by Reece Butler
“I didn’t get a good look the other night. They’re even more beautiful than I thought,” he murmured. “You need those clothes off.”
She felt too exhausted to complain as he quickly stripped off the rest of her clothing. He helped her roll onto her front so he could apply liniment to her back cheeks. It stung, but his kisses made up for it. When he was done, he covered her with a quilt.
“There’s hot water on the stove to wash when you wake up. Take as much time as you want. Me and Rusty’ve got a lot of work to do to make up for the days we were away.” He kissed her forehead. “Seeing you in my bed makes it all worthwhile.” He slipped out the door, leaving her in peace.
No, not peace. Quiet. How could she relax peacefully when there were three eager men outside waiting to take liberties with her body? Liberties she hadn’t known existed before Zach took her from the Bride Train. Liberties she now craved.
She’d been warned that men had carnal appetites. No one ever suggested women could be the same. She was tired and hungry, but after she woke and had a bite, she wanted to find out what else could make her body hum. Though she was an opinionated old maid of one-and-twenty, Zach still desired her. So did Rusty and, from the looks she got from Gideon, he did as well.
For once in her life she was wanted, even though she was a wild woman.
She’d been forced to take the Bride Train, but it had brought her here, to a wonderful adventure. She hated those ridiculous Eastern rules. A lady does not smile at men to whom she’s not related or been properly introduced. A lady does not disobey her father, mother, brothers, uncles, husband, and so forth.
As far as she could tell a lady did not have fun, or do anything that made her feel good. Therefore, she did not want to be a lady. When she first stepped on that train, she wanted to be an adventuress. Now she also wanted to be a wicked woman, if it brought her more of what Zach had just given her.
Her mother had married a cold man who gave her a position in society, but no comfort whatsoever. Kate had promised to take a different path. She would follow her sense of adventure, never choosing less than the best for herself, and find a man who made her feel glorious.
Glorious was how she felt when Zach touched her. Rusty’s fingers and tongue felt just as good. Gideon was eager to get to know her as well.
If she wished to stay, how could she choose just one?
Chapter 10
“She wasn’t crying out from pain,” explained Zach in reply to Gideon’s furious demand. “She was, ah…” he scratched his head, figuring out how to explain. “I was kissing everything better.”
“Zach made her come. That’s why she yelled,” confirmed Rusty. “Some women do that.” He shrugged, looking very pleased with himself. “I guess we got us a screamer.” He slapped Gideon on the back. “Trust me, it’s a good thing.”
Zach held back a smile at his younger brother’s blush. The boy was a virgin, something that Kate would soon solve.
“You just got here and she let you do that to her?”
“I was already rubbing liniment on her ass, and her pussy was right there. When I started kissing what I saw in front of me, she didn’t complain. So I used my tongue and a few fingers.” Zach shrugged as if it was nothing, but he was proud of his effort. “The woman likes to be appreciated.”
Gideon’s face cleared in understanding. Then he scowled.
“Dang, I wanted to do that for the lady!”
Zach cleared his throat at the grin on Rusty’s face. Kate enjoyed what he and Rusty did far more than any of them expected. Far sooner, as well. Because they saved every damn penny to get their own ranch, they hadn’t gambled, or bought booze or women. The few women he and Rusty had been with were demanding widows. It was a treat to have Kate lie back and enjoy his touch. The thought of having to wait to do it again made him wince.
“I took care of Kate,” explained Zach. “Not me. She’s sleeping now.”
“I bet she’ll want more of that when she wakes,” said Rusty. He shot an elbow in Gideon’s gut. Gideon, caught unaware, said “oof.” He retaliated with a punch to Rusty’s back. He would have hit his gut, but Rusty was quick and turned away in time.
“Whoa, boys, keep it down. Kate deserves to rest.”
Zach scowled when the other two shoved each other once more before settling down. He figured Gideon wasn’t happy to be left behind, but someone had to do chores while he and Rusty found them a bride. Gideon complained about them treating him like a kid though he was twenty-three and an equal partner. Though Zach wanted another round with Kate, and he was darn sure Rusty did as well, it was Gideon’s turn next.
“Kate’s got sand,” said Rusty to Gideon. “You could have knocked me over with a feather when she pulled on those pants and hauled herself into the saddle, just like a man. Many Eastern men couldn’t have made that trip, that fast. And she’s just a tiny bit of a woman.”
“She’s got more than sand,” said Zach. He drew an hourglass with his hands. “She’s got what it takes, coming and going. Not much in height, but there’s enough of her to go around.” He hitched up his pants and wished he hadn’t. After riding days with a hard cock, his balls were so sore he wished it was winter so he could stick them in snow to cool off.
“You sure you want to marry her, Zach?” Rusty shot him a sly look. “I might consider it, if you don’t.”
Zach shot him a glare. “I’m the boss of this outfit, and if anyone gets a wife, it’s me. We’ll share her as she wants, but it’ll be my name on the paper.” He stuck his thumb into his chest to emphasize his point. “The children will all be named McInnes, anyhow.”
“You think she’ll let anyone else touch her?” asked Gideon. His shy eagerness was as plain as his tented pants.
Rusty slapped Gideon on the back. “She already has,” he said with a laugh.
Gideon choked. He looked from his cousin to his brother. “You took—”
“She jumped us, not the other way around,” interrupted Zach before Gideon could get all hepped up.
Gideon frowned. He looked from one to the other. “Did she make you promise to marry her before she let you touch her?”
“Nope,” said Zach. “Not a word. After she settles in a bit, we’ll get Walt out here to jaw with her. He can find out if she’s interested in staying, or not, without us having to ask.”
“We have to make sure she wants to stay before anyone else knows she’s here,” said Rusty.
“Yeah, we don’t want those Southern boys coming around. They’ll want to sneak her away,” said Gideon. “I’m ready to help her settle in.” He grinned, rolling on the balls of his feet in eagerness to get the job done.
“Her thighs and ass are pretty sore from riding. It’d be a good idea to let her have the bed to herself tonight,” said Zach.
“What?” Gideon sputtered.
Rusty patted Gideon on the back in commiseration. “There’s other things a man can do with a woman that feels good for both of ’em.”
“Like what?” Gideon looked like a kid who’d been promised a much-anticipated treat then told he couldn’t have it for another year.
“First, you lick, suck, and touch every inch of her, paying special attention to her breasts, ass, and pussy, until she explodes. Then, if the lady’s willing, she could let you slide your cock between something.”
“Something?”
“Breasts, thighs, or the crease of her ass. Or she could take you into her mouth,” continued Rusty. He grinned when Gideon’s eyes bulged. “If we’re real nice to her, and stretch her well first, someday she might even let you put your cock in her hot, tight ass.”
All three men groaned and adjusted their pants. She had a sweet little ass, all curves. Zach found that out before he even knew her name, thanks to that snake.
“What do you think, big brother?”
Zach raised his hands and shrugged. “She’s got enough, back and front, to slide between. The rest is up to Kate.”
“You think she’ll let us play wi
th her ass one day?”
“She said she’s an adventuress, so she might.” Zach’s little brother’s tongue was practically lying in the dirt, he was so eager. “After we finish chores, you reckon you’re up to welcoming our woman home the best way a man can?”
* * * *
Gideon quietly closed the door behind him. He looked across the room and gulped. He had a mission to do and by gum, he was gonna do it or die trying. But what a way to go!
He quietly opened the shutters to let the late-afternoon light in. He needed to see Kate. Their woman.
Though he complained because they expected it, he’d enjoyed being alone for a couple of days. He and Rusty hadn’t been out of each other’s face since before they left Texas, in March. With the other two gone he’d taken the time to look up at the mountains, at the land they’d someday own. The pressure on his heart that had been there since Pa’s death had finally eased. This could be their forever home. They used to have one with Ma and Pa in Texas, until Uncle Peyton arrived and ruined everything. But now they were starting fresh.
Having a woman snoring in their bed sure made it feel like home. Kate looked like a tiny doll. Her dark-brown hair was spread across the sheets he’d made sure to clean the day Rusty and Zach headed out. He crashed in the barn when the exhaustion finally brought him down. Since he couldn’t sleep much for excitement, he spent hours each night scrubbing and tidying and getting rid of the mess created by Walt and Zach before he and Rusty arrived with the longhorns.
Zach was always looking out for him, so he owed his big brother to make sure the place was clean enough to bring a lady home to. Growing up, Rusty was too busy working outside or whooping it up to clean the cabin. They’d all walked out after Pa was murdered, hiring on with Señor Garcia. He owned the biggest ranch in the area, and was a good man to work for, not like Finan MacDougal.
Now that they had their own place someone had to do their cooking and cleaning. Zach said it was his job, to make up for all those years Ma and Pa went easy on him since he was the youngest boy. But that sweetly smiling woman would take over the inside chores for him. Of course, they’d all help her with the heavy stuff.
She made a sound and rolled onto her back. He froze, then let out a sigh of relief when her soft snores continued. Unfortunately, she hadn’t rolled out from under the quilt. From her neck down, all he saw were curves and hollows.
He gulped, facing reality. After years of dreaming about it, there was a naked woman in his bed. He’d never seen one before. While he never thought of himself as having much of an imagination, his thoughts were plumb wild as to what he’d find under that quilt. By gum, when his big brother went out to do something, he did it right!
Gideon shucked his dirty boots—after all, he’d been the one to scrub the floor—and sock-footed it across the wide boards. His big toe stuck out on both sides. A wife would make sure his socks were darned. He remembered Ma sitting beside the fire of an evening, sewing. With three boys and a husband, as well as a couple of daughters, she was always busy. He pushed away the painful thoughts and concentrated on the possibilities in front of him.
Kate didn’t stir when he slowly lowered himself onto the edge of the rope bed. He wasn’t sure what color her eyes were, but she had a small nose and pink, kissable lips. They drew up into a smile. He watched in awe as she stretched.
His mouth went dry and his cock hardened even more as naked white arms slowly reached up past her ears, fingers spread. White legs, from pointed toes to ankles to knees, stretched out from the faded quilt. She sighed and smiled again. Did she know he was there? Was she inviting him?
Taking a chance, he leaned over and gently touched her lips with his. He watched her face for a reaction, ready to jump back if she screamed. Instead, she lifted her arms toward him, eyes still closed.
“More, please.”
Well, hot diggity damn!
He braced his hands on either side of hers. He brought his face down for a gentle kiss, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled. His elbows buckled, though he managed to land on one hip beside her rather than on top.
Moving pulled the quilt down. It didn’t reveal her breasts, but the creamy white skin of her collarbone drew his eye. Though he felt frozen in place, he was steaming like a plum pudding.
“Kiss me,” she demanded.
That was one order he was eager to obey. He moved his hands to either side of her face and sank his fingers into her hair. Handfuls of it, thick and full, spread out on either side of her body. He licked her bottom lip, teasing her tongue with his. He slid his left hand to her shoulder. She didn’t object, so, ever so slowly, he continued moving it lower. Under the edge of the quilt. Under her arm. Over to her breast.
Oh, God, her nipple poked into his hand like she wanted more. Compared to his, they were huge. He gently brushed his palm over one, unwilling to mar her skin with his clean, but callused, fingers. She wriggled her legs, pulling the quilt to her waist. He lifted his head to breathe. Though he’d never done any of this before, he’d listened to Zach and Rusty talking. He’d spent many a frustrating night imagining every little thing since he was fourteen.
Her breasts were perfect!
Small and plump and just the right size. Pink nipples. Big ones. They drew his mouth faster than one of his mother’s cinnamon rolls. He hunched over and tasted one, circling it with his tongue to get her flavor. He nibbled it with lips curled over his teeth. Not knowing her need yet, he had to go slowly. She’d tell him if she wanted it harder, faster, deeper. He’d waited twenty-three years for this, and he could hold out as long as she needed. He hoped.
“Oh, that feels so much better without prickly hair. Thank you for shaving.”
He let her nipple pop out of his mouth. It stood tall and wet. He blew lightly on it, making it crinkle. He smiled proudly at what he’d done.
“I’ll shave morning and night if it’ll keep you wanting me.”
Her eyes shot open. She gasped.
“Um, Gideon?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He winked and pulled the quilt up to cover her damp breast. “Anything else I can do for you?” He let his expression show he was open to anything, but he was a gentleman. “Cup of tea? Food? More kisses?”
Her eyes were a rich light brown, like the cognac Señor Garcia had offered all the hands when his first son was born. Those eyes glowed hotter than the burn that had seared his throat when he tossed back the potent drink. The older men had howled with laughter when he choked. No one was laughing now.
The rumble of Zach and Rusty’s voices warned him before one of them threw open back the door and they stomped in. Kate gasped and clutched at him. He happily leaned over to “protect” her from his brother and cousin. Water dripped from their trimmed hair, shaved chins, and bare chests. He figured she realized who they were when she relaxed. Instead of moving away, he snuck his hand back under the quilt. Her eyes opened wide when he found her breast. Rather than complaining, she arched her back to encourage him. Damn, she felt good!
“Dang it, Gideon, did you wake Kate up? Poor woman’s tired,” groused Zach.
“From you keeping her awake at night?”
Kate’s blush answered his question without Zach having to open his mouth.
“Sounds like you ’n’ me have some catching up to do,” whispered Gideon. Kate gulped. Her nipple pressed harder against his palm. “Rusty, get Kate’s things so she can dress. Zach, put on the kettle. But take your boots off first. I don’t want the floor getting dirty.”
“Who died and put you in charge?” Zach jammed his fists on his hips and glared. He looked so much like Pa that Gideon had to blink to clear his vision. Rusty “accidentally” elbowed Zach hard in the gut as he bent over to pull off his boots. Zach punched him back.
“Do those two never stop?” Kate asked, watching Rusty and Zach tussle.
“Wait until you see all three of us going at it in the yard.”
“What do you fight about?”
“Everything, anything, and nothing,” said Gideon. “We’re brothers.” He gave her a friendly wink and rolled his palm over her nipple. It felt even better than he imagined. He gave a quick check over his shoulder to make sure the others weren’t looking and pushed the quilt down just far enough to bare one breast.
He bent over and tasted her with his whole mouth. She was sweet, her skin so soft. His tongue curled around her nipple as he held her breast. He gave that nipple the attention it deserved, sucking and nibbling while Kate cooed encouragement. His cock throbbed, and he heard a faint squeak in his brain, as if his heart pounded so hard the blood couldn’t go fast enough through his veins.
“The boy’s been busy,” called Rusty, loud enough to make sure Gideon could hear.
“Takes after his big brother,” replied Zach. “Cousin’s too slow to get the job done.”
Gideon reluctantly released Kate’s nipple with one last kiss. He pulled up the quilt and tucked it around her.
“You rest. I’ll bring something to eat,” he said.
“We can have a picnic in bed,” suggested Rusty eagerly.
“Not with my clean sheets, you don’t.” Gideon turned back to Kate after making sure Rusty knew he was serious. “I don’t want crumbs in our bed tonight.”
“Our bed?” she asked, eyebrows high.
“Just you and me tonight,” he said. “Unless you want to sleep alone?”
“May I?”
After all that he’d done to make her squirm, she didn’t want him? Gideon heaved a sigh from the bottom of his lungs. He pulled back his hand and sat up to give her room.
“Yep, you can have the bed all to yourself if you want. The lady makes the rules.” He gave her a hopeful look. “But you’re allowed to change your mind.”
“Hey, I’m sharing Kate’s bed tonight,” complained Zach. “I’m the one who took my life in my hands to rob the Bride Train!”
Gideon ignored his big brother. He’d found his strength and a sense of purpose during those five long months moving cattle north. Zach still thought of him as a kid sometimes, but he was a man. Kate would be finding that out pretty darn soon if he had his druthers. He heaved himself to his feet. He knew she was naked under that quilt, but unless she decided to show herself to him, he’d not lift an inch of it. He turned just in time to catch a carpetbag tossed by Rusty. He set it on the bed beside Kate.
