by Stone, Piper
“When you’re ready to talk to me about whatever is going on, I’m here to listen. I can’t force you just like he can’t coerce you into doing anything you don’t want to do.”
“I wish my life were that easy, but everything is complicated.” That was the understatement of the year. “You also didn’t tell me you were thinking about going back to the Marines.”
Shaking his head, he exhaled. “Boy. There are no secrets. It’s a teaching job that I was offered. Not my thing.” When I didn’t say anything, he looked in my direction. “Mark Tomlin was an instructor overseas for all the new recruits. He became more like a mentor then a friend. He knew how much I appreciated having him there. I guess he thought I might follow that path.”
Mark Tomlin. Why did the name sound so damn familiar?
Nudging me, he smiled. “I’m serious. Whatever happens, I’m not a teacher.”
The name continued to nag at me.
Sighing, Jack picked up another two rocks, tossing them across the river. “Okay, look, I’m in Texas to try and keep the bank from foreclosing on my father’s ranch. Dad’s not the world’s best businessman. Accounting was my mother’s calling. There are some unscrupulous activities going on, but Dad still thinks he can handle everything. I can’t stand the crap happening to all the ranchers around here and I’m fed up with hearing about threats being made.”
“That’s terrible!”
“I do appreciate your offer to help and you never know when I might take you up on that, but first, I need to talk to some folks at the bank on Monday. Right now, I have a contract my father signed and an ultimatum.” He shook his head. “This has been going on for a while. I just didn’t realize how dire the circumstances were until recently. That’s why the sudden trip.”
“If your father signed a contract, maybe you do need that attorney he mentioned.”
“Yeah, but it’s not going to be my ex-girlfriend as my dad suggested.”
Placing my hand on his arm, I squeezed, just to let him know I was still here.
“That’s been over for a long time. We were oil and water. Monica was very special to me and we hit it off right away, but I wasn’t anything her parents wanted for her. She came from old Texas oil money and I just wasn’t good enough.” His words were stilted.
“Her loss.” Another shiver trickled down my spine. Money was the root of so many evils. Greed. Power. Everything revolved around a person’s wealth.
He grinned, tipping his head in my direction. “I appreciate that. Monica hurt me, more than I anticipated. I think she wanted to push me away just to get her parents off her back. I just wish she’d talked to me. But that’s old news.”
“That’s why you don’t want to be here.” I could read between the lines. She’d cheated on him and with someone they both knew.
“That’s one of the reasons. Small town in many regards. Everybody knows everybody else’s business.”
“If you want my advice, don’t let her win or take away everything you love. If you need to fight for your father’s ranch, then do everything it takes. If only I’d been older, I would have figured out a way to convince my mother not to marry Jonathan.”
“I learned something a long time ago. The heart wants what the heart wants. Sometimes it doesn’t make any sense, but love is special. Important,” he whispered. “At least I still want to think so.”
For some reason, the words were chilling. “And if that love means giving up everything you thought you believed in? If that means you lose yourself in the process? What about then?”
Shrugging, he glanced up at the moon. “Everyone has to answer that question for themselves. In the end, things don’t matter. Money isn’t everything. For me, it was all about my pride.”
“You’re right.” I leaned my head against his shoulder, longing to stay in this beautiful location forever. I didn’t need whatever money my stepfather would allow me to have. I would find the strength to walk away, but if my suspicions were true, I’d fight the good fight, no matter what the cost.
“I’m right about almost everything.”
“Oh, yeah?”
Jack yanked me over his lap, swatting my ass with four hard smacks in succession. “Oh, yes and especially about my baby girl.”
He issued another four, one coming down right after another. “Ouch!”
“I think you forget your place. I’m here to remind you.”
His voice was gravelly, huskier than before. “No!” I threw my hand back, trying to cover my ass. He quickly yanked my arm out of the way and continued spanking me, never losing a single beat. Kicking out, I groaned and yelped, even though the pain was minimum in comparison to usual. This was nothing more than a reminder of his power.
And his magnificent prowess.
As quickly as the punishment began, it ended, and I found myself curled in his lap. He eased a strand of hair from my face and even in the darkness, his twinkling eyes reflected the soft glow of the moon.
“Rules for tonight. No business. No back-talking. No sassing.”
“Aren’t sassing and back-talking the same thing?”
Jack growled, the low-slung sound filtering into every cell in my body, leaving my panties damp and my heart racing. He had that kind of intense effect on me, the tingling sensations all encompassing. But tonight, there was something entirely different, as if we’d crossed a forbidden path. I wanted nothing more than to succumb to him in every manner, resolved of guilt and sin.
Unfortunately, there was only one way to do that.
And I would if I had the opportunity.
He pushed me down onto the grass, cupping my jaw as he hovered over me. “I want you right here and right now and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
There were no words to say as he captured my mouth, his fingers digging into my skin. The weight of him, his roughhewn body stretched across mine was like a dream. I was lost in the kiss as he thrust his tongue inside, entwining with mine in a brutal, primal manner. He wanted all of me, body and soul. There was no turning back.
I belonged to him—this incredible man. I was giddy yet nervous, as if we’d never been intimate. The heated kiss continued, and he shifted his hips back and forth. His cock throbbed, grinding into me and I moaned the second he eased back.
He issued another savage growl then slid his tongue across the seam of my mouth. “You are all mine.”
The words were thrilling, said with such darkness that I was overwhelmed with desire, my pussy clenching. “Yes. Oh, yes, Daddy.”
He pulled me onto my knees and yanked his shirt over his head. As he slid his hands under my tee shirt, cupping and squeezing my breasts, I wanted nothing more than to experience the joy of pain as he pinched my nipples. “What do you want, little girl?”
“Everything.”
There was no time to waste, our hunger insatiable, the fire burning within intensifying with each passing second. We struggled to undress, tossing clothes and shoes, our breathing ragged. Daddy kept me kneeling, still towering over me as he swirled his index fingers around my nipples. Everything about this man was so exciting, keeping me wet and hot and goosebumps popping along every inch of my naked skin. This was sinful. This was delicious.
This was pure magic.
I rubbed my hands along his breastbone, feeling the muscles rippling beneath my fingers. He was so masculine, sculpted like no other man.
And he was all mine.
Dropping his head, he nipped my earlobe as he pinched my nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. The pain was invigorating, creating another wave of heat dancing between my legs. The scent of his testosterone was rich, even more breathtaking than it had been before. As he eased his hand to my pussy, fingering my clit, I whimpered and tossed my head, staring at the beautiful stars. I knew I was shaking all over, ready for anything he commanded.
“Always so wet for me, little kitten.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Mmm... Such a bad girl.” He licked down the length
of my neck, fisting my hair and yanking me back into a deep arch. “Imagine if we were seen and what people would think.”
The thought was shameful but exciting.
“Imagine if they stood watching, able to see our naked bodies,” he breathed.
“Um...” I could almost see a group of people standing around us, gawking and exclaiming as Daddy loosened his belt, snapping his wrist and pummeling the strap on the ground.
“Imagine what they’d think if I pulled you into the mud, fucking you like a wild animal.” He flicked his finger back and forth across my clit, driving me utterly mad.
“Yes. Yes!” I could almost hear them whispering, longing to see more.
“Spank her then fuck her.”
“That’s all that a bad girl deserves.”
The voices were decidedly feminine, their words dripping with their own dark desires.
“Would you like that, baby girl?” Daddy asked, brushing his lips across my jaw.
“Uh-huh. I mean, yes, Daddy.” His fingers were driving me into raw ecstasy.
“One day, my sweet. One day.”
I could no longer think or even breathe as he bit down on my neck, his guttural sounds more like a beast waiting to mate. He slipped two then three of his fingers inside my pussy, flexing them open as he pumped in and out, hard and fast. Nothing about this man was gentle. He was simply taking what he wanted. “Oh!”
He slid his open mouth down to my breasts, licking in aimless circles before taking one hardened bud into his mouth. I was on fire, tingling to the point my body was shaking. Closing my eyes, I clung onto him as he licked and sucked, moving to my other breast. Three fingers became four and I rocked my body forward, hungering to have his entire hand deep inside.
“Do you know what I’m going to do to you?” His whisper was stern, harsh, and powerful.
“Fuck me, Daddy?” Oh, please. I would promise to be the best little girl while I was here if he would stick his fat cock inside.
“Hell, yes.” He tossed me onto all fours, kicking my legs apart as he smacked my bottom over and over again, the force pushing me forward.
Whimpering, I dug my nails into the grass, finding the cool earth. I opened my mouth in a silent scream, panting as the spanking continued. The sting turned quickly into another volley of pain, driving into every cell. I could no longer think clearly, and I could almost swear a crowd had formed. Sweet Jesus, I longed to have others observe our sinful act. What in the hell was wrong with me?
Shameful girl. Shameful!
This time, my conscience was entirely off mark. I was finally free, at least in spirit.
The feel of his cockhead pressing against my pussy lips created a cataclysm of sparks bursting from deep within. As he pushed in an inch at a time, spreading me wide with his thick, throbbing cock, I finally let out a ragged moan. “Oh. Oh!” The sound was bedraggled, floating up to the trees, limbs rustling as if in response.
Daddy gripped my hips, plunging the entire length inside, tipping his head back to roar. The act was nothing less than carnal, his hard thrusts coming one after the other. Skin slapped against skin, pushing the breath out of me.
“Oh. Oh... Oh!” The noises continued, slipping up from my very core, showering me with electricity. He refused to stop, his cockhead slicing across my G-spot. I clenched my pussy muscles with every hard plunge and the sensations were off the charts.
“God, you feel... Shit...”
“Daddy! I’m going to come. Please let me.” I fought to keep from climaxing, arching my back and meeting every brutal thrust with one of my own.
“Hold it, baby. Wait...”
“Please!” I was going to lose my mind. There was no way I could hold back. None. “Please. Please!”
Another three then four agonizing seconds ticked by.
“Come, baby girl. Come for me!”
His command brought an instant reaction, my chest heaving and the orgasm racing up from my toes. “Oh. Yes!” The intensity was incredible, and I would have collapsed had he not held me up, smacking my bottom as the climax turned into a crashing wave. “God, oh, God. Oh...”
Just when I thought for certain he was going to explode, filling me with his seed, he pulled all the way out.
“No. No, Daddy. Come inside. I want your cum filling me.”
“Oh, trust me.” His snicker was almost demonic as he planted one foot on the earth, shifting up. “I will fill you.”
He tapped my bottom with his cock before sliding the tip between my ass cheeks. There was no hesitation, no easy slide. He thrust all the way inside, almost splitting me in two. “Tight. So damn tight. Just the way I like it.”
Dropping my head, I fell into a sublime zone, pain quickly shifting into utter bliss.
As he rode me, driving like a crazed bronco, I knew I’d fallen deeply and madly in love with him.
And I knew my love was nothing more than a target on his back.
* * *
Mark Tomlin.
The name and everything that Jack had told me kept me from falling asleep, nagging at my memory banks. I glanced at the clock for the third time before easing out of bed. Jack was sound asleep, lightly snoring as he’d been for over two hours. I stole a quick look at my phone, holding my breath until I confirmed that Jonathan hadn’t left another message. The red flags were flying high and I had to find out the truth before it drove me absolutely insane.
Grabbing a robe, I studied Jack in his sleep before heading for the door. I’d been shown the rest of the house, including a closed door to his father’s office. At least that was on the first floor, along with the room we were staying in. I only prayed that the door was unlocked. If Jack caught me, there would be no way out of explaining every sordid detail.
My luck had improved, much to my surprise. The door was unlocked and even cracked open. I closed it softly behind me, allowing my eyes to get used to the darkness. Perhaps I had no right to snoop, but if I was right then there was little recourse. After finding the small desk lamp and turning it on, I quickly began my search. There were several files on John’s desk, including inspection reports and receipts from the ranch. Where the hell was the contract Jack had mentioned?
After frantically searching for another few minutes, I noticed papers positioned on a printer. I darted a quick look at the door before snatching them, turning from one page to another. From what I could tell, it was a standard contract, but everything appeared to be a standard refinancing deal. The paperwork certainly didn’t come from a bank, at least not one I’d ever had experience with, but all the legalese seemed to be in place and the bank certainly seemed legit.
I read page one, page two and there was nothing that seemed out of the ordinary. Until I got to the last two pages. It appeared that John had gotten a premium financing deal with one caveat. If he couldn’t make every payment on time, the house was forfeited to the new owner, including one hefty balloon payment at the end.
“New owner,” I whispered. Not the bank. This was how that conglomeration was able to steal estates and ranches from hard-working folks. Give them a substantial payment up front, knowing there was no way to make the balloon at the end. They were guaranteed the property one way or the other. “Fucking assholes.” They were no doubt sweet-talked into the messy deal.
There was no freaking mention of who the new owner might be. Where would John have this information? Maybe this was just some typical scam artist. The land was certainly more valuable than some of the locations. That was typical.
I could find nothing of other real interest. Just a ridiculous contract that Jack’s father had been lured into signing. I bit my cheek and turned off the light. I was almost hoping that I’d been right. Easing out into the hallway, I waited for a few seconds before heading back to the bedroom. I had a significant need to crawl back into bed and nuzzle next to my own personal cowboy, but this time, my longing had nothing to do with desire.
Damn my stepfather for his lies.
Damn him for h
is strangling hold.
Mostly, damn myself for pretending everything would be all right.
The moment I slid into bed, massive hands wrapped around my wrists, snapping my arms over my head. “Oh!” A weighted body eased over mine, pinning me down and stealing my breath.
One sexy, masculine, and oh-so rugged body.
“My bad girl left without permission,” he growled, blowing a swath of hot air across my jaw and neck, leaving me tingling all over as he pressed his nakedness against me.
“No, sir. I mean, yes, sir.” My mouth was dry. Had he discovered I’d been snooping? Shit. Shit. Shit! “I was just... getting some water.”
Jack brushed his lips across mine as I wiggled underneath him, half anticipating another hard spanking. “Uh-huh. You’re not telling a fib, are you?”
Was this a test?
“Never! Sir. Daddy. My sweet and delicious daddy.” Cooing, I undulated my hips as I opened my legs, the move allowing his thick cock to press against my already wet pussy.
He tilted his head to the side as the stream of moonlight washed over my face. His eyes seemed even more mesmerizing, creating a haunting look sliding across his face. I was so drawn to this man, to his strong desire for protection and his chivalry. “Trying to convince me?”
“Would I do something like that?” I licked around his mouth, taking my time as I dragged the tip across the seam, my hunger exploding all over again.
Jerking my arms, he managed to snag both wrists in one hand. He chuckled darkly as he danced his fingers down my arm and shifted his weight. “I wouldn’t put anything past you. Not one. Single. Thing. You know how to get exactly what you want.”
The words sent a chill skating down my spine. All I wanted was my Marine daddy and a simple life with tangerine-laced skies and a little house with the white picket fence. That’s all I’d ever wanted, but it was only a dream. Reality would soon interfere, annihilating my picture-perfect fantasy. My thoughts drifted to the contract. I was still sick inside with worry, creepy crawlies settling into my system.
Jack gripped my jaw, making certain I looked him directly in the eyes. “But I can keep you on the straight and narrow path, my naughty baby girl.” He crushed his mouth over mine, forcefully pushing my lips open. The kiss was heated, a passionate, insatiable roar. He was reinforcing his power, making certain I knew he’d forever be in charge. His hunger was unbridled. Barbaric.
