Chapter 35 Summary & Analysis: Cadence – His Pawn by Mara Morgan
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Cadence is escorted to the makeup chair after her staged encounter with Cruze. Nigel propositions her for drinks, but Zane intervenes and drags her to the limo. Zane, furious because he witnessed the scene, forces Cadence to remove her robe and thong, then cleanses her with a cloth. He lights a candle and interrogates her about “fucking Cruze.” Cadence apologizes, but Zane demands she lie down and proceeds to drip hot wax onto her nipples and clit, mixing pain and pleasure. He fingers her while asserting ownership: “You’re all mine.” When Cadence declares she is his, Zane shows vulnerability, admitting he fears she is only using him for tuition. He then commands her to perform oral sex. After she complies, he spanks her and they climax together. Zane then threatens to make her brother suffer if she fucks Cruze again. Cadence is shocked he knows about her brother and threatens to kill him if he harms her brother. Zane believes her and reveals her brother is alive but not okay. He tells her to return to work.
Key Events
- Nigel propositions Cadence; Zane intervenes.
- In the limo, Zane forces Cadence to remove the thong and robe.
- Zane pours hot wax on Cadence’s body while questioning her loyalty.
- Cadence apologizes and declares she is Zane’s.
- Zane admits his insecurity about Cadence’s motives.
- Cadence performs oral sex; Zane spanks her; they orgasm together.
- Zane threatens to harm her brother if she sleeps with Cruze again.
- Cadence learns Zane knows about her brother; she threatens retaliation.
- Zane reveals her brother is alive but in poor condition; he leaves.
Character Development
- Cadence: Shows remorse for her encounter with Cruze and tries to reassure Zane. Her vulnerability emerges when Zane mentions her brother, exposing a protective, fierce side (she threatens to kill Zane). She remains conflicted about her feelings for both men.
- Zane: Displays jealousy, anger, and insecurity; he doubts Cadence’s sincerity. His threat about her brother reveals a controlling, investigate side and a willingness to use leverage. A moment of weakness (slumped shoulders) hints at genuine emotional investment.
- Nigel: Makes a brief appearance as a lecherous, opportunistic figure.
- Cruze (mentioned): Cadence admits to feelings for him, but declares he means nothing compared to Zane.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Pain and pleasure: The wax dripping and spanking exemplify the blend of physical pain and sexual pleasure that Cadence must “lean into.”
- Ownership and control: Zane repeatedly asserts Cadence is “mine” — body and soul. The threats about her brother extend his control beyond their sexual dynamic.
- Jealousy and insecurity: Zane’s anger masks his fear that Cadence only wants his financial support. This humanizes him.
- Family as leverage: Zane’s knowledge of Cadence’s brother introduces a new power imbalance and raises stakes.
- Cleansing and purification: Zane’s instruction to “clean yourself up” and removal of the thong symbolize a ritualistic erasure of Cruze’s touch.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens Zane and Cadence’s tumultuous relationship by exposing raw emotions and vulnerabilities. The introduction of Cadence’s brother as a tool for coercion raises the stakes dramatically, shifting the power dynamic. Zane’s insecurity and Cadence’s protective rage add complexity to their bond. The explicit blending of pain and pleasure continues the novel’s exploration of BDSM dynamics as a means of communication and control. The chapter ends with a cliffhanger about Cadence’s brother, propelling the plot forward.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Zane pour wax on Cadence’s body instead of simply confronting her about Cruze?
Zane’s use of hot wax is a deliberate method to blend punishment with pleasure, forcing Cadence to submit and “lean into” the experience. It serves as a physical assertion of his ownership and a way to reclaim her body after she shared it (performatively) with Cruze. The ritualistic nature of the act reinforces his dominance.
2. How does Cadence’s reaction to the threat about her brother change the power dynamic?
Cadence’s threat to kill Zane if he harms her brother surprises Zane (he says “I believe you”) and momentarily shifts power to her. It reveals that she has a fierce loyalty and a line she will not allow Zane to cross, even though she admits she does not particularly like her brother. This challenges Zane’s control.
3. What does Zane’s comment about Cadence only saying she’s his because of college and business reveal about his character?
It reveals deep insecurity and a fear that Cadence does not genuinely care for him. Despite his outwardly dominant persona, he doubts his own worth and suspects Cadence’s declarations are transactional. This vulnerability makes him more complex and suggests that his controlling behavior stems from a need for real connection.