by Em Petrova
“No.” Aunt Winter shook her head. “Blanche wasn’t really the motherly type and she wanted to abort.” She winced again as she settled her gaze on Wes. Her eyes flooded and tears streamed down her cheeks. “We’ve loved you like our own, Wes. We named you on the day you were born and gave you the Roshannon name, as it should be. But what we did in keeping this hidden from you all was solely to make things easier on you. To protect you from gossip.”
Judd lowered his face into his hands and made a harsh noise. Then he raised his head and stared at Wes, throat working. “I always wanted you to be a real brother, Wes. And now I’ve got it.” He shoved back from the table and Wes stood to meet him.
Judd and Aiden wrapped him in a rough hug while the ladies in the room quietly cried. Wes felt strangely elated, the relief dizzying.
When they broke apart, Matthias—his father—was there to wrap him in a stronghold. That’s when Wes’s tears flowed and he couldn’t hold back any longer, especially when his aunt joined in the embrace.
* * * * *
Saddling horses was always a soothing chore for Wes. He took pride in ensuring the mounts were comfortable and well-treated. While he tightened the strap on the big gelding for the long ride out to the mountains to drive back the herd, he double-checked the way the tack fit.
When he straightened, Aiden was swinging into his own saddle, heels to flanks.
“Get a move on, bro,” he tossed over his shoulder along with a grin.
Wes’s face split into a smile and he swung his leg up and over his mount. A click of his tongue and they were in motion. Judd was farther ahead, riding along with some of the ranch hands who helped them move the cattle on a weekly basis. His uncle—dad—always said that the secret to good cattle farming was in the grazing land and to move often.
Wes hung back to look at the scenery—fields running right up to the base of the mountains, snow-capped in the distance. The Bighorns club was right over that range… and Stormy.
He always missed her when one of them left, but this time it felt like a bone-deep ache. She was in his blood, and he didn’t exactly know what to do about it.
Aiden dropped back until he was alongside Wes. “You still thinkin’ on last night’s revelations?”
Wes shrugged. “Little bit. Hard not to wonder if anything would have been different if I’d been raised as a brother. But prob’ly not.”
“Yeah, prob’ly not.”
He considered talking to Aiden about Stormy. They’d shared a few stories of females over the years. Hell, they’d shared a woman—Aiden’s ex, but just that once. Still, that was a long time ago, and Wes wasn’t into that sort of thing anymore.
“Speak your mind, Wes. I know you’ve got something weighin’ on it. Is it a fugitive?”
“Nah, not job-related.”
“So it’s female.”
“Well, it isn’t animal, vegetable or mineral.”
Aiden grinned at the reference to the game they played as kids, trying to guess what the person was thinking of.
Wes nodded, moving with the horse’s strides. It felt good to be out in the open this way. “Yeah, a woman. She’s in the club.”
“Does that mean…?” Aiden arched a brow.
“No, not that kind of club girl. She’s different.” And I think I’m in love with her.
He didn’t say the last part.
“Well, if you’re gonna bring her home to meet the family, now’s the time to do it. Strike while they’re all sympathetic from last night’s talk.”
Wes chuckled and flicked the reins to make his lazy mount to keep pace with Aiden’s. “I wouldn’t do that.”
“What—bring her home to Eagle Crest or take advantage of the situation? You realize what my mom did to me and Judd with our wives, right?”
Wes nodded. She’d picked at her sons until they’d told her to stay out of their business, but she meant well. He wasn’t sure if she’d do that with him or not. She had said she’d felt the same love for him as the twins.
“I’ll keep it in mind.”
“How long you stayin’ this time?” Aiden looked as if he already knew the answer.
“Movin’ out tonight. I’ve got business to see to.”
“The woman.”
He rode in silence a moment. “Her dad’s trying to push me out of her life.”
“I suppose it’s not good manners to kick his ass.”
Wes grunted. “I tried.”
“Wait—tried? I’ve never seen a guy you can’t take down, Wes.” Aiden tugged his hat brim, a habit he’d had since he was a kid.
“He’s tough as nails.”
“Want me to run him? Give me his details.”
“Nah, it’s okay. Not a threat, just a hindrance. He seems to be in Stormy’s business too much.”
“Stormy.”
“Yeah.”
“My offer stands—I’ll run interference with Momma so you can bring Stormy home.”
“Well, you could tell her you’re ready to start working on Roshannon Baby Number Two. That’d keep her occupied.”
Aiden waggled his brows. “Ya never know.”
Chapter Eight
Stormy picked at the food on her plate, one of her favorite dishes of tacos made with love by her dear friend DeeDee. But she had no appetite—at least not for food.
“You’re going to waste away. A man likes a woman with some meat on her hips.” DeeDee smiled around her own bite of soft taco stuffed with all the fixin’s.
Pushing back, Stormy said, “The food’s great. Thanks, DeeDee. But I’m not that hungry.”
“Uh-oh.”
She blinked. “What?”
Beyond the kitchen windows, bikes gathered, but the sound of engines as the guys revved up for another ride made the glass panes shudder.
“You couldn’t be pregnant, could you?” DeeDee’s eyes were as round as an owl’s.
Stormy picked up a taco and took a big bite. “Definitely not.”
“You’re certain? You and Dirty—”
“Are safe,” she said firmly. “Condoms and I have the IUD. Almost foolproof.”
“Okay, but things happen.”
“I know, but not this time.”
“So if it’s not a baby, it has to be heartache.” DeeDee polished off her food.
Stormy remained silent.
“About that heartache—” DeeDee started.
The cry came from the front room. “Dirty! Holy crap, you look good, babe.”
Stormy rocketed out of her chair at the sweet butt’s high-pitched squeal and ran out of the kitchen.
There he was, big and leather-clad and windblown. His gaze landed on her—warm, heavy. Making her delirious with desire after one long look.
She couldn’t draw a deep breath.
He ignored the girls fawning over him, and in five steps grabbed Stormy and pulled her off her feet.
She threw her arms around him to the cheers of DeeDee behind her as Dirty strode down the hall to his room. The door barely slammed shut before he crushed his lips to hers. Tasting like the same dark lust he always did except with a new hint of spring grasses.
Dragging his head down, she parted her lips for him. His tongue sank deep, claiming her as wholly as his cock surely would just as soon as they could get their clothes off.
She moaned as he rocked his erection into her.
“That better all be for me.”
“Oh, it is, baby.” He lifted his head long enough to pierce her with his gaze. “I’ve been wanting you since the moment I drove down that mountain.”
“I wanted you more.” Her breathy admission made his eyes warm. He grabbed her leg and pulled it high on his hip to angle his cock straight at her pussy. Even with denim between them, he had her hot and panting in seconds.
“Take off your clothes,” he ordered, releasing her.
She stepped back and went for the hem of her top, pulling it overhead and tossing it aside. Her hair floated down around her back, and his
gaze followed it.
Feeling empowered with his expression of want, she stripped off the rest of her clothes slowly. Taking her time to build up to the finale they both wanted so badly. She’d been burning for this man, and while he was gone had realized more than ever that she loved him.
She dropped her bra, and he fisted his hands at his sides. He looked damn good, just like the sweet butt had said. All chiseled man with low-slung jeans and his leather jacket collar brushing his too-long hair on his nape.
He bore a scratch on his cheekbone. That was new.
“You get into a fight?”
The corner of his lips turned up. “With an ornery goat. Didn’t want me to pick him up and haul him away from his harem.”
“A goat?” She unbuttoned her jeans and unzipped her fly.
He wet his lips and nodded. “He thinks it’s his job to impregnate all the females on the ranch. Had to separate them before we end up with ninety kids.”
She issued a puff of a laugh as she pushed her jeans over her hips. His gaze latched onto the black panties she wore. Her stomach dropped out with excitement as she stripped those down too.
“Fuck, you’re gorgeous.”
She kicked off her garments and stood nude before him.
“Cup your breasts for me.”
A trickle of warmth between her thighs had her squirming as she cradled her breasts in her hands.
“Run your thumbs over those pink nipples. Fuck yeah.” His voice came out as a growl, but he didn’t move to step closer.
A shiver of pleasure rocked her on her bare feet.
“Now slide your hands down your body.”
She did his bidding, her breath coming in quick pants. When she reached her bikini line, he flashed his gaze to hers.
“Now spread apart your pussy lips so I can see how wet you are.”
Oh my God.
Five minutes before she’d been sitting in the kitchen wanting him and now she stood before him taking his every… dirty… command.
Need blossomed in her lower belly as she pressed her pussy lips. The cooler air hit her soaking folds and fresh juices slipped out to dampen her inner thighs.
“Fuck, I missed you. Get on the bed and spread those legs wide for me, baby. I’m going to tongue-fuck you until you can’t remember your name.”
She already couldn’t as she stepped backward to stretch out on his bed.
He stripped off his leather jacket with precise movements of a man who gave great attention to everything he did. He was no different in bed, taking his time, drawing sounds and feelings from her that she hadn’t realized possible.
He set aside his jacket and cut and then his T-shirt. He kicked off his boots but kept on the jeans.
With lidded eyes, he climbed onto the bed and hovered over her. The brush of denim against her sensitive thighs made her suck in sharply. He planted a hand on her breast as he leaned in and kissed her.
Thoroughly.
Completely.
She clung to him, giving back as good as he gave. When he pulled away and slid down her body, hooking her thighs over his shoulders, she stopped breathing.
The first touch of his hot tongue dragged a cry from her. He pressed the flat of his tongue against her seam, soaking up the juices.
“Oh my God. Dirty, lick me. I need to come.”
He rumbled a response and eased his tongue up and down her pussy, swirling around her clit and then through her folds to her opening. He sank his tongue deep and then flicked it shallowly until she strained for more.
She twisted her hands in the covers and trembled on the verge of something so huge, so much bigger than her.
This loving was new to her, but she had a feeling most people didn’t feel this way. Never found someone worthy of the emotion.
He danced his tongue over her pussy, and she couldn’t remain quiet.
Plunging in again, he set her on fire. Stroking her to a frenzy with his lips and tongue and then when she was on the verge of coming, added two fingers.
She clenched around those callused digits, back bowing off the bed as her release shook her. Waves of ecstasy stole every thought from her mind and she only knew Dirty. His lips, his tongue, fingers, eyes. God, those eyes…
A hiccupping breath left her, and he gave her a satisfied smile from his perch between her legs.
“Get inside me. I need you—now.”
“Look who’s giving commands.” He pushed onto his knees and with a flick of his wrist, unbuttoned his jeans. Veins snaked down his arm to his hand. Suddenly, she wanted to lick every inch of him and learn the contour of those veins and each muscle on his body.
He paused, fly hanging open, the bulge of his cock harnessed by black cotton boxer briefs.
“I did some thinking while I was away, Stormy.”
Her mind barely rolled with the conversation. “About what?”
“I want to make one thing clear between us.”
Her heart raced. “What’s that?” she whispered.
He cupped his bulge and stared down at her. “You belong to me. There won’t be any other women. And you won’t have any other men.”
Her heart flipped over and took off at a higher pace. “You’re asking me to be exclusive?”
“Yeah.” He drew his thick length from his jeans and wrapped his long fingers around it.
She beckoned to him. “Come here. Get inside me.”
“Without a condom?”
“I’m on birth control and I haven’t been with anyone else. You?”
He didn’t hesitate to flatten himself against her, the tip of his swollen cock poised at her entrance. Looking into her eyes, he gave one shove and filled her completely.
“I’m clean, baby.” He began to move. Slow strokes that built a heat in her that she couldn’t control. Just when she thought she’d have to beg, he jerked his hips faster and faster until she split apart, contracting around his cock for too many seconds to count.
When she came up for air, he was staring at her. Something in his eyes sent a warm feeling through her entire body. “That’s one. Now come for me again.”
He rolled her over and settled her atop him. Straddling his big body, she gave him a flirty smile. “I can torment you the way you torment me.”
“You already are.” He pushed upward, sending the tip of his cock brushing against her innermost point. She cried out, head dropping back.
He bundled her hair in his fist and urged her to move. Watching her face as she came apart for him a second time.
She collapsed on his broad chest, panting. “You either have the control of a saint or you don’t want me very much.”
“Oh, I want you. I want every part of you.” He cupped her breasts, thumbing her nipples as he kept her flattened to him and rocked his hips in a rhythm that sent her shooting upward all over again.
The man must have been an exotic dancer in another lifetime, the way he moved those hips. She kissed him with all the passion oozing through her body and he gave it right back.
Exclusive. She couldn’t stop thinking about him being her man.
He gripped her ass, dragging her down on his cock with sharper thrusts. He seemed to stretch inside her and she knew he was close. His eyes darkened to coal-black.
“You want me to come inside you, baby? I’m so fucking close.”
A thrill hit her. The thought of him spilling inside her made her move faster, once more on the verge of orgasm.
“Yesss,” she moaned, throwing herself into moving in a way that would force all the control out of his body.
He clenched his jaw, his eyes fixed shut. She rotated her hips three more times… four. Then she came with a cry and felt the first hot splash of him inside her.
* * * * *
Yeah, Wes’s intelligence was questionable. What had he been thinking to ask Stormy to give herself to him and him alone? He wasn’t in any position to bind her to him, not with his job and secrets hanging over his head.
Now the object
of his desire was tucked snugly against his side, sweat-damp from their coupling.
“Tell me… about the goats.” Her voice was sleepy, though he felt the energy pumping through her frame.
He chuckled and looked down at her. Sweeping aside the hair from her eyes. “My un—” he stopped and corrected himself “—my father’s ranch. And goats.”
She pushed onto one elbow to gaze at him. “So you found out the truth.”
He nodded.
“You were raised thinking he was your uncle when really he’s your dad?”
“That’s right. Sounds more like a soap opera than it really is living it. After the initial news was out in the open, nothing had really changed.”
“Not even in here?” She tapped a forefinger on his chest.
“No. I’ve always loved them like parents and my cousins as brothers.”
She nodded as if she understood. Peace settled over him.
“Where is everyone?” he asked.
“Rode out with the Green Hills guys. They’ll be back in time to eat the pig roasting on the spit.”
He tensed. “I missed riding to meet them.”
“Yeah. It’s okay. They’ll understand. You’ll meet them when they return.”
“Or…” He looked down into her eyes. “We could catch up.”
She poked his chest. “You’ve got balls, thinking to flaunt me on the back of your bike in front of my dad.”
He threw her a crooked grin and rolled out of bed to his feet. He tossed her the pile of clothes she’d stripped off. “Get dressed and put on your leather. We’ve gotta put some speed on to catch up.”
Within minutes Wes had his bike revving and Stormy’s thighs were wrapped around his hips. She held on tight to his middle, her cheek against his shoulder. The freedom of being in the open air with the only woman he wanted in his universe made his chest ache with sweet exhilaration.
Ahead of them on the curving mountain road, an elk crossed the asphalt, in no hurry. The grace and beauty made Wes smile. This was what life on the open road was all about.
“That was freakin’ amazing,” Stormy said in his ear.
He nodded and covered her hand where it wrapped his middle. For miles he kept the pace steady, but when they began to wind their way out of the mountains, he kicked it into gear.
