Walking Into Her Heart (A First Realm Novel)

by Susan JP Owens

  “Just give him his space and don’t worry about it. As the host, he has a lot to do.”

  Alessa swiped her hat off her head and slapped her thigh with it. “I didn’t realize talking interfered. You know, you’re right, he’s taking care of everyone…including me. I’ll give him room. And then some.”

  Kyle reclined supine with his Stetson over his eyes while she lay prone basking in the sun. Everyone had eaten and rested on the pallets placed in a haphazard circle.

  Kyle lifted his straw hat. “Let’s take a walk along the creek.”

  Jude jumped to his feet and helped Joni to hers. “I’m going to show Joni the view of the valley from the mountain top.

  Shelby hesitated and whispered to Kyle, “That leaves Alessa and Garrett alone. I don’t want any trouble two days before our wedding.”

  Alessa rose. “I’m going for a walk too. See you all later.”

  Garrett grabbed her arm forcing her to sit again. “I accept your olive branch.”

  “Fine.” She carried her gaze from his hand to his eyes. “Let go, Blackwell.”

  “How do you know my last name?”

  “We were introduced. You don’t pay attention.”

  “When I want to. What else do you know about me?”

  “You’re a visionary and your Shoshone Mother named you Lone-Wolf. Your hobbies include your horses, running your ranch, and flying, the latter only because you choose to work, not because you have to. Oh, and I know you don’t like me, but I’ll survive.”

  He released Al and this time she sprung to her feet and marked distance between them. “Thanks for accepting my peace offering, but it doesn’t give you the right to manhandle me.” She briskly strode away.

  Garrett rose. His strides were double in length and faster than Alessa’s. He quickly caught up, grabbed her arm, and twirled her around, bringing her belly against his hips. He guided both of her legs to straddle his. Catching her bottom, he rubbed her womanly folds against his muscular thigh. He raised one hand to her back, gently pressing her breasts to his chest. Garrett lowered to kiss her, and she spun from him. His other hand caught her jaw, bringing her face to meet his.

  Breathy, Al asked, “What in the hell are you doing?”

  Garrett chuckled. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  Kyle grasped Shelby’s elbow. “Come. They need to work this out and from the looks of it, privately.”

  Shelby nodded.

  ****

  On the bank of Live Horse Creek, Shelby relaxed on a quilt beside Kyle. She inhaled, taking in the pleasant scents. The water flowed easily in the middle and burbled against the rocks along the edge while releasing fresh moisture to the air. The spring flowers perky and colorful blanketed the embankment. A cool breeze gently swayed the leaves on the nearby trees and the sunlight danced on the branches of the evergreens.

  Shelby folded her arms around her tummy, snuggling against Kyle. “I love this time of year, but it’s a little chilly in the shade.”

  Kyle encircled her. “I can keep you warm.”

  Her head tilted, looking into the mesmerizing depth of his eyes. “I’d like that.”

  He chuckled. “Come here.” His lips brushed over hers. He lifted then slid her in his lap and enveloped her. “You are cold.” Kyle opened his jacket, covering her as she cuddled against his chest. She curled her legs together while Kyle had crossed his making a warm cocoon of body heat.

  Shelby rested her head in the crux of his shoulder. “You feel so good.” She wiggled her bottom against his groin. “I’m glad we’re going to stay at your house for our honeymoon.”

  Kyle whispered through her hair. “It’s our house.”

  “No.”

  With his palm, he stroked up and down the length of her spine. “Yes, it is. I made some decisions in addition to the pre-nup you signed. I’m giving a gift to you. As soon as we are married, the house and the surrounding land become yours, but I am keeping the mineral rights.”

  She sucked a deep breath.

  “Before you say anything to me, just listen. I want to do things for you and I will. You can be cognizant of it or I can hide what I do for you until you eventually find out. But I don’t want to go behind your back. I want to be able to tell you everything without you berating me for my decisions. Mine, baby. And you’re not going to change my mind.”

  “I don’t want you to conceal anything from me.” She struggled to sit upright and faced him. “It’s not right for you to make arrangements without my input. Can we not do these things together?”

  Kyle touched her forehead with his. “Why are you making a big deal out of this?”

  “It’s your house. You designed it. It’s you. Everything about your home is you. I love your ranch and soon we will be sharing our lives there. I guess everything will slowly become a part of me only because it’s a piece of you. Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you?”

  He notched his chin in the air and lifted his gaze to hers. “You know I’m as stubborn as you are.”

  “You understand I’m not accepting this as the end. I can always gift it back to you.” She curled her arms around his neck and hugged him. “I want to change the subject for a minute.”

  His chest rumbled with his muffled chuckle. “Shel, you’ve chosen well.”

  She released her hold. “Who are the suspects?”

  He tapped his right-index finger against her temple. “You sure do switch gears on the fly.”

  “I want to know who might want to hurt you or worse, kill you.”

  “We still don’t know for sure. It’s all hypothetical and as a sting operation, it was to entice them into admitting their guilt.”

  “I understand. You’re speaking of alleged suspects.”

  Kyle exhaled fully. “I don’t want to scare you, but you should know who my enemies are. The police think it is Bobby Jo and David.”

  “How do they know?”

  “The detectives don’t. The conjecture is based on several factors. I told the lead officer about them wanting money and then, they refused to a voluntary interview. That’s when we planned the idea of a sting. Problem is they are constantly on the move and we’re waiting for them to become complacent. At that point, we will institute an alternate strategy.”

  Shelby relaxed against him again. “I’m scared for you. I still don’t like the idea of you participating in something where you could get hurt or killed.”

  “We’ve been over this. I want them off the streets. What if I’m not the only one they have done this to? What if the next couple has children and they escalate to violence? It’s a small step to brute force and bloodshed. People do strange things whether they are in a bind for money, psychologically deranged, emotionally hurt, or whatever the case may be. It doesn’t matter the reasoning behind Bobby Jo and David’s actions, if I can stop them, I will. You’re not going to change my mind and I’d rather you support me.”

  The only thing left to do was to give him her blessing. She cringed at the idea of him putting his life in danger. Even though she applauded Kyle for taking control and possibly saving other lives, she still feared for his wellbeing. She cupped his face with her hands. “I do support you. Just promise me one thing.” His jaw clenched under her palms. “When this happens you have to tell me everything. The where, who, what and the why’s of the whole situation and my last request, please come back to me safely.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “That’s all I can ask.” Shelby lifted her mouth as he lowered to kiss her. Sweetly, his lips whispered over her face. He drew her closer to him and hugged her. Nudging the hair away from her ear, he nibbled on her ear lobe. His warm breath panned over her neck and sent tingles skittering over her flesh. With each touch, Kyle loved her, with each caress, he gave his heart and she’d give him back double.

  He grazed across her throat with his tongue. “Your skin is smooth and you taste good.” He lifted her hand to his mouth kissing her palm then traveled to her thumb. He opened
his lips encasing her index finger then another. The warm suction of his cheeks accelerated the erotic sensations chasing up her arm, lowering to her clit. As he stroked and licked, his eyes darkened with desire and never left hers.

  The motion increased her appetite to do the same for him, but not with his fingers. She wanted to taste his essence, to revel in her favorite flavor, his aroma. Her nipples hardened. Blood rushed to her already swollen clit. Every part of her body seemed connected to her fingertips. He sucked harder. She fell into his world, surrendering, knowing she would never get tired of being loved by him. A moan escaped. She was in heaven envisioning a future with a man who’d love her forever on this earth and maybe for eternity in the First Realm.

  His tongue rolled over each tip. With each stroke, he delivered a wet and slick massage. Seductive waves pulsed through her from his ministrations and when he nipped her with his teeth, tremors erupted.

  She trembled. “Kyle.”

  His pupils enlarged with passion. His mouth released her fingertips with a pop and greedily took her mouth, drinking as though parched, dueling not for control, but to quench his thirst.

  Kyle mumbled. “Let me spread the blanket.”

  Once the quilt opened and fluttered to the ground, he held out his hand and smiled. She threaded her fingers through his and stepped onto the pallet. He sat and gently tugged, inviting her to join him.

  She placed her feet beside each hip then lowered until her groin met his. A flood of lust zapped her clit. She slid her crotch up and down the erection bulging from his jeans. The rhythmic friction added to her already inundated senses, saturating every nerve ending, she was drowning in pleasure and didn’t want to be saved.

  Her wet panties lubricated her movements. She groaned at the same time Kyle had. Her hands cupped his nape while her mouth found and tasted man, pure unadulterated man. Heady from the powerful position she held, she took command, grabbing the blasted tiny piece of metal of his zipper. Why in God’s name did they make them so small?

  Kyle brushed her hand away. “Baby, if you touch me now, I’ll come before the party gets started.”

  “It’s way past midnight.”

  He chuckled, unbuttoning her jacket, lifting her layered shirts along with the lacy bra and her breasts fell into his waiting hands. Her hardened nipples tightened into turgid peaks. She arched and whimpered as his thumb and finger squeezed then flicked the buds.

  Shelby drew up his T-shirt. He smelled like the fresh outdoors, leather, horses and best of all, completely masculine. Her core clenched as her hands caressed his chest and tweaked his nipples. A low rumble escaped from his chest. His mouth laved her breast, first one then the other. He knew where she was the most sensitive and explored new places. She liked the idea that her cowboy was a trailblazer, adventuring across her body, discovering new spots to turn her on, and new positions to stoke their passion.

  He lightly bit her with his teeth. “Ahh, so good.” Yep, he was one hell of a man and he was all hers. Her fingertips found the top button on his jeans. “Do not stop me.”

  His stomach muscles contracted. “It’s got to be past one by now.”

  With a twist, the stud released. She continued her descent bringing his zipper down. Her fingers nudged inside to hold his velvet-hard shaft, and her thumb drew circles over the crown. Moisture beaded and while she spread his essence over the head, his hips bucked.

  He grasped her palms and placed them on his chest. “Come here.” Both of his hands clasped around her hips, scooting her forward. She rubbed her mound over his engorged shaft, stroking, taking and giving pleasure.

  He released Shelby, his hungry eyes finding hers. “Damn woman, you have me so hard already. Can you stand up?”

  She exhaled. “I’m not sure.” And she really wasn’t. So close to a climax, her tense muscles jerked when she tried to lift herself.

  He helped her rise, removed her shoes, jeans and panties. Again she placed her feet to each side of his thighs, but he held her there.

  “See if this helps.” His hands rubbed her knees stroked up her legs holding her bottom firm. He brushed her clit with his mouth, using his tongue to separate her folds.

  “Ohh.”

  A long-titillating lick from her opening to the enlarged bud stimulated another earthquake of ten on the Richter scale. Kyle suckled on the bundle of nerves, and swift pleasure overtook her. Shelby’s knees wobbled, ready to fall over the edge. He stopped, taking her weight and gently lowered her. Her core widened to accept his beautiful erection. The bulbous head probed through the swollen walls, hitting her sweet spot.

  He filled her completely. His hips rose lifting her until her breasts were level with his face and he eased one into his mouth. Ecstasy and pure pleasure trickled from her nipple to her clit. Another moan escaped her lips. She clamped her inner muscles around his shaft, milking his satin erection.

  Kyle growled and the vibrations sizzled through her. She wanted fast and hard. Taking control, she pumped up and down before he joined the rhythm.

  Two souls were now one. With each penetration, a euphoric spiritual connection consumed her. Her heart soared; this went beyond a physical union, and beyond their physical world. They were a part of a realm.

  Her imminent release drew her back to the here and now. The aroma of their lovemaking intermingled with the spring flowers teased her nostrils. The slap of skin rallied her to the apex. She slipped her hand behind her and lowered, finding his tightened balls and gently squeezed.

  Kyle’s groans gave way to grunts, his release was near too.

  He rubbed his thumb over her swollen clit, circling, adding the right amount of pressure then flicked. Her muscles tightened around him, he gave her another deep plunge and she tipped over the edge.

  Kyle ground her swollen flesh, taking her higher. “Come with me, baby.”

  Now in another place, his fingers threaded hers. He led her into an open meadow, flowers and trees dotting the landscape. “Do you like it?”

  “What? Where are we?”

  “This is part your vision and mine of what we think our eternity would be like in the First Realm.”

  She shook her head. “I was in the throes of passion and an orgasm to die for and we end up here? Creepy, if you ask me.”

  Two seconds later, she was back, Kyle still suckling her breast and his finger and thumb twisted her clit. Tremors shook every muscle just before the erotic release blasted through her entire body. When she calmed, she opened her eyes. Her gaze met his.

  He chuckled. “I like watching you come, but most of all, I love feeling you climax.” He bucked again. “There’s nothing finer.”

  “We’ll talk about what happened, later.” Shelby smiled. “Now for you.” She used her inner muscles to clamp down, enveloping his shaft.

  “Baby.” Holding her, he leaned her back. He slid in, scraping her sweet-spot, her folds added friction. He advanced and held. Bringing her hips forward and back, her clit rubbed the dark hair surrounding his groin. When he released, so did she, never expecting a second so quickly. He shuddered and filled her with his seed. His glazed eyes connected with hers. After his last tremor, he hugged her.

  His throaty whisper misted her ear with dampness. “Are you warm now?”

  “What do you think?” Comfort, security, and best of all his love filled her through every channel of her being, here and obviously, beyond.

  “I freaked out, earlier.”

  He kissed her jawline journeying to her chin then placed another on her forehead. “I know. I would never intentionally scare you. Throes of passion? An orgasm to die for? You sure know how to make a man feel like a god.”

  She groaned.

  Kyle’s hand stroked her spine then drew circles in the small of her back. “I could stay here forever, but we should be getting back.”

  “You’re right.”

  Kyle stopped her from rising, still connected, his erection fading. “I want to remember this.” His hips plunged one more time. �
�Me inside of you… and you glowing.”

  “I know it sounds corny but how could I not have an afterglow? I’m a glutton for…you.”

  He rose, then helped her stand.

  “I’ll be back.”

  Kyle yanked a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and walked to the stream. His tight ass and leg muscles rippled with each step. She gulped, wanting to curb the desire to stroke and taste his handsome flesh one more time. They needed to return before the men sent a search party. She grumbled, “Don’t want to go there again.”

  He soaked the cloth and sauntered back with a shit eating grin. “You first, my lovely lady.”

  Chill bumps rose as he cleansed her. “That’s fricking cold.”

  “Now for me. Jeez. I’d say fucking, but frickin’ would keep me out of trouble.”

  He strolled back to rinse the western tie-dyed kerchief and spread it out on the ground to dry. Kneeling on the blanket, Kyle plucked her jeans from her grasp and held them for her to step into.

  “I can do this myself. It’s kind of you to help but…” She grabbed for the denims.

  He whisked them behind his back and let go. Kyle whispered kisses up her sensitive thighs. His tongue glided over her skin, nipping her with his teeth then soothed the sweet pain with his tongue again.

  His hands nudged her silk panties to the side and opened her folds. He laved over her clit then lowered, darting inside her.

  He withdrew.

  “Don’t stop.”

  “You can’t do that by yourself.”

  She collapsed and Kyle caught her. He settled onto his back and gingerly positioned her apex above his mouth.

  Her pulse increased with each plunge of his fingers, his thumb stroking her clitoris. His pace changed as her fervor increased. Her clit enlarged, she spread her legs wider.

  “Baby, come now.” His warm breath and words danced across her labia. She shattered with an explosive orgasm. This time, Kyle had not taken her to the other realm. He must have figured one freakish event today was all she could stand. To be truthful, maybe he was right.

  Shelby scooted down lying on top of Kyle, while his hands wrapped around her shoulders.