by Vanessa Vale
I saw her in a completely new light now. Perhaps it was because I'd grown up in the very short time since I married Chance, or learned some things, even outside of the bedroom. It had been six days, but I saw the world differently, saw people differently. I'd gained the perspective only marriage could provide, and it made me perhaps a little more empathetic, or at least I hoped so.
"Love changes a person, Rose. For me, it was you and your sisters. For you, perhaps you will be blessed with children of your own, but I am glad to see you finally discover your feelings for Chance. He has always been the man for you. I knew it all along, but it was to happen in your time, not mine." She smiled a little slyly. "Although I think Chance may have nudged you along."
I thought about the seed that made my thighs damp. Every time we came together, Chance's seed had been copious, our lovemaking ardent and frequent. He was correct; I could be with child. It was one task on the ranch that only I could fulfill, and while he put exceptionally good effort into the creation, I was to be the nurturer, the life giver. Or, I could look at it not as a task, but as the one thing, the only thing, that Chance and I would create that was completely both of ours.
"Yes, I think perhaps he did."
Miss Trudy stood. I followed suit.
She came around the table, put her hands on my shoulders. "Out of all my girls, you have always been the sensible one, thinking of tangible things while the others had their minds in the clouds. They talk about ribbons and lace to no end. Perhaps now it's time for the roles to be reversed, although I do not foresee any lace on any of your bodices. Let go, Rose. Enjoy life. Let Chance take some of your burdens, for he is strong enough to do it."
***
Chance pulled me into him, my back to his front, as we watched Miss Trudy and Hyacinth ride away.
"I'm surprised they're riding the wagon," I commented.
Chance kissed the top of my head. "If Jackson is as keen on Hyacinth as it seems, then I'm sure he did it so he could help her down on her return."
The idea had merit, for Hyacinth could not turn down the man's aid. I turned in the circle of Chance's arms so I could look at him. "That's devious planning. Is that what men really do?"
"To what, get to put their hands on a woman?"
"There's nothing inappropriate about what Jackson would do, is there?" My worry for Hyacinth's virtue must have shown on my face.
"I'm sure Jackson is a perfect gentleman. To ease your mind, we will visit tomorrow. I would like to get a glimpse of this man myself."
I arched a brow. "Now who's the protective one?"
"She is my sister now," Chance replied, his voice hinting at his protective nature.
"Tomorrow then. In the meantime, I wanted to try something Miss Trudy mentioned."
Chance's brows went up beneath his hair. "Oh?"
"She said because you are so strong, I should let you take on some of my burdens."
He ran the back of his knuckles over my cheek. "I assume she was not speaking entirely of physical burdens."
I shook my head slowly. "No. I don't believe so."
"What are you implying, kitten?"
I smiled mischievously as I ran my hands over his chest. "I thought I'd allow you to have your way with me."
Chance froze. "Allow me? Every time we fuck I take control."
I glanced up at him through my lashes. "Except that one time." I flushed at what I'd done.
"Kitten, I allowed you to take control," he countered.
I felt cranky all of a sudden. "Very well. Then this time when we fuck, you may do whatever you want." My tone was a little tart. This was not going as I'd planned.
"Hey there. Shh," he crooned. "You're being serious and I was poking fun. Tell me, kitten. I want to hear."
"I want to let go, Chance. To truly give myself to you and know that you'll keep me safe."
He hissed out a breath as he tilted my chin up. I met his dark gaze. I saw everything there—his heart, his love, his very soul. "I'll keep you safe, kitten." He took my hand, his big and warm and gentle. "Come."
He pulled me not in the direction of the house, but toward the stable. "Where are we going?"
"I need some rope for what I'm going to do to you."
My feet skidded across the ground as my pace slowed while his was still insistent. "Rope?"
He looked back over his shoulder at me and I caught my breath. This man, this handsome, virile, arousing man, was mine. "Aren't you supposed to be compliant sometimes? Let go, kitten. I'll keep you safe."
He repeated the words again, like a mantra. I quickened my pace and followed him, not only so he could have his decadent and most likely tawdry way with me, but letting him lead me through whatever life would bring.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
#1 Amazon Bestseller in Erotic Western and Historical Erotica
Who doesn't love the romance of the old West? Vanessa Vale takes the sensual appeal of rugged cowboys a step further with her bestselling books set in the Montana Territory. They are much more than just sexy historical westerns. By introducing sexual taboos into this otherwise traditional romantic setting, Vanessa has won the loyalty of a fan base that never knows quite what to expect with each new series.
"Montana Maidens" was the first to push the envelope with strong BDSM themes. "Montana Men" followed suit with softer themes but lots of deliciously graphic sex. "The Bridgewater Series" showcases ménage relationships because sometimes one hot cowboy isn't enough. No-holds-barred, graphic descriptions, strong storytelling, engaging characters and breathtaking landscapes all combine to make very naughty reads.
And as a resident of Wild Wild West, Vanessa Vale finds plenty of inspiration for her work, for who doesn't love a handsome cowboy?
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OTHER VANESSA VALE BOOKS
Montana Maidens Series
Claiming Catherine
Taming Tessa
Dominating Devney
Submitting Sarah
Montana Men Series
The Lawman
The Cowboy
The Outlaw
Western Widows
Bridgewater Menage Series
Their Kidnapped Bride
Their Wayward Bride
Their Captivated Bride
Sweet Justice
