Cross Ties (Swamp Heads, #5)

by Esther E. Schmidt

  “You’re going to feel so good when I slide my dick inside you. Tight like a vice this pussy, and it’s all mine. I’m going to need this sweet body to come gloriously before it’s ready for me to claim, though.” Is he talking to me? To himself?

  Oh, shit...never mind...his words...his touch...his damn mouth that’s capable of throwing me off a cliff and making me land into an ocean of heavenly pleasure as I scream his name. Air...I need air to breathe and yet I can’t quite catch my breath. What the hell was that?

  “That hoarse voice screaming my name during your orgasm just made my dick harder than it’s ever been.” Zeke says, his eyes burning into mine while his beard is glistening.

  He crawls up my body while making a trail of kisses. His beard tickling me along the way. His eyes now fiercely boring into mine. “Have you ever had a moment in life where you take your next breath and realize the sole reason why you’re walking this earth? That’s me right now. It’s never been clearer to me that we belong together.” His dick nudges at my entrance, the tip slowly easing in and out. “Feel that?” He groans. “Feel how perfectly matched we are? How good you look beneath me? How well we were as friends?”

  One surge and he’s buried deep within me. If he hadn’t just stolen my breath away, he would have robbed me of it just now. He doesn’t even allow me to scream out the burn of his dick stretching my pussy because he’s kissing me like I’ve never been kissed before. Sweet and yet all-consuming while he’s letting my body adjust to the intrusion. My lips tingle while his tongue strokes mine. His hips start to move and I find myself meeting every thrust.

  Our mouths aren’t capable anymore to focus on kissing. There are grunts and moans leaving both our bodies while he buries his head against my neck. My nails desperately scratch over his back in an effort to get him even closer. I have no clue how he’s doing it but there’s a fire that’s building inside yet again, and it needs to be released.

  “Please,” I beg and I don’t even know what I want him to do because I want more and yet I don’t want it to end either.

  He nips the skin on my neck and starts to suck while he surges in and out of me while...I dunno...rotating his hips or another angle but all of it doesn’t matter because he just grabbed a night filled with stars and smacked me right in it. Absolute bliss washes over me as I hear him groan and feel him still above me while hot pulses fill my body.

  Hard breathing overtakes the room before I hear Zeke mutter against my neck. “That was over way too damn fast.”

  “Yes,” I sigh a bit dreamily.

  Zeke lifts his head up to pierce me with his gaze. “That was a little too fast of an agreement there, ma chèrie. Not that charmed with my performance I reckon?”

  “On the contrary, could you maybe...I dunno, put it on repeat or something? Because that would be nice.” I tell him and with that he chuckles, making his dick slide out of me along with...shit. “We didn’t use a condom.”

  “We didn’t,” Zeke simply states. “That’s a good thing if you’re not on the pill too. Better chance for me to knock you up so you won’t be able to get rid of me ever again.”

  “That’s not a reason to get pregnant!” I gasp.

  “I don’t need a reason,” Zeke connects our lips quickly before he adds, “All I need is you and whatever life has in store for us. I’m just saying I’m embracing all of it, Laudy. If we created life together it would be just as amazing now as if it were five years down the road. All I’m saying is...I’m not letting you walk out of my life again.”

  “You might have said that more than once already.” I muse. “Seeing I have no other place to go, and this position, and what you just did feels good...I don’t feel like I need a change of plans any time soon.”

  Zeke lets out a drowsy chuckle. Safe, warm, and comfortable...that’s what I am when I drift off to sleep in his arms. It still feels unreal when I wake up draped all over him hours later. Someone is knocking on the door and Zeke curses as he slides out from underneath me. He throws on some sweatpants as I grab for some underwear and clothes. I get a glimpse of Zeke holding a shotgun before he puts it down and opens the door.

  “Earle, what the hell are you doing here so early, man?” Zeke’s voice is way too harsh.

  “Hey, Earle. Did you bring breakfast?” I quip, eyeing the bag he’s holding.

  “Yeah, would you? Please? I miss...” Earle swallows when he hears Zeke growl. Clearly choosing different words before he continues. “Having you around to fix breakfast. Having you around made the house more like...I dunno, home.”

  A giggle escapes me. “Right, Earle. That’s your belly talking. But sure, give me the bag, sit down and I’ll fix all of us some breakfast. Or are you going to help me again?”

  “Help. Most definitely. I tried to do it this morning how you’ve been teaching me but it all went wrong again. I’ve got the tubes of dough in the bag along with everything else, walk me through it...again.” Earle sighs in defeat, making me bite on my lip since it’s too adorable.

  For the last two weeks I’ve stayed with him, I’ve been teaching him how to make cinnamon sticks. I made them the first morning and he devoured them all in a blink of an eye. The first time I didn’t even have time to spread the frosting over them.

  I step toward the kitchen but suddenly Zeke is in my path. “My brother isn’t going to help you fix anything.”

  Jeez, what the hell crawled up his ass?

  “Mon frère! You finally blew a nut, didn’t you? I can totally tell, you have the ‘I just fucked’ look on your face.” Earle announces as he drops the bag he was holding and grabs Zeke in a bear hug. “My brother finally lost his virginity!”

  Wait...what?

  Chapter 09

  ***Zeke***

  Dammit, why the effin’ hell would Earle say that shit out loud like that? She’s right fucking there, hearing every word he said. I feel heat spread my face and I’m damn effin’ sure I’m a nice shade of red by now as I’m staring at Laudy who’s eyes are wide. Yeah, now she realizes why I came so damn fast. I’ve never been inside a woman before last night.

  Like her, I was still a virgin. Hell yes, I watched porn and talked, heard, and saw enough shit around me all my damn life but I was saving myself for one woman...my woman. The one I couldn’t let go and I was effin’ right to save myself because she did the same. Yet where I think it’s the most honorable gift she gave me...I would liked to have kept mine a damn secret.

  Only Earle knew, ‘cause that fucker has been living with me twenty-four seven. And being my twin that kinda makes him notice shit I can hide from others. Like now...I didn’t even know there were letters on my damn forehead stating I finally had sex for the first time. Not just sex...made love. Mind blowing orgasm, such a strong difference from taking matters in your own hand so to speak.

  “Shut the hell up,” I growl. “I need you to read Roscoe’s letter.” I say in an effort to change the damn subject.

  “What letter?” Earle steps away from me.

  Laudy stalks over to the table, grabs the letter and holds it out. “Here, go read.”

  Earle takes it and strolls to the couch, plunking down on it while Laudy closes the distance between us.

  She raises herself on her toes and plants a kiss on my lips so tenderly my heart leaps. “Thank you,” she muses. “You and me are all kinds of special, huh?”

  “Not only special, ma chèrie, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. We just got started.” I promise and pull her flush against my body, because that tender kiss erupted a hunger that needs to be stilled by an all-consuming one.

  My fingers slide over her back up to her hair, tightening it to a fist to guide her head. I groan at the happiness that flows through my veins. Such a strong contradiction then yesterday morning. Fuck...I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before, and it’s all because of her.

  “Can you two stop sucking face and please tell me why the effin’ hell our brother is on a mission, tipping over as if he’s ready
to go full nuthouse?” Earle barks.

  I regretfully pull back and relish in the fact that Laudy is still in front of me fully wrapped in the afterglow of our kiss. Her lips slightly parted, eyes closed, cheeks flushed. The most gorgeous look...no, that’s when she comes on my dick...so this would be the second most gorgeous look. I make a mental note to see how many more gorgeous looks she’s got because I for damn sure need her to be happy and living her life fully.

  “I’m calling Cyrus. Chester too.” Earle mutters and grabs his phone.

  “Call Ma and Pa too, they all need to read that letter. And I didn’t see things out in the woods yesterday. With this letter, I’m damn sure I saw Roscoe going after the one who tried to shoot Laudy.” I tell my brother who gives me a tight nod as he starts to talk into his phone.

  I feel soft lips on my cheek before Laudy whispers in my ear. “I’m going to make some breakfast and some coffee, okay?”

  “Thanks, ma chèrie.” I tell her and smack that tight ass, earning me a fine smile she throws over her shoulder.

  There’s a knock on the door. When I’m about to grab my shotgun, just in case, Earle runs past me. “I got it, it’s Dale. Cyrus told me he was working on a habitat and would be here in a minute.”

  “What the fuck is Dale doing here?” I mutter, more to myself because I thought we only asked blood to come here.

  “Cyrus decided he needed to be in too. He’s always working here and therefor needs to know. Besides...the fucker is from Texas, knows how to handle a gun and a gator...extra set of hands and eyes man.” Earle states, swinging the door open to let Dale in.

  “Hey, guys. Cyrus is on his way. I was already close by but I haven’t had coffee yet, you got some?” Dale rambles as he strolls in.

  “Zeke blew a nut!” Earle bellows so damn hard it’s a damn miracle the walls aren’t shaking.

  Dale raises his eyebrow at me and his eyes go to Earle and back at me. “Good for you. Well, I hope it was good. Hell, can we skip this weird shit and talk about getting me some coffee instead?”

  Another knock at the door and since Earle is still standing there, he opens it after checking and lets Cyrus inside.

  “Zeke blew a nut!” Earle’s voice yet again blows through the room.

  “What the hell, Earle? Could you stop already?” Laudy says as she strolls over to me with two steaming cups in her hands while she holds one out for me to take.

  “I’m just happy for you two.” Earle shrugs, all damn innocent.

  Laudy leans forward toward Earle and whispers, “Be happy a little less wordy. Or rephrase it by saying we’re together now. Since your brother here keeps telling me he isn’t going to let me go.”

  “Ah, keeping you prisoner, huh? If you need to escape, I’m your man.” Earle whispers and chuckles at his own stupidity. Even Dale and Cyrus are shaking their heads, clearly, they’ve been whispering for nothing seeing everyone heard them.

  More knocking on the front door but before Earle can open it, I tell him. “No more blowing a nut statements.”

  He rolls his eyes and lets my parents inside. Right when I think he’s not gonna say anything...words start to pour from his mouth. “They did it!”

  “Earle!” Laudy squeaks.

  “What?” Earle says, again all innocent. “I was gonna add you two are finally together...you know...as one.” He wiggles his damn eyebrows and I’m happy to say this earns him a smack on the back of his head by our mom.

  “Hush, Earle. I already knew those two would end up together. I knew it the first day I picked him up from school with that pretty girl with pigtails walking beside him.” Mom says, now turning to face me. “Took you long enough though.” Before Laudy knows what’s happening, I snatch the coffee from her hand as I see my ma gripping her in a hug. “Welcome to the family sweetie.”

  “Okay, that’s enough, let her go.” I grumble and nudge them apart with my elbow, careful not to spill our coffee.

  Laudy takes her cup back and sneaks me a shy smile. Fuck. Those glasses, her hair all over the place from sleeping in my bed. Yeah, this too is one of those gorgeous looks I’m adding to my list.

  “Is this the letter?” Cyrus quips grabbing it from the table as he starts to read it.

  “Yeah. I think there’s something more going on than all of us know. It’s weird how Roscoe wanted to protect Laudy, and me too for that matter. He knew how I felt about her...hell, all of you did, so why else would he send her away and leave town for another job a few weeks later? But what I don’t understand is why he would risk her life by bringing her back. It’s like he’s using her as bait or something.” I sigh and take a sip of my coffee that’s turned lukewarm. Yikes. “What I also don’t understand is why he wrote that letter, as if saying goodbye...like he’s ending it even if it’ll be the end of him.”

  Dammit. The look on my mom’s face is telling me I should have chosen my words more carefully.

  “He’s right about the letter.” Cyrus states and holds it out for our pa to take.

  Pa glances it over and gives it to our mother. “What is that boy up to? And why the effin’ hell didn’t he come home when he’s clearly back in town?”

  “That’s what I’d like to know.” Ma fumes.

  “What if he knows who did it, and it’s somebody we all know or trust?” Laudy’s words barely reach my ears but fuck...that would make sense.

  “We should talk to the sheriff.” Dale states.

  “No.” Laudy snaps. “Roscoe made that very clear, back then and when he told me to come back. Maybe that’s why he didn’t tell us he’s back, he needs for us to...I dunno, act normal?”

  “Well, then there’s your answer. Roscoe clearly doesn’t trust the local police to deal with this, hence the reason he’s taking it on himself. Maybe he didn’t know exactly who did it, or just found out...or did know but couldn’t find the guy. Hell, see? It doesn’t help shit talking about it when we need Roscoe if we want his reasons.” Dale washes a hand down his face.

  “We should keep Laudy safe like we’ve been doing and let Roscoe do whatever he’s doing. And to be honest? What the hell else can we do?” Cyrus asks, eyeing everyone in the room.

  “He’s right.” Pa states.

  “Can I take this letter?” Ma asks and I nod, it’s not like I need to save it and everyone already read it by now.

  We decide to keep our eyes open and for Laudy and I to stay here for a couple of days at least. If anyone runs into any news or something comes up, we’ll get our heads back together again to talk things through.

  For now, it’s just Laudy and me in this tiny house and that’s actually something I’m okay with. Even if I had to push my twin out the door who was yelling about breakfast that was promised to him. And yeah, it smells damn amazing as I stalk into the kitchen and see Laudy pulling something from the oven.

  “Cinnamon twists.” She smiles and puts them on the counter before she carefully places some on a plate.

  While Laudy takes the food, I carry the steaming cups of coffee so we can enjoy both on the couch in the living room.

  “Hey, wanna check out the baby gators later?” I question.

  “Oh! Earle told me there was a baby albino, can I see that one?” Laudy’s face is lit with excitement.

  “We could do that. And I’ll show you the other albino we have, that one is old though.” That particular one is a pain in the ass who we keep in a habitat separate from the rest.

  “Could we also pick up some more bamboo wood? I’d like to keep my hands busy.” The cinnamon stick she’s holding hovers in front of her mouth. She’s clearly waiting for my answer.

  “Didn’t I bring enough?” I thought I grabbed a few that were the perfect size for the things she always made.

  “Yes, But I’d love a bigger piece. I want to design some clothes hangers. In a theme, you know, like a swamp setting in the middle all cut out. Would be nice to sell at the shop here, don’t you think?”

  “That’s damn amazing.” I t
ell her in all honesty. “It’s seriously something that would be unique and most definitely a handmade souvenir people would want to buy. I’ll call Earle and ask if he can swing by our house to grab some for you. I really don’t want to leave the premises for now. We’ve got people close and also security cameras all over the park. If something happens here we have a better shot at keeping you safe and finding out who the hell is doing this.”

  “I understand. And hopefully catch the person who’s responsible for the deaths of my family.” She takes a bite of the cinnamon stick she’s holding and yet it seems like she isn’t hungry at all.

  My heart tugs. “We’ll get this cleared up, and put the one responsible behind bars. Please don’t worry, you’ve been through hell already...then me adding to it when you came back. Come on, ma chèrie, let’s enjoy some breakfast before I let you hold some baby gators, huh?”

  “I get to hold them? Sweet!” Damn, that smile. Makes me want to reach out to the sun and adjust the angle so it will always shine on her to give all the warmth in life she deserves.

  Chapter 10

  ***Laudy***

  If today is similar to the last few days and continues to be like that for the rest of my life...I would eventually die as one very happy wrinkled up old lady. Even if it’s been less than a week that Zeke and I have been together, it’s been amazing. It’s crazy how you know a person growing up and then skip years and find out they are still the same deep down and yet with so much more added.

  As friends we created a strong connection. One where we can look at each other and know what the other one is thinking. Even if we’ve been staying either in this tiny house or have been roaming around the gator farm. That’s enough. Though I’d love to head into town and do some shopping or be free to do anything or go anywhere we like.

  But we still don’t know what’s going on or if it’s safe, and there haven’t been any new developments. Zeke keeps saying that whoever is after me must have lost track. What he’s not saying, and something I can clearly read in his eyes, is the fact that Roscoe is tied up in this, and it’s killing him. It’s the not knowing who and how that’s the frustrating part.