Forgiving Love (The Soul Sisters Series Book 2)

by Victoria Johns

  Seeing it was heart breaking. He’s worked so hard to make it his own and if they didn’t get it under control soon it had the potential to destroy everything, including the ranch house.

  “What’s happening? What started it?” Chris shouts at the fire chief.

  “We’re not sure yet, our main priority at the moment is to put it out, prevent it spreading and catching the surrounding buildings and then make sure the remains are doused enough so that it won’t reignite.”

  “Are all my staff accounted for?”

  “Yes Mr Hales, the majority of your equipment, machinery and live stock have been moved to one of your outer fields, but our main concern right now is your pesticide and chemical store. If we don’t control this we’re looking at a major explosion.”

  “FUCK! How can this be happening?” Chris looks at me for an answer, showing despair on his face.

  I offer him the only comfort I can, honesty, “Come on we can’t think about that now, we have to be thankful no one is hurt, the animals are safe and the fire crew are doing all they can.” I wrap my arms around his middle and feel him sag while he rests his chin on the top of my head, taking in the chaos around him.

  “Chris, Neely, can I talk to you for a moment?” Asks the sheriff and we both follow him to the side away from the others standing around. “How have things been?” It’s not the best question when Chris’s world is crumbling around us, but I understand what he’s really asking.

  “Quiet,” I reply, “Why do you ask?”

  “I just wanted to check, I’d like to know whether I’m going to uncover anything we don’t need people to hear when we start to investigate this.”

  “No sir, I’ve been on vacation and Chris was at lunch with my parents and I when the blaze started.” With a bit of luck, he’ll understand we’ve not been poking our noses into something we’ve been warned to stay out of.

  “Keep it that way, got to get back. Oh, one other thing, when was the last time you were in that particular out building Chris?”

  “About a week ago, it’s on the staff roster for someone to stock the outer fields with hay from that barn, I nip in once a week to make sure all is OK. Who would have been in and when is on the work’s schedule in my office.”

  “OK son, keep that paper work handy, we may need to talk to those people depending on what the fire investigators find.”

  Chris nods in agreement and Sheriff Roberts heads back to help with the efforts. Chris stays and watches with anguish on his face and I decide to make myself useful, I go and supply refreshments for the volunteers that have come to help.

  Just standing around watching Chris fall apart is too difficult, I have to do something and keep busy.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  It took the authorities a good twelve hours to get the situation to a place where the fire department were happy that the heat source was no longer at a threat of re-ignition. I was exhausted and poor Chris looked like a ghost, floating round like a lost soul. He tried to help, but he ended up spending the time talking to the ranch workers who were just as devastated as he was. I could tell he was putting a brave face on it. He didn’t have much left to give to anyone and I needed to get him out of there, he looked in real danger of collapsing from the strain of it all. Chris wouldn’t want that to happen in public, he’d want to work through his pain and probably his anger, in private.

  “Chris, I think we’ve done all we can, let’s call it a night. We both need something to drink and a change of clothes.”

  “Maybe we should stay and help clear up a bit?”

  “No. Let’s go, we’ll need our energy to sort this out tomorrow. You need something to eat and drink, you haven’t had anything for a while.”

  “But...”

  “Come on,” I tell him and there is no further argument from him because he knows I’m right. I hold out my hand to him and he takes it. We both know that the hard work is just beginning. As we make our way back across the field to the front of the property the fire chief confirms he’ll be back in the morning with the fire investigator.

  As we’re about to enter the main house Jonas appears and follows us inside.

  “Chris, man I’m sorry I couldn’t be here but I’ve been keeping an eye on the Vans and Ross. He called me when everything kicked off and said things didn’t feel right over at Henry’s place.”

  “What do you mean? I’m tired, you’re going to have to spell it out for me so I can get to my shower and then collapse in my bed.”

  “Well, lots of jumpy activity and it’s a bit fuckin suspicious that your long standing business friend hasn’t been over and helped out.”

  “He’s right Chris, it is, but then we’ve already had a run in with Polly today. She was sent away under no illusion she wasn’t welcome, maybe she didn’t feel inclined to offer help?”

  “Ross says that things are more on edge than usual over at Henry’s, Steven is stalling on the research and Henry is about to have a seizure over it. Sit tight, they think someone’s going to make a move very soon.”

  “Alright Jonas,” Chris says seriously, “I can sit tight for now, but be warned, if that fire outside is anything more than an accident and I get a hint that they are involved someone is going to fucking pay.”

  “Chris...” I warn.

  “No. I’m saying it up front right now, if they fuck with me they can expect it back ten times over and some criminal cartel will be the least of Henry’s worries.”

  “I know Chris and if they are involved in this I’ll have your back man,” says Jonas. On that final note Chris walks out of the room and leaves me with Jonas. “I see things are finally progressing in the right direction on another front.”

  “We’re taking things slow.” I reply immediately, understanding what he’s referring to.

  “Sure you are,” he chuckles, “Just be careful with him Neely.”

  “Seriously, you’re giving me dating advice now. What the fuck is going on with the world today?” I snap and he bursts out laughing.

  “G’night Neely.”

  “Night Jonas.”

  I make my way upstairs and I can hear the shower running already. I’m at a bit of a loss as to what I should do with myself. Do I stay in the bedroom and wait or go to the spare room? Before I can make the decision, Chris appears behind me with some fresh towels and a garbage sack. “Put your clothes in here, I’m not sure we’ll get the smell out of them but we can try.”

  I hesitate, “What’s wrong?” he asks.

  “I... um... I’m not sure what to do? Where I should be sleeping? I know you want to look after me because of the break in, but you’ve had a really bad day. I don’t want to be in the way.”

  “Well a really bad day is one way to describe it. Listen, I agreed we’d take things slow and I will if that’s what you need, but I just need to feel you with me, it keeps me calm. It would mean a lot if we could just sleep in the same bed, can you do that for me, please?”

  He’s right, I know he needs me and the comfort of I can give him, I’m going to be there for him. “I can do that. You get to shower first OK?”

  “Sure Neels, I’ll leave you a fresh towel in there.”

  Chris heads off to hit the shower and I opt to sit on the floor by the windows, I’m still in my dirty, smoky clothes and sitting on the bed would be silly. I gaze outside as my head starts to rework everything we’ve been through today and it’s all just madness. I glance back to the bathroom door, which Chris has left ajar and catch a glimpse of him in the bathroom mirror. The reflection I can see is something else, I’m treated to a perfect view of Chris in his spaceship shower letting the water run over his body. His head is bent forward so the water hits the back of his neck and shoulder blades and he’s leaning against the wall using outstretched arms. The position Chris is in makes his back and arms look divine and I long to be with him to see what the rest of his luscious body looks like.

  Before my sanity has a chance to intervene, I strip off my
clothes and head for the bathroom. Fuck taking things slow, I need him and I think he needs me too.

  Steam is swirling and gathering in the bathroom and it helps me sneak in behind him unnoticed. I walk up to him and lean fully into the back of his body, molding my small frame around his tight, muscle laden one.

  “Thank fuck for that. I was praying you were going to come join me,” he says still facing the tiled wall.

  “I’ve tried to stay away,” I whisper, “But I think we need this.” I know I’m trying to justify my actions to myself more than him. I gently begin to place kisses along his spine. Chris unwraps my arms from around his middle and moves them lower down his body. Our hands are joined together as he places them on his engorged dick, his large ones completely shrouding mine. He is so hard and being able to do that to him, just by being here is such a turn on. I take a moment to feel him and the water running over my hands makes this so much more sensual for us both, he feels like slippery steel.

  “Do it Neely,” he demands, “Squeeze my cock until I can’t take anymore,” and if I was in any way mistaken as to what he wants he starts to move my hands for me. He guides me to assert the pressure he needs and it feels so erotic to be in control, having power over this beautiful man. I get into a rhythm and am beginning to enjoy myself when I hear, “Stop, you’re fucking killing me.”

  His words shock me, I think I’ve made a mistake by coming in here and starting this after he’s had such a stressful day, but then I realize why he needs me to stop. His breathing is heavy and his neck muscles are strained, he’s on the precipice of losing the little control he does have.

  “I said stop Neely.” He pivots round and gathers my wet hair into his fist sharply, he moves my head to where he wants it, looking at him. “I want your attention. I want you to do as you’re told.”

  The way he scolds me is one of the most erotic things I’ve ever heard. A short simple sentence laced with instruction that has my knees visibly buckling on the spot. Chris likes what he sees and leans into me to take control of my mouth. His fist is still in my hair and controlling my participation. I try to resist to give him the hint that I want to be more involved, but he doesn’t move or release me. The only thing that does move is his dick which is bobbing and prodding against my stomach in excitement.

  “Are you wet Neely?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell me what you want.”

  “I want you,” I beg.

  “You have me. Tell me what else you want.”

  “I want...” I hesitate, I’m a little embarrassed but mainly it’s because I don’t know how to tell him I want everything. Every little thing this guy has to offer me.

  “Tell me now, or I’ll take what I want instead.”

  My brain can’t cogitate quickly enough and when I don’t answer immediately it appears I’ve missed my chance.

  “Too late Neely. I feel you’ve learned a lesson tonight. The lesson is you should take your chances when they come. So tonight I’ll take what I want.”

  His words only make the fire raging inside me burn hotter. What he’s saying and how he’s saying it, is doing unspeakable things to me.

  “Sit on the corner ledge Neely. I’m going to fuck those beautiful tits of yours.” My eyes widen and I turn to obey him immediately because I don’t want to mess up and miss my cue again.

  “Very good. Now cup them.” I do as he asks whilst he continues to thrust and pump his own shaft in preparation. Looking at the length of his dick, I know I’ll be able to lick him at the same time, so I decide to give him a little surprise of my own. As he steps forward and places his dick between my breasts he groans in satisfaction. “Look at me whilst I do this. I need you to see what you do to me.”

  I train my eyes on his but can still see the head of his dick bob up and down in my line of vision. On the next upstroke, I drop my chin a little and lick the head as it gets closer to me, all the while my eyes never leave his as he instructed.

  “Fuck! You little minx, you really are killing me now. I can tell I’m going to have to keep you in line.”

  I shudder at the thought and am now desperately chaffing my thighs together to relieve some of the pressure that is growing inside me. He lets me use my mouth on his dick a few times before he issues an instruction.

  “Stop,” he demands and if his voice is any indication, he is barely holding on. “I need you Neely, stand up.”

  I do as he bids and he picks me up with ease so I’m straddling him. “How do you want it Neely? Are you in the mood for hard and fast or slow and gentle?”

  “Um...”

  “Too late Neely, you’ll learn to answer me when I ask a question and not squander your opportunity. Now I get to decide.” Chris slams my back against the wall and lifts me to where he wants me, his fingers bite into my hips as he impales me on his upright dick.

  “Argh... God... Yes,” I scream.

  “Hard and fast it is then,” and he goes at me with an unrelenting power and force. I don't think I’ll be able to hang on for long. The tiles feel cold against my back and the water from the shower head is hitting where our bodies join, the feeling is other worldly. Chris was right, this was what we both needed. “I’m getting close Neely, tell me you are too.”

  “I’m close, Oh God Chris, I’m coming.”

  “Fucking hell Neely, I can feel you gripping me,” and after a few more hard thrusts he throws his head back, shouts and empties himself inside me.

  We’re both left breathless, wet and satisfied. I expect Chris to let me down but he doesn’t, he moves closer to me and turns our sexual position, into an intimate hug. It’s a hug that is so full of love that I understand why he’s scared. I’m scared too.

  “I’m sorry Neely, I promised myself we wouldn’t do that, that I wouldn’t lose control and be like that with you, but I can’t help myself.”

  “Why are you apologizing, I joined you in the shower. I think I should take some blame,” I reply to ease his unnecessary feelings of guilt.

  “Was I too rough? Did I hurt you?”

  “No, but the way you make me feel scares me, I’m a headstrong woman, I shouldn’t like you bossing me about. God, it’s a turn on though.”

  Chris laughs at me, “I think you were made for me. Feisty enough to keep me in line during daylight hours, but totally my woman when we’re alone. I can handle that.”

  I look at him seriously and say, “Everything will be OK. I won’t let those bastards take your home.”

  He leans out of the hug to look at me, “Well that’s a good thing because one day it will be your home too... I hope.” My eyes fly open in shock, did he really just say that? “Come on let’s get dried off, we need to sleep,” and just like that he shuts off the conversation, acting as if he never said those words to me.

  It’s almost like another form of his usual behavior, running. However, right now I’m happy to let him do it, it’s far too early for us to get into this and we need to be ready for a new day and all the drama that is smoldering around us.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  When I awoke the next morning and stretched out my body, it felt sore. My mind wandered back over the previous day’s events. It started out bumpy, turned to shit and then ended amazingly. My inner ego and sensible side were at odds, one was very impressed and getting attached to certain aspects of this adventure, whilst the other was attempting to gently apply the brakes before we had a car crash.

  Chris was already downstairs, I could hear him banging cups around. I expected him to be in a shitty mood, I just hoped I’d have caffeine inside me before I had to deal with it.

  Shit. I still hadn’t got any clothes. As great as it was sleeping naked at night, it was a total pain in the ass for the rest of the day. At this point I’d spent more time at the ranch either naked or in his clothes, than wearing my own. Choosing another T shirt and pair of jockey shorts, I put them on and head down to find him. My suitcase has appeared by the kitchen door, along with my laptop
and my dad is sitting having coffee with Chris. I try and back away from the kitchen door, but I’m spotted before I can pull it off.

  My dad shakes his head at me and then turns his attention to Chris with a glare. “I’m not stupid, but you don’t have to flaunt it in my face,” he grumbles. I giggle and start digging inside the case for some yoga pants, opting to leave the rest of Chris’s clothes on.

  “Hey dad, thanks for bringing my things. You and Mom OK?” I say grabbing a mug and filling it full of morning goodness.

  “We are, listen, I got a message last night from the sheriff that things are getting out of hand, he specifically asked me to pay attention to Neely’s whereabouts. What don’t I know?”

  “Nothing, you know I can’t talk about my cases.” I reply and recognition lights up his face, so he immediately turns his attentions to Chris.

  “You’d best look after her. Guard my girl like she’s a rare treasure. If anything happens to her, I’m coming for you.”

  “Dad! Calm down, it’s not his fault.”

  “No, your dad’s right and yes Mark, I’m well aware of what she is. I will make sure she is treated as such,” he finishes with a smirk over his own double entendre.

  “Chris, for fuck’s sake, now is not the time for cracking horny jokes, this shit is clearly serious,” my dad snaps.

  “You’re right sir, I’m sorry. Things have been tough around here the last twenty four hours, I was just trying to inject some humor.”

  “I know and I get that, but I’m her dad. Seeing her in your smalls is enough. One day you’ll be a father, God willing. You’ll see what it’s like.”

  “Dad,” I groan.

  “Again, I’m sorry sir,” Chris offers a genuine apology and my dad’s nod indicates his acceptance.

  “I’m off kids, Neely any problems, come back to ours. Your Mom and I will sort out your apartment for you,” he comes and takes me into his arms, “Look after each other and stay safe, we love you.”

  “Love you too dad.”

  “Catch you later Chris,” then he heads for the door.