by Skye Turner
She chuckles and lays her gnarled hands on my arm. “It was inevitable with you two. I knew it. I’ve known it for years. The way you two were always sneaking glances at the other when you thought no one was watching.”
I laugh. “Yeah, well. You knew before I did…
“I wouldn’t have dared assume any of this.” I look back at the water. “We’re so different. Yet, I think I’ve always wanted her. I’ve always been drawn to her. I just never thought she’d reciprocate the feelings. We’re not exactly from the same world.”
Grandma Clarabelle smirks at me and her eyes twinkle. “She’s different now.” My brows rise in a silent question. “She was always strong, she just didn’t know it. She tried so hard to please everyone else and to fit into the mold she assumed everyone wanted… somewhere between childhood and becoming a young woman, she lost herself. You’ve brought her back out.”
I sigh. “I’m not like the guys she’s used to.”
She laughs and slaps her knee. “Thank God for that, boy!” I turn to her in surprise. “No, you are not like the pompous asses she’s used to. You’re so much better. You two have chemistry. You have passion. You have what it takes.” She points at me. “What you have is real. That means it’s messy and you’ll disagree. You’re going to fight like cats and dogs. It’s normal. It’s necessary.
“The fights will be legendary, but the making up will be what people envy. You’re headstrong and manly… that’s going to be hard for her at first…” She looks at me and I can tell she’s reading me. “I bet it’s already caused some friction with you.”
I shrug and she chuckles. “I can see the remains of a small handprint on your cheek, boy.” My face brightens and I look away. “You pissed her off something good.
“What’d you do?”
Turning back to her, I grimace. “I left the party last night. Without telling her. I let my ego get the best of me and I left because I thought I was too different from the people that she’s so comfortable around. I made a rash decision and left in a fit of insecurity. She came after me.
“She lit my ass up.”
Shit.
I can’t believe I’m being so honest with her.
Hell, yes I can. I’ve always been able to talk freely with Grandma Clarabelle. Hell, the first time we met, I felt a connection to her.
It’s as if she’s a part of my family and in the three years I’ve known her, it’s only gotten stronger.
Which is completely insane. She has more money than God and I don’t, yet, she’s never once made me feel inferior. She’s so like Tif. I think that’s why I’m so close to her.
She laughs again. “You know that means something…”
I concentrate on the conversation and ask, “What does? That she slapped the shit out of me?”
She nods. “Yes, indeed. Do you think AnnaBeth would have ever slapped Stanton? Do you think she’d have cared enough about anything he did to react like that?” She shakes her head and laughs in delight. “I don’t. She’d have smiled and carried on. She’d have let him get away with whatever stupid thing he did that day and stewed in private.
“You… no way. She loves you and because of that… she’s going to tear into you when you upset her. That’s a good thing. You want that. And you’ll let her know when you don’t like something, too…”
She smiles and looks at the ducks. “I miss that. I miss the loving. I miss the fighting that leads to the loving. That… that passion… that’s a gift. Treasure it.”
I nod. “I intend to.”
We’re quiet again. A few minutes later, she claps my knee. “We’d better get back. They’ll think you kidnapped me.”
I laugh. “They do tend to hover. They love you.”
She smiles. “I know they do. It doesn’t mean they don’t annoy the shit out of me though.”
Throwing my head back, I laugh heartily. When I’m done, I help her up and we make our way back to the house. As we reach it, the balcony doors open and I smile at the sight in front of me.
AnnaBeth.
She smiles back.
Grandma Clarabelle pats my cheek and says, “I’m going to go rest for a bit. Why don’t you ask AnnaBeth to show you her castle?”
AnnaBeth hears and I see a blush spread over her cheeks. “Grandma. I was like eight.”
Grandma turns back and winks. “You’re never too old for fairy tales, child.”
She heads into the house. As the doors close and AnnaBeth and I are left out on the terrace, I stick my hands in my pockets and roll back on my heels. “So, about this castle…”
She laughs lightly and pulls my arm. “Come on.”
*
AnnaBeth
Grandma and her scheming. She knows that my favorite place as a child is secluded. She knows that the branches of the weeping willow will shield us from any eyes on the estate.
What does she expect us to do?!
Get naked during the middle of the day? Outside?
Damned if that thought doesn’t excite me…
I have ahold of Ty’s hand and I’m pulling him behind me on the paths through the garden. He mutters, “Damn, princess, where’s the fire?”
Taking one of the paths through the maze, we turn the corner and the house is no longer in view. Straight ahead a little ways is the bridge. It leads to the very back of the estate. Grandpa had it built about sixty years ago. It connects one of the ponds to the bayou that runs through the back corner of the plantation. He used to take us back here to play while he fished when we were children. I haven’t been this way in years. I’d forgotten how much I loved it.
Ty sees the view and gasps. “Holy shit, princess. Is this part of the estate?”
Looking ahead of us, I nod. On one side of the bridge is a small white brick gatehouse. On the other side, it’s nothing but a field of wildflowers dotted with weeping willows that go all the way to the water.
When I was a child, I’d pretend the gatehouse was my castle and the field and trees were my land. I was the beautiful fairy princess and everything I could see belonged to me.
Ty stops at the end of the bridge. He pulls me into him. I melt into his body. His arms go around my waist and my arms stretch around his neck. He just looks at me and the look on his face has my breath catching.
Leaning down, he stops centimeters from my lips. “You really are a princess, AnnaBeth.”
I whisper back, “I feel like a princess with you, Ty.”
With a groan, he crushes his lips to mine. My lips part and we kiss deeply on the bridge to my fantasy castle.
Eventually, we break apart. Taking my hand, he entwines our fingers and pulls me off the bridge and into the field.
The look on his face has my stomach clenching in anticipation… and want.
My pulse accelerates as I follow behind him. As we reach the trees, he ducks under the wispy branches of the willow. Looking back out, he parts the branches and holds out his hand to me. Placing my shaking hand in his, I allow him to lead me into the foliage.
It’s like we’re in a curtain of leaves. The tree appears to be embracing us. The grass is green and soft beneath my feet, almost like a carpet. I can feel it tickle my toes.
Looking up, I take in the beauty of the sight. The branches and leaves block most of the sunlight, but little rays are breaking through.
It’s magical.
Ty sits down on the cool grass and pulls me into his lap. I happily follow. I’m curious as to where this leads.
He brushes my hair back from my face as I sit sideways on his lap. We just look at each other. The tiny rays of the sun are sparkling on the auburn of his hair. The green canopy surrounding us matches the green of his eyes. I’m lost in his gaze.
Reaching down without breaking eye contact, I remove my shoes. I curl my toes into the grass. It anchors me because the feeling of being in his arms in this romantic setting has me floating.
Ty smiles at me and says huskily, “You’re so beautiful, princess.”
He means it.
He’s not just throwing pretty words at me. He really means it.
I know I’m pretty. I’ve been told often enough over the years, but no one has ever said I was beautiful like Ty says it.
When he says it… I believe it.
When he says I’m beautiful, I feel it.
Cupping his face, I lean into him. I stop a whisper away from his lips. “So are you.”
He laughs lightly. “Men are not beautiful.”
I nod and my lips brush his. “You are.”
With a groan, he mutters, “If you say so.” And he crushes his lips to mine.
Before I know it, my legs are on either side of his hips and I’m taking over the kiss. Ty leans back and supports himself on his elbows as I ravish his mouth.
It’s as if a fire just lit in my soul and I just want to fan the flames.
My hands fist his shirt and before I think it through, I yank. Buttons pop and fly in every direction as I slip my hands underneath the material. I have to touch him, skin to skin. It’s as if my life depends on it.
I don’t know what’s come over me, but I’m consumed and the only thing I want… the only thing I need is Ty.
Our teeth are thrashing together as my hands travel over his pecs and abs. His hands are under my skirt as he grips my thighs. We both gasp at the passion we unleash.
I can’t get enough and at the same time, I feel like any more and I’ll explode into flames.
His hands slide under my tank top and cup my heaving breasts as I ride his leg.
My body is burning up, but I need more. I want more.
I shove the shirt off his shoulders and he leans up to help me remove it.
Once his shirt is gone, he yanks the hem of my tank. The backs of his hands tickle my stomach as I raise my arms to help him. He slides it up and off. He flings it to the side as his hands reach for the back clasp of my bra. I’m ahead of him and reach behind me to unhook it. It slides down my arms before I toss it as well. With a grunt, he rolls us. I’m underneath him, pressed into the fragrant grass. His mouth leaves my lips and trails over my chin and down my neck.
As he reaches my collarbone, he nudges my strand of pearls up with his nose before he sucks on the crease of my neck… Hard.
He’s marking me… I can feel it and I love it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Ty
AnnaBeth is on fire for me.
Her body is radiating heat. I don’t know what’s come over her. She’s wild.
She’s so aggressive. She’s never been like this. Not that I’m complaining.
It’s as if she wants to climb inside of me.
She’s got me so enflamed, I can’t keep my hands off her.
I trail kisses down her neck and suck on her collarbone. I want to brand her. She’s mine and I want everyone to know it.
Her hands are clawing at my back as I suckle her neck. With a moan, she pulls my head up. The suction from my mouth leaves a bright purple mark. The sight of it makes my already throbbing length pulse. Leaning down, I kiss the spot.
Once again, she pulls my head up, then as she looks into my eyes, she captures my mouth. As she sucks on my tongue, she reaches between us and releases the button on my jeans. She’s fevered as she slips her hand inside the soft denim.
My hands are trailing over her thighs. As I reach her ass, I squeeze it. She presses against me and something primal comes over me. Grabbing the sides of the lace at her hips, I yank. The delicate fabric shreds in my hands. Tossing what’s left of the white lace to the side, my hands go back to her naked rear.
Toeing my shoes off, I lift my hips so she can slide the denim down. She leans over me as she works the denim down my legs. As she clears my ankles, she gives a final yank and throws them behind her.
She stands and pushes the white skirt over her hips. It pools on the ground at her feet. She kicks it to the side and stands over me. The sun above us is filtering through branches and creating patterns over her nude body. The only thing she’s wearing is a strand of pearls. My breath catches as I gaze at her.
God, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
With a sexy smile, she slithers back over my body. Her soft curves are pressed against my hard muscle. Realizing I’m about to take her on the ground, I turn my head to the side and spot my ripped shirt. Reaching out, I grab it.
Pushing her off me for a second, I smooth the shirt on the crushed grass.
Her blue eyes are wild, her blonde hair has grass in it, and her skin is fully flushed with desire. The sunlight filtering through the branches appears to create a halo around her. She’s never looked more radiant.
With a growl, I grab her and pull her back onto me. She settles immediately into the curves of my hard body. My hands grip her head as I take her mouth in a bruising kiss.
Her small hands reach between us and encircle my pulsing shaft. She strokes it and I moan into her mouth. Pulling back, she ends our mouths’ connection, but before I can feel a loss, she presses her moist lips to my chest. Her tongue peeks out from between her pink lips and she traces the ridges of muscle down my abs. She’s still stroking me as her tongue tortures me.
I’m thrusting into her hand as I reach out for her, but she evades me. Shaking her head, she breathes out against my hip, “No touching. Let me take the lead.”
With a tortured groan, my head falls back against the ground. I’m helpless to deny her. “Do whatever you want, princess.”
I feel her smile against my groin right before she takes me into her mouth. Her cheeks hollow as she increases the suction. Between her mouth and her hands, I’m in heaven.
I’ve died. I’m dead and this is heaven.
Her hand strokes down as she slides me into her throat and her other hand massages my hip.
Suddenly, her hand is removed and she’s only using her mouth. She sucks me to the base before removing me completely and circling my oozing tip with her tongue.
I’m about to come from the perfect torment.
With a pop, she releases me and climbs up my body. Her mouth is swollen, her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are glazed with molten desire.
She presses her hands into my chest as she straddles me. Supporting herself with her feet, she guides me into her slick channel and with a moan, she sinks down onto me. My balls are against her ass. She sits for a minute, then with a sultry smirk, she starts to move. She’s riding me like a bull rider. Her hands start to knead her breasts as she continues to pump. I can feel her clenching all around me. She’s so tight, I have to force myself to hold onto my sanity. Opening my eyes, I watch her. Her head is thrown back and her hair is tickling my hips as she grinds down onto me.
Her breathing gets erratic and she quickens her pace. I mutter, “Come for me, princess. Take what you need and come for me.”
My words spur her on and she grinds her pussy onto me… She gasps. “Ohhhh, Ty!!!! Oh shit! Dear God. TY!” I feel her spasm on my cock. She rides the wave and I feel the wetness from her orgasm. When she stills, I grasp her hips and drive into her. She starts moving with me again.
Her moans pick up and they drive me wild. She’s so loud… She’s never been this vocal before. Thank God we’re so far away from the house.
I can tell when her legs get tired, she slows down. Pulling her off of me, I roll us. She lies back on my shirt and I spread her thighs. She’s so pink and swollen… and wet. Her hooded eyes watch me and her face has a look of utter fulfillment.
She’s so fucking gorgeous.
Draping her legs over my shoulders, I slide into her and watch as I disappear between her folds. As I sink in, she moans. “Baby, you feel soooo good. God, why do you feel so fucking good?”
Her dirty language, her lack of inhibitions… it flips a switch.
Grasping her knees, I pull her into me as I thrust. She’s jerking against the crushed grass as I fuck her hard. She loves it.
She’s screaming out, saying mostly incohe
rent things as her hands clutch at the ground beneath her.
I feel her clenching around me again. As she shatters for the second time, she screams out my name and it sends me over the edge. With a roar, I follow her. I come so hard, I lose consciousness for a brief second.
When I can see again, I realize I’m slumped on top of her and we’re both covered in sweat and grass. The combined scents of sweat, sex, and nature are euphoric. Both of us are breathing as if we’ve run a marathon.
*
AnnaBeth
I can’t move. My muscles refuse to move.
We’ll just have to stay out here.
I don’t want to move.
That. Was. Incredible.
I’m not a novice at sex. I’ve enjoyed it before. With Ty, it’s always been great, and even before Ty, it was pleasant.
That… Sweet Jesus… That was beyond my realm of understanding.
I never knew two people joining together could be so… beautiful.
Ty is the reason that was so profound.
Only Ty.
Turning my head, I smile lazily at him as he gasps for breath on top of me. “You ok there, lover?”
He blinks and looks down at me as he struggles to support himself. With a sexy smile, he rolls and plops next to me on the ground. He takes a deep breath and exhales. “Holy shit, AnnaBeth.”
I laugh in delight at the wonder in his voice. Finding a surge of strength, I roll to my side and lay my leg over his sticky one. My chin rests on his chest as I look into his face.
In this proximity, I can see a scattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose. When did freckles become so damn sexy?
He grunts. “I can feel you staring at me.”
I giggle and press a kiss to his chest. His muscle jumps under my lips.
His head turns and his sage eyes are looking directly into mine. He smiles and his teeth flash. “You’re a treasure, princess.”
My heart races and my sore nether region clenches. Leaning over him, I take his mouth in a sweet kiss. He kisses me back and when I sigh and try to pull back, his hands come up to cradle my head. His fingers are buried in my tangled hair as his mouth leisurely explores mine.
