Promises to a Stallion (Kimani Romance)

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  Tierra laughed with him. “I like how you think.”

  Travis lay back against the bed, curling his body around hers. Tierra grew quiet, falling back into reflection. Travis tightened the grip he had around her, hugging her close. Minutes later both fell back into a deep sleep.

  An hour later, Tierra couldn’t help but ponder what she might have done to have gotten so lucky. Damien walking out of her life had opened a door to happiness like Tierra had never known. She felt overwhelmingly blessed.

  She pressed a warm palm to Travis’s chest, her pelvis cradled against his buttocks. She smiled as Travis gripped her hand, threading his fingers through hers. She felt blessed beyond reason.

  His body was still curled tightly against hers when Tierra rolled atop the mattress, turning to press her face against his broad chest. She inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of him, the warm mix of spice and evergreen teasing her nostrils. She pulled her hands to his chest, pressing the palms against Travis’s bare skin. He smiled in his sleep, heaving a deep breath as she placed a kiss just beneath his chin, her tongue brushing a fine line across his Adam’s apple. He stretched the length of his arms around her torso, pulling her to him, the protective gesture comforting.

  Hours later as Travis leaned to kiss her forehead, then her closed eyelids, his lips strolling slowly until they reached hers, he shook the last fringe of sleep from his system, waking himself up fully. Outside, the sun had risen in a deep blue sky, searching for a corner of the universe to settle down in. A cooling breeze eased through the half-opened window, billowing the sheer curtains from side to side.

  As Tierra dozed, Travis was determined not to disturb her. He snuggled down closer, her arms still wrapped tight around his chest.

  The two had been talking about everything and absolutely nothing. Their conversations had gone from serious to silly and back again. Travis smiled. At one point they’d been discussing the nuances of lingerie and Tierra had taught him a thing or two about underwear. The lesson had been most enjoyable with Tierra’s hands-on approach.

  Tierra had burst out laughing when Travis had asked her what boy shorts were and why a woman would want to wear them. Slipping out of the linen slacks she wore, she’d rubbed her palms slowly along her hips, pointing out how nicely the cut of her pale pink panties flattered her feminine form. With perfect form, Tierra had noted how her very brief square-cut briefs had no front fly, designed specifically for a woman. Then she’d turned around, wiggling her butt cheeks to show how the silky fabric hugged her curves. The effect had been so sexy that Travis had almost come in his pants and Tierra hadn’t even removed all her clothes.

  Still in learning mode, Travis had been all too happy to complete the homework she then assigned him. He had stroked the fabric against her hips, then had teased her with the tip of his index finger. Tierra had purred with pleasure, closing her legs tight around his hand, as she rolled her hips sensuously against the bed.

  It had given him great pleasure to pull Tierra’s boy shorts off her bottom with his teeth. She’d rolled onto her stomach as he’d revealed her caramel bottom in all its lewd glory. Travis had teased her up and down with a gentle finger, enjoying the sight of her twin cheeks wriggling with delight.

  When she’d rolled back around, sprawling her legs open, Travis could barely contain himself. He’d stripped quickly out of his clothes, sheathing his erection with a condom as it bounced against the mattress top. Grabbing Tierra’s ankles for support, he’d slid into her with ease, the two sliding into place and locking themselves in a slow, mutual grind. Finding their rhythm, they’d rocked back and forth against each other. His breathing had quickened and Tierra had begged him not to stop. Her plea had almost been a whisper, but she had repeated it over and over again, the urgency for release consuming her.

  With his mind and groin at the point of boiling over, Travis had driven himself into her until they’d both dissolved into an erotic scream, Tierra shuddering around him.

  Reflecting back, the memory shot a current of electricity straight through him. He palmed his crotch thinking about it, pleasure still consuming his spirit. As Tierra continued to sleep peacefully, Travis couldn’t help but ponder what she might teach him about a thong.

  John tilted his head in greeting as the couple made their way into the large family room. The rest of the family had already headed out for the day, everyone disappearing in different directions.

  “Good morning,” Tierra say cheerfully.

  “Hey, cousin!” Travis exclaimed.

  John smiled, a wide grin filling his face. “Glad to see you two come up for air. I thought we were going to have to send up a search party to rescue you both.”

  Tierra blushed, color flooding her warm complexion.

  Travis laughed as they took a seat at the table. “Glad to see you still have a sense of humor, family.”

  John chuckled. “I’m sure you are. So, now that you two have come out of your dungeon, what’s on your agenda today? Anything special planned?”

  Travis nodded. “I’m glad you asked, John. I’ve had something on my mind and was hoping you might be able to give a brother a hand.” He cut his eye toward Tierra, then returned his gaze to John.

  Nodding, John sat forward in his seat. Tierra was suddenly curious, having no clue what Travis was referring to. John couldn’t help but see her inquisitive stare.

  Coming to his feet, John gestured with his head. “Why don’t we take this to my office,” he said casually. “Tierra, there’s a fresh pot of coffee on the stove, and I’m sure you won’t have any problems finding something to eat. Let me go see if I can solve your man’s personal problem for him. I promise I’ll bring him right back.”

  Winking in her direction, Travis followed his cousin out of the room. Bewildered, Tierra could only nod her head and wait. She rose from her seat, moving to the counter to get a ceramic cup and the pot of coffee. A plate of fresh-baked pastry beckoned for her attention. As she was prepping a plate of fresh fruit to accompany her pecan biscuit, Travis poked his head back into the room.

  “Hey, sweet cheeks, you do have a passport, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” Tierra answered, the curiosity filling her tone. “Why?”

  Travis smirked, winked again and disappeared out of the room, not bothering to answer her question.

  “I swear that man is trying to work my last nerve,” Tierra said out loud, not expecting anyone to hear her.

  From the doorway, Marah and Eden both burst out laughing.

  “Sounds like you and Travis are getting along just fine,” Eden said as they moved into the room.

  Tierra laughed. “Where did you two come from?”

  Marah grinned. “John said we were needed. What’s going on?”

  Shrugging, Tierra looked from one to the other. “Apparently you two know more than I do.”

  “And they don’t know anything,” John said as he stepped into the room behind them. “Not yet, anyway.”

  Travis was following close on his cousin’s heels, a smug grin plastered across his face.

  “Now I’m really curious,” Tierra said, moving to her man’s side. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “What’s going on?”

  Travis met his cousin’s stare before smiling down at her. “It’s a surprise,” he said finally. “But we have to get a move on it.”

  “What… Where are we—” Tierra stammered as Travis pulled her along by the hand.

  Travis gave a goodbye wave to everyone in the room. “I’ll tell you on the way,” he said.

  Tierra shook her head, turning to wave goodbye, as well. Behind her, the Stallion clan beamed with joy, everyone waving at them excitedly.

  I could really get used to this, Tierra thought as she settled back into the luxury accommodations, her palms caressing the leather on the armrests of their chairs.

  Travis smiled down at her. “You should get used to this,” he said, reading her mind. “I don’t roll like this on a daily basis, but whenever you w
ant we’ll always go first class. Of course, I’m also very comfortable driving my Mustang, communing out of an apartment and eating home-cooked dinners three or four times a week. If you marry me I promise you’ll have whatever lifestyle makes you comfortable. It can be as casual as you want, or not.”

  Tierra laughed. “Sergeant Stallion, you could move me into a tent in the middle of a desert and I would be perfectly content as long as I am with you. Just don’t, though, ’cause you know I’m not good at camping.”

  Travis rolled his head, laughing with her. He leaned to kiss her cheek. “Baby, I promised you the world. You will definitely get that and whatever else I can muster up.”

  Leaning into his shoulder, Tierra settled down against him, resting her head on his arm. They’d been moving nonstop for the last three hours. Travis had thrown a few changes of clothing into an overnight bag and then they’d driven to her house for her to do the same thing. After checking that they both had their passports, they’d made a quick pit stop at the drugstore to pick up a few toiletries. From there they’d stopped by her grandmother’s home to let the woman know they were both alive and well, Tierra having ignored her calls for the past two days. After a lengthy reprimand, Mama Dee had sent them on their way, and shortly after noon they were back at the airstrip boarding the Stallion jet for Mexico.

  Marah, Eden and Marla were taking notes as John dictated Travis’s wants. The three women were grinning from ear to ear, their excitement building exponentially.

  “This just has to be incredible!” Eden exclaimed excitedly.

  “Better than incredible,” Marah concurred.

  “I can’t believe how fast it happened,” Marla interjected. “Because it has happened really fast.”

  “I’ve never seen Travis so happy,” John concluded. “He’s floating right now.”

  Marah smiled. “Do you think they’re making a mistake? I mean, maybe they should wait.”

  John shrugged ever so slightly. “You know, we’ve seen couples who’ve known each other for years marry, and the marriage fails. Do you remember meeting the Hale family at the company Christmas party?”

  Marah nodded. “Yes, that couple with the twins, right?”

  “Yeah, well, his parents lived together for some forty years without getting married. Happy as can be. Then they decided they needed to make it legal. They got married and six months later were separated and filing for divorce.

  “You just never know. Travis and Tierra will probably be the type to get married and live happily ever after. I just think that if it’s going to make them happy then they should give it all they’ve got.”

  The sisters all nodded in agreement.

  “Well, I’ve got catering covered,” Eden said. “And I’m headed out right now to order the cake.”

  “I called Tierra’s brother, and he’s going to let me into her apartment to get her wedding gown,” Marla said. “I also spoke to Mama Dee, and she’s on board.”

  “Reverend Patrick is available, but they have to get a license, and the state of Texas requires a seventy-two-hour waiting period after the license is issued. Has Travis even thought about the license?” Marah questioned.

  John nodded. “Matthew is taking care of everything. That new judge friend of his has pulled some strings or something. Since Travis is active military, they’ll waive the seventy-two hours.”

  “Anything else?” Eden asked, looking at everyone around the room.

  “The only other thing Travis asked for is that we try and get his friend Ross Knight here. Ross is a photographer out of Atlanta, and Travis wants him to do their wedding photos.”

  “We have some great photographers here in Dallas, if that’s going to be a problem,” Marah said. “I know a few of them.”

  John shook his head. “Travis wants Ross Oscar Knight, and only Ross. We’ll give the man whatever he wants to get him here. Travis gave me a blank check and said that we are to spare no expense.”

  Marah smiled. “Now, if that doesn’t sound like a Stallion man, I don’t know what does.”

  Her husband chuckled. “That’s how we do things, baby.”

  “Then I think that takes care of everything,” Marla said with a wide smile. “All we need are the lovebirds.”

  Hugging his wife tightly, John pressed a kiss to her forehead. “They get back Wednesday, the day after tomorrow. Once they’re here, we’re having us a wedding!”

  Chapter 19

  The Cieba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort was minutes away from Cancún in Puerto Morelos. Stepping into the ocean-view room, Tierra and Travis were situated just minutes from their own private beach. The elegantly appointed suite was a laid-back, luxurious environment designed specifically for rest and relaxation, with its king-size bed, sitting area, terrace and private plunge pool.

  “How long are we here for?” Tierra asked, clasping her hand in his.

  Travis smiled. “Just a day or two. We have a commitment on Wednesday, and then I have to leave on Friday.”

  Tierra wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. She was thrilled to be spending time with the man in such a beautiful place, but being reminded that it could only last but so long before Travis would be leaving her washed a wave of sadness through her spirit.

  “So, what do you want to do first?” Travis asked, moving to open the patio doors.

  Tierra followed behind him, dropping down onto one of the cushioned lounge chairs. She threw her hands up excitedly. “Absolutely nothing!”

  Tierra lay in Travis’s arms, her head resting comfortably on his chest. A warm breeze billowed through the room, the oceanic wind light and teasing. Outside, the sun was shining brilliantly, shimmering light on the airy white sand and the deep blue of the ocean water.

  The couple had been resting comfortably from their morning excursions. They’d started the day with a couple’s massage—an hour of having their muscles kneaded was pure euphoria—then a cocoon body wrap, scalp treatment and face massage. A short jaunt into Cancún to sightsee had left them spent by the time the midday heat had risen to full strength. Right after lunch they’d taken a slow stroll through the beautiful mangroves down to the meditation pier, where the birds serenaded guests through the afternoon.

  Returning to the room, both were in need of a nap to prepare themselves for the dazzling experience the hotel staff had talked them into taking later that night. The Temazcal was an indigenous, ancestral ritual created to purify and renew their minds, bodies and spirits. It was performed at sunset, on the beach within a terra-cotta sweat lodge using hot volcanic stones and an infusion of aromatic herbs to obtain the steam. Travis imagined he needed much rest to prepare for steam and rituals.

  He slowly caressed Tierra’s shoulders and back, tickling the soft flesh beneath her clothes. The sensation was causing a ripple through her body, warmth settling comfortably within her. The last few days had bonded the two even closer together. He marveled at how much he’d come to know about the woman and, even more important, how much he wanted to know.

  Tierra had opened herself to him, permitting him to witness those moments when she was most vulnerable, and he’d been moved by her passion for life and her sincere, loving spirit. He marveled at her energy and was inspired by her compassion. And what moved him most was feeling completely and totally confident that he had found his soul mate.

  He hugged her closer, Tierra wrapping her leg around his, her body cradled against him. Leaning to kiss her forehead, Travis trailed a line of damp kisses along her profile, resting his mouth atop her mouth. His kiss was probing, his tongue snaking past the line of her lips to seek out hers. Dancing in hers, he was suddenly consumed with desire. Cupping the back of her neck, his thumb caressed her just under her ear. He felt her pulse jump, a smile widening across her face.

  “You’re trying to start something, Sergeant Stallion,” she said, her demure tone teasing.

  Travis continued to trail his hands across her flesh. “Yes, baby, I am.” He kissed her hungril
y. “I can’t get enough of you, Tierra. Every time I touch you, I want more and more of you,” he whispered huskily.

  Returning his fervor, Tierra could only nod her head, understanding seeping through her. He hugged her tightly, his arms surrounding her in a gesture of comfort and protection.

  Every time they made love, it was a thing of beauty. Their movements were fluid and natural, their instincts in perfect sync. Tierra marveled at the strength of his touch, his fingers inciting her nerve endings to explode with pleasure. Travis couldn’t imagine the woman’s kisses being more passionate. Each time he kissed her rivaled that first time he found himself kissing her. He couldn’t begin to imagine anything sweeter.

  His hand moved over her cheek, the soft skin teasing the pads of his fingers. When Tierra smiled, meeting his gaze evenly, he felt as if his heart might break with love. Her dark eyes shimmered in the light and he kissed her again. Wallowing in the embrace, Travis allowed her to take over the kiss, skin moving against skin, her lips and tongue moving with intensity as Tierra sucked and licked and tasted the sweetness of him. Her body arched and ached for more of his touch.

  Travis moved his fingers across her forehead, brushing the strands of hair that had fallen in front of her eyes. He wanted to see her eyes as he brushed his lips over her checks and nuzzled the curve beneath her chin. He was awed by her beauty, consumed by the magnitude of her spirit and energy. A tear teased the corners of his eyes and he closed them tightly, fighting back the emotion. Closing his lids tightly, Travis inhaled the scent of her. The aroma of her perfume teased him, shivers quivering up his spine.

  Lying beneath him, the crinkle of a smile pulled at Tierra’s mouth. The man’s touch was consuming, moving her to places and heights she didn’t know possible. She gasped for air as Travis’s hands moved to unbutton the buttons on her shirt. His touch was silk as his fingers skated along the line of her lace bra. Reaching behind her, Travis unclasped her bra and her breath quickened with anticipation. The sudden release of her breasts was overshadowed by his palms cupping them, heat coursing from his fingers straight into her heart. He tweaked her nipples until they hardened and Tierra bit down against her bottom lip at the sensation.