Desire Oklahoma The Founding Fathers Trilogy

by Leah Brooke

  Blade banked the fire, and turned to smile at her, his cock framed magnificently by the low fire burning behind him. “We don’t need the fire anymore. Do you want me to leave a lantern lit for you? I don’t want you to wake up in the night not knowing where you are.”

  Hawke groaned and pulled her closer. “She’ll know, and I’ll wake up if she does.”

  Phoenix fisted his cock, his eyes narrowed. “I’ll be outside for a few minutes.”

  Blade chuckled at that. “Put it out of your mind.”

  “It’s not my mind I’m worried about.” Phoenix turned to glance back at her. “I want her too much to think about anything else.”

  His eyes met hers across the room, the hunger in them unmistakable. With a curse, he turned and went out the door, slamming it behind him.

  Hawke flattened his hand on her stomach and pulled her closer, his nakedness warming her. “He’s just aroused. Not mad. Go to sleep. Are you warm enough?”

  Relieved at the tenderness in his touch and in his voice, Sarah turned her head toward him. “Yes. Thank you.” Sleeping next to him was probably warmer than sleeping next to the fireplace.

  “Keeping you warm is part of taking care of you. Go to sleep.”

  Chilled at his cold tone, Sarah turned back and nodded, watching the fire.

  She didn’t understand men—or Hawke—enough to know why he went from tenderness to hard anger without warning.

  She couldn’t deny, though, that she felt safer lying with him than she’d ever felt in her life.

  Safe, warm, and too lethargic to move, she let her eyes flutter closed, and was asleep before Phoenix came back.

  Chapter Eight

  Something was different.

  Sarah woke with a sense of urgency, realizing almost immediately that Hawke no longer slept beside her.

  He’d held her through the night, and each time she woke, he gathered her closer, murmuring to her that she was safe.

  She hadn’t slept so well in years.

  “Good morning.”

  Recognizing Phoenix’s voice at once, she sat up abruptly, clutching the soft blanket Hawke had covered her with in front of her. “Good morning.”

  Pushing her hair back from her face, she eyed him warily, remembering how tense he’d been when he’d stormed out the door the night before. “I never heard you come back in last night, but the last time I woke up, I saw you sleeping.”

  Instinctively looking around the cabin, she noticed that the fire had long ago gone out, and that both Blade’s and Phoenix’s beds had been straightened. Sunlight streamed through the windows, telling her that she’d slept well into the morning.

  “So you looked for me last night?”

  Sarah shrugged, pulling the blanket higher as he approached. “I felt guilty. I know you were hurting and it was my fault.”

  Phoenix grinned and moved closer, reaching for her hand as he crouched next to her. “If you’re going to feel guilty every time you arouse me, you’re going to spend way too much time feeling guilty. I’m aroused every time I’m near you.”

  He tugged at the blanket, pulling it from her fist to puddle at her waist. “I won’t let you hide yourself from me, though.”

  Holding her breath, she watched him slowly lift his hand, the feel of it sliding up to cup her breast sending shivers of delight up and down her spine. “Oh.”

  “Yeah—oh.” Running his hand over one breast and then the other, he paused to give her nipples the attention they ached for. “It’s hard to believe that I have a wife.” Fisting a hand in her hair, he pulled her head back slightly. Still caressing her breasts, he brushed his lips against hers. “We’re alone. Just you and me. Hawke and Blade left hours ago. Are you afraid I’m going to attack you?”

  When he lifted his head, she searched his features, trying to judge his mood. “No. Of course not.”

  “Well, that’s a start, anyway.” Frowning slightly, he ran his hand over the blanket covering her leg. “How are you feeling?”

  Understanding his meaning, she averted her gaze, her face burning. “I’m fine.”

  Phoenix’s eyes narrowed, a small smile playing at his lips. “I’m sure you must be sore, but you’re embarrassed to tell me about it. I watched you lose your virginity, remember?”

  To her embarrassment, her stomach growled. “I know.”

  Smiling, Phoenix tugged at her nipple and rose. “I fixed some coffee for you the way you like it. It’s there on the table. There are a couple of biscuits filled with egg and bacon waiting for you. They won’t be real hot, but I wrapped them in a napkin and put ’em next to the fire.”

  “Thank you.” She expected him to leave to give her some privacy, but he merely crossed his arms over his chest and waited expectantly, a small smile playing at his lips.

  Tucking the blanket around her, she wondered how she could get out of bed and to the table without revealing her nakedness.

  Phoenix took the dilemma out of her hands, gripping her waist and lifting her to her feet with a show of strength that stunned her. “You’re welcome. Would you be scared if I try to kiss you again?”

  Sarah smiled, delighted that it mattered to him. “No. I’d like for you to kiss me.” Wondering how he would react, she flattened a hand on his chest. “I’m sorry about yesterday.”

  He sucked in a breath, his eyes flaring with heat. “There’s no reason to be sorry. I understand that you were scared.” Still caressing her shoulder, he lifted her chin, staring down at her with eyes filled with hunger. “I am your husband.”

  “I know.” Her breath caught again, her heart pounding faster.

  He was so handsome that he could have had any woman he wanted, and for some reason, he’d chosen her.

  Tilting her head, she bit her lip. “Why did you marry me? Did you do it just because Hawke and Blade did?”

  His lips curved in a smile so beautiful it stole her breath. “No. I married you because I want you. Because I’ve never thought I could have a wife—and there you were.”

  Chilled, Sarah tried to pull away, but his fingers tightened on her chin. “So you only married me because you wanted a woman in your bed?”

  Inclining his head, Phoenix smiled. “That’s part of the reason. Women aren’t exactly fallin’ off trees out here.”

  “Your brother said the same thing. Is that why you share wives? For convenience?” She knew that people married for convenience and for security all the time, but she’d hoped for more with them.

  “No. Eb and Jeremiah started this place because they both fell in love with the same woman and wanted a place where they could both have her. They didn’t want anyone to be disrespectful to Maggie.”

  Sarah forced a smile, remembering the way Eb and Jeremiah had fussed over their wife and allowed her to go first. “I understand all about how people disrespect women. They treated all the women in the saloon like trash.”

  Phoenix’s eyes hardened. “Even you?”

  Shrugging, Sarah picked up the blanket and wrapped it around herself, suddenly chilled. “I lived there all my life. Of course, there were a few people that were real nice. Mrs. Anderson, the seamstress, is the one who taught me how to sew.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that here. You’re our wife, and if anyone treats you disrespectfully, I want to know about it.” He touched his lips to hers, scraping his teeth over her bottom one and nipping gently. “Deal?”

  “Deal.” Sarah’s answer came out breathless, the feel of his hand sliding under the blanket and down her side making it difficult to breathe.

  Tugging the blanket, he bared her to the waist. Leaning back slightly, he ran a fingertip over her left nipple, lifting his gaze to hers. “You’re very beautiful, and I care about you. Don’t tell me you married me because you couldn’t resist me. You didn’t even know me. You married me for convenience and for protection.”

  Running the backs of his fingers down her cheek, he smiled faintly, but his eyes remained hard and cold. “Let’s not lie
to each other. Okay? Things will change between us when we get to know each other better.” His eyes softened, the need in them unmistakable. ”I don’t mean to hurt you, but I don’t want any lies between us. I want you very much, but I want you to want me, too.”

  Sarah stared into his eyes, marveling at the warmth that accompanied the hunger. “I’m your wife. You have the right to take me whenever you want to.”

  Phoenix frowned. “That’s true. My brothers and I have a lot of rights where you’re concerned, but I don’t want sex from you out of duty.”

  Her stomach quivered, the slow slide of his fingertip over the upper curve of her breast making it increasingly difficult to follow the conversation. “I d-didn’t think men cared about things like that.” Without meaning to, she arched into his caress, loving the feel of his gentle touch. “I thought that men just wanted relief wherever they could find it.”

  Phoenix smiled, his pleasure at her silent demand for more of his touch glittering in his eyes. “Some do. I used to. I don’t anymore.” With a sigh, he bent to touch his lips to her nipple before straightening to kiss her lightly. “You’re my wife, and having you want me is more important than ever. You’re very beautiful. Very soft. I can’t wait to explore every inch of you.”

  Pulling her close, he bent to nibble at her lips. “I can’t wait to taste that pussy. I want to spread your thighs and bury my face between them. I want to hear those little cries you make when you come.”

  Sarah pressed her thighs together, fighting the wave of longing that washed over her. “I, um—”

  Leading her to the table, Phoenix shook his head, his smile filled with devilish intent. “I know that you’re starting to trust me, but it’ll take time.” He ran his hand over her hair, his eyes hooded. “For now, it’s enough that you want me, but we can’t do anything about that until you’ve healed some.” Running the back of his hand over her breast, he captured her nipple between two fingers, squeezing lightly. “There are other ways to give each other pleasure. I can’t wait to teach them to you.”

  Sarah gulped, biting back a moan at the rush of heat that centered at her slit. “I, um …”

  Smiling again, he motioned for her to sit, waiting for her to pick up her cup before retrieving her breakfast. “I’ll take mercy on you for now, but the first chance I get, you and I are going to play.”

  “Play?”

  “Yep.” Grinning, he tapped her nose. “Naked play. Something tells me you’re gonna be real good at it, darlin’. Now, let’s change the subject before my cock gets any harder. I waited for you to wake up because we didn’t want you to wake up alone on your first day here.”

  Touched, she accepted the food and gripped his hand, fighting her arousal. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Also, Maggie and Savannah are up at the house making soap. They’re waiting for you.”

  “Oh!” Holding on to the blanket, she scrambled to her feet. “Do they need me to help them? My first day here and I’m already late.” She rushed to her bundle and hurriedly tore through it for her other clothing. Since she had nothing clean to wear under her clothes, she stepped into her skirt and reached for her shirt. “I’m so sorry. You should have woken me up sooner. My first day here and I’m already doing things wrong.”

  Phoenix’s hands closed on her shoulders from behind. “Stop it. You don’t work for them.” Turning her to face him, he nonchalantly buttoned her shirt, pausing to caress the upper curve of her breast. “Maggie and Savannah get together about once a month to make scented soaps. We bought some for you, remember? They like to do things together, and they wanted to include you. They both knew that you had a rough day yesterday, and didn’t expect you to go up to the big house early. They just want to get to know you. They’re happy to have another woman on the place, and wanted to include you.”

  Once he finished buttoning her shirt, he bent to touch his lips to hers. “We’ll meet you for lunch, and since it’s such a nice day, you can come with me this afternoon. I’ll show you around the ranch. Now, come sit down and eat before it gets any colder than it already is.”

  After she finished dressing, she sat at the table and nibbled on her breakfast. “Where did you learn to speak English so well?”

  His brow went up at that. “Because we’re Indians, you think we wouldn’t speak English?”

  Mortified, and afraid she’d insulted him, she dropped the biscuit and reached for him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. I knew a few Indians in Waco, but none of them spoke English as well as you do.”

  Dropping into the seat next to her, he poured her a cup of water from the metal pitcher on the table. “Our father was Lakota, and left when we were young. Our parents were never married and he came and went as he wanted. One day he left and never came back. I think I was only one or two. Our mother was white, and she only spoke English. Hawke and Blade were older and learned his language, but after he left, no one spoke it any longer. When our mother died three years later, Hawke and Blade quit school, but made sure we all spoke English. Hawke and Blade only speak our father’s language when they’re upset.”

  She remembered hearing Hawke speak in a different tongue the night before, and vowed to pay more attention. “When your mother died, who took you in?”

  He smiled coldly, staring into his cup. “No one. We’re bastards and half-breeds. No one would have taken us in. Hawke was around ten, I think, and Blade was seven or eight. I think I was five.”

  Shocked, Sarah gasped. “I can’t believe you were completely on your own! How did you survive?”

  Phoenix’s jaw clenched. “At least we had each other. How the hell did you survive being raised in such a rough place with no one to protect you? We survived the same way you did. We did what we had to do. Somehow, the thought of you doing it makes me sick to my stomach.”

  Breaking off another piece of the biscuit, Sarah chewed, eyeing Phoenix thoughtfully. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.” He leaned back in his chair and eyed her expectantly. “You can always come to me and ask me anything you want. You can ask me about sex. Anything.”

  Her face burned, but she had to know about Hawke’s behavior the night before. “Last night, after Hawke… you know…” She took a sip of water to ease her dry throat, grateful when Phoenix finished her thought. “When he took your virginity?”

  Her face burned at that. Nodding, she tore off another piece of biscuit, making crumbs all over the napkin in front of her. “He was so gentle and kind, even when he…and then afterward…”

  Phoenix smiled faintly. “He was distant.”

  Sarah nodded, trying to hide how much Hawke’s coldness had hurt. “I disappointed him, didn’t I?”

  “No. Just the opposite.” Leaning forward, he took her hand in his. “You got too close.”

  Sarah blinked, setting her food aside. “Too close? I don’t understand.” She’d felt close to him, too, but now wondered if that was something that Hawke didn’t want.

  Phoenix smiled and leaned back again, picking up a cup of coffee that she hadn’t seen. “You have to understand that Hawke doesn’t allow himself to get close to anyone except Blade and me. He likes the others, but he keeps them at a distance. He talked to you in a way he doesn’t talk to anyone except Blade and me. Hawke seldom puts two words together around the others.” Lifting her chin, he ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “I saw the way he looked at you. He looked like he’d found heaven.”

  Sarah’s stomach fluttered, the memory of the way Hawke had looked at her still making her weak in the knees.

  “Then why—?”

  Getting to his feet, Phoenix made his way to the window. “Hawke’s a hard man. He took his responsibility to Blade and me seriously—and at a vulnerable age. He had to become a hard ass in a hurry. He had to in order to survive—and to protect us. You really shook him. He feels something for you, and Hawke isn’t a man who takes things lightly.”

  Still uncomfortable at having
three husbands, Sarah looked up at him through her lashes. “And you? Do you take things lightly?”

  Grinning, he turned from the window. “A lot more than my brothers do. I certainly don’t have a chip on my shoulder like Hawke does. He’s very sensitive about being a bastard and a half-breed. I like to have fun, and Hawke doesn’t know the meaning of the word.”

  Folding the remaining biscuit in the napkin, Sarah allowed a small smile. “I wonder if that’s why he was so nice to me. I’m a bastard, too, and although I’m not a half-breed, I was raised in a saloon.” Getting to her feet, she frowned. “How about Blade? He watches me, but I can’t figure out what he’s thinking.”

  Phoenix ran a hand through his hair before shoving a hat on it. “Blade can be as hard as Hawke, and as quiet. You definitely never want to be on his bad side. He likes to have fun, but my brother Blade has a dark side. He’s not as forward with it as Hawke. Before you realize it, he’s already got you in his trap.”

  He helped her with her shawl and opened the door. “Come on. We’re burnin’ daylight. After you spend the morning with the other women, I’ll show you around the ranch and we can talk some more.”

  * * * *

  Sarah cut another row of soap, glancing up at Maggie, who had her small son at her breast. She’d been thinking about Phoenix’s words all morning, and had to struggle to focus on the other women’s conversation.

  “Sarah? Are you there, or are you still thinking about your wedding night?”

  Sarah blinked, looking up at a beaming Maggie. “I’m sorry. I seem to be a little distracted this morning.”

  Savannah tied yet another bow around the soaps they’d been cutting. “Really? I never would have guessed. Please, don’t be embarrassed. When I first married Wyatt and Hayes, I couldn’t even carry on a conversation for weeks.” Grinning, she shook her head. “There are still some days that it happens. I can’t even imagine what having three would be like.”

  Maggie laughed softly at her friend and turned her attention back to Sarah. “I said that the soaps in the box are the ones going to town. You, Savannah, and I will split the rest for ourselves.”