by Reece Butler
Walking in on the arm of the best-looking stud in the room, head high, wiped out a lot of past pain. Theo was just a punk whose opinion no longer mattered. She nodded, accepting the apology. Jet released him with a push and turned away. Mocking laughter, aimed at Theo, erupted. He snarled and reached behind his belt. She gasped a warning.
“He’s got a knife!” yelled somebody.
Jet moved in a blur. The next thing she knew Theo was on his stomach, his head near her toes, his twisted arm in Jet’s hand. A boot on his cheek squashed his face to the filthy floor. Jet looked at Theo’s shocked buddies.
“That was not smart. You boys going to get him out of here, or do I take you all down?” asked Jet pleasantly. When there was no reply he gave another twist. It ground Theo’s face into the spit, peanuts, and worse things from the bottom of ranch boots. The buddies nodded. Jet hauled Theo up and shoved him toward his friends and the door.
“Where’s my knife?” demanded Theo, proving his lack of intelligence.
Jet pointed up. A long blade was stuck in the ceiling. Now that he was ten feet from Jet, Theo puffed up.
“That’s my grandpappy’s knife, and I want it back.”
Jet took his measure for a moment.
“Was your grandpappy an idiot, a fool, or a moron?” asked Jet.
“Hell no!”
“You’re all three. You don’t deserve his knife.”
“Get him out of here,” called the bartender.
Theo’s buddies hauled him toward the door. A few gave vengeful backward glances. Jet stamped his foot toward them. They shoved each other as they rushed out the door, followed by more laughter.
“You all right?” asked Jet gently.
She smiled her reply. “How did the knife get stuck up there?” she asked, pointing.
Jet reached up a long arm and grabbed the handle. It was stuck so hard he had to use a seesaw motion to yank it from the wood.
“Physics. Velocity plus momentum.”
She rolled her eyes at his refusal to explain. She would ask him to show her the move before he left town. It wasn’t one Tom or her dad had shown her. Jet held out the knife. It was certainly old. He flipped it, catching it by the blade’s tip. With his free hand at her back, he guided Lila over to the bartender and offered the knife handle to him.
“He says it’s a family heirloom. I’ll let you decide what to do with it.”
The bartender took it, nodding. “What’ll it be?”
Jet flicked his eyes over her. “Smile,” he ordered. “We’re having fun.”
His dark eyes danced, daring her. She laughed and suddenly it was fun. She threw her shoulders back and tilted her head up to him. She heard a gasp.
“Beer for me and Jack for my woman.” Jet’s deep voice boomed toward the bartender.
“Holy hell, that is Lila Frost! Who’s she with?”
“I don’t know, but I want him.”
The female voices came from her left. She pushed her loose hair behind her ear and leaned over the bar. Her nipples brushed against the wood. She smiled at the two tarts. They wore more makeup than she’d ever owned. They were short and cute. Exactly what she was not and had always wished to be.
Not anymore. She caught their eyes.
“You can want all you like, honey,” she said loudly, “but you’re not enough woman for my man.”
That brought a few laughs, this time in her favor.
“Oh yeah?” replied the taller one. “I bet the two of us could take him on.”
Jet turned Lila’s body so her back was to the bar, facing him. His eyes dared her to complain. He pulled her hard against him with a hand on each butt cheek. She grabbed his belt loops above his ass to bring them even closer.
It wasn’t a tender kiss. It was rough, demanding, and possessive. She met his need, her tongue fighting with his. She lifted her hands to his hair, gripping it and demanding more. He growled, slid his hands under her butt, and lifted, making their faces level.
Finally, he pulled his head back, just enough to breathe. Every nerve in her body was alive, raging for more. Their harsh rasps filled the silent bar. Jet slowly let gravity drag her to the floor. Her breasts rubbed against him all the way. He held her tight and looked at the two women, challenge in his eyes and posture. They grabbed their handbags and scuttled out the door. Jet kept one arm snug around her as he turned to the bar for their drinks.
“Go, Lila!”
She recognized Riley Adams’s voice. She turned to her cousin. His new wife, Jane, gave her the thumbs-up, grinning. The last of Lila’s fear sloughed off like a rattler’s old skin. She laughed, deep and loud. Jet handed her a shot glass and toasted her with his beer. She tossed it back, then slammed it, empty, on the bar. The bartender refilled it immediately. She grinned her thanks and sent it after the first shot. As soon as the empty glass hit the bar a second time, Jet’s hand covered it.
“No.”
She tugged on the glass, an adrenaline high making her brave. He easily kept it still.
“I want more!”
“You can have more in the truck.”
“There’s no Jack in the truck!”
“Not booze,” he said in a deep growl.
His fist grabbed hair at the back of her neck and tugged, forcing her chin up. Her pussy creamed at the sharp pain and forceful look on his face.
“Me.”
Chapter 23
Houston drifted, half-asleep, while he waited for Jet and Lila to return. He’d done a lot of thinking that evening. No one in Lila’s family had shown revulsion because of his patchwork face. Or if they had, he hadn’t noticed. The two little kids, James and Emily, were more curious than anything. A few said they were glad he’d made it back alive, as so many had not, including Danny MacDougal.
He was a total stranger, yet they’d welcomed him with open arms and honest hearts.
When he first arrived at the Circle C he’d thought he’d want to hide for weeks until the worst of his wounds faded. Then Lila’s extended family had calmly accepted him, scars and all. That first hug from Aunt Marci, a fierce little terrier of a woman, had shocked the hell out of him. Lance was obviously her Dom, and she enjoyed getting a rise out of him, but she’d hugged him as if he was her own nephew. The other women had done the same when they arrived, warmly welcoming him with honest affection just because Lila approved of him.
The recently married and obviously pregnant cousin, Jane Adams, had whispered for him to give a good show to make her husbands jealous. He’d held back, merely patting her ass where Riley and Travis could see. They’d growled at him, then hauled Jane off for some heavy-duty kissing in the far corner of the porch.
He wasn’t as easily welcomed by Lila’s great-uncles, especially when the women weren’t around. What really threw him was that the oldsters asked him about his experience, and how his skills and abilities could fit in. Somehow they’d got out of him that he’d completed a degree in mechanical engineering before joining the army as a mechanic. He told them he was only staying while the senior Frosts were away. That got Lila’s grandfathers slapping their thighs and laying bets. He’d left them arguing and went to the kitchen, where he was surrounded by women eager to feed him.
More than a few had quietly come up to him, thanking him for helping Lila, as well as what he went through in the army. They weren’t just spouting words, either. It really hit hard. He’d been raised by a cold-hearted, narcissistic bitch and a mostly absent father. His so-called childhood friends didn’t care about him. If he didn’t have something they wanted, he didn’t exist. That was confirmed when he donated his whole trust fund to help kids in danger of suicide.
Lila’s relatives didn’t give a damn how much money he had, or whether he could pull strings for them. They cared about him helping Lila, but they’d also shown real concern for his sorry ass. That caring hauled from the depths of his soul the longing for connection he’d lost when his sister died.
It had taken him years to shove th
at need for love so deep he could pretend it didn’t exist. Lila and her family had hauled it to the surface. His heart felt more raw than his face.
He had to face the truth, that he wanted to live here for the rest of his life. He wanted to have children and raise them in this wonderful extended family. He wanted those kids to get hugs and swats, to have uncles show them how to rodeo, and aunts show them how to lasso and fill their bellies, and cousins to get in and out of trouble with.
It shocked him all to hell and beyond, but he wanted to be Lila’s husband and father to her children. Just one day with people who loved honestly and openly, and his entire view of himself, his life, and his future was toast.
He wanted Lila in his life forever. Yet unless she showed that she wanted him to stay, he couldn’t let her know how much it would hurt him to leave. He slammed his hands on the bed.
“Fuck, shit, and dammit!”
No one could know that he’d fallen for her, not even Jet. If Lila didn’t want them and they had to leave Climax, he’d walk away with a smile and a wave, dying inside. He’d spend the rest of his life grieving two women instead of one. Sonia would have company in the cold depths of his aching soul. He curled around Lila’s pillow, her scent a lifeline to peace.
The sound of a truck’s engine roused him some time later. He washed his face with cold water, then checked the mirror. He wanted no evidence of tears or his need for a woman who might never be his. He took a deep breath, let it go, and moved forward.
Lila was asleep in the front seat. They left her there by silent agreement while they emptied the bags from back seat. The fence poles could wait until morning. Jet had left the truck running and CD playing, so it covered up the sounds of them moving around. Houston waited until he set the last load on the kitchen table before demanding an accounting.
“Success?” he asked, referring to goading Tank about Lila.
Houston hadn’t seen Jet look that happy in a long time, if ever. It wasn’t obvious, but he held himself with a more relaxed confidence.
“I claimed her in front of what looked like half the town.”
“Claimed her? Shee-it! Wish I’d been there to see it.”
“First some drunk threw a few nasty insults. He pulled a knife, so I handled it. Lila made two nasty babes back off from her man, and then I kissed her. I’m surprised the bar didn’t go up in flames.” Jet nodded in satisfaction. “I expect word has spread far and wide by now.”
Houston wanted to do the same thing, but it wouldn’t have the same effect. Jet was the handsome one with all the confidence now.
“Why’s Lila passed out in the truck? I had hopes for tonight.”
Jet gave a sound of disgust. “She two-fisted some Jack Daniels and she’s not used to drinking. She had a good dinner, so it should be wearing off.”
“Then it’s time to wake the lady.”
Houston followed Jet to the truck. Lila had changed position, thought her head remained back, eyes closed. Still sleeping? He walked up quietly and looked in. She had her T-shirt up, one hand on her left breast, rolling and pinching her nipple. Her jeans were around her hips with her other hand between her legs.
Son of a gun, he wanted this woman, now and forever!
He hauled open the passenger door. She gasped. Her nipples, already erect, went hard. He sniffed, and then took her hand.
“Your fingers are wet.” He lifted them to his nose. He caught her scent before she yanked her hand back, glowering.
“I did not give you permission to touch yourself,” said Jet bluntly. “Since we have not discussed rules, I won’t punish you for this. If it happens again, there will be repercussions. Severe ones.”
She stuck her lips out in a pout. “What makes you think I’ll listen to you?”
Oh, oh, she’s poking the tiger. Houston backed away, eager to see the result. Jet stepped closer, crowding her.
“Take your T-shirt off.”
“Are you crazy?”
“That’s an order.”
“But, we’re home! I could just walk in and—”
“Strip!”
“What? You said just my T-shirt!”
“When you ignore an order, I increase it. Strip.”
“Everything?” she squeaked.
Jet grabbed her foot and tugged. Her boot came off. He handed it to Houston, followed by the second.
“You have ten seconds to get everything else off,” said Jet. “Any longer, and you’ll be punished.”
“What?”
“Nine.”
“Ack!”
She scrambled to unbuckle the seatbelt. It jammed. She got it off, then hauled her jeans down, lifting her body from the seat to get them over her hips and bottom. She took her thong along with her jeans, kicking them to the floor. She crossed her arms and whipped her T-shirt over her head. It landed on the back seat. Her bra followed it.
“Time!”
She hauled air, breathing hard. Houston looked in. Naked breasts, belly, and bush. But her legs…He chuckled, pointing. Jet nodded.
“It’s Houston’s turn to spank your ass and do whatever he wants with you.”
“But I did it in time!” she wailed.
Jet pointed. One sock was hanging from her toes. She shook it off.
“Oh, come on!” she said in disbelief. “You’re not going to hold that against me? Two inches of a sock?”
“I gave you orders,” replied Jet coldly. “You didn’t comply. There will be punishment.”
“Oh, for God’s sake!” She shifted to turn away from him, then yelped. “Dammit, there’s something sharp on the seat!”
She lifted her ass up, pushing her pussy high. Jet took the opportunity to put his arms under and grab her.
“Duck your head.” He got her out of the truck, then stopped. “Houston can start with you while I check on Sable. I know that black mare is important to you.”
Houston followed as Jet carried Lila to the kitchen, still bare-assed naked, and set her down. He loved the way her ass and boobs bounced when she moved. She went up the stairs slowly, legs wide apart, hips swaying, leaning forward to show him her pussy. He snickered, then spanked her butt to encourage her up the stairs. She squealed and sped up.
He followed her into her bedroom. She lay on her back and played with her pussy and nipples, as she had in the truck. He took his time undressing, enjoying watching her pleasure herself. He would treasure each moment they shared.
“You ready to ride?”
“Been ready for a while,” she replied pertly.
He took the lube from her dresser along with a strip of condoms. He set them down on her bedside table, enjoying her wide eyes. She didn’t ask what he was going to do with them. Good thing, as it would depend on how things worked out. Or in, as the case may be.
He covered himself, then lay on his back. She knelt over him, far more confident now, and sank her hot, wet pussy over his cock. He hissed at the pleasure. He wasn’t as desperate this time, but he wasn’t far off.
Lila began to move, and his mind went blank.
* * * *
Rascal trotted at Jet’s side while he checked Sable. The mare was fine, calmly accepting his soothing sounds. He shucked his boots at the back door and padded up the stairs in his socks. Rascal wasn’t impressed when Jet blocked him from Lila’s room.
“Go lie on my bed. The last thing I want is a cold nose on my butt.”
Rascal gave him a wounded puppy dog look that could have won him an Oscar. Head down, he nosed open Jet’s door and leaped onto the bed, taking up what looked like three-quarters of the king-size bed.
“You are such a dog,” he said, shaking his head.
Rascal yawned, showing a mouthful of teeth, and put his head on Jet’s pillow. Lila’s door was open, so Jet peeked in to check the situation.
“God, you feel good!”
Jet grinned at Houston’s hoarse comment. He whipped off his shirt, tossed it on the end of his bed, missing the dog, and followed it with
the rest of his clothes. He picked up his toy bag and crossed the hall. He shut Lila’s bedroom door in case Rascal decided to wander. Neither Houston or Lila noticed him come in, as both were too busy enjoying themselves.
Houston had one hand on Lila’s right breast. The fingers of his other hand disappeared into her curls. Jet’s finger had gone into her ass so easily last time, he wanted to see how far she’d stretch. She rode Houston’s cock slow and easy. He nodded in satisfaction. Lila had faced a few demons tonight and put them to rest. Her nap hadn’t diminished her arousal, as shown by her playing with herself in the truck.
Jet squeezed some lube on his middle finger, climbed on the bed, and aimed for her tight brown hole. She gasped, but his finger slid right in. He added more lube and another finger. It went in almost as easily. He grinned to himself. Not-so-innocent Lila Frost must have a butt plug hidden somewhere. She might even be ready for him tonight. His cock throbbed in agreement.
He added another finger. He’d have her wearing nothing but a dress, boots, and a butt plug. He might add some nipple clamps, maybe connected with a fine chain. She had breasts that deserved to be decorated. He kept stretching her, letting her ride his fingers as she rose and fell, slow and sure, over Houston’s cock.
“You ready for both of us?” he asked quietly.
She hesitated, slowing her ride. He took the opportunity to gently kiss her cheek. She bit her lip, then nodded.
“Yes, or no? I need to know you’re clear on this.”
“Yes, please, I want you both.”
She must have squeezed, as Houston groaned. Jet covered himself with a condom, adding more lube to the tip. Houston tugged on Lila’s nipples. She took the hint and rose onto her knees, bending forward. That gorgeous, smooth ass and swollen pink pussy lips beckoned. He placed the head of his cock in the center of her tight ring. He leaned forward, running his hands over her breasts, down her ribs to her waist.
