Adam, Devils on Horseback: Generations, Book 1

by Beth Williamson

  The crisp mat of hair tickled her hands as she explored the exquisitely sculpted man in front of her. He gripped her waist as she felt her away around the top half of her husband. His hands tightened as she grew closer to his waist. The hair grew darker, leading down into the waistband of his trousers.

  “You’re playing with fire, honey.”

  She smiled and kissed his nipple. He hissed and she did the same to the other side. Eve didn’t stop to consider if he would wonder how experienced she was. Her own needs pushed aside the common sense she usually let control her.

  “Well then, tit for tat.” He pulled her blouse up and off before she could blink. When he cupped her breasts, she watched his tanned hands on the pale skin. His thumbs brushed her already hard nipples. It was her turn to hiss.

  He leaned down and pulled a nipple into his mouth; she closed her eyes and just let herself feel. His tongue was rough against the tender skin. He nibbled, sucked and laved until she whimpered with need.

  Then he moved to the other side.

  She dug her fingers into his shoulders and squirmed, needing more. He reached for the buttons on her skirt and slid his hand down inside. When his calloused fingers found her nubbin, she let out a sound from deep within.

  “God, you’re so wet.”

  “I need you, Adam.” She sounded breathy. “Please.”

  He managed to take off his trousers, then helped her slide off the rest of her clothes. Naked, he was magnificent. His cock sat nestled in dark-red hair, jutting up toward her. She wanted to grab him, feel the velvet-encased steel, but she hesitated. Eve didn’t want him to think her too eager.

  “This may hurt.” Adam was such a gentleman as he pulled her to the edge of the table again. “I’ll try to be easy.”

  She shook her head. “Make me yours, Adam.” She waited, none too patiently, as he positioned his cock at her entrance.

  He pressed into her, stretching her, filling her. She held her breath until he was seated fully. He let out a shuddering breath and pressed his forehead to hers. She knew he was waiting for her to adjust to his size.

  Eve didn’t need any time. She wanted him to move. Now.

  “Don’t stop.” She flexed her interior muscles around him. “Please.”

  He didn’t need any more encouragement. When he slid out, then back in, tingles spread through her body. A slow pace, much too slow. She began to move with him, the sacks beneath her behind rough on her skin, but she didn’t care.

  He picked up speed, thrusting into her, hitting her nubbin with each pass. Pleasure coiled within her, pulling her closer and closer to release. He pulled her knees up, opening her up.

  Deeper, deeper, deeper.

  The explosion of ecstasy hit her hard and fast. She screamed and scratched at his shoulders. He was not far behind, his hoarse shout of release mingling with the aftershocks of her own.

  Eve had never known such exquisiteness. Tears stung her eyes and she wrapped her arms around him.

  She had a husband in truth now. He would never know what that meant to her, or how much she was falling for her red giant.

  He pressed his forehead into her shoulder while his breath gusted onto her overheated skin. The sound of the machinery upstairs was a hum in the walls around them. Her heart pounding like a drum was the only other sound.

  “Adam.”

  He straightened up, his gaze both wary and confused. “Did we just do that in the basement of the mill?”

  She cupped his cheek. “We’re married.”

  “I didn’t mean to lose control.” He pulled away, leaving her cool and what she decided was bereft. “I shouldn’t have taken you on a table.”

  Eve closed her legs and tucked her skirt down. “I enjoyed it.”

  He searched her gaze, his blue eyes darkened in the lamplight. “Me too.”

  He put a handkerchief in her hand with a shaky smile. While she cleaned herself, he used a rag to clean himself, then rearranged his clothing and soon they were both back to rights.

  Not truly, though. Something had changed between them. They had tasted the body’s passion together. She had crossed a line so far she wasn’t sure she could ever go back.

  * * * * *

  Adam’s knees were still shaking two hours after he’d made love to Eve. The experience had drained him, in more ways than one. He could still smell her scent on his body. It might have been his imagination, but he didn’t care. His life had changed again, this time for the better.

  Eve was passionate, more than he’d expected. His experience with women had been limited to two, one paid and one a widow. He’d learned quite a bit from the woman he paid. She told him she wanted to “give him a lesson in pleasing a woman”. Judging by Eve’s reaction, he’d done just that.

  Their wedding night had taken place in the basement of the mill in the middle of the afternoon. Not the most romantic location, but he couldn’t regret it. The pleasure he’d found in her arms was beyond anything he’d known existed. He wasn’t completely sure, but he suspected Eve wasn’t a virgin. There had been no blood when he’d washed up.

  It didn’t bother him, though. They were both reborn when he’d crashed the wagon. The flour had been a baptism of sorts for them. She’d found him and he’d found her. Now they had started their lives together, in truth. They had many years ahead, an open road of experiences to share.

  Adam was still finding his way in this new world where he was responsible for his family, a wife and the mill. Thinking about what he’d be doing in a year was ridiculous. He had trouble thinking about what he’d be doing in a week.

  He shut down the wheel and finished loading the flour into the bins upstairs. Tomorrow he’d deliver them, this time without an accident. Uncle Lee and Clint had helped retrieve the broken pieces and taken them into town for repair then lent Adam a wagon to transport the flour until they could fix the old one.

  Adam didn’t know how people survived without families to support them. He sure as hell wouldn’t have anything without them. As he left the mill, he saw Rose come tearing out of the house toward him. His heart slammed into gear and he moved toward her.

  “Rose!”

  “It’s Pa!” She reached him in moments, her chest heaving from running. “H-he’s awake!”

  Adam blinked and pulled his sister into a hug. “Thank God.” He took her hand and they returned to the house side by side. He didn’t want to ask how Pa was. The truth might be too hard to accept. He’d rather hope for the best than know the worst.

  Voices echoed down the stairs as he took them two at a time, Rose hot on his heels. He found Bella outside the room, tears rolling down her face. She shook her head and leaned against the wall, seemingly overcome.

  Adam entered the bedroom with his heart somewhere near his throat. Mama sat on the edge of the bed while Eve stood on the other side. Pa lay partially sitting up, a few pillows behind his head. His head and shoulders were still swathed in bandages, but his eyes were open.

  Adam’s own stung with emotion. “Pa.”

  “It’s a miracle.” Mama held her husband’s hand. “I can’t tell you how worried we were.”

  Adam looked at Eve, who smiled at him softly. He managed not to yank her into his arms and kiss her senseless. She’d saved his father long enough for Elias to complete the doctoring. He could never repay her. Since she was now his, there was a lifetime to show her gratitude.

  He walked toward the bed and met his father’s gaze. Pa was pale, the freckles standing out like dark spots on his skin. The skin around the bandage was raw, showing only a small amount of the damage the grindstones did.

  “Pa.” Adam cleared his throat. “We were worried.” The words didn’t begin to convey the enormous emotions banging around in his soul. His heart hurt from relief mixed with worry. Until his father tried to move his arm and shoulder, there was the very real pos
sibility that he was crippled. Permanently.

  “A lot of fuss for me.” His father’s voice was as rough as the stones that tried to kill him. “Sounds like Elias did a good job stitching me up. Bandages are tight enough I can’t hardly move.”

  Mama’s gaze flicked to Adam’s for a moment before she looked down at her hand tucked inside her husband’s. She wasn’t going to tell him.

  That meant Adam had to.

  “You remember the accident?”

  His pa’s brows came together. “I remember it hurt.” It was just like him to understate what was probably the most horrific pain he’d ever endured. “It hurts now too.”

  “Rose, go fetch Elias.” Mama’s worry was apparent in her tight expression.

  “Yes, Mama.” The youngest Sheridan ran through the house, her footsteps echoing like a drum as she raced out.

  “I don’t need a doctor,” Pa complained, but then he attempted to move and a moan of pain burst from his mouth. Everyone lurched forward to assist him, but he stopped them with one “Halt! I’ll concede I need a doctor”. A sheen of sweat appeared on his skin from the effort to move. “I’m powerful thirsty.”

  Eve and Mama got to their feet, retrieving the water and fussing over him. Adam approached the bed and sat on the unharmed side of his father. He’d never seen the man look so weak, and it bothered him. More than he would admit out loud.

  “The Devils helped me get the mill fixed up. It’s running on full speed. Got a delivery in the morning.” Adam didn’t know how to speak to his father, a revelation that shot an arrow through his heart. “I-I’m sorry I pushed you with the wedding and all.”

  Pa blinked. “Nothing to be sorry about. I did something stupid and that’s that.” He managed a lopsided smile. “From what I hear, your wife has healing skills. Your mother tells me she saved my life.”

  “That she did. She’s worth her weight in gold.” Adam glanced at Eve who was handing a glass of water to his mother. “I don’t think I could have almost crashed into anyone more perfect.”

  “Then hang on to her, son. Don’t worry about me. I’ll get through this.” Pa’s eyes began to close. Mama placed the cup to his lips and he drank a few sips. “I can’t believe I’m ready to sleep.”

  “Sleep is good. Better than being unconscious for two days.” Mama kissed him softly. “Heal and get stronger.”

  Adam knew it was time to leave the room. Relief and concern battled each other. He wished he were a young boy again so he could hug his father without feeling foolish. Although he couldn’t embrace his father now if he wanted to without the risk of hurting him when Pa was already in pain.

  “I’ll get back to the mill. You focus on getting better, and listen to Elias.” Adam left before he tripped over his own awkwardness.

  Pa looked like he was going to speak again but Mama shushed him, pulling up the blanket to his chin. Adam shared a glance with Eve. Her eyes shone with affection and warmth.

  Life would find a new way to move forward. Maybe then Adam would stop feeling as though he couldn’t do anything right.

  * * * * *

  Eve found the charade of being a wife, of falling in love with her husband, was blurring with reality. She didn’t always have to pretend to be something she wasn’t, or to find a smile when she needed one.

  Smiles came easily. She couldn’t stop them. This was what it meant to be happy. Content in her life and with her choices. Eve wasn’t sure what to do with herself. This had never happened before now. No situation she’d experienced had given her a clue on how to proceed.

  No matter her internal protestations and lectures to stop herself, Eve had crossed the line and there was no going back. She was in uncharted territory now and all she could do was hang on and hope she made the right decision.

  As she made her lonely bed, she wondered if Adam would invite her to his own. They’d made love the day before and she still shivered from the memory of the experience. Perhaps she should simply join her husband that night. It seemed like the right thing to do. At least she hoped it was.

  Eve felt out of sorts as she walked down the stairs. Rose and Bella were arguing, no surprise there, and dishes clanged in the early morning air. It was familiar yet it made her uncomfortable. How could she be herself with this family when she didn’t know who she was?

  The sunrise peeked through the white curtains in the kitchen as she walked in. The orange-and-red glow lit the room in warmth. Eve’s stomach clenched as Rose smiled at her.

  “Good morning, Eve.” She pointed to the pot on the stove. “I’ve made coffee, although Bella says I did it wrong.”

  “You did do it wrong.” Bella, the quiet sister, had very specific ways to do things and it was apparent that Rose didn’t adhere to them.

  “Good morning.” Adam’s deep voice sounded behind her, resonating in her bones, making her heart flutter.

  Was this love? Affection? Fear?

  Eve swallowed her uncertainty and smiled at her husband. “There’s coffee.”

  “Sort of,” Bella grumbled, sliding a pair of spectacles up her nose.

  “It’s good coffee,” Rose protested. She set sliced bread, a jar of honey and tin cups on the table. “Mama taught me how.”

  “She’s seeing to Pa and I know she wouldn’t want you two to fight.” Adam picked up a towel and retrieved the coffeepot from the stove. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

  He settled the grounds with a splash of cold water from the pitcher beside the wooden sink. Eve could watch him for quite some time. He had a natural grace, although he was a large man. He made her want to sing and dance, her heart light.

  What?

  Eve was being wrenched out of herself and into someone she didn’t recognize. What was going on inside her was a mystery and that scared her. She would normally let the performance continue until it was over. In this case, she didn’t know if it would ever be.

  As they ate breakfast, Eve watched her husband. The easy way he managed his sisters, his manners and the true gentleman that shone brightly. All of it was like a dream come true.

  Then why did she want to pack her things and run before the end? For the first time in her life, she didn’t know the right choice.

  “It’s Sunday, so the mill stays closed. I have a delivery to make, but I’ll be back by dinner.” He smiled at her. “Will you come with me to eat at Cindy’s? It’s a restaurant in town.”

  A restaurant? In her life, Eve had eaten in only a few establishments that could be called a restaurant. The idea he wanted to share a special experience with her was a gift. She’d be a fool to refuse it.

  “Of course.”

  “I should tell you I have a weekly meal there with my cousins. Sometimes it’s breakfast and sometimes it’s dinner.” He sipped at his coffee, then grimaced behind the rim. It appeared Bella was right. “It’s Elias, Clint and Spencer. You met all of them, but you know Elias best.”

  His words sank in and her stomach twisted. A meal with his cousins? Family was generally the hardest to convince. She’d done a good job with the Sheridans, mostly because of the accident, but could she convince the cousins? They must be close or they wouldn’t dine together every week at a restaurant. She tried to remember everyone she met at the wedding, but there were too many of them. It was a blur of faces and Eve had been taught by one of the fiercest con men in Texas to focus on the most important people. If she’d known how close he was to them, she would have made note of the men.

  “Of course. I’m happy to eat with your cousins.” She chewed a piece of bread with honey and tried to find the words to ask without offending him. Eve was curious about the five men and their children, the cousins Jake was so close to. The Roma treated others who were of the faith as family, whether or not they shared the same blood.

  Perhaps the Sheridans and Blackwoods were the same way, although that would be unusual
in Eve’s experience. People were generally selfish and looked after themselves and perhaps their kin, but never those to which they weren’t related by blood.

  Confusion over the entire situation gave her a headache. She rubbed her forehead and contemplated what to do next. Adam took the choice from her by answering the question she didn’t ask.

  “Our fathers were in the war together, all of them from the same small town in Georgia. After the war they left for a new place, for here. They’re closer than brothers, although Uncle Gideon is my father’s half-brother, and Uncle Zeke and Lee are their cousins. You haven’t met Uncle Nate, but you will one day.” Adam told the story with pride. “We’ve grown up as cousins. They are family, no matter if we’re blood or not.”

  Eve marveled at this group of people, at this town, that was seemingly full of people who helped each other. It was as though she’d escaped into a new world and her feet didn’t know which way to step.

  “Sometimes they’re nosy or bossy, but I know I’m lucky to have such a big family of people to care for and to care for me.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry you haven’t had a family like that, but I’m hoping you’ll like mine well enough to accept them as yours.”

  If she was smart, she would throw her arms open wide and embrace it. She smiled at her husband and told herself to stop getting distracted. Emotions were useless unless she used them for her own gain.

  Perhaps if she kept telling herself that, it would be true again.

  Chapter Nine

  Adam walked beside Eve toward Cindy’s. The early afternoon heat shimmered in the air. Summer was near and with it hotter days would settle on them. She wore her tattered clothes again. The ones Mama had given to Eve had been stained by blood. He told himself, after he paid for the wagon repairs with the money he’d earned from building stone walls, he would buy her new garments.

  And a ring.

  It bothered him that she wore no wedding ring, yet they’d been married by a preacher and had consummated their union. His mind kept drifting back to that passionate encounter and he wanted it again. And again. He’d ask her to join him in his room tonight. They should be as man and wife every night from here on out.