by Stella Bryce
Frustrated, Ian woke up.
Chapter 10
Ian rolled over in bed, soaked in sweat, and stared at the ceiling. He’d have to go see her eventually. He couldn’t stop thinking about the girl, and now she was invading his dreams on a nightly basis. He was afraid she didn’t want to see him. He waited too long and missed his chance. She haunted him continually. Would she welcome him on sight, or recoil thinking he was better left in her past?
There was only one way to find out. Ian hobbled with a crutch to the bathroom. He took his prosthetic off for sleep. It was weird how it was becoming second nature to only have one full leg. And as a bear, he adjusted even faster. He was a little wobbly at first, but pretty soon he found his balance and nature took care of the rest.
Ian settled back into bed after using the bathroom and stared at the ceiling in the dark. He’d put it off long enough. He’d go today. It was now or never. Tossing and turning, he finally gave up on sleep and crawled out of bed. He’d get a run in before a shower, and then head over to her farm. He wasn’t due back at the dispatch center for another day. The last dream pushed him. He needed her more than ever.
Getting up, he shifted into his bear. Running free through the wooded path, Ian let out a booming roar that vibrated up from his belly. Running harder, faster, finding his stride, he lifted his elongated snout to take in the fresh morning air. The smell of the forest and the morning dew complimented the crunching of sticks and the early morning birds chirping and singing. The crickets took over at night, serenading those who slept. But by morning, birds started singing to greet the day. Ian loved being in his shifted form. He felt free and strong, ready to take on life and tackle whatever the world threw at him. A roar tore through him, pushing out the last of his stress.
A shower, he needed a shower. And clothes, and…he needed to see Dallas, to finally see her again, if only for a minute. He’d driven by her farm so many times and never stopped. He pictured the same thing over and over, but they were dreams, not reality. Today, reality would be different. He couldn’t control it. He couldn’t make things fall into place. He couldn’t promise she’d be happy to see him.
It was suddenly hotter than he remembered. A cold shower would do him good. This was silly. How could he be hung up on a girl he barely knew? There was more unspoken than there was aloud. He wasn’t known for walking away from challenges, and yet this…this was somehow different. His heart had hardened over the years, more to protect him than anything, but somehow this woman got to him. It seemed wrong. This was the same woman responsible for the trap that took his leg. And yet he didn’t resent her. He couldn’t if he tried. He only wanted to know how she was doing, how she was feeling, what she had done every moment of time he’d been away from her, and how she was getting on at the farm. Had she solved her problem? Had she learned a lesson? Did she miss him too?
Ian shook off the questions and went into the bathroom. Turning on the shower faucet, the water sprayed to life. When the water hit him, it washed away his worries, at least for the time being. While a cold shower seemed like a good idea, the hot water caressing him felt too good to change. Closing his eyes, Ian let the water run down his back.
Any other time, he would have let his hand find the python between his legs and stroked one off, but today, not now, he didn’t have time. He needed to see her. His shower was already taking longer than he had. Rushing out of the shower, he dried off and readied. Finally on the way to his car, he stopped to breathe and take it all in. Today was the day.
Ian gripped the steering wheel tightly, his fingers white knuckled around it. Why was he nervous? He usually had nerves of steel, and yet everything inside of him was on edge. The fear of rejection grew in his throat, filling in the extra gaps he used to breathe air. Choking on nothingness, he pushed his anxiety back by a thread and forged ahead.
Driving out of Mountain View Crest and into the neighboring town, he headed toward the farm where he knew he’d find Dallas. It didn’t take long. As he got closer, he slowed his car. This was it. There was no turning back. His turn signal blinked. After a final deep breath, he turned onto the driveway and made his way down the pebbled and dirt trail that led to the farmhouse.
It was just like his dream. The sound of the stones crunching under his tires, the plume of dust coming up behind his car, and then there she was popping her head out of the barn to see who was stopping by. Dallas squinted, not recognizing the car. She brought her hand up to her face, blocking the sun for a better look.
Ian stopped the car. She was more beautiful than he remembered. His heart danced in his chest. He missed her so much. He needed to hold her. He wanted to feel her pressed to him, wrapped up in his arms. Getting out of his car, he looked over at Dallas, not even sure what to say.
As soon as she recognized him, she dropped the work gloves in her hand and ran over. Ian opened his arms, letting her nuzzle in tightly. She whispered, “Where have you been?”
“Running scared from my feelings,” he sighed. Not quite like the dream. He was stronger in his dreams. And yet standing here now, he realized how frightened he actually was. He’d never felt this way before. It didn’t make sense. It was bigger than him, and admitting he could feel this way…it was overwhelming.
“Come home. I’ve missed you so much.” She couldn’t let go. He was real, not her imagination like her fantasies, her dreams, her daydreams, and every waking thought. Ever since she’d left the hospital, he was the only thing she could think of. But he’d have every reason not to want to be around her, to hate her for what she did, and resent the idea of even being friends once their forced proximity was over.
Ian nodded. She understood. The connection was deeper than both of them. He was afraid to let go. Afraid she wouldn’t be there and he’d wake up from yet another dream.
Dallas looked up at him, her eyes big and blue. He met her gaze and then leaned in to kiss her sweet lips; her sweet, tender, pink and tender lips that he ached to nibble, suck, and lick. Ian swept his tongue over her lips and pushed it between them. She hungrily accepted his kiss. Locked in an embrace, the couple held tight, neither wanting the moment to end.
“I need…” he started.
“I want…” they couldn’t get the words out. Their mouths were too busy.
Ian raked his fingers through Dallas’s hair. It was even silkier than he pictured, so soft against his fingers. Pulling her closer, his kiss grew deeper, harder, and more passionate. He’d waited for this moment…waited for….that’s when it hit him. What exactly was he waiting for after this? A life together with a woman he didn’t know? Another kiss? Making love? He never got that far. He was consumed with thought, but it never went farther than seeing her again and being happy. Was that it? The end? Or was there more? “What is this?” Ian asked.
“What? What’s what?” She was confused.
“Between us. There’s obviously a connection. I just don’t know where to go from here. Is there something here, something between us that will last, or is it only built up sexual tension?” It was a solid question, but one neither really wanted to look at.
Ian didn’t know what a stable relationship was. He’d bounced around from house to house in the foster care system and rarely let people in. He hadn’t maintained a serious relationship with a woman, and had only dated without commitment. What made him think he could maintain a relationship? She knew nothing about him. He knew nothing about her. That’s not true. He knew she was strong – whether it meant fighting wolves for her livestock, or walking out of the woods on a mangled foot, and she was happy to see him. Wasn’t that enough?
“Shhh… Dallas took his hand and led him to the house.
Ian pulled her gently, turning her around. He wrapped his strong, muscled arms around her again and kissed her forehead before releasing his grip. They made it up one step, then two, onto the porch, but they never made it inside.
Dallas’s back was to the wall beside the front door. Ian pressed tightly to her. His
mouth started at her lips then moved across her cheek, down along her jawline and then he gently dotted kisses onto her neck. Sucking and licking, Ian nuzzled against Dallas, his hot breath lingering at her ear.
Goosebumps ran up her arm. Her fingers followed and traced the strong muscles in his arms and then slid over his back. Strong, broad shoulders had her pinned to the wall. Lost in the feel of his touch, Dallas closed her eyes and gave into the temptation.
Reaching down under her legs, Ian scooped her up and carried her inside. He made it as far as the sofa before putting her down. Sitting beside her, he lifted Dallas onto his lap. Up on her knees, she straddled his thick thighs. His meaty cock was already growing, and she could see the outline of it under his jeans. She gave Ian a grin. She couldn’t help but have naughty thoughts after seeing his massive size.
Out of nowhere, she started. “What happened out there in the woods…” What the hell? Was she trying to douse them in cold water? She tried to stop, but the words kept coming. “I’m so sorry that I ruined your life.”
“It’s behind us. Let it go. You, me…there’s something here. Let’s focus on that.” The sincerity in his eyes said it all.
Dallas wrapped her arms around Ian and hugged him. “Okay.”
“Kiss me. I need to taste you again,” he whispered. Long, lingering kisses led to his hands trailing down her back. He played at the edges of her shirt, an untucked charcoal gray t-shirt. His fingers wrapped around the edges of the material and slowly lifted it, slipping his hands beneath. Her flesh was so soft, so sweet, so milky and warm to the touch. He watched her face as he lifted her shirt in the front, revealing two beautiful, curved, round breasts. Ian lowered his head and nuzzled her.
Dallas closed her eyes and sighed. His mouth caressing her skin felt amazing. His fingers were already working to unhook her bra, freeing her breasts for his mouth to enjoy. Suckling on one nipple, he teased the other with his fingers. He wanted to taste every inch of her…every succulent, tender, juicy bit of her, and he had nothing but time.
Ian’s cock pressed tightly against his jeans, straining to get free. What he wanted more than anything was to be naked beside Dallas and push his cock deep up inside of her, feeling her warmth wrapping around him like a glove. “Take me to bed,” he whispered.
Dallas stood and took his hand, guiding him down the hallway. Her room was simply decorated, not overflowing with flowers or a plethora of pastels. A large bed with a solid oak headboard was the centerpiece. A dresser and chest of drawers sat off to the side.
Ian undressed his lover, slipping her jeans down over her rounded and full hips. Dallas stepped out of them, and then hooked her fingers around the elastic of her panties that were damp from desire. Sliding them down, she let them fall past her padded thighs. Her heart was beating faster and faster with anticipation.
Ian took in the sight of his lover’s body for the first time. She was beautiful, everything he wanted and more. Her soft and curvy frame held extra padding in her belly and hips, and her ass was full, with plenty of flesh to squeeze.
A lot of men might have considered her chubby, but in his eyes, her feminine softness only made her more attractive. He loved a curvy woman with a soft belly, rounded hips, and breasts that swelled and pleaded for attention.
Taking his clothes off, she saw it for the first time…his leg, along with the part that was missing. She stared at his prosthetic. Guilt washed over her. “I did that.”
“Shh,” he said. “Fate did that. I would have never found you otherwise.”
Together they tangled in the sheets, wrapping around one another. Inhaling her scent, he licked and bathed her body with his tongue, and only stopped long enough to roll over to the nightstand. He’d left a condom ready.
Dallas climbed over Ian and straddled him. His cock was engorged, aching for a lover. They both groaned as she sank down, enveloping him. Dallas closed her eyes, feeling his thick cock inside of her. It was better than she even imagined. Being there, in bed, naked, riding her lover, she cried out his name as the pleasure washed over her. An orgasm ricocheted through her body, leaving her wasted with delight.
Being inside of Dallas was everything. After making sure his lover was taken care of, Ian finally let go, giving in to his desires. He’d never experienced such a powerful orgasm before. The emotional connection left him speechless. He’d never felt this way before. He was in love. Holding her close, he promised to never let go.
THE END
Thank you for choosing a Stella Bryce title. If you’d like to see more titles, or would like to be notified of new releases, please visit StellaBryce.com and join the mailing list.
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review to let others know so they can decide if this book they might like to read. Thank you for your time.
Some other popular titles by Stella Bryce:
Broken Bear
Phoenix Monroe is a broken bear. His spirit is shredded. After a life changing tragedy, all he wants to do is die. Wounded and shattered, he feels useless. He has no reason to live, until he meets Lily.
Lily, an angel in white, has shown up at Phoenix’s bedside. She’s certain that if she can save him, she’ll save herself. Seeking salvation, she’s desperate to feel worthy. As Lily watches Phoenix struggle, she finds herself growing more attached to him every day. There’s just one problem, Lily doesn’t know that Phoenix is a shifter. Will she be able to accept that Phoenix is part bear?
Can Phoenix find the will to live or will he always be a mere shadow of his former existence? In a struggle between life and death, can these two strangers save one another? (This novella length book is a complete story, no cliffhangers)
No More Mr. Nice Bear
Kelsey Arlington is forced to start over. With a new name, a new set of rules, and six months in hiding, she’ll have a chance at freedom. It was the only way. If she stayed Madison Kensington any longer, it might have cost her life. After her father took down a large drug ring, the entire family was forced to flee their old lives with the help of the Witness Protection Agency.
Jett Cregar, one of the top bodyguards at an elite task force agency, has been assigned to protect Kelsey with his life. She’d be his only mission for the next six months. Can a hard-nosed bear shifter and a spoiled rich girl get along well enough to last six months together? When they’re forced to go on the run, feelings develop. Forced to guard the woman he’s growing more attached to every day, he’ll need to make decisions that will not only keep Kelsey safe, but his heart out of trouble.(Complete story, no cliffhangers!)
Thank you again. You can find more titles at StellaBryce.com.
Also by Stella Bryce
Red Moon Seduction
Taming a Bear: BBW Shifter Romance
Native Bear: BBW Shifter Romance
Untamed Bear: BBW Shifter Romance
Standalone
Broken Bear (BBW Shifter Romance)
No More Mr. Nice Bear: BBW Shifter Romance
Bear Shifter Stories: BBW Shifter Romance
An Unbreakable Bear: BBW Shifter Romance
