by Ellen March
“Trust me, when it comes to making love, Roman never teases.” A wicked grin seized his lips. It was going to be an interesting evening.
“Oh, he said he’d be down as soon as he unsaddled the mare. Think I’ll have five in the office. I need to finish picking up those papers. Did you want him for anything in particular, then?”
“Theo from the farm across the way is here to see him. He’s in the lounge waiting.” He squinted into the distance at Roman. “And Sal, don’t go near him. He’s not nice. Something definitely shifty about him.” He gave a dramatic shudder.
Sally laughed at him. He was definitely a drama queen. Picking up a biscuit on her way through the kitchen, she munched it thoughtfully on the way to her office, butterflies of a different kind fluttering in her stomach.
* * *
Theo stood in the doorway, impatient to see Roman. He was keen to sell some of the land he owned that bordered Roman’s property. He was desperate for money. The days of rich farming were long gone, and too late he realized that he should have diversified. But instead he had kept plugging away with what he knew. Sheep. Then the price of lamb had dropped, making sheep-farming infeasible.
When he spotted the tall blonde, he was curious about her and followed towards the office.
The room was hot and stuffy, and not wanting a repeat performance, Sally opened the window wide, thankful for the wave of fresh air that cooled the small space. She peered over at the German shepherds lazing in their shaded kennel across the way. After untying her sweatshirt from around her waist, she went down on her knees and began gathering the papers. A few had dusty paw marks, and she wondered what Antonia would say to that.
Suddenly the light faded and she found herself staring into the face of a large, heavily bearded man. Belatedly realizing her top had dipped in the front, giving him a good look at her chest, she quickly scrambled to her feet.
“Who are you then?” he asked gruffly as he walked into the room. He pushed the door partly closed.
“Roman’s secretary.” She backed away nervously, realizing why Paul had shivered when he mentioned the man. “He’ll be here in a moment,” she said, chewing on her lip.
“Really? Pretty little thing, aren’t you?” He grabbed his crotch and rubbed it suggestively, then slowly advanced on her. “Maybe you and me can get together.”
“Keep dreaming. Now get out,” she spat, thinking to herself that this was another first. No man had ever come onto her before. It was a novelty she could do without. The wall felt cold against her back as she pressed against it, and her mouth was dry with fear. She stared back at the feral eyes boring into her.
“You don’t mean that.” He blocked her way as she tried to dart past him. “Come on, just a kiss.” Grasping her hair, he yanked down hard. She screamed in pain. The dogs, hearing her cry out, set up a ferocious barking. They hurled themselves at their run, leaping up at it in an attempt to get out.
* * *
Roman had just reached the house when he heard the dogs. He frowned at Paul. “What the hell’s up with them?”
“Theo,” Paul cried, taking off at a run. Roman was close behind.
* * *
Sally moved her face, determined to keep the slobbering man from kissing her. She prayed that Roman would get there soon. Theo’s fingers were on her chin, and he forced her to turn her head. Without thinking, Sally raised her hand and scored his face with her broken nails. If only she had Antonia’s talons!
“Bitch,” he cried and slapped her across the face. Roman burst through the door at the same time, his face a mask of fury as he saw the man strike Sally.
Roman grabbed Theo by the shoulders and pulled him off. His punches slammed into Theo’s face, a red haze of anger obliterating any common sense. He didn’t stop until he felt a tugging at his arm. Then he saw Sally’s frightened face streaked with tears. Eventually the mist cleared, but he still quivered with fury.
“Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” His voice trembling, he put a shaking hand up to her reddened face.
“I’m fine, honestly.” Sally stared as the man stirred and struggled to rise. She held onto Roman’s arm. “He’s not worth it.”
Paul stood, open-mouthed. He’d never seen Roman react like this. For one moment he thought Roman was going to kill Theo, and he moved nimbly to the side when Theo staggered to his feet.
“Get off my property, and if I see you again, next time I won’t stop,” he swore, knowing damn well he wouldn’t. “Paul, show him the door.”
“Gladly.” Paul chased off the giant of a man staggering before him.
Roman turned to Sally and carefully inspected her. “Are you sure you’re okay, sweetheart?” he asked again. His hand gently touched the side of her face, wiping her tears away. He thanked God the dogs had started barking.
Sally placed her hand over his. “Positive.”
Roman bent his head and pulled her his lips close to his, touching hers with an almost delicate softness. But when her arms crept up around his neck, he crushed her to him. His tongue pushed into her mouth, twining with hers, sucking on it. He placed a smattering of tiny kisses along her cheek and down her neck, his tongue moving in one long, luscious sweep. Hearing her soft groan almost sent him over the edge.
“Oops, sorry,” Paul said loudly as he walked in on the pair, chuckling as they leapt apart like guilty children.
“Come on, Sal, you’ve had enough for one day.” Bending his head, he whispered, “I want you to keep your energy for tonight.” He laughed at the colour suffusing her face and watched her walk ahead into the kitchen.
Roman followed her and sighed shakily. He was worried. He’d always risen to the defence of any woman who was being threatened, but the anger that had surged through him when Theo had put his hands on Sally was beyond anything he’d ever experienced. It terrified him.
He’d never in his life been possessive, and it was an alien feeling, one he was determined to quash. He wanted her, but he didn’t want a relationship, and even though he was playing with fire he couldn’t let it go. He just hoped she wasn’t going to get burned.
* * *
Sally relaxed dreamily in the bath, her hair piled on top of her head. It would take too long to wash and dry it all. She wondered if Roman meant what he said, and she was even more worried by the fact that she wanted to give her virginity to a known womaniser who had blatantly insulted her.
One thing she was sure of: if she had to lose it, then she couldn’t think of a better specimen. Eventually she stood up from the rapidly cooling water, the chill raising goose bumps. Drying herself quickly, she pulled on her clothes and ran down the stairs to join Roman and Paul out on the patio.
“Your wine is poured, madam,” teased Paul, carefully handing her the tall glass of white wine.
“You sure you’ve got room for that?” Roman asked sceptically, looking at the ice and fruit.
Sally pushed a straw through the ice cubes and slurped. “Mmm, that’s lovely.” Sitting back, she looked at the two of them then turned to Roman. “What have you got?”
“Whisky. Want to try a sip?” He offered her his glass.
Sally sniffed at it and shuddered. “No thanks. Think I’ll stick to this.”
“Got any plans for tonight?” Roman asked Paul. He glanced pointedly at his watch.
“Probably an early night, by the looks of it,” Paul replied. He added wickedly, “But I might stay up if there’s something good on television.”
“I love the sunset,” sighed Sally, wistfully watching the red orb sink slowly behind the towering mountains, which were shrouded in darkness.
“And dawn?” asked Roman. Smiling, he swirled his glass casually before him.
“Oh no, I’m definitely not a morning person.”
“Really? I guess I’ll soon find out,” he stated with a nod of his head.
Paul choked on his drink. It didn’t take a genius to work out what Roman’s plans were for tonight, and he just hoped it
included Sally. Paul was only too aware how he rode roughshod over anyone weaker than him, but for some reason he didn’t think Roman was going to win this time.
The three of them sat talking until night totally descended and a huge globe of yellow rose in the sky. The moonbeams stretched their tentacles across the rolling landscape, a mixture of mountains and moor land interspersed by sporadic clumps of trees.
Roman was pleasantly surprised by how well informed Sally was and found it surreal to have an interesting conversation with a woman who didn’t agree with everything he said. She challenged his views and placed her own forward. They argued about sport and politics. And Roman was surprised at her knowledge of both. Her reasoning was logical, making him question his own beliefs, and it was one hell of a refreshing change.
“Well, think I’ll hit the sack,” said Paul, standing with a slight wobble. “See you in the morning. Night.” He weaved his way back into the house.
“About time he went. I was beginning to wonder if he was ever leaving,” Roman said, finishing his glass and deliberately not refilling it.
Sally blinked uncertainly. “Are you teasing me? You know you don’t find me attractive, so why …?” She had begun to wonder if she really wanted this dream to come true after all. Was that really what was about to happen? She left the question open.
Roman leaned forward and stared deep into her eyes, wishing he could see past her horrendous glasses. His hand cupped her chin and tilted it up. “Trust me, I want you more than I’ve wanted any woman in my life.” His lips came close to hers. “I want you. Now.” Taking her hand, he raised her to her feet before lifting her into his arms.
Sally giggled nervously, relieved he hadn’t changed his mind. “This is becoming a habit.” She entwined her arm around his muscled neck.
“Isn’t it,” he muttered, kicking the kitchen door shut behind them. He nuzzled her neck whilst striding up the stairs to his bedroom.
Reaching it, he pushed the door open and gently placed her onto the floor in front of him. His hand came up to stroke her forehead, and he pushed her hair back.
“I want to see you naked, feel your body next to mine. I want to taste you,” he said, fluttering a myriad of kisses across her face and down her neck. He tugged at her clothes until she stood undressed in front of him. His eyes dropped down, his heated gaze scorching over her. He swallowed, unable to believe how beautiful she really was. Finally he took off her hideous glasses and kissed her eyelids. His lips trailed down the side of her cheek and across to her ear lobe, licking and sucking. A chain of tiny moans rent the air.
He stripped quickly, letting his clothes pool on the floor. Taking her hand, he guided it to his cock.
“It’s okay, just feel it,” he urged, swallowing at the thought of her touch. He needed it desperately.
Nervously, Sally put her hand around his huge erection and gently ran her hand over it. She was amazed that something so hard could also be soft. He felt like velvet steel, a huge, thick column of flesh. She had a ridiculous urge to run her tongue over it, but she was sure he’d have a fit if she suggested it. Would anyone want to suck on his length of cock? She doubted it.
“Oh, Sal, that feels so good,” he groaned, wanting nothing more than to sheath himself deep inside her. He was only too aware he couldn’t last long and was urgently in need of release.
He gently nudged her backwards against his bed. Falling with her, he lay at her side. His hand cupped and caressed her breasts, his mouth nipping at her nipples. He bent his head and suckled, feeling her stiffen and arch into him. She tossed her head from side to side and her nipples pebbled beneath him.
His lips slid over her mouth and he thrust his tongue inside, seeking hers. He sucked and took, tasting her, welcoming her tentative, shy moves.
Unable to contain himself, he ran his hand down over her flat stomach, from breast to hip, towards the apex at the top of her thighs. His fingers stroked between her folds and then dipped in deep, first one finger, slow and caressing, followed by a second as he listened to her heavy breathing.
He shifted his hips and Sally could hear the crinkle of a wrapper as Roman slid on a condom. Knowing what she was feeling, he moved over her and probed at her entrance, gently pushing her legs apart. Sally closed them, suddenly nervous. “Trust me, Sal, let me in,” he whispered.
Shyly, she did as he asked and he pushed forward, centimetre by centimetre, shocked at how unbelievingly tight she was. He suddenly halted at the barrier.
“You really are a virgin?” he said in shock. But it was too late to stop. There was no way he could back off now—the need he felt was too strong.
Sally prayed. Don’t stop now. She ran her hands across his chest and felt his muscles and soft curl of hair, not wanting the sensations that assailed her body to stop. “Please ….” she groaned, searching for something but not knowing what.
Roman gripped her shoulders and thrust home, piercing her deeply. He smothered her scream with his lips as he tore through her hymen. “It won’t hurt anymore, sweetheart,” he whispered, unable to believe how good she felt. She was so hot and tight. He began to drive against her and could feel her tense, then relax, as he continued to pummel into her. Surging forward, he held her close as he shuddered into her body with a low, guttural groan.
Sally lay there for a few minutes wondering if she’d missed something. She definitely wasn’t a howler, hadn’t even felt the slightest inclination to whimper. But she was left feeling like she was missing out on something. She needed more, though she didn’t know precisely what.
Roman held her in his arms, still unable to believe she’d actually been a virgin. He felt ridiculously proud to have been the first. A strong emotion enveloped him, and he was aware he couldn’t cope with the realization that he wouldn’t be the last. Kissing her softly against the hollow of her neck, he muttered into her ear, “Now it’s your turn.”
He moved her onto her side, his big body wrapped around her as he dropped his hand down between her legs, lightly massaging her clitoris. Still inside her, he thrust leisurely, waiting for her to become a woman. He grinned when she grasped his hand.
“Roman, oh my God,” she cried breathlessly.
He continued to tease her clit, his fingers greedily circling and enticing. He massaged her harder, feeling her thrust into his hand as he ground his hips against her, the rhythmic slap of his balls urging him on.
Sally was conscious of a spiralling sensation from deep within her stomach, a scrunching tremble that was growing into a massive, hot rush. It stole over her, blistering her body to a soft mush. Unable to cope with it, her whole body suddenly exploded in a multitude of emotions culminating in a white-hot intensity that shook her to the core. And then she realized why those women had screamed. She threw her head back and groaned loudly, thrusting herself hard against his hand. The sensation of him deep inside was decadent. She breathed in the delicious scent of his masculinity and shuddered against him.
“Oh my God, I never realized,” whispered Sally. As tempting as it was to masturbate, she hadn’t, at least not fully. Played and teased a bit, but never brought herself to the mind-blowing explosion Roman had fetched her to. She turned in his arms to look into his handsome face, a dark shadow dusting his chin. “Thank you.” She pressed a soft kiss against his lips and raised her hand to trace them with her finger. “I’ll never forget you. If I never make love again, I’ll always remember this.” Her green eyes glowed in the light.
Roman’s heated gaze covered her, his body at odds with his feelings. At this moment he wanted nothing more than to hold her and keep her with him. But he knew she’d end up hating him. He’d already taken her innocence. He didn’t want to destroy her soul. She was starting to mean something to him. Somehow she’d managed to get under his skin and he wasn’t taking the chance.
He couldn’t give her what she would inevitably want: commitment, love, all the packaging that went with a relationship.
Yet the thought of her ma
king love to anyone else felt like a red hot stake through his heart. He knew he had to take tonight and enjoy it, then set her free—however it ended, no matter what she thought of him. He realized he’d end up hurting her, whatever way he looked at it, but he had no choice. He couldn’t love her; it wasn’t in him. Was it? She had changed his life, his outlook. And he didn’t like it. Roman wanted to live and make love, yet Sally compelled another emotion. One he tried to ignore. To set aside.
“Why do you look so sad?” she asked, her hand softly running along his face, across the rough texture of his stubble.
“I’m not,” he lied, tenderly stroking back her hair. “I’ve got a whole night planned ahead for us.”
“What, you mean there’s more?” She grinned up at him in anticipation. “Well, you won’t get any arguments from me. Lead the way.” Pulling his head down, she kissed him hungrily. If this was to be her night, then she was going to make the most of it.
Chapter Twelve
The sunlight filtered through the window and Sally rubbed her eyes in exhaustion. She glanced around her bedroom and wondered how she’d gotten there. She was beginning to wonder if she’d dreamt the whole thing.
A vague image of Roman carrying her drifted through her thoughts. She remembered the sudden coldness of the bed and his bittersweet expression when he’d kissed her gently before covering her up.
Turning over and snuggling in, she felt soreness between her thighs and knew it hadn’t been her imagination. Roman had made love to her virtually all night in every conceivable position, and she had cast her inhibitions aside, revelling in it. Her hands and lips had traced every part of his body as she learned what he liked. Her cheeks flamed as she thought back to what he had done to her with his tongue.
Grinning happily, she glanced at the clock and realized that yet again she’d slept away most of the morning.
Tossing the sheet back, she walked naked to the window and stared out at the fields. She could just make out Roman astride his big, chestnut stallion.