Roughneck

by Stone, Piper

  “The man is dangerous, son. I’ve looked him up, talked to a few people. If she’s his stepdaughter, then she has every reason to be afraid.” My father was far too calm.

  “What I see are more falsehoods. For example, you said your stepfather had no money,” I countered.

  “Yeah, so I did lie about that. But he never earned a red cent himself. Not really. It’s blood money from my mother that started everything. That’s one reason she hated him and why I loathe everything he’s done. You have to be careful, Jack. I think he really does know I’m here. Someone from the rig must have told him. He has eyes and ears everywhere.”

  I gave her an incredulous look. The story was just getting better and better. “Whatever, Summer. I’ll be fine. You forget, I’m a trained marksman and certainly have a stash of weapons if I need them. I suggest you worry about yourself.”

  “How did you find this out about Summer?” Pops asked.

  Shrugging, I reflected on everything that Riley had told me. “A friend of mine. He was able to put two and two together about who she really is. If you were really trying to hide from your stepfather, I think using your mother’s maiden name wasn’t the best idea. Once he connected the names, he found out every sordid detail about your past.” When she didn’t say anything, I stormed toward the truck.

  “Where are you going, son?”

  I was sickened, shocked and the anger would never leave. One thing I knew: I had to rectify this immediately. My hands were shaking as I yanked out my checkbook. When I walked back toward them, I shoved a check in her direction. “Consider this your last paycheck, Ms. Carter. Nothing we shared was real and I don’t want to see you again. I’ll have your things sent to you.”

  Summer didn’t bother looking at the check, only walking closer until she was inches away. “I didn’t lie to you about anything important, Jack. I had to get away from him. He’s an evil man, but I should have handled everything differently. When I met you, I just... You gave me a taste of something amazing including freedom and safety. I felt so safe in your arms. So, I kept a few things from you. I wanted to live my life without a dark shadow hanging over my head. And yeah, running wasn’t the best decision, but I felt I had no choice. I wasn’t ready to fight for everything I wanted or that I knew was right.” She held her head high, a sneer crossing her face. “I guess that’s something you couldn’t understand. Running, I mean.”

  The words were a sharp stab, a knowing settling into my system. When Pops acted like he was going to interfere, I held up my hand. “I understand more than you know. I made my choices and they were difficult for my father, a man I respect and love very much. But I would never have used my poor decisions to hurt you. Ever.”

  “And all I want to do is love you,” she whispered. “Obey you. What I found with you was magical, allowing me to feel something I thought could never happen. You are everything to me because you didn’t care about the money or the family name. You cared about me! The girl inside.” She pressed her clenched fist against her chest, taking several ragged breaths. “I shouldn’t have lied to you. I shouldn’t have pretended to be something I wasn’t, but for a few precious days, I was just a regular girl.”

  Her statement rang in my ears, images of our time spent together flashing in my mind. I cared about her deeply, but I couldn’t handle being used again. I was thrown, but not enough to buy into the crap again.

  The tension was wretched, driving the knife straight into my heart.

  “I don’t like this at all, but not my life. I’ll drive you to the airport when you’re ready, Summer,” Pops said quietly.

  “No need, Mr. Stone, but thank you. I’m certain I can get a cab. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you everything. I do think there’s something I can do about the ranches and saving them, but you’ll have to give me some time. That will also mean taking a leap of faith.”

  “Time is something we don’t have, Summer. The end of the month is next week.” Hearing the resignation in my father’s voice refueled my anger. “As far as that leap of faith, not me you have to convince,” he muttered.

  “Just go, Summer. Please. You’re not wanted here,” I managed to say. Sagging, I brought my fist to my mouth.

  After grabbing the check, Summer shoved her hands into her pockets and headed for the gate. She stopped short, barely glancing over her shoulder. “I want you to know that everything we shared was real and it was wonderful. I’ll never forget.”

  Everything seemed to be in slow motion as she walked away, and I knew out of my life forever.

  Just like I’d demanded.

  Just like I knew I’d regret.

  “You can’t let her get away, son. She’s telling you the truth.”

  Exhaling, I waited until she was inside the house before nuzzling Duchess. “And you know what, Dad? I no longer care.”

  * * *

  A full two days had passed, ones in which I’d found it difficult to get out of bed.

  “We need to talk, son.”

  I sat staring at the cold coffee, swirling the cup back and forth from hand to hand. I hadn’t slept a wink, sickened to my stomach since I’d pushed Summer away. All I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her, becoming the protective papa bear again. “Yeah, what about, Dad? How shitty our life is?”

  “You mean how shitty you made your life?”

  I let out a deep and very strangled breath, resisting lashing out. Here my father was, about to lose everything and I was just a bitter man. “Fine. I’ll accept that my decision was impetuous but necessary.”

  “Impetuous? Don’t you mean ridiculous? Foolish?”

  I darted a single look in his direction.

  “My God. You’re just going to push her out of your life without fighting?” Dad asked after pouring a second cup of coffee. “I had a long talk with her. She’s very sincere.”

  I could no longer handle the bitter taste, pushing the cup away. “That’s my current plan and she certainly wasn’t sincere about her stepfather. She lied to me, to us. I can’t get over that fact, Pops, no matter how much I care about her.”

  “Jesus. What did she lie about? You really haven’t explained anything about the horrible things she supposedly did. So, her stepfather is a ruthless businessman. That doesn’t mean that Summer had anything to do with this fiasco.”

  “Don’t you think it’s coincidental that she just happens to be the stepdaughter of the very same asshole attempting to steal your ranch away from you?”

  “Son, I could see real fear in her eyes when she attempted to explain, which need I remind you that you refused to allow her to do. She had a lot to deal with in her life. She... She was somewhat forthcoming when we chatted. I think she’s genuinely scared of this Holmes person.”

  I shoved back from the table, huffing as I rose to my feet and taking long strides to the window. “She had ample opportunity to tell me who she was and the truth about why she was on my rig.”

  “Did you ever stop to think that she’s terrified of him and what he could do to anyone near her?”

  “I would have protected her.”

  “Against a near army of powerful people willing to do whatever Jonathan Holmes tells them to do? The man acts like he’s the Don of the corporate world. There have been accusations regarding his tenure as CEO since the beginning. All you have to do is type in his name in Google and you can see what I’m talking about. Damn bastard has never been arrested. He always manages to weasel out of jail time. Did you ever contemplate that she’s as much a victim here as you are?”

  “You mean we, Pops, don’t you?” I glared out the window, studying the exterior. I guess I never thought the place would be sold. Given everything I’d read, I had no doubt that Jonathan was a very dangerous man. I just wasn’t certain where Summer stood. A knot formed in the pit of my stomach.

  “From where I stand, you’re the one playing the traumatized victim.”

  “But you’re going to lose your ranch.” I was surprise
d my father had no reaction. Tipping my head, I could see a wry smile on his face. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Well, your father ain’t a stupid cowboy.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning a huge portion of the land isn’t legally or financially attached to the house and surrounding grounds.”

  This was the first I’d heard of anything of this nature. “I don’t understand.”

  “Your mother and I purchased the parcels separately as we could afford them, and they remained deeded that way. While everyone assumed that all one thousand acres was attached to the ranch, something I never corrected, they weren’t. If good ole Bob at the bank had actually done his homework, he would have figured that out. From everything you told me and from what I read, I’m going to guess the man was threatened. He was never my private banker though, just took over after Joe retired. I used him because you seemed to like the guy, but Bob didn’t ask any questions. He assumed. Sure, I was stupid enough to sign the contract, hoping to get everything fixed up and attract additional business, but I’m not exactly going to lose everything.”

  “You’re serious about this?” I walked closer, my heart racing.

  “Your mama insisted that you have a legacy. She knew one day you’d want to find another life, foregoing the ranch, but the land is what’s valuable. She wanted you to build your dream home here, you know, complete with a family? I guess the land is more valuable than I anticipated.” Laughing, Pops winked.

  “You old coot, you.”

  He eased his cup onto the table. “I think we should talk to an attorney and find out what our options are. I also think we need to find out just how much oil might be hiding under this prized land. Don’t you?”

  “I agree.”

  “And you know who that attorney should be.”

  Frowning, I shook my head. “Not up for discussion or debate.”

  “I also think you need to get that pretty girl of yours back.”

  “That’s also not up for discussion.” I heard the bitterness in my tone.

  “Then you’re a bigger fool than I thought. That girl loves you and if your raging anger is any indication, you happen to be in love with her as well.”

  “Let it alone, Dad. Just let it alone. I’ve made up my mind.”

  He sighed. “What if she’s in real danger? Do your homework, son. Summer is telling you the truth. Time to get your head out of your ass.”

  “It’s more complicated.”

  “That’s bullshit and you know it. You’re just as stubborn as I am. Well, I’ve learned plenty and from people who’ve been chasing this asshole for years.” He walked toward the counter, grabbing a thick file folder. “While you were lollygagging in misery, I was doing some checking. I have a few friends in law enforcement, a couple more in the FBI.” He tossed the file onto the table. “Everything in there corroborates what limited information she did tell us. I just hope you’re smart enough to get your thumb out of your ass.”

  “Fine. Fine!” My father certainly had his own share of connections, but almost as soon as I opened the flap, I began to shake. “Wait a minute. You’re shitting me?”

  “Keep reading. Only gets worse.”

  The information was damning, but I wasn’t entirely certain to whom. Jonathan wasn’t simply ruthless, he ranked in the notorious category, including ties to certain crime syndicates, especially in Miami, Florida, the state where Summer told me she was from—where her mother met the asshole. “And his legitimate businesses? Are there any?”

  “A few to hide his criminal activities. From what I’ve heard, they’ve been under scrutiny by the FBI, but I certainly don’t know any details. There are too many people working with or for Jonathan, you know, protecting him.”

  I had the distinct feeling he knew more than he was telling. Then again, maybe I didn’t want to learn the details. A cold chill raced down my spine. Maybe the trap I’d fallen into had more to do with my own stupidity. “Ah, shit. Summer could be in real danger. She had every reason to be afraid. And I blew her off. Jesus. Fucking. Christ.”

  “That’s what I was trying to tell you. I wish you’d been able to stop her. You should have called her. Son, you just don’t understand who we’re dealing with. She was his possession. It’s all very weird if you ask me. Whatever hold he has on her must have to do with money. Seems that’s the only thing the man cares about.”

  I slapped the file closed, leaning over the table, every nerve in my body standing on end. “I already tried to contact her. I called her last night. Went straight to voicemail. I called my buddy on the rig as well. She hasn’t tried to get her things. I’m worried about her, Dad. That’s why I can’t sleep.”

  “And you should be. Jonathan Holmes is obviously extremely dangerous.” Huffing, he walked around the table. “There’s something else you should know.”

  “What? What aren’t you telling me?”

  “When you didn’t budge on talking about Summer, I called in a favor and asked my buddy in the FBI make a sweep. She never got off the plane in Dallas. It’s like she disappeared. Her phone isn’t pinging anywhere.”

  I closed my eyes, envisioning all those reconnaissance missions in the military. “Fuck! This can’t be happening. I can’t lose her, Dad. I’ve been a fool. All she tried to do was protect me. Goddamn it!”

  “I think you need to call the FBI.”

  I stood to my full height, yanking a picture of Jonathan from the file. “Not yet. They’ll take too long. I have a much better idea. I need to make a few phone calls.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Forced Recon.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Summer

  “There’s my special baby girl.” His husky voice cascaded over me as he brushed his fingers down my arms. Every inch of my naked skin was tingling, my pussy clenching.

  “I’m here, Daddy.” I pulled my pigtails, nervous as a kitty cat. I’d spent time standing in the corner, reflecting on my horrific behavior, completely naked as Daddy required.

  “And you’ve been such a bad little girl. You’re truly disappointed me.” He gave me a stern look and instantly I dropped my head, my lower lip quivering. I tried so very hard to obey him and to follow his rules, but I couldn’t stop from getting into trouble every day.

  “Yes, Daddy. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

  Daddy lifted my chin with a single finger, amusement dancing in his eyes. “That’s what Daddy is here for, to guide and protect you. Always.”

  Tears slid past my lashes as my heart raced. “Are you going to punish me?”

  “You know Daddy doesn’t like to spank you, but it’s for your own good.” His smile was comforting, so nurturing.

  “Yes, Daddy.”

  He guided me over his lap, rubbing his strong hand down my spine. “Now, stay in position for Daddy. Be that good girl I know you can be.”

  I didn’t snivel, nor did I whimper as he caressed my bottom. I knew he loved me and would take care of me no matter what.

  “Tonight, you’re going to receive fifty. Then you’re going to please Daddy and go to bed early. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Daddy.”

  I took several deep breaths as his hand smacked down hard, much harder than normal. Everything seemed to be in slow motion and I was unable to stop wiggling, the feel of his throbbing cock pressing against my tummy warm and inviting. My daddy always knew how to take care of me.

  “I know you’ve tried to be very obedient, but we have a long way to go,” he said, keeping his voice soft and even.

  I moaned as he peppered my ass with one slap after another, his hand moving in a perfect rhythm. The stinging sensations moved quickly into raw pain and I couldn’t stop my body from reacting involuntarily, my legs kicking out and my arm flailing to protect my backside. “Ouchie, Daddy. That hurts!”

  He gripped my wrist, pulling my arm against the small of my back as he swung his muscular leg over mine, keeping me in place. “N
one of that or I’m going to start again.”

  I sniveled, tears falling to the hardwood floor as the spanking continued. My ass was on fire, the anguish mixing with raging feelings of desire. I undulated my hips, humping his legs until my pussy was so wet, no doubt trickling onto his pants. I was so embarrassed, but unable to stop my sinful actions. I wanted him. I craved pleasing him and touching him and sucking him and fucking him and...

  “This will help my baby girl become even more spectacular.”

  I thought the spanking would never stop. I moaned and wiggled, my bottom so sore. I knew I’d have trouble sitting down for at least a full day, but I deserved the harsh punishment. I did. The last ten were the worst, hard and fast and moving from one ass cheek to another, leaving me bouncing up and down as the tears continued to fall.

  “That’s my girl. You did so well and I’m proud of you.” Daddy gathered me into his arms, cradling me against his chest. I’d never felt so safe in my life.

  Protected.

  Cherished.

  Loved.

  And I adored him more than anything in the world.

  He wiped my tears with his big, strong hands and kissed the top of my head. “Now, you’re going to please Daddy.”

  Snapping my head to look at him, I nodded over and over again, licking my lips as my nipples hardened to fully erect peaks. They were so sensitive and all I wanted was his mouth sucking and his fingers plucking.

  “Unzip me, baby girl and free my cock.”

  I obeyed without question, my hunger taking over. I was lightheaded yet on fire, my mouth watering at the thought of sucking his thick shaft until his cum flowed down the back of my throat. Delicious like the sweetest candy ever created. “Can I lick you, Daddy?”

  “Daddy has something else in mind,” he growled, his eyes glazing over with extreme lust. “Ride me, my sweet kitten. Ride Daddy until he comes inside your hot little pussy.”

  Straddling him, I wrapped my hand around his cock, rolling my fingers up and down, just the way he liked. “Is that good, Daddy? Do you enjoy the way I touch you?”