by C. R. Moss
He wanted to ask why she’d bring such a box on a vacation with a friend but didn’t want to get into any kind of discussion at the moment. He’d worry about her toiletry supplies later. In a flash, he found them, slid one on and was back at the bed.
A grin creased her face. She reached for his erection.
Dak stopped her hand from reaching him. “Not tonight. Right now I just want to pleasure you.” He parted her thighs with his knee and lay between her legs, positioning his cock at her opening. “Finally,” he murmured, trying to gage the vulnerable feelings welling within him. It was too soon to be in love with her. They had only just reconnected after all. But his feelings were strong, stronger than they’d been for any woman in years. Her presence made him happier than he had been in ages. “You’re here, where I’ve always wanted you to be.”
“I’m glad I’m here, too, Dak.”
He claimed her mouth and tongue again and entered her.
Slowly, he rocked his lower body against hers, maintaining an easy tempo, waiting for cues to proceed deeper, faster. Her hands stroked his back, fingernails raked along the sides of his spine. His gut clenched tight. All willpower to continue at the terribly unhurried pace dwindled. Cassie broke the kiss and nibbled on his earlobe.
The friction of his strokes and her firm caresses and moans in his ear gave him no choice but to increase in intensity. His breath came quick, in time with his movement. Caught in the throes of his own passion, he couldn’t find his voice to speak to her, voice the feelings for her that welled up and overwhelmed him.
A few seconds later, he sensed the start of an orgasm build in her body, the clutch of her crotch, the light spasms in her torso. He grasped the quilt bunched underneath and around her, clutched the material in his hands. Though a surge of primitive passion pooled within him, and he wanted to slam over the precipice of his own orgasm, he waited for her.
She bucked beneath him, moaned his name over and over. Her pussy massaged his cock. When the powerful sensation of her womanhood finished milking him, he collapsed upon her.
She wrapped her arms around him. Her body shook with the aftershock of their lovemaking, and once they stopped, he eased out of her, rolled onto his back and brought her with him.
Cassie snuggled against him. “Mmm, that was nice,” she purred.
“Nice?” Nice as a description was fine before they had started, but didn’t quite make him feel all warm and fuzzy as an after description.
“More than nice,” she whispered. “Great actually. Relaxing, too.”
“Relaxing.” Dak snickered. “That’s a new one for me.”
When she didn’t reply, he tilted his chin and glanced down at her. Her soft throaty breathing filled the silence. He lay with her, staring at the ceiling as she slept, glad for the peaceful moment and the fact that she was in his arms.
At a cabin nearby, a door slammed. He winced and hoped the noise wouldn’t wake her. She stirred, but that was it. The collar she wore, though, appeared to be too tight around her neck. With careful movements, he removed the accessory, wondering what kind of relationships she might have had where she’d wear such a thing. But what happened in the past didn’t matter anymore. What mattered was that she was here now. What mattered was she was home and would be his woman from this point forward.
Carefully, he slid from her, rose and placed the collar on the dresser. He returned to sit on the edge of the bed. Restless in her sleep, she flipped over to her side, exposing the expanse of her neck. Four thick but fading lines marred her skin.
Dakota bent over for a closer look. No, it couldn’t be. He shook his head in disbelief, then held his hand near her throat. The light bruises were about the same size as his fingers.
His vision went red. Outrage boiled his blood. Who the hell would do that to a woman? To her?
He wanted to wake her, pry her for details.
“Cassie?” his voice boomed in the quiet space even though he only spoke a click above a whisper.
She didn’t stir. Immediately regretting his attempt to wake her, he rose again, dressed, then closed the blinds, sheathing the room in darkness. He didn’t want to leave, but he had no idea how she’d react if she woke, saw him sitting there and realized he took off her collar.
Playing it safe and needing to think, he left the cabin. The door clicked shut. He double checked it to make sure it was locked. No one but him would be allowed into that room, not until he found out who had put his hands on her in an act of violence.
He headed toward the stables. Riding always helped him clear his head so he could think, work solutions to problems, strategize.
“Hey, Dak, how goes it?” Kent asked as he hopped out of his pick-up near the stables. “You and Cassie took off. So did Damon and that filly of his.”
“Sorry about that. Cassie had to get back and lie down. She had a long trip to get out here and it finally caught up to her.” Hoping Kent wouldn’t catch the little lie, he looked over his shoulder toward Cassie’s cabin. “Listen, I’ll be doing a perimeter check tomorrow. I plan on taking Cassie with me. There’re some things we need to discuss, and I can’t chance being interrupted.”
“Sure thing, boss,” the ranch hand stated with a chuckle and wink.
Dakota narrowed his gaze at him. “I’m serious. It’s serious. We can’t be disturbed. You’ll need to hold down the fort until further notice. Can you handle that?”
Kent nodded. “Yeah, no problem. Whatever you need. You know that.”
He slapped his friend’s back. “Thanks. I’m going to take Phantom out for a ride.”
“Gotcha. Just don’t think too hard or the answers may not come.” Kent strolled off toward the staff bunkhouse.
His head wrangler never ceased to amaze him with his odd bits of wisdom. Dakota rubbed a hand over his face, then headed toward his horse’s stall. He would find out what happened to Cassie all those years ago. She’d tell him why she never came back and what kind of trouble she’d found herself in if it took him the rest of the weekend to get it out of her. He also vowed to himself he would do whatever was necessary to keep the one woman he ever wanted to commit to safe, even if he had to lock her up and throw away the key.
Chapter Four
A loud rapping on wood woke Cassie from a string of strange dreams, the last being of her and a friend riding in cars with people they didn’t know through a brown wasteland. She unfurled herself from the quilt, realizing the dream hadn’t stemmed from her imagination but from a trip she took during a college recess. She had taken a bus from Utah to Phoenix. Then in Arizona, she met up with the friend and they had solicited their first ride and continued to do so from various travelers on their way to Tijuana, sleeping only when they found cheap enough motels to stay in. The fact she had made it to Mexico and back in one piece with all of her belongings and money still amazed her. It was a mode of travel she wouldn’t do again, even if someone offered her a million dollars or her life depended on it. That trip and a few others was why she hated traveling and it exhausted her so badly.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed, noticed her collar on top of the dresser. Dakota must have removed it, which meant he had seen her neck. Though she appreciated the care he had given her in making sure she was comfortable, a distressed sigh escaped her. She didn’t want to face questions about the hobbies and parties she pursued in her personal life, at least not yet.
The pounding continued.
“Hold your horses. I’m coming,” she shouted, finding some clothes and throwing them on.
“Come on, Cassie. Open up,” Dakota called on the other side.
She flung the door open. “There. You happy?” she tried to sound irritated, but the moment she saw him in his sexy black cowboy hat and shirt that matched his eyes, all attempts at anger fled.
He grinned, held out a plate of food in his hand. “Appears someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
“I was still asleep when you decided to come banging on the d
oor.” She grabbed the plate of food, snatched a piece of toast from it and took several quick bites. God, she hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she smelled the eggs and bacon. She sat on the bed and wolfed down the second slice of bread.
“Sorry, but it’s almost nine, and I wanted to get a start on the next item on my to-do list.” He strode over to the chair next to the bed, sat and stretched out his legs—long, lean legs, which were very toned and strong from years of riding.
The kind that would wrap for miles around her in the right sexual position. Being with Dak had been wonderful. It had been so long since she had a guy only interested in her pleasure and willing to have plain sex. Regardless of what mood she was in, where she was, or who she was with, there was usually some kind of kink going on. Last night, she almost didn’t know how to react, then decided to go with the flow. After all, she didn’t know which way his tastes ran yet to do anything different in the sex department.
She shoved a forkful of scrambled egg into her mouth. “And that has what to do with me?” she muttered around the food.
“I’ve decided to keep an eye on you. You’re sticking by my side as much as possible.” He crossed his arms and his legs, indicating he’d brook no argument on the matter. “Now that you’re here, it’s gonna take a will of God to make me let you go this time.”
Heat rushed through her body, raced up her neck into her cheeks. Cassie reached up and stroked her fingers over her throat, feeling its warmth. The fading bruises didn’t hurt anymore. She wore scarves and collars to keep people from staring, like he continued to do. But then, maybe he wasn’t staring at her because of her neck.
The thought of being truly desired by a man, him in particular, sent the wave of hot desire careening down to her pussy. How could she spend the rest of her stay at his side if he kept gazing at her like he wanted to keep her in his bed? Not that being in his bed again would be a bad thing. She had dreamt of such a thing as a teen, but they never were able to act on their impulses.
Plus, it wasn’t like she’d obtain anymore similar bruises on the ranch. She was hundreds of miles from the idiot who had caused them in the first place, and she wasn’t planning on putting herself in a sketchy situation ever again.
Dakota’s scrutiny sent another warm flush through her. The protective vibe he exuded was much different than most men’s she’d encountered in the past. Theirs stemmed from obsession, a sense of possession, or complete horniness from being in either the dominant or submissive position at a party. Dak’s seemed to come from a place of caring, as if he actually gave a shit about her. That he still continued to feel for her after twenty years sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. It had been ages since a man had wanted her just for her and not what she could provide and vice versa. Images from her daydream of him naked and tied to the chair flashed in her mind. It was interesting considering him in an adult, sexual way when her original feelings for him stemmed from a childhood friendship. But, from what people had told her over the years, the best lover relationships started out as friendships. And they already had the friend part taken care of.
“Stick by you, eh?” She reclined on her side, seductively munched on a strip of bacon.
He cocked a brow. “Yeah,” he replied in a cautious tone, as if trying to figure out what was going on in her head.
“Sounds like it could be… interesting. But what about the ranch activities? I’d like to see my friend Bristol more than once while I’m here.”
“Right now, the bridal group is surrounded by at least fifteen other women who have come for the weekend, so I don’t have to worry about them. All the horses are taken for the trail riding and the classes are full. Kent and Hugh have a handle on all that. Your friend, I believe, has been taken under my brother’s wings and is out riding and at the classes with him. We should be able to catch up with them later, though I did see him take some camping equipment with him, so who knows. Anyway, I think you can spare a few hours with this here cowboy.”
Cassie ground her teeth together, slightly irritated that he had taken over her vacation schedule, but curious to see how the day with him would unfold. “Fine.” She sat up, then handed him the empty plate. “Thanks for the food. Now, before we begin the fun filled day you have planned, how about you step out for a bit while I get ready?”
“I don’t know. I’d kinda like to see more.” He winked, then raked his gaze up and down her body.
“We’ll never get to your chores and get them done if you stay.” She rose and tugged him up from the chair.
He grunted, made an attempt to kiss her.
With a laugh, she tipped her head so he pecked her cheek. Turning him around and placing her hands on his firm back, she shoved him toward the door. “Look, if it’ll make you feel better, I promise you can see and have a bit more of me later.”
He grunted again in silly primitive male fashion.
She rolled her eyes. Men and their testosterone-laden tendencies.
Dakota stepped over the threshold and looked back at her. She plastered her best I’m-a-good-girl grin on her face.
“Fine. I’ll return the plate and utensils and be right back.”
“I’ll be here,” she chimed.
Showered and dressed in jeans, a white tank top and loose fitting tan safari shirt, she clipped her long hair back. Studying her reflection one way and then the other in the mirror, she double checked that everything was proper. Granted, she knew she was on a ranch and that the moment she walked out the door she probably wouldn’t look so put together anymore, but she couldn’t help it. Years of being in the public eye, needing to be presentable and checking and double checking her appearance was a force of habit. She was pretty sure Dak wouldn’t care one way or the other how she looked—he’d most likely rather see her naked—but she liked to look nice.
As she reached for the doorknob, a sudden bout of nervousness hit her. A faint memory of the first time she and Dakota were allowed to go to a movie by themselves swept through her mind. That afternoon she had felt lighthearted and excited about their date. The anticipation of being alone with a boy she liked, wondering if he’d hold her hand or give her a kiss, had been overwhelming. She felt the same way now. The pleasant sensations were a welcome delight. With a smile plastered on her face, she yanked open the door. Sure enough, Dak was there, casually leaning against a porch post but still exuding profound confidence. She followed him to his truck, admiring the sway of his ass in his tight jeans, his powerful physique.
Cassie couldn’t help but stare at the clear cut lines of his profile as he drove them to the far reaches of the property and recounted the history and geology of the area. His bearing conveyed strength, deep seated self-possession. The set of his lips and chin, the focus of his gaze, informed her he probably had a stubborn side to his nature. Not caring about how the red rocks were formed, she listened with half an ear, reveling in how he and her last boyfriend were different.
Her most recent ex was dark-haired, dark-eyed. His beefy body had been created by years of construction work, his skin permanently tanned due to the same. That guy had an intensity about him when he drank, was known to blow a lid at the slightest provocation. Obsessive and possessive, he didn’t like her going to the types of parties she did. Their relationship had only lasted a couple of months.
Same as most of her relationships come to think of it, she mused.
Whereas Dak, with his lighter, gold-streaked hair and commanding blue eyes, was her peer, a man of understanding and compassion. She loved his toned leanness from years of hard work, the way the lines crinkled around his eyes when he smiled. There was a straightforward way about him that set her soul and demeanor at ease. Dakota was a man prone to great kindness.
It would be so easy to settle down and claim the ranch as her home. If he were to ask her to stay, she wouldn’t hesitate to say yes this time. Aside from her friends there, Salt Lake City was a place she wouldn’t miss. She could get used to living on the ranch and having
a major city a quick drive away. A job as a dealer on the strip… The wealth of nightlife choices… She’d be set.
He glanced at her. “What’s that sappy smile for?”
“I was just thinking how great it is being back on the ranch. I don’t think I’ve been this relaxed and happy in a long time.”
“That’s great. We aim to please our guests.” He winked and patted her thigh, then rested his hand on the spot.
Cassie gazed at the work-worn, sun-kissed hand on her leg. No mannies or pedis for him. Thoughts of his calloused fingers stroking her skin, working her clit, sent more tingles down her spine, sparked a fire in her core. She smoothed her fingers over his, then interlocked them together. A luminous, country-boy grin lit his face. Sighing, she settled back in the seat.
She hadn’t lied. It was great being on the ranch, with Dakota, as an experienced grownup. No parental units breathing down their necks, chaperoning the young couple who were trying to find their place in the world and with each other. She cared deeply for him way back then, looked forward to what could develop between them now.
Looking forward to a development? The thought scared her. She was never sure about committing to one person. Hearts, flowers, rainbows, romance weren’t her style. Flirting and flings were. No strings. No emotions. No way to get hurt that way. She glanced at him. His focus stayed trained on the narrow rocky road as they wound their way around the ranch into the mountain pass.
But with Dakota life could be different. They had their fling, and she wanted more, wanted something deeper it seemed. Could she settle down? That was a decision she’d have to chew on for a bit.
They passed the next few minutes in comfortable silence. Near a long stretch of brush and short trees, he parked the vehicle. She got out and viewed the area. It looked vaguely familiar.
“Ready?” Dakota slammed down the top of the aluminum truck tool box in the pick-up’s bed and strolled around to her side. A pair of binoculars hung on a vinyl strap around his neck. He held a shotgun in each of his hands.
