Desire Oklahoma The Founding Fathers Trilogy
Page 69
Blade had already had the same thought and rushed toward his brother’s horse, slowing when he heard her giggle. Pausing as the horse stopped next to him, he reached up for her, struck by the new intimacy between his wife and brother.
Unable to help himself, he gathered her against him and bent his head to touch his lips to her swollen ones. “I missed you. Did you have a nice ride?” Holding her, he took in her flushed cheeks and shy smile before lowering her to her feet.
She glanced at Phoenix before smiling up at him. “Yes, we had a nice ride. It was scary at first, but not so scary on the way home. Phoenix made sure I didn’t have to look at the ground. I smell like horse now, though, and I’d better go get cleaned up.”
Blade couldn’t help but notice that she didn’t walk as gracefully as she had before. Her walk had a stiffness to it and she winced a few times. Realizing what was wrong, he ran a hand down her back in sympathy. “You’re sore, aren’t you, honey? It was a new experience for you.”
Her cheeks turned fiery red and she glanced at Phoenix. “How did you know? Oh, God. I hope you’re not mad. It just sort of happened.” Her words came out in a rush, the panic in her eyes confusing him. Snapping her mouth closed, she looked up at Phoenix, who threw his head back and laughed. “Oh. You’re talking about riding the horse, aren’t you?”
Blade turned to glare at his brother. “Something went on while you were gone, and I want to know what happened. Right now.”
Hawke crossed his arms over his chest and shot a look at Phoenix. “So do I.”
Phoenix kept his voice low, his eyes dancing as he slid from the horse and approached Sarah, completely ignoring his brothers. “Blade was referring to the fact that you were on horseback for the first time, not that I took your ass.”
Intrigued at that piece of information, Blade lifted her chin, his cock thickening as he regarded her features.
She looked so damned innocent, but he’d already seen and felt her passion.
Remembering what Hawke had said to Maggie about having her husbands wrapped firmly around her finger, he blew out a breath, knowing that he’d have to be careful not to let his beautiful wife wrap her around his.
With a hand at her back, he led her to the house they shared with her, his mind spinning with plans for the evening ahead. “After supper, we’ll go to the hot spring near here, and you can soak. Then, when we get home, I’ll rub you down with some liniment.”
Impatient to get her naked and get his hands on her, he spoke sharper than he’d intended. To make up for it, he wrapped an arm around her and smiled.
Her eyes lit up, delighting him. “Really? There’s a hot spring near here? I’ve heard of them, but I’ve never actually seen one.”
His lips twitched. “There really is.”
She bit her swollen lip, and he reacted instinctively, bending to take it with his own, sliding his tongue over her bottom lip in an effort to ease the sting she must have caused.
Lifting his head, he couldn’t help but smile. “Don’t bite your lips. Save them for me to nibble on later.”
Her blush sent a surge of masculine power through him. “Will we be able to get into the spring naked?”
Blade laughed at that. “Definitely naked.”
“Will anyone be able to see us?”
Hawke spoke from behind her. “We’ll all go. Wash your hands, but don’t bother changing. We’ll take some fresh clothes so we can all change afterward. Let’s eat. You hardly touched a thing at lunch.”
For Blade, the meal seemed to take forever. He ate hurriedly, anxious to get to the spring with Sarah.
Phoenix watched Sarah through the meal, the smiles he shared with her more intimate than earlier. Glancing at Blade, he chuckled. “What’s your hurry?”
Blade glared back. “Just because you’re satisfied doesn’t mean the rest of us are.”
Hawke looked up from where he, too, watched Sarah. “She’s got to be tired and sore. She needs some rest.”
Sarah blushed again. “Hawke, I’m all right. I am looking forward to the spring, though.”
Blade shot a look at his older brother. “You act like I’m gonna attack her. She’s my wife, too. Remember? Besides, I think I have a little more control than Phoenix.”
Phoenix dropped his spoon and leaned forward, his eyes flashing with anger. “I have plenty of control, and I sure as hell didn’t hurt her.”
Hawke sighed in an uncharacteristic expression of frustration. “If you’re gonna fight, don’t do it around her. I don’t want anyone making her feel like she’s done something wrong.” Turning, he held Sarah’s gaze. “If she does, we’ll all be included in letting her know it.”
They ate in tense silence for several long minutes, the tension broken when Wyatt, Hayes, and Samantha joined them a short time later.
Samantha nudged Phoenix aside to sit across from Sarah, so Wyatt nudged a glowering Phoenix even farther down the wooden bench in order to sit next to his wife. Grinning, Sarah accepted the glass of milk from Wyatt. “I heard you’re going to the hot spring tonight. You’ll love it. It’s so peaceful there.”
Hayes grinned as he lowered himself to the seat on the other side of her. “Not for long.” Wincing when Samantha made a show of kicking him hard under the table, he smiled in apology. “What do you expect? You don’t think everybody know what goes on up there?”
The tension eased when the women started talking about the dresses Sarah would be making, only to increase again when they started talking about going into town together on the next trip.
Blade started to speak, Hawke already shaking his head. “Don’t make plans for going to town yet, Sarah. Not until Willy’s caught.”
Wyatt frowned down at Samantha. “You’re not going either. None of the women is leaving the ranch until this is over.”
Dropping her spoon, Sarah lowered her head, her eyes full of apology when they met Savannah’s. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring trouble here. I’ve made a mess of everything.”
Samantha slapped a hand on the table, much to the amusement of her husbands. “No! You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s that man who’s after you that has a lot to answer for. I just hope I’m there when Wyatt and Hayes give him what he deserves!”
Wyatt blinked, his brows going up while he smiled indulgently at his obviously adored wife. “I didn’t know you were so bloodthirsty, darlin’. I’m going to have to keep a closer eye on you—and no, you will absolutely not get anywhere near this outlaw. Drink your milk. You’re eating for two now, remember?”
Hayes chuckled softly and reached across the table to lift Sarah’s chin. “Don’t feel bad. We’re very much looking forward to meeting Willy.”
Sarah sighed and dropped her head in her hands. “You don’t understand.” Lifting her head again, she looked around the table. “He’s meaner than a snake. He’s tough and he’s got a short temper. He kills just for fun.”
Blade ran a hand over her hair, surprised that she seemed so concerned about them facing someone as ridiculous as Willy Krenshaw. “Do we look like men who can’t take care of themselves to you?”
She shook her head, but still looked apprehensive. “No. I have to say every man I’ve met here appears to be more than capable of taking care of himself.”
Hawke grunted. “Themselves, their women, and the others. Go back to talkin’ about your dresses.”
Once everyone finished eating, Blade didn’t linger over a cup of coffee the way he usually did.
Anxious to spend some time with Sarah, he hustled her out of the chow shack, leaving Hawke and Phoenix to deal with their dishes.
He led her to their house, his cock throbbing with a need he knew would have to go unsatisfied for now. “Come on. Let’s get your nightgown and a blanket to cover you with that you can wear on the ride him, but you won’t need either one tonight. You’re sleeping with me.”
Biting back a groan at the thought of spending the entire night with his beautiful, naked wife next
Gathering her things, he rolled them into the blanket and hurried her back outside. “Hurry. I’m sticky and sweaty and want to get cleaned up.” Already aroused, he groaned as he thought of the hours of torture ahead of him.
Pausing in the doorway, he wrapped his free arm around her and yanked her close. “Even though I can’t take you tonight, I want to see and hold you naked against me.”
Her sharp intake of breath sent a surge of heat to his cock, testing his control. “Blade, I want that, too.”
Seeing the honesty and need in her eyes, Blade nodded, running his thumb over her bottom lip. “Good.” Turning her, they went back outside, only to find his brothers already on their horses and waiting.
Hawke moved closer and reached for Sarah. “Give her to me.”
Blade smiled and handled up her nightgown, bundled in a blanket. “Not a chance. Here. You take this.”
Hawke frowned, snatching the blanket from Blade’s hand and tucking it into his saddlebag. “She rides with me on the way back.”
Blade mounted his horse and reached down for her, settling her in front of him. Noticing her wince, he paused, frowning down at her. “Your thighs hurt, Sarah?”
He didn’t give her time to answer, turning her in his arms and adjusting her across his lap. Leaning her back against his left arm, he used the right to push her skirt high.
Hawke moved in on his right, positioning the lantern he held over her legs to see them better in the waning light. “Looks like she’s chafed some.”
Phoenix rode up on his left, running a hand over Sarah’s hair. “Yes, she is. That’s why I rode back with her across my lap.” Bending to touch his lips to her hair, Phoenix grinned and reached out to cup her breast. “One of the reasons.”
Frowning, Hawke slid a gentle hand over her thighs. “I’ll have to measure her for some buckskin leggings. They’ll protect her skin better.”
Sarah smiled, moving sensuously on his lap, her low moan like a stroke to his cock. “Are you going to dress me like an Indian?”
Hawke stilled, his eyes narrowing. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“Hmm.” Holding onto Blade, she smiled when Hawke caught her foot and spread her legs wider. “Not at all. Then everyone will know I’m your woman.”
Hawke smiled at that, his hard features softening as he ran a hand down her leg. “They’ll know that anyway. Come on. Let’s get going. The warm water will ease a lot of that soreness and make you feel better.”
Blade held her securely as they started toward the spring, loving the feel of his woman in his arms.
With her head against his chest and her small hand flattened against him, she pulled at every protective instinct inside him, making him feel even more possessive. He’d never felt so much a man.
So needed.
Wiggling on his lap, she sat straighter and smiled at Hawke. “Can you teach me how to make clothes like yours? I can make some for myself and some more for you.”
Knowing how much that would mean to his brother, Blade ran a hand down her back in gratitude.
Hawke glanced at her and shrugged. “Of course. I’ll work with you. I need to make another pair of fur-lined moccasins for winter. You need some, too.”
“I can’t believe you sew them yourself.”
Blade chuckled softly and shared a look with Hawke, who blew out the lantern. “Hawke and I can both make buckskins. Moccasins. Sew a cut, whatever.”
He smiled again at her shiver. “Do you think cuts sew themselves?”
“I don’t want to think about it. Do you really think you could teach me how to make moccasins for myself?”
Blade kissed her hair. “Sure. We’ve got enough hides stored to make quite a few things.”
“It’s so dark. I can’t see a thing.”
Phoenix chuckled. “Just listen, honey. Listen to the sounds around you. Don’t worry. We know this land like the backs of our hands and there’s enough moonlight to light our way. We’re almost there. Listen. You can hear the water.”
“I hear it. Oh, it sounds heavenly.”
Blade hugged her closer. “It will be.”
Chapter Eleven
Sarah reached for Hawke, smiling up at him as he took her from Blade.
Eager to make him smile, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, giggling at his look of surprise. “Do you think that if I wore buckskins, I could pass for an Indian?”
Lowering her slowly to her feet, Hawke chuckled, something she’d learned was rare for him. Tugging at her braid, he held it up. “With blonde hair? Something tells me that no one would believe that.”
He took her hand and turned, walking behind Phoenix, who led the way with a lantern he’d already lit. Blade lit another and handed it to Hawke before lighting one more.
When the spring came into view, Hawke released her hand. “Don’t move. I wouldn’t want you falling in.”
He and the others moved away, placing the lanterns on the flat rocks surrounding the spring.
Despite the fact that the night air still had a warm, humid stickiness to it, steam rose from the water, giving the entire spring an unreal look, like in one of the fairy tales Mrs. Anderson in town used to read to her.
“It’s so beautiful.” She kept her voice low, not wanting to spoil the atmosphere. She looked up to find each of her husbands watching her, their lips curved into indulgent smiles. She smiled back before turning to scan their surroundings. “Are you sure no one will come here?”
Blade reached for her, his smile widening as he loosened her braid. “I’m sure. Anyone from the ranch coming this way will hear us long before they get here.”
Lifting her chin, he dropped a soft kiss on her nose, his fingers busy on the buttons of her shirt. “They’ll see the lanterns and will know we’re here. Besides, we already told them we were coming here tonight and word spreads quickly on the ranch.”
The feel of the warm night air caressing her breasts as he pulled the edges of her shirt aside had her reaching for him to steady herself. “This feels good already.”
Blade smiled and untied her skirt, allowing it to puddle at her feet. “You’re a very sensual woman, aren’t you? You lift your face to the sun. You move into every touch. Even the air on your skin excites you.”
Phoenix moved in beside her, kneeling at her feet as he stripped her out of her boots. Lifting her foot, he kissed her toes, sending sharp tingles of heat up her leg. “She loves it every time one of us touches her. Kinda makes you want to keep touching her, doesn’t it?”
Blade ran a hand over her, pausing to tug at her nipples and smiling at her soft moan of pleasure. “I have plans to do just that.” Taking her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, he gently squeezed. “I have all kinds of touching in mind.”
Hawke moved in behind her. “Come on, little one. The water will feel good on your skin. Let me help you. The rocks can get slippery.”
Turning, she gasped when she found herself pulled against Hawke’s naked body.
Pressed against him and with the low light of the lanterns allowing her to see him clearly, she stood dumbstruck.
He was hard everywhere, every line of his body and sharp features solid and unforgiving. His cock jumped against her belly, emphasizing his masculinity even more.
Gulping, she pressed her hands against his chest, her breath coming in short pants as she lifted her gaze to his. A sob escaped at the tenderness in his eyes, a look that sharpened with concern.
Lifting her chin, he searched her features. “What is it, little one? You look scared. You’re not scared of me, are you?”
Deciding to answer honestly, Sarah smiled faintly. “You have to admit, you’re awfully scary looking. So strong. It would be so easy for you to hurt me if you wanted to.”
Hawke smiled at that. “Yet you’re afraid we can’t handle your little outlaw.” Taking her hand, he led her into the warm water—water that felt like heaven—while Blade and Phoenix stripped out of their own clothing. “For the record, I would never hurt a hair on your head, and you know it. Here. There’s a ledge that goes most of the way around it.”
When she started to lower herself onto the ledge, he lowered himself to the seat beside her. “Nope. You’re too far away.” Without warning, he tightened his hands on her waist and settled her on his lap.
The feel of his cock pressing against her bottom stole her breath. “Oh!”
Running his hands over her back and thighs, he laughed softly. “Yeah. Oh. I like having you on my lap. Now, why don’t you just lean against me and let the water ease your sore muscles?”
Leaning against him, she watched Phoenix and Blade step into the spring, her pulse racing at the sight they made. She tried to reach for them, but Blade shook his head and took her hand in his. “No, love. Just close your eyes and let the water soothe you. I’m right here.”
The combination of firm hands moving over her and the warm water caressing her body eased her aches and relaxed her muscles one by one until she felt as though she floated.
Then she realized that she was floating.
Blade’s hands supported her shoulders, and Hawke had moved to the center of the small pool, supporting her bottom and thighs, but keeping them submerged.
Blade braced her shoulders against his chest, and with a groan, slid his hands up to cover her breasts. “So, you and Phoenix had a nice ride? I understand you stopped at the small cave.”
The feel of his lips against her neck and his hands sliding over her breasts had her tilting her head to the side to give him better access, not bothering to open her eyes. “Hmmm.”
Frustrated that he didn’t give her nipples the attention they needed, she shifted restlessly, but it had no effect.
Opening her eyes, she sucked in a breath when she saw Phoenix standing directly in front of her, a half-smile playing at his lips as he parted her legs and lifted her knees to his shoulders. The ache in her nipples drove her crazy, and when she looked down at them, she realized that Blade held her so that just her nipples were out of the water. Even though the night remained warm, the water was much warmer—making the air on her nipples feel cooler by comparison.
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