by Lily Harlem
She yawned. “I think the heat takes away my appetite.”
“And your energy.”
Laughing, she said, “No, just getting old.”
He smiled. “If you’re what old looks like, I’m a lucky guy.”
“You always say the sweetest things.”
“Just the truth.” He found a small chocolate brownie, one that was packed with fruit and nuts and healthy stuff. “Here, you like these.”
She took it. “Thanks.”
He dug into a thick beef and relish sandwich, the tangy flavor rejuvenating his desert-dry mouth.
Olivia pointed at the horses. “Didn’t take them long to fall asleep.”
“Yeah, they’ll be okay, though.” Both horses had rested a back hoof on its tip, and their heads hung low, eyelids drooping.
“How much farther are we going today?”
“Another ten kilometers should do it.”
“Is that all?”
“Aye, it’s too hot. We’ll rest at Bull Creek the night. There’s water there.”
“Ah yes, I know the place.” She nibbled her brownie.
“And then only another ten tomorrow, and Gray and Jonah take over.”
She frowned.
“Had you forgotten?”
“Er, no…” She shrugged. “Actually, I had. They’re taking over for two weeks, right?”
Lucas was surprised. Olivia usually had her finger on the pulse of everything that was happening on the calendar, for everyone. Gray and Jonah were two ranch hands they used from time to time if they needed a break being out on the land.
“That’s good.” She nodded. “You’ve been away a lot lately, so has Mason.”
“We don’t mind. We like it out here.”
“I know, but…”
“But it’s nice to all be at home, take a break.”
“Exactly.”
“And I want to spend some time with Amal and his horse, plus…”
“What?”
He wasn’t sure how to put it into words.
“Tell me.” She tipped her head.
“It’s just… I looked at the twins this morning, and they’re growing up so fast. I don’t want to miss it, you know.”
“Yes, I know what you mean. And Banna and Darius, they really are little adults now. Soon they’ll be flying the nest.”
“Don’t say that.” He didn’t like that thought. They were a family.
“You left Scotland. You and Mason. That must have been hard for your parents.”
“You’ve met them,” he said. “They don’t mind.”
“Yes, I’ve met them and I’d say they love and miss you both very much. Paul, too.”
“Do you think?”
“Of course.” She paused. “You should invite them to Australia again. Maybe with the offer of a first-class ticket they’d come.”
“My mother has never flown.”
“First time for everything.”
“I guess.” He studied a sheep to his right. “What is going on with her?”
“What?” Olivia looked. “Oh, yeah…”
He shoved the last of his sandwich into his mouth and stood. The ewe had something wrapped around her two back legs.
As he approached, she raised her head then skittered to the right. He lunged for her, grabbed her around the neck and chest, and tipped her backward to stop her struggling.
“Oh dear.” Olivia pulled a penknife from her pocket. “How did that happen?”
“God knows. Just goes to show these girls need an eye kept on them.”
“I agree.” She snipped the twine off and examined the sheep’s legs. “Seems okay, didn’t break the skin.”
“Good.” He waited until Olivia was out of the way then released the sheep. She stood dazed for a second, then bleated and ran off to her friends.
“And that’s all the thanks we get.” Olivia slipped the knife away and leaned in for a hug.
He held her tight. She felt so small and delicate out here in the wilderness. A wave of protectiveness came over him, but it wasn’t new, it had been there the moment they’d set sail all those years ago and taken on the Pacific.
She tilted her head for a kiss.
He gave it, allowing the rest of the world to fade away. It was as if they were the only people on the planet.
When they broke apart, she smiled. “Shall we get going? The sooner we get there, set up camp, the sooner we can relax.”
“And look at the stars.”
“Yes, I love doing that with you.”
He kissed her again, then reluctantly released her. “Let’s wake these lazy beasts.”
She smiled and ran her hand over her horse’s rump, rousing him from his doze. “Come on, big boy, time to plod on.”
Soon they were driving the sheep east again. A mob of kangaroos sprang over their path, sending a few sheep skittering sideways. They soon rejoined the flock.
Lucas spotted a coiled mulga snake, its brown scales glistening. He didn’t bother pointing it out to Olivia, and they were quickly past it. Her fear of snakes had never waned, and living in Australia hadn’t helped.
The sun slipped westward, and shadows lengthened. The heat didn’t diminish; instead, it seemed to peek beneath the brim of his hat and slide down his neck.
Olivia supped on her water as they rode. Occasionally, they both veered left or right to keep the flock heading on the correct path. Lucas knew this part of their land like the back of his hand, and although it was a tiresome trek, there was good grazing ahead. The ewes needed it, for soon it would be time to start breeding.
Eventually, they came to Bull Creek. It was greener than the land they’d been riding through all day, a proper oasis with huge red boulders, a deep pool of spring water, and grass for the animals.
Lucas was glad to have arrived safely, not least because of the responsibility of a few hundred head of sheep, but also having his wife in the outback.
Dismounting, he nodded at a sandy area beneath a tree. “We’ll set the tent up there. It’s nice and flat.”
“Okay, boss.”
He smiled. He was hardly her boss; he’d do anything she asked of him, fly to the moon and back if that was what she wanted.
Once untacked, the horses ducked their heads and began to eat. He brushed them down then tied them loosely so they could reach the creek for water in the night if need be.
Olivia eyed the camping area. “Snakes?”
“I’ll check.” He made a show of kicking the sand around, peering under rocks, and staring up at the branches of the tree. “Nope, all clear.”
“Good.” She dragged the two-man tent from the back of her saddle. “Are you sure we need this? Maybe we should sleep under the stars.”
Lucas laughed. “And then you’ll hear something that sounds like a snake at two in the morning, and I’ll be putting the tent up in the dark.”
“That’s not fair. I slept outdoors on Elysium.”
“A tent wasn’t an option then.” He smiled. “Besides, we might find ourselves distracted and not wanting to think about critters.”
She smiled—a devastatingly sexy smile that had his cock twitching and a host of dirty thoughts spinning through his mind.
Chapter Nineteen
Stars scattered over the sky, and the air was surprisingly chill after the blistering day. Twilight had settled the animals, and a veil of stillness lay over the earth.
Olivia strip washed using a bucket of water from the creek, and now, as she sat in the tent, it was Lucas’s turn to freshen up.
He removed his clothes, suppressed a shiver, then splashed cool water on his face. His skin was gritty and hot, and he scrubbed at it with a bar of soap before sloshing more water over his body. It was good to wash away the sweat and grime of the day, even if it was just with a bucket.
After he’d dried off, he brushed his teeth, spitting on the ground, then stood for a moment and stared into the darkness.
It wasn’t pitch-black, more
deeply shadowed. He could make out the sheep nearest him and the horses, one of which had lain down. He hoped it would be a quiet night, with no visitors—nothing eyeing up the sheep and planning their next meal. If something showed up, the horses would alert him. His especially quick to fuss, stamp, and snort should a dingo stroll past.
He pulled on fresh boxers and ducked into the tent.
Olivia wore a pale-gray vest top and white panties. She was holding the phone.
“All okay?” he asked, drawing down the zip on the tent to keep unwanted slithering creatures at bay.
“Yes. And I’ve let them know where we are. I’ve turned it off now.”
“Good.” They only turned the phone on between eight and nine each night, as was common practice. It saved the battery in case there was an emergency and was enough to stay in touch.
She slipped it into a small saddlebag to her right and yawned.
“You tired?” He crawled over the sleeping bag, the shiny material squeaking under his palms and knees.
“A little.”
“It was a long ride today.”
“Nothing I haven’t done before.”
“I know but…” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes were weary; she had slight lines beneath them.
“No buts.” She smiled and leaned in for a kiss.
He gave it, her breath minty and her tongue warm. He’d been looking forward to this night and being on his own with her. Not that he minded sharing Olivia’s time and affections, it was how life was and suited everyone, but that didn’t stop him cherishing this chance to be completely undisturbed.
“You should take this off,” he said, tugging at the base of her vest.
She peeled it off, revealing hard nipples. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, one curl coming to rest on the rise of her right breast.
His mouth watered. He wanted to taste her, touch her, come with her.
“You get more beautiful,” he said, cupping her breasts.
She hitched in a breath, her flesh moving in his hands. “Lucas.”
“I’ll never need anyone other than you,” he said, knowing that truth would always be a fact of his heart.
“I love you,” she said.
“And I love you, more than words can express. It would take all the stars in the sky coming together for you to even begin to understand how big my love for you is.”
She blinked a couple of times, her eyes a little misty, then looped her arms around his neck and squeezed in close.
He circled her in his embrace, holding her fragile body to his and absorbing her heat, her scent, and her taste.
After a few minutes kissing, he urged her down to the sleeping bag. It filled the entire tent; there was no room for anything other than them.
She ran her hands over his hair, rubbing it downward then back up the wrong way.
He kissed her neck, pausing at her marriage necklace, then moved to her breasts and laved at her nipples. Drawing them to small peaks, he nibbled and sucked, her gasps and squirms sending blood to his dick.
Lust was growing, but he didn’t want to rush. This was too sacred, too special.
He moved lower, licking her navel, and then snuggling against her mound.
She parted her legs. “Lucas.”
“Shh, lie back,” he said, glancing up.
She didn’t look so tired anymore, just turned on, flushed and breathless.
He smiled and positioned himself between her thighs with his hands at her waist to keep her still. Her sweet pussy was right there for him, and he set to work, sliding his tongue through her folds and circling her clit.
She moaned and clasped her hands over his. She arched her back, and her legs tensed on his shoulders.
He worked steady rotations over her clit, knowing it would drive her crazy, that it would put a climax within reach.
“Oh…oh… Lucas.”
He kept on going, his cock fully erect and leaking a drip of precum onto his boxers. He cherished every whimper, every squeak and gasp she made.
“I need…” she said on a pant. “Oh I need…”
He knew what she needed, but she’d have to wait another few minutes. He wanted her on the edge, desperate for it, begging for it, unable to hold off when he finally sank into her.
He slowed but kept up the pressure. Her clit was a small swollen bud rolling beneath his tongue.
She bucked and squirmed, her breathing rapid.
Eventually, his need matched hers, and he lifted.
She reached for him, wiped her hand over his wet mouth, then pulled him close.
He shoved at his boxers, kicking them away, then settled over her.
“I want you so much, Lucas,” she said, her eyes flashing and a sheen of sweat sitting on her brow.
“I’m all yours.” He positioned himself at her damp entrance, paused for an exquisite heartbeat that held all the promise of bliss, then slid in to full depth.
She moaned, long and uninhibited, and clasped him to her, finding his mouth in a ravenous kiss.
He groaned, too, her hot, tight channel hugging his cock and his balls contracting. He was on a fast ride to Heaven.
“Let’s come,” she said, hooking her small legs over the backs of his. “Lucas.”
“Aye, come when you can.” He needed to feel her pulse around him, hear her cry out in ecstasy.
He rode over her clit, his body in firm contact with hers, and not letting up. Careful to keep it steady and hard, he watched her expression change from one of need to suspended bliss and then racked with relief. She cried out and clawed at his shoulders, coming long and beautifully.
He worked hard to hold off, to not come. This was her moment, and he didn’t want to miss it.
Her climax extended, and he kept thrusting into her, eking out every last drop of delight.
She was breathing hard, her eyes closed as she folded in on herself and the sensations ravaging her body. It never failed to thrill him, to see her come. She was so giving and trusting in that moment.
Eventually, she opened her eyes, still breathing hard, and calmed.
“Lucas.” She ran her hands up his neck and cupped his cheeks. “Did you?” She paused. “No, you didn’t.” A frown creased her brow. “What’s the matter?”
“You’re seriously asking me if I have a problem when I’m buried so deep inside you?”
She hesitated then, “Yes.”
“I wanted to watch you come.”
Her features relaxed. “Oh, I see.”
“And it was hot.”
She smiled and kissed him. “Well, now it’s your turn.”
“I suppose.” Hell yeah. His cock was pulsing it was so hard. It was taking a lot of stamina to be inside her and be still.
“Of course it is.” She ran her hands to his shoulders then back up to his face. “How do you want to come?”
Now there’s the perfect question.
“I want…” He bit on his bottom lip.
“What? Tell me.”
He was quiet.
“You can tell me anything, you can have anything. I’m yours.”
He nodded. “I want your ass.”
Her eyes widened a fraction; her eyebrows twitched.
Damn it. I shouldn’t have asked.
“Lucas,” she said in a low, murmuring tone. “If you want my ass, take my ass.”
He swallowed; his balls squeezed. Just being offered her sweet tight hole was enough to make him come.
But he didn’t.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You never have before.” She wriggled. “I trust you to be gentle.”
He lifted up, withdrawing from her pussy. He gripped his cock; it was solid and heavy.
“How do you want me?” she asked.
He spun his finger in the air. “Turn over.”
She smiled, flicked her hair to one side, then spun onto her hands and knees. In the dim light, her pale skin glowed, and her soft ass cheeks were r
ipe and round.
“Oh fuck,” he muttered.
“That’s the plan,” she said, looking over her shoulder and swaying her butt from left to right.
He clasped his hands over her ass cheeks, holding them tight. “Olivia.”
“Do you have lube?”
“Er…aye, I do.” He released her, lunged for his small saddlebag, and retrieved it.
“Very organized,” she said, curling her hands into fists on the sleeping bag.
“A guy can hope.” He leaned forward, kissed the small of her back, then dragged his tongue down her cleft.
She arched and moaned and trembled beneath his tongue.
He put some lube onto his fingertip, then gently shifted her right cheek to expose her asshole.
Again his cock surged. The desire to relinquish control and thrust in was there, but he had it harnessed. Nothing on this earth would make him hurt Olivia.
He pressed at the center of the tight rosebud.
She held her breath, clenched, and then relaxed.
“That’s it,” he said softly. “Relax.” He pushed in, letting her heat surround his fingertip as her ring of muscle gave way.
He eased in farther, then some more, until he was knuckle deep. She was so soft inside, cushioned and inviting.
“Lucas,” she gasped.
“Am I hurting you?”
“No, no…but I want you, all of you…there.”
“You will. Soon.” Again he gripped his cock, holding his thumb over the slit in the hope it would give him more stamina.
He added another lubed finger, stretching her wider.
She groaned, dropped down to one elbow, and slipped her other hand between her legs.
He rode his fingers deep, and she worked her clit, her shoulder shifting and her ass cheeks trembling with the movement.
Steadily and gently, he pumped in and out of her. He was getting desperate, he needed to come. His cock hurt with need.
He pulled out, squirted cold lube on his cock, then gripped her hips. “I’m going in your ass, Olivia.”
“Yes. Yes.” She was breathless, working herself fast.
He drew her onto his cock at the same time as edging forward.
She gasped as he opened her around the tip, her small hole stretching wide and taking his shiny glans, his cock-tip freckle now hidden from view.