Page 130 of Axe Marks the Spot

Dane’s control doesn’t strip me down; it builds me up. It doesn’t silence me; it grounds me. What we’re doing isn’t just exciting or fun; it’s changing me. I feel more confident every day, more capable. And because of that, my relationship with Kas is improving, too. I’m showing up differently in my life—for her and for myself.

She’s pushed back like any kid would when given more boundaries and rules, but it turns out, it’s true that kids need structure and discipline just like adults do. I’m also starting to like playing Critter Cove with her more, something Kas thinks is hilarious but that I can tell she loves by how she smiles each time I suggest we play.

I give my attention back to my phone, wondering if the reward and finally being alone together again means what I think it means. Maybe tonight he’ll give me my training collar. I do think I’ve earned it with all the work I’ve put in to show my commitment to myself and to working with him, not to mention the trust we’ve been building together.

I type out a response to him with a small smile on my face.

Me

Thank you, Sir. I’m happy I’ve pleased you.

“It makes me happy, too,” a low voice says from behind me.

If I wasn’t sitting, I would have jumped ten feet in the air. “Jesus!” I say loud enough that the others look in my direction. I turn in my chair to find Dane grinning down at me as he slips his phone in his pocket.

He looks handsome, his hair styled perfectly like it always is and his beard neatly trimmed. He’s got on a short-sleeved red plaid shirt that reminds me of the Brawny paper towel man.

Before I can say anything, I hear Kas yell, “Logger Dane!”

My gaze shifts to follow her as she runs—actually runs—over to Dane’s side and surprises me even further by hugging him around the waist. I watch the interaction in strange awe because Kas doesn’t hug anyone except her family. She’s more of a high five kind of kid. Maybe she was sad about the obstacle course ending not only because she was losing the free time with her friends thanks to school starting but because of Dane, too.

The idea makes my heart pound in my chest, and a question that’s been itching in the back of my brain pushes to the forefront. Is what I’m building with Sir more than just a very intimate D/s dynamic? Does he want more with me like I’ve started to want more with him? I’m talking beyond morning check-ins and meeting up at his cabin for in-person scenes.

“Hey, Captain Kas,” he greets.

Kas makes a playful gagging noise as she pulls away to look up at him. “That’s another bad one, Logger Dane.”

He chuckles and pats her shoulder. “I’ll keep trying.”

“You do that,” she sasses back.

I stand from my chair as Fox walks over, Nathan and Morgan behind him. I make eye contact with my brother, who’s confused, then with Morgan, who has the gleam of someone who won the lottery. Her features are lit up, and I know by the cock of her brow that she wants to pull me to the side and ask why Dane is here.

But I don’t actually know why he’s here, and I never told Morgan I contacted her friend that night nor that I’m his submissive. I know Dane wouldn’t have told her, so there’s no way she could know, anyway.

“Dane,” Fox’s deep voice resonates.

“Fox,” Dane greets back.

“This is a surprise,” Morgan adds as she hugs him.

“I didn’t mean to intrude,” he says as he pulls back, nodding at my brother.

“Did you need something?” Fox asks.

The two burly, tattooed men share a look, one that says a whole lot of nothing but also tells me they must talk more than I thought. Not that I would or could know that information. It’s not as if I’ve asked Dane who he talks to in his free time or if he has beers with Fox. We have plenty of other things we talk about. Like my routines and emotions, and how we’re both feeling in our growing dynamic. We’ve even talked more about our own personal likes and dislikes. I found out the other day that Dane enjoys cognac, especially now, since my eyes remind him of the rich brown color.

“No,” Dane says. “I was walking and ended up here. Sorry to intrude.”

My stomach flips as my gaze connects with Dane’s. There’s a mischievous sparkle in them because he knew I was coming here today with Kas, which means he isn’t sorry he intruded. One thing I’ve learned about him is there are no accidents; everything he does is intentional. That means he came here on purpose to see us. The butterflies I felt earlier come back with more force, so much so that my throat starts to tickle.

“You’re not intruding,” Morgan chirps. “The more the merrier. You know, I’ve been trying to get you to hang out with us forever.”

Dane nods, his hands now in his pockets. “Still, I should’ve called. This is family time.” His hazel eyes drift back to mine as if he’s saying that last part to me.

Before anyone can respond, Kas interjects, “You can stay, Logger Dane.”

“Yeah, Logger Dane,” Morgan parrots.