“Oh, you.” I pushed him away, or tried to, he barely moved an inch. “Don’t tease me, I’ve been alone all this time.” “I came back as soon as I could.” “You could have done it sooner.” “The men were guarding the house, I left a few too, in the barn with the young coals and pregnant cattle.” He explained as he wrap his arms around me. “They told me you sat by the window since dawn.” With an effortless move, I was in the air, my face under his chin and my legs wrapped around him not caring that my clothes were getting wet. “Are you going to be this needy whenever I leave?” He asked as he kneeled in front of me. He took off my socks slowly. “Yes.” I said without hesitation. “Hows the leg?” “Doesn’t hurt.” I lied. “Good, I’m gong to
We woke tangled in bed, my back to his front. The curtains were drawn, the only light coming in was barely enough to differentiate our surroundings. His arm and leg were dropped over me, keeping me locked in. My human made jail breathed deeply behind me as his arm tightened. “You slept like the dead.” I said softly. “Look who’s talking.” “You passed out right away, I had to stay here awake all by myself.” “All by yourself.” He turns me around to watch his the astonished expression on his face. “Woman, I’ve been working non stop under the pouring rain. Pushing cattle, lifting weight and helping families.” I struck some type of nerve. “I was right next to you. Alone, come on.” “Yeah, well.” It was hard to come up with something. And when the corners of his mouth curved I gave up. “Oh shut up big brute.” “I’m not even saying anything.” Annoyance filled me. Whatever I had been trying to do failed. I didn’t even understand my constant neediness and expressing it had been worse. B
The nights turned colder now that winter was upon us, sleeping alone in that big bed made it worse. Endless nights I wait for him, and he doesn’t come to me. Missing his warmth next to me was nothing at all, I suffered in the darkness while he did god knows what with who knows what. That name, Cythia, kept hunting me. Fighting to fall asleep was my newest struggle. One more to add to my long list of first world problems. Replaying over and over again what happened still left me wondering whatever I did for him to turn to frost. A creak coming from the door made jump. The light coming from under the door shifted, he was standing outside. Hope filled me, air filled my lungs and stayed, the tension was palpable, a knife could cut it. I was afraid to move, to make a single sound. Anything that could spook him but it wasn’t even a couple of minutes when his shadow disappeared and I heard him walking away. “So he just ignores you?” “Yes.” “What did you do?” “That’s what I don’t kno
Andrea’s POV She’s a small lump under the covers, only her hair is visible from where I stand. Even from this distance her presence awakens something in me. The little game she had tried to pull on me, the way her eyes darkened when I treated to punish her. My little lamb, so innocent. She had no idea what she was doing. Stirring the darkness, the hidden desire in me. There wasn’t any way that I could introduce her. And then the call. That goddamn woman kept pestering me. Word had gotten around about my sudden nuptials. I didn’t fall for the story, her wanting to congratulate me was nothing but her way to try to get it. I had wasted too much time with mindless sex, that was in my past and I made sure it stayed there. This was my chance to build a family for myself, for once in my life to do something right and for the look of it Rebecca was the woman for me. I just had to find a way to stop myself, to get my head out of the gutter and learn how to be the right man for her. Sta
Something is smothering me, I’m no longer cold so it doesn’t bother me. The warm is so inviting that can’t help but move closer to it and I find myself engulfed with a scent that I already know and alcohol.He must have come in late at night and for the look of it drank himself into oblivion. Must have forgotten the reason that kept him away for weeks. Half his body lays onto of me, his face is buried in the crook of my neck breathing deeply.“Andreas.” I call his name but all he does is groan deeply against my skin. I try again, but he barely moves, dead to the world.I can’t move, he’s too heavy but is not like I want to either.Laying flat on my back with a man on top of me isn’t what would call comfortable, not when he’s been keeping me at bay. When he hums I fell my toes curling at the sound. Never in my life I would have thought that I would develop feelings for McKinnon. He’s like a force no one can reckon with and from the moment he stepped into my life, well nothing has worke
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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