span of time, you’re going to learn to fly and become an amazing woman. No longer a scared little girl. I look forward to watching you go through that transformation.”

  His words sunk deep inside her and she wondered if it was possible. Could she overcome her past? But even more, the fact it would be Ryan helping her. Just like he’d gone out of his way to help her so far. He’d gone ga-ga over the image of her in the halter dress. Her hand shook but she grabbed the hangar off the wall and held the dress firmly in her hands. “This one. I want to wear this one.”

  “Perfect.” He walked back to the desk and picked up a small placard on a chain. It had the words Courtesy of Chain Ye Up, Master Jake Lawrence proprietor written in bold script. “Just have that around your neck as you walk around. If anyone asks you where it is, here—” He picked up a large map of the faire and circled one of the shops. “That’s Master Jake’s shop.”

  “Thank you,” she said fervently when he handed it to her. “Now, I know where I’m working is changing tomorrow. When and where do you want me?”

  “Ah. Well, you won’t need to start working until the Faire opens. We’d like to get lunch out earlier than before so spend the first hour walking around the Faire. You could hang out around Ryan for that first hour if that will help. Then go to the cafeteria. All the shopkeepers who have texted in their orders will have them waiting. You and Christine will divide them by section and then you deliver the food. Once everyone has been fed, you can take a little break. Get some lunch. Then go back to walking around the Faire. Remember, we want as many people seeing you in that gown as possible. Then be back to the cafeteria by four thirty to start the dinner delivery. After dinner, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

  That sounded easy enough.

  “Thank you, Kendrick,” she said quietly. “For this opportunity.”

  He smiled. “You’re welcome, Alexis. I checked out the cabins you’ve cleaned so far. You’ve done an amazing job. I hope you continue to enjoy Elan Isle and the Faire.”

  Thrilled at the compliment, she nodded and left, rushing back to her cabin. The dress. She had the dress. Sure, it was probably only to wear during the Faire and then would need to be returned. But still. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever worn. Ryan would get to see her in it… in the flesh.

  With a squeal, she dashed upstairs and after stripping, hung the dress up on the back of the door and jumped into the shower. She wasn’t sure how much time it would take but she wanted to be dressed and ready for when Ryan returned.

  She wanted Ryan to like her as much as she liked him. It was time to charm his pants off.

  Chapter Twenty

  “That was amazing,” Ryan said as he and Mark walked back to the township from the Faire grounds. “She just kind of melted.” Cassie O’Shae, a member of the security team, was a Domme who enjoyed bottoming for shibari. She’d offered to bottom for his lessons. The moment he began to tie her up, her eyes had gone glassy and she’d sunk into subspace. It was a real power rush.

  “Yep.” Mark nodded. “It’s one of the things I love about rope work, working with a bottom or sub who just sinks into it. That way I can take my time to create a truly beautiful work of art and they’re happy in space and don’t care how long it takes. So, not to change the subject or anything, but when did little Lexi happen?”

  With a snort, Ryan dug his elbow into Mark’s side. “I met her last Friday at the Faire. I think she stunned me at first. She’s so beautiful. And then I started getting to know her and she’s just as beautiful inside as outside.” He hoped to gain her full trust at some point so he could help her work through the pain of her past. It was so incredible, the way she let him spank her earlier.

  “Ah, someone’s falling for his girl,” Mark teased. “Good for you, Ryan. Some in the life say that a Dom can’t love his sub and still be a strong top. I say they lost the plot. We’ve got plenty of evidence here in the town that loving one’s sub doesn’t mean letting them off. Kendrick. David. Alec. Alice. I think in some ways, they’re even stricter with discipline as they love their sub so much they want to ensure she or he stays happy.”

  Love? Ryan gulped. Was that what he was doing? He definitely felt more for Alexis than any other girl he’d met. But that didn’t mean he loved her, did he? They’d known one another for less than a week.

  “Craig said I shouldn’t tie myself down to one girl. But I like her and didn’t want some other guy taking her on.”

  Mark glanced at him. “Craig’s a different sort, Ryan. We’re all a bit different. He’s happy on his lone mountain. I like having tons of subs as well. But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Besides, you two have something. I could see it.”

  “We do?” Ryan wondered what that meant.

  “Of course. Every Dom and sub who has exchanged some sort of energy has it, and the more energy you share, the more it ties you together. I’m guessing she’s new?”

  “Yeah.
It’s all new to her, but she’s willing to learn.”

  “That’s all you need. You’re learning. She’s learning. Sounds like a good match for you. And if she’s ever interested in learning shibari, bring her along. Cassie won’t mind giving up her night. I’ll tie her up while you’re tying Lexi. Damn but I would love to see that soft skin tied up in ropes.”

  With a snort, Ryan shook his head. “She does have nice skin.”

  “Ah come on. You can tell me,” Mark said in a wheedling tone. “Have you spanked her yet? How does her ass look?”

  Grinning, Ryan winked at him. “Stunning.”

  “Fucker.” Mark laughed and smacked his arm. “All right. I’ll leave you to your lovely and I’m off to find a sub to fuck. See you later.”

  Mark took off at a jog north but before Ryan could head to Alexis’s cabin, he heard his name called. He turned and spotted Kendrick striding across the grass toward him. “Glad I caught you. How was the lesson?” Kendrick asked.

  “Good. It was amazing how fast Cassie hit space.”

  He nodded. “Bondage as a kink can send some bottoms into la-la land. I wanted to talk to you about Alexis. Have you two developed a relationship?”

  “Yes.” Ryan wanted everyone to know she was his.

  “Good. To protect her at the Faire, I suggest you wrap a collar around her neck. Even if it’s just a shoelace. Something to tell everyone they’d best not touch.” He grinned. “Because with the outfit she chose, I promise you everyone’s going to be looking.”

  “Really?” Ryan perked up and looked toward her cabin. “Which one did she choose?”

  “I’ll let her reveal that. I’m off to take care of a very sick sub.”

  Instantly Ryan’s mind switched to Becca. “She’s still ill?”

  “She’s just barely at twelve weeks. The doctor said that hopefully the morning sickness will go away, but that there’s a chance she could have it all the way through the pregnancy as well. The main thing is her emotions are everywhere. One moment she’s happy and the next she’s crying for no reason whatsoever. Even worse, she’s afraid I’ll get tired of it and thus get tired of her. At some point she’ll realize I’m in this for the long haul and that pregnancy emotions aren’t going to push me away. They might leave her with a stinging tush constantly, but they aren’t going to send me packing.”

  “Good thing you’ve had plenty of practice,” Ryan teased.

  With a snort, Kendrick smacked him lightly on the back. “True. I live a charmed life. I get to paint my love’s ass a bright red and then hold her afterward. It’s the best of both worlds.”

  Ryan opened the door and walked into his parents’ cabin. “Hey,” he said. His parents were curled up on the sofa watching television.

  “We weren’t sure we’d see you tonight,” his father said. “How’s Alexis?”

  “She seems to be coming along.” His mother sat up, a look in her eyes that he knew would bring questions, so he quickly headed her off. “Dad, can I talk to you for a moment?”

  “Sure, son.” David paused the television and stood up. “Tayna, love, why don’t you make us something warm to drink. I’ll be back.”

  “Okay.” She kept her eyes on Ryan. “I’d love to meet her,” she called after him as he headed up the stairs. He could bet she would.

  Since he didn’t want to discomfort his brother who was no doubt in their bedroom, he headed into their parents’ bedroom. A huge four-poster bed lay against the far wall and he leaned against the footboard. His father came in and shut the door behind him. “What do you need?”

  Ryan let out a slow breath and looked into his father’s kind eyes. “Lexi is working the Faire tomorrow. I’d been thinking about it, but until Kendrick mentioned, I was worried to bring it up. He suggested she should wear a collar while on Faire grounds to protect her.”

  David nodded. “It’s a good idea. I wouldn’t allow your mother anywhere near there without her play collar.”

  One thing down. Now for the hard part. “Do you have a collar you haven’t used? He said I could put a shoestring around her neck, but that… it’s just not right.” She deserved something nice. “I’d only need it for tomorrow as I can shop the different vendors tomorrow night and find something.”

  His father smiled and walked over and joined him leaning against the footboard. “Things are going well, then?”

  “Really well. I disciplined her for the first time today,” he added in a rush.

  “Already? Good for you, son. That’s a huge step. Now, unfortunately I don’t have anything. Your mother has used the same play collar for years and before we moved I tossed out everything we didn’t use on an everyday basis. Have you considered contacting Craig or Alec? They make tons of things and might have some leftover leather they could sell you cheap. Neither makes a simple collar which is what you’d want, but a thin slip of leather would be all you’d need.”

  He pulled out his phone and texted Alec. After Craig’s comment, he didn’t want to explain he’d asked Alexis to be his.

  Ryan: Do you by chance have some leftover leather that would fit around someone’s neck?

  The answering text came back quickly.

  Alec: Would that neck happen to belong to a pretty girl by the name of Lexi?

  After sticking his tongue out at the screen, he responded.

  Ryan: Yes. Don’t gloat.

  Alec: Wouldn’t think of it. Though James says I’m doing it. I’ve got several pieces. If you used two, you could braid them together. Simple and yet effective.

  Ryan: That sounds good. Can I pick them up first thing tomorrow? She’ll need to wear it for the Faire.

  Alec: Perfect timing. James is learning some leather work. I’ll have him braid a few pieces tonight for practice and you can choose from them tomorrow. In fact, I’ll have him bring them to the office with him.

  Ryan: Thanks. Cost?

  Alec: $5

  After sending another thanks, Ryan put the phone back in his pocket. “Thanks, Dad. I’m going to put a few things together. I’m spending the night at her place.”

  David chuckled. “Have fun, son. You’d best bring Alexis over for dinner early next week or I won’t be able to stop your mother from bugging you about it.”

  With a grin, Ryan nodded. “How’s Tuesday sound?”

  “She’ll be thrilled.”

  Ryan went into his bedroom, surprised to find his brother in bed with his head under the covers. Amused, he closed the door. “You don’t have to hide your porn from me.”

  Luke’s head popped out and he yanked the earbuds out of his ears. Pink tinged his cheeks and he shrugged. “Hey, Ry. I wasn’t hiding porn.”

  “Uh huh.” He winked and grabbed a small bag. He pulled a clean set of clothes from his dresser as well as his outfit for the Faire. “I’ll be at Lexi’s tonight, so you can watch as much porn as you want… above the bed covers. Just don’t come on mine.”

  “Fuck you,” Luke said with a laugh. “Though it seems fitting. You’re getting some. I should be able to come where I want.”

  “I’ll make you do laundry for a week.”

  “Try it.”

  Ryan grinned evilly. “I’ll tell Mom.”

  “Fucker. No fair pulling the Mom card.”

  Laughing, Ryan zipped up his bag and grabbed his boots. “All right. I’m out.”

  “Ry?” His voice was quiet and something about it made Ryan pause and turn toward him.

  “Yeah?”

  Luke opened his mouth and then closed it. “No biggie. Go have fun with your chickie.”

  “What did you want to ask?”

  His brother shrugged. “It’s nothing.”

  As identical twins, they knew each other well and Ryan knew that was a lie. He dropped his bag and sat on the edge of Luke’s bed. “What is it? Is the island driving you mad?”

  Luke rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Nah. I don’t mind the same four walls. And with you not around, I can wank off whenever I want.�
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  “Then what’s wrong?” He wondered if Luke had a girl back in Port Angeles or something. Perhaps he needed to head out for a day or two. Go visit her.

  “Are you truly open minded?”

  The question startled him and Ryan looked his brother in the eyes. It was exactly like looking at himself in the mirror. “I’d like to think so. Why?”

  Luke sat up and pulled up his knees, hugging them. “I don’t know. Just thinking of stuff. The whole BDSM thing freaks me out. But I’m trying to understand it… for your sake.”

  “I’m happy being who I am.” And letting others be who they were. Understanding dawned. Ryan sat up, startled, and stared hard at his brother. “What do you want to tell me?” Luke shook his head. He stared harder. “What are you hiding from me? I’m happy because I can be myself here. Who can’t you be?”

  All the blood rushed out of Luke’s face and Ryan knew he’d hit on the point. There were just so many things he could want. “I understand you’re afraid,” he said quietly. “But I won’t tell a soul if you don’t want me to.”

  Luke gulped. “I… I’m not sure yet.”

  That was a problem. “So you think you might be interested in something, but aren’t sure how you would relate to it in real life?”

  His brother gaped for a moment and then shook his head. “I know I’m… But I don’t know if I want to be out about it. I don’t like this whole kink thing. But this…”

  Perhaps he was an idiot, but Ryan was excited. If he could help Luke through whatever this was, not only would he be helping his brother, but he would be learning more for himself. “Luke, I’ve encountered or learned things that blew my mind in this lifestyle. I doubt there’s anything you could say that would horrify me.” He reached forward and took his brother’s hand. “And if you’re not ready to tell me yet, know I’ll always want to listen. You and me, bro. From womb to grave. Nothing will come between us.”

  That made his brother smile. “Womb to grave.” They bumped fists. “Ignore me. I’m fine. Go spend time with your girl.”

  Ryan frowned. “You sure? I’d really like to talk to you about whatever’s bothering you.”