by Kizzie Hayes
“There is no mistake and your boyfriend can confirm it, he is the one who stole it.”
Tears rolled down Maya’s cheeks, she couldn’t believe she left New York to come look for a ring that Trent stole, she felt used. She was so mad and tried to comprehend everything she heard. Trent lied to her all this time, everything was adding up now. There was no Warren, Amanda was right. She couldn’t believe she was marrying a thief and a liar.
Tatiana felt hurt; she realized that all Trent did was lie. She could have married him and found out later that he was a thief. For once in her life, she felt relieved that he left her for Maya. She looked at Maya, who was crying. She was grateful he left; he didn’t deserve her or any woman. She felt sorry for Maya but there was nothing she could do.
“I always knew Trent was a bastard but not a thief.” Amanda commented. Tatiana and Maya both looked at her with rage.
*****
Tatiana looked beautiful. Clyde stared at her with lust. He remembered their last moments at the restaurant and wanted more of her. The bright light coming through the window made her cover her eyes while she fumbled through her bag for sunglasses. The airport seemed empty as they walked ahead.
They waited for twenty minutes, then boarded the plane. She wanted to control herself next to him but it was hard. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She looked beautiful as he watched her sleep.
The flight took them five and a half hours. She leaned her head on the taxi window as she awaited their destination. She didn’t know and didn’t want to ask. She opened her eyes as they reached Coast Alegre.
They walked into the five star resort. She followed him to the receptionist desk. She smiled to let him know that she was okay with his arrangements.
“Hola, como puedo ayudarle?” the receptionist asked before he could introduce himself.
“Hablas Ingles?” he asked.
“Yes, I speak English.” answered the receptionist.
“I’m Clyde Fox, and I have a reservation.”
“One moment please.” She typed his name on the computer and removed two key cards.
“Here’s your card sir.” The receptionist also handed her a key. He held her by the waist as they climbed the stairs to the room.
The hotel room looked big inside even though the space was well-utilized. The air reeked of incense and there was some kind of soft rock music playing. Large crystals all shiny and jagged stood on antique tables at the corner next to the bed. He was unpacking when he heard the knock on the door. Tatiana peeped inside then let him get comfortable.
“Everything is accessible from the bathroom to the toilet; if you need anything else let me know.” She said as she walked to the medicine cabinet.
“I don’t need anything, I only need you.” He said. “Don’t worry about me, I will shower then have you all night.” He continued.
“Okay.”
Clyde had other things to worry about upon his arrival, like his raging boner. He walked in the shower and closed his eyes while the hot water poured on his head. He relieved his throbbing member in the shower while imagining what he would do to her body. He imagined her naked body and her lips on him. He was standing in front of the mirror in the shower.
He stood there relaxed, his limbs elegant, loose and almost classical. His form was muscular and compact, not an inch of spare flesh on him. There was a delightful tangle of hair on his chest. His dick was soft and aroused; it swung against his thighs as he touched his chest while imagining her breasts on him.
With a little sigh, he rubbed a soapy wash cloth all over his arms and shoulders and torso, then rinsed the cloth out and wiped away all the traces of lather. He soaped the cloth again and applied it on his genitals. Under the ministration and massaging of the soapy cloth, his dick lengthened and thickened and rose up. He tossed the wash cloth into the water and took himself properly in his hand. He manipulated his cock, pushing and pulling in long strokes. He worked the fine, rapidly blushing skin over the hard blood filled core that kept on swelling.
“Aren’t you joining me?” he yelled from the bathroom.
“In a sec, I was still unpacking.” She responded. She removed her clothes and headed to the bathroom. He glanced up and met her gaze briefly, then kissed her on the lips.
“I love you.” He said.
“I love you too.” She responded with a smile. “I want to let you know that, you have nothing to worry about. My ex is out of my life forever.”
“That’s a relief for me. I want you by my side always. I promise never to stop loving you no matter what.”
THE END
Another bonus story is on the next page.
Bonus Story 4 of 44
Therapy of Love
Description
For Wendy, the dream she always had was in helping kids who suffered from mental illnesses such as PTSD. When she finally had enough money to her name, she bought an old ranch which she turned into a rehabilitation program using equine therapy. She was so close to having her dream come true, but desperately needed a ranch hand to take care of the horses they would be using in therapy. When she turned to the reclusive cowboy, Shane Powell, her ranch manager told her that she was making a big mistake. Shane didn’t want to accept her offer but his bills are piling up.
Would Wendy’s dream come through and would the attraction she feels toward Shane help him to heal and move on from past guilts?
Chapter 1
“Thanks for coming,” I told the burly dark-skinned man sitting across from me. “I’ll get in touch after I finish the rest of interviews.”
The man looked disappointed and frowned at me as he rose to his feet. “I don't reckon too many folks around here rushing to your door to accept this job. Why don't you save yourself the trouble and just hire me? Hmm, little lady?”
I tried not to let my unease show so I shuffled a few papers on my desk in case he saw how my hands slightly shook. The minute Chase Whitlock walked into my office, I wished I had overlooked his application. When my foreman, Josiah had informed me that he was the Chase from town who was always into brawls, he had informed me to cancel the interview with him.
“Chase isn't the kind of man you want working around you,” Jos had remarked. “You need to call him and cancel that interview, Miss Wendy.”
“But I already called and scheduled it,” I had responded. “It would be awkward to cancel it. The least I can do is give him the opportunity to present himself. People do change.”
“Chase Whitlock does not change. He thinks the world owes him something and the cocky son-of-a-bitch doesn't know how to take no for an answer.”
The minute he had walked through the doors, I immediately sensed what Jos meant. Chase had an imposing aura. He was a big black man with a full beard and his head clean shaven. He had a toothpick in his mouth that he had kept firmly in place throughout the interview. It hadn’t helped him at all to gain points with me and neither was his attempt to intimidate me in giving him this job.
Sure he came highly recommended and even Jos had admitted he was a damn good horse trainer and caretaker. But, wherever Chase went, trouble followed him and I didn’t need any more trouble at my doorstep. My mama had taught me to give people a chance but this was one chance I wished I had not been given.
Something told me were our paths to cross, things wouldn’t be normal between Chase and me from this day. He would always see me as the woman who didn’t give him a job. But how could I explain to him that he was not suitable for the environment? I had worked hard to get this ranch up and running. In just another month or two, I was looking to open up The Silent Oaks Ranch and Rehabilitation Center for kids and teens who suffered from mental illness such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.
“I still do have a few interviews to do before I make my final selection, Mr. Whitlock,” I said firmly. “As I said before, I’ll be in touch should you be selected to work with us.”
“And I’m telling you, ma’am, you’ll not find anoth
er horse trainer like me in the whole damn county,” he insisted. “So why won’t you hire me?”
“I have a unique business happening here, Mr. Whitlock,” I returned, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unfortunately, this is more than just selecting the best horse trainer around. This will be an establishment that will work with children who are emotionally vulnerable. Quite frankly, I am not sure you’ll be suitable in this environment. The children may not be comfortable around you.”
His brown eyes narrowed and his lips pursed in anger. “What you advertised was for a horse trainer and that’s what I am.” He pointed at me. “You’re refusing to give me this job because of what you’ve heard about me, aren’t you?”
“And what exactly do you think I heard, Mr. Whitlock?” I cocked my eyebrow at him, waiting for his response.
He began to splutter, “you-you-you think you’re shit because you came from the big city and bought a huge spread out here? You bitch this—”
The office door opened and Jos walked in just in time. I was so relieved to see him, I had no qualm in showing it with a sigh of relief.
“Causing trouble again, I see, Chase,” Jos announced, folding his arms over his chest. Even though Chase was a bigger man, Jos was also of imposing stature and his eyes showed no hint of cordiality. “Why don’t you get on out of here. I’m sure the sheriff would love to hear about your latest intimidating tactic.”
“This has nothing to do with you Josiah,” Chase spat at the newcomer but he did back away from my desk. “She came into town and gave you a job. Why can’t she give me a job too?”
“Because of that little act of yours you just displayed,” Jos answered, not fazed for a minute by his sudden change from aggressor to victim. “This isn’t the place for you, Chase. Just go.”
Without a word, he walked to the door but before he slipped out, he turned to glance at me. “Just remember you ain’t from around here. Folks can get mighty peculiar about a city gal taking over things. You be mighty careful now.” He slammed the door behind him on the way out.
“Thank God, you showed up!” I exclaimed at Jos and slumped in my chair. “I should have listened to you.”
“Yes, you should have,” he stated. “Look, I know you are enthusiastic about helping people and you want to give people the benefit of the doubt, but around these parts, you might want to listen to what folks who’ve been around here long, say.”
“And I am still left without a horse trainer,” I said on a sigh.
“Too bad. I know the perfect person, but he’d be hard-pressed to leave his small ranch.”
“Who?” I asked him.
“Forget about it.” He shook his head. “Shane Powell barely leaves his ranch. Just to get supplies from town and he never speaks to anyone.”
“But maybe I can convince him—”
“Shane Powell is someone you would be best to steer clear of.”
I frowned, the name already stuck in my head. If that was the way he felt, then why had he mentioned the name any at all? He had watered my curiosity and now it was full grown. I had to know who this Shane Powell was and if he could help my business.
Chapter 2
“You want me to do what?”
I shushed the ranch hand who had been hired to help fix things around the ranch house and the barn. The last thing I needed was for Harry to let on to anyone, especially Jos what I had planned.
“Good God, Harry!” I whispered fiercely. “The whole Ohio doesn’t have to hear you.”
“Sorry, Miss Wendy but ain’t nobody ever visit Shane Powell. He is ornerier than a badger getting poked with a stick.”
“Just so, Harry. Do you know where he lives and can you lead me there?”
“I can give you directions ma’am but I’d mighty sooner stay here than go on his property. We done hear how he shot at Paulie Bigg for trespassing on his property.”
I swallowed and began to have second thoughts but based on what I had found out in the town about Shane, I wanted to meet him. Yesterday while I had been in the town picking up supplies, I’d dropped his name casually. One thing with a small-town population was that they did indeed love a good gossip. Within fifteen minutes I’d had a running commentary of the man, a cowboy turned army veteran, returned home after a debilitating injury forced him to retire. Back to the life of being a cowboy, his wife had left him, taking their daughter with her.
I heard what they said about him, but couldn’t help thinking this was a sign. This man seemed as though he needed the ranch as much as the ranch needed him.
“If you’d rather not go, then at least point me in the right direction.”
He was hesitant and argued for a few minutes, lecturing me on all the reasons it wasn’t wise to go searching for a man who did not want to be found. According to Harry, Shane would shoot first and then ask questions later. His fences denounced everyone as trespassers who were not welcomed.
After getting the directions from him, I had him saddle a horse for me and took off. By my calculations, it shouldn’t take me more than thirty minutes to get to Shane’s farm. I would get back in time before Jos returned from town. I’d deliberately left a few supplies so he would have to drive all the way back in town, giving me the day to follow up on this lead. If everything went according to plan, I would be arriving home with all our problems solved.
The ranch was much smaller than the spread I had bought six months ago, but it was neatly kept and the fences were all intact that prevented outsiders. I noticed several signs that warned off trespassers and with a deep breath, I urged the horse forward. Summer cantered slowly to the gate and I reined her to a stop and dismounted. Holding the reins loosely, I reached over to unlatch the gate.
“You unlatch that gate and I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
I spun around in surprise at the unexpected voice. I didn’t know how I missed him. A tall dark man-skinned man, a little on the slender side was standing to the west, just inside the fenced area. I couldn’t see his face clearly because his Stetson cast a shadow over the lower half of his face. My eyes landed on the shotgun holstered to his waist.
“Mr. Powell, I’d like to speak to you please,” I said, smiling at him. I wished he would move so I could see his face.
“Ma’am, whoever the hell you are, it’ll do you some good to get of my property.”
I hesitated but tried again. “I’m so sorry. I should have introduced myself. I’m—”
“Don’t give a dang who you are. I’m just interested in you getting off my property.”
“I don’t think I am exactly on your property,” I told him, lifting my chin defiantly. I didn’t know why I accepted his kind of rudeness but had not been able to tolerate Chase Whitlock. “At least, not yet. If you would give me a few minutes, I’d like to interview you for a position at my ranch.”
He cocked his head then and the light shifted briefly over his face. A thrill ran down my spine. He was a handsome man, face set in a scowl but didn’t distract from his features. I wished he would remove the Stetson, so I could have a better look at him.
“I don’t reckon I applied for a job anywhere,” he remarked. “So whoever is planning this prank on me, let ‘em know, you or anyone else set their foot on this property, I’ll fill their ass with lead.”
I shivered as a thought occurred to me. I’d like him to fill my ass with something all right. I could feel the heat rushing into my cheeks because it was a long time since I’d felt such instant attraction to anyone. The last time had also been a mistake. I now used my head to make decisions and choices rather than my heart. Yet, if that was so, why was I here? It was clear the man wanted nothing to do with me or any other outsider.
“Just give me five minutes to say what I have to,” I begged him, shifting slowly down the length of the wire to reach him.
“You’ve five minutes, lady,” he remarked. “And I’m giving you that only because I think you’ll be more nuisance if I said no.”
; I grinned at him. “Great. So, I bought the Old McIntyre ranch and I am turning it into a business.”
“Good luck with that, there’s not enough water on these lands to maintain large scale crops and animals.”
“Actually, we aren’t having the traditional farm,” I explained, mindful little time to leave an impression on him. “You see, I’m opening a rehabilitation farm for kids with some mental difficulties. Kids who have a problem with socialization and struggle with self-esteem due to problems such as PTSD and depression.”
“Lady, get to the point. What does any of that have to do with me?”
“I heard you were very good with horses,” I told him. “Someone recommended you.” At least in a roundabout way. “And I desperately need the best, someone who isn’t afraid to work with kids, show them the ropes. You see, we are going to be using horses as a means of therapy for these kids.”
I was so excited about this project that only after I ended, I realized he had begun to walk away.
“Good luck.”
“But-but-but,” I spluttered in disbelief. How could he walk away after all I just told him? “You can’t just leave!”
“I can’t?”
And he did.
Chapter 3
“It’s foolish of you not to talk to me, you know,” I told Jos, rolling my eyes at him. Ever since we met, the older man had decided that I was his responsibility. When he had arrived home last week and learned that I had gone to visit Shane, he had been upset and rarely spoke to me.
“You don’t appreciate what I am trying to do here,” Jos remarked, sounding so disappointed that I almost felt guilty for going against his wishes. “I am trying to keep you safe. There are more dangers out here than you think and with Chase threatening you, it’s best to keep a low profile.”
