by Joanna Blake
I grinned at the tall ginger man who was watching me fondly from across the room.
He'd helped a lot too.
He was the Delancey's vet. And he was my boyfriend. Once Jackson had asked him about using antibiotics on their horses, a whole doorway had opened. He'd known about the poisonous effects of the drug and never used it on his patients.
So when we met at the wedding, he'd already known all about me.
After that first dance, we found out we had a lot more to talk about. He was wise, kind and very easy on the eyes.
Even Angelina approved, which was saying something.
I carried Phoenix over to stand by my sister. She was opening another present while everyone ooh'd and ah'd. At six months pregnant, we'd decided it was time to throw her a shower.
She was different now. Softer. I knew Jackson had everything to do with that.
He looked kind of goofy as he proudly held up yet another tiny cowboy outfit. To think I'd thought he was intimidating at first. Other than his size, he was just about the kindest man I knew.
I loved him like a brother. I looked around the table. I'd gained three brothers really, and two sisters. Daniel, Francesca, Elle and Jake were there too, along with their father. He'd been doing a lot better lately.
Something to do with a new granddaughter and two more grandchildren on the way.
Francesca was glowing, her bump just starting to show. Angelina griped about that more than once. They were due just days apart and the glamorous Italian was svelte as ever.
Her baby shower was tomorrow.
I sat down, handing the baby off to her proud papa.
Dale took my hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it.
I had a crazy feeling I might be next.
Thank you for reading BRANDED! If you enjoyed this book please let me know on Amazon and Goodreads! You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, or you can email me at: [email protected]
Credits:
Rebel Edit & Design
Furious Fotog
Chase Ketron
Just One More Page Book Promotions
Pincushion Press
Other works by Joanna Blake:
Wanted By The Devil (Devil's Riders MC Club)
Still Waters (Devil's Riders MC Club)
Safe In His Arms (Devil's Riders MC Club)
Devil's Riders: Before You (A prequel to the Devil's Rider's Trilogy)
Slay Me (Rock Gods)
Dare Me (Rock Gods)
Cover Me (Rock Gods)
BRO'
A Bad Boy For Summer
PLAYER
GRIND
HEAT
PUSH
Turn the page for Daniel's story Bound To Me, Jake's story Ride With Me or skip ahead to excerpts from Joanna Blake's GRIND, HEAT and PUSH
Bound To Me
Joanna Blake
Chapters
Chapter One - Mistaken
Chapter Two - Seduction
Chapter Three - Explosion
Chapter Four - Premonition
Chapter Five - Infatuation
Chapter Six - Distortion
Chapter Seven - Flirtation
Chapter Eight - Rebellion
Chapter Nine - Submission
Chapter Ten - Distraction
Chapter Eleven - Abduction
Chapter Twelve - Retribution
Two Weeks Later
Other books by Joanna Blake
Chapter One
Daniel
I pushed Black Jack to his limits, riding the stallion over the entire course. I did this nearly every morning now before his afternoon training session. Ever since the wild young horse had arrived.
It kept him from injuring himself or the trainers.
I was the only one the damned horse would listen to.
I rode into the paddock and dismounted, tossing the reins to McDermott, the head stable master.
"Your appointment is waiting for you Daniel."
He winked at me.
"What appointment?"
"She was supposed to be here last week, remember?"
I cursed. A rich city girl was here to breed her horse with one of ours. She'd been carefully instructed that the sooner in the mare's season she came, the better the chances that the mare would quicken.
But the prearranged date had come and gone without a word.
I'd had the staff call. I'd emailed. And then I'd written it off.
I was inclined to ignore the matter entirely. Just to teach the lady a lesson in manners. Leave the horse unbred.
But I couldn't.
Jackson had personally tasked me with this client.
Dammit.
"Personally, I'd say she was worth the wait."
I glanced at McDermott sardonically.
"The mare or the woman?"
He chuckled.
"Both!"
I smiled at his joke and patted Black Jack's flank.
"Cool him down and clean him off. It's time for him to meet his first girlfriend."
"What about you?"
He gestured to my riding clothes. I'd been out for hours, sweating in the Texas sun. I looked down at myself.
I pulled out a handkerchief and wiped my face.
"That's as good as the lady is going to get. Where is she?"
"Where else? The stables."
I nodded. Where else, indeed?
Horse people were all the same. Even if they were God awful in human company. But each and every one loved the majestic animals with an intense fervor unmatched by other hobbyists.
I strode into the massive stable building, eager to get this over with. The stables were L-shaped. She wasn't in the first corridor so I turned the corner.
And stopped in my tracks.
Leaning against one of the stable doors was a tall, slender, very, very curvy woman. Her long blond hair was artfully arranged in luxurious waves. Her outrageously perfect bottom was encased in snug fitting riding pants. Her profile was one of classic beauty, with thickly lashed eyes, high cheekbones, a delicate nose and pouty lips.
Did I mention the curves?
Her entire being screamed old money, privilege and pride.
And stupidity.
She was leaning against Thunderstorm's stall. The one horse who'd been known to injure anyone who rode him. Or got close to his stall. The most dangerous horse in a hundred miles.
No. The most dangerous horse in a thousand miles.
"Back away very slowly."
Her head turned sharply and she stared at me. Her eyes were wide as she took me in. For a moment she looked pleasantly surprised. And then disdain clouded her features. She looked me up and down, obviously confusing me for a stable hand.
I'd been wrong.
The woman wasn't just a beauty.
She was the beauty.
The most beautiful woman I'd ever laid eyes on.
I had one question answered.
Her eyes were blue. A blue so dark it was almost purple. I knew without a doubt I could get lost in those eyes.
And I knew one other thing for certain too.
She was about to become a major pain in my ass.
Francesca
The horse blew softly into my cupped palm. I liked to think of it as a kiss. The muzzle of a well tended horse was one of the softest things on earth. To be greeted this way was the highest form of compliment a horse could give.
This beautiful stallion and I were getting along quite well.
I turned my head, ignoring the rather delicious looking stable hand who was rudely interrupting us. I would deal with him shortly. The horse nuzzled me playfully, clearly looking for a treat.
"I'll be damned."
He'd come up behind me I realized. I didn't bother to turn around, although I did want a better look at him. I tilted my head slightly, glancing over my shoulder.
My first thought was that he'd been riding, and vigorously. My second thought was that he was another beautiful, wild crea
ture. I did well with those.
His eyes were a warm honey color. His hair was a sandy blond. At the moment his eyes were full of wonder. But that was the only soft looking thing about him. His face and body were chiseled in the way only a vigorous outdoorsman could be. Bulging muscles, calloused hands, and what looked like a thick package nestled in his jeans.
I made my assessment in under a minute.
Another fine stallion.
I decided he would suit me perfectly during my stay.
"He doesn't do that with anyone."
I sighed deeply. I would like to get acquainted with him, provided he didn't speak much. It really was tiresome when men tried to do that.
Talk.
I just wasn't interested.
I pulled an apple from my purse. No good horsewoman entered a stable without some sort of treat. I rubbed the apple against my thigh and lifted it to the horse's lips. The way he gobbled it up and looked at me with adoration was almost comical.
I was used to being worshipped though. All men did.
I stepped backwards and blew him a kiss,
"I'll be back later luce die miei occhi."
Then I walked away. I didn't want to upset the horse with what I was about to do.
They always seemed to get jealous if they saw me with a man.
"Where are you going?"
I kept walking, assuming he was on my heels. I only stopped once we were away from the animals near the entrance to the stables. I turned and finally saw him clearly in the daylight.
Magari, the man was beautiful!
"Did you want something?"
His jaw clenched as his eyes seemed to slide over me. He wasn't shy. Good.
I smiled at him.
"Me too."
Now he was shocked. He was about to start talking again, I could sense it. So I shut him up the fastest way I knew how.
I stepped up close to him, inhaling the scent of leather, man and horse. My nipples were hard in an instant. I licked my lips.
"I will be staying here for a few weeks while my horse is... bred."
His eyes flared and he looked down at me, his stunning eyes warm with appreciation.
"I would be open to some distraction. Provided you can be... discreet."
He smiled suddenly. It wasn't a friendly smile. It was... predatory. He understood me perfectly. I tilted my head, looking him over. He really was an incredible specimen.
"Are you allowed access to the main house?"
He nodded slowly, the smile still lingering on his lips.
"Very good. I'm in the guest wing. I believe there is a back entrance. I'll see you after lunch. I'm assuming you can get away from your duties?"
"Yes m'am."
I smiled at him and lifted my finger, dragging it down his chest.
"Two o'clock. Don't be late."
Then I walked away, leaving the stablehand with a very noticeable bulge in his tight jeans.
Chapter Two
Daniel
She hadn't even asked my name. And she'd never for a moment doubted that my answer would be yes. I smiled. Francesca Durarte was by far the most haughty, imperious, entitled woman I'd ever met.
And the most desirable.
By far, the most desirable.
She hadn't beat around the bush either. I liked that. She knew what she wanted. I grinned to myself.
Damn but I'm glad it was me she saw first.
I went upstairs to take a cold shower. I flipped over a few family photos on the way upstairs. I didn't want her to realize who I was.
At least not yet.
I was chuckling to myself as the ice cold water sliced over me. I had an erection that could cut glass and I still had an hour to kill. There was nothing to do with it though. I certainly wasn't going to waste it when that glorious woman was so eager to get her hands on it.
I turned on the news on the TV and did some pushups. Finally, my cock sunk to half mast. Well, a bit more than that, but this was as good as it was going to get.
Besides, I had a feeling she wouldn't mind if I showed up ready to go. The lady certainly didn't waste time.
I also got a feeling she didn't dish out this sort of invitation too often.
I hoped not anyway. I grabbed a couple of rubbers. It paid to be prepared.
Then I grabbed a couple more. I had a strong feeling that I'd be having more than one go this afternoon. As long as I impressed her the first time.
I dressed in clean jeans and a soft old button down shirt. I was about to leave when my cell rang.
I glanced at my phone. It was Jackson. I picked it up.
"Hey."
"You weren't at lunch."
I sighed. Jackson didn't really mince words. As the eldest brother he also acted like he was in charge of the rest of us most of the time.
"I told you I wanted you to handle this one personally."
"Relax. I met the client."
"Oh. Very good. Just don't skip dinner. She's the type that expects to be wined and dined, believe me."
I grinned.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
I left my phone on the bedside table. I didn't want to be distracted. I took the servants staircase to the main floor, then headed through the kitchen. I winked at Suzy, the head chef, as I passed.
There was an entrance to the guest wing through the back of the kitchen. I figured I better go that way, just in case Miss Duarte saw me.
I grinned and lifted my hand to knock at the door.
"It's open."
Jesus, even the woman's voice was erotic. Throaty and faintly foreign, but restrained and refined. I was fully hard before I even opened the door.
Francesca was lounging on her bed, wearing a slinky cream colored negligee. Her skin looked like silk. Her hair looked like silk.
That damn negligee was definitely silk.
I wanted to rip it off her.
She looked me over slowly, then smiled.
"Lock the door behind you please."
Fucking A.
Francesca
He'd showered. I had to take that as a sign of civility. He appeared to be well mannered.
But I wasn't interested in his manners.
I wanted the sweaty handsome beast I'd seen in the stables.
I sighed, waiting. I hoped he was going to prove me wrong. If I had to give him instructions I would be very disappointed.
He locked the door and turned, his eyes raking over me with scorching heat. He was across the room and dragging me into his arms before I could blink. I moaned as his mouth crashed down on mine.
Ohhhh... yes, this was more like it.
His hands were rough as he pulled me against him. He was hard and packing quite a large instrument from what I could tell. My nipples were hard as well, poking through my silk negligee.
He lifted his head, running his hand over my body. He held me in place as he explored, looking me over. I gasped as he rubbed his thumb over my nipple through the silk.
He chuckled knowingly, releasing me. I lay back on the bed and watched as he pulled his clothes off. His eyes never left me. He moved quickly, but his eyes lingered. I could almost feel them as they traced the edges of my teddy.
"Take that off."
I tossed my head and smiled at him.
"You take it off for me."
He growled as he kicked his boots off.
"Take it off or I will tear it off of you."
I licked my lips, easing the straps over my shoulders and sliding it down to my waist. His eyes got bigger as he pushed his jeans down.
Now it was my turn to stare in awe.
He had the most beautiful cock I'd ever seen. Long and thick, with a glistening drop at the end. It jutted up proudly, more than ready for what was to come.
I swallowed as he came towards me, moving like a panther. He was on me in an instant. Kissing and groping. Not with desperation. With raw need.
He grabbed my negligee from around my waist and yanked it do
wn. I heard it rip from his roughness. He hadn't lied. He'd torn it off me.
I held on for dear life as he ravaged my flesh, his tongue on my throat, then lower. He pulled my nipple into his mouth, sucking hungrily. His fingers were busy as well, seeking and finding my cleft.
Oh yes, I had chosen wisely indeed.
"Spread your legs. I don't want to wait."
I did as he asked. I didn't want to wait either. I wanted him inside me.
Now.
I heard him tear open a condom rapper as I tried to catch my breath. I'd never felt anything like this. The combination of his touch and the hard look in his eyes... I realized I may have met my match.
And then some.
He positioned himself above me and held his cock at my entrance.
"I assume you can handle this."
"I- oh yes..."
We groaned in unison as he pressed forward, his cock sliding into my wet pussy lips. He went slowly but he didn't stop pressing forward until he was fully embedded inside me.
I'd never felt anything like it in my life.
"Fuck, you're tight. Am I hurting you?"
I shook my head. He was the largest I'd had, and it had been a long time. But it didn't hurt. It felt exquisite.
Everything about him felt exquisite.
"No. I- Please continue."
He smiled at me, his eyes flaring in approval.
Then he began. Slow, deep, lingering thrusts. He rode me gracefully, as if I were a prized mare. His eyes never left mine as he braced himself above me, giving and taking in equal measure.
He didn't stop as I began to quiver beneath him. I was already close to orgasm. He was relentless as he slowly pierced me again and again. It was utterly raw the way he rode me, making no apologies for the way he used me for his satisfaction.
I grasped his shoulders and closed my eyes as the first orgasm rolled through me. He let out a satisfied grunt as I clenched around him, my body caressing him, drawing him in. I shuddered as the pleasure increased, taking me over the edge again almost immediately. It was too much. But he didn't slow or stop.