The Keyholder Series by Shannon West

Cody McCall woke up in a hospital with no immediate memory of how he got there. He did remember being on vacation in Florida and getting epically drunk, but after that things were pretty much a blur. When he realizes he's on suicide watch and that Jake Rogers, his best friend and his partner on the police force back home, is sitting by his bedside, things become even more confusing... moreCody McCall woke up in a hospital with no immediate memory of how he got there. He did remember being on vacation in Florida and getting epically drunk, but after that things were pretty much a blur. When he realizes he's on suicide watch and that Jake Rogers, his best friend and his partner on the police force back home, is sitting by his bedside, things become even more confusing. And then it all comes back to him—how he’d had too much to drink and decided to try something he’d seen on the internet involving ropes. A passing maid saved his life, but now he’s strapped to a bed and his best friend is more angry with him than he’s ever been. Jake manages to get Cody sprung from the hospital, but Cody’s not out of the woods, by any means. Jake has something planned for Cody that will not only keep him safe, but also keep him firmly under Jake’s control. less

After repeatedly warning Cody of consequences for his bad habits and behavior, Jake administers discipline. Afterwards, he takes Cody to his club for the first time both to display his Dominance and to show the handsome Cody off to his friends. Public display is one of Cody’s soft limits, but Jake pushes his boundaries a little and they arrive at the club... moreAfter repeatedly warning Cody of consequences for his bad habits and behavior, Jake administers discipline. Afterwards, he takes Cody to his club for the first time both to display his Dominance and to show the handsome Cody off to his friends. Public display is one of Cody’s soft limits, but Jake pushes his boundaries a little and they arrive at the club. Jake looks dark and dangerous in his leathers, exactly like what Cody imagined the Marquis de Sade must have looked like as he led his victims into his dungeon rooms. Cody can feel the sweat popping out on his brow, but he trusts Jake and allows him to find a table and join friends, where Cody sees an example of just how the "perfect submissive" should act. Confused, conflicted and consumed with jealousy, Cody feels like he is so far out of his depth he’s drowning. Worrying that his own ability to fit into the lifestyle is sorely lacking, Cody fears Jake’s heart may be forever beyond his reach. less

A boring night on third shift becomes infinitely more interesting when Cody runs into Tony, a man he met at Jake’s BDSM club only a couple of weeks before. Jake had said the man was his cousin, but Cody learns Tony had actually been Jake’s sub for over three years. Already jealous over what he thought was Jake's interest in the man, Cody is devastated by the idea his handsome Dom may have lied to him... moreA boring night on third shift becomes infinitely more interesting when Cody runs into Tony, a man he met at Jake’s BDSM club only a couple of weeks before. Jake had said the man was his cousin, but Cody learns Tony had actually been Jake’s sub for over three years. Already jealous over what he thought was Jake's interest in the man, Cody is devastated by the idea his handsome Dom may have lied to him. Or worse yet, that Jake could be cheating on him, seriously jeopardizing the trust so essential to a D/s relationship. Cody runs, driving aimlessly until he finds a motel where he can crash, lick his wounds and try to figure out what to do. Jake goes after him, using a tracking device on Cody’s phone and realizes he has only one chance to save the love between them. He has to make it good or risk losing his lover and his sub forever. AUTHOR’S NOTE: I wondered what would happen if two people who had been best friends discovered they were in love, but one of them was a Dom. What would that journey look like? Would they be able to make it as a couple? This series chronicles that journey, with both Cody and Jake having to find their way. I decided to serialize their story to show the slow progression of a complicated relationship. This relationship happens to be a D/s coupling, but I think any new love story has potential pitfalls and requires a lot of give and take. less

Cody is just settling into his submission, learning to completely trust his Dom, Jake, again after the revelations about Tony, when something happens to make Cody question his importance in Jake’s life. Deliberately provoking Jake into an argument works only too well. Their argument escalates and Cody says things he regrets as soon as the words leave his mouth, but then is too stubborn to take back. When he makes a dramatic declaration that he wants to leave, Jake reluctantly agrees... moreCody is just settling into his submission, learning to completely trust his Dom, Jake, again after the revelations about Tony, when something happens to make Cody question his importance in Jake’s life. Deliberately provoking Jake into an argument works only too well. Their argument escalates and Cody says things he regrets as soon as the words leave his mouth, but then is too stubborn to take back. When he makes a dramatic declaration that he wants to leave, Jake reluctantly agrees. A chance confrontation at a BDSM club results in a torrid scene between the two lovers, but what will happen when the scene is over? Will they be able to find what they thought they’d lost forever? Or will bitter memories keep them apart? less