“I’m taking this dirt to the old oak.”
“Why?”
“He was injured in the storm and his tree tore loose, damaging some of his roots. I’m trying to help him heal.”
“But he killed your tree.”
“No. I saw him falling and I foolishly tried to catch him.”
“You did catch him.”
“Yes.” The pain of the consequences shot through her.
“Now you don’t have a tree. I can feel it dying. It no longer reaches for water or you.”
“I know.” Willow tried to stifle her sob, the pain rising. She wanted nothing more than to block it out of her thoughts. “Can you get water to the roots?”
“I can, but why does it matter? You can no longer get inside it.”
“It is still my tree, even if I can’t enter it.” Willow wiped her eyes, unaware of the dirt she left behind. “If it lives, then the oak tree won’t fall.”
“I can do that.” He disappeared, flowing back into the water.
Willow continued to fill the pail, hoping he would do as she asked. The contact she maintained with the water sprites was fleeting. They liked to play through her roots so she hoped the enticement of still being able to do so would have them helping her tree.
Willow trudged back carrying her filled pail. She noticed Alex pacing, running his hand through his hair, and still talking on the phone. Willow poured the damp earth over Peter’s roots. She could feel Alex’s agitation. Setting down the pail, she wrapped her arms around him. Alex gave her a one armed hug and kissed the top of her head.
“Help Dad,” he whispered. “I’ll help as soon as I can.” Willow nodded and grabbed the pail. She noticed Alex seemed calmer after their contact. Smiling, warmth filling her heart, she went back to dig up more earth and transport it to the old oak’s roots.
Alex talked on the phone a while longer, long enough for Willow to need a rest. She dumped the pail of earth she was carrying on the oak’s roots and kneeled down in front of it. Willow pushed the damp earth forward, moving it so it filled underneath the roots.
The worst thing would be to leave a cavity causing the tree to uproot. If the ground was solid under the oak and her willow tree thrived, the ancient oak could go on for centuries more.
Willow needed Peter around as long as possible. Like a father to her, Peter took her under his limbs and taught her about the world around them. Willow wasn’t sure everything he described was real, some of it seemed too fantastical, but why would he lie?
Willow heard a chuckle behind her. She tried to turn to see, but had crawled so far forward under the tree, she needed to wiggle to get back out.
“Are you sure you’re a tree nymph? Right now you look like a mud hen.” Willow could hear the laughter in Alex’s voice. She squeaked when she felt hands around her waist pulling her out. “How on earth did you get so far under the tree?”
Alex set her on her feet, facing him. Willow looked down and realized she was covered in mud. A chuckle escaped her, echoed by Alex.
“I just kept pushing the mud. I didn’t want a cavity to form.”
Alex leaned over and tenderly kissed her forehead. His lips left a warmth behind, filling her with unexpected heat.
“Thank you, Willow. Now let’s get you cleaned up.” Willow let Alex grab her hand and the pail and head down to the river bank.
Arriving at the water, Alex stopped and looked at her. “Why don’t you get cleaned up? I’ll put more dirt on the roots.” Alex looked at her, the heat in his eyes causing her mouth to go dry. “Do you need any help?”
Willow shook her head. “No.” She swallowed to clear her throat. “No. Make sure you get the dirt underneath the tree.”
“I will.” Alex turned away to fill the pail. Willow watched, unable to look away. Alex filled the pail expeditiously and headed back to the oak. His long strides ate up the distance and in no time at all he was back. Heat filled her each time their gazes met. “Are you going to get cleaned up?”
Willow sighed. “No, not yet.” She stepped toward Alex. “I’ll push the dirt under the tree while you bring it over. I think we’ll finish sooner.” Willow felt a thrill run through her at Alex’s smile. The gleam in his eyes sent warmth shooting straight to her abdomen. She thought maybe the loss of her tree in exchange for Alex’s attention wouldn’t be so bad.
“I didn’t want to ask. You looked so worn out.”
“The earth was heavier than I thought, is all. I’m not used to lifting and carrying.” She smiled at him, giving him a playful shove. “Pushing I can do.” Giggling, Willow went around him and headed to the oak.
Alex laughed. “I’ll be right behind you.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Alex watched Willow kneel back down and start pushing the dirt down and under the exposed roots of the oak tree. He swallowed. Heart or not, another part of his anatomy wanted to lead, right down towards the curves wiggling back and forth in front of him.
“Are you going to dump the mud?” Willow’s inquiry startled Alex. His ears burned, embarrassed at being caught staring.
“Yes.” Alex dumped the earth close to where Willow indicated. “Stay here I’ll get more.” Alex shook his head, heading back to fill the pail. Willow affected him like no other woman. He wondered if because of his paternity. Did he experienced a stronger reaction to a wood nymph? Maybe any nymph would turn him on like this.
Alex glanced up. He swore he heard a chuckle waft through the air around him. Spying no one around, he put the shovel down and grabbed the bucket to head back to Willow. Alex swallowed a groan. Willow was ass up and head down under the tree. Alex could imagine Willow placed in front of him, naked ass glistening, breasts hanging free to his touch while he was buried deep inside her wet, warm depths.
Shaking his head at his imagination, he stared at the innocent in front of him. Could any other nymph cause these feelings? Watching the delectable sight in front of him, Alex shook his head. Nope, he was pretty sure it was this nymph causing his reaction. He couldn’t even imagine another having this effect on him. Unfortunately her innocence and hesitancy stopped him from taking it as far as he wanted. He’d have to let her take the lead. Glancing at her lithe form, his gut tightened. It would be hard in more ways than one.
Alex grinned. He saw no reason he couldn’t try to persuade her. No time like the present to start. He had no problem with a little mud. Stepping between Willow’s knees, Alex stopped so his legs were pressing against Willow, forcing her to stay spread as she kneeled.
“Alex?” Willow’s voice sounded a bit breathless.
“Yes?”
“What are you doing?”
“I just wanted to see how far back we still need to put the dirt.” Alex kneeled down, spreading her legs farther apart as he did so. Ostensibly to peer under the tree, but in truth, to feel the warmth of Willow’s body against his. He could feel her beneath him, his cock snuggled against the curves of her ass, his arms caging her beneath him. A fine tremble ran through her body making him ache and shift, pressing closer to her warmth.
“Oh.”
It came out on a sigh as Alex turned his head, breathing heat into her ear. He slid his tongue along the edge, teasing her. Gathering his weight on one arm, he raised his other, gently grasping her breast, and stroking her nipple until he could feel it harden in response. At Willow’s sigh, Alex kissed her neck, plucking at her nipple until she was wriggling closer against his crotch.
A root smacked him in the ass. Alex groaned, freezing Willow in place. He dropped his head against her, knowing the mood was broken.
“Here’s some more dirt.” He dumped the pail onto the ground, clearing his throat. His cock throbbed for relief. Relief he wasn’t going to get anytime soon. “I’ll go get more. It looks like we have quite a bit to do.” Alex straightened up, dumping the pail as close as he could to where Willow needed it. Placing his hands against Willow’s hips, Alex pressed his aching length into the softness of her bottom and swallowed
hard. Looking up, his father’s face glared at him. Dropping his eyes from his father’s, Alex reluctantly released Willow. He grabbed the pail to refill.
Ignoring him, Alex could make out the face of his father in the tree frowning down at him. Heat flushed his cheeks. He headed back to the river to get another load of dirt. He needed to control himself. His father was definitely protective of Willow. Of course, he wouldn’t want his father to see him make love to Willow any more than his father wanted to witness it. If only he could remember that when he touched her.
Grabbing the bucket he’d just refilled, Alex headed back.
Willow was sitting on her heals waiting for more. Alex couldn’t help the smile quirking up his lips. Willow looked too cute, dirt streaking her face and frowning down at the roots in front of her.
He choked up, her expression showing how much she cared for his father. Clearing his throat, he poured the contents of the bucket out in front of Willow, enjoying the light blush across her cheeks when she peeked at him beneath her lashes. “Be right back with more.”
No, he wasn’t running. He just knew better than to stop and touch Willow again. The faster the roots were covered, the faster his father would heal. He stifled the thought he would then have Willow to himself. His main concern was saving his father. Not diving in to the tempting female and not coming up for air. Of course not.
Alex and Willow worked until the oak tree’s root system was once again covered. The day had passed and twilight arrived. Hopefully another storm wouldn’t come by and undo everything they had done today. Willow sat back and Alex heard her sigh.
“Are you doing okay?” Alex could see Willow stretch, her slender arms reaching toward the sky, her back curving enticingly. She stayed still momentarily, stretched up as if absorbing the sunlight coming through the leaves. Willow turned, graceful in her movements, standing as she did so.
“I’m fine. I never knew how much hard work it would be just to move the earth around.”
Alex smiled, moving forward to run his hands down her hair. “It sure is. You look like you could use a bath.” He quirked an eyebrow at her and held out his hand. “Care to join me?”
Willow’s cheeks tinted pink as she put her hand in his. “I think I’d like that.”
Alex grinned and tugged her after him. He heard Willow stifle a giggle as he led her toward the river. Glancing back Alex could see her smile even as her face flushed pink. Hopefully her thoughts were running along the same lines his were.
Reaching the river, Alex turned to face Willow. He quickly undressed, threw her a roguish look and backed down the bank until he was submerged to his waist. The pool of water wasn’t enough to cool the fire burning in his loins. “What are you waiting for? Aren’t you going to join me?” Alex’s voice deepened with the force of his desire. He wasn’t sure what to expect from her. He could only hope.
****
Alex dropped his clothes, stripping piece by piece with a wicked grin on his face. Willow watched wide eyed, heat centering between her legs. She could feel her blush spread over her body. It was different, watching him in this body rather than from inside her tree. The wave of heat washing over her wasn’t from embarrassment. It was from excitement, need. Willow could feel the wetness between her legs and the pebbling of her nipples. The hard dusky planes of Alex had her wanting to touch, to taste.
She needed to feel him bark to bark, rather, skin to skin. She wanted to run her hands along the hard hot planes of his body, the tall proud length of him. The thick branch that stood proudly from his body drew all her attention. She wanted to taste the sap she spied dripping from him before he immersed himself below the water. The thought of rubbing against him, feeling him sinking into her softness, made Willow flush even more. She could feel the throbbing heat between her legs, preparing her for his possession.
Willow stepped slowly forward. The closer she came to the edge of the water, the more she shifted, slowly dissolving the clothing she had formed from leaves and branches to cover herself. Willow stopped at the edge, her body completely exposed to Alex’s gaze. She shivered from the glittery look of lust in his eyes, the hardness of his face as she revealed herself, the enticing sight of his branch raising toward her. He made her feel worshipped, cherished. A goddess in his eyes.
Alex moved towards her, rising from the water like a god, hard bodied and determined to conquer. Willow could feel herself melt, her desire slipping down her thighs, her pussy heating. Alex reached for her and dropped to his knees, his hands grabbing her buttocks and pulling Willow forcefully toward him.
Willow cried out, a high keening sound as Alex buried his head between her legs. The feel of his tongue filling her had her arching for more as he thrust inside, taking, not asking. His hands held her in place as she spread her thighs, silently begging for more. The feel of his hot tongue inside her sending shivers up her spine.
Alex slowly lowered Willow to the soft ground, arms straining, pulling her slightly into the water. She could feel Alex lick her, nibbling on her nether lips. His tongue filling her repeatedly as the river flowed across her. The hotness of his mouth and the chill water spread goose bumps over her skin. His hands caressed her breasts, kneading. His thumbs flicking across her engorged nipples, tightening them into hard red berries, begging to be tasted.
Willow sucked in a breath. Alex filled her while the river ran up and over her clit. Oh! One of the river sprites was nibbling her, licking her clit while Alex filled her again and again with his tongue. His heated breath making her beg for more. Willow cried out, a wail bursting from her. The unfamiliar sensations spreading through her body.
Alex pulled from her and surged up, filling her grasping passage with his hardness, surrounding her body with his as he hammered into her again and again. The initial sensation freezing her but the repeated sensations making her go liquid around him.
“Ohhhh!” Willow couldn’t help her outburst. The feel of Alex thrusting into her, his hard chest against her aching breasts sent her on sensory overload. Her pussy grasped Alex, not wanting to let him go, thrilling at each thrust. Willow shivered, another burst of wetness surrounding Alex’s cock as she came once again. Alex surged up, engulfed in her heat, and groaned as his cock engorged and coated her passage with warm, wet bursts of his seed.
“Willow.” Alex’s voice was hoarse. “Are you okay?”
“Mmmm.” Willow’s voice was soft, content. “Better than okay.” She giggled. “I wish I’d met you when you’d come swimming. I had no idea what I was missing.”
Alex’s sharp bark of laughter widened Willow’s smile.
“Naughty girl.” He kissed her neck. The feel of his body heavy against hers thrilling her.
Willow wrapped her arms and legs tightly around him. She didn’t want to lose the feel of him against her.
“Am I too heavy for you?”
She loved the sound of his voice, hoarse from crying out.
“No.” Happiness filled her. Maybe Gaia was right. She just needed to follow her heart. Which meant following Alex.
They lay together, intertwined. Alex shifted, rolling to his back, pulling Willow on top. She could feel him, still semi hard inside her. Home, he was her home. Safe and warm. Protective and wonderful. The emotions, impressions swirled through her thoughts. Alex filled her with more contentment than her tree. Willow regretted the years she missed, hiding. If she had known the joy awaiting her, nothing would have stopped her from stepping into the world. With the sun beating down on her, the scent of her tree in the air, Alex warm in and under her, his hands slowly caressing her, Willow relaxed and drifted to sleep.
CHAPTER FIVE
Alex stroked Willow as she sank into sleep. Running his hands over her soft, firm curves. Her warmth surrounded him. He wasn’t as hard as before, but he didn’t want to leave her yet either. Her snug depths cradled him, her pussy clenching his cock as she slept. Alex flexed, enjoying the sensation of gliding in and out of her. The tightness of her silky passage. Th
e way her pussy reluctantly stretched to take his girth. Her legs open on either side of his hips. Her snuggling into his warmth. Her breath coming out in soft puffs of air against his neck. So tall and slender, her delicate curves aligned perfectly with his body. Her hard nipples drilling into his chest, made his mouth water to taste the delicate, red berries. Everything about her called to him.
Alex held her hips, continuing his languid thrusts. His fingers wandered over her bottom, teasing her back hole, sliding in and out of her snugness, stroking the tang stretched by the size of his cock. Willow moaned, her body responding to his. The flow of water over his legs and Alex realized they were still partially in the river. Willow was dryish except for her shins and feet, but the river beneath him, the soft silt at the bottom was a comfortable enough bed to lay upon. Gliding in and out, Alex hardened, thickened. He was surrounded by Willow’s heat, ecstatic to be there. Alex looked at Willow, joy filling his heart. She was his. Right here, right now, he belonged, peace filling his soul.
The river flowed, caressing his balls, adding to the sensations wrapping around him. Alex was familiar with the river in this area. He spread his legs slightly, enjoying the feel of his balls being caressed by the water. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d enjoyed playing in the river, but combined with the warmth of Willow’s pussy, he was harder than he’d been in his life.
He would have to ask his father, but he was pretty sure the river held water sprites. He’d often come and enjoyed the sensations of the river sucking and caressing him until he came. The feel of tongues caressing his penis as it bobbed proudly in the river was an enjoyable one. One he was sure Willow would also enjoy.
Alex snickered. Rather, enjoyed. He was pretty sure he wasn’t the only one that had been playing with and enjoying the sight of Willow’s pretty pussy as she lay open before him.
Thinking of the sight of her smooth, bare pussy, glistening red and coated in cream, spread open for his enjoyment, her clit pulsing while he nibbled, enjoying the taste of her honey, made his loose control desert him.
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