01 Winters Thaw

by Mari Carr

  Her voice seized up. Daniel seemed to take her sudden silence as consent.

  “I see.” Daniel released his grip, walking toward the door.

  Panic set in. “No!” Her refusal came out louder than she intended, but it didn’t appear that anyone in the stable heard.

  Daniel returned to her and his hands gripped her face between his large palms. Her eyes had begun to adjust to the dim room. She could see relief in his expression. “Good. I don’t share.”

  He didn’t need to freaking share. There were times when she felt like he was too much man for her. He’d driven her to orgasm after orgasm, night after night.

  However, the idea that he would have gone against character to offer her a different fantasy touched her. He’d truly walked to the door with the intention of giving her what he thought she wanted. Had anyone ever cared so much about her desires? Had Josh?

  She’d promised Daniel their first night together she wouldn’t bring Josh into the bedroom with them. She’d tried very hard to keep that vow, but there were times when it was nearly impossible not to make comparisons. The sum total of her sexual experiences had been exclusively with Josh. He was the yardstick she measured by.

  Or had.

  Something told her from now on, Daniel was going to be the stick. And she had very little faith anyone else would ever compare.

  She tried to escape his grip, while shaking off her memories. She wanted this and she wasn’t going to waste a single second thinking about the past. “You can’t control me,” she taunted. “I’m free, remember? I can sleep with anyone I please.”

  She heard the rasping of a zipper, then felt Daniel pressing her down, toward the floor. “I told you not to talk. Looks like I’ll have to fill that sweet mouth to keep you quiet.”

  She dropped to her knees far too willingly for a captive. Daniel chuckled at her enthusiasm. “My beautiful slut.”

  It was a strong word. Sienna started to blast him for it, starting to stand as she did so, but Daniel’s strength was irrefutable. He had the power to take whatever he desired and he proved it. With one of his hands, he cupped the back of her neck, holding her in place, while the other guided his cock to her mouth.

  “What were you saying about control?” He pushed the mushroom-shaped head between her lips.

  God, he was trying to provoke her on purpose, initiating a fight. She tried to rise, but he held her in place, his large palms engulfing her face as he pushed his cock deeper. She truly was captive. The fantasy gave way, mingling with reality, taking her to a place she’d never known.

  She tried to shrug off the bindings at her wrists, but her cowboy knew his knots. Try as she may, she wouldn’t be released from their hold until he decided it was time.

  He continued to thrust his cock into her mouth and soon her struggles for freedom turned to silent demands for more. Her pussy clenched, and she longed for the use of her hands. If only she could touch herself. Two quick strokes on her clit and she’d likely go off like a bottle rocket. She whimpered around Daniel’s thick erection—torn between how much she loved his dominance and the temptation to demand he take care of her needs first.

  Every night, she’d come to his bed, desperate for his touch.

  Every night, she’d become his willing slave, relinquishing every ounce of control into his very capable hands.

  It was heady, addictive, overwhelming. An absolute release of power.

  Her inner muscles tightened again and she cried out, the intense need painful.

  Daniel didn’t give in. “Be a good girl and suck my dick, Sienna. Give me what I ask for and I’ll make sure you get what you need.”

  Her brain screamed at her to bite him for being such a cocky male chauvinist pig. Her body refused. She was putty in his hands.

  Soon, she became aware of how much she relied on her ability to touch during blowjobs. She’d use her fingers to help her, cupping Daniel’s balls, squeezing the base. Without them, she was forced to pay attention to her tongue, her teeth. She closed her lips tighter around him and sucked. She was rewarded by Daniel’s low groan.

  “God, yeah. Just like that.” His words of praise drove her on. She pressed her tongue more firmly against the sensitive spot just beneath the head. His fingers gripped her hair, pulling until her scalp tingled with a pain that besieged her, turning into a pleasure that weaved its way down to her empty pussy. She sucked harder.

  “Fuck.” Daniel’s tone told her he was close. “Not this way.”

  His hands reached beneath her arms, tugging her up before he could come. Sienna started to complain. She was dying to taste him. “No. Wait—”

  He halted her with a hard, short kiss.

  “You’re going to finish that blowjob later tonight. But for now, turn around.”

  She complied without argument, too far gone to consider anything except the fact she needed to obey, needed his cock inside her. Now.

  Daniel, the gentlest of souls with the horses and her brothers, turned into a demanding sex god in the bedroom. She never knew what he’d do next, yet she’d never experienced anything at his hands that didn’t make her toes curl with incredible delight.

  He released the ties around her wrists. Sienna missed them instantly. A disappointed mewl escaped, and Daniel chuckled. “Don’t worry. Those ties are going to get plenty more use. I have plans to see you bound spread-eagle on my bed…a few times.”

  She licked her lips, imagining just how much she enjoyed being at Daniel’s mercy. His hands made quick work of the snap and zipper of her jeans. He tugged the denim and her panties down, using his boot to help him tug one leg free from around her shoe. He didn’t bother to free himself or her of any more clothing.

  “Hey,” she heard a male voice call from the stable. “Anybody seen Lennon?”

  She giggled, nerves mingling with provocation. Daniel’s hand crept around her, covering her mouth. More moisture dampened her pussy. God. She wasn’t sure what it said about her, but she loved the way he manhandled her.

  She felt the head of his cock graze her opening as he pushed her legs farther apart.

  “Fuck.” He released her mouth and she felt him rooting around in the dark. She knew what was missing.

  “I’m on birth control.”

  Daniel stopped moving. “Sienna—”

  “Fuck me, Daniel. Now.” He wasn’t the only one capable of making some demands.

  He was back in an instant, his cock penetrating her in one rough thrust that made her groan.

  “Didn’t realize just how loud a lover you are.” Daniel’s jest would have provoked a laugh if he didn’t punctuate it with two deeper, harder passes.

  “God,” she cried.

  His hand returned to her mouth, causing her pussy to tighten.

  “Holy shit. Keep doing that and this isn’t going to last long.” He used his free hand to pinch one of her nipples roughly. Her cunt clamped down again and she barely restrained from coming.

  “That’s it, Sienna. Be ready for tonight, sweetheart. I’m going to tie you up, gag you, fuck you hard.”

  She squirmed in his arms, struggling for more. He increased his thrusts. They were back to chest, with very little room to move. It didn’t matter. Daniel’s rough possession, his hand on her mouth, his whispered dirty words filled every empty, lonely spot inside her.

  She trembled as he rubbed her clit. “You’re mine. Come for me, Sienna.”

  Her body splintered, ruptured into a million bright shiny pieces, putting the sun to shame. She’d never felt so desired, so beautiful, so complete.

  Daniel came with her, his come filling her. His arms tightened around her, supporting her with that strength she’d come to rely on. He’d never let her fall.

  Vivi’s story about JD flashed through her mind. No. This was different. So different.

  Wasn’t it?

  Neither of them moved for several moments as they waited for their breathing and hearts to slow. Daniel was the first to stir.

 
He withdrew, fastened his pants, then bent to dress her. Once he had her jeans in place, he gripped her waist and offered her a kiss so sweet, it seemed in direct opposition to the forceful claim he’d just staked.

  “Stick around a little while,” he said. “You can help me work with that new horse your dad just bought.”

  Sienna wanted nothing more than to spend the afternoon with Daniel, but without the protection of the condom, she was a bit sticky. “I should probably go inside. Get a shower.”

  He shook his head. “No. You’re staying with me. I like the idea of you walking around with my scent on your skin, my come inside you. I told you, See. You’re mine.”

  His words confused her, thrilled her, scared her. While he’d staked his claim on her body, he’d never alluded to expecting anything more from her.

  Maybe they’d been fools to jump into bed without setting up guidelines. This was what came from living day-to-day. The old Sienna would never have let this affair begin without establishing rules.

  She started to protest his assertion, but the words wouldn’t come. She was happy for the first time in a long time. She wouldn’t ruin things by reverting to character.

  “I’ll stay,” she said.

  He walked to the door. She was relieved when she watched him unlock it. He’d protected her, even while giving her the illusion of danger. “Where’s the key that opens the door from the outside?”

  “In my pocket.”

  She grinned, standing back as he opened the door and looked around. “Coast is clear. Come on.”

  She followed him to the corral where her dad’s new horse stood. “Now,” he said, handing her a halter and a rope, “why don’t you tell me why you were so upset earlier?”

  He’d noticed that? “What?”

  “I didn’t like that serious expression on your face,” he said. “Thought you could use a diversion.”

  She laughed. “Here’s a little FYI for you. You can distract me anytime.”

  He winked. “I appreciate the permission. And just so you know, I intended to do that anyway. So what’s up?”

  They worked side-by-side for nearly an hour as she told him about her concerns over Vivi’s failing memory. He listened patiently, offering words of comfort and advice, until the heaviness that lingered in her chest lifted completely.

  As they washed up, he told her dirty jokes until tears streamed down her face. One week had passed since she’d entered this casual affair with Daniel.

  It had been the best week of her life.

  Chapter Eight

  Daniel smiled as he handed Sienna the Christmas package. He usually sucked at shopping for the holidays, but when he’d spotted the deep green scarf, two things had occurred to him—how pretty the color would be next to Sienna’s chestnut hair and chocolate brown eyes and how sexy she’d looked with it tying her to his bed.

  Sienna grinned as she tore the wrapping paper and lifted the lid. “You really didn’t have to get me anything,” she said for the tenth time.

  “I saw it and thought of you. That’s all.” She bit her lip until he added, “You can give me my present tonight when you come to the trailer.”

  “What makes you think I bought you anything?”

  “I’m hoping you didn’t buy me anything and I can use that guilt you’re feeling to get what I really want.”

  She rolled her eyes. “That transparent, am I?”

  He shrugged.

  “Well, I do feel guilty. I really screwed up the Christmas gift-giving this year. Got James the wrong size shirt and bought Doug a video game he already has. And now…” She paused. “I didn’t get you anything at all. I think I’d like a holiday do-over.”

  “Good news. You’ll get your do-over. It’s called next Christmas.” Daniel leaned back on the couch where they were sitting, letting his arm drape along the cushions so he could touch her hair. They were maintaining a proper distance, still trying to keep their affair a secret. At first, Daniel had asked that they lay low. Seth wasn’t someone he ever wanted on his bad side.

  However, as the weeks passed, he found himself aching to tell the world she was his. The annoying part of that was…she wasn’t. Sienna was still clinging tightly to the casual affair idea despite the evidence suggesting that they were well suited. They were never lacking for conversation, enjoyed riding horses together, loved Compass Ranch, and their compatibility in the bedroom was off the charts. So much so he thought maybe he should start taking vitamins and working out so he could keep up with the recently freed sex kitten. She was insatiable, passionate, adventurous and amazing.

  Since their rendezvous in the tack room, Sienna had dared him into two more rounds of afternoon delight in that tiny closet as well as one quick roll in the hay…literally, in the barn hayloft.

  Less than a month in and he suspected he hadn’t touched the tip of the iceberg as far as all the ways he could make love to Miss Sienna Compton.

  Love. The word kept sneaking up on him at odd times, taking him unaware. He’d gone into this relationship with the intention of keeping it light, giving Sienna just what she needed and nothing more.

  She’d made it clear on too many occasions their sex games were just that—games. She wasn’t interested in a boyfriend or a future. His determination to teach her how to live in the moment had come back to bite him in the ass.

  “Oh.” Sienna pulled the soft scarf from the box. “Daniel. It’s beautiful.” He’d lured her away from the large family still gathered around the dining room table—even though the meal had ended—to give it to her. They’d spent the morning surrounded by the whole clan again. While Thanksgiving had felt a bit overwhelming as he was still trying to learn names and faces, this time it was easier. He’d established friendships with quite a few of the Comptons. He was touched by their willingness to accept a stranger into their midst and treat him like family.

  He leaned closer. “Bring it tonight. I have plans for that scarf. And another gift. One that I didn’t think you’d like anyone in your family to stumble on accidentally.”

  She gave him a wicked grin. “Damn. You’re good. And you’re totally getting whatever you want tonight.”

  Daniel sucked in a deep breath, wishing she’d lay off the sexy smiles while her family was sitting in the next room. He’d been flying at half-mast all day, trying to conceal his erection from her mom, aunts, younger cousins and, most especially, her dad. “Dammit, See,” he whispered when her gaze lowered to his crotch. She knew exactly what effect she was having on him. Little minx would use it against him.

  “Maybe we should try to find somewhere private. I could give you the first part of your gift now.” She dragged her hand along the front of his pants. Her too-soft touch was enough. He stiffened up like a pike.

  Loud voices alerted them that her family had finally managed to drag themselves away from the table. Sienna moved a few inches away from him on the couch, just as her dad and his brothers, Sawyer, Silas and Sam, entered the room.

  “Another present?” Sam asked, spotting the package still on Sienna’s lap.

  She nodded. “Daniel bought me a scarf.”

  Daniel tried to look impassive, though he definitely spied curiosity on Seth’s face. He shrugged, trying to downplay the gift’s significance. “Damn cold winter we’re having.”

  It was a lame reason to buy a gift for the boss’s daughter, a woman who supposedly fell into the “just friends” category.

  Sienna laughed lightly. “It was a very nice gesture.” She started to say more, but her phone beeped. As Sienna pulled it from her pocket, Daniel spotted Josh’s face on the screen.

  Daniel gritted his teeth.

  Sienna’s smile dimmed a bit, but she put her present down and rose anyway. “I guess I should take this.”

  She said, “Merry Christmas, Josh,” as she started to leave the living room. “How’s Florida?”

  “It’s great, but I sure do miss Compton Pass and you. Feels weird working on a tan in December. You’
d love it here, See. There’s a huge pool in the hotel that…”

  Sienna hastily left the room before Daniel could hear any more of the conversation. She cast an uncomfortable glance at him over her shoulder.

  Daniel’s hands clenched in a fist as a wave of pure, unadulterated jealousy rumbled through him. Why the fuck was Josh calling? He thought they were on a goddamn break.

  Seth’s words mirrored Daniel’s thoughts. “Damn. I wish that boy would stop stringing her along.”

  Daniel agreed, then something in Seth’s comment tweaked him. “Has Josh been calling her since Thanksgiving?”

  Seth nodded. “Just a few times, but it’s enough to put Sienna in a funk for a few hours.”

  Josh had been calling? Why hadn’t Sienna told him that?

  Daniel didn’t reply, but Seth appeared to be very good at reading faces.

  Seth lifted his chin toward the package Sienna had abandoned. “Nice gift. Didn’t realize you and Sienna had become such close friends.”

  Silas glanced at his brother, then Daniel, but he didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. He was the one brother who intimidated the fuck out of Daniel. Silas was a fair man, but damn if his large stance and dark scowl didn’t feel like the blinding, bright lights of an interrogation at times.

  Daniel needed to tread lightly. He’d been dreading this conversation with Seth. There was no way in hell he could survive it with all four Compass brothers glowering at him. “She’s a nice girl. She’s made me feel welcome here.” He picked every word with care. While he hoped to eventually come clean about his feelings for Sienna, he wasn’t going to discuss them with these men until he’d sorted them out with her. Regardless of his desire to date See, he suspected it wasn’t wise to mention he’d been fucking Seth’s daughter six ways from Sunday, especially since they’d all just shared Christmas dinner.

  Seth leaned back in his chair, but the relaxed posture didn’t fool Daniel for a minute. “She’s a very nice girl. And she’s going through a rough patch right now. I’d like to see her avoid sticky entanglements until she sorts out all this shit with Josh. She’s still young and inexperienced as far as relationships go. I’d like to see her hang on to that innocence for a while longer. If you catch my drift.”