Burned

by Stone, Piper

  Or worse.

  “Stay here and away from the edge. Do you understand?”

  She nodded, lifting her hand and brushing her fingers across my cheek. “You’re my savior. A hero.”

  I wanted to tell her that I was no one’s savior and certainly no hero, but I had no words at the moment, only continued trepidation. “I’ll be back.” I took another quick look at the cleats positioned in the ground, hissing under my breath. The weight had been significant. I kissed her forehead, my hand gripping her cheek then moved off, repeating the moves I’d done before. Buck was a solid twenty feet below where she’d been, but at least he was on a solid surface.

  My strength was sapped as I began rappelling down, taking my time with finding a secure area to place my feet, using the already existing spikes until I got to a certain level. I managed to shove two more into fairly solid areas before realizing I’d have to drop down and collect him. Shit. This wasn’t going to be easy in any regard.

  Very carefully I planned the drop, counting to five before doing so. When I dropped on the surface, I immediately slid, moving toward the edge rapidly.

  “No!” Kelly’s scream floated in the wind, drifting into the darkest crevices of my mind.

  She actually gave a damn.

  Her single exclamation fueled all of my training and energy reserve. I managed to grab hold of the edge of a rock, taking another deep breath before crouching on my knees.

  Buck rushed forward, nuzzling against my chest and whining.

  “It’s okay, boy. We’re just fine. I’m going to get you out of here. Okay?”

  His tail continued to wag but as I eased back, I could see he’d been scratched, the wounds fairly deep but not life-threatening. The injury had nothing to do with the fall. The marks had been created by an animal, likely a bobcat. Buck had certainly tried to protect her. Tears formed and I pushed them away, my resolve kicking in. “Okay, boy. Just relax.” I placed the rope around his chest, twisting my arm around the thick strand before moving to a standing position. From here, it was going to get harrowing.

  He licked my face in appreciation, those big brown eyes scorching my mind.

  With every foot I climbed, we dropped back a few inches. The spikes were starting to fail.

  Time seemed to stand in ignorance of what was occurring as I hoisted him up, using the strength of my thigh muscles to drag us up a few inches at a time. When we were only two feet away, I had to take a rest, trying desperately to find a place to shove my boot into.

  Another tumble of rocks.

  “Come on, Hawk. You got this,” Kelly said.

  I dared to give her one look and a smile, her statement drawing more energy than I could have imagined. “I’ll be right there,” I struggled to say then kissed Buck’s muzzle. “We’re almost there, buddy.”

  Another few inches.

  Then another.

  Rocks tumbling.

  Stars floating in front of my eyes.

  The adrenaline rush failing.

  A hand reaching out.

  “Come on, Hawk. I got you.” There was utter confidence in her voice, an urgency I hadn’t heard before.

  “Take Buck,” I whispered, gasping for air.

  I have no idea how she managed to grab my little buddy, but I was thankful he didn’t wiggle or move, allowing her to guide him to the surface. When he was free, the rope jerked, sending me tumbling down several feet.

  “No. No!” Her scream was riddled with terror, Buck barking alongside her.

  I had one last chance before the spikes failed. Using all the strength I had left, I moved one hand after the other, not stopping, refusing to give up. One foot. Two feet. Another hard drop.

  I clamored up, unable to focus but feeling her hand in mine, her fingers digging in. Another hard pull.

  I rolled, landing on my back and staring up at the almost white sky, listening as rocks tumbled, crashing to the surface below.

  “Oh, God. Oh, God, you’re okay.” Kelly crouched beside me, covering my body with hers, her tears falling against my face.

  And for some crazy reason, I’d never felt freer or happier in my life.

  Chapter Seven

  Kelly

  Pain.

  I’d caused Hawk and Buck more anguish than anyone in my life. I could see it on Hawk’s face, even though he hadn’t spent a second to admonish me in any manner. In fact, just the opposite. He’d been relieved, teary-eyed when we were all finally safe.

  And I couldn’t feel any guiltier than I did right now.

  Buck remained still, although every few seconds his tail thumped against the hardwood floor, but at least he was allowing me to clean his wounds. The bloody water gave me chills, my thoughts about the tragedy that could have occurred remaining in the forefront of my mind. “They’re just scratches,” I said after a few minutes of utter quiet. “I don’t think he’ll require stitches.”

  There was nothing worse than the quiet.

  Or the way Hawk was studying me, his eyes almost never blinking. He had a drink in his hand, the glass shaking as he attempted to take a sip. He had to be furious with me, anger that was completely justified.

  “Bobcat.” His voice boomed in the silence.

  “I don’t know. We were attacked from behind. Buck jumped in and I took off running.” When he didn’t say anything, I dared glance in his direction before wringing out the cloth. “That’s how we ended up at the cliff. I didn’t know.”

  “Obviously.”

  “Just say it. Okay? Tell me how horrified and angry you are with me. Tell me that I’m a terrible person for running. I didn’t mean to lie to you and I’m sorry. I just wanted to spare you the pain of being forced to deal with me.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” he demanded.

  “It means I wasn’t really leaving. I guess I just... I just needed some air and Buck managed to get out the door. I thought we’d be gone for a few minutes and...” I allowed the words to trail off. As if what I was saying, trying to explain my stupidity actually mattered.

  “You aren’t a horrible person.”

  “I don’t know anymore.” The words seemed to hang in the air.

  Hawk shifted, mumbling under his breath.

  A heavy sigh pushed past his lips and I heard the clinking of ice in the glass. Easing back, I rubbed down Buck’s back, thrilled when his tail began to thump in earnest. “You protected me, boy. You were so brave.”

  And I was a chicken shit.

  “I wasn’t going to turn you in.”

  I was surprised at his admission. Then I realized he’d seen the phone. I’d wiped off the call I’d made, not thinking about what might be left on the screen. I’d realized after making the call that I honestly didn’t want to leave. This beautiful cabin seemed the only place I could remain safe. As if I knew what the word truly meant. “I didn’t know.”

  “You should have. I honor my words, unlike the majority of people in this world.”

  Ouch.

  “I deserved that,” I said quietly, trying to fight back another round of tears. I was exhausted, my entire body aching, but happy. How in the hell could I be happy when I’d almost gotten myself and a beautiful baby boy killed? “I’m sorry, Hawk. I’m really sorry.”

  “You’re lucky.”

  “I know.” What did he want me to say? Grabbing the bowl of water, I struggled to stand, nearly collapsing on the couch. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”

  Hawk shrugged and nothing more.

  “Don’t do that. Yell at me, for God’s sake! Tell me all those horrible things I deserve, but don’t give me the silent treatment. I would never, ever want Buck hurt.”

  Another round of silence.

  Huffing, I stormed toward the kitchen, dumping the water and watching intently the trail of blood swirling down the drain. I was lost and hopeless and furious with myself. If I’d only remained until he’d returned, actually asking him questions instead of assuming.

  I felt his presence an
d my mind instantly went into a big blur, my heart racing and as always, the electricity sparking between us. I don’t know what I expected but the gentleness of his hand placed on my shoulder, caressing in such a loving manner just about did me in. I was shaking to my core. “Hawk.”

  Very slowly he turned me around, brushing his thumb across my lips. “I really thought I’d lost you.”

  “You saved me. I just...”

  “Shush. No need to talk.” He glanced down at the scratches covering my arms. “Did the cat hurt you?”

  “I don’t think so. All because of Buck.”

  As he lowered his head, his eyes shimmering with so many emotions, a rush of desire and need, hunger, and anguish rolled into my system.

  Then the kiss, his lips touching mine, his fingers gripping my skin. I slowly melted, ignited from the brush of his rough fingers alone. I found myself rising onto my tiptoes, clinging to him like a lifeline. I wanted more of him. I craved his body, the way his tongue swept past my lips.

  I also wanted his forgiveness.

  As he captured my mouth, sliding his tongue inside, he kept his firm hold, drawing me closer to his rugged body. There were no sounds, other than the rapid beating of our hearts. I felt so small yet so protected in his arms. I slowly slid my hand along his rippled chest, savoring the way his muscles felt against the tips of my fingers. Every muscle quivered, matching the sketchy beating of my heart.

  Growling, he opened and closed his mouth with mine, drawing me further into his yearning, his tongue entwining with mine. He eased his hand to my neck, grasping, his fingers digging in, pulling me into a slight angle.

  Allowing me to experience his throbbing cock beating against my tummy, my nerves all aflutter. As the moment of raw passion continued, he became like the savage I remembered, drawing everything from my mouth that he craved, his tongue demanding more of mine. I closed my eyes, yet visions of his naked body remained, enticing me. His power and dominance refused to be denied as he shoved me hard against the counter.

  I threw my leg around his, undulating my hips until the friction of his shaft pressing against me created a wave of heat between my thighs. I was so wet, my pussy clenching out of pure desire.

  He kept his hold as he ripped at my shirt, breaking the connection long enough to slide his hand under the thin material. Just the way he cupped and squeezed my breast was almost enough to force an orgasm. I was thrown, pitched into a moment of sheer bliss, unable to think or care about anything but the man holding me.

  Owning me.

  Hungering for me.

  I wound my fingers in his hair, twisting his long strands around and around, inhaling his musky scent. He reeked of the forest and sweat, testosterone and brutal hunger, the combination more intoxicating than ever.

  Breaking the kiss, he tugged my hair, exposing my neck then dragging his lips down to my chin. He blew a swath of hot air, creating another wave of tingles scattering throughout my body. Every touch, every lick of his rough tongue sent me into the stratosphere.

  Panting, I clawed at him, digging my fingers into his shirt, wanting nothing more than to have our naked bodies pressed together.

  Hawk slid his tongue down the length of my neck, groaning in a husky manner the entire time. He sucked and nipped, his sharp teeth dragging along my naked skin.

  Goosebumps popped along my arms, floating down to my legs, keeping the electricity at a combustible level. The second he pinched my nipple between his thumb and forefinger, I would have dropped to the floor if I weren’t solidly placed in his arms.

  His strong hold.

  His possessive stance.

  I was his for the taking, a woman who’d defied him on every level, but his hunger was insatiable, his blinding desire increasing. I squeezed my leg around his thigh, rubbing my pussy against his dense jeans, moaning as I tried to control my breathing.

  My emotions.

  My need to give him everything.

  “You belong to me,” he whispered, the tone dripping with longing.

  “Yes.”

  “You will succumb to me.”

  “Yes.”

  “You will obey me.” The last statement was riddled with a gravelly tone, so sexy and ripe with the same domination that I’d experienced that I was lost in the moment.

  “Always.” The answer slipped easily from my mouth, the knowing of what I’d accepted burning in the back of my mind. I’d never been this woman. I’d never accepted any man’s claim or his requirements in any manner.

  I’d also never been happy.

  He lifted my shirt, jerking the edge up and over my breasts and tossing his head down. As he took one nipple into his mouth, sucking brutally, he continued to pinch and twist the other, driving me to new heights of pain and pleasure.

  I was forced to throw back one hand, gripping the counter, taking deep breaths as my leg slowly slid down his. He had me exactly where he wanted, learning to obey.

  Learning to surrender.

  Everything seemed so right, even though I could no longer think clearly, other than knowing this was meant to be.

  He bit down on my hardened bud, sucking with vigor as he made continual beast-like sounds, growling and huffing, every muscle tense. I knew he was going to ravage me, using every hole exactly as he determined.

  Then he simply stopped, pulling back, still towering over me as he peered down, his chest rising and falling. “I’m disappointed that you couldn’t trust me. I will never hurt you. That I promise you with my life.”

  “I... I do trust you. You saved my life.” I shot a glance over his shoulder, studying Buck. At least the pup was sleeping quietly. More guilt and shame rushed into me, fears clouding my judgment.

  “No, you don’t but I hope that one day you will.” He took another step back, running his fingers through his disheveled hair, flexing those massive arms that he’d used in order to save me.

  I wanted nothing more than to reach out, pull him closer but he needed his space. I could tell that easily in his eyes, the burning look that defied imagination. There were no appropriate words to say, nothing that could make either one of us feel any better.

  As if I had time to give us.

  There were so many questions, the need for a thousand answers, but we both required space to process.

  He tipped his head, gazing out the window. “The snow is starting to fall. I need to get some wood in for the fire. I’ll bring in a few things I purchased for you. Go and take a bath. I will join you later.”

  This wasn’t a request, but a demand and I was required to obey. As he gave me a nod, I could still see the raging desire illuminating every inch of his body.

  He clenched his fists, turning sharply and heading for the door. I watched as he grabbed a coat, hesitating before opening the front door. He gave me another wistful look over his shoulder before walking outside.

  I stood exactly where I was, taking deep breaths and sliding my fingers back and forth across my lips. The taste of him was sweeter than ever, the feel of his hard cock sizzling every cell in my body. I found myself stumbling as I moved back toward Buck, crouching down and rubbing his muzzle. “I’m so sorry, sweet boy. Thank you for protecting me.”

  The hard thump of his tail and the lift of his head only added to the humiliation that wouldn’t leave for a hell of a long time. I realized I’d headed for the bathroom without hesitation, hoping that he would indeed join me later.

  Hawk had said very little after the rescue, but he had held me in his arms for a period of time. Then he’d carried Buck back to the cabin, cradling the massive dog in his arms like you would a child. The love I’d seen on the man’s face for his pup and in truth for a woman that had defied and betrayed him cut through like a jagged edged knife. I hadn’t paid any attention to just how rough the terrain truly was, my terror of getting away from the snarling beast the only thing in my mind.

  Seeing Buck try to climb down the side of the cliff, managing to go several feet before sliding all the way down
had been horrifying.

  Even more so than the look of terror on Hawk’s face.

  I shuddered as I started the water, hunkering over the tub and trying to collect my thoughts. The call I’d made might or might not help. That remained to be seen. I honestly wasn’t prepared to tell him about my additional level of disobedience, at least not now, but I knew I’d have to come clean eventually.

  I made the water as hot as possible, watching as the water cascaded into the beautiful porcelain tub. I held out my arms, studying the scratches. Battle wounds for a fight I shouldn’t have been in. What in the hell were we going to do now? I could only hope the snow would be thick, keeping us stranded for a long time. The thought alone, the visions of spending days in bed with the man I...

  No. I wasn’t going to fall in love with anyone. He didn’t deserve the baggage or the shit I was going to bring. And I didn’t deserve his kindness.

  I yanked off the dirty clothes, cringing the moment I slipped into the water. Within seconds, I found the steam and the heat comforting, allowing my aching muscles to relax. I closed my eyes, woozy from exhaustion, yet the worry and fear continued to burrow into me.

  But the memory of his eyes continued to bore into mine, so sultry and evocative, a sheer glance into the man’s soul. I wanted to learn everything about him; what he hungered for in life, what kind of hopes and dreams he had, and the horrors he’d obviously faced in the past.

  Most of all, I wanted his body wrapped around mine, keeping me close as his rough fingers touched every inch of my naked skin. A moan slipped past my lips as I envisioned his body; the long muscular legs and chiseled hips, his broad chest and shoulders, strong arms that held more power than any man I’d ever known. And his beautiful and delicious cock.

  Licking my lips, I couldn’t resist, my hunger off the chain. I slipped my hand into the water, sliding my fingers ever so delicately around my nipples. They were swollen and hard still from his aggressive touch alone, more sensitive than ever before. I bit back a cry as I pinched one, my legs trembling. I could almost picture him hovering over me, commanding me to open my mouth then thrusting his shaft all the way inside until the tip hit the back of my throat. I could feel his heated gaze, the way his eyes raked over me, the husky growl slipping up from the very depths of his being.