Chapter 15
ROXIE
T he soft hum of conversation floated through the air in the submissives' lounge, a private retreat tucked away in the Iron Spur. The space was warm and inviting, with plush furniture, muted lighting, and an air of quiet camaraderie. Roxie stood in front of one of the full-length mirrors, barefoot on the thick rug, clad in only her booty shorts and holding the black satin corset to the front of her body.
Keely Malone was behind Roxie, threading the laces of Roxie’s corset with practiced ease. Her fingers moved deftly, pulling the ribbons through each grommet, her expression one of focus and care.
“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” Keely asked, her dark eyes meeting Roxie’s in the mirror.
Roxie nodded, smoothing her hands over the corset’s boning as it began to take shape around her waist. “Yeah. I mean, I think so,” she said with a nervous laugh. “It’s just... new.”
“New can be good,” Keely said with a reassuring smile, tugging gently at the laces to tighten them. “And you’re going to look stunning.”
Roxie let out a shaky breath, watching as the corset began to mold to her body, accentuating her curves. The rich brocade satin gleamed softly in the light, its delicate lace trim adding an air of elegance. She’d never worn anything like this before, and the way it made her feel—powerful, vulnerable, and incredibly feminine—was almost overwhelming.
“It’s just... snug,” Roxie murmured, her cheeks flushing.
Keely chuckled. “Oh honey, snug is only the beginning.” She gave the laces another hard tug. “That’s the point. A corset isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it makes you feel. Supported. Held.”
Roxie caught Keely’s gaze in the mirror again, her friend’s words sinking in. There was something grounding about the tight embrace of the corset, as if it was a physical reminder to stand tall, to own the space she was in.
“How’s that?” Keely asked, tying off the laces in a neat bow at the base of Roxie’s spine.
Roxie turned slightly, admiring the way the corset cinched her waist and enhanced her figure. “It’s... wow,” she said, her voice breathless. Normally she didn’t have big boobs, but the corset made her look like she’d had surgery.
“Wow is right,” Keely said with a grin, stepping back to admire her work. “You look like you just stepped out of Gavin’s fantasy.”
Roxie laughed, smoothing her hands over the satin again. “I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this... confident.”
Keely leaned closer, resting a hand lightly on Roxie’s shoulder. “You should. You’re incredible, Rox. And if Gavin doesn’t lose his damn mind when he sees you, I’ll eat my corset.”
Roxie’s blush deepened, but she couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her face. “Thank you,” she said softly. “For this. For everything.”
“Anytime,” Keely said, squeezing her shoulder gently. “Now, take a deep breath, walk out there, and own it.”
Roxie nodded, her nerves still fluttering but her confidence growing with every passing second. She would have liked to have reached for a robe, but they weren’t allowed on the dungeon floor.
As she stepped out of the lounge, she felt the weight of the corset’s embrace and Keely’s encouragement bolstering her. Tonight, she wasn’t just Roxie—she was a woman stepping into her power, ready to face whatever came next.
The energy inside the Iron Spur hummed with a low, electrifying buzz—and here on the dungeon floor, it was magnified. It wasn’t the usual crowd tonight—just select members and special invitees, including some of the women from Roxie’s pole dancing class. A blend of curiosity and excitement rippled through the guests as established members gave discreet tours, explaining the club’s purpose and rules with quiet confidence.
Roxie lingered near the bar, sipping a glass of chilled white wine as she watched Vanessa, the romance author who’d inspired her, chatting animatedly with one of Roxie’s students. The club, with its shadowed corners and the soft glow of its ambient lighting, felt alive, almost celebratory after the storm they’d all weathered.
“Enjoying yourself?”
Gavin’s low, familiar voice sent a shiver down her spine. Roxie turned to find him standing beside her, impossibly handsome in his tailored black leathers—trousers, vest and boots. His presence was magnetic, commanding without effort.
“I am,” she said, smiling. “It’s... different, seeing the club like this. Less intense, more... welcoming.”
His lips curved into a faint smile. “It’s not always about intensity, Rox. Sometimes it’s about trust. About letting go.”
Her breath hitched slightly at the way his gaze lingered on her, the unspoken promise in his words sending a thrill through her. “Is that right?”
Gavin leaned in, his voice dropping lower. “You’ll see.” Before she could respond, he reached for her hand, his touch firm but gentle. “Come with me.”
Roxie’s pulse raced as Gavin led her into one of the private rooms, the door closing softly behind them. The space was lit by the soft glow of flickering candles, their warm light reflecting off the sleek leather and polished wood of the equipment within. At the center of the room stood a St. Andrew’s Cross, its dark frame imposing.
Her breath caught as she looked up at Gavin, her nerves warring with the heat pooling low in her belly. “What are we doing?”
He stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I want to show you something,” he said softly. “But only if you trust me.”
She swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper. “I do.”
“Good,” he said, his eyes darkening with intent. “Then let’s begin.”
Minutes later, Roxie stood naked against the cross, her wrists and ankles secured in soft leather cuffs. The blindfold Gavin had tied gently over her eyes heightened every sound, every shift in the air around her. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears as she felt his presence move closer, the warmth of his body a tantalizing contrast to the cool air of the room.
“Relax,” Gavin murmured, his deep voice washing over her. “This is about trust. About feeling.”
She nodded, her lips parting as her breath came faster.
The first sensation was cool and sharp—a piece of ice tracing a line along her collarbone, then down her arm. Roxie gasped, her skin tingling as the ice melted against her heated flesh.
Next came the faint prickle of the vampire glove, its tiny spikes dragging lightly over her exposed skin. The sensation sent shivers down her spine, her body arching slightly in response.
“You’re doing so well,” Gavin said, his voice low and soothing.
Then came the feather, its soft, teasing caress trailing along her stomach and hips, drawing a soft whimper from her lips. She felt her cheeks flush, the combination of sensations leaving her both vulnerable and achingly aware of her body.
The hum of the violet wand filled the room next, its faint crackle sparking anticipation. Gavin ran it gently along her arm, the tiny electric pulses dancing over her skin like champagne bubbles and leaving a trail of warmth in their wake.
“Do you feel that?” he asked, his voice a mix of authority and tenderness.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Good,” he said, his tone laced with approval. “You’re incredible, Roxie. So strong. So beautiful.”
His words, combined with the sensations he orchestrated, sent her over the edge of her composure. She surrendered completely, her body pliant and responsive under his touch as he worked his way all over her body, answering questions and bringing her to the edge of orgasm, and then he stopped.
When the scene was over, Gavin set the tools aside and moved to her, his hands warm and steady as he began releasing the restraints. The blindfold was the last to come off, and as Roxie blinked up at him, her vision adjusting to the dim light, she saw nothing but pride and adoration in his eyes.
“You were perfect,” he said, brushing a thumb along her cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”
Her chest tightened at his words, tears springing to her eyes even as a smile broke across her face. “I couldn’t have done this without you,” she whispered.
Gavin leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was both tender and possessive. “You’ve always had it in you, Rox. You just needed someone to show you.”
She laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Well, you’re stuck with me now.”
“Good,” Gavin murmured, his lips curving into a smile against hers. “Because I’m not letting you go.”
As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, Roxie felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known in years. This wasn’t just the end of her past—it was the beginning of something new. Something stronger. Something hers.
Gavin helped her back into her corset and boy shorts and proved he had a deft hand with the laces. She felt gorgeous, feminine and powerful. Her hands fidgeted at her sides, and she forced herself to still them. Tonight wasn’t just about trust—it was about something far deeper.
The air in the Iron Spur felt electric, every detail heightened by the soft glow of candlelight. Roxie stood barefoot on the polished concrete floor, her breath coming faster as she watched Gavin. He stood just a few feet away, his intense eyes locked on hers, his presence commanding yet filled with a tenderness that made her heart ache.
“Are you nervous?” Gavin asked, his voice low, rich, and filled with a quiet amusement that sent a shiver down her spine.
“Yes,” Roxie admitted with a laugh, her lips curving despite the fluttering in her chest. “But not in a bad way.”
Gavin’s lips tilted into a faint smile as he stepped closer, his boots barely making a sound against the floor. He reached for her hand, his touch warm and grounding. “You don’t need to be nervous,” he said softly. “This is about us. About everything we’ve been through to get here.”
Her breath hitched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. When he opened it, the room seemed to shrink, all her focus narrowing to what lay inside: a stunning sapphire-and-diamond collar. The sapphires sparkled like deep blue flames, interspersed with the brilliance of smaller diamonds that caught the candlelight. It was exquisite, breathtaking—and so much more than she’d imagined.
“Gavin…” Her voice broke, and she blinked rapidly, her throat tightening.
“This,” he said, lifting the collar from the box, “isn’t just jewelry, Roxie. It’s a promise. A symbol of what we’ve built together and what I hope we’ll continue to build.”
Her chest swelled with emotion as he stepped behind her, the cool weight of the collar brushing her neck as he fastened it. His fingers lingered for a moment, gentle but possessive, as he adjusted the fit. When he stepped back, his gaze swept over her with a reverence that made her knees weak.
“It’s perfect,” he murmured, his voice rough. “You’re perfect.”
Roxie lifted trembling fingers to touch the collar, the cool gemstones contrasting with the heat blooming in her chest. “I don’t even have words,” she whispered.
“You don’t need them,” Gavin said, stepping close again. “But there’s one more thing.”
Before she could speak, Gavin surprised her by dropping to one knee. Her breath caught as he reached into his other pocket, pulling out a second velvet box—this one smaller but no less significant. When he opened it, Roxie gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Inside was an enormous diamond surrounded by sapphires, their rich blue hue mirroring the collar she wore.
“Roxie,” Gavin began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “I never thought I’d meet someone like you—someone who could face down the worst and come out stronger, someone who could make me believe in something more than just getting through the day. You’re my partner, my equal, and the only person I want by my side.”
Tears spilled freely down her cheeks as he took her hand in his, his touch firm yet tender. “I’m not perfect, but I’ll spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to protect you, love you, and remind you every day how extraordinary you are.”
He looked up at her, his dark eyes shining with a sincere intensity. “Will you marry me?”
For a moment, Roxie was frozen, the weight of his words, his promise, and the love in his gaze rendering her speechless. Then, with a trembling laugh, she nodded. “Yes,” she choked out, her voice thick with tears. “Yes, Gavin, of course I will.”
Gavin’s grin was equal parts relief and triumph as he slipped the ring onto her finger. The cool metal felt grounding, solid, and as Roxie looked down at it, her heart swelled almost painfully.
When he stood, she launched herself into his arms, her lips finding his in a kiss that was searing, desperate, and filled with everything she couldn’t say. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her flush against him, and she melted into the strength of his embrace.
When they finally pulled apart, Gavin rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her lips. “You’re mine now,” he said, his voice a low growl that sent a delicious shiver through her.
“I always have been,” Roxie whispered, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw.
He smiled, his hands settling possessively on her hips. “And always will be.”
As the night stretched on, Roxie knew this was more than a new chapter—it was the beginning of a story she’d never dared to hope for. And with Gavin by her side, she was ready to write it all.
The soft creak of the back deck boards under Roxie’s bare feet was the only sound as she sat cross-legged in the morning light. A warm breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and fresh grass from the sprawling fields, and the sky was a brilliant blue that seemed to stretch forever. She had her journal open in her lap, her pen poised as she stared at the blank page.
Ideas swirled in her mind, snippets of characters and dialogue, fragments of a story that had been growing inside her for weeks. She tapped the pen against her lips, her brows furrowing as she considered how to begin.
“You look like you’re trying to solve a murder, not write a book,” Gavin’s deep voice teased from behind her.
Roxie jumped slightly, laughing as she turned to see him leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed. He was barefoot, wearing jeans and a simple gray T-shirt that clung to his broad chest, his hair still slightly damp from a shower.
“I didn’t hear you,” she said, closing the journal instinctively.
Gavin stepped onto the deck, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “Didn’t mean to scare you.” He held up a sleek silver laptop in one hand. “Thought I’d bring you something.”
Roxie’s eyes widened as she recognized the brand and model—one of the best on the market. “Gavin, what is this?”
“It’s a laptop,” he said with a grin, crossing the distance between them and placing it gently on the table beside her. “The same one Vanessa Ellington uses. Thought it might help you get started on that book of yours.”
Her heart swelled as she stared at the gift, her fingers hovering over the sleek surface. “You didn’t have to do this,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.
“I wanted to,” Gavin said, crouching beside her. He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as his blue eyes locked onto hers. “You’ve been through hell, Rox. You’ve fought for everything you have. This is me saying I believe in you. In what you’re going to do next.”
Tears stung her eyes, and she bit her lip to keep them at bay. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Gavin said, his voice low and steady. “Just write. You’ve got a story to tell, Roxie, and the world needs to hear it.”
She smiled, leaning forward to press a kiss to his lips, her gratitude spilling into the gentle embrace. When they pulled apart, she rested her forehead against his. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Anytime,” Gavin murmured, his lips brushing hers once more before he stood.
Roxie opened the laptop, her hands trembling slightly as she navigated to a blank document. She stared at the screen, the cursor blinking, and for a moment, she hesitated. Then she glanced at her journal, flipping it open to the rough outline she’d sketched out earlier that morning.
Her story was clear in her mind—a steamy romantic suspense that had been inspired by the trials she and Gavin had faced, intertwined with her love of horses and the haunting allure of Vienna and the dancing white stallions.
She began to type:
“I need your help,” she said, her voice shaking as she stood in the stable aisle, the scent of hay and leather wrapping around her like a lifeline. “I don’t know who else to trust.”
Christian McNeil leaned against the stall door, his arms crossed, his dark eyes unreadable. He looked every bit the former Marine turned recluse she’d read about in the papers—rugged, stoic, and unshakable.
“Trust isn’t something I hand out easily,” Christian said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers racing down her spine.
“I’m not asking for easy,” she shot back, her chin lifting despite the fear clawing at her chest. “I’m asking for help. You know horses, and I know someone’s trying to kill me. You’re the only one who can help me figure out how the two are connected.”
Christian’s jaw ticked, his gaze narrowing as he studied her. “If I say yes, it won’t be just a favor. You’ll be stepping into my world, and it’s not a place you walk out of unscathed.”
Her pulse thundered in her ears, but she nodded. “I don’t have a choice.”
Christian’s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. “Then let’s get to work.”
Roxie leaned back, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she read the opening lines. A slow smile spread across her face, and she turned her head to see Gavin standing behind her, reading over her shoulder, his hands resting on the back of her chair with a proud grin on his face.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” she asked, her voice tinged with both excitement and nervousness.
“It’s better than good,” Gavin said, stepping forward. “It’s a damn good start.”
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Roxie returned her focus to the screen. For the first time in years, she felt free—free to dream, to write, to build a life worth living. And with Gavin by her side, she knew the story she was writing, both on the page and in her heart, was just beginning.