by Piper Stone
I held my breath as he pushed me forward, my hands firmly planted around his legs. The entire room seemed to be spinning as I waited while he toyed with me, finally pushing the tip of his cock into my dark hole. A whimper slipped past my lips, my heart racing as he pushed just inside.
“Relax, baby. It’ll hurt then I assure you, it’ll feel real good.”
A part of me was ready to retort something nasty, but I was forced to suck in my breath, clinging to the comforter as if it was my lifeline. Panting, I refused to issue additional moans as he pushed further inside. The pain was blinding, the heat building all throughout my body. Stars and comets and planets flashed in front of my eyes as he shifted his hips.
“Damn, you’re so tight,” he muttered, growling several times in the same dominating tone as I’d heard before.
Hanging my head, I could barely catch my breath and when he drove the last few inches inside, I was no longer able to hold back a scream. “Fuck. Oh. God!”
“Breathe. Just breathe.”
“You breathe,” I demanded, huffing and squirming. After chuckling, he began to pump in and out slowly, taking his time as my muscles expanded, trying desperately to accept his thickness. Every inch of my body was on fire, my entire world reduced to concentrating on the slice of anguish pulsing through me like a bottle rocket.
Exhaling, he drove in and out methodically, kneading my skin as if it would make the damn experience any better.
But within seconds, I realized I was wrong. The pain shifted, morphing into something magical, a burst of sensations crisscrossing over and through my body. I was shocked at the sheer euphoria, leaving me aching all over and in an entirely delicious manner. I threw back my head, stroking his legs as I began to rock him, moving up and down even as he continued to hold me. Everything shifted into a beautiful blur as he fucked me, driving into my tight hole with utter savagery.
“So good. So freaking good.”
I adored his husky whispers, the feel of his hot breath against my back. I was powerless to his hold on me, both physically and mentally, becoming lost in the moment. Moans continuously slipped past my lips as I bucked like a crazed beast, arching my back and struggling to remember anything other than what was occurring. The deliciousness of being thrown into such pleasure was a beautiful reminder that life was spectacular.
And that this cowboy had managed to touch every nerve, every emotion deep within me.
“Ride me, baby. Ride me hard.”
I laughed hearing his words, clamping down my muscles as I bobbed up and down on the bed. There was no doubt he was once again close to coming, his breathing ragged, his fingers digging into me roughly. When I squeezed again, I could only smile.
“Jesus. You are… Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” The roar ripping from him, coming up from the depths of his being was sweeter than any orchestra. As he spilled his seed deep into me, I realized that this man wasn’t just trouble.
He’d already rocked my world.
But I remained terrified to fall for him. I couldn’t break my resolve. Not now. Not ever.
What the hell was I supposed to do?
Moonlight.
There was something so mesmerizing about the giant orb, especially as it drifted in through the window blinds, highlighting the big man sleeping next to me. To say I was shocked that he’d actually gotten under the covers, cradling me next to him was an understatement. He didn’t seem like the romantic type on any level.
Not that we’d had much pillow talk.
He’d simply held me close, rubbing his fingers up and down my arm, even inviting Zorro up onto the bed after a few minutes. While I didn’t want to envision or even think about how natural it felt to have him in my bed, with my beautiful pup already adoring him, it was difficult not to allow the thoughts to enter my mind.
Mustang was larger than life, his persona as big as his rough and tumble talk. He was a take no shit kind of man, yet there was a gentle side to him. However, I was clearly able to see just how haunted he was inside, even his expression relaying some kind of intense darkness gripping him. The heat of his body warmed mine, the slight rise and fall of his chest as he slept peacefully comforting.
I rubbed my fingers in an aimless pattern as I gazed up at the window overlooking the scraggly back yard. A smile remained on my face from the intensity of the incredible sex as well as the way Zorro was lying across both our legs. The way Zorro had taken to him left me tingling all over.
But I dared not say that to Mustang.
I almost laughed at the thought. The beefy cowboy would most likely use that against me. While I was exhausted, my body remained wired as I listened to the muffled but regular sounds of the injured pup on the monitor. While I’d turned off the screen, I knew I’d barely be able to fall into a fitful sleep, easily able to catch any signs of distress.
When I finally closed my eyes, visions of beautiful little cabin even deeper in the woods came into my mind. The small yet beautiful house was surrounded by a lush field of green, wildflowers dotting the edge of a rustic fence. Exhaling, I rubbed my hand along Mustang’s chest, trying to allow myself to fall asleep. The quietness of the moment lulled me into a higher state of relaxation.
“No!” Mustang hissed, his body shaking. “We can’t get to him, Jake. He’s gone. We have to get out of here.”
I shifted, lifting my head, easily able to notice the way his eyes rolled back and forth quickly underneath his eyelids. What the hell was he dreaming?
“You don’t understand. We go in. We die. Don’t be a martyr.”
Easing onto my elbow, I placed my hand against his face. Whatever nightmare he was having had left him in a cold sweat.
His body jerked, his arm flying out and the second he opened his eyes, his mouth twisted in agony.
“Mustang. Wake up. You were having a dream,” I whispered, shaking him gently.
“No. No!” he snarled, darting his terrified gaze back and forth.
“Come on. Wake up.” The words were barely out of my mouth when he rolled me over, jerking up onto both arms, the look on his face one of rage.
“We’re not doing this!” he snapped.
Zorro whimpered, trying his best to slide in between us.
Swallowing hard, I very gently placed one hand on his cheek, the other across his heart. Even in the dim shadows, I was able to see he was a million miles away. “Mustang. It’s okay. You’re safe. You’re with me.”
His eyes registered nothing but the cold, hard anger that had wrapped around his entire mind and body like a horrific clamp, squeezing to the point he had difficulty breathing.
“Wake up. Come on, baby. Look at me.” My words didn’t register at all. Then the blank look began to shift as he blinked twice.
When he slammed his fist into the pillow next to my head, I was unable to hold back a whimper. The sound I made dragged him all the way out of his trance. Zorro shifted all the way between us, his tail thumping as he crowded over my body.
Gasping for air, he glanced down at me, blinking several times.
I could feel my body shaking, a slight hint of fear creeping into my muscles, but I knew that if I’d been in any real danger, Zorro would have reacted differently. When the pup licked the cowboy’s face, Mustang reared back, glancing from one side of the room to the other, shifting his hand to his side as if searching for a weapon.
“Fuck. What… happened?” he managed.
“You were having a dream.”
He reared back, now gasping for air, finally returning his attention in my direction. As he tried to smile, he lifted his arm, flexing and fisting his fingers. “Are you okay?” He rubbed his hand down Zorro’s back, nuzzling against the dog for a few seconds.
Zorro finally huffed then shifted to the far side of the bed.
“I’m fine. The question is, are you?”
Rolling off, he eased his arms behind his head, glaring at the ceiling. “Yeah. Just fine.”
The man had closed himself off completely. Ref
using to give in, I rolled over, staring him in the eyes. “What were you dreaming about?”
“Nothing important.”
“Since you almost punched me in the face, I’d say it was important.”
A look of horror crossed his face and he jerked away, shifting onto the side of the bed and planting his feet on the floor. “Fuck.”
I scooted closer, reaching out then pulling my hand away. “The war?”
“Something like that.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” I already knew the answer. Men like him didn’t talk about sadness or anger. They bottled up their emotions, pretending that whatever horrible experience they’d gone through they could get through all by themselves. He remained trembling, the heavy adrenaline flow obvious. Ten seconds passed. Fifteen. I was sick not knowing how to help him.
He snorted, darting his head over his shoulder. “Naw.” A quiet few seconds of tension settled in. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t. If you’d attempted to hurt me, Zorro would have eaten your arm off.”
Zorro whined his answer before crawling closer to Mustang. I wanted to call the fluff ball a traitor, but I was glad to see the two of them got along.
Huffing, Mustang placed his hand on Zorro’s head, rubbing behind the pup’s ears. “That’s good to know. You need protection.”
“I have a gun. Don’t worry.”
Cocking his head, he shot me a look before smiling as his breathing started to calm. “One bad woman.”
“Told ya.” I wasn’t going to push him, but now I knew the source of his sadness. Whatever had happened overseas was eating him alive.
Another ten seconds passed. Fifteen. I had no idea what to say to him.
Gggrrr…
Zorro’s sudden growl reeked of menace, every inch of his fur standing on end.
“What is it, buddy?” I asked, watching as my dog stared at the door to the bedroom.
After barking once, Zorro bolted off the bed, racing through the house. That had to mean that someone was outside the house. Damn it. If the assholes were attempting to do anything, I would…
I couldn’t even finish my thought.
Mustang jerked up, reaching for his jeans. “Listen to me. You stay right here. Do you understand me?”
I was already halfway out of the bed when he jerked me down, hovering over me, his lips dangerously close. “This is my house and it’s probably just cougars or something,” I managed, although I didn’t believe that for a second. I pressed my hand against his chest, still seeing the pain in his eyes from before.
“Uh-huh, well, that’s what I’m going to find out and you’re going to remain warm and safe inside. Obey me.” He continued dressing, yanking his boots into his hands before moving toward the window.
“Or what?”
He shook his head slightly. “Listen to me, Danni. I’m not fucking with you. I’ll be right back. I kinda don’t want anything to happen to you. I couldn’t handle that right now. You got it?”
Nodding, I gave in, remaining where I was, even as a series of horrible thoughts rushed into the back of my mind.
As he fought to throw on his boots, dragging his shirt from the floor seconds before he walked out of the bedroom, an ugly premonition slithered into my brain.
Something terrible was going to happen. Maybe not now, but it would in the future.
And it would destroy one or both of us.
Chapter 8
Mustang
Damn it!
I’d left my freaking weapon in the truck. I shifted into the kitchen, peering out the window before grabbing one of the butcher knives as Zorro continued to growl. I loathed the apprehension that threatened to become suffocating, although it had only some to do with whatever intruder might be outside.
I vaguely remembered almost striking Danni. How the fuck could I do something like that? While I couldn’t remember much of the dream this time, I realized that the ugliness of what had occurred had manifested itself in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I shouldn’t have stayed. I definitely shouldn’t have fallen asleep. Fury wrapped itself around me as I moved toward the front room, peering out through the partially open blinds. My vision was twenty-twenty and there was no doubt I was able to see the last flash of taillights leaving her driveway, flying away from the property.
Zorro growled several times, jumping up and pressing his front paws on the door.
“It’s okay, buddy. Just let me find out what we’re dealing with.” I opened the door slowly, quickly peering outside and scanning the dark surroundings, unable to detect anything unusual. Hell, I didn’t even have a freaking flashlight with me. I felt along the wall until I was able to find a light switch, flipping it on. When I walked outside, there was a distinct residue of gasoline. Diesel to be exact. Some asshole had been here all right.
Very quietly I shifted toward my truck, peering inside before opening the driver’s door. Whoever had been at the property wasn’t in the mood to steal anything. I’d left my keys on the floor, the door unlocked. My weapon remained in the glove compartment right where I’d left it. I also grabbed my flashlight, checking the ammo before closing the door, taking another glance at the outskirts of her property. As the wide beam highlighted a good portion of the driveway, I walked several feet, sweeping the light from one side to the other. The main road leading to her clinic was two lanes, although the access points led toward the city from both sides. There weren’t any distinguishable signs of any kind. Whoever had been here certainly hadn’t wanted to be detected.
I could hear Zorro’s continued low growl as I shifted toward the side of the porch, peering out toward the woods. Other than the rustle of night creatures, there didn’t appear to be anyone remaining. When I turned back, ready to head toward the clinic, an odd gleam from the moonlight caught my eye. I leaned over, hissing when I noticed what appeared to be two flat tires on her truck. I took long strides in that direction, bending down just as I heard the front door open.
Zorro came bounding out, Danni only a few feet behind him.
“I thought I told you to stay inside,” I barked, snapping my head in her direction.
“And you know I don’t follow rules very well.” She shifted closer, obviously noticing the tires. “What the hell? I know I haven’t replaced the tires in a while but two at one time? Kids maybe?”
“Don’t be naïve, Danni.” I flashed the light over the rim before sticking my finger into the gash. “That’s caused by a very sharp knife. Someone has a beef and that narrows it down to just about a hundred people given the cowboys’ reaction to you at the auction. I told you that raising a ruckus wasn’t in your best interest.” When I turned and lifted my head, I expected to see fear or trepidation, but in true Danni style, she was pissed.
“Damn it. Motherfuckers.” She threw her gaze in the direction of the clinic, immediately storming inside her house, returning in a few seconds with the clinic’s keys in her hand. “If they caused any harm, I will hunt them down and kill them.” She took long strides, cursing under her breath the entire time.
I didn’t like this shit, my hackles even more raised than before. While the assholes could have done much worse, the vandalism only meant as a warning, I knew damn good and well they wouldn’t stop there.
Especially if she continued to meddle in their business, whether legal or illegal.
“You need to call the police,” I told her.
“No. I don’t want to. Not yet.”
Sighing, I gave Zorro a look. The dog was standing at full attention, sweeping his head from side to side. “At least you get it, buddy. Both of you are in danger.”
“They’re just trying to scare me.”
“Yeah? Well, it should be working.”
“I just want to let it go this time,” she insisted.
I debated her request, sucking in my breath before answering, “Then you’re not going to inflame them any longer. Period. You get that?”
&n
bsp; Her mouth twisted as she folded her arms. “You don’t rule my world.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart. You are going to learn to obey me.” I could see her continued consternation as well as a slight look of relief. This shit was getting out of hand.
I headed toward the clinic, hopeful that damage hadn’t been done, Zorro following closely behind. By the time I made it inside, she’d already moved into the other room. I took a quick look around, finding the windows intact and the furniture in the same place. At least the perpetrators hadn’t gotten inside. I found her crouching on the floor, studying the injured dog, her body rigid.
I’d felt the awkward tension between us before, but the chill in the air was much more intense. What else had I done or said while sleeping, other than terrifying her that she was sleeping next to the enemy? Shit. I didn’t even know what to say to her or how to apologize. The thought of almost hurting her cut through me in the same way the knife has slashed her tires. I looked away, trying to figure out the best words.
“You need to give him a name, even if it’s just for the records,” she said quietly, obviously prepared to ignore the situation.
“Not my dog.”
“He could be. I could tell he trusted you.”
“Not going to happen.” My thoughts drifted once against to Snake and the stray that he’d poured his heart into. While I hadn’t noticed before, the realization that the dogs looked remarkably alike was difficult to wrap my head around. A lump remained in my throat even as I heard her disgusted exhales.
She rose to her feet, turning to face me. “Do you know what will happen to him if he is forced into the pound? Either the original owner is going to claim him, the asshole, or he’ll be allowed to live for approximately forty-eight hours. That’s all the time they get to be adopted, which from what I know in this state is a damn pipe dream. Do you really want that to happen to that poor baby?”