I watched Nathan’s face as I worked my body against his. His gaze never wavered. My husband could be so intense at times, but I always found it so sexy. And right now I could see his love for me hovering just beneath his intensity.
Soon I was coming apart in my pleasure, and Nathan had to grab me and hold me close so I wouldn't fall. He ground his cock up into my body and moaned out his own satisfaction.
While I was getting dressed in my new riding garb, I reflected that I was already thoroughly enjoying my riding lessons with Nathan, and we hadn't even made it out to the barn yet.
WE STROLLED OUT TO the clean and airy barn and found two horses in their stalls.
"This time of year we mostly allow the horses to stay in the pasture around the clock unless it is storming, but I asked Maxwell to bring a couple in for us."
He stopped in front of a beautiful dark gray horse and opened the sliding stall door.
"This is Bella. Once I learned you were interested in riding, I bought her from a man in Tennessee just for you. She's bombproof."
“Bombproof? A bombproof horse? What does that mean?” My voice got a little higher on the end. I was excited to learn to ride, but I didn’t want to think about bombs while I was doing so.
Nathan stroked Bella’s mane. "That means very little will upset or startle Bella. The calmer your horse, the safer you will be. I watched videos of her in action and decided she was probably the one. I sent Maxwell to check her out further, and bring her to the estate. He said she rides like a dream, and I rode her yesterday, as well. Can't be too careful with your safety."
I hugged him. “Thank you. I love how you are always thinking of me, and trying to keep me safe.”
I was also thrilled that I wasn't going to be riding Savannah's horse, although I would never say that to him, and touched that he had bought a horse with me in mind.
Nathan looked at me with quiet support in his eyes. "I know what you are thinking, Darby. Don't worry. Savannah hated to ride. She hated animals in general."
I smiled at him, grateful he understood what I was thinking without me ever saying a word.
He showed me how to slip the leather bridle on, and fit the bit into her mouth. She was so lovely, with dark, gentle eyes. I knew we were going to be great friends.
Nathan led her out of the stall and taught me how to tie a slipknot to secure her.
"You don't ever want to tie a horse so firmly that they can't break free.”
“Wait. I want to tie her, but she still needs to be able to get free?” My nose wrinkled as I asked my question.
“Sometimes a horse will panic, and it will hurt itself if it can't free its head."
That made sense.
I practiced the knot several times until I thought I had it. Then, he slipped a saddle pad on her back, and helped me lift the saddle up, and tighten the girth securely.
"When you get a little more comfortable, I have a soft, lightweight, nontraditional saddle you can use. It's less fuss than this heavy western saddle."
Nathan brought over a mounting block and helped me mount Bella. He had me practice mounting and dismounting several times, first with him holding her head for me, and then with me holding the reins.
“Let’s work on your leg position again.” Nathan showed me how to grasp the reins correctly, and he tapped my feet to remind me to get my heels down.
I blushed thinking of his earlier "lesson" in the room, and he laughed at my pink cheeks.
Nathan saddled and mounted his own horse, and led the way out of the large barn. I enjoyed watching him handle his majestic horse.
“Watch me. This is neck reining. It’s basically how you control and steer your horse.” He turned the reins to the left, and the huge black horse easily moved left. He made the same movement to the right.
“Now you try it with Bella.”
I felt awkward, but imitated his movements.
“Oh, wow! I can’t believe I can move an animal this big with such a little motion. How much does she weigh? It’s got to be a lot.” My eyes lit up as I realized I was guiding this majestic creature all by myself.
“Bella weighs about 900 pounds, probably. Lucky, here, weighs around 1,200 pounds.” He pulled back gently on the reins. Lucky took a few steps backward. “Try to back Bella now.”
When I pulled back on the reins, Bella stepped backwards, and I giggled. This was fun!
We worked in a large round pen for a while, until I was ready to hit the trail.
We rode side by side, enjoying the view of the woods and pastures. Occasionally, we spooked a deer or spotted a wandering peacock. The morning was glorious, fresh and clean. I loved spending time with Nathan, no matter what we were doing, but I was particularly enjoying riding horses with him.
“When can we go faster?”
“Feeling brave already?” Nathan smiled over at me.
“Not really. My thighs are already getting sore, and the ground still seems a long ways down.”
Nathan laughed. “Well, we can try a couple of different gaits for a minute or two, but I think it’s better if you stick to walking for a while.”
So, we mostly walked, but he did let me try a trot and a canter, and we laughed like children the whole time.
Afterwards, he helped me groom Bella, and my heart thundered when he crowded up against me to show me how to brush her thoroughly. Soon we were kissing as much as we were working, and he freed the horses to make their own way back into the pasture where the other horses were grazing. He pulled me into an empty horse stall, laid me down on a blanket, and made love to me with great tenderness.
I felt so close to him, and every day I loved him more and more.
My morning had been perfect. I should have known it wouldn't last.
Twenty-Three
Nathan recommended that I take a long, hot bath after we finished our barn adventures, and I agreed. I could already feel my muscles stiffening up. This was from a combination of the long, exhilarating ride on Bella, and the equally stimulating ride on Nathan. Twice.
As we were walking back to the house, it hit me that I had stopped taking my birth control pills that morning. We were supposed to be using condoms, but we had already had sex multiple times without any protection at all. I realized the responsible thing to do would be to discuss our oversight before it happened again. I would save that discussion for another day.
We parted ways at the door to his library.
"I need to make a quick call, and then I'll be up to shower and change in about five minutes." He kissed me and was gone, his mind already back on his work.
Smiling, I headed up to our room and started running the bath. Maybe Nathan would like to share my bath? I fussed over the water, adding scented bath oils, and getting the temperature just right. I grabbed my phone and quickly created a relaxing playlist to listen to as I soaked.
I kicked off my new boots, removed my pants, and completely unbuttoned my shirt before walking back into the bedroom to get my robe.
I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, and thought Nathan had come in while I was running my bath.
Turning, I jumped in fright. Lawson Jackson was reclining on my bed, staring intently at me.
Clutching my shirt to hold it closed, I stammered in my surprise. "What are you doing in here?"
Lawson stood up lazily, giving me a thorough examination. "Our conversation was interrupted the last time I was here, Darby."
“Get out. You shouldn’t be in here. Get out!” My voice got louder when I realized he wasn’t leaving.
He walked over to me, and his very manner was threatening. His face was set and determined, and he didn’t hesitate in approaching me, even though my body language and my words said stay away. I froze in place. Although I had been scared a little when I met him the first time, our previous encounter had been more annoying than anything. This time, I was truly frightened.
Lawson continued approaching me until I had no choice but to back up. I wanted to scre
am, but sound didn't carry very well in the house, so I wasn't sure if anyone would even hear me. My phone was still playing music in the other room, making it even harder for me to be heard. Finally, I was up against the wall with nowhere else to go. Lawson put one hand on the wall beside my head, and the other hand ripped my shirt open.
I slapped at his hands with no effect. He put one hand on my throat, and I stilled in fear.
“Be good.” His voice was rough.
I swallowed hard, but nodded, hoping he would let me go. Where was Nathan?
I was standing there in my skimpy bra and panties, on full display. I tried to lift my knee to hit Lawson in the balls, but he blocked my move with his leg.
He smiled down at me, and tears welled up in my eyes. He ran a finger between my breasts, down to the top of my panties.
My heart was racing in terror.
"Now, that wasn't very nice. Was it?" He slipped one finger under the waistband of my panties. "I like this very much. You look delicious. Mmm. I can’t wait to taste you."
I tried to move away from him then, but I was trapped.
“Go ahead and scream if you want. We both know no one will hear you.”
Doormat Darby needed to step it up because I was almost out of time. I grabbed the cup of my bra and acted like I was going to pull it down and reveal my breast. Lawson was instantly transfixed, waiting for me to display my body for him. Asshole.
As soon as I realized he was distracted, I used my other hand to squeeze his balls as hard as I could. I smiled in vicious triumph as Lawson bent over, in pain. Score for Darby.
The bedroom door opened swung open, and Nathan walked in. I wasn't expecting him this quickly, but I was so relieved to see him. My knees almost buckled beneath me.
Lawson started laughing, despite his extreme discomfort. "Oops, looks like your husband caught us. Our secret is out."
Nathan charged across the room at full speed and grabbed Lawson. He threw him away from me. Lawson continued laughing. What was wrong with this man?
I was gasping for breath, and tears were running down my face. Now that I was safe, the adrenaline rushing through my body caused me to start shaking uncontrollably. I reached for my husband, desperately needing his comfort.
"Darby, are you ok? What did he do to you?" He sounded as breathless as I felt.
Nathan pulled my shirt closed and wrapped me in his arms.
"I'm okay. I just came out of the bathroom, and Lawson was on the bed. I-I didn't know what to do, Nate, so I tried to squish his balls."
Nathan’s eyebrows shot up, as his mouth dropped open. He even looked a touch proud of me.
I was almost hyperventilating in my panic. My breath was coming out in short gasps, and coming faster and faster. I needed to calm down, and speak calmly about the situation, but I was overwhelmed. I focused on my breathing instead of trying to talk.
Lawson straightened the cuffs on his shirt. "I don't know why you are so upset, Randolph. We shared Savannah. I just assumed we would share Darby, too."
I gasped again, and my head snapped up. Unbidden, I thought of the times Nathan had mentioned sharing me with other men. I had assumed that was crazy pillow talk, but now I wondered. I pushed back from my husband, but he refused to let me go.
"I figured if she married you, she was into the lifestyle."
"Get the fuck out of my house before I beat your ass." I had never heard Nathan sound so cold, so fierce. I was almost afraid for Lawson.
I could tell it was taking everything he had not to go after Lawson, but I needed him by my side more than he needed to beat up Lawson. At the same time, after that comment about sharing Savannah, I wanted to escape both men.
Lawson made no effort to leave. He stood there, smiling at us both.
Nathan let me go long enough to cross the room and grip Lawson’s arm, and then he dragged him toward the door.
I heard someone running up the stairs, and Maxwell came into the room. He took one look at my hysterical, tearful face and at Lawson smirking at us all, and he immediately took Lawson by the other arm.
"If you come back, or if you ever speak to Darby again, I will make your life a living hell."
Nathan's voice was so low and so primal that I gasped again. At my small sound, Nathan turned my direction. He let Maxwell take Lawson from the room without him.
"Darby, it's okay. You are safe now. He won't get another opportunity to touch you again. I will be adding security to the estate to make sure that even if I'm not around, you will always be protected." Nathan’s voice was tender as he addressed me.
Instead of calming down, I got even more upset.
“How did he get in our room? He shouldn’t have been in our room.” Tears leaked out of my eyes, and my harsh breathing made it difficult to speak.
He crossed the room and made his way back to my side. He kissed me softly, and frowned when I turned my head away from his kiss.
"Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you in that warm bath. You are absolutely freezing. It has got to be the shock."
He scooped me up, carried me to the tub, and helped me finish undressing. My shivers got worse. He took one look at my white face and cursed. Quickly stripping his own clothes off, he held my hand while I stepped into the bathtub, and then he climbed in behind me. Nestled safely in his arms, I finally started to relax. It was over.
Except I had many questions.
Twenty-Four
For several minutes, the only sounds in the room were the quiet splashes of bath water as Nathan washed me with gentle hands.
I took advantage of the momentary quiet to reflect on what had happened. Lawson had barely touched me, but I know if Nathan hadn't arrived when he did, Lawson would have gone further, and he hadn't been at all concerned with whether or not I consented. I started shaking again in fear. I realized I was lucky to have escaped further trauma.
Now I had new concerns. What did Lawson mean when he said he was sure Nathan would share me with him, the way he did Savannah?
I skimmed my hand across the top of the water.
"Nathan, I need to ask you something."
I was timid about asking, and I hated that. For goodness sake, I was naked with the man. I was married to the man. Hell, I had unprotected sex with the man multiple times today. I should be able to ask this simple question without being nervous. I just wasn't sure I wanted to hear the answer.
Nathan didn't say anything. Instead, he sighed deeply and wrapped his arms around me.
"Why did Lawson say he thought you would share me with him, the way you shared Savannah?"
"Savannah and I..." Nathan seemed to be searching for his words. "We had sex with other people. Together."
"What?" I twisted in his arms so I could face him. "You were swingers?"
He flinched a little and sighed again, and then he frowned at me. "It's not something I usually talk about. I’m not proud of some of the things I’ve done in the past."
He got out of the bath and started drying off. "Savannah was very adventurous. At first, I found that attractive."
He wrapped the towel around his waist, and held out another for me, indicating I should get out of the tub. My body was stiff from trying not to show how hurtful his words were to me.
I stayed in the tub.
"A lot of men like the idea of different partners. I thought she was a dream come true. But then there were times when I didn't want to be part of a big scene. Everything doesn't have to be a party, you know?"
“No, I really don’t know. I was a virgin when we met. You know that. I really don’t have any experiences to compare to yours.”
He was still holding the towel out for me. I got out and snatched it out of his hand.
He looked frustrated and tired as he watched me dry off. "Savannah liked to be desired. She wanted men to fight over her, including her husband. She needed to be the center of attention in all things, including sex."
I swallowed hard. I must seem so dull to Nathan because I had n
o desire to swap partners and offer him that variety. I felt a little defeated and sad, and my gaze dropped to the floor. He wrapped me snugly in the towel and lifted my chin to make me look at him. As usual, he seemed to know what I was thinking.
"Darby, stop worrying. I love what you and I have. In bed and out. I love the fantasy of seeing you with another man. I freely admit that's a turn on of mine. But the reality of it is something entirely different than the fantasy, and I don't want another man to EVER touch you. I admit I want you under my total control sexually, but all to myself. I'm very possessive of you in a way I never was with Savannah."
Nathan released me after touching my face gently. My gaze dropped again, but this time it was because I was thinking his words over.
He walked into the bedroom and retrieved one of my new silk nightgowns. I dropped the towel and held up my arms as he dressed me like a child. Nathan always made me feel cherished and special. Was it possible Savannah had not appreciated that quality in him?
"You turn me on, baby, and you've also made me see that sex is so much more than just physical pleasure. We have the pleasure, and we also have a deep emotional connection." His eyes were as tender as his words, and I was touched by his admission.
He pulled back the covers on the freshly made bed, and I climbed in. Nathan helped me arrange the pillows to my satisfaction.
“Am I enough for you? In bed and out?”
"Your innocence is extremely appealing to me, but I like how it doesn't stop you from trying whatever I suggest. I love you. I'm exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to be doing." He tucked me into bed.
“I love you, too, so very much. I’m just trying to understand all of this.” My earlier irritation with him was gone.
I yawned. Why was I so tired?
"Now, I know it's still morning, but you've had a shock. I want you to take a nap while I watch over you."
He sat down on the bed, stroked my hair, and played with my curls. I thought I was wide awake, but the rhythmic stroking of my hair and his comforting presence had me drifting off, warm and safe at last.
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