A Solemn Creed

by Dakota Black

  “Big he-man huh?”

  He chuckled as he walked closer. You bet he was pushing his luck. “I’ve known domestic discipline to change relationships, even save marriages. My best buddy is getting married and they wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “I’m not that kind of woman,” Amber said, yet her words were stilted.

  “You’re sure about that?” Camden crowded her space.

  Tilting her head, she rolled her eyes. “There is no man who understands the concept of domestic discipline.”

  “And you do?”

  “More than you know.” The words were said as if daring him.

  “Drago isn’t your boyfriend?”

  She walked closer. “No. You’re not from around here.”

  “You guessed correctly.” Okay, he had to admit he was damn glad the Russian wasn’t her taste.

  “Then I’ll tell you my dirty little secret.”

  “I’d love to hear it,” Camden inhaled her perfume and could see her hardened nipples.

  Leaning in, she winked. “He’s my disciplinarian.”

  This time, he knew for certain that her words were meant not only to titillate but to shock him. And he was having none of it. He closed the distance and lowered his head. “I can tell that you need one but from what I can see, he’s not doing a very good job.”

  “Oh, no?” Amber was breathless.

  “Not in the least, because if he were, you’d know how to be a lady as well as how to follow rules. You’d also understand respect.”

  “And you think you can do any better?”

  He grabbed her wrist, holding her in place. “I know that I can. In fact, by the end of this night, this very night you’re going to ask me a question.”

  “What’s that?” she managed, her lower lip trembling.

  “For one. Hard. Spanking.” Releasing her, he walked away.

  Chapter 5

  For. One. Hard. Spanking.

  Oh my God. Amber refused to reveal her level of excitement hearing his words. Everything about this man was unexpected. She was floored, and nothing ever stymied her thoughts or actions. “Would you like to have dinner with me?” She wasn’t entirely certain that he’d stop or had even heard her strangled words.

  Camden stopped but didn’t turn around for at least thirty seconds. “If that’s allowed given your position then I would accept.”

  She walked closer. “It’s allowed. My rules at least for this concept in particular.”

  “I have my rules and I will make them very clear.” Cupping her chin, he rubbed his thumb across her mouth. “And you will listen. Do you understand?”

  The authoritative tone in his voice was thrilling, but she wasn’t ready to give up command just yet. “We shall see. My decision.” She gave him a once over and started to turn around. When he grabbed her arm, yanking her against his chest, she gasped. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  “Exactly what you want me to do.” Fisting her hair, he crushed his mouth over hers, pushing his tongue past her pursed lips.

  She struggled, kicking out, trying desperately to get out of his grasp, beating her hand against his arm. There was no use. He was strong, powerful and dominating.

  And he was everything she’d ever desired.

  The kiss became a combustion of searing heat and he growled as he shoved his tongue into the back of her throat.

  She was shivering and realized she’d arched her back, her pussy clenching as he ground his groin across her stomach. He was hard, his cock throbbing and for a few seconds, she envisioned dropping to her knees, licking and sucking until he shot his load, drinking every drop of his sweet cream. She fell into the kiss, no longer struggling. Her nipples were rock hard, aching and she could no longer think clearly. This man, this rugged hunk had sideswiped his way into her life.

  And she would allow him into her bed.

  He broke the kiss and chuckled darkly, his arm falling to around her neck, keeping her close. “As I said, my rules and you will follow them.”

  “Yes, sir.” While she overemphasized the words, she gathered he was as turned on as she was. Was he really a man who could understand her needs? Time would tell.

  “Hmmm, better. What time?” Camden rubbed his thumb across her mouth, as if gathering the kiss.

  “As long as it takes you to get a shower. I’ll be waiting,” she managed, the tone one she didn’t recognize.

  He continued rubbing then slipped his thumb past her lips. “When I arrive, we’re having a discussion.”

  She sucked on his thumb, dragging her tongue back and forth. When he removed it and brushed hair from her eyes, she shivered. “Discussion?”

  “Yes. Those rules I was talking about and exactly what will happen if you don’t follow them.”

  “I’ll be ready.” Amber had difficulty focusing as he walked out of the corral. She hung over the fence as Zeus came closer, nudging her waist. “I know, baby boy. He’s a hidden gem. Isn’t he?” She darted a look over her shoulder and ran her fingers down the front of her shirt, fighting to keep from plucking her hardened nipples. “Whew.”

  There was something about Camden that seemed off, even though he’d shoved his way past her bravado. Why did she have the feeling he was hiding his true identity? Well, she certainly had time to find out.

  After making certain Zeus was secured in his stall, she sauntered back to the house. The place was a wreck. She had maybe an hour to clean up and change. Laughing, she turned on music and tidied up the downstairs. She glared at the roses as well as the note. Maybe she’d leave them just in case Camden was like all the rest of the men she’d ever considered dating.

  Too many hands, a small dick and zero intelligence.

  While she certainly wasn’t going to invite him to her bedroom, she bounded up the stairs two at a time and grabbed her dirty clothes that had been strewn around the room, tossing them into the hamper.

  She glared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, making faces. A stranger. She was trusting a stranger to do what? The verdict was out. The search through her closet was almost futile. Another dress. Great. Tomorrow would be laundry day.

  A quick glance at her watch and she headed to her office, turning on her laptop. If Camden Dane had a past, she was going to find out. Yeah, she craved his control, maybe his discipline and damn sure wanted the man in her bed, but not if he was going to betray her. She refused to be a fool. “Let’s see what you’re about.” The computer was taking its sweet time and the moment she was able to pull up the internet, the doorbell rang. Fuck. The man was fast.

  She smoothed down her dress and slowly walked to the front screen door. Lordy, the man could clean up well. All resolve seemed to vanish as her desire reared its ugly head. This wasn’t good. “That was quick.”

  “I didn’t want to keep you waiting.” He opened the door fully, walking inside.

  “We should talk about earlier,” she managed to say, trying to keep some amount of control.

  He sniffed and glanced around her house, scanning every inch. “What about?”

  “You work for me.”

  “And I still hope to. Nothing has changed. I have a strong work ethic, much like the rules I mentioned. Demanding.”

  Why had her pussy already drenched her panties? Fuck. Fuck! “Interesting.”

  Camden shot her an authoritative look as he chuckled. “Beautiful home.”

  “I grew up here.”

  “Reminds me of the ranch house I grew up in.”

  Barefoot, she suddenly felt so small around him. However, she was no longer surprised by how attracted she was to him. “Would you like some wine?” God! She sounded like a teenager, her voice cracking.

  “Wine.”

  “Or a beer. Maybe vodka. I also have whiskey.” She wiped a bead of perspiration away from her top lip, hoping he hadn’t noticed.

  Camden inched closer, lifting his arm. Using the tip of his index finger, he very gently slid it across the corner of her
mouth, the same knowing smile curling on his lip. “Whiskey.”

  “Okay. Make yourself at home.” At that moment, she wanted to crawl under the house. Heat crept up from her chest and she did everything in her power to keep her cool. She was very aware his eyes never seemed to leave her, her skin was on fire, and her mind was reeling at his words, his command. She would ask for a spanking. She willed her legs to move and damn if she almost didn’t trip leaving the living room. When she was in the kitchen, she exhaled and counted to five, trying to find what was left of the dominating woman inside. She laughed and rolled her eyes.

  Spanking. You need a severe spanking.

  From him? Hell, yes, she did.

  “When did you know that you craved a firm hand? That you couldn’t live without one?” Camden stood in the doorway of the kitchen, leaning against the doorjamb.

  Resisting jumping, the sound of his velvety voice was like music playing. She remained nervous, as if she was a little kid being asked about her bad behavior. “That’s a loaded question.” She noticed his gaze had shifted to the flowers, a smirk on his face.

  “I want the truth. Always the truth.”

  “Since I was a little girl. I just knew. No matter how many times I acted up, that very second Daddy gave me a hard spanking, I was good as gold. At least for a little while.” Her laugh skipping, she handed him the glass. Their fingers touched, and she was breathless once again.

  “Mmm… Good to know. A strict father. Boyfriends?” His voice was low, husky as if filled with desire.

  “Not even close. I had very few and they were duds. Perfect. Polished. With zero clue.”

  “That’s why you enjoy Drago. He’s anything but polished.”

  She thought about his statement. “He’s exciting, dark and formidable, but he certainly never wanted anything more than what we’ve shared. I guess we used each other. Isn’t that sad?”

  “Not sad, a matter of need.” Camden swirled the liquid in his glass before taking a sip. “Rules.”

  “Yes. Your rules.”

  “No one knows we’re together tonight and I’m certain you’d prefer to keep it that way. I think that would be best.”

  “Very much so,” she whispered. He did have something to hide.

  “You do what I command, and you will ask for what you need. However, I’ll give you what you deserve.”

  The entire situation had rocketed into overdrive. She should tell him no, toss him out of the house. But she couldn’t.

  She wouldn’t.

  Swallowing, Amber blinked several times, absorbing what he was telling her. “Yes. I mean yes, sir. I understand.”

  “Wonderful.” His eyes were twinkling. “The rest is our choice.”

  “I agree.” His eyes were gorgeous, offering a brief look inside the man. “Who are you, Camden Dane? Really?”

  He took another sip before answering. “A man looking for a future.”

  Nodding, she could feel goosebumps popping, her heart racing. When her cell phone rang, she hissed. “Damn it! I hate to be interrupted. I’ll just be a second.”

  “Of course.”

  She couldn’t help but notice that he was studying her. “Yes?” She noticed the note had slipped out of the envelope, the amount of the ridiculous offer, the dark block print staring her in the face. She fumbled to shove it back inside nonchalantly.

  “Miss Amber, it’s Jorge. I noticed on the way out that the fence down by the river was knocked down.”

  “Fuck! On purpose?” Great. Bart had struck again.

  “From what I could tell, yes. Some of the boards were cut, ripped out of the dirt. I’ve done a temporary patch, but we’ll need to secure it in a more permanent manner tomorrow. I’ll grab some of the crew and we’ll get it taken care of. I just wanted you to know.”

  “Thanks, Jorge. Did you get a crew in place?” She turned away from Camden, her hand brushing across the counter, and lowered her voice. At this point, she didn’t want him to learn what was going on.

  “I did. I have four men who will be out tonight. I’ll change them every night, so we can have fresh eyes. Don’t worry. We’ll keep an eye out.”

  “I appreciate it. Have a good night.” She ended the call and held the phone to her head. The rush of anger, adrenaline and fear was almost too much to bear. The man was pushing every button, trying to break her. “Damn you, motherfucker. Damn you!” Tossing her phone, she gasped when she heard the clinking sound. “Shit.”

  “What happened?” Camden moved toward her.

  She was shaking as she picked up the phone. Eyeing the cracked screen, she took several deep breaths then noticed he’d picked up the envelope. “Nothing for you to worry about. I’m fine.” Trying to smile, she attempted to take it out of his hand.

  He refused.

  “You’re furious.” He eyed the envelope, fingering the open flap. “Does it have anything to do with this?”

  “I know I’m furious and that’s just something from the bank,” she mumbled and managed to take away the damning, ridiculous note. Dear God, heat was rising on her face. A fence too? Would the man stop at nothing? “I need to calm down. Everyone tells me that.” She gulped half the drink and realized her hand was shaking. This was getting ridiculous. “I’m sorry. Just a few difficulties with the ranch.” When she turned to face him, she tried to smile.

  “I can help if you’ll let me.”

  “I don’t need anyone’s help!” Cringing, she wanted to reel in the nasty words.

  Camden exhaled. “Okay. Have it your way.”

  She shook her head, sliding the envelope under other pieces of mail. “Besides, no need to trash the evening. I promised you dinner. Come on.” In her mind, all she could think about was finding a way to destroy Bart Randolph. And there was no doubt she would.

  Camden was trying to keep his cool, mostly given he’d crossed several lines in one afternoon. What in the hell had he been thinking? There was a special quality about Amber and he’d known from the second he met her she was faking the bravado, the caustic controlling mannerisms, but moving full steam into domination? Maybe he should follow his instincts for once. She was amazing.

  She was also fighting her own demon, a horrific monster hell bent on taking everything she’d worked for. His curiosity was piqued. Hell, he wanted to know everything about the lovely lady, the one with dazzling copper hair and intense eyes, a voluptuous body and a kiss that allowed his beast to surface. Great. Now, his cock was throbbing.

  Whatever was going on was driving Amber to the brink, whether financial disaster or worse, Camden couldn’t be certain. What he did realize is that she was on edge, faking so much of her life. She was hiding something given the phone call but more importantly, whatever was hiding in the envelope that she hadn’t wanted him to see. He doubted she was going to let him in on the burning secret. Why should she? She had no idea who he was or the influential friends he had.

  He’d also seen the expression on her face when he noticed the roses. Either she didn’t like the sender very much or they were about something else entirely. The woman had serious trust issues.

  The various innuendoes and suggestions about him taking over as the lead had his mind reeling, but tonight, he wanted nothing more than to enjoy spending time with her. His entire body was electrified, current running through his cells and muscles.

  They sat on opposite ends of the couch after dinner. Amber had her legs under her, fingering her glass of wine. She was reflective, even remaining nervous. “How did you know?”

  “About?”

  “My need for discipline?”

  “I don’t know really. I just knew,” he said casually. He’d been watching her expressions, her body language all night and she was a born submissive, longing for more than just a once in a while disciplinarian. She wanted a firm hand on a regular basis. The last thing he needed to do was get involved with anyone, especially when he was living a lie, but he was unable to resist her. “I gathered a sense of what you’re cr
aving from the first moment we talked.”

  Laughing, she pressed the back of her hand across her mouth then shifted, sliding her legs closer to him. “I guess the way I talked to you, chastising you for even considering working with us did the trick.”

  “More of what you didn’t say.”

  She gave a faraway look, mist in her eyes. “My father depended on me to keep this ranch going and I’ve tried. I’ve really tried. Jorge has been so amazing, a Godsend really.”

  “Is Jorge sick?”

  Her entire body language changed, becoming rigid. “He told you?”

  “Only in suggesting that I might be a good leader.”

  “That’s Jorge. He doesn’t think I know how advanced the disease is. Pancreatic cancer. It’s spread. His wife told me about two months ago. I keep hoping he’ll say something to me, but the man works so hard, every day. He refuses to take a day off. When he has, there’s been some excuse, but I know he’s really going to the hospital. He’s a proud man, much like my father.”

  Camden exhaled. “How long does he have?”

  “A few months I think. I don’t know what I’ll do when he’s gone. I can’t think about it with everything else going on.”

  “What is going on, Amber? Is someone threatening you?” When her eyes flashed, he knew he was homing in on the issue. He’d noticed the gun cabinet and one of the guns was missing. No good would come out of her taking matters into her own hands.

  “Just the usual folks who think they can buy me out. I’m dealing with it.” She took a sip, her hand shaking.

  “Ask.” He knew he was pushing the boundaries, for both of them, but tonight and at this moment, they needed to share comfort, togetherness.

  “Ask what?”

  “For what you need.” He kept his eyes pinned on her, waiting, refusing to back down. For this to work, she had to make the request. The rest was up to him.

  She took another sip and looked straight ahead. “You don’t know me.”

  “I know more than you understand.” He’d taken ten minutes to Google her before coming over. The ranch had been around for over three generations and they’d lost a significant amount of their herd during the past few years, as did so many of the other ranchers. If he had to guess, Rattlesnake Ranch was in dire straits.