Paige Cameron

by Commando Cowboys Find Their Desire

  She picked up her fork and started to eat. When Cody didn’t move from her side, she glanced at him. “Aren’t you and Payton going to join me?”

  Payton walked over next to Cody. “Yes, but first there’s something you need to know. We won’t take your life over, but we will spoil you and protect you. If you can’t handle that then maybe we aren’t meant for each other.”

  Cody nodded and went back to the stove to fix their plates.

  Payton finished the sandwiches. Then they both joined her at the table.

  Averil was confused. Part of her wanted to say, “Go to hell,” and the other half wanted to forget about being so independent. But she’d had to be.

  “I don’t know how to be different.” She spoke hesitantly. Both of them looked at her. “I worked hard to toughen myself so I would be accepted by the other guys in my group of sharpshooters. It’s ingrained in me.” She bit the edge of her lower lip then looked down.

  Payton’s hand covered hers. “Did they resent you?”

  “Some did. Why didn’t you?”

  “I thought you were magnificent, smart, and beautiful. I’m confident in myself, so I didn’t feel threatened by the possibility of a woman beating me.” He kissed her hand. “But I must admit I’m glad we tied. I’d have hated all the razzing the guys would have given me.” He squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. We aren’t going to give up easily. But we do need you to be our wife, not our buddy.”

  Averil looked from Payton to Cody. She was falling for them, hard. But could she change and did she want to? Maybe the main question she had to ask herself was whether she loved them enough to become more vulnerable.

  Chapter Ten

  Averil, Cody, and Payton rode across several miles of prairie, and then they entered a large stand of trees. The temperature dropped several degrees in the dappled shade.

  “You two have a large ranch. I never expected it to cover so much territory.”

  “We wanted plenty of acreage for riding Cody’s magnificent horses.”

  “My mare is definitely well trained. She’s very responsive and beautiful.” Averil rubbed the chestnut mane.

  Cody led the way and Payton followed her as they slowed to ride through the narrow trail between the thick trees. They turned left and went deeper into the forest.

  “Ah,” Averil said and sat staring at a clearing where the sun shone down on thick green grass, wildflowers bloomed in various spots, and, looking up, she saw that the tall trees appeared to touch the sky.

  “It’s our favorite spot on the ranch. We’ve never brought another person here. We preferred to keep this as our one private place. We usually come alone. The peace and quiet helps me to think more clearly and to relax completely,” Payton explained.

  “Why did you bring me before I’ve agreed to marry you?”

  Cody put his hands on her waist and lifted her off her horse. “We trust you’d never tell anyone, and we still believe you’ll marry us.” He pulled her close against his warm body.

  She took a deep breath of his fresh scent, citrus and sandalwood. He tipped her chin and kissed her. His tongue swept inside her mouth and licked and tasted along the inside contours. Her arms went around his neck as she leaned even closer into him.

  Cody raised his mouth slightly away from hers. “We want to make love here in the sunlight and peacefulness. Payton brought a blanket. He’s laying it on the grass to make a soft, natural bed.”

  Averil turned to look at where Payton had spread the flannel covering. He had undressed and held out his hand to her.

  “Will you join us?”

  “Absolutely, I can’t resist.”

  Cody tied the horses off to the side as Averil walked toward Payton. Payton cupped her face and tenderly kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and her mouth.

  “I’m going to remove all these clothes so I can see your gorgeous body.”

  “It’s cool this morning.”

  “Believe me, you won’t be cold for long.” Payton unbuttoned her flannel shirt and removed her bra. His warm lips kissed along her neck, to her shoulder, and then covered her rosy nipple. Averil shivered.

  “Are you cold?” His voice sounded deep and hoarse.

  “No. I’m responding to your touch.”

  Cody moved behind her and kissed her neck. Payton slid down and took off her boots, jeans, and panties while Cody held on to her. Payton ran his hands over her feet and upward. “Spread your legs.”

  She did, and sweet pleasure coursed through her veins when Payton licked her clit and slipped two fingers into her pussy opening. Cody’s hands closed on her breasts, and his fingers pinched her nipples. Fluid flowed from her pussy.

  “You taste like the sweetest ambrosia,” Payton said.

  Averil’s head fell back on Cody’s shoulder, and he kissed her. When Payton’s fingers touched her G-spot, pleasure exploded outward, sending tremors of sensual bliss to every nerve in her body “I can’t take it. I…”

  Payton moved up and thrust into her pussy. Cody backed off as Payton brought her legs up around his hips. He lifted her up and down on his wide cock as another orgasm shook her and left her clinging to his body.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Hmmm, good.”

  Gently Payton lowered her to the flannel blanket. He moved away a short distance as Cody straddled her body. Cody ran his hands from her neck to the sides of her rib cage, across her abdomen, and down along her legs. When he got to her feet, he glanced at Payton.

  “Did you bring the cream your brother gave you?”

  “Here it is, but you’d better explain it to her first.”

  “Darlin’, this is special. It was created by our scientists especially for us.” He held up the small jar. “A little of this heightens the sexual response. We’ve been told it makes the experience even better, if possible. Would you like to try it? If so, I’ll massage a little on your body, starting at your feet and legs.”

  “I’m not sure it can get any better. But try a very small amount.”

  Cody nodded. She watched as he took a fingertip amount on his hands and massaged the cream into her feet. The soft grass under the blanket made a comfortable bed to sink into. Overhead a blue sky dazzled her eyes and the soft chirps of nearby birds created their own symphony.

  “It’s very relaxing,” she whispered.

  He lifted her leg and ran his hand firmly around and downward toward her pussy. Tiny sensations like bubbles of joy followed his touch. When he spread her folds open and ran his tongue across her clit, she screamed. Pleasure shot up her spine, and her pussy gushed with moisture.

  “Do you want me to stop?”

  “Don’t you dare!”

  Chuckling, Cody put more cream on his hands, moved further up to her waist, rubbed across her ribs, then his mouth covered her breast, and he lightly bit her nipple. This time her body bowed with the excessive ecstasy that filled her whole body.

  “Go in me, damn it.”

  “Such language, darlin’.” Cody chuckled.

  Averil took firm hold of his cock. He shivered. She ran her hands up and down his length.

  Sweat broke out on his face. “Much more of that and it will all be over.”

  “Then maybe you’d better bury your big cock inside me,” Averil said. She knew Cody didn’t want to give in, not yet. She leaned forward and licked across the top of his cock.

  He removed her hand and slipped into her wet, welcoming pussy. She clamped around him and moved her hips up and down.

  He put her legs on his shoulders and pounded into her pussy. The heat and pleasure escalated her straight into another orgasm. Seconds later, she heard him groan and felt his hot seed flooding her womb. He caught his breath, kissed her, and rolled over, staring upward.

  Coming back to reality, Averil sat up and frowned at both of them. “Was this a plan to get me pregnant, and then I’d have to marry you?”

  “I used a sheath. I put it on before you’d turned around. In his excitement,
Cody forgot.”

  “Honest, I did.” Cody sat up to face her.

  “Well, if it was a plan, it won’t work. I’ve been on birth control for several years. I’ll have children when I’m ready.”

  Averil got up, grabbed her clothes, and walked off a distance to dress. Her body still felt drained, but in a good way. She’d never had multiple orgasms like that or such overpowering ones. But she didn’t know whether to trust them or not.

  Still, she hadn’t thought about it either when she held his cock in her hand. He probably did forget. With all the powerful sensations she’d experienced, she overreacted possibly to put up a wall to cover her vulnerability. Damn, now she’d have to apologize.

  They had dressed and waited patiently by the horses.

  Payton gave her a leg up to get on the mare. “Are you still mad?”

  “No. I have to apologize to you, Cody. You two made such wonderful love to me, I was overwhelmed. It made me feel more vulnerable. Not a position I’m comfortable with, so I lashed out at you. Hell, I held your cock in my hands and never thought about it. I understand you forgetting.”

  “I’ll forgive you, but since you are on a form of birth control can we get rid of the condoms? It’s certainly more pleasurable without them.”

  “We might as well, but keep the cream for special occasions.” Her men laughed and her heart lightened. She wasn’t falling in love with them anymore. She loved them.

  * * * *

  Cody rode behind and enjoyed the view of Averil riding his mare. He had a special horse to give her when they married. He’d realized today he and Averil were alike in many ways. They both lashed out when feeling anxious or vulnerable. Their marriage would not be totally peaceful but always exciting. It was good they had Payton, who seldom lost his temper and never as loudly as he and Averil. He’d be the buffer and peacemaker in this threesome.

  Life was good. All they had to do was find this crazy person trying to kill people. Then they’d marry, settle down on the ranch, and make babies.

  At the barn, Cody helped Averil off her horse.

  “Do you two mind if I go on to the house and call Kira? I want to see what’s been happening.”

  “I’ll rub your horse down. Go on. We’ll be in shortly.” Cody kissed her quickly and patted her sweet ass as she walked by him. Payton and he watched until she was out of sight.

  “She blows me away every time we make love.” Payton pulled his saddle off and began to rub down his horse. “It’s going to take time, but she’ll begin to feel safe about being vulnerable around us.”

  “Have you noticed her personality is more like mine?” Cody asked.

  “Yep. Looks like I’m going to have my hands full. Hopefully any children we have will be more mild mannered.”

  Cody gave him a friendly shove and went back to working on the mare Averil had ridden.

  * * * *

  The two days went by slowly for Gala. She wanted to get on with her plan, but this was working out better. She noticed Mitch and Daren had relaxed since Harry had survived. They must be confident the new treatment would take care of any more poisoning attempts.

  Gala had managed to get today off. Her partner planned to call her after he landed and got his rental car. Somehow she had to convince him to meet her in a place where no one would see her with him. There was a lot of unpopulated land between the ranch and town. She had an idea, but maybe he’d suggest something even better.

  Her mother stopped her as she started out the front door. “Gala, I’m worried about you. I know your father’s death has hurt you. I’m sorry you can’t grieve for him normally, that you have to hide your feelings. It’s my fault you’re in this position.

  “Maybe you ought to quit your job. There are other places to work. You might find something in town where the memories wouldn’t be so close.”

  “I like my job, Mother.”

  “You resent me for not acknowledging your father. Our affair was over before I knew I was pregnant. I was married. Chester thought you were his. He still does. That was the only time I strayed. We have a good marriage.”

  “And so you didn’t tell me about my real father. But he did. He loved me. He never loved you.” Angrily Gala walked out, slamming the door behind her. She got in her mother’s car and left the ranch. Halfway to town her cell rang. “Hello.”

  “I’m in Reunion, Wyoming. It’s about twenty miles west of Lovettville. Do you know the place?”

  “Yes, it’s even smaller than our town.”

  “I’ve decided to stay in a motel here, until tomorrow. It’s an old place situated just off the highway five miles out of town going toward Lovettville. Look for Hanes Road and turn left. You can’t miss it. Meet me here. I’m in room five.”

  “I’m on my way to town. I’ll be there soon.” She clicked her phone off. Great, even if someone sees me they won’t know who I am. But I’d better be careful. He may have the same thoughts I do. She opened her purse and put her hand on the gun. This might be the best weapon to use. No one will put his death together with the person doing the poisoning. Yes, this was going to work out perfect.

  When she got to town, she headed west on the highway toward Reunion. Her heart raced and fear prickled her skin. She took deep breaths to calm herself. She had to be brave to finish the job in her father’s honor. And the last thing she needed was a controlling partner.

  His directions were good. She turned left, and in about a block, behind a grove of trees, she saw the dilapidated motel. Slowing, she drove toward the back and spotted room five.

  Parking just in front of his door, she got out. She had a revolver and a syringe full of the deadly poison. But she’d decided to try shooting him first. In the car, she’d fastened a silencer on the gun. If that didn’t work she had the poison. Swinging her purse strap over her shoulder, she went to the door and knocked.

  “You!” She was taken aback for a minute to see it was one of the former residents of the ranch.

  “Come in. I thought I’d leave my identity a surprise. Have a seat.” He motioned her toward a ratty-looking chair.

  She walked in the opposite direction toward the dusty windows. “I don’t think you could find a seedier motel. Aren’t you afraid the bedbugs will bite?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe. Have a drink with me. I’ve got bourbon and water.”

  “I don’t drink.”

  “Well, I do.” He poured his drink and took a sip.

  “You can easily get on the ranch without my help. Why did you call me to meet you first?”

  “We don’t want to be seen together at the ranch. At least not often.”

  Gala had turned her back to him for a second when she sensed him move. She’d left her purse unzipped. As she whirled around, she reached in, got the gun, and shot him just as his bullet whistled by her, shattering the window.

  He staggered back and fell but still held on to his gun. Before he could aim it again, she shot him in the chest. Then she ran out to her car and quickly drove to the road and got back onto the highway.

  She didn’t think anyone saw her. He was probably the only person there. Her heart was in her throat, and she shivered from the shock that she’d really killed a man. She didn’t regret it. There’d be no one to try and tell her what to do. Gala slowed the car back to the posted speed limit. If a cop saw her now, he’d know something was up. Perspiration broke out across her face, and the back of her shirt was wet.

  As she turned toward the ranch, her nerves calmed. When she got to an isolated area, she drove off on the side and stopped. There were no cars coming along.

  She got out and walked around. I need to get myself in control before I have to see or speak to anyone. A breeze helped cool her. Gala wandered further from the road. In one area several large rocks were leaning against each other. She walked behind them and knelt down. Dirt crumbled under her hand. She could dig a hole and get rid of the gun. She hurried to the car and grabbed the revolver then went back behind the rocks.
>
  Gala noticed several small rocks to the side. She used one and her hands to make a hole big enough to bury the revolver. She carefully wiped off her prints with the edge of her blouse. Then, using the blouse’s corner, she put the gun in the hole without leaving any new prints.

  When she got back in the car, she brushed her hair, put a touch of color on her cheeks, and added more lipstick to her pale mouth.

  She started the car and headed the short distance to the gates. The guard waved her through. At her parents’ house, she parked in the driveway. Hopefully, her mother would be out. Her stepfather worked until dusk. She slipped in the door and waited. It was quiet.

  She got the supplies and went outside to wash the car. Her mother would be pleased. It would be a peace offering. She mustn’t arouse anyone’s suspicions, not even her parents’.

  * * * *

  Since the last two days had been quiet, Averil, Kira and their mother had spent more time together. Kira had told them about finally meeting Mother Aileen, as she liked to be called. Kira had missed the earlier dinner when Mitch had planned to introduce them.

  “But we’ve waited for further conversations and planning until Nanna arrived. She’s coming today. She’d asked Mitch to wait two days before bringing her here. I don’t know why. We’ll all meet in Mitch’s office at one.”

  “Do you think I’m needed at that meeting?” Averil asked.

  “I don’t think so. Do you have plans?”

  “Cody is working with one of his newer horses this afternoon. I’d like to watch.”

  “I see Payton sitting in the car. He’s your protector for the day.”

  “Yes. They’re determined to keep me safe. Especially until whoever has been doing the poisoning gets caught. Maybe he or she gave up since no one’s been harmed since Harry. The person must know we have an antidote.”