“Good job, cowgirl!” I yell encouragement as she completes the task perfectly.
“This calf is so cute!” she answers. “I think he should be named Rascal since he’s run away three times today.”
“We don’t name the cattle, Lizzie,” I explain. “It just makes it harder to let them go, especially knowing they’ll end up in a supermarket someday.”
Her sweet face falls into despair. “No! Not Rascal. Please, don’t let that happen to this baby!”
I shouldn’t make the promise. It’s bad for business, yet I can’t ignore Lizzie’s plea. She’s seen a vicious death firsthand, and she deserves a reprieve on this matter. So, against my better judgment, I say, “Fine, I’ll keep Rascal. He can grow fat, and sassy right here on the ranch. He’ll die of old age, just like me.”
“Thank you, Jack,” she says in the most serious voice I’ve ever heard her use. She blows me a kiss, and it rocks my world. At that moment, I’d agree to keep all the cows if she asked it of me.
Once the stray cattle are rounded up into the temporary pen we keep set up out here, it’s time I give my cowgirl a break.
“I’m starving, Lizzie. A section of the river is through those trees to the east. Would you care for a picnic?” I ask as if I haven’t planned for it all along.
“Really? We can do that? I say yes!” she squeals, and the sound goes straight to my restless cock.
We race to the river, although I have to hold Thunder back. There is no way Blaze’s shorter legs can keep up with Thunder’s long limbs. We tumble to the ground beside the river, and Lizzie runs to the water to splash her face with its coolness. I panic, and grab her around the waist to pull her back.
“What the hell, Jack? I’m hot, and it felt so good,” she hisses.
“I was afraid you were going to fall in. This part of the river is deep, and swift,” I explain through my gritted teeth. “I’m supposed to protect your fine ass, remember?”
“From the bad guys, Jack. Not nature. I can swim, and I’m not a child. You just treat me like one,” she shouts as she pounds her delicate fists on my chest.
She’s breathing hard, and it excites me. I capture her fists in one hand, and stare down into her furious face. I can’t hold back my desires any longer. As my head lowers, and my lips near Lizzie’s rosy ones, I whisper, “I damn well know you’re not a child. My dick makes it clear every minute of every day.”
My lips meet hers. It’s not a gentle, exploring kiss. I devour her. She gives it right back to me. Within seconds, she’s climbing my body like a tree. Her legs wrap around my waist, and I revel in her reaction to my hunger.
This heat has been brewing since the day Lizzie arrived, and it’s now time to acknowledge it. Our tongues dance as I squeeze her sweet ass in my big hands. Her moan of pleasure makes me wild. I slide one hand between her parted thighs, and my knees grow weak when I discover her jeans are damp, and it’s not with sweat.
Somehow, I get us to the softer tufts of grass beneath a large tree without dropping her, or ending the kisses. She clings when I try to put her on the ground.
“Darlin’, if you want me to finish this properly, then you’ve got to let me put you down. We’re wearing far too many clothes. I want you naked, sweet thing,” I manage to tell her.
She bites my lower lip, which adds gasoline to the already blazing flames that are consuming us. But, she unclamps her legs, and slides down my body, allowing her belly to rub my hardness, and make it burn. My cowgirl is a tiger.
I want to undress her, but she’s already pulling her long sleeved t-shirt over her head. So, I begin popping the snaps on my denim shirt. I freeze in mid- motion when I spy her full breasts showcased in a bra that is so sheer her rosy nipples are shining through. My mouth waters.
She notices my reaction, and slowly fans the flames by unhooking the bra’s front clasp. Her firm, pert breasts spring free, and I’m on her before the skimpy material hits the ground. She tastes like candy. I can’t get enough. I suck one breast, then the other, until the pink turns to bright red.
It’s a surprise to find Lizzie has managed to unzip her jeans and mine while I’ve been tasting her. I almost explode when her hand wraps around my cock as it’s released from my pants.
“Darlin’, be careful. I want to lose myself inside your warmth, not in the grass,” I growl. “Let me take you to the heavens first.”
“Then, get on with it, old man,” she says, and I laugh against her lips. She’s always reminding me of the difference in our ages, but I don’t mind.
“Your wish is my command,” I answer. My hand slips into her jeans, and beneath the thong she’s wearing under them. I find heat, and wetness waiting for me. My middle finger slips inside her sheath as my thumb rubs the swollen nub that seeks my touch.
Lizzie gasps, and she rides my hand. Her eyes grow wide, and she drenches my captured finger as her pussy clenches over and over. I can smell her liquid heat, and want to drink from her. I hold her close until she comes down from the high she’s experiencing.
When I remove my hand, she begs, “More, Jack. Please.”
I’ve got us out of our pants in seconds, and her hands are all over me. We ease our way to the ground. I’m over her, with my cock throbbing in her hand, yet I ask, “Are you sure about this, baby? Once I’ve had you, I’ll want more.”
“I already want more, so we’re even,” comes her reply. She spreads her legs, and raises her knees, while rubbing my cock over her opening.
I take the cue, and enter her. She’s hot; so hot it’s hard not to lose it instantly. I pause to gain control of myself; grinding my teeth, and turning red with the effort. Finally, I begin to move, and Lizzie meets me thrust for thrust.
I nibble at her neck, knowing I’ll be leaving a mark. That’s fine with me. This cowgirl is mine, and I’ll tattoo on her ass if necessary. I fondle her plump breast as I pound into her relentlessly. She screams my name as the orgasm hits her hard. Her creamy thighs tighten around me just as her pussy does. That’s the end of my patience. I fill her with hot seed as my cock pulses its release.
I’m not finished with her yet. I move down her body to taste what she’s been producing, and take her to heaven as promised. Her flavor is better than the finest whisky, and my heart and soul are lost.
Chapter 8~Lizzie
The smell of horses, and sweet hay greet me as I near the barn. I’m agreeing to do the barn duties this morning so Jack can help the ranch hands build a new corral on the west side of his property. I’m not alone. He’ll never risk that. Two of his most trusted men are here, and they are carrying rifles.
I’m not really worried anymore. Three weeks are gone, and nothing terrible has happened. The Marshalls send us updates every couple of days. While I’m enjoying the ranch, and the freedom of open spaces, they’re tracking down Joey. The latest message says they’ve found his hiding place. He’s stuck inside it, and not chasing after me. I’ll be free soon.
I don’t want this to end. I love this place, the animals, and most of all, Jack. My old life seems distant, and far from satisfying. Here, I can enjoy open spaces, and write to my heart’s content. Jack is supportive, and even reads some of my work. He’s quick to praise, but also very honest about things that don’t make sense. He’s the perfect critic.
I’ve just finished brushing down the horses, and giving them some oats when they start getting restless. Thunder bangs against his stall. Blaze whinnies in protest. I don’t understand what has gotten into them until a breeze blows through the open door of the barn. Smoke! The scent makes me freeze in my tracks. My nerves are instantly sparking off all over my body. I begin to shake with terror.
Fire is the focus of all my nightmares. Since the night Joey burned that man alive, I can’t even stand to smell barbeque. The horses sense my fear, and grow more restless. They kick the stalls, and I’m terrified they’ll hurt themselves. Concern for their safety overrules my own fear, and I’m able to move.
The hay in an emp
ty stall catches fire, and I know the enemy has arrived. Shaking hard, and gagging, I do my best to unlock the horses’ stalls. I must get them out of the barn. I see the cats who live here race through a small opening in the wall, and realize there’s little time to save us.
I’m intelligent enough to know the bad guys are trying to flush me out of the barn, and into their arms. If that doesn’t happen, they know I’ll die in here. Either way, I’m no longer a witness against Joey. I’m dead.
I hit Thunder on the rump, and send him flying out the door. I do the same with two other horses the ranch hands aren’t using today. I climb Blaze’s stall, and get on her bare back. I hang onto her mane, and kick her sides. She barrels out of the stall, and through the door. She has to leap over some burning hay, yet I manage to stay on her.
I hear yelling as we burst out of the barn. Gunshots ring out in the still morning. I can see Jack’s men lying on the ground. I worry that they’ve given their lives to protect me. Thunder jumps a fence, and runs off. Blaze tries to follow, but she halts at the fence knowing it’s too high for her short legs. The abrupt stop sends me flying over her head. I stumble to my feet, and try to run.
A heavy, sweaty body tackles me to the ground. The stench of rotted teeth fills my nostrils as the man speaks.
“We’ve gotcha now, girly. There’ll be no testifying from you. I’d kill you right now, but the boss wants a taste of you first. Joey’s told him all about you before the Marshalls took him in. He’ll probably fry even without your testimony, but the boss wants to see how brave you are when it’s your turn to burn. He doesn’t want you accidently send the Marshalls his way,” he tells me.
Tears roll down my cheeks, and I tremble at the threat. I fight anyway. I kick. I buck my body beneath his. I scream, but it’s all useless. I’m still pinned to the ground, and now my mouth is full of dirt. I’m choking on tears, and mud. My only thoughts are for Jack. I’ll never see him again. I’ll never be able to tell him that I love him. He’ll blame himself for my death, just as he’s done with his partner.
“Oh, please, Jack! Find me. I don’t want to die. I need you. You make me feel so loved, and safe,” I pray.
My hands are tied behind my back, and I’m dragged over the ground, and tossed into a jeep. I can tell by the rough ride that these men aren’t taking the road. They’re cutting through pastures, and firing guns into the air to chase away the cows. It doesn’t make any sense to me. They’re leaving a clear trail for Jack to follow. The truth hits me. They want him to follow. They want him dead, and his body burned to ashes where it won’t be found.
My prayer changes. “Don’t come for me Jack. Don’t die for me. Live a long and happy life for both of us.”
Chapter 9~Jack
I smell the acrid scent of smoke first. I turn to see it rising in the air from the direction of the ranch compound. Fear fills my soul. I need to get to Lizzie. I never should have left her side. I’m supposed to be her protector, her hero, her knight in shining armor. I’ve failed.
I drop the tools in my hands onto the ground, and leap on the four wheeler I rode out here. Terrance unhooks the small trailer of supplies attached to the vehicle, and tells me, “It’s probably not the bad guys, boss. There’s no reason to believe the worst.”
“Yeah, Jack. It’s been weeks, and nothing’s happened. Lizzie’s fine,” Hank adds.
“Come with me, or don’t. It’s your choice,” I say as I rev the engine, and take off.
They’re coming. I hear other engines start, and horses’ hooves beating the ground. Gunshots echo through the air, and my blood runs cold. I’ve screwed up. I’ve gotten lax on my vigilance because everything has been so quiet. I’ve been enjoying my time with Lizzie instead of planning for the enemies’ attack. She may die because I’m a fool in love.
Flames are visible now, and I pass Thunder in the pasture. I know that Lizzie saved the horses despite her fear of fire, and I’m proud of her courage.
“Hang on, darlin’. I’m coming for you,” I say to the air.
As we race into the ranch compound, my heart tells me Lizzie isn’t here. They’ve taken my cowgirl. The trail they’ve left is purposeful. Tire tracks, gun shots, and frightened cattle lead the way. They want me to follow. It’s showdown time.
I shout to the men, “Stay here! Keep the fire away from the house! Find the animals. I’m going after Lizzie!”
I take Hank’s horse. It’s faster, and quieter than a four wheeler. I’ll need stealth to win against so many men. Besides, it’s equipped with ropes, a rifle, zip ties, water, and other essentials. I gallop along the tracks the enemy has left, although I’m sure there are a few men waiting nearby that didn’t leave a marked path.
I’m right. The bullet hits the ground a foot in front of the horse. It rears up onto it’s back legs for a moment. I soothe it, and make it continue to run. I slip to the right side of the horse, like a trick rider, and fire the rifle from beneath it’s neck. I aim at the trees where I see movement. A yelp tells me I hit the target. I doubt that it was a killing shot, but the pain will stop the man for now.
Back in the saddle correctly, I slow the horse. We’re nearing the wooded area by the river. That’s where I’ll find the others. I veer away from the trail they left, and go farther east. I know there’s a place to cross the river in that direction, so I can come at them from behind. My advantage is knowing my own ranch, while they don’t.
I walk the horse across the shallow area so that there’s no splashing to alert Lizzie’s captors. It’s slow going through the trees, but it’s necessary. A bird shoots into the sky from a tree, and I know that means a man has climbed it to ambush me. I smile, realizing he’ll be easy pickings for my rifle. I see another one standing vigil on a large rock beside the river.
And, there’s my cowgirl. She’s under the tree where we made love. Her hands are tied, but she’s kicking at the ugly man who’s trying to move her. He slaps her, and I swear I’ll make sure he pays for that later. She spits in his face. That’s my little tiger!
The bushes a few feet ahead of me rustle, and I’m made aware that the last man has managed to cross the river. That’s fine. He’ll be the first one I take out. I loop the horse’s reins over a tree branch, and circle behind the intruder. He’s just settling down in his makeshift nest when I hit him with a rock. I tie, and gag the unconscious man. Two down, three to go.
The man on the rock is easy prey. I swing a lasso, and jerk him into the roaring river. He yelps, but the other’s seem to believe he fell. They have no idea I’m behind them.
“Hey, King! What the hell? Get your ass out of the water!” the ugly one yells.
King can’t answer. He’s half drowned when I fish him out of the river. He, too, is tied and gagged. The zip ties come in handy.
The ugly man is coming to investigate what happened to King. He shouts up to the tree, “Keep an eye peeled for that Marshall. He’ll come for the girl. He’s got to die. He’s a loose end left over from long ago. Joey killed his partner, and the fool ain’t stopped looking for him ever since. The boss is sick of him.”
“You won’t catch Jack. He’s smarter than any of you, and he’s better at this game. He’s not stupid enough to follow such a blatant trail,” my Lizzie shouts back.
“Shut your damn mouth, bitch! I’ll gag you so tight, you’ll suffocate!” the ugly man commands.
He stomps toward Lizzie, ready to do as he’s warned, but I can’t let him touch her again. I swing the lasso, and it wraps around the man’s feet. I pull him to the ground. Shots are fired from the tree. The bullets miss me, and slam into a rock. One ricochets, and makes a slice across my upper arm. It burns, but I ignore the pain. Lizzie comes first. I realize she’s more important to me than my own life.
I pull the rope taut, and dodge the bullets that keep coming. I tie the rope to a tree, and use it to pull myself across the rapidly flowing river. My grip keeps the knot around the ugly man’s ankles too tight for him to get it off, and his grip
on the riverbank keeps me from rolling down the river with the current.
“Damnit!” I curse, remembering I’ve left my rifle with the horse. I pull myself onto the riverbank, and hide behind a huge rock. I’m lucky. It’s the same rock that I pulled the other man off of. Lying beside it is his gun. He must have dropped it when he began to fall.
Rising up to take a peek, I see the ugly man has gotten loose. He’s got a gun on Lizzie.
“You’ve tried hard, Marshall, but you won’t get the girl. I think I’m going to make you watch her die.” He turns toward the tree, and tells his accomplice, “Keep him pinned down while I douse the woman with gasoline.”
Bullets bounce all around the rock I’m hidden behind. I can’t raise my head without getting shot. I hear the jeep’s door slam shut, and Lizzie’s scream as the ugly man goes back to her with his can of gas. I can’t let it happen. I won’t let my cowgirl die.
I hold the gun above the rock, and without looking I start shooting into the tree. I miss with the first shots, but the fourth one hits it’s mark. A big, heavyset man falls to the ground clutching his chest. His body knocks over the ugly man, and I rush from my cover. I shoot him in the shoulder, and kick the can of gas as far away as I can.
Despite the bullet wound, the ugly man rises. He’s got a gun, and shoots at Lizzie. She falls to her side, causing him to miss. I can’t allow him to make a second shot. I blow off his ugly face with my last bullet.
Lizzie’s sobs make my chest ache, but I have to hogtie the big man before it’s safe to hold her. Once he’s bound, I go to my sweetheart.
“It’s okay, darlin’. They can’t hurt you now. I’m here. I’ll always come for you,” I say as I untie her hands, and hold her against my chest.
“Are they dead?” she sobs.
“Only one of them, baby. He hurt you, so I couldn’t let the bastard live. I hit one on the way here, but not badly. Two are tied up in the woods across the river. This fat one will survive to tell us who he works for. The bullet hit his chest, but nothing vital was touched. It’s kind of a miracle for him.”
Cowboy Bodyguard (Alpha Agency Protectors Book 5) Page 3
