Branded

by Tilly Greene

  Memories and fantasies filled with passion and lust flooded Sakura’s head. They were always there, making her horny, but right then she vividly remembered every bit of detail. The heat of need exploded inside her, making her squirm in the front seat. She squeezed her legs even closer together in a bid for comfort.

  There was no doubt in her heart or body she wanted more of Matt. She had to discover what her feelings for him actually were, and she also wanted to meet Ted, very much. They’d spoken quite a few times over the past couple of months, and she believed she already knew him.

  However, she didn’t know if she was ready to delve into a relationship with him and his brother. She needed more time to discover what was between them, if anything, before they took the next step.

  Lust alone wasn’t enough to keep her on their ranch.

  “No, I haven’t, nor will I. But…” Sakura wasn’t sure how to finish what was in her head. There were no second thoughts, which was odd. No, what she felt was nervous. Excitement and one big question raced through her mind: what if Matt didn’t want her as Sakura as much as he’d claimed, but preferred her as Yuki, the prostitute geisha?

  “Look, the GPS says we aren’t too far away from their ranch. Why don’t we stop at the next place we see, get something to eat? They don’t have an exact time of when to expect us. We’ll call when we’re ready and tell them we’re here.” Molly always knew exactly what to do to make a situation easier to handle.

  Sakura decided if she ended up staying, then she needed to find a way to keep her best friend in America as well. It may have seemed selfish, but she’d be lost without the other woman. Who knows, maybe the men in this rugged state would appeal to her since none had in England or Japan.

  “Good idea.”

  They’d driven for at least an hour without seeing anyone or anything except mountains in the distance and cows—miles and miles of bovines walking, eating, drinking, even lying down and doing nothing. She wasn’t bored, but the repetition allowed her mind to sink into places full of nothing but questions.

  It wasn’t long before they passed a sign stating they were entering Gardiner, and Sakura was giddy with excitement. She was in Matt’s territory this time and had no idea what to expect. Anything could happen and she was ready…okay, almost ready.

  “Over there, on the left, looks like a diner. I’ve grown to adore these icons of Americana. How many dishes do you think we’ll find with both cheese and potatoes? I’m going for twelve, unless they have breakfast, lunch, and dinner on one menu, then I’ll say over thirty.” Sakura laughed with her friend as they made their usual wager.

  It had started out as a way to make the different food easier to understand. Over time it became the way they figured out who paid. The money came out of the same expense account, but added an interesting element to their meals.

  “Darn, you’ve picked what I would’ve said. Okay, I’m going low. Seven and, if all three are there, then eighteen.” Molly slowed down and pulled into the parking lot surrounding a tidy building with lots of big windows. They both breathed a sigh of relief as she turned off the engine.

  “I knew this country was big, but down here on the ground it feels massive. I didn’t realize how much time it would take to drive from one place to the next, and we’re not even near the West Coast.” Every hour they’d spent in the car had solidified each joint and muscle in her body.

  They stepped out of the car and stretched their arms and legs, seeking some relief and ability to move normally. They were used to small towns, but knew not everyone in them were comfortable seeing strangers invade their space.

  While neither Sakura nor Molly dwelled on what they looked like, it wasn’t long before they realized what a unique picture they presented when together. She was a Japanese woman with black hair, brown eyes, and light brown tinted skin, and her best friend was an Englishwoman with blond hair, blue eyes, and whiter than white skin. They also spoke with different accents.

  During their trip to America, starting in North Carolina, there had been no threats made against them, although a lot of people silently stared. A couple of times they’d been uncomfortable, but learned to ignore it. They understood there were people everywhere around the world who didn’t like to be faced with something new and different, at least not without a warning.

  “I imagine it would take at least a week of straight driving with little sleep, minimal food, and bathroom stops to make it from one side to the other. Wouldn’t that be a great way to explore this wonderful country?” Molly shared the thought, but didn’t sound sure she could actually do it.

  “Honestly, anything having to do with sitting in a car doesn’t sound like fun. Maybe it will after I’ve eaten and slept in the same place for at least two days in a row. Come on, let’s go inside and not think about driving.”

  They locked arms and walked inside, laughing.

  “It looks like you two ladies are having a great day,” a pretty woman greeted them with a wonderfully open smile.

  Sakura was pleased to find someone who represented the image she had of Americans. Happy with life, which she believed meant they were open to meeting new and different people.

  “We’ve spent hours, days, driving here and couldn’t be happier to have finally made it.” Sakura smiled back as she shared what they were doing. She enjoyed talking about their adventure with others and it was still happening.

  “Sounds like a long and tedious trip. Where have you come from?” The waitress slipped out from behind the counter with menus in one hand and a big glass filled with what looked like a cola in the other. With a subtle nod, she led them to a comfortable booth overlooking a green patch leading to a river. “I’m curious because of the accent I hear.”

  “You answer, Sakura. I need to use the bathroom.” Molly looked at the hostess for help.

  “Sorry, you’ll find it over in the corner. Go down the hallway and the ladies’ room is the first door on the left.” The woman pointed in the direction Molly needed to go and she made quick work of going. “Now, I must know because you two ladies sound different.”

  “Well, I’m from Japan and my friend is an Englishwoman who lives in Japan. We drove from Chicago, but started this trip in North Carolina. It’s been a beautiful drive. Each state seems different from the last, but we are wiped.”

  “My goodness, you two have traveled quite a distance. Are you here to explore Yellowstone or passing through?”

  “We hope to see the park and everything else Montana offers, but we’re actually here for business.”

  “Well, my name is Sunny and I’m here most days. Come find me and I’ll give you ideas on what you must see and do around here. Many of them aren’t listed in any tour books.”

  “We’ll definitely come to you for information, although work comes first. We’re actually here to meet with Matt and Ted Wilson, of the Big W cattle ranch. Maybe you know them?” There was an aura of ease and comfort in being with this woman. Unfortunately, the ridiculous question slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it. America was a massive country and Montana a big state. Because they were close to their ranch didn’t mean everyone knew each other.

  “What a small world. I know them.”

  “Really? I’m surprised. I never expected to meet someone who knew the only people we actually know in the entire country.”

  A busboy came up and Sunny reached out to load up the table with glasses of water before sitting down with her.

  “By the way, I’m Sakura and my friend is Molly. We both work for Nakamura Enterprises and are here to help set up the new cattle tracking program at the Big W.”

  “I see Matt and Ted all the time. One or both of them come in for lunch most days. Back when Matt first returned from his trip, I remember him mentioning something about some new stiff regulations the Japanese government placed on imported beef. Specifically beef coming from here.”

  “The fallout from the last mad cow scare in America was big overseas. These n
ew measures were necessary in order to bring it back to the world market. Japanese people want American beef and we’re happy the Wilson brothers weren’t scared away by all the checking and cross-checking now required.”

  “You’re beautiful and smart, like Matt told me. I think the brothers are in serious trouble if you ever want to leave.” Sunny smiled sweetly after setting that ticking bombshell on the table and took a sip from her drink.

  Sakura was speechless. Did this woman know why she was there in Montana? It certainly sounded like it, but surely they hadn’t told everyone about them both wanting to be with her. Then again, she had to be realistic. If she stayed, she’d be living with two men. There was no way to hide the fact from everyone, especially from people they considered friends. She had to figure out if it mattered to her what others thought about how they conducted themselves in private.

  “You’re close with them, aren’t you?” It was her turn for curiosity to push forward.

  “I’ve known them since the day I showed up in Gardiner as a kid. They’re both as nice and genuine today as they were then. Good honest guys who, even at their kinkiest, will always treat you with care. They are gorgeous, big and strong, and lean toward the intense side, but remember you control them, not the other way around.”

  Kinkiest? With one word spoken there was no doubt in her mind the other woman knew them, or at least Matt. The man was beyond handsome, thoughtful of others, and rather kinky in an adorably sexy way. Even if Sunny was a past lover of one or both men, Sakura didn’t feel jealous. Instead, she looked at their conversation as an opportunity to learn more about Matt and Ted from someone who knew them well.

  “Do you mind my asking you a question, Sunny? A personal question?”

  “Of course not, ask away. I have no secrets,” she answered with an aura of authenticity surrounding her that Sakura quite enjoyed.

  “Were you ever their lover?” Sakura wasn’t sure she wanted to know the truth, but at the same time didn’t think it mattered either way. She started to have doubts about letting her inquisitiveness get the best of her. Before she could take it back, the other woman calmly responded.

  “Yes, although we were never lovers in ‘connected forever by the heart’ kind of love. No, my heart and soul belong to Court. When it comes to sex, as long as we’re both enjoying ourselves, he and I are open about how it plays out. Yes, I have been with them intimately and love them as good friends.”

  “Oh,” she murmured.

  “There’s no need to worry about competition. Our activities have toned down quite a bit. We haven’t been together since Matt left for Japan. Now it’s my turn to ask a question. Are you into kink like bondage and multiple partners?”

  She looked up and smiled as Molly sat down on the other side of the table.

  “Everything was clean, crisp and fresh in there. The water was too good not to take advantage of to wash my face. I feel like a new woman.”

  “You look great, not like you spent five hours driving. I want to do the same thing and come back feeling fresh.” Sakura looked at Sunny, who had already stood up, giving her room to slip out. Once she was standing in front of her, she asked, “Please, have lunch with us? We’d enjoy the company and talking with you. I think there’s much you can tell me about the Wilson brothers.”

  Someone coughed, politely interrupting their conversation.

  Ready with an apology on her lips for keeping Sunny from her work, she turned around and looked up into a powerful hazel gaze and her stomach fell away. The tanned face and dusty work clothes said the man had spent many hours outside, maybe on a horse, and the wide welcoming smile labeled him a Wilson.

  The cowboy in front of her made her knees wobble, and she knew he was Ted.

  He was as sexy as his brother, and even though she could see some resemblance, they were not the same. They both had blond hair and were muscular, but the similarities ended there. Matt had tidy hair, and whenever she’d seen him he’d been dressed in a smart-casual way, but always topped off with the boots and hat. Ted, on the other hand, had wild, untamed hair with a hint of curl. He also had on clothes that said he’d been working outside around and with animals and the land.

  Where Matt had looked strong, his brother looked powerful and a bit rough. They were brothers, both ranchers, and had their own personalities. She actually couldn’t wait to get to know this brother, and discover first hand more of what was the same and different about each of them.

  “Welcome to Gardiner, Sakura,” he said with an essence of sincerity as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close enough to place a gentle kiss on her lips. “I’m glad you two made it safely. I never believed you wouldn’t come, but it’s still great to finally see you in person. Matt said you were gorgeous and he wasn’t lying.”

  It wasn’t something that had ever happened to her before, but he left her tongue tied. All she managed in return for the compliment was a blush and small smile. As the fog in her head started to clear, she wondered if he’d heard Sunny’s question about bondage and ménages, and the red heat on her face spread.

  “How about if my friend and foreman, Jon Black, and I join you ladies for lunch, tell you anything you want to know? When we’re done, we’ll take you out to the ranch. The guest house is ready. You two can get settled and rest up before dinner tonight.”

  “Sounds great, doesn’t it, Molly?” She ignored everything else racing through her head and answered as best she could. There wasn’t anything wrong with getting to know the two men they’d be working with better, and Sakura looked over at her friend for confirmation.

  No answer came from the other woman because she was busy staring at something beyond Ted. Sakura looked around him and discovered the other cowboy, only this one was different. He was tall, powerfully built, with darker skin. His straight, silky black hair which fell shy of his shoulders and startling clear blue eyes were striking.

  There was an element of stillness about him she found intriguing, and apparently her best friend found him attractive.

  Sakura had never before seen Molly give a man the time of day, but she couldn’t pull her gaze from this one. Just in case she was reading her friend wrong, Sakura gave her another verbal push.

  “Molly?”

  “Fine, yes, yes, sounds great. Lunch.”

  “Good. I’m going to the restroom to freshen up and will be right back.” She started to walk in the direction she’d seen her friend go earlier and was joined by Sunny.

  “I’ll show you the way.” The other woman smiled and put her arm through hers as they moved through the diner. When they were in the hallway, they stopped and finished their conversation. “It doesn’t matter what experience you have or are looking for. All you need to do is remember what I said earlier. You’re the one in charge.”

  “Thank you, Sunny. I appreciate your advice. I don’t know what to do next.”

  “Trust me, with Ted and Matt, nothing—and I mean absolutely nothing—will happen until you demand it. From what Court told me, they’re too afraid to lose you to do anything to scare you away. They’re determined to let you set the pace.”

  “I’m glad we stopped here for a bite to eat. Thank you for your help.” Sakura reflected. If they ended up staying longer than the job entailed in Gardiner, then Sakura knew she, Molly, and this woman would be good friends.

  “My pleasure. Now, you’d best hurry up. You’ve left your friend with Jon Black and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He’s stunning, strong, and a real sweetheart, but don’t let him fool you. The man may be quiet, but he never ends a day without the woman of his choice in his bed.”

  Understanding what the woman was talking about, they laughed together and separated with the promise to meet up again. As she splashed cool water on her face, she knew they would meet again because she wasn’t leaving. Even though they’d talked on the phone, meeting Ted in person, feeling him hold her close and kiss her gently, put the decision in her head and possibly her heart.<
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  No longer would she look for a reason to stay after the job was finished. She already had it.

  She was home.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Have you seen anything you hadn’t expected while driving across America?” Throughout lunch and now driving to the ranch, Ted tried to keep the conversation away from where his mind kept traveling. Sakura coming to Montana meant she was willing to consider them both as partners. No matter how much he wanted it to happen, there was a chance it wouldn’t.

  She may be smart, but she was delicate and feminine, and his protective instincts rushed forward. He was a big guy used to dealing with cattle and getting dirty from riding all day. He didn’t want to do anything to scare her back to Japan.

  “I’ve discovered how diverse your country is. State by state, even on a smaller scale, from town to town, the people were all unique. Accents varied and not by north, south, east and west like you see in the movies. They changed within the same state. However, we have found one thing common everywhere we stopped.”

  “Okay, you’ve got me, what is it?” It was interesting listening to her talk and was glad her friend rode with Jon in the rental car with their luggage. He had time and space to get to know her better and that was what he wanted most.

  He heard a hint of a Japanese accent, but in person she sounded more British English than he expected. Yes, he’d spoken on the phone with her, many times, except apparent nuances of someone’s voice were easily lost along the way. He looked forward to asking her to teach him some Japanese.

  “Cheese and potatoes. Americans seem to have affection for these two things and they are everywhere. In the morning with eggs, although at lunchtime is where we noticed them listed the most. Then, at dinner, we found no matter where we were in the country, diner or restaurant, macaroni and cheese with French fries was offered.”

  “You’re right. I like my eggs in the morning covered in salsa and cheese with a side of bacon and hash browns. I make great grilled cheese sandwiches with potato chips and will never walk away from a big steak with a baked potato on the side. Interesting.” Ted laughed at what she told him. He never noticed the oddity before and knew he would from now on.