by Piper Stone
“Please! I’ll be good. I promise I’ll be good,” she pleaded.
“You should have thought about that before you kicked me in the groin.”
“But I missed!”
“Uh-huh. Why do I think you had every intention of making your target?” I threw open the door, growling at the bouncers. Let them fucking try to stop me. I couldn’t help but notice that at least one of them was smiling.
I wasted no time, moving toward one of the almost empty tables. Peering down, I glared harshly at the two cowboys taking up a six-person table.
“Do ya mind? I need your table for a few minutes.” Whether it was the sound of my voice or the fact I looked the part of a killing machine, both men immediately jerked to a standing position, almost toppling over their chairs. They backed away, their eyes opening wide. I seemed to have that effect on a hell of a lot of people.
By the time I’d raked my arm across the table, not giving a damn that four bottles and a glass toppled to the floor, smashing into shards, I’d drawn the attention of several people.
Well, a solid two dozen, give or take.
“Let go of me or I’m going to scream,” she huffed under her breath.
“Somehow, I don’t think your voice is going to be heard over the rest of the assholes in here. Do you?” I tossed her over the edge of the table.
She used all her strength to push up, attempting once again to kick me.
The little filly had met her match.
“Again, that’s not very nice,” I hissed.
“Get this asshole off me!” she yelped.
The second I lifted her skirt, yanking down her panties, I got a round of applause. “Seems like you didn’t make many friends while you were in here.”
“You can’t do this,” she insisted, squirming with everything she had.
“You wanna bet me? Oh, and for the record. I only spank women on the bare bottom. That tends to get the message across much faster.”
“You are an animal!” she yelped as she clawed the table.
“Actually, little brat, I’m a Scorpion. You’re lucky that I’m not pulling out my belt. This time.” Somehow, I had the distinct feeling there was going to be a next time.
I brought my hand down hard, moving from one side to the other. Almost instantly, my balls tightened to the point of utter agony, my vision becoming foggy. All I could think about was thrusting my cock deep inside her tight, wet pussy. My mouth watered from the thought of driving my tongue into her sweet folds, licking up every drop of her cream.
Damn, I hadn’t been this hungry for a woman in years, if ever. For whatever reason she had that kind of effect on me. I had to get over her. We weren’t gonna be an item and I sure as hell didn’t need to add to the shit in my life. However, a rugged cowboy could fantasize.
She squirmed, undulating her hips and within seconds, I was able to gather a scent of her feminine wiles. Her intense fragrance likely fueled the crowd, men crowding closer. Another round of chants took center stage, the words actually pissing me off. Maybe spanking her in front of a crowd of roughnecks wasn’t the smartest idea.
“Spank her.”
“Whip that bad little girl.”
A growl popped up from my diaphragm as I continued disciplining her, the heat building across my palm creating a single bead of sweat along my brow, my cock throbbing like a son of a bitch.
Fuck. Me.
I wanted this girl something fierce.
“Let me go,” she insisted, shifting her hips back and forth in a provocative manner. She threw out her hand, trying to cover her bottom.
I yanked her hand away, leaning over to ensure she heard every word I was about to say. “If you do that again, I will start all over. Then we’ll go to one hundred.”
“Fucker,” she hissed.
I started again, moving rapidly from side to side. Even in the dim lighting, I could see her bottom turning a warm shade of blush. When I was finished, she would find it very uncomfortable to sit for some time.
Exactly what she deserved.
The cheering continued, the crowd increasing in size. By the time I’d given her forty hard smacks, the group was completely unruly. The luscious creature who’d defied me? Quiet. Far too much so. While I might not know the lovely stranger, I had the distinct feeling she was plotting revenge.
As the heat continued to build across my hand, matching the sizzle wrapping itself around every cell and muscle, she shifted her legs open. The moment I caught sight of her glistening pussy lips, I almost lost it. She was just as aroused as I was, her breath skipping.
“Mmm... Uh. Uh. Uh...” While her moans were labored, laced with venom, I heard the same kind of desire threatening to consume me.
Suddenly, I realized this had to stop.
Pulling back, I immediately dragged her to a standing position, yanking her panties back into position. I glared at the people surrounding us, my expression stating in no uncertain terms to get the fuck away.
They scattered, only a few remaining far enough away there was no possibility that I could pummel them into the ground.
“I think you’ve had enough,” I whispered as I gripped her arms.
She swayed slightly, her hand shaking as she attempted to shift hair from her face.
“You did very well,” I said for some insane reason. What the hell did it matter if the girl did well? She deserved the harsh spanking. Every. Single. Smack.
“Fuck you.”
Hissing, I reaffirmed in my mind that I’d been right to take matters into my own hands. The girl needed some structure in her life.
“Now, you’re going to walk outside like a lady without causing any trouble. Do you understand me?”
“Certainly. Daddy,” she said in a nasty tone.
Daddy. I growled under my breath, wanting nothing more than to wash the girl’s mouth out with soap.
She struggled to adjust her skirt, holding her head high as I grabbed her by the hand, leading her back into away from the exit and across the parking lot. I could tell she was dragging her feet on purpose, pushing every last button I had. When I tossed her against the side of my truck while I unlocked the door, she made vicious faces.
While I knew in my gut that some of her behavior was based on alcohol consumption, there was a rebellious side to the girl that needed taming.
And I was just the man to do it.
When she refused to get into the seat, I picked her up, finding no resistance as I eased her in.
Just like a mouthy little brat.
“Ouch,” she huffed as she wiggled on the seat.
“Good to hear. Spankings are supposed to hurt, brat. Seatbelt,” I commanded.
She gave me a hard look, narrowing her eyes, her word full of disdain. “Such a great ride you have.”
Was this the alcohol talking or was she truly a little bitch?
I lifted my eyebrows as I planted my hand on the doorjamb. “I’ll wait. You know what the consequences will be.”
After taking a deep exhale, she finally did as I asked, immediately glaring out the windshield.
I moved around the front of the truck, gazing at Raunchy Ride one last time. Actually, if it was the last time, it would suit me just fine. Becoming a bar and ranch owner after being forced to end a career I adored did nothing but keep me in a surly mood.
As soon as I jumped into the truck, she tried to yank the keys out of my hand, cursing up a blue streak. I’d give the little filly credit. She had more spunk than any other woman I’d known.
“I’m going to count to five. If you don’t stop misbehaving, you’re going to get another spanking, only this time, I’ll make good on my promise and use my belt. I think you’ve already figured out I do keep my promises.”
Her mouth twisted in frustration as she glared at me. She released her hold on my keys and sat back, folding her arms.
And I didn’t even have to count.
“Better. I think we understand each other.” When the engine didn�
�t start the first time, she chuckled. After waiting a few seconds, the damn aging block of metal finally rolled over. I gave her a hard look, narrowing my eyes. She had a distinct edge about her, even if her curves were incredibly soft, rounded in all the right places. What I realized is that her behavior was one hell of an act. There was extreme sadness in her eyes, as if she’d let loose at the bar and nothing else.
As I drove out of the parking lot, the sound of broken glass was all I could hear crunching under the tires. Damn, I hated the freaking place.
After three miles on the road, almost five minutes of utter silence, I exhaled. “Do you want to tell me your name?”
She darted a look in my direction, and I could swear to God that the electricity shared between us was going to burst into flames. I was forced to suck in my breath for fear of giving away just how attracted I was.
“What does it matter? Just take me home.”
“You’re right,” I countered. “It doesn’t.”
A full minute passed then another.
“I can’t believe Jasper is gone,” she said almost reverently.
I darted several glances in her direction, noting the sincerity in her voice. “How did you know him?”
“He and I... I mean... None of your business.”
While I knew almost nothing about my uncle, I doubted whatever relationship they had was anything romantic. My father had told me the man was a drunk, a womanizer, and a no-good nothing piece of garbage.
And that had been on a good day.
I had yet to tell my parents about Jasper’s will, and in truth, I wasn’t certain I wanted to. At least with their divorce, both had moved out of the state, but at some point, I’d need to tell them before the rumor mill got around to it. The fact I’d left my wonderful career to come work at a bar wouldn’t go over very well. That would lead to an argument, which in turn would force me to tell them the truth about the destruction of my illustrious career.
A bad taste of bile shifted into my mouth, thoughts about the last mission only months before giving me an instant headache. I did everything I could to push it aside. The last thing I needed to do was get caught up in the festering pool that had almost drowned me more than once.
Not with a mysterious, misbehaving woman sitting in the cab of my truck.
When she said nothing for another full minute, my frustration had almost reached the boiling point. “You do need to give me your address, sweetheart. I don’t think either one of us wants to drag this out.”
Another few seconds ticked by as I continued down the main road. The second I heard her laughing, I gave darting glances in her direction.
She was nearly doubled over with laughter. When she leaned back against the seat, she closed her eyes.
“What’s so funny?” I heard the demanding tone in my voice, but I was finished with playing games.
“I have no idea.”
“Of what?”
As the city lights began to fade in the distance, I had difficulty seeing her face, but I could certainly feel the heat continued to course between us.
“Where I live. My address. I have zero idea. I’m not from around here, just visiting for a few days. I left my phone in the car.”
I resisted cursing as my grip on the steering wheel tightened. At least I knew her actions were more about her defiance than alcohol. Still, I refused to allow her to get on the road, especially when she had no idea where she was going. “Why don’t you try and tell me landmarks. Maybe we can get close. A road name? Anything?”
“The mountains. I remember seeing the mountains from the back porch.”
“Look around you. There are mountains everywhere.”
“Fine. Then I don’t know what to tell you. You said you were taking control. You figure it out. I’m exhausted from my trip so I’m closing my eyes. Let me know when you find the place.”
The girl was pushing every button on purpose. What the hell was I supposed to do now?
* * *
I managed to kick the front door shut with my boot after entering the house, thankful I’d left a light on in the kitchen. Sighing, I gazed down at her sleeping form, struggling to understand why my heart continued to race so damn hard my chest was aching. It wasn’t like she meant anything to me, but with her gorgeous blonde hair spilling out over her voluptuous breasts and the way her lips pursed, I was hooked on getting to know more.
A single moan slipped past her lips and she shifted, nuzzling against my chest, her hand involuntarily rubbing up and down. She might as well have been stroking my cock by the way my body reacted.
“Mmm...” she purred, the sound echoing in my ears.
Damn, I had it bad for a woman I didn’t know, had no clue about her name.
Sleeping beauty.
What I didn’t want was anyone bothering my private space, no matter how beautiful.
Grousing, I headed down the hall and toward the bedroom I’d selected since arriving in town. At least there were clean sheets on the bed. That’s the extent of anything I’d done besides purchase a few groceries.
Including liquor.
And I planned on having one hell of a tall whiskey before bothering to attempt sleep. I had a lot to think about.
As soon as I eased her onto the bed and turned on the small lamp, her eyelids fluttered open. For a few seconds, I could swear she was searching my eyes, attempting to find what I was made of.
Or if I had a soul.
I had an answer for her.
I’d lost that back in Afghanistan.
I couldn’t help but wonder who the hell she was. She hadn’t carried a purse with her, at least that I’d noticed, but she certainly didn’t come to a raunchy bar without identification. Not possible.
Beautiful.
Beguiling.
I shifted my gaze down to her scuffed cowboy boots, unable to keep a smile off my face. I had the girl pegged for a city slicker. Maybe I was wrong. As I pulled first one then the other off her feet, my eyes were drawn to her shapely legs, my cock aching all over again. After placing them beside the bed, I shook my head. The morning would prove to be interesting. If the girl would even talk to me.
She might even attempt to have me arrested. I chuckled at the thought. For some reason, my gut told me that I needed to figure out who she was. That and Brant’s words. He sure as shit seemed to know who she was and why she’d found herself at my bar.
My bar.
I rolled my eyes at the thought.
While I debated invading her privacy, the bad boy in me hungered to find out more about her. Very gently, I turned her onto her side, checking the back pocket I’d seen on her skirt. As I slipped my fingers into the tight area, she murmured, her eyelids fluttering. A protective need rushed into me, my heart aching.
And I didn’t even know this girl.
As I pulled the contents into my hand, I shook my head. The girl traveled light. A twenty-dollar bill, a single credit card, a vehicle key, and a driver’s license from Tennessee. She was a visitor to our fair town.
Caroline Walker.
I rolled the name across my tongue, savoring the sound of it. Caroline suited her.
Chuckling, I carefully placed the items on the nightstand, fingering the picture on her license.
Then I tugged on the quilt, almost laughing at the old covering. I’d known almost nothing about my aunt except she’d made the most beautiful quilts. They were award winning, making her a household name when I was a kid. Yet my parents refused to allow me to spend any time with them.
When Caroline was safely tucked in, I moved quietly to the door, turning back to gaze at her, still wondering how the hell she knew Jasper. Another mystery in a sea of them.
After closing the door, I stood for a few seconds outside, as if she was going to call me back inside. I finally let out the deep breath I’d been holding then walked to the kitchen, yanking the bottle of whiskey into my hand before heading toward the cabinets. There was something haunting about being in the ho
use of a relative I hadn’t talked to in... fifteen, maybe twenty years. I allowed a moment of sadness to slide into my mind.
What family I’d known had moved away, my sister thriving as a doctor in Sacramento. She and I had never been close, the age difference and my bad boy stereotype the reasons. Maybe it was time to mend broken fences, accept responsibility for my previous actions. I doubted she would accept even if I had the patience to bother.
I stood in front of the old slat-style cabinet doors, trying to figure out which one to open first. Then it hit me. This wasn’t my house and it never would be. I backed away, cracking open the bottle and taking a long swig of the smooth liquor. None of that rotgut crap. I’d purchased the most expensive bottle of whiskey in the damn store.
Who knew, maybe I’d consume the entire thing tonight.
I eased onto one of the kitchen chairs, staring at the table then glancing around the kitchen. I could just imagine my aunt cooking dinner in the small space, enjoying the garden and as well as the view of the mountains from the kitchen windows. While the house was small, the ranch itself was incredible, some of the best views in the entire state of Montana. But shit, I also wasn’t a rancher. My father had tended to the animals on our ranch, fighting me every step of the way to finish my chores, let alone learn his business. He’d sold off the ranch in order to move to Washington State in search of a different life. Fun, he’d told me.
I tipped the bottle, wondering if he’d learned what the hell having fun meant.
A part of me missed being home, although I’d only admitted that to one person what seemed like a lifetime ago. Exhaling, I closed my eyes, struggling to remember the six of us the last time we were together. The posse.
Before all hell had broken loose.
Six fucking bad kids determined to make something good out of their lives instead of ending up in prison. I took another swig, lifting the bottle in recognition, remembering each man the way they’d want to be remembered.
Hawk, the natural born leader, the one who’d kept all of us on track.
Mustang, a kindhearted guy, but his heart of gold had almost derailed him.
Then there was Vader, a man who’d excelled at everything he did, including killing the enemy.