Share

Forty

Author: Debora Dark
last update Last Updated: 2022-05-08 23:32:05
Is a recurring theme, some time overnight he crawls into my bed and lays on top of the covers. He pulls me close to his body and falls asleep. I’m never awake when he comes or goes, I just wake up with him wrapped around me and then go back to sleep.

Maybe he pretends that he can’t feel or hear whenever I try to pry myself away, and there’s the smell of alcohol. Not a lot but enough to know that he’s been drinking regularly.

This time I don’t care about his well-being, I don’t care that I might wake him up. He’s smothering me and almost choking me with his arm pressed to my neck. Prying his arm up and off so I can finally breath normal.

He’s literally sprawled over the mattress, fully clothed, even with boots. I should kick him off, wake up and ask him to get out. The bottled-up anger makes me want to pinch his handsome face.

The sun is rising, and the warm colors are seeping in through the open curtain. I bet my good leg that he’s about to wake and for the first time both will
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-one

    The ride back to the ranch was oddly quiet. We both decided to ignore the elephant in the room. For the first time in my life, it felt like someone had enjoyed my company, and then it all went downhill the moment the simple fact that I was married had to turn it awkward. The sun was high, Livin’ on a Prayer blasting from the radio and Lacey's low humming lulled me into a deep dream. For some ungodly reason, I fantasized about John Clark's deep blue eyes and warm smile. No one would blame me, he was extremely good looking but he was also not my husband, who was now walking toward us with a grim face. “Good evening ladies.” “Sir.” My choice of words was obviously a way to push him away, the same way he was treating me. I guess a taste of his own medicine, well was bitter for the look on his face. “How was your evening?” “Delicious. I might steal your wife again sometime.” The suggestive tone of Lacey’s voice made him frown. “I must go and return this truck, see you, babe.” We hugg

    Last Updated : 2022-05-10
  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-two

    Whatever John Clark’s business was at Kingdom Ranch was I had no desire to know, in the last couple of days the two men had been in constant communication. I could tell whenever Andreas talked to him, his voice turned all business-like. He was walking up ahead, with his phone on his ear while he listened attentively to whatever was being said I stared at his back while he walked back and forth. “Sure, tomorrow sounds great.” “Nonsense, we have extra room. We’re happy to accommodate you two.” “Yes. See you then.” He was coming back? Fudge. Double Fudge. With Lacey gone to

    Last Updated : 2022-06-17
  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-three

    I hate the way John’s eyes follow me, Andreas is either oblivious or doesn’t care about him constantly watching my every move. From the moment I entered the room, I can feel their weight of them on me. Andreas' hand lays closely to mine over the table, he converses with both men about the day ahead of them while I place my attention on the grand breakfast in front of me. I’m a creature of habit so the toast and egg coffee is what I currently have on my plate. After having breakfast together a few times it surprises me that he knows when to pass the salt, when I’m about to rebutter my bread, and how much cream I like in my coffee, in another occasion I would have said something but right now the theatrics are necessary. We look like an actual married couple from the way we move, is like a coordinated dance, I just stretch my hand and he quickly knows what I want. “How long have you two been married?” “Almost two months, right little bird.” he fingers slider behind my hair making

    Last Updated : 2022-07-19
  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-four

    “I can believe I was gone for a couple of days and you learned how to do a handjob.”“Please lower your voice.” I can believe she just said that out loud. My ears are burning, just revealing what I did to my husband was embarrassing enough.“What?” She rolls her eyes in annoyance. “You’re married to a hunk. It’s a shame that you haven't done more than that to him.”“How was it?”“What?”“The hand job!”I panic and almost jump to cover her mouth but the table is in the way, the cutlery and glass bang into each other calling even more attention to us.

    Last Updated : 2022-08-05
  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-five

    As soon as I see their SUV drive away is like a ton of weight lifts off my shoulders. Staying alert all throughout the day is exhausting. Ending up the day with a headache has become the norm in the last few days. “Little bird.” “Umm?” Letting the curtains fall back in place I turn towards my husband. “Come here.” in a few steps, I find myself standing in the space between his open legs. His hands soon enough find my hips, shifting so that our bodies are touching. it’s become a habit of mine to touch his face, and his hair, running my fingers through it gives me a lot of pleasure. “Are you happy?” I suddenly ask him. “What?” “You just closed a deal with a big company.” I point out. “I’m so proud of you.” He freezes for a second, and his hand that had been moving on my legs stops moving while he looks at me with a surprised expression. Since we have been acting lovingly and caring in front of his now business partner the touching between us has become something normal, someth

    Last Updated : 2022-08-18
  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-six

    Like every other day, he disappears as soon as the sun is up. I don’t blame him, this is the price of running your own ranch, maybe he thinks that just because he held me until he fell asleep is enough. Our union is not a normal one, I’m here because he wants me to be, he insisted, settled things behind my back and I was also part of that, I should have said no. Seeing it now, no one forced me to be here, to say yes, to sign. The only chance we’ve had to be a couple was pretending to care for one another the last couple of days. I’m a fool for believing that it would continue, just last night he proved me wrong. “The air is turning chillier, you might want to start wearing thick clothes around the house.” Carla has been talking nonstop since we had breakfast. The tea has already gone cold. “I’m guessing we’ll have snow in the next twenty-four hours.” “That’s nice.” Is all I say. The scenery has changed, and the trees are almost naked. Not a single green leaf is left. “Nice?”

    Last Updated : 2022-08-20
  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-seven

    It’s Christmas and I have yet to disclose my plans to Lacey. She sits on the couch with a drink in her hand while the rest of the guests parade around the room. “I got you what you ordered me to get you,” she whispers once I'm an earshot. “I could have gotten you those corsets.” There she goes again, talking about lingerie. “It's not like I'm ever going to use them.” “You never know.” She never loses hope. She keeps rooting for team Andreas but we've been married for three months and all that has happened has been mild. “Never say never.” I almost blurted out Camero’s name but the girl code stops me. She has been staying single for the longest time. Her friendly relationship with Dick left her content but also made her understand that some things aren’t meant for her. And I wish she would understand that it was almost the same. That he would never care for me. When it is time for the exchange of presents my heart fills with joy when Paige loves the paint set I got her, with A

    Last Updated : 2022-08-22
  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Forty-eight

    “I finished Ms. Rebecca.” “My gosh, that was so fast.” I take the book out of the small hands of little Patricia. Today she’s in pigtails, a little crocked from her constant play. “How many books have you read this week?” “Two.” She shows with her small fingers and smiles wide. “You want another?” “My momma said I could take one more.” I look up at the smiling woman standing back a few steps. She’s teaching her to be independent and the small 7-year-old is thriving. At least with the trusty young librarian. “How about something scary?” I look at the mom before handing her the book we had already discussed while the child had been in class. “Is it too scary?” The girl pulls her hands back and turns to her mother. “Is just a little bit.” I place the book on the counter and wait for her to make the decision. “Or there’s a not scary one I think you’d like.” I watch amused as her forehead creases, she’s thinking hard and the smile as she takes the copy of Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Gh

    Last Updated : 2022-08-24

Latest chapter

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   One-hundred-and-four

    Rebecca sat on her porch, covered in a warm blanket, as the first snowflakes of the season began to fall. Buddy, her ever-faithful companion, sat by her side, contentedly enjoying the quiet moment with her mistress. The previous year had been an emotional rollercoaster, but they had made it through together, stronger than ever.The love she shared with Andreas was worth every hardship they endured. If only Lacey were here to share her happiness. She couldn’t wait to tell her, but first Andreas.Just then, the sound of a car approaching broke her reverie. Andreas pulled into the driveway, his smile as warm as the fireplace awaiting them inside. He stepped out of the car and hurried towards her, his breath creating small puffs in the cold air."Hey, beautiful," he greeted her, leaning in for a sweet kiss.Rebecca's heart skipped a beat as she returned his kiss. "Hey, yourself," she replied with a grin. "You're home early."Andreas chuckled, his eyes filled with affection. "I couldn't wa

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   One-hundred-and-three

    She watched, her eyes drinking in his naked form. He stepped towards her, his eyes never leaving hers. He pressed his lips against hers, kissing her hungrily. Their passion intensified as their bodies pressed against each other, and their tongues explored each other's mouths. The room filled with the sound of their heavy breathing, fueling their desire for each other.She opened her mouth eagerly for him, tasting him with her tongue.He moaned and began to kiss her again, moving his hands to her waist. She could feel the heat between them intensify as his hands explored her body, igniting a fire within her. With each kiss, their desire grew stronger, and their bodies became one in a passionate embrace.He pulled her closer to him, his hardness rubbing against her stomach. She could feel the heat emanating from between them, and she trembled. As their bodies pressed against each other, their breathing quickened, and the anticipation built. Their kisses grew more urgent, fueling the fla

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   One-hundred-and-two

    His hand reached out, his fingers tracing a delicate path along her jawline, sending shivers down her spine. "I want you, too," he admitted, his voice husky. Rebecca's breath caught as his thumb brushed over her lower lip, and she leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed. The intimacy of the moment and the electricity in the air made her feel more alive than ever. His fingers trailed down her neck, sending tingles of sensation wherever they touched. She could feel the heat between them, the anticipation growing with each passing second. Her hands found their way to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath her fingertips. Andreas leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a teasing, featherlight kiss. It was a promise of what was to come—a tantalising taste that left her craving more. She leaned in, deepening the kiss, their mouths moving together in a dance of passion. Their bodies pressed closer, the heat of their desire igniting like a wildfire. His ar

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   One-hundred-and-one

    With a warm cup of tea in her hands, Rebecca watched as the sun fell below the horizon from a seat on the porch. The previous week had been a tornado of feelings and encouragement. Now that John was no longer a danger, she felt relieved, but the recollections persisted in the back of her mind. She inhaled deeply, attempting to shake off the residual anxiety. Andreas walked up behind her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, offering a small smile. He had been her rock through it all, supporting her in every way possible. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly. Rebecca sighed, leaning into his touch. "Better," she admitted. "The weight feels a little lighter now that he's gone." Andreas nodded, his gaze full of understanding. "I'm glad you're safe," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I'm here for you, always." She reached up and touched his hand, a silent thank you passing between them. They sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of the evening

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   One-hundred

    Rebecca’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched the flashing lights of the police cars in the rearview mirror. John had been trying to evade them for miles, but they finally caught up to them as they attempted to cross the state line. She begged him to stop, to give up, but he only revved the engine and pushed the pedal to the floor. The car swerved through traffic, cutting off other vehicles at a dangerous speed. Rebecca gripped the armrests, her knuckles turning white. She tried to reason with him, telling him that they would only make things worse, but he only laughed maniacally and continued to weave in and out of traffic. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the car, and the vehicle next to them spun out of control on the freeway. Rebecca’s head slammed against the window, and she let out a scream. Rebecca was panicking, looking out the window and watching the police cars in pursuit. John was driving recklessly, swerving and dodging as the car hit high speeds. "John, pleas

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Ninety-nine

    Andreas felt his heart racing as he picked up the book from the floor. It was one of Rebecca's favorites, and he knew she had been reading it before he left to run his errand. The rumpled sheet and Buddy's whining only added to his growing anxiety. He called out for Rebecca, but there was no answer. Panic started to set in as he frantically searched the house, but there was no sign of her. He tried calling her cell phone, but it went straight to voicemail. It was then that he knew that John had taken her again. Andreas felt a wave of anger and frustration wash over him. How could he let this happen again? He had promised to keep her safe, and he had failed. He felt a sense of responsibility and guilt for leaving her alone, even if it was just for a few minutes. He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Sheriff Hughs' number. He knew he couldn't do this alone. The sheriff arrived quickly, and together they searched the house and the surrounding area. They scoured the nearby woods, b

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Ninety-eight

    Rebecca tried to calm herself down, taking deep breaths to steady her nerves. She couldn't panic; she needed to think clearly. She looked around the trunk, trying to find anything that could help her escape. But there was nothing, just some old blankets and a spare tire. She tried to open the trunk, but it was locked from the outside. She pounded her fists against the trunk, yelling for help, but she knew it was useless. Her mind raced with different scenarios, wondering where John could be taking her and what he had planned. She had to get out of there, but how? She thought of trying to break the taillight and attract attention, but she didn't want to alert John. She needed to come up with a plan that wouldn't put her in more danger. As the car continued to move, Rebecca's mind drifted back to the moment John had taken her. She thought about her options. She could try to kick her way out, but that would be difficult with her legs cramped in such a small

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Ninety-seven

    John had been sequestered in a small apartment in another state, watching the news constantly for any developments in his case. He was astounded by how quickly everything had degenerated since that evening. Despite his meticulous planning and careful execution, one slip-up caused everything to fall apart. He sorely missed Rebecca because of the way she made him feel alive by laughing at his jokes. He couldn't allow Andreas to separate from him for her. He had been working on a plan, biding his time until the right moment. He knew he couldn't just show up at her doorstep; that would only scare her away. No, he needed to be more subtle and strategic. He had to make her believe that he had changed and that he was a different person. He couldn't risk losing her again. He spent his days researching and gathering information about Andreas and his life. He needed to know his enemy. He needed to know what he was up against. John knew he had the advantage when it came to money, but Andreas w

  • Kingdom Ranch: Western romance   Ninety-six

    Andreas sat across from Sheriff Hughs in his office, worry etched deep in his features. They had been discussing John Clark and his ability to stay hidden for so long."He's got enough money to make it happen," Sheriff Hughs said, leaning back in his chair. "But what worries me is the possibility of him returning. You know what he's capable of."Andreas nodded grimly. "Rebecca's nightmares have diminished; she's sleeping better, but she's almost always looking behind her. I've noticed how she starts to have mini attacks whenever she finds herself alone. Not even Buddy has been able to keep her at ease."Sheriff Hughs sighed heavily. "I wish there was more we could do. We've had people keeping an eye out, but he's just too good at covering his tracks."Andreas clenched his jaw. "We can't let our guard down. I won't let him hurt her again."Sheriff Hughs nodded. "I know. We'll keep looking."Andreas stood up, ready to leave. "Thanks for the update, Sheriff. Let me know if you find anyth

DMCA.com Protection Status