My thoughts are fading into darkness as I allow myself to drift away with him. It is only us that exists. We are here together as one. Nothing matters—life and death are irrelevant. I only want to feel the way his heart is thumping harshly in his chest in perfect sync with mine.
“Goldie,” Bash whispers under his breath.
My tired legs wrap around his back, ankles linking together to pull him in deeper. Our bodies mold into one. I don’t know where I begin and he ends. There is no him and I, it is only us—one being—one heartbeat—one mind.
“I have always loved you,” he whispers.
I’m spinning, barely able to keep myself from being thrown off the earth. Our bodies are welded together as if we fear being torn apart by some strange, unforeseen force. His hands clutch either side of my face. His lips continue to touch mine, but not in a traditional kiss. Our breath is one. If he pulls away, neither of us will be able to breathe and we will die. He needs me. I need him.
I’ve become very small and insignificant beneath him. I just know I am forever lost to this man. A warmth rushes over me, followed by the most amazing orgasm I have ever had the good fortune to experience. His pleasure is also mine. His seed spills into me as wave after wave of the most incredible emotional and physical euphoria overcomes us both.
We lay here, locked together on the mossy floor until his withered manhood slips from my depths, disconnecting our souls. We both sigh heavily as if the separation is excruciating.
His head lifts enough so he can look into my eyes. “I meant what I said, Goldie. I love you, always have. From the first time I saw you, I knew you’d be mine one day.”
“I was always drawn to you, too. I just thought it was a childhood crush. It’s so much more, isn’t it?”
“Yes, for me anyway.” His eyes search my face for any doubt that our feelings are mutual.
When a smile creeps up on my face, his expression softens. My hands slowly glide down his sides. He twitches as if ticklish. I giggle and purposefully tickle him.
“That’s enough of that!” he says, lifting his tired body off me. I suddenly feel very cold and alone.
Bash helps me sit up and that’s when I realize just how weary and well-used my body feels. I look around expecting to see Patch and Mack watching us, but they are nowhere to be found. I’m relieved that our bonded lovemaking wasn’t witnessed by anyone, shared for future ridicule should one of them choose to poke fun at the most favored moment of my life thus far.
I stand on wobbly legs and giggle at how depleted I am of energy. As soon as my hands touch my ass, I’m reminded of the punishment I was given.
“Does it hurt a lot?”
“No, it’s not so bad that it’ll annoy me. Each time I sit down tonight I’ll be thinking about it, and maybe tomorrow too. Does it look bad?”
He ganders at my ass but doesn’t say anything, he just continues to stare.
“Well?” I ask impatiently.
“You might not think it looks okay but to me, it’s sexy as hell.”
“Do you like seeing red lines on my skin? Does it turn you on?”
“I like it because it reminds me of how your face looked after each swat. You were so strong, and you overcame. Disciplining you isn’t my thing, but Patch really gets off on it. Mack enjoys how aroused some women get from it and I’ve learned to appreciate it.”
“Appreciate it?”
He shrugs, “Yeah. I’ve been told that the pain and arousal that comes from it can take a person deep into themselves, leaving them feeling emotionally, physically and mentally fulfilled.”
“Have you ever been whipped?”
“Patch took a switch to me the day I took his truck out for a joyride and dumped it in the creek.” He scratches his head and smiles as if recalling the memory of that day brings him joy. “I didn’t enjoy it though. He really let me have it. I remember how those purple lines on my ass burned for days. I tried to make him feel guilty for it but he only smiled at me. He told me he’d gladly whoop me again if I ever needed a refresher.”
“He must’ve been overwhelmed suddenly being the guardian of his two younger brothers. You guys weren’t exactly well-behaved boys.”
“Yeah, trouble always found us. One day when Patch got angry and stormed off into the woods, I followed him. When I caught up to him, I saw him crying like a desperate man. He was begging for someone to help him, but nobody was around to hear him other than me. I just remember how he looked so small despite his massive size. That’s when I realized how hard we were on Patch. That moment changed me.”
“Did you ever tell him you were there?”
He shakes his head as he pulls up his jeans. “Hell no. That was a private, desperate time in his life. We all have at least one. I didn’t tell Mack either. If I’d have brought it up to Patch, he would’ve stopped his façade of being the strong parental figure we needed him to be. He didn’t have to know I saw his vulnerability. Why am I’m telling you all of this?”
“What about Mack? What was he like growing up?”
“How did he seem to you?”
I think back, trying to remember what my perception of Mack was, but I didn’t really know him very well. Since he was a few years older than me, I didn’t share classes with him either. I only saw him getting off the school bus and lighting a cigarette before walking up the driveway. I can’t smell smoke on him now so I’m sure he quit.
“He always seemed to be sad. He didn’t talk much, but the girls were always hot for him. Then again, they were for you too, and Patch.”
He snickers, sarcastically saying, “Fuck yeah! They all wanted a piece of the hot Bear brothers.” I shake my head and roll my eyes at his feigned attempt at egotism. “Mack was a depressed teenager. I think he got into trouble just so someone would give him attention, even if it was the wrong type of attention. Patch took pity on Mack because he was Mom’s favorite. She took him everywhere and he loved it. Dad usually had Patch by his side and I always tagged along with them. Mack had the hardest time adjusting after they died.”
“And what about you?”
“What about me?”
“What are your future plans?”
“Well, I have to finish one course at school and then I suppose I’ll write a book, maybe about our adventures. I’ll never leave this forest though. This is my home and I’ll live and die here.”
Bash walks me most of the way home and then kisses me before sending me on my way. The rain is just starting to fall, creating the sound I refer to as the forest’s orchestra. I love this sound but the darkness that comes with it is quite eerie.
Chapter 8
My father is already home from work by the time I walk in the door. Unfortunately, my mother isn’t. As far as he knew, I was supposed to be with her today.
“Where’s your mother?”
“Um, I’m not sure. I walked home.”
“From the city?”
“No, I was just walking.” Why am I lying to my father? I’m a grown woman.
“To where?” His expression has changed from curiosity to irritation.
“I was at the Bear residence.” There it is! I stand before him, waiting for his wrath.
After he clears his throat, I watch his Adam’s apple bob when he swallows down his anger. “Well, you’re a grown woman who can make her own decisions. I thought you were intelligent enough not to lower yourself to be with a Bear boy. They’re so beneath you, Goldilocks. They’ll only tarnish your good name and reputation.”
“Don’t you mean your good name and reputation? I’m no better than them. Had you two died in a car crash, I wouldn’t be nearly as strong or self-sufficient as they are.”
“Do not compare yourself to them. They have a long list of criminal behavior that will follow them their entire lives. You will stay away from them if you know what’s good for you!”
“Is that a threat?”
“Take it as you will. Whichever scumbag you’re about to give yourself to will on
ly use your body and throw you away. Each one of them is a filthy, vulgar boy in a man’s body. You will stay away!”
“I favor Bash, the youngest one. He’s a wonderful man with a great future in front of him. He’s about to graduate university, in case you didn’t know. He has a strong future and he’s good to me. Maybe he has a criminal record. I don’t know, and I don’t care. I feel safe with him, safer than I ever did with the other guys I’ve dated. Bash actually wants to make me happy. Nobody else ever cared or respected me enough to ask what I wanted. I’m not going to stop seeing him, Daddy.”
“If you don’t stop seeing him, I won’t support you any longer. You’ll have to finish school on your own and you won’t be welcome in my home. He’s bad for you, Goldilocks. I love you and only want what’s best for you, and that boy is not it.”
“You’re kicking me out?” I’m shocked that he would cast his only child aside so easily.
“No, I’m asking you to choose between a promising future and a future loaded with disappointment. They’re hoodlums, Goldilocks.”
Dad stands up, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. I can see the distress in his eyes and it’s breaking my heart. Why doesn’t he trust my opinion of Bash? I’ve heard most of the rumors involving the Bear brothers and some I believe to be true, but most are embellished tales to intrigue the gossiping townsfolk. But they would never hurt me. They would defend me if I needed them to. I’m sure of it.
“I feel sorry for you, Daddy. I’m sorry you don’t trust me enough to make the choices that are best for me. If I’m to fall, let me fall. You raised me to be strong and independent. Now that I am, you don’t like it. I love you but if you won’t even try to see things from my perspective, I don’t know what else there is to say.”
I walk to my room and quickly pack what I’ll need into a backpack while choking back tears. The only sounds I hear coming from the other side of my bedroom door is the kettle’s obnoxious whistle.
My father is standing at the counter with his back to me when I enter the kitchen, hoping he’ll tell me that he was wrong and will try to get to know Bash. But, he doesn’t. He doesn’t even turn around.
With a soft voice, I say, “I wonder what Mom is going to say about this. They’re good, hardworking men, Dad. You should reconsider your intolerance. I’m sure you’d like them if you were to have a conversation with them.”
I stand in silence waiting for something, anything. He sighs heavily but keeps his back to me.
“Daddy, I’m twenty-three years old. Mom was twenty-one when you two married. She was twenty-two when I was born. Are you saying she wasn’t wise enough to know you were a good man? Grandpa didn’t like you much back then. Mom told me that he begged her not to marry you, but she knew differently. She knew you were good for her. Okay, I’m leaving now. Do you have anything to say?”
Silence.
“I love you, Daddy.”
I push open the screen door and walk out, letting it slam behind me. I half expect him to chase after me, his one and only child, but he doesn’t.
Evening is setting in and getting darker as I enter the forest. The shadows all look like creatures that are ready to eat my flesh whether I’m dead or not. It’s eerily quiet except for the scuffling of my boots on the path. I feel safe here but when I look into the thicket of the trees, knowing I have to walk that way leaves me a bit uneasy.
I dig through my pockets and then the backpack for my phone. It’s nowhere. Dammit! I left it on the dining room table along with my keys. Looks like I’ll be going it alone.
The thought of an animal chasing me down and eating me has my knees shaking. As proven earlier, I’ll likely be too afraid to attempt to outrun a hungry animal. Mom will believe I’m at Bash’s. Bash will think I’m home, ignoring him for whatever reason. Maybe he’ll find my remains. Hopefully, the scene is not too gory.
I listen with a sharp ear while searching the shadows of the forest for anything large and carnivorous. My tiny flashlight just isn’t strong enough to cast sufficient light to reflect the eyes of a hungry beast. During the fifteen-minute walk, I trip twice, cursing my clumsiness each time. When I come to the open path, I start to walk quicker, less fearful of uneven ground.
Their house is quiet with only the sound of a television breaking through the silence of the night. I shouldn’t be here. What if Bash wants me to stay but his brothers don’t? Worse yet, what if my father is right?
My knuckles tap lightly on the heavy wooden door as my broken heart races. The television quiets so I rap again, louder this time. I clear my throat when Mack opens the door.
“Did you come back for more?” he teases, ending with a quirky grin.
“No, my father kicked me out.”
His smile sags. “Well, come on in then.” He stands aside, allowing me to walk through. “Here, let me take that.” I hand him my backpack and he sets it on the table.
Patch strolls out of his room, which is right off the kitchen. “What’s going on?” He looks concerned.
“Her father kicked her out.” Mack shrugs.
“You didn’t tell him what we did to you this afternoon, did you?” Patch grins.
“Hell no! If I had, he’d be here with his gun cocked and ready to take you all to your graves.”
“I hope your pussy isn’t too sore from earlier,” Patch says with a crooked grin.
I smile shyly. “No, it’s fine.”
“So, what happened with your father?” Patch asks while pulling out a kitchen chair and offering it to me. He picks up my backpack and puts it in his room while Mack grabs a few beers from the fridge, handing one to each of us. I look around but don’t see Bash, but the bathroom door is closed.
“He asked where I had been all day so I told him I was with Bash. He said that I shouldn’t be seen with you hoodlums because you’re a bad influence and you’ll ruin my innocence.”
Patch is quick to remind me that’s not so. “As I recall, you came here begging me to take your innocence.”
“Yes, I remember. He knows I’m not innocent, but he doesn’t like the reputation associated with the name Bear. Now that I’m an adult, I don’t think he should tell me who I can’t spend my time with.”
Patch takes a long slug from his bottle. “And what did your mother say about it?”
“She wasn’t home. She’ll be so angry with him when she finds out. Of course, I doubt she’ll tell him about you rescuing her on the side of the road that rainy day.”
“I’m surprised she told you about that.”
“She did,” I reply.
This is obviously news to Mack. “What? You rescued her mom? When was this and how did I not hear about it?”
“It was nothing. Her car broke down during a bad storm so I brought her here. I later fixed her car and cut the downed tree blocking the road so she could get home. It wasn’t a big deal, still isn’t.” Patch isn’t the type of guy to boast. Mack leaves it at that.
“I’m sure she’ll help him come to realize how wrong he is without revealing her pleasant afternoon with you. You two didn’t...”
He hisses, “No, absolutely not! She’s a married woman and I’ll never get with another man’s wife behind his back. I have absolute respect for the vows they swore to.”
“I’m happy to hear that you didn’t fuck my mother.” I take a long swig of beer before setting the bottle on the table. “Where’s Bash?”
“He’s in the shower,” Mack replies.
“I probably shouldn’t have come here. Just say the word and I’ll leave. You guys don’t need to take on my bullshit.”
Patch frowns. “Where else would you go? No, you’ll stay here where we know you’ll be safe.”
“I could stay at the Presley residence. Kim is back at school so her room is available. They love me.”
Mack asks, “Wasn’t she your best friend in high school?” I nod. He snickers. “I nailed her on prom night.”
“You didn’t go to your prom,” Patch
says.
Startled, I ask, “You what?”
“Not my prom, hers,” he corrects him. “I was getting off my shift at the mill when I saw her walking on the side of the road at night in a very fancy dress. I wasn’t about to leave her alone on a highway. She said that she always thought I was sexy and didn’t want to waste the opportunity. I thought maybe she was drunk, but she swore she hadn’t drunk anything and I couldn’t smell booze on her breath. So, I pulled off the road and we spent a very memorable few hours steaming up the windows. I think about it often.”
“She didn’t tell me about that!” I’m shocked by her secrecy. “How did she ever keep that from me?”
“Well, maybe she thought you’d judge her harshly like your father did to you tonight.”
“I’d never judge her. I would’ve drilled her for details though,” I say with a guilty grin and lifted brows. “I’m going to be asking her about this the next time I talk to her.”
“Are you going to tell her about the past two days?” Patch asks.
“Hell no!” I gulp my beer, finishing the bottle. “Hmm, I guess I can’t be upset with her for not telling me about you if I have no plans to tell her about my adventures with all of you. Maybe I’ll let the past stay in the past. Perhaps one day when we’re old and grey, I’ll bring it up.”
The bathroom door swings open followed by a cloud of steam. His eyes dart to me and immediately fill with concern. “What are you doing here?”
“I told my father that I was seeing you. He sort of kicked me out.” My words are spoken with an overzealous shrug.
Mack hands me another beer and one to Bash, who is standing beside me in just a damp towel. The bulge from his unaroused cock is quite impressive. My mouth waters. I want to suck him until he’s rock hard. My pussy is sore from the fucking the three of them gave me this afternoon, but I want him to tenderly make love to me again.
“Well, you’ll have to sleep in my room with me, Goldie. I hope that’s all right. These hounds won’t keep their paws to themselves if I don’t protect you.” His joking words and evil glare have everyone laughing.
Goldilocks and the Three Bear Brothers Page 7