Seeing an open door, Kylie scooted from the bed and padded toward it. Fortunately, for her bare feet, thick wool rugs covered the floor. On the nearest corner of the desk, she noticed a tray with three dishes and a mug resting atop some sort of heating apparatus.
Not stopping to investigate, she paused only to peek inside the door. Yep, a nice roomy bathroom, and very male in design, though the folded pile of clothes on the seat of a leather chair was definitely for her.
Glad to see them, she moved inside with a feeling of confidence. Held in the steam of a recent shower, Dillon’s irresistible smell and the fresh fragrance of pine mingled together.
Minutes later, Kylie gazed out the bathroom’s tall window at the high-country scenery, and at the blue-gray mountain peaks in the distance. She could also see a good-sized barn with several corrals to one side of it. Horses chomped on hay, their tails swishing in contentment. Since it was too far away, she couldn’t tell if Diamond was one of them.
Whirling around, she stepped before the mirror and rapidly brushed her teeth, using what Dillon had put out for her. As she pivoted to the shower stall, the memories flooded back.
Kylie flushed hot for long moments, remembering everything her three Texans had done to her, and with her, beneath the hot spray inside the enormous shower designed for multi-partner sex.
She adjusted the water temperature while half wondering if Dillon wasn’t around because their passion for each other probably would have ignited to bonfire level. Despite everything she’d been through, she recalled his morning meeting with Sheriff Taylor.
The strong slash of the spray dispelled the rest of her brain’s grogginess. Smiling at Dillon’s thoughtfulness, she picked up the pearl-pink bottle labeled, Lady’s Gel Soap. Subtle scents of rose, honeysuckle, and wisteria filled the stall as she poured a small amount in her palm.
“Kylie.” Dillon’s voice boomed surrounding her.
She tingled uncontrollably for him, desire getting a claw-like grip on her sex mound. “Shi…shoot, he’s even roping me this way.”
“You okay? If I come in there and see that arousin’ beautiful body of yours, we won’t be coming outta that shower anytime soon.”
Poking her head out, she shouted, “Fine. Do I have to hurry?”
“Nope. You’re fine, sweet thang. Betsy and me’ll be waiting for you.”
Betsy?
“Another woman?” she hollered, not believing it, but damn curious.
“She’s not flesh and blood, but I think she likes being thought of as female.”
In a daze, her hormones spinning on the wild side, Kylie finished washing her hair. Soon she stepped out and dried herself with a lovely white towel. Kylie didn’t worry about her damp hair, using a small brush to style it. As a student, this had been her normal routine and one reason she’d kept her hair short.
Checking through the selection of western-style clothing, she found her jeans and pulled them on. Next, she tried on a caramel-colored, long-sleeved shirt with mother-of-pearl buttons. The thick softness of the fabric felt good against her skin, and it fit reasonably well. Yep, better it was too big.
Kylie slid a comfy pair of tan socks onto her feet. After taking a peek at her reflection in the huge rectangular mirror, she headed out of the bathroom. Beyond what she felt for Dillon, excitement skittered deep in her belly, as if something big was about to happen.
He stood near the desk, waiting on her, all rugged and capable man. Kylie sighed with appreciation, her gaze slowly running over him. His comfortably worn denims sat low on his hips and encased his tree-trunk-muscular legs. The denim western shirt he wore was a shade lighter than his jeans and clung to his beefcake chest and shoulders in a manner that made Kylie want to stop, stare, and lick her lips.
Instead, she firmed her mouth, averting her gaze before she swayed close to him, then writhed a sexy invitation.
“Any boots?” She only partly joked.
“Try those moccasin boots on.” He gave a nod toward a high-arm chair that was covered in a horsehair material, the pattern similar to his Indian blankets.
Forcing herself not to think, just do, Kylie tried on one of the supple suede moccasins. The sole was thick and like a rubber boot. “With another pair socks, they’ll work.”
“Stay,” he spoke as she began to rise. “I’ll get ’em.” Sauntering toward her, he held out a steaming mug. “Hot chocolate, Sparks.”
He regarded her with his steel gray eyes for several moments, once she took hold of the warm mug. Cradling it, she said what had just entered her head. “Want to check my brands?” Mega damn, when had her voice ever been this sultry and breathy?
His eyes darkened with passion, but he spoke nothing. Instead, he pivoted from her and strode toward the bathroom. Kylie heaved out a gargantuan breath, then tried a sip of the hot chocolate. Liking the taste, she concentrated on drinking the creamy brew.
The distinct feeling this day was going to prove to be more than she ever bargained for welled up. “Ominous,” she whispered.
The next second, her gaze landed on a large, short-barrel rifle Dillon had obviously placed on the desk. Some part of her knew he expected trouble. Instead of instantly cowering inside at the thought, Kylie felt a sense of strength. That was a surprise to her.
Going with that, she watched Dillon approach, a pair of thicker socks in one hand. Besides, she well knew he’d never take her anywhere he couldn’t protect her. Once he crouched before her, Kylie automatically set the mug down and her hands flew to his shoulders. He slipped the socks on her feet, his touch so gentle she wanted to hug him.
“Try that.” His voice rumbled with desire.
Nodding to him, Kylie waited until he’d risen, then moved toward the desk. She put on the moccasins and wiggled her feet. “Perfect,” she called out.
“Better eat some of this early breakfast. It’s a long drive, and Dash’ll be mighty disappointed if you don’t.”
He lifted the tray and turned toward her. Kylie knew her gaze had to be simmering as much as Dillon’s.
“I’m starting to feel really hungry. You three Texans did quite a bang-up job of wearing me out.”
Bang-up, isn’t that the truth? Kylie blinked hard, wishing her subconscious hadn’t acted out that way.
“Bang up,” he growled. “Does that mean what I think it does?”
Kylie could only nod.
“I’ll remember that, sweet thang.”
Placing the tray across her lap, he knelt down before her and peered at her face, his gaze thoughtful now. “You and me have to learn how to be pardners as well as lovers. I want you goin’ along with me. More than that, Kylie, beautiful little Kylie, my woman, I want to make extra certain you’re always safe.”
Kylie felt his absolute determination. “Sure, pardner. You and me.”
“Eat,” he mock ordered, then stood in one powerful motion. “I’m going to round up our coats. It’s still dang chilly outside.”
As he strode from her, Kylie almost spoke her nagging intuition about the day. Something stopped her, as if an angelic hand waved her off. Okay, she’d have to play it out, the way she’d done before.
Removing the lids from the dishes, she mentally thanked Dash. Sure, it was too much, still Kylie dove into the scrambled eggs, suddenly starving.
She’d polished off most of her breakfast and was setting the tray back on the desk when Dillon returned. He wore a sheepskin jacket and a tan Stetson that only enhanced his rugged handsomeness. Plus, he looked like a western TV hero with his six guns strapped on, ready to use.
Kylie knew her heart skipped a few very appreciative beats.
He held a small sheepskin jacket out to her. “I think this’ll fit good enough, Sparks.”
“It’s beautiful.” Kylie hugged it before trying the jacket on. “Fits pretty good.”
Dillon nodded approvingly, then extended his arms in an obvious invitation. “Come on, let’s get going.”
Not hesitating, Kylie jumped upw
ard. Immediately, he held her in a solid embrace and she wrapped her legs around his hips, above the gun belt. Shifting her to one side, Dillon grabbed the rifle.
“Meet Betsy. She’s going along for the ride today.”
Not waiting for her response, her Viking Texan carried her out of his bedroom. They made a sharp right and entered a brightly lit stairwell. Quickly, Dillon trotted them down the stairs into an amazingly large underground area. Even though she only saw Dash’s monster truck and a couple of other trucks, it was definitely more than just a garage.
“Wowsa powsa!” Kylie stared at the ultra-sleek sports car. The color of silver pewter, the Tesla shimmered with an aurora finish. “How fast does it go?”
“You’re about to find out, little wife. At least, on one stretch of road.” Lowering her to the ground, Dillon then opened the passenger door.
Feeling a sense of reverence, Kylie settled inside the Tesla. The streamlined seat divinely conformed to her body, and her gaze instantly swept over the futuristic array of dials.
Well, big fat hell, she wouldn’t be driving it anytime soon. Even if Dillon would let her, she had no clue what all those dials were for, specifically.
Sexier than any man had a right to be, Dillon folded his frame into the seat, and Kylie’s breath hitched. He holstered Betsy next to his leg. It wasn’t lost on her how easily he could seize the rifle and fire.
“I guess I’ll have to learn to drive all over again. I don’t think your cars are the same here, though there is a Tesla car in the works on my Earth. Runs on electricity.”
“Accelerated static electricity, that’s the power system for a lot of our autos.”
Kylie watched Dillon press a silver button. The Tesla hummed to life, the sound radically different from what she was used to.
“It’s been designed to my specifications. Autos are still mass-produced in your Earth’s time, right?”
“Right. At least, for us middle class peasants.” Kylie grimaced to herself.
Two charcoal-gray panels that bore no resemblance to garage doors swung outward automatically. They rolled forward, the hum of the Tesla becoming a smooth fast purr. Kylie momentarily shut her eyes as the morning sunlight struck the windshield.
“Peasants?” he asked. Gradually, he wheeled them onto a crude road.
“Yeah, I’m beginning to realize more and more how suppressed advanced technology was, compared to here. It was like being a peasant. You know, only being allowed to have what the master deemed from On High.” Kylie added what she suddenly realized. “It was like constantly having your wings clipped. Only not knowing it.”
“Sparks, I don’t think you were made for stayin’ on that Earth. Hang on. I think you’re gonna like what comes next.”
Dillon spun the Tesla in a partial circle so that they suddenly sped down a one-way road that probably belonged only to the ranch. Kylie’s adrenaline took flight, especially as they wove at a rapid pace over the snaking surface. The scenery whizzed past them, merely colorful blurs.
“Yippee,” she yelled. Her breath lodged in her throat as they hit a straightaway, zooming so fast she was reminded of taking off in a jetliner.
“Nothing like ridin’ Diamond, is it?” The deep timbre of Dillon’s voice overrode the odd-to-her ear sound of the Tesla, now a wind-rushing hum.
Thrilled to the max, she leaned forward, anticipating the next curve coming toward them at what felt like light speed. “Are you asking me which I like better?”
“Nope, Sparks.” Amusement lightened his tone “That would hurt Diamond’s feelings if you didn’t choose her.”
“Two different beasts. I can’t choose which one I prefer. So Diamond’s feelings shouldn’t be hurt.”
Dillon turned into a long curve, slightly skidding the tires. Knowing he’d done it on purpose, Kylie leaned into the turn as if she were riding and shouted, ”Wahoo!”
“Wahoo,” Dillon echoed, obviously enjoying her enthusiasm.
Slowing their speed, he whipped them through what Kylie called “ribbon candy” curves because of how tight and close they were. Giddy with excitement, she bounced as they followed the mountain road ever downward.
“Do you normally drive this fast?”
“Yep. No other reason for this kind of auto.”
“I guess not. Since women aren’t plentiful.” Seeing a herd of deer scatter up ahead of them, Kylie braced herself. “Oh no!”
“It’s okay. You’ll see.”
True to his words, the deer quickly hightailed it off the road, running toward a densely wooded part of the surrounding forest.
“Got what’s called a buzz beam on the Tesla,” he explained. “Keeps the critters out of harm’s way.”
“Buzz beam?”
“The particles buzz through them harmlessly but in a way they don’t like, and they try to escape.”
“Oh, good deal.”
“One of these days, soon, I’ll drive slow, and we’ll enjoy the scenery. I want you to get to know the ranch, sweet thang.”
Kylie warmed inside in a way she’d never known, the closest being when she’d felt the love of her parents. Her parents, she shoved away the surge of sadness filling her. “Yeah, I’d like that. I’d like riding a horse, too.”
“That’s my darlin’ wife.”
Tingling at his praise and over the deep rasp of his voice, Kylie twisted sideways, bringing her knee up comfortably. “The sign for the ranch?”
“Yep. Take a look.”
He slowed their speed as they approached the wrought iron arch. Grandiose, yet simple in design, it stretched about twenty feet above them and was wider than a two-lane highway. The brand on her skin had been sculpted in the curls of black iron.
“That feels weird,” she murmured without thought.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Bastard Hounds from the Pits of Hell
Dillon glanced at the woman who owned him, the way he’d dreamed about, and just the dang way he was liking it, right now. “What, Sparks?”
“Being branded,” she hesitated, “like your entrance to the ranch.”
“It’s only fair,” he teased. “You’ve got us all branded, but damn good. Even if it don’t show on the outside.”
Her following silence concerned him. Somehow, he’d gently rein her past the trauma of being branded by them. And, he knew he and his brothers would be more than willing to accept her brand on them.
“Liberty is the stuff of life,” she read from the large mounted plaque on their gateway. “Tyranny is the stuff of existence,” she finished. “True, isn’t it?”
“It’s our saying. Dash came up with it.” Once they’d moved through, Dillon hit the accelerator, reveling in the Tesla’s power and speed. More, he reveled in Kylie’s obvious excitement.
“There’s more to Dash than meets the eye, I think.”
Her thoughtful words pierced him.
“More than Dash knows about himself, at times. He’s used to being in mine and Dono’s shadow, too much. That’s changed of recent.”
“It’s going be interesting, all the dynamics between you three, to say the least.”
“Naw, little Sparks. What’s gonna be interestin’ is you. How the dynamics change around you.” Dillon quit pressing on the accelerator. “See that ring of hawks circling?”
“Beautiful,” she enthused. “I don’t know much about Texas. But I never imagined this kind of landscape.”
Dillon rumbled a short laugh, then quoted, “I am forced to conclude that God made Texas on his day off, for pure entertainment, just to prove that all that diversity could be crammed into one section of earth by a really top hand. That was written by author, Mary Lasswell.”
“Why, that could darn well apply to you three Texans.” She drawled in an imitation of their twang. “I am forced to conclude that God made Dillon, Dono and Dash on his day off, for a woman’s pure entertainment and pleasure, just to prove all that cowboy goodness could be crammed inside one woman. In this case, me.
”
From the corner of his eye, Dillon watched his Kylie flush bright red, as if she hadn’t intended those words to flow out of her mouth. Not quite in that explicit way.
“I should have a plaque made. Dono and Dash’ll pleased as spiked punch.”
“Yeah, you do that,” she drily countered. “Put it in that having sex room.”
Dillon smiled to himself. Yep, true as his aimed lasso, he’d do it just as a surprise to his brothers and to her. Gunning the Tesla, he raced them onto the main highway, past several other autos and pickup trucks.
“Stranger in a strange land…that’s how it feels. Things are similar, yet different. Do you have semi-trucks here?”
“Do you mean huge ole trucks that resemble a railroad car?”
“Yeah, I guess they do.”
“Nope. Not in Texas proper. They’re not allowed. We still use the railways for that kind of transport. Or the air tankers.”
“Air tankers?”
“They were developed at the beginning of the border wars. Anti-gravitic craft that look like blimps and can operate like a blimp as well, using solar energy. Dono flew scout patrols ahead of them.”
“So much to learn,” she absently murmured. “About my three Texans. You know, it’s difficult to truly understand your world, this Earth.”
“Kylie, just let me, Dono and Dash handle easing you into knowin’ about life here.”
From his peripheral vision, Dillon watched her nod. “Truth. I’m not used to relying on men that way.”
Dillon snuck looks at his gorgeous wife while she gazed at everything around them. He wanted like all get out to explain that a woman needed this kind of relying on her husbands. It wasn’t good for his Kylie’s health to be over stressed by staying too independent in caring for herself. But those words couldn’t be said. Best to let her come to it natural.
“Wow. Your highway is so much better than what I’m used to. No wonder you can drive this fast.”
Branded by the Texans [Three Star Republic] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 32