by Reece Butler
Aggie pushed open both stalls, making sure they were empty, before standing close to Marci.
“I’m wearing jeans,” said Aggie.
“You always wear jeans.”
“But Keith specifically told me to put on a dress tonight.”
“You refused to obey him?” Aggie nodded, a hint of a smile curling her lips. “And you did this on purpose, so he would punish you?” Another nod. “Um, how will he, ah, punish you?”
“Usually it’s a spanking, but I’ve been pushing his buttons since Sophie had her six-week checkup.”
“The night Simon and I took the children.”
“And the first night the three of us had wild sex in about four months. Thank you so much for that. It was absolutely wonderful.”
Aggie’s look of bliss made Marci blush.
“Then why have you been pushing Keith?”
“Because,” she said quietly, “every now and then I want more. Are you sure you’re not going to get all uptight about this?”
“Aggie, there’s no one else I can talk to.”
“Remember, every relationship is different, and it changes over time. What I wanted when we were first together, is different now. So just because I like this, doesn’t mean you will. Most importantly, Lance will only do what you need, even if you or he wants something different.”
“He said he’d do what I need, not necessarily what I say I want.”
“Exactly. Tonight I’m going to tell Keith to “f off.” That’s his hot button. After the way I’ve been teasing him by refusing to do what he says, it will send him over the edge.”
“And?”
“And after he takes me home to feed Sophie, he’ll haul me to our special cabin, one with lots of extra sound insulation, and have his wicked way with me.” Aggie grinned. “It won’t be easy as I’ll be kicking and fighting and screaming the whole time. But he’ll overpower me eventually. And that, Miss Marci, is what I want. To have the freedom to fight as hard as I can and then be taken by the man who loves me to the bottom of his soul.”
Marci’s heart thudded so hard she had to press her hand against it. Aggie obviously knew what she wanted. But she’d been married to Donny and Keith for years and had worked things out.
How could she know if that was what she wanted? It excited her, a lot. But it was also frightening. Not scary-frightening, but aroused-frightening.
“I had to learn to trust Donny and Keith before we got to this stage,” added Aggie. “We didn’t do that at first. We started out small, and let things grow and change as our relationship deepened.”
“Thank God for small mercies.”
Aggie burst out in laughter. She pointed to Marci’s face. “Your lips are all swollen, your color is high, and I bet the seam between your legs is wet. You’ve already chosen to enjoy Simon, and now Lance is showing you a different side of yourself. You like him enough to lock lips. Do you want him enough to lock hips?”
Marci slumped, resting her bottom against the counter. The pounding of a loud country song, accompanied by thumping of boots on a wood floor, pressed into the small room.
“They’re ten years older than me and far more experienced in the world. How can I stand up to them?”
Aggie imitated Marci’s posture. “But you’ve been out in the world, and have seen things they never have. You’ve read a lot, and from what I’ve picked up, have done a lot of thinking on your own.”
She gestured with her hand.
“The men of Tanner’s Ford Valley are used to strong women. They don’t want a sweet girl who blushes when someone gets kissed, or even has their bottom swatted in front of them. They want a mature, intelligent, fun-loving woman who can laugh with them, fight with them, and hold them when they can’t admit they’re afraid.”
Marci raised her eyebrows in false shock. “Afraid? Them? Lance said he’s not afraid of anything.”
“They won’t admit to fear. But that’s partly why they need our loving. We keep away the dark by bringing laughter and fun, and sex,” she added, “into their lives. Without us, there’d be no children, and no future.”
“You’re saying we have a power that they don’t acknowledge openly.”
“The only ones who can hurt these men, hurt them to the bone, is the women they love. You need to be aware of that power so you don’t abuse it.” Aggie picked at a hangnail. “When I fight Keith, and he overpowers me, taking me like a woman he’s conquered in battle, it means we have shared the deepest part of our soul. We love each other enough to share those dark desires. Most people are too ashamed to admit what they want.”
“I don’t know what I want,” admitted Marci.
Aggie tilted her head. “Do you think you might want a life here in Climax, living in a cabin in Tanner’s Ford Valley, raising your children and helping your community?”
Sudden tears erupted from somewhere deep inside. Marci shuddered. “I’m afraid to say what I want, in case it won’t come true.”
“Then you’ll never get what you want.”
“You’re right,” whispered Marci. “And I want this.”
* * * *
Lance watched Marci’s ass wiggle as the two women hustled toward the ladies room. She had a prime one. He couldn’t wait to run his fingers, and other parts, over those cheeks. Were they the same color as her face and hands, or were they lighter? He liked that she had good skin color. That way he could keep her naked in the summer and she’d not burn.
“If Aggie warns Marci off, I’d appreciate you using the flat of your hand on her ass tonight,” he said to Keith. Both women wore jeans, though Aggie’s fit her better, as did her shirt and boots.
“Aggie’ll be getting more than my hand,” said Keith. “She’s been acting uppity for the last while. The last straw was refusing to wear a skirt. She needs to be reminded of her place.”
“Under you?”
Keith gave Lance a “duh?” look as he tipped his beer back. Lance knew Aggie’d worn jeans on purpose. He’d seen it before. She’d get itching for a fight and would challenge Keith until he was ready to take her in hand. From what Lance knew of their life, Aggie would scream and wail and tussle with Keith, get a few smacks on her ass or whatever Keith decided she needed, then she’d have her men use her any which way they wanted. Not only would she love every minute of it, they did for her sake more than their own.
No one said it openly, but even though women like Aggie obeyed their men, they held the balance of power. Keith and Donny would do anything for Aggie, and their children. And that included having her scream and fight them until they forced her to accept what she wanted. No matter what society said was proper, what really mattered was what the people in the relationship needed.
That’s what he wanted from Marci, only they’d do it their way.
“We like Marci,” warned Keith. “You mess this up and we’ll be having more than words,” said Keith. “We want her to stay, and the kids already love her like an aunt. Hell, Simon couldn’t wait for you to get back. Donny says Simon’s been chomping at the bit to get her hitched. They suit each other. She’s got the fight to suit you, if the two of you can work it out.”
“What about Aggie?”
Keith gave Lance a disgusted look.
“Why do you think my wife hauled Marci into the only place she thinks I won’t follow her? Aggie can tell her things, woman to woman. We all want Marci to marry you two, have a bunch of wild hellions worse than ours, and grow old beside us.”
“You think Aggie will warn Marci about what happens to disobedient women? Or tell her the advantages of never knowing when she’ll be hauled into the barn and pressed facedown over a bale of hay?”
Lance looked around the room, not expecting an answer. He knew everyone in the room. Summer brought a few tourists, which jacked things up a bit. This time of year, it was only the locals.
“I can have my wife anytime I want,” said Keith quietly. “But there’s times when I’d better not want.”
“Such as?
”
“Just before a baby and six weeks after. When she’s not feeling well. When I know Donny needs her more than me.
“What about when she’s mad at you?”
A broad smile lit up Keith’s face. “I have a lot of fun when she gets riled. We all do, though she won’t admit it.”
Lance wasn’t one for sharing personal confidences, and neither was Keith. But this was the most important decision a man could make. He raised an eyebrow in question.
“When Aggie gets riled she thinks she can refuse me.” Keith swung his glance toward the ladies’ room. “Sometimes she gets on her high horse and says if she can’t climax, neither can I. She makes sure she has an old nightgown on before she stomps away, insisting she’ll be sleeping on the pull-out couch in the guest room. She knows that’s something I do not tolerate. She sleeps in our bed, with me. Every night.”
“She knows it, and pushes you anyway?”
Keith nodded. He stared at the door as if the two women would magically appear.
“Yep. But now and then she needs a reminder.” He tossed his beer into the garbage bin. “I go after her and haul her back. It takes a while for her screaming and fighting to wear off, but by then she’s on a hair trigger to explode.”
Lance thought for a moment. Had Keith said what Lance had heard? If so, it meant sometimes Aggie wanted to be taken against her will, and would make sure Keith knew it. She’d even plan ahead, making sure she wore something she didn’t mind being ripped off.
Lance would never harm a woman. But what man didn’t have dark fantasies of taking what he wanted, no matter what? It seemed some women had the equal but opposite fantasy.
“Happen often?”
“Not often enough. But the way she’s been sassing me, I think she’s overdue.” He nodded. “After she feeds Sophie the two of us will be taking a drive. We’ve got a line cabin back in the hills with good sound insulation. When I take her there she knows she’s going to get what’s coming to her.” Keith’s lip twitched. “I told her not to wear those jeans. Tonight, I’m going to cut them off. Sheriff better not be stopping my truck on the way back as she won’t be wearing much other than boots.”
“Of course, you’ll take a well-rutted road for her sore ass?”
The corners of Keith’s eyes crinkled.
“Always thought you were a smart man.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Marci twirled, her hand over her head in Lance’s, before being pulled back against his chest. He held her snug as they moved across the floor. After a few hours of dancing, and four beers, she was relaxed enough to enjoy herself.
“You ready to try again?” he asked, and grasped her hips.
“Oh, God!”
He didn’t wait for her approval. Grinning like a crazy fool, he lifted her up in a swooping arc. She put her hands on his shoulders and balanced with her feet toward the ceiling. He held her hips with his big hands, but soon gravity took control and her feet went sideways. She shrieked as she toppled, but he tossed her up, then easily caught her in his arms as she fell.
“Took you long enough to find yourself a good woman,” yelled one of Lance’s friends over the music.
“Do it right, do it once,” he replied before looking down at her. “You did better this time. Having fun?”
“The best in my life,” she replied.
It was true. She’d had a chat with Brenda as well as Aggie, though about different aspects of Lance. Brenda had assured her that both men were good family men who’d stand by her no matter what. She’d overheard a number of people say how glad they were to have Lance back in town. More than a few had shot a look at her and asked when the wedding was.
“Good. But it’s time to head home. Chores come early.”
“I guess you were up early, driving here?”
He shrugged it off. “I wanted to meet you.” He tugged her closer to him. “Kissing you would help make up for all that driving.”
As in the truck, he brought his face close to hers slowly, giving her the option of retreating. The beer, and getting used to his touch by dancing, had revved up her arousal levels. She wrapped her arms round his neck and opened her mouth to him.
He tasted of pretzels and the soda he drank instead of beer. She was just getting into the kiss, wishing they were in the truck with no one around, when someone jostled them. Lance pulled away. She blinked, finally focusing on Keith’s face.
“Marci, I need you to roust Aggie.”
“What?” she asked, still reeling from the intensity of the kiss.
“My wife has decided to hide in the washroom,” he said dryly. “If you’ll make sure there’s no one else in there, I’ll haul her home.”
His expression, stern but eager, suggested Aggie was going to get what she wanted. But she really wanted Keith to work for it. Marci wanted to have a front row seat of the action, to learn what she might be in for. Considering how the evening had gone with Lance, there was a very good chance she’d be spending her life here. The thought warmed her heart, as well as other places farther south.
Lance set her feet on the floor, made sure she could stand upright, and released her. She walked to the washroom and, knowing eyes were on her, made sure she swung her hips. She wasn’t against a bit of sexual teasing herself.
Aggie sat on the counter between the sinks. She was pulling the label off the empty bottle in her hand. Marci decided to use the facilities while she was there since it was a long drive home. She confirmed they were alone and faced her friend as she washed her hands.
“I’ve been sent to, as Keith said, roust you.”
Aggie toasted her with the empty bottle. “Thanks, but if Keith wants me, he can come in here and get me.”
“Are you sure? He seemed a bit wired.”
“Very sure. And you can tell him that for me.”
“Aggie!” Both women jumped at the heavy pounding at the door.
“Guess I won’t have to,” replied Marci. She put her hand on Aggie’s arm, discovering she trembled. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Haven’t done this in a few years, so I’m a bit nervous. But I’m eager, too.”
“Call me, will you?” asked Marci. “Or even better, let me know when Donny and Keith are gone and I’ll drive over. I don’t want to intrude, but I’ve got more questions.”
“You like Lance, don’t you?”
Marci nodded. “That’s what confuses me. I shouldn’t want him to do those things to me, but—”
“Get that sweet butt of yours out here or I’ll be paddling it on the dance floor!”
“Oh, oh,” said Aggie. She giggled. “He’s never said that before.”
“Would he do it?”
Aggie jumped off the counter. “Keith does not make threats. What he says, goes.” She handed Marci the beer bottle. “You’d best get out of the way while you can.”
“Good luck, and call me.”
Marci pushed the door open to find Keith with his hand up, about to pound it again. He glared down at her. She held up her hands, still holding the bottle in one of them.
“Aggie’s all alone in there.”
“Not for long.”
Marci realized not only had the music stopped, the entire crowd was eagerly watching. Keith rolled back his shoulders, gently pushed Marci aside, where she was caught by Lance. Keith went inside, pushing the door shut behind himself.
A shriek pierced the silence. It was followed by a deep roar, and another shriek. Lance pulled her back, closer against his front, just before the door opened. Keith triumphantly carried Aggie over his shoulder. One hand held her feet from kicking him while the other spanked her upraised bottom. Each spank was followed by a feminine shriek.
Marci looked up when they passed. Aggie pummeled Keith’s back with her fists. She raised her head, saw Marci, and grinned. Keith’s hand descended again and she howled, punching him even harder.
Though she wanted to follow the others out, Lance kept them still until th
e saloon emptied. She could hear good-natured comments, for and against both Aggie and Keith, with a few in Donny’s favor as well.
Then Lance’s hand captured her breast. She gasped, inhaling as she arched her back. He skimmed his palm over her protruding nipple. She couldn’t move. His head descended until his teeth brushed the tight spot between her neck and her shoulder.
“Aggie’s been wanting Keith to overpower her for a long time,” whispered Lance against her skin. His teeth lightly nipped their way up toward her ear. She tilted her head to encourage him. He squeezed her breast, then rolled it in a circle. “Something tells me you would like a bit of rough play some day.”
Was that what they called it, rough play? Would she want to be tossed over Lance’s shoulder, her bottom spanked, and hauled out to his truck in front of everyone in town?
“Would you want your man to prove how much he wants you? To give you the hard loving that you crave?”
“I…I don’t know,” she whispered.
His face was nestled in her neck, so she felt his smile.
“A good, honest answer. Everything is negotiable as long as you don’t say “never”.” He turned her body so they were chest to chest. He wrapped his arms around her and inhaled. “Time to go.” Instead of releasing her, he lifted her into his arms.
Embarrassed at being seen like this, she struggled to get loose. “Put me down! I can walk.”
“I will if you don’t want my touch. But if you are complaining because others will see me carrying you, then no.”
“But—”
“I care for my woman. You walked toward the washroom as if your feet were sore. I don’t want you to get blisters. So I will carry you.”
It was true. Her feet were sore, as the boots fit worse each hour she had them on. She hadn’t realized how bad it was until he mentioned it. Now that he had, they burned. She couldn’t wait to get them off.
His reasons for carrying her made sense. Not to show her off as a prize he was taking home to plunder, but because he noticed she was hurting. Because he wanted to take care of her.
She liked him, a lot. He’d been attentive but not overwhelming all night. He’d introduced her to people, not as his woman, but as a woman under his protection. While she didn’t know exactly what that meant, others got the message quickly. She curled her head into his neck, inhaling his scent.
