by Alexa Riley
I close my eyes tightly as the orgasm rolls over me and he doesn't stop when I cry out his name. Every part of me tingles with sensations and I’ve never felt more alive.
It goes on and on until it’s too much and I can’t take any more.
“Please,” I beg.
I feel him smile against me before he pulls his mouth away only to give me another long lick. I jerk again and my legs tighten right before my limbs give out. My eyes flutter open and I watch him as he slowly lowers me onto the bed. I can tell he doesn't want to stop and if my body could take it he would still be going to town on my pussy. From the glint in his eyes I’m not sure he’d ever get enough. At least not tonight.
I reach for him and my arms feel heavy. I’m worried he’s going to leave but the next thing I know he’s moving in to lie down beside me. His big body spoons against mine and he holds me in a tight embrace. Sleep tries to take me but I don’t want to close my eyes. I want to stay in this moment forever because who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Two more days, I remind myself, and I bury myself into him further. The storm is still going but it’s quieter now and I wonder if it means it’s moving away from us.
I don’t know why Timber is the way he is, but for these next two days I’m going to cover him in affection if he’ll let me. I won’t chase him but I’m not going to hold back even if he thinks the storm has passed.
Chapter 11
Timber
Thwack.
The blade of the axe wedges into the wood and I curse. I let go of the handle and grab the log with my hands. I pull it apart and toss the pieces to the ground, then pick up the axe once again.
“I was under the impression the woodshed was overflowing with enough to last us several winters.” Simon’s voice is calm and soothing behind me but it still grates on my nerves.
“A tree fell down in the storm last night.” I raise my chin at the wood I’ve already cut through with the chainsaw earlier this morning.
“And you had to rush out and get to it before the sun was even up.” He sounds skeptical but I don’t acknowledge him. “Perhaps there was something you were running from after last night?”
“That’s none of your business,” I say matter-of-factly as I stack up another log to split.
“I think after the sounds the staff and I heard last night, it’s the whole castle’s business.”
I turn around to glare at him but he has an eyebrow raised and he’s smirking. “Rest assured, it wasn’t Miss Pippa we heard.”
My face heats as I turn away from him and go back to the axe. I knew I was enthusiastic last night but I had no idea I’d been so…vocal. I didn’t mean for it to happen. I just couldn’t help myself.
“It doesn’t matter,” I mumble and swing the axe again.
“I think you’ll find that the lady of the house doesn't agree with you.”
She was wrapped around me so tight this morning when I woke up I wasn’t sure where she ended and I began. Warmth went to parts of my body I didn’t know were still alive and all I could think about was keeping her. Then the thought of her leaving in just two days washed over me like a cold shower and I had to get out of there. I couldn’t pretend to play house with someone that would never stay with me. It’s not like I could ask her to give up civilization for this life I lead out here in the middle of nowhere. As much as I want her, I can’t pretend that she’s mine.
“She’s not the lady of the house.” The words taste like dirt in my mouth. “She’s a guest and nothing more. She’ll be gone the day after tomorrow.”
Simon sighs and I can feel his eyes on my back as I ignore him. I think about last night and what I did to her. The thoughts flash in front of me and they’re brighter than the sun. I’m blinded by images of Pippa standing above me dripping wet with her soft pussy in my mouth. The tang of her juices on my tongue as she came apart in my arms. It hits me so hard I have to squeeze my eyes shut to try and ignore them. But it’s useless.
“Miss Pippa has left.”
I swing around so fast that I almost trip over my own feet. “What?” The word echoes through the trees, and before I can wait on Simon to tell me why, I’m in motion.
“There was a mix-up with the floral deliveries and she was asked to go directly to the shop without delay.”
“And you just let her leave?” I roar. I curse myself for being so far out in the woods instead of closer to the castle. “She was supposed to stay on the property the whole time. That was the deal!”
“She did spend a great deal of time waiting for you to come back to the castle before she left.”
His words are like salt in the wound and I grit my teeth. “I can’t believe you let her go.”
“If I recall, I wasn’t the one who snuck out on her at first light.”
When I turn around to face Simon, I’m ready to knock his ass to the ground. But the stern look in his eyes anchors me in place and the feeling of father and son passes between us. He might not be my biological father, but Simon is the last tie I have to my parents and I know he cares for me. He looks out for me like a father would and I respect him. It’s the reason I let him so close to me and allow him to run the place. He has my best interest at heart, so even though his words sting, they aren’t wrong. There’s no use denying it and we both know it.
“I…” I open my mouth to say something, but how do I even begin to defend my actions? I let out a deep breath and he steps closer.
“I made sure Celia went with her. They should be back in a couple of hours.” I feel his hand squeeze my arm and I nod. “I think you should go and get cleaned up, and while you do, think of something nice to do for her.”
“Like what?” I sound defeated even to my own ears.
“You’ll think of something.” He gives me a soft smile before he walks away towards the castle.
How do I apologize for leaving her bed after what we did last night? I’m not good with words and Simon knows it. That’s why he’s telling me to think of something I can do. I wrack my brain as I go inside and already I can feel that the castle is different.
She’s done something in the short amount of time she’s been here and I can’t put my finger on it. Pippa has a light around her that makes these stone walls feel warm and loved. Is that why I don’t want her to leave, because she’ll take the feeling with her? Or is it because she’ll take the feeling from me?
As I climb the stairs to my room I think about how she’s changed me and shaped a future I never thought possible. Thoughts of her and a life together form and suddenly I know exactly what to do.
Chapter 12
Pippa
“He’s going to be pissed.” Celia sighs from the passenger seat of my car and my hand wraps around the steering wheel tighter.
He’s going to be pissed? I’m the one that’s pissed. I never get mad but it’s been a crappy day. From the moment I opened my eyes and found Timber gone, it’s been one thing after another making my day worse and worse.
“I don’t care,” I snip, letting my anger get the better of me. “Sorry,” I add quickly.
This isn't her fault. She got volunteered by Simon to come with me when he saw I was leaving. The flowers had to be handled and the stupid internet was knocked out in the storm last night. I couldn't get any of the pictures they were trying to send me to load, so I said I would go see them in person.
I needed to get out of the castle anyway. Every second that I sat there and Timber didn’t come for me, the more upset I got. If I wasn't there then he couldn't find me and I wouldn't have to think about how he wasn’t even trying to. I refuse to chase that man. He willingly got out of bed this morning and left me alone after he all but demanded I never run from him again the night before. What a jerk. He doesn’t make any sense. I was so sure he’d be there in the morning and it hurt when I saw how wrong I was.
What I hadn’t counted on today when I left was another small storm and a nail in my tire. Not to mention the flowers look horrible
. I had to cancel the whole order and now I have none. I don’t know what I’m going to do but I have to figure it out. I won’t let my sister down. I need to get it together because all I want to do right now is cry. I have to focus on the anger but I think I might be one of those people who cry when they get mad.
“Take a deep breath, honey. You got this.” I nod in agreement at Celia’s encouragement. I can do this. I couldn't change a flat tire but I can deal with some flowers.
I tried with all my might to get that damn tire off but it didn’t budge. I’m so thankful some nice man stopped and helped us because my phone was dead and Celia hadn’t brought hers.
I loosen my hold on the wheel and my hands still ache from the tire iron. I didn't know changing a tire would be so hard, but those stupid bolts were stuck. The man changed the tire in only a few minutes but not until I’d spent an hour trying in the pouring rain.
The gate to the castle opens before we even get to it. I pull up the long gravel driveway just glad to be back home. Okay. Not home, but where I’m living for now. I see Timber pacing back and forth until he spots my car. Then he’s stalking out into the driveway and blocking the path for me to pull around to the side. Fine. I’ll park right out front I guess.
“Just remember he’s all bark,” Celia says out the side of her mouth, but I’m not sure if she believes her own words judging by the look on her face.
Timber looks more than pissed, he looks livid. “I’m not scared of him.” I throw my car into park and he’s at my door pulling it open.
“Where have you been?” he barks, just like Celia predicted.
“Shut up,” I bite out, taking myself by surprise. Oh wow. I must really be mad.
I take off my seatbelt then get out of the car, ready to go. He reaches for me but I bat his giant hand away as I walk past him. I give myself a mental pat on the back as I hold my chin high.
“Shut up?” he repeats from behind me.
“Yeah. Shut up. Has no one ever told you to do that before?” I shout over my shoulder. “Oh wait. You’d have to talk for someone to tell you to shut up.”
Ha! I’ve never done anything like this with someone before but I think I nailed that one. Usually I’m a sweet talker according to my sister. But if that were true I’d have nice flowers instead of the shit ones they tried to give me today.
“Can I get you anything?” Simon asks as I enter into the house. He’s smiling so big at me that I can’t help but return one even in my anger.
“I need a hot shower and food,” I admit. “Then bed.”
“You do the first, and I’ll handle the second.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, ignoring the shell-shocked Timber beside me. “And thank you for coming with me, Celia.”
“We’ll find flowers, sweet girl. Worry about it tomorrow; today is done.” I smile and nod in agreement before walking up the stairs quickly to my room.
I try and slam my door, but when I don’t hear it bang shut I look over my shoulder to see Timber caught it. He stands in my doorway, unmoving with an expression of shock and anger.
“Go away,” I tell him. I pull my wet shoes and socks off and toss them on the bathroom floor. He remains where he is, silent and unmoving. “Isn’t there a tree you need to go murder?”
Still he says nothing.
I go for my shirt next and start to pull it over my head. Now he moves into my room and closes the door behind him. I take it off and toss it with my shoes and I watch as his eyes fill with heat and his jaw tightens. I know that look because I saw it in his eyes last night. I’m not looking for a repeat because I know how that turns out.
“Shocker. You can’t speak.”
I roll my eyes as I bend over and take my jeans off next. Those are a fight to get off with how soaked they are. I start to fall over but his strong arms catch me easily. Against my better judgment I stare up into Timber’s deep green eyes. My own eyes begin to water as emotions swell in my chest.
“You should have been there today. It should have been you changing my tire, not some random man,” I shout at him. His eyes soften but he looks almost pained. “Say something!”
“You told me to shut up.”
I almost laugh at his admission, but I guess that’s better than crying. This is never going to work. He doesn't get it and he’s breaking my heart. I wanted to be here for him but I’m not sure my heart can take it. I didn’t realize how much of it he held until today when he was gone and the ache was so deep and heavy.
“Timber, I think—” His mouth crashes down onto mine before I can tell him that maybe it’s time I go.
Chapter 13
Timber
She smells like rain and flowers and I can’t get close enough to her. Seeing her body slick and chilled called me and I had to go to her. Then when she started to fall over, I had no choice but to take her in my arms.
“Timber, I can’t do this.” She pushes against my chest and the hollow of my heart aches.
“I’m so sorry, I should have been there.” I press my forehead to hers but I can still feel her tense body trying to reject me.
“It’s fine. Someone came to help us.” She looks away and I can’t take it.
“No.” I take her chin in my hand and turn her to face me. “I should have been there when you woke up this morning. I shouldn’t have gotten scared and left.”
“What were you so afraid of?” I can see the outline of hope in her eyes and watch as she cautiously stops trying to move away from me.
“I’ve never done this before, never felt this much before. I don’t know what I’m doing and I know I screwed it up but you have to stay. I could see the idea in your head even before you got out of the car. You want to get away from here, and I don’t blame you.”
“Timber, I—”
“I’ll follow you,” I say, cutting her off. “If you want to leave, I won’t stop you, but I won’t leave you again. I know this castle is in the middle of nowhere and I don’t have much to offer other than money. I’m quiet and grouchy, but there’s nothing I love more than seeing your presence fill these cold rooms.”
She softens against me as I place a kiss on her cheek.
“You’ve come in and scared the hell out of me with how much I need you. You’ve turned everything I had upside down and the thought of you being miserable here made me run away this morning. I don’t want to hold you back and I don’t deserve you. But goddamn it, I won’t let you out of my sight ever again and if that means moving to the city and following you around like a dog, then so be it.”
“I was so mad and hurt this morning when I woke up. After all the promises you made me last night you just disappeared. How do I know you won’t do it all over again?”
“Because I can’t put either of us through that again.” I get down on my knees in front of her and peel the wet denim off her feet. I toss it aside and curse myself once again for letting her out of my grasp. “I was a fool to convince myself I could let you go. But there’s some kind of magic you’ve brought to this castle and suddenly we’re all awake.” I take the small box out of my pocket and open it while I stay on my knees. “My heart beats because I’ve fallen in love. I’m alive because of you.”
She gasps as I open the box and reveal the diamond ring nestled inside.
“Holy cow,” she whispers, putting her hand over her mouth.
“I know this may seem sudden but you don’t understand what you’ve done to me. When I heard you’d left today I thought I’d lost it all and I vowed to never let that happen again. So that’s what this is, Pippa. It’s my vow, my promise to never ever leave you again and to always take care of you. To keep you, and cherish you, and love you. Forever.”
“Timber.” More tears well in her eyes as I slip the ring on her finger.
“You don’t have to answer yet, and you don’t have to say it back. I love you, so let me prove to you that I’m telling you the truth. Let me gain your trust and your love while I give you all of mine.”
/> Before she can answer I’m off my knees and pulling her into my arms. I might not give her a chance to answer me, but her legs wrap around my waist and her fingers dive into my hair and that’s good enough for me. When her mouth opens and her tongue searches for mine, I know I’ve got her at least interested in the idea of being mine forever.
Maybe Simon didn’t intend for me to go this overboard on doing something nice for her, but I have two speeds: fast and fucking fast. I know myself and my own mind well enough to know when I want something to go for it. I had planted my own seeds of doubt last night while holding her in my arms, but I won’t allow that to happen again. Pippa is the one for me and in the time we’ve spent together I’ve fallen in love with her. Everyone here could see it except me, and although it might have taken me a hot second to catch up, I’m here and I’m not moving.
I lay her down on the edge of the bed with her ass hanging off just slightly. I don’t break the kiss as I reach between us and grab the edge of her wet panties. I give them a hard tug and the material snaps at her hips, baring her pussy for me. I kiss down her body, kneeling on the floor, and hold her ass there with both of my hands. I lick the slick seam of her puffy lips and taste the now familiar tang of her desire on my tongue.
“Timber,” she moans, raising her hips, begging me to lick her where she needs it most.
I’m in no mood to tease as I flick my tongue across her clit and then cover her with my mouth. I suck on her greedily while I grip her ass tight and move her pussy against me. I need her pleasure, I need her release because otherwise I might go insane without it.
When she begins to climax, I double my efforts, desperate to have the taste of it in my mouth. Her body tightens and she moans louder as I growl encouragement against her. My cock is weeping in my jeans and I’m so eager to be inside of this sweet warmth that I don’t know how much longer I can stand it.
