Isle of Sin: A Standalone Dark Romance

Mitchell Brevington sat at a plain white table in the holding room, wearing a ripped shirt and sandy pants. His wrists were cuffed on the tabletop, allowing me to see the dried blood crawling up his forearms. There were a few specks on his neck as well.

All of it was his own.

Because Adalyn had fought him.

I rather approved of her handiwork. I only wished she’d had access to a blade to finish the job.

Alas, that wouldn’t have ended well for any of us.

“He wasn’t a regular with Adalyn,” Clive informed me. We were standing beside each other on the hallway side of the one-way mirror, observing Brevington as one would a caged animal at the zoo. “But he’s been with her at least once.”

“How brutal?” I asked.

“He’s into shame kink. Degradation. Enjoys exerting power and making his subs cry. Adalyn wasn’t easy for him to break. So he resorted to harsher methods.” He cleared his throat. “Slapped her a bit in sensitive areas. Used clamps. Ensured all she felt was pain while he took her.”

Given some of the other videos he’d shown me, that wasn’t the worst she’d endured.

But that didn’t make me any more likely to forgive this bastard.

“He likes when a woman fights him,” Clive continued. “My guess is that he thought she was role-playing, something his mistress confirmed that he’s into.”

I grunted. “A good Dom knows when his sub is playing.”

“He’s not a good Dom,” Clive returned. “He’s not a Dom at all. Just a rich bastard who enjoys getting off on power plays.”

I’d met enough of those types in my twenty-nine years of life—men who fancied themselves as into the lifestyle without truly knowing what it meant.

“What do you want to do with him?” Clive asked.

“I want to kill him,” I said, not bothering to lie. “But I can’t.” Because of his status. It would bring about far too many problems. And Julian had brought up a good point during our call an hour ago.

“Showing leniency here may sway a powerful Elite member to your side,” he’d told me. “Someone who may be able to apply certain pressures in regard to revised marital arrangements. He controls a lot of investments, after all. Which affords him some not-so-subtle influence in a variety of situations.”

In other words, I had an opportunity here to potentially use Brevington as an ally.

Which was fucked up.

But it could lead to a guarantee for Adalyn’s freedom.

Hence the reason I hadn’t yet sauntered into that room and killed the son of a bitch sitting before me.

Oh, I still wanted to. Badly. However, I knew better than to let my emotions destroy an opportunity.

“He doesn’t know why he’s in there,” Clive told me softly. “He kept asking why his scene was interrupted when we cuffed him. Then he demanded that we talk to Nathan, saying he would confirm the scene.”

I frowned. “Brevington wasn’t on that graduation list.”

“No. But we only had the list of those who had accepted the invitation. Not the list of all those invited.”

I considered that for a moment. “Mr. Brevington just made his reservation the other day.”

“So he probably didn’t know the party was canceled,” Clive added. “And I’m guessing word of Nathan’s death has been kept quiet while the network decides how to proceed.”

“Yes,” I agreed, my brow furrowing as I contemplated the notion of an unconfirmed participant list. “How many other last-minute guests are on the island right now?” I wondered aloud, running through all the villas in my head.

Clive wouldn’t know the answer; it was more of a rhetorical question meant for me.

Something he understood, because he remained quiet while I mentally reviewed our current client list.

“Kingston.” He’d made his reservation two days ago, then arrived the same day. “Parks.” He’d also made a last-minute request. “And Mavens.”

“I’ll send their names to Bryant and ask him to check on them,” Clive said, already drafting his text.

Silence fell as he slid his phone back into his pocket, both of us staring at the man behind the glass.

Brevington appeared to be tired, his shoulders sagging.

This was a man not used to feeling vulnerable. A man who enjoyed being on top. A man who was absolutely going to lash out the moment I walked into that room.

I needed to be ready for it.

Or I’d react by hitting him.

And that wouldn’t play into the leverage that Julian had mentioned.

Of course, I’d be well within my rights to hurt this man. He’d touched my Adalyn. A mistake he was about to learn had certain consequences.

There were rules on my island.

He knew those rules.

And he’d broken the one I cared about most.

Just like Nathan Spencer had.

“That’s two slights against me on my island,” I’d told Julian earlier. “Two cases of disrespect. How many more must I endure before I’m taken seriously?”

“I take you very seriously, Asher,” Julian had replied quietly, his use of my first name giving the conversation a more personal tone.

“Then you’ll understand me when I say Adalyn Rose is mine,” I’d said.

“Yes,” he’d agreed. “So let’s discuss that more.”

Which had eventually led to his commentary about showing Brevington some leniency.

Julian Jovanni’s moniker, Red Prince, seemed inaccurate. Strategic King seemed more appropriate after our last few conversations. He struck me as someone constantly playing all sides of the board in a thirty-way chess match.

I cleared my throat. “All right.” There wasn’t much left to say. I had calmed down as much as I could in this situation. And I didn’t want to stand here all night. I didn’t want Bryant and Dr. Zansky to be the only ones there when Adalyn woke up.

She was mine.

And I’d remind her of that the moment she opened her pretty eyes.

Which meant I needed to finish this shit with Brevington right fucking now.

My hands curled into fists, then relaxed.

And I stepped toward the door.

Brevington’s head came up the moment I crossed the threshold, his brown gaze sparking with fury.

“Mr. Brevington,” I greeted in a bored tone.

“It’s about goddamn time, Sinner,” he spat at me as I forced myself to take the chair across from him. “I’ve been in here for hours. And I’ve got to say, I’m less than impressed with your hospitality.”

I steepled my fingers on the table, my gaze meeting and holding his. “Well, I’m less than impressed with your behavior, so I assume that makes us even.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” he demanded, his tone reminiscent of a man used to running an empire. Everyone bows to me, that voice said. I am king.

Not on my island, I thought. “Adalyn Rose.”

He arched a brow and tried to lift his arms. “I’m familiar with her.”

“Yes.” The word came out through a clenched jaw. “Nathan had a video of that familiarity on his laptop. What I don’t think you’re familiar with is the recent change in her status.”

“Video?” he echoed, brow furrowing. “What video?”

“The video Nathan captured during one of his many training exercises. One that very much features you,” I informed him, his response intriguing me. Because it implied he hadn’t realized he was being filmed.

But Adalyn had clearly known.

I’d have to ask her what exactly Nathan had said to her about it later.

“There’s a video?” Brevington sounded uncertain.

“Is it not normal for your network to videotape Elite Bride training?” I asked him.

His eyes widened a little, the first real sign of discomfort showing in his features. “Elite Bride training?”

Ah, so he’s just playing dumb, then. Which only irritated me more. “I’m very familiar with Sin Cave, Mr. Brevington. Don’t insult me by denying your high-ranking status. I’m still quite angry about your last slight against my integrity. It would not suit you well to add another.”

He considered me for a long moment. “I know you’ve been on the recruitment list. I wasn’t aware that you knew about it.”

“A lot has happened in the last week,” I informed him. “As I believe you’re aware, Nathan Spencer brought Adalyn Rose here for a graduation celebration of a sort. However, he only told me that she was his guest. Then he proceeded to conduct unauthorized business on my island. Breaking my rules regarding consent. He’s now dead.”

Brevington’s eyes widened.

But I wasn’t done speaking.

“Which is how Adalyn Rose became mine,” I added. “I don’t think anyone can blame me for seizing the opportunity of claiming such a well-trained submissive.”

I hated those words.

Hated the way they made me feel.

Alas, I had a role to play. For her.

“Unfortunately for you, Mr. Brevington, I do not share. Therefore, you not only broke my rules regarding consent, but you also touched someone who doesn’t belong to you.” I paused, giving him a moment to process everything I’d just said.

“I… I wasn’t aware of the change in her ownership,” he stated slowly.

“Yes. As I said, it’s recent. Which is why it’s been recommended that I give you leniency in this situation. Leniency that I did not provide to Nathan Spencer.”

Mr. Brevington studied me, his eyes showcasing an intelligence I would have found admirable had he not tried to rape Adalyn. “I see. And who have you been talking to?”

Yes. I’d anticipated this part of the conversation arising, as had Julian. Which was why I’d brought my phone in here with me.

I pulled it out now and dialed the requisite number. Then put it on speaker.

“Mr. Sinner,” Julian greeted, aware of why I was calling, as we’d discussed this potential need.

But he didn’t know if I was calling to say I’d killed Brevington.

Or if I still had him in custody.

I waited a beat before saying, “You’re on speakerphone, Mr. Jovanni. I believe Mr. Brevington would like some reassurances regarding my current recruitment position.”

“Of course,” Julian replied, his tone giving nothing away. However, I suspected he was relieved to learn that I hadn’t yet killed the proverbial finance king. “Mr. Brevington, can I assume that you’re being taken care of?”

“I’m currently handcuffed to a table, Julian. So it depends on your definition of care.”

“It’s better than the care you displayed toward my submissive,” I informed him coldly. “Yes?”

He cleared his throat. “I wasn’t aware of the change of ownership,” he echoed.

“Yes, Mr. Sinner was kind enough to take on Ms. Rose’s training in Nathan’s absence,” Julian interjected. “However, it seems he’s become a bit enamored with our asset. So much so that he’s requesting permanent ownership. I’ll be flying out with Mr. Rose in a few days to discuss a revised agreement.”

A saccharine summary of the situation. “It’s not a request, Mr. Jovanni,” I reminded him. “She’s mine.”

He chuckled, the sound grating on my nerves. “As you can see, Mr. Brevington, Asher is quite possessive of his new toy. Which is unfortunate, as I’ve heard Adalyn is quite well liked. But we’re hoping to bring Mr. Sinner into the fold, and if this is his price, I think it’s one we should consider paying.”

Mr. Brevington stared at me.

I stared back, not bothering to hide my fury from him.

He swallowed, obviously sensing that I would kill him. Easily. Without an ounce of remorse. And it helped that he assumed I’d killed Nathan Spencer already.

This was my island.

I didn’t allow outside security here because I had my fleet of deadly personnel, all led by Bryant and Clive. The men weren’t obvious, their ability to blend in with their surroundings one of the key reasons they’d been hired for my isle.

And Mr. Brevington had met several of them today.

Which made his position here rather clear—outnumbered, outmanned, outmaneuvered.

He might own a financial empire, but that didn’t guarantee a damn thing here.

Just because I sat here politely, resembling a casual businessman in my button-down shirt and slacks, did not mean I wouldn’t beat the shit out of him in the next breath.

All facts I ensured he understood without words, merely by communicating through my eyes alone.

He cleared his throat after a beat. “Yes, it’s a price we should definitely consider,” he agreed, holding my gaze. “Is Mr. Rose amenable to a new arrangement?”

“It’s an ongoing discussion. Perhaps you’d be willing to assist?” Julian asked.

“I would, yes,” Mitch replied, still staring at me. “Assuming Mr. Sinner accepts my sincerest apologies and allows me to leave his island.”

My jaw clenched. They weren’t leaving me with much of a choice. “What assurances do I have that you’ll assist me with the negotiations?” I questioned. “You can imagine why your word won’t be enough for me in this situation, yes?”

It was an insult, one Mitch took in stride. Which was good because he’d more than insulted me; it was only fair that I returned the favor. “Julian, were you aware of the videos Nathan Spencer kept of his training sessions?” Mitch asked, his focus on me even while shifting the conversation.

“Videos?” Julian echoed.

“Yes. Mr. Sinner commented about a video he saw of me with Adalyn. It’s not something I would like to have… shared.”

Ah. All these men were rather clever in their word games, proving they’d been playing with each other for a very long time. “Yes, it would be most unfortunate for you,” I agreed. “The video displays you as rather violent.” Not much of a stretch, considering what Bryant had told me about it.

“I wasn’t aware of any videos,” Julian said, sounding a bit taken aback by that.

“There’s a laptop full of them,” I told him, realizing I might have even more leverage in this situation than I’d originally realized. This might explain why Nathan hadn’t put them on a cloud. They’d either been for Taylor to potentially use in the future or for Nathan’s own private purposes.

Blackmail, perhaps? I thought.

Well, I wasn’t one to spoil an opportunity.

“Perhaps I’ll share them with you when you visit, Mr. Jovanni.” But I would be keeping a copy for myself for insurance purposes. I would never share them, as it would damage Adalyn more than the men involved. But these Elite jackasses didn’t need to know that.

“And in the interim, you’ll keep them safe,” Mitch stressed. “While we work on these negotiations.”

“Of course,” I replied. “That sounds amenable.” Because he was giving me my leverage over him—my guarantee that he would help me sort out the marriage arrangement issue.

Unfortunately, it only further cemented my involvement with Sin Cave.

But that part had been inevitable anyway.

“I do have one more requirement,” I added.

“Name it,” Julian said.

“Mr. Brevington’s Sinners Isle membership has come to a permanent end.” I ensured both men heard the finality of my statement. “The same applies to any and all men who participated in Adalyn’s training. While I understand she has a past that groomed her for her present, her future is with me. And I do not share, not even with her memories. I will erase all of them from her mind, including today’s incident.”

It was an extreme statement.

One I knew they would understand as that of a possessive man.

But I also meant every word. I intended to erase all their touches, all their influences, and replace them with my own. By helping her heal. By being the salve she needed to recover from the wounds these assholes had created.

It would take years.

Maybe even decades.

And she might never accept me as hers.

That was fine. As long as she survived, I could handle whatever part of her she willingly gave me.

But I would chase away her monsters. I would help her dream again.

“Do you understand?” I asked, holding Mitch’s gaze while making certain Julian heard the threat lingering in my tone.

“It sounds reasonable to me,” Julian replied.

“Yes,” Mitch echoed. “I’ll miss your island, but I understand why this is necessary. And again, my apologies for this misunderstanding. I would never have touched Adalyn had I known she was yours.”

Misunderstanding was an understatement. And if I stayed in this room for any longer, I’d be forced to demonstrate just how big a misunderstanding this was between us.

“Now you know. And I expect you and Julian to ensure that word spreads.” I finally looked at my phone. “Julian, perhaps Mitch can also help you explain to Taylor Huntington why I suggest he stop insisting on visiting my isle.”

I stood.

And Mitch sat back in his chair, swallowing.

“Yeah, I can do that, too,” Mitch said, clearly seeing the desire to hurt him vibrating down my arms.

“Excellent,” I replied through my teeth. “Anything else, Mr. Jovanni?”

“No, I think that covers it, Mr. Sinner. We’ll speak again soon.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “We will.” I snatched my phone from the table and hit the End key. “To be clear, Mr. Brevington, you’re very lucky to be alive. If you want to remain that way, you will get the fuck off my isle in the next sixty minutes.”

With that, I left the room.

“Uncuff him and escort him to a jet. I don’t care which one you put him on; just make sure he’s gone before I change my mind and kill him.” I raised my voice loud enough to ensure Mitch heard me through the still-open door.

Then I stalked out of the building, leaving Clive to handle the billionaire asshole.

I had a female to comfort.

My Adalyn.

Mine.