by Piper Stone
“Rex?” she called softly, listening for any telltale signs. She heard nothing but the sound of a ticking clock coming from somewhere in the room. Pulling back the sheets, she sat up, waiting until her eyes adjusted to the limited light. She eased out of bed, padding to the bathroom, flicking the switch. The garish hue was blinding, forcing her to blink. Had something happened?
Managing to find a robe on the back of the door, she slipped into the terrycloth and padded toward the entrance to the bedroom. Seeing that the door was cracked, she guessed he hadn’t wanted to disturb her. Shivering, she walked down the hallway and into the living room, able to see a form on the couch. Walking closer, she peered down. He was sleeping on the sofa, covered in a blanket. Why leave the warmth of the bed? Why leave her side? Maybe she was snoring. She pressed her hand against her mouth, the thought disgusting. She’d won a night with her Prince Charming and he didn’t want to lie next to her.
There was no sense in waking him now and she had no way of getting back to her car. She made her way to the other side of the room, locating his kitchen just beyond the living area. The light under the sink gave her just enough to find a glass, as well as juice in the refrigerator. She stood against the counter, thinking about the events of the day, biting her lower lip to keep from moaning.
Everything about this man was wonderful, almost perfect. To think she’d actually hated him for several years, regardless of her nightly desires. Childish thoughts. Even more childish behavior. Life had simply gone on for both of them, days turning into years. Now this amazing, fabulous glitch in time. She was giddy, and she loved the fact the insides of her thighs were sticky. With his cum. With her cum. The combination was wicked indeed.
There was very little in the way of personal items in the kitchen. Even the refrigerator had little more than beer and juice. She suspected a bottle of vodka was hidden in one of the cabinets, his preferred drink from years before. If only his coach had known that he and his buddies used to sneak behind the bleachers for a swig or two during the games. Noticing a stack of papers lying on the counter, her curiosity got the best of her and she found herself inching in that direction.
The group of items had been haphazardly placed, almost as if flung in disgust or even anger. Several papers appeared wrinkled. Maybe they’d been balled up and tossed into the trash can only to be retrieved at a calmer moment. She glanced over her shoulder before fingering the top item. The page appeared to be something official looking from the Marines. His dismissal papers, which were normal of course. Using just her index finger, she swiped at the report, moving the page just enough to see what was underneath.
She craned her neck, her eyes darting back and forth as she attempted to focus on what she was seeing. Oh, God, she was invading his privacy. These were his medical records. She pressed her hand on the stack, inching backward as guilt invaded her system. Another darted look over her shoulder was followed by a shrug. What could it hurt if she took just a little peek?
The report mentioned possible hallucinations and the effects of a certain drug. If left untreated, the condition could result in psychotic breaks. She looked at the second then third group of papers, all confirming the same thing. No. These ridiculous reports had nothing to do with Rex. They couldn’t. These had to be about Rex’s father. Did the effects of chemo cause this kind of reaction? She honestly had no idea. What a shame the once generous and brawny man had succumbed to a horrible illness. She could only imagine the additional burden placed on Rex’s shoulders since there was no additional family close by. Rex had no brothers or sisters, no aunts or uncles that he’d ever mentioned.
Patting her hand on the stack, she longed to be able to assist Rex, but she was ill equipped at helping anyone. A knotted sensation rolled into the pit of her stomach, her usual reaction before the red flags were raised. Stop being an idiot. As if her inner voice was comforting in the least.
Yawning, she took another sip of juice before placing the glass in the sink. A stain drew her attention, a splatter of some kind, the color a deep red. She ran her finger through the glob, rubbing two fingers together then sniffing. Blood. The drops had to be fairly fresh. Shrinking back, she took another glance toward the kitchen door before rinsing it off.
He’d been with her since a little after two in the afternoon. If he’d experienced a cut before, the blood would have already dried. She took short and cautious steps, heading back into the living room. Rex was still sleeping but the glow from the kitchen allowed her to notice a wineglass. Frowning, she crossed over the wooden floor until she reached the side of the coffee table. She didn’t need to bend down or draw any closer in order to see the glass had been broken. Several loose shards remained on the table, the glass itself smudged with blood. What in the hell had he done?
A slight moan came from the couch and Rex shifted, rolling over onto his back, his arm flopping toward the floor.
Cooper had no trouble seeing his crudely wrapped hand, a spot of blood already soaking through the makeshift bandage. A slight shiver pulsed into her veins. He must have dropped the glass. Nothing more. His face appeared more relaxed, the lines across his sturdy brow all but disappeared. Smiling, she pressed two fingers against her lips then against his, a quiver sliding into her pussy. He opened his eyes for a split second, but there was no focus, no recognition, just an involuntary gesture.
“My sleeping giant.” Walking away, she’d almost reached the hallway when she heard his voice.
“Yes, sir. Yes. On our way,” Rex mumbled.
Then all was quiet.
She hesitated for a few seconds. Hearing nothing else, she took a step further.
“No. We are doing this. Under whose orders? My fucking orders. If you want to get out, then jump.”
What the hell was he dreaming? She tiptoed back toward the couch, peering over. His face was pinched, beads of sweat appearing over his lip. Restless, he tossed and turned, one leg kicking out.
“No. We’re not doing that,” he said gruffly, one hand clenching.
The nightmare seemed real, perhaps too real. She walked around to the other side, standing over him. When he grunted, straining, his muscles flexing, she reached down, stopping short as the agonizing cry pitched into the air.
“No. We can’t. We’re losing... No!”
“Rex. Wake up. It’s just a dream.” Touching his shoulder, she shook him in gentle motions.
A hand snapped around her wrist, yanking her down.
She yelped, the pain biting as she struggled to free herself. “Rex. Wake up.”
He continued to hold onto her, kicking out, his other arm flailing uncontrollably, agonizing sounds slipping past his pursed lips.
Horrified, she clawed at his hand, trying to pry apart his fingers. “Rex. Hear my voice. Listen to me. You’re dreaming. Everything is okay.” She kept her tone as even and soothing as possible. He was so strong, the grip becoming agonizing.
Tossing back and forth, within seconds the near screams ceased, ending abruptly, his body going slack. As his hand fell away, he opened his eyes again.
And she could swear there was some sort of recognition.
Night terrors. She knew them well. Almost tripping over the coffee table in an effort to get away, she shuffled several feet before taking huge strides toward the bedroom. Her entire body was shaking as she flung her body onto the bed, tears sliding down both cheeks. Not again. She couldn’t do this again.
* * *
The day dawned with bright blue skies and lower humidity than in previous days. Rex felt rested, even though the cut on his hand ached like a son of a bitch. He was damn lucky he didn’t require any stitches. Fortunately, the temporary bandage had helped stop the blood. After tossing the stained wrap into the trash, he set about making coffee. His eyes fell on the stack of mail. At least he’d gotten to the point of opening up the envelopes. The huge volume of bills had met him upon arrival, as he’d been required to leave a forwarding address before he left the military hospital. Then the
re were the unopened piles on his father’s kitchen table, invoices dating back several months.
Grabbing the stack, he shoved them into one of the kitchen drawers. His father’s Medicare was for shit in his opinion and what income he was getting from the ranch was less than abysmal. Drastic measures were called for, but not today. He was allowed to enjoy spending time with a beautiful lady, before the world crashed in on him.
He was shocked the time was already after nine, the latest he’d slept in God knows how long. Well, it wasn’t as if he’d gotten to bed early. No, bed had been pretty early, but sleep had been something else.
He chuckled and walked toward the kitchen window, the location allowing him a clear view of the barns to the left and his father’s house straight ahead. The ranch really was amazing, even in the current state of disrepair. He could see spending time fixing it up, maybe getting a business loan and reestablishing what his father had built, his father before him. What he’d been forced to come to terms with was that he’d never appreciated growing up here. He’d been a typical kid, damn eager to leave and never return. Now that he had more than one reason to stay, he was going to have to fight for even a chance at doing so.
Darkness crowded into the beautiful moment, a reminder about the night before. He didn’t remember anything after falling asleep, yet he’d awakened in a sweat-laden state, the blanket covering him soaked.
“Mmm... Coffee,” a soft voice cooed.
Seeing her reflection in the window sent a shot of adrenaline as well as lust into his system. Even his cock stirred from the lilt in her voice. His instant reaction was followed by another, his hand reaching out to grab the tee shirt he’d brought into the kitchen. He didn’t want her to see his ugliness.
Cooper shook her head as she charged toward him, placing her hand over his fingers, pushing the shirt away. “Don’t. Please.”
She’d touched his back last night, her fingers roaming up and down the length of his scars, and while she’d never said a word about them, of course she would be curious. “It’s hideous.”
“Nothing about you is hideous, Rex. Nothing. You have battle scars.” Her smile full of joy and so comforting, she removed the shirt from his hand, tossing it onto the table. Using just the tips of her fingers, she brushed them up and down his arm.
Goosebumps were followed by tingles. Rex clamped his hands, trying to control his breathing. The way she explored his body, every touch of her fingers and hands, her mouth and lips were so magical.
“Relax, cowboy. I’ll never do anything to hurt you.” She traveled over his shoulder to his back, dancing her fingers across his heated skin, tracing his mottled scars. “You’re carved in all the right places and so handsome, even more so than I remember.”
The words alone were gut-wrenching, but he heard the truthfulness, the quiet joy. “I’m anything but, Cooper. You just don’t have any idea.” The covering his body gave to his blackened soul was simply a reminder.
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Lowering her head, she gave his back kisses followed by the tracing of her tongue, every move delicate. Sensuous.
Closing his eyes, he allowed her to explore, to take in the beast-like packaging.
As she moved around to face him, tilting her head and licking across the seam of his mouth, she issued soft purring sounds. “Rugged. Handsome. Perfect.”
The way his body responded was telling. This woman was breaking through every barrier, ripping apart his various pieces of armor one by one. He pulled her close, rubbing his hands over her shoulders. Every cell in his body became electrified, his cock pressing hard against his jeans. Damn, what this woman did to him. “I must admit. You still me, sweet brat.”
“I’m glad but is that the nickname you plan on using from now on?” She gave him a mischievous grin.
“My current plan,” he chortled. “And I thought you were going to sleep all day.” The sight of her in the old tattered robe gave him a good snort. “Fashionable.” And he was horny, the sadness abated.
“What, this old thing?” Taking a step back, she blew him a kiss before turning in a full circle.
Even in her disheveled state, she looked beautiful, tousled curls falling in her face. He advanced, feeling more like a predator than anything else. Grabbing the long sash, he yanked her into his arms, fisting and pulling back her hair. “You look good enough to eat.”
“Speaking of food. I’m starving.” Her eyes flickering, she eased her hand down his naked chest to his groin, swirling her fingers around in lazy circles.
“For food or something else?”
“For some hunk of a cowboy. Know where I can find one of those?”
Rex huffed. “I can see how you are. The love ‘em and leave ‘em type. Uh-huh. Like all brats.”
“And why do you call me a brat right now? You certainly had other things to say to me last night.” Purring, Cooper tugged at his zipper, fumbling to unbutton his fly.
He slapped one hand over hers, shaking his head. “Only good girls get to play, especially before breakfast.” Keeping their fingers entwined, he dropped his head, planting a heated kiss on her swollen lips. He parted them, thrusting his tongue just inside, his fingers tangled in her hair. He allowed the kiss to become forceful, pushing her back against the counter. Kicking her legs apart, he used her hand to fondle her pussy, sliding their combined fingers in lazy circles.
Moaning into the kiss, she raked her nails in zigzag lines over his chest, undulating up and down.
His body covering hers, he held her in place as he stroked her very wet cunt, the sluicing sounds of her juice sliding against their combined fingers like music to his ears. As he started humping their hands, gyrating in lurid fashion, his excitement increased, dirty little thoughts racing through his mind. What he could do to this woman was more than just a sin in front of God.
Her sounds became wild whimpers, her body moving frantically, clinging to his arm as she attempted to climax.
His wicked brat was attempting to gain control. That wasn’t going to happen. Finding some manner of self-restraint was almost impossible yet he managed, gripping both her arms. “Nice try.”
“What?” she asked, breathless, her eyes glassy.
“You’re not in charge.” He shook his head, giving her a commanding expression. “This is the way bad girls get punished.” She brought out everything that was playful and fun loving, allowing him to be lighthearted. Making the point, he pushed her waist over the edge of the counter, immediately reaching into the kitchen drawer.
“What are you doing?” Laughing, she pushed her ass into his groin, rubbing against his already throbbing cock.
“Woman,” he breathed, panting as he tried to find the right implement. “This should do.”
“Do for what?”
He eased the wooden spoon in front of her, twirling the handle. “For your daily spanking. Well, one of several these next few days.”
“No, you don’t.” This time, her push was harder, but she couldn’t budge the roughhewn man even an inch.
“Oh, no, you don’t.” His entire body remained on fire as he positioned his body against hers, keeping her pinned against the counter as he snagged the hem of the robe. After exposing her cheeks, he tapped the spoon against her buttocks and upper thighs.
“You’re serious about every day?” She slapped her hands on the counter, almost hitting her head in her effort.
“I am, missy. Very serious. We’re going to tame you if it’s the last thing I do. Now, stay still and take your medicine. This is good for you.” He held the spoon into the light, knowing his thoughts about stirring spaghetti sauce would never again be the same.
“Who says?”
“I do. That’s who.” God, he adored her spirited demeanor, her verve for live in general. She was one ballsy lady.
Slap! Crack!
The two smacks were well positioned, smacking in the middle of her bottom, forcing her to yelp.
“Ouch! That really hurts,” Coo
per whined.
“And I’ve told you. Spankings are supposed to hurt; otherwise, they wouldn’t do any good.” He whistled as he peppered her ass with several additional slaps, one after the other. The immediate blush forming on her naked cheeks was a powerful aphrodisiac.
She wiggled, almost getting out of his grasp.
He wrangled her back into position, his arm planted firmly across the small of her back. “Keep this up and it’s corner time for you.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Do you know what happens when you dare me?” Rex asked, tapping the spoon against her ass continually as a reminder.
“Fine.”
“Uh-huh.” He began her spanking in earnest and even though this session was more like foreplay, he believed reinforcing his level of authority was in order. He rolled his eyes at the thought. And they weren’t even in a relationship yet.
Pop! Smack!
She groused the entire time, even cursing under her breath. “I’m a good girl, damn you.”
“That will cost you.” He almost laughed as he issued several more. One thing was for certain. He was going to have to resort to more drastic measures in order for her to understand the rules. His rules.
“Ouch! I’ll be good. I promise,” she whimpered.
“Yes, you will.” The color on her ass cheeks blooming into a scarlet blush, he rubbed his fingers across her skin, satisfied with how the spanking was going.
“Please!”
“Begging me isn’t going to help. You deserve this.”
“You’re mean!”
When he was finished, he simply stepped back, waiting for her to turn around. He kept the spoon in his hand as he crossed his arms. From where he was standing, he could see her flushed cheeks, the slight pink highlighting her skin and eyes, even the few freckles adorning her cheeks. He was one lucky man.