by M J Andrews
He had said that her accident impacted him and changed his life path, but she didn’t realize to what extent it impacted his whole life. It was a though he’d dedicated his life to making up for his past mistake. That night must’ve caused him so much pain. Only for her to push him away when he tried to help.
Her heart broke all over again and her eyes filled with unshed tears as she gazed into the deep emerald eyes of the strong man in front of her.
“Emma! Come get your lunch sweetheart,” Miss Martha yelled out from the kitchen. Her southern drawl eased Lexi’s heart and reminded her of the feeling of being home. Emma leaned into Sawyer and pressed a peck to his nose before she jumped off his lap and ran into the kitchen.
Once alone, silence cracked through the air. Sawyer’s confession stood between them like a giant elephant in the room. How was she so blind to him all those years?
“Lexi…” he managed to say before her heart flipped inside her chest. It was at that moment that she realized how far gone she was. She was head over heels in love with him and she didn’t think she ever stopped.
She moved quickly to close the distance between them. She felt she would explode if she didn’t get to touch him. He was a cold drink of water in the middle of a draught. She gripped the back of his neck and collided with his lips. He let out a satisfied sigh as she curled into his hard body. His hands reflectively gripped her hips as she moved to straddle his lap. He broke free from her embraced with a cute chuckle.
“Not that I’m complaining Lex, but that’s one hell of a greeting,” he said, as she pressed a kiss to his neck. “It’s the uniform isn’t it?” he joked.
Lexi pulled back and gazed into the face of the man that she loved. She glanced at the clock and realized that it was only lunchtime and that Sawyer should still be on duty.
“Did you come back for lunch? Maybe a bit of after delight?” she waggled her eyebrows comedically before leaning in to nuzzle his neck. Sawyer groaned and cursed.
“No, actually I needed to talk to you. And it would be a lot easier if you weren’t the living embodiment of sex on a stick,” he said, as his hands slowly caressed her back. On hearing his reply, Lexi immediately sat up.
“Something is wrong, isn’t it?” she questioned. All traces of fun and happiness was stripped from her features. Sawyer took a deep breath before tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Yeah, baby, something is wrong,” he admitted, his eyes filled with sadness and Lexi knew that what he would say next would change everything for her.
“Tell me, Sawyer,” she demanded. He grabbed both of her hands in his and interlaced their fingers.
“The body they found this morning…” he started, but Lexi already knew where he was going.
“It was Brant, wasn’t it? He killed someone…” she interrupted. Sawyer nodded and she saw grief and horror cross his beautiful face.
“Who?” she whispered. Her voice was soft and hesitant. She didn’t want to know who Brant had killed. Whose life he had cut short because he couldn’t get what he wanted. Sawyer was silent as Lexi’s stare bored into him.
“Who!?” she yelled. He sighed and closed his forest green eyes.
“Valerie…” he whispered.
Lexi froze as she took the time to process the name he had just said. Valerie. Lexi’s eyes filled with tears and despite her best efforts to prevent them from falling, they streamed down her face. Her hand flew to cover her mouth as a sob was pulled from her chest. Sawyer wrapped her in his arms and rubbed her back as she cried into his chest.
“Ssh, baby. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry,” he murmured into her hair.
Lexi wasn’t sure how long she spent curled in his embrace but once her body stopped shaking and her sobs no longer stole her voice, she sat up.
“He left a note?” she asked, but she already knew the answer. Brant was nothing, if not predictable. Sawyer nodded.
“I want to see it,” she demanded, her voice strong and filled with rage.
“No,” Sawyer replied. Simply no. There was no reason or explanation. Just no.
“Why not?” Lexi challenged, as she turned toward him on the couch. He wouldn’t meet her eye and she knew why he wouldn’t let her see the note.
“It was for me, wasn’t it? He left the note for me.”
“Lexi…” Sawyer started.
“No!” she said firmly, “He left that for me and I have every right to know why he decided to kill and how I can put a stop to this madness.”
Sawyer stood and started to pace in front of her as they continued to argue about whether she should read the note or not. Their voices quickly heated and they were both frustrated and emotionally drained. Sawyer got to his knees in front of her as she sat and took her face in his strong calloused hands.
“I’m trying to protect you, Lex. It’s not on you that this psycho murdered Val. It's not on you to fix this. You cannot hold yourself responsible for his actions,” he said softly, as his thumbs reached across her cheeks to wipe away tears from her cheeks.
“He wants me, Sawyer. It should have been me. Now, Valerie’s life is over and her parents…” she choked back a sob, “Oh Lord, her parents…”
“Look at me Lexi,” Sawyer commanded, “it has taken me ten years to finally get you back where you belong. I will not let you leave me again. You belong here, with me and I won’t let anyone or anything get in between that, you hear me?”
Lexi tilted her head before she simply nodded. He sighed and wrapped her in a hug. She could hear his heartbeat racing with fear. He pulled back and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips, lingering to savour the sweet tingle.
“You are not a price I’m ever going to pay, baby,” he whispered against her lips.
“Okay…” she conceded. There was nothing she wouldn’t give to Sawyer McGuire. “But I think you need to call the big guns to help with this. They would be interested to know if Brant has struck again.”
“I’ve already called Agent Phillips. He is on his way and will be here in a couple of days. We just to do what we can until then. My priority is keeping you safe,” Sawyer affirmed.
Sawyer stood and made his way to the door. As he did Jake appeared in the doorway, frazzled and frantic.
“Lexi! Lexi!” he looked around the ranch house until Lexi appeared before him. He grabbed her in a hug and planted kisses all over her face causing Lexi to erupt in giggles.
She saw Sawyer shrug as he tossed her a wink and tipped his cowboy hat before leaving the house. Lexi was finally set on her feet again and she had the chance to take in her brother’s state. His shirt was untucked, his hair was a jungle and he looked as though he hadn’t slept in days.
“Jack… what is wrong?” she asked cautiously.
“Jesus Lexi, I heard on the radio about the young female being found murdered on the steps of City Hall and my heart just dropped,” he confessed before grabbing her in another hug.
“I’m fine Munchkin. It wasn’t me. I’m here,” she attempted to soothe him. She had never seen her brother so frazzled. Lexi was able to calm her brother when she mentioned Miss Martha’s Pumpkin Pie.
Chapter 19
Lexi
Over the following two weeks, Brant continued to keep his promise and delivered two more young women to the morgue. Lexi’s guilt over their deaths continued to play on her conscious. She couldn’t help feeling responsible for their demise and the horrific nature of their deaths. Sawyer continued to drill into her that it was not her fault, but her internal struggle continued.
Sawyer and the McGuires were quickly becoming a constant in her ever-changing lifestyle. They were all committed to ensuring that the Scotts were taken care of while Brant was on the run. Lexi’s parents had moved into the farmhouse with her and Jack to make it easier. It also prevented any further concern for their safety if they were all together.
Sawyer spent every night in her bed and their relationship continued to bloom despite the tension and conflict occurri
ng around them. Every day he showered her with affection and assured her that she was where she belonged.
Lexi stirred from a night of deep sleep to find Sawyer transfixed on her face with a far off look gleaming in his eye. She smiled up at him through a yawn that had been working its way out.
“Good morning,” she mumbled.
“Have I ever told you how adorable you are in the mornings?” he questioned.
Lexi sat up and allowed the sheets to fall across her waist revealing her naked chest. She walked her fingers up his chest before leaning down to plant a quick kiss on his lips.
“Mmm, nope I don’t think you’ve told me that before, but cute isn’t really what I’m feeling right now…” she countered as she slowly moved to straddle his hips. His hands quickly roamed up her arms and lightly caressed her breasts.
“No? So what are you feeling then?” he asked with a sexy hooded light in his eye. She bit her lip as she slowly pulled her core across his length and he growled.
“Sexy? Hot? Tempting? Those are all perfectly acceptable,” she smiled as she continued to rub her core against his. His hands grasped her as and he pulled her roughly against him causing a moan to slip from her throat.
“You’re insatiable,” he mumbled against her skin as he raised his mouth to nip at her exposed breast. He licked softly around her nipple before sucking it hard into his hot waiting mouth. He used his tongue to slowly flick and sucked the sensitive bud. Lexi was whimpering in need by the time he was done and he pressed kisses lower and shifted his body under hers so that his face was between her thighs and in contact with her core.
“Grab the headboard,” he commanded. When Lexi didn’t do as she was told he offered a slap across her ass. The tingle of his handprint stung her skin but the pleasure jolted her out of her daze. She quickly grabbed the wooden headboard as Sawyer pushed open her thighs farther. Using his fingers he parted her folds before thrusting a finger deep inside.
“Fuck baby, you’re already wet for me,” he groaned before he swiped his tongue from her entrance to her clit. He spread her folds and softly circled her sensitive bud while thrusting his fingers into her core. He moaned with every lick of his tongue and his pleasure intensified her desire. Her body became his and only his and when she locked eyes with him as he devoured her, her orgasm built to an ultimate high.
“Fuck…” she hissed. Sawyer knew her climax was building and he picked up the speed and vigorously sucked on her clit while curling his fingers to stroke that sweet spot her knew would make her crumble. Her hips gyrated over his face of their own free will and her legs began to tremble from pleasure.
“Baby come for me. You taste so good. Come for me,” he groaned as she continued to move over his face. God, he was amazing. The heat built inside her and she felt the rush of warmth escape her core as she gripped the headboard.
“Yes, Sawyer don’t stop. Fuck,” she moaned as she came roughly as he sucked her clit and pummelled her core. Once she had ridden out her tremors of pleasure, she collapsed on the bed next to Sawyer.
“You’re amazing,” she panted. He chuckled and made to get out of bed. She grabbed him by the hips and pushed him back.
“Where do you think you’re going Sheriff?” she asked, straddling him and holding his hands over his head.
“Well, Ms Scott… I was going to get ready for my day,” he grinned.
“Tsk tsk, I’m not done with you yet,” she said, as she lined his pulsing erection against her entrance. In one swift movement, she slid herself down his length.
“Jesus,” Sawyer hissed, as Lexi released his hands so he could grasp her hips. He filled her so well and she’d never had that feeling with anyone else. They were two parts of one whole and when he was with her, she felt her heart overflow with love.
Lexi began to push and pull herself up and down his shaft and moaned as he rose to meet her thrusts. She loved this man and she wanted to show him how much she loved him. She picked up the pace and Sawyer grabbed her nape and pulled her towards him. He intertwined his hands in her hair and took control of her mouth in a scorching kiss. Lexi’s body began to climax and she clenched around his cock hard. Her legs began to shake and Sawyer quickly flipped the position so that she was bent forward with him behind her. He wasted no time ploughing into her core and gripping her hips so hard she was certain there would be bruises later.
Her back arched as her climax erupted and her pussy tugged on his cock in a tight hold. Sawyer continued to fuck her as their two bodies slapped together in ecstasy. All that could be heard in the room was their panting and the sound of flesh pounding into flesh.
“I’m gonna come, Lex,” Sawyer groaned.
“Yes, baby,” she screamed as Sawyer plundered into her hard and deep until a shutter wrecked his body and the warmth of his essence filled her core. They both collapsed onto the bed and he pulled her to him where he was and demanded a sweet slow kiss.
“You’re amazing,” he praised.
“And lucky for you, we get to do that again in twelve hours,” she said before she hauled the sheet around her body. She rose and quickly hopped in the shower before coming out dressed for her day. She leaned on the door frame as she watched Sawyer fiddle with his holster and clipped on his badge. He looked over his shoulder and caught her staring at him.
“Something wrong, darling?” he asked.
“No, I’m just reminded every day how risky your job is and that there is a chance that you’ll walk out that door and won’t come back,” she admitted.
Sawyer strode across the room and wrapped his arms around Lexi before he captured her lips in a sweet kiss.
“I’ll always come home for you Lexi,” he whispered.
“Sawyer…” she mumbled.
“Yes, Lex?” he replied.
“I have a confession to make,” she continued.
He arched an eyebrow on his absurdly handsome face, “Do I have to get the handcuffs? ‘Cause I’m down with that if you are.”
She laughed and bit her lip as she pondered how to approach what she wanted to tell him. She closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. She pushed her gaze to her hands where she fiddled with her nails nervously. She’d never told anyone how she felt and she was a little worried that the man before her had the power to destroy her if he wanted.
“I’m in love with you…” she softly confessed, hoping that he didn’t hear her. But she suspected he did as his body tensed and his heart began to race. He stared at her for a long time, or what felt like a long time for her before the buzz of his work cell phone sounded in his pocket.
Lexi knew that if he was going to reciprocate the feelings that he would have done so in that long awkward bit of time. She tried desperately not to let the hurt show on her face but she failed.
“Lexi…” he started, as his phone continued to buzz and he sighed before dropping his head. Lexi quickly shifted out of his grasp.
“I’ll see you later,” she said brightly. She was a “fake it ‘till you make it” kind of girl and she didn’t want him to know how much he hesitancy impacted her. She quickly shoved on her boots and made her way to the horse barn where Jack was helping in the care of a mare who gave birth the night before.
Jack was bent down in the stall with Rita as she cleaned and licked her little guy. He was still wobbly on his feet but was quickly getting used to the new world he came into less than twenty-four hours before.
“He seems to be doing well. How’s Mama doing?” she asked from the door.
Jack turned and smiled. He loved everything about ranching, even the hard stuff. The vet had been able to help deliver the mare but Jack would have been more than prepared to do it himself.
“She’s doing well, ain’t she Jack?” a strong familiar voice boomed through the barn. Lexi turned and came face to face with Finn.
“Hey Finn, I’m surprised to see you here,” she greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey Lex, we offered to help out Jack here for a bit s
ince Remi and the hands seem to have things under control over there,” he said.
“We?” she asked.
“Yeah, Leo is with me. Leo, don’t be rude, say hello to Ms Scott,” Finn prompted.
Leo popped his head out from behind Finn’s broad shoulders. He was so tiny that he could easily hide behind the hulk of a man Finn had turned into.
“Hi Miss Scott,” he greeted shyly.
“How’s it going, Leo? Are you keeping yourself out of trouble as I told you to?” she asked firmly. Leo dropped his head as a blush flourished across his boyish face.
“Yes, ma’am…”
“Good. I don’t want to have to represent you in court again, right?”