by Piper Stone
I didn’t bother allowing him to answer me before tossing open the door and jumping out. At least he was taking me to pick up another purchase, a new truck. Fortunately, that meant I wouldn’t have to depend on anyone else’s kindness.
When I stormed onto the porch, the smooth decking resonating with the hard thumping of my cowboy boots, all I could think about was Mitch. Maybe I was still angry with her for leaving, refusing to even acknowledge the emotions and wretched experiences that we’d shared. Hell, maybe our connection had been contrived by fear of the unknown, something I knew I had to get the fuck over.
I heard him move onto the stairs and bristled all over again.
“Don’t say it,” I half barked.
“What the hell do you think I’m going to say?”
“That I’m an idiot.”
Hawk chuckled. “The truth is you are, although I wasn’t going to tell you that right now.”
“And why am I an idiot?”
“Because you haven’t bothered to try and get her back. That’s why.”
The words stung, but they were the freaking truth.
“She has her life and I have mine. That’s the way it needs to be.”
I hated the quiet that developed between us. When he leaned over the railing, staring out at the corral in the distance, I heard his intense sigh and closed my eyes.
“The guilt doesn’t leave you, Nash. It only becomes tolerable. Do I wish I could have done something differently? Without a doubt. Do I know that Snake would have done the same thing if any of us had been captured? Absolutely. You need to forgive yourself or you won’t be able to survive. That’s what giving my life to both Ashley and Bryce has taught me. They allowed me to realize what’s most important in life.”
“What about honor?”
I could see his smile even from where I stood.
“Honor can be shown in so many ways. To your family. To your friends. But most important, to yourself. When you learn that, you’ll finally be free from those chains you have wrapped around your neck.”
I thought about his words and closed my eyes.
And all I could see were images of Mitch’s face.
The woman who had stolen my heart.
Chapter 18
Mitch
Seven weeks later
Nightmares.
They’d plagued me for weeks, although only part of them had anything to do with Dante or the subsequent appearances I’d been forced to make in court. I’d even managed to forgive Jessica, at least to some degree. I knew just how enthralling the monster could be when he wanted to. The sad truth was she’d been in love with Dante for two years. What a shame her loyalty to the bastard would destroy her life. At least she’d cared enough to send me the warning text. Even that hadn’t kept me awake at night. The truth regarding the reason had been difficult to swallow.
One. Rugged. Man.
I wasn’t entirely certain why I’d ignored his two phone calls. While his messages had been short, they’d been so sweet, a reminder that I’d barged into his life and he’d managed to capture my heart. I had reasons, some of which were very legitimate, but others…
There was no adequate way to repair the hurt I’d caused with my ridiculous behavior. I had no excuses. None. Returning to Chicago had been required, at least at first. The other three weeks? Fear. A wave of nausea rolled into my stomach, forcing me to press my hand against my mouth. Nash deserved to know the truth, although I wasn’t entirely certain how he’d feel about it. I’d languished over my feelings, allowing apprehension to get in the way. Then I’d come to my senses.
As I peered at the GPS, I grew antsy, my heart racing as another wave of anticipation slammed into my system. I was like a giddy schoolgirl, but one horrified of what she might be forced to face. The dichotomy was intense. Overwhelming. I could barely stay on the road, my nerves were so shot.
At least the day was beautiful, every tree and early budding flower sun kissed. Yet even that hint of warmth did little to take away the goosebumps that had remained on my arms for several hours. I had to face it. I was a freaking mess.
A laugh bubbled to the surface as the grating female voice on the GPS system sounded off that I was close. Maybe I was making a huge mistake, but there were no other options. What happened afterwards was entirely up to fate.
And maybe a push from the heavens above.
As I made the final turnoff, I held my breath, my mind frazzled. Then a sign appeared in front of me, just another reminder of my poor decisions. “Big Sky Ranch.” I said the name out loud, unable to keep the smile off my face. The carved sign was a reminder that this was cowboy country. I sucked in my breath and made the turn, slowing down to a crawl. When the lovely house came into view, I almost lost my nerve.
But I refused to lose everything that mattered for a second time. I now knew exactly what I wanted. My life would mean nothing without the big, brawny, dangerous, and very rough cowboy as a part of it.
I could only hope that he’d take me back.
I heard the sound of a dog barking as I approached, the open windows keeping me from a panic attack. As I eased the car to a stop, I could barely get the gear into park given how badly my hands were shaking.
After cutting the engine, I took a deep breath, smoothing down my hair before opening the door. In the distance, I heard the sound of horses whinnying, their beautiful noises sending another chill dancing down the backs of my legs. I hadn’t called. I hadn’t emailed. I hadn’t even texted my arrival. For all I knew, he’d moved on and rightfully so.
But in my heart, I hoped that he hadn’t forgotten.
As a beautiful yellow lab approached, the pup’s tail wagging, I couldn’t help but to crouch down, allowing the dog to lick my cheek.
“Hiya. You’re one beautiful pup.” I could tell the dog was a boy and the way he nuzzled against my neck allowed a moment of comfort. “Is your daddy home?”
His continued tail wagging was the answer I needed, as well as another boost of courage.
“Wish me luck,” I said, half under my breath before rising to a standing position. I took another look at the majestic view of the mountains before turning back toward the house.
My steps tentative, I walked onto the porch, the butterflies in my stomach threatening to take over. I pulled the coat around me, more self-conscious than I’d been in years. I made a little wish before knocking on the door. Then I took several steps backwards, almost running away like some ridiculous little girl.
After a few seconds, I heard footsteps, the hard thumping sending vibrations through every portion of my body. The moment Nash opened the door, his shock was evident by the look in his eyes.
Sadly, the tension was almost unsurmountable.
He glanced around me at the car before gazing down to my shoes then back to my eyes, his remaining cold and distant. I sensed so many emotions erupting within him.
Anger.
Sadness.
Emptiness.
But the electricity was the same as before, sparking between us and stealing my breath. God, I loved this man. Just the sight of him in his tight tee shirt and even tighter pair of well-worn jeans forced my nipples to harden. My panties had dampened the moment I’d landed in Missoula.
Still, fear remained furrowing in the deepest, darkest portions of my body.
“Nash,” I said quietly. Seeing him again brought back so many memories, some of the best in my life.
He remained quiet for almost thirty additional seconds. He was going to turn me away. I knew it in my heart.
“What are you doing here?” The demand in his tone caused my heart to pitter patter.
“I wanted to see you.”
The hesitation was about to kill me.
“Why? Don’t you have a life in Chicago? Seems like it was obvious. You certainly left as soon as you could,” Nash smirked, shaking his head, the glare remaining harsh.
“I deserved that. You’re right. I should have returned your call.”<
br />
“Yeah, you should have.”
A full thirty seconds passed.
“Do you think you can forgive me?”
When a slight smile crested across his face, the rugged man yanking me against the heat of his body, several tears slipped past my lashes.
“We’ll see,” he said after a few seconds, his nostrils flaring.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” I purred.
When he stiffened again, my emotions almost took over.
Nash eased away, sliding a single finger down the arm of my jacket. “There might be punishment involved. Well deserved, I might add.”
Just a single touch was enough to force my pussy to quiver. “Yes, sir.”
We both laughed although there were still a few seconds of awkward silence.
“When I didn’t hear from you, I was worried, Mitch. I know why you had to return to Chicago, but there was no guarantee of your safety.”
“I know, but I couldn’t allow that… asshole to get away with what he did.”
The words were so as heartfelt as I could make them, the ache for him continuing to grow.
When he stared into my eyes for what seemed like minutes, I thought I’d lost him. The second he intertwined my fingers in his, fire lighting up his eyes, I was unable to stop the tears from falling.
“You’re one courageous little brat. Do you know that?”
I shrugged, my mouth watering from the sight of his cock pushing hard against his jeans. “My guess is that you can handle me.”
“You’re damn straight I can. God, I’ve missed you,” he said before whistling then yanking me inside. The dog jumped onto the porch, racing inside, his dark brown eyes showing his excitement. A mischievous smile crossing his face, he kicked the door shut, the hard thud giving me shivers. “You here for a while?”
“I was thinking of maybe moving here.”
“Oh, yeah?” he asked before tugging me further into the room. He had a roaring fire going, the warmth not nearly as explosive as the electricity erupting between us.
“I kinda like the scenery.”
“So do I,” he growled, creating another wave of tingles erupting along every inch of my skin.
“Who is your friend?”
Nash chuckled as he reached down, patting the pup on the head. “I named him Chance. Somehow it seemed appropriate given everything that’s happened.”
“A chance for a new life,” I half whispered.
“A chance to realize what I’ve been missing all these years.”
“Maybe you can tell me what that is,” I said coyly.
He gave me the kind of look that forced my legs to quiver. “I plan on it. Every. Single. Day.”
I palmed his chest, clamping my fingers around his shirt. “The ranch is beautiful. Is it yours?”
“Uh-huh. I heard Montana was a great place to put down some roots.”
I adored his whimsical attitude and the twinkle in his eyes. My pussy ached just thinking about how much I’d missed him. “Beautiful mountains. Clean water.”
“Mmm… And so much more.” He lowered his head, pressing his lips against my face and I melted against him, taking gasping breaths. “I heard Giordani is on his way to prison.”
“Uh-huh. A life sentence with no possibility of parole but I’m not certain I trust the system. What if he gets out?” I shuddered as memories of the additional rounds of testimony floated into my mind. At least Dante had been locked away. Would I always be forced to face the possibility that he’d try to retaliate again? Yes. However, I refused to live my life in fear. Besides, I had reasons to move toward the future.
One that mattered more than anything.
“I don’t think there’s a chance in hell that’s going to happen, but if by some crazy twist of fate he does, then we’ll face that together.” His words were a statement, said with the same kind of vigorous intentions that I’d heard several times before. When he eased his index finger under my chin, lifting it, my lower lip twitched.
“I’m so sorry I left.”
“You did what you had to do, just like I’m going to do.” He crushed his mouth over mine, dragging me onto my toes. I could barely breathe as he thrust his tongue past my lips. When he ground his hips against mine, I lost all feeling in my legs.
Chance woofed several times as the kiss continued. I’d never felt so emotional, my pulse racing. The moment of intimacy became the sweetest release, a letting go that I’d dreamt about almost every night since I’d left. He dominated my tongue as he always had and the scent of him was more intoxicating than I remembered. I’d never had such a sense of feeling at home. I was so alive, my nipples aching to the point every part of me ached.
When he broke the embrace, I continued shuddering in his arms.
“I want to show you something,” he said after brushing hair from my eyes.
I rubbed my hand down his chest in a provocative manner. “Should I guess?”
He took my hand, pulling my fingers to his lips and kissing each one before shaking his head. “Come with me, bad girl.”
I was surprised when he led me out the door, pulling me toward the corral. “This place is beautiful.”
“It needs some work, but I have the time,” he said. “Besides, my grandfather left me some money.” He shifted his head in my direction, his grin infectious. “Come on.”
His long strides were difficult to keep up with and the second he pulled me into the barn, he took both my hands into his. “Now, we are going to need to discuss your punishment.”
“That’s not fair. I just returned.”
“Uh-huh. You know that’s not going to fly with me.”
Even in the dimness of the light of the barn, I could tell his eyes were twinkling. He kept my hands in his, walking backward as he headed toward a group of horses located in a series of stalls.
“What does that mean?” I finally asked.
“That means that you’re going to relearn what it means to obey me.”
“Oh, you think you’re all that, huh, Mr. Cowboy?”
He yanked me forward again, cupping both sides of my face, breathing a swath of hot air across my face. “I am your master.”
When he lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine, I gripped both his wrists. There was nothing like being in his arms. I should have known better than to tease him in any way. The second he placed his foot on a bale of hay, yanking me over his knee, all I could do was gasp. As he brought his hand down several times, smacking his palm against my jean-covered bottom, I let out a series of yelps.
I was shocked just how much the spanking stung, the pain shifting down the backs of my legs. “Ouch!” I kicked my legs, struggling to get out of his hold.
“No, you don’t. You’re not going anywhere. I’ve told you before. Spankings are supposed to hurt. I think you’re going to get used to receiving one pretty damn often.”
Squirming, I was shaken just how much the round of discipline affected me, but not because of the level of anguish. Because of how much I’d missed him. Every single inch of his roughhewn brawn and masculinity.
“I’ll be good!” I demanded, although both he and I knew I’d always have a tough time behaving.
“Promises. Promises. Heard ‘em before.” He peppered my ass hard with swat after swat until I no longer fought him, my breath stolen.
I knew the heat on my face was just as significant as the explosion of fire shifting across my ass cheeks. The rough and tumble cowboy knew how to give one hell of a spanking.
I kicked and moaned, struggling to maintain my position. That only made him smack me even harder. When it was finally over, he eased me into a standing position, the same damn wicked twinkle remaining in his eyes.
“Have you learned your lesson for now?” he asked.
“Yes!”
“Yes?” He smacked me several additional times.
I moaned, completely exasperated. “Yes. Sir!”
“That’s more like it.”
“You brought me into the barn to spank me?” I huffed.
“Hmmm… Should I pull out my belt?”
“No. No!” I fisted his shirt, shaking my head. The man could be so damn frustrating.
“Good girl. Now, you’re going to do exactly as I say.” He twirled me around, placing his hands over my eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“You’re going to have to learn to trust me, little brat. Do you think you can do that?”
I swallowed hard as he walked me forward. “I do trust you, with everything inside of me.”
For a few seconds, he hesitated, his breathing ragged.
His hot breath cascaded across my skin as he continued pushing me. “I’m glad to hear that. Now, hold out your hand.”
“Why?”
Nash’s growl was husky. “Because I told you to. Keep your eyes closed or I assure you that your punishment will be much harsher.” He didn’t allow me to make a choice, lifting my arm and extending it forward.
I did as I was told, my curiosity almost getting the better of me.
Within seconds, he took my hand into his. As he rubbed my fingers across something soft, I heard a single whinnying sound. There was no way I could keep my eyes closed. When I opened them, I couldn’t keep from shivering. The sight of the beautiful white horse took my breath away.
I could tell he was studying my reaction as I stroked the horse’s gorgeous face. “What an incredible creature.” My thoughts drifted to the morning at Scorpion’s, what seemed like a lifetime ago, which had actually been a very special day.
“Her name is Beauty.”
“What a perfect name.” My voice was little more than a whisper.
“Yes, it is.” He half smiled as he leaned over the edge of the gate. “You want to know a secret?”
“Okay.”
“She happens to be named after a beautiful girl who managed to steal my heart.” His eyes continued to twinkle.