Carla's Cowboys

by Bella Settarra

  “It’s all right, darlin’.” His tone soothed her like a cold stream on a summer’s day.

  She looked up at him gratefully. It was then that she realized she had tears streaming from her eyes once again.

  “Well, it couldn’t be in a safer place,” Dyson stated, matter-of-factly.

  “And you have the key and documentation to prove this?” Officer Graves queried.

  She nodded, pulling the chain from inside her T-shirt to show them.

  “Well in that case I suggest we all get some sleep and meet at the bank in Almondine tomorrow morning,” Dyson announced, bunching up the pile of papers in front of him.

  “Just a minute,” Sergeant Biggleswade interjected. “What about the claim from Steve Hutchings that she’s an accomplice of Jerome Pearson? They were in on this together. That’s why he’s come here today to join her and split the money. Makes sense to me.” He narrowed his eyes at Carla, who just stared back at him in horror.

  “From what we saw earlier in the woods I’d say any claim about them being in this together can be discounted right away. She clearly hates him for stealing the cash in the first place, judging from what we all heard tonight. He took the money from her friend, for fuck’s sake!” Dyson frowned incredulously at the officers.

  “I still think she needs to remain in police custody until the morning. We will go to the bank and see if she can verify her story. Then we’ll have a clear picture of what happened here.” Sergeant Biggleswade was tenacious and Carla was surprised to see Dyson tense his jaw.

  “We will have the results of the interview with Mr. Pearson by then, too,” Officer Graves pointed out as he placed his papers in a neat pile.

  “Until then she needs to be kept under police surveillance. We can’t afford to have her running off again.” Sergeant Biggleswade stood up defiantly.

  “Don’t worry, Sergeant. I’ll have her in custody all night.” Dyson stood up too, and shook hands with the two men before they left the room.

  Carla felt sick. She had thought it was actually going all right until the last minute. Those two officers still didn’t believe her and Dyson was going to have her locked up for the night. She hated confined spaces at the best of times—but a police cell…?

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I don’t think they believe me,” Carla whispered to Matt as they stood up to leave the room. She sniffed back more tears.

  “They’re cops. They never know what to believe,” Matt replied with a grin. He squeezed her hand a little tighter as they made their way to the doorway where Dyson had just seen off the visiting officers.

  “It doesn’t matter what they think, baby. They’ll get their proof tomorrow. They can’t argue with that.” Dyson smiled at her as he turned around to face them.

  “Y-you believe me, then?” She hardly dared ask, but she desperately needed to know what they thought of her story.

  Dyson smiled at her as his strong arm came around her. “Of course I do, baby. We never doubted you for a second.”

  A warm glow emanated from somewhere deep inside her and she snuggled into their arms as the guys surrounded her with a big hug. They believe me, they trust me!

  “How’s that head of yours?” Matt asked when they eventually loosened their grip on her.

  “It’s fine,” she assured him. “Those painkillers they gave me at the hospital must have been strong stuff.”

  “I’ve got more of them if you need ‘em,” he replied, taking the bottle from his back pocket. “You just holler if it starts up again, ya hear?”

  He held the pills up to her and she nodded.

  A dull thud hit the pit of her stomach. Was he thinking that she was going to be in the police cell all night and might need her medication? It was good of him to be so concerned, but really it was the least of her worries.

  She glanced down the corridor, imagining that would be the direction of the cells. Images of metal bars, a cold, hard bed and a bucket for her intimate use flashed in front of her eyes and she sniffed again.

  “Come on, baby, let’s get out of here,” Dyson said as he led them in the other direction.

  Carla frowned as they reached the exit. Maybe the cells weren’t in the sheriff’s office after all—or was he actually planning to sling her in the county jail for the night? Bile rose from her stomach and she felt sick. Silently she allowed them to lead her out to the car where she climbed into the back with Matt.

  “Are you okay?” Matt eyed her curiously as they drove off.

  She shivered, unsure as to whether it was the cold, damp weather that was to blame or the feeling of dread which had engulfed her. Staring up at his gorgeous green eyes, she frowned. He seemed quite relaxed about it all—I suppose it’s all right for him!

  She didn’t reply—it would be better not to say anything than to get into a row with him. After all, he hadn’t done anything wrong. Neither of the guys had. She looked out of the window. It was dark but the street lamps lit up the main road through the town.

  Carla grimaced as they passed Frank and Delores’ shop. What must they think of her? A thief who had come to work for them—they must feel relieved to be rid of her!

  Tears tickled her cheeks at the thought of all the people she had made such good friends with during her short time here. Those people trusted her and now they would regard her as nothing more than a common criminal. Even the cops from Sheridan didn’t believe that her intentions for the cash had been honorable. Even if the Shearers believed her, how in hell was she supposed to convince everyone else that they had it all wrong? Every bit of evidence was stacked against her, and even the sheriff couldn’t argue with that!

  They had traveled out of town and were making their way up a track with trees on either side. They could have been anywhere, she mused, not having taken any notice of the route. In the dark it was impossible to see any landmarks, not that it would have mattered. If she was headed for the county jail there was no way she would be able to escape, anyhow. A feeling of misery and despair began to envelope her as the tears continued to roll down her face.

  She felt Matt’s warm arm squeeze her a little tighter but she didn’t respond. He was a lovely guy, as was his brother, but she would have no future with them. She would have no future at all if she couldn’t convince everyone tomorrow that they had it all wrong. Despite the Shearer brothers claiming to believe her story, if the cops from Sheridan didn’t get the evidence they needed, she was about to be charged with the theft—and locked up for much longer than just one night!

  “We’re here.” Matt’s voice sounded soothing enough, but his words just instilled more dread into her.

  Slowly she climbed out of the car, aware of Dyson already standing right behind her. There was a large building nearby but she couldn’t see much.

  “Let’s get some coffee on, you look like you need warming up, darlin’,” Matt suggested, draping his arm around her.

  Fat chance of that! Carla felt cold right through to her bones as she allowed the guys to lead her toward the building. She was surprised when Dyson flung his arm around her other shoulder. Despite their warmth, she shivered.

  “We’ll have to see what we can do about that,” Dyson murmured salaciously.

  Carla balked. How could he make remarks like that at a time like this?

  She just stared at him as he casually led them inside. Then he put the light on and she stared at their surroundings.

  “It’s not much, but it’s what we call home,” Matt explained, a little apologetically.

  They were in the hallway of a house. She could see the living room through the open door, and frowned as Matt removed her jacket and hung it up.

  “I’ll get the fire started,” Dyson announced.

  “This is your house?” She gawped at them as they set to work. When they had brought her here for their trek it had been daylight, and
she had been too busy with the horses to really look at the house, anyhow.

  “Yep.” Dyson was already kneeling in front of the fire and looked up a little sheepishly as he answered.

  She walked slowly into the room. It felt warm even without the fire being lit. It was cozy and welcoming. The furniture was fairly old but it was clean and had pretty cushions dotted about. The carpet was neat, although a little worn in places, and there was a sweet smell of lavender in the air.

  “It— It’s really lovely,” she told him, a little bemused.

  “Your bag’s in the car still. I’ll just get the place warmed up a little and then I’ll fetch it for you,” Dyson told her as he lit the fire.

  She frowned.

  “You are happy to stay here tonight, aren’t you?” He looked a little worried as he stood up and made his way over to her.

  She glanced around the room quickly as her brain tried to fathom what he was saying.

  “I-I thought…”

  His hand was on her arm now and he gazed at her, anxiously. “We can take you back to the Melrose if you’d prefer, I just thought…”

  She had never seen Dyson look so flummoxed before.

  “I made cocoa, hope that’s all right with everybody?” Matt breezed in with a tray containing three large, steaming mugs.

  Carla’s eyes flitted from Dyson to him and he stopped in his tracks.

  “Is there a problem here? I can do coffee if you prefer?” He turned back toward the door.

  “No.” Carla stopped him. “It’s just… I don’t understand.”

  Her heart was thumping out a military tattoo as she tried to quell the hope that was rising within her. Did this mean…?

  “We want you to stay with us tonight,” Dyson told her slowly, “but only if you want to?”

  “B-but I thought I was going to jail? You said I was being held in police custody tonight?” Her voice was quiet as she hardly dared ask what was going on.

  Dyson’s concerned face turned to a dazzling smile as he held her arm a little tighter. “We thought this would be a better way to ensure you didn’t leave my sight, baby. We both intend to keep you well under surveillance tonight.” His voice was low and husky as he pulled her a little closer to his warm body.

  “Only if it’s what you want, though, darlin’?” Matt’s voice was deep as he placed the tray on the side table and joined them. His arm came around her and he kissed the top of her head.

  Carla allowed the warm feeling of relief to spread through her body as the guys proceeded to caress her gently and Dyson’s mouth came down to claim hers. His tender kiss became heavier as she pressed her aching body into his. She could feel Matt’s arms gently stroking hers as his heaving frame leaned into her back.

  As Dyson finally freed her mouth Matt tickled her cheek, making her turn toward him. He then took her lips in a searing kiss as his hot tongue delved into her waiting mouth. A gush escaped her pussy and she gasped as their tongues tangled deliciously in their own private dance. Matt chuckled and she felt it reverberate through her body. She didn’t have time to feel embarrassed, however, as Dyson’s fingers trailed down her neck and swirled over her panting breasts. His soft hands crept underneath her T-shirt and he caressed her large bosom before sliding her bra down to expose her skin to the warm air.

  She felt his thumbs brush tantalizingly over her hard nipples before he pinched them hard, causing her to jerk in surprise as her panties became soaked with her excitement.

  “You like that, huh?” Dyson murmured into her ear.

  With her mouth full of Matt’s tongue she could only nod, but it was enough.

  Dyson giggled before doing it again.

  She flinched at the delicious pain, sucking hard on Matt’s tongue.

  Matt moaned approvingly into her mouth, sending electricity zinging through her face.

  Carla closed her eyes to savor every sensation as the guys continued to kiss and caress her relaxed body. This was far more than she had ever hoped. The warmth and tenderness of these guys soothed and sated her while their passion fired her into a wanton siren.

  Her jaw ached by the time Matt freed her mouth but she didn’t mind one bit. Moving around to face her, his kisses trailed down her throat and she threw her head back, offering herself up to his ministrations.

  Matt’s hot mouth soon found her naked breasts and he sucked and licked at them while his hands teased them relentlessly.

  Dyson had kissed his way down to her stomach and his strong fingers made short work of her button and zipper.

  Carla grabbed at Matt’s shoulders with a loud groan as Dyson cupped his hand over her soaking pussy.

  “Something else you like, baby?” Dyson’s voice was deep and powerful.

  Carla felt her pussy gush again, directly into his hand, and he hummed his approval.

  Matt sucked her left breast hard and she reached behind her to steady herself on the armchair as she almost fell over, her legs becoming jellified. This made her torso arch further as she leaned back, and Matt moaned with satisfaction as he took even more of her soft flesh into his hot, wet mouth.

  Dyson pulled her jeans down her quivering legs and she sighed as the air surrounded her overheated skin. Then his warm kisses nuzzled the tops of her thighs before his mouth smothered her wet, aching pussy.

  “Oh!” she cried out as he sucked on the sodden lace then teased her by dipping his tongue, still covered with her panties, into her waiting hole.

  Matt’s mouth left her breast and he licked his way back up her throat to take her lips in another earth-shattering kiss. His tongue then flicked back and forth into her mouth, mimicking Dyson’s motions with his tongue in her pussy.

  Carla moaned as the heat within her rose to an inferno and she delighted in the roughness of the lace rubbing the insides of her soft, wet folds. She could smell their favorite scents mingled with their arousal and she closed her eyes tight while she savored every moment, every sensation.

  Matt’s kisses became more feverish and she was suddenly aware of him unfastening his shirt. He didn’t get far before momentarily freeing her mouth while he hauled the fabric over his head… Who needs buttons anyway? His lips soon found hers again and he resumed his passionate assailment on her mouth. His hands roamed her torso, puckering up her nipples and tweaking them mercilessly between his finger and thumb.

  Dyson’s fingers had trailed around to her butt, which he massaged and caressed. She suddenly jumped as she felt a lace-covered finger examine her tight ring.

  “Have you ever…?” He gently pressed the hard muscle with his finger as he growled at her.

  “N-no.”

  Matt’s tongue trailed down her neck as she took a moment to reply to his brother.

  “Uh-huh.” Dyson’s deep murmur made her pussy gush once more and he slid his finger under the lace to trail her juices around to her ass.

  A tingling excitement overcame her and she pushed her pussy toward him, inviting him to continue. His finger against her pussy felt so good, she didn’t want him to stop and she’d never had a guy interested in her butt before.

  Matt’s hairy chest tickled her breasts as he leaned in closer, kissing the living daylights out of her hot mouth. Her excitement ratcheted up another notch as she felt Dyson slide her soaked panties down her legs before inserting a finger into her dripping pussy. She had never felt so wanted, so…loved?

  Her mind whirled as her emotions welled with the realization. No one had ever made her feel the way these guys did. Not only were they the most caring, tender lovers she had ever had, the passion which grew in her every time they touched her or looked her way was intangible. But it was more than physical with these boys. Much more. She felt connected to them in a way she had never thought possible. Knowing that they believed in her, despite everything looking so negative, was incredible. Okay, so they might have
had their reservations at first—who wouldn’t?—though they never actually accused her of lying or stealing, she recalled. Was it possible that they had been rooting for her all along?

  Guilt roiled in her gut as she thought of how she had left them. She had practically told them she had used them just before running off. Yet they didn’t seem to have held a grudge—they came after her, for fuck’s sake. Relief swept through her as she realized that they hadn’t taken her parting comment seriously—they already knew her better than that. And how could she have accused them of using her? The idea was ludicrous.

  Dyson’s tongue delving into her pussy brought her delightfully back to the present and she moaned as he lapped at her juices. He groaned his response, acknowledging her enjoyment, and she felt herself gush once more. His lips reverberated against her folds, sending delicious waves through her body and she bucked toward him.

  Matt pinched her nipple one more time as his lips devoured hers and she felt the zing shoot through her, culminating in her overheated pussy.

  Dyson’s finger was still toying with her most intimate hole, swirling her juices around it, dipping in through her tight muscle which relaxed under his confident ministrations.

  Suddenly Matt spun her around, leaning himself against the back of the armchair while he pulled her onto him. She gasped as his huge erection beckoned her from the confines of his jeans, and he chuckled as he reached down to undo his fly. His massive cock sprang free, rubbing enticingly against her pussy, and she grabbed his shoulders as her whole body shook with ripples of anticipation.

  Dyson was at her back, his fingers still swirling her juices around her asshole while she heard his zipper being unfastened.

  “Don’t worry, darlin’, we’ll take good care of you,” Matt murmured into her ear as his kisses trailed around her neck.

  His tongue poked into her ear and she gasped as new sensations flooded her body. Then Dyson’s hot tongue delved into her rim as he expertly pointed the end to ease it inside before relaxing it to fill her hole with his soft wetness. He hummed, sending quivers through her ass cheeks, as his fingers pumped her soaking pussy.