Chapter Seventeen

Cricket

“ C ricket. Wake up , baby. We’re here.”

I forced myself away from the comfort of dreamland and sat up. Apparently, I’d fallen asleep on Jase, and he grinned as I reached my hands above my head and stretched. He waved a finger toward my mouth. “You got a little drool right there.”

“I don’t drool,” I snapped, even as I wiped at my face.

He chuckled, leaning over to kiss me gently. “Don’t worry you’re still cute as a fuckin’ button.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Whatever.”

“Gonna make you wet in a different way when I get you home,” he whispered, and I closed my eyes with a shiver. I couldn’t wait .

Because it was so late, and we hadn’t checked any luggage, we were able to leave the airport relatively quickly, grab a taxi, and head to his condo which was in an old tobacco warehouse. It had been converted into three huge loft/condos, and Jase’s was on the top floor.

“Wow,” I whispered as I took in the space. “This place is amazing.”

Exposed brick, hardwood floors, everything was open. Except for the two bedrooms and three bathrooms. There was also an office off the great room with French doors letting light in.

“I like it,” he said, dropping our bags on the floor. “Close to the barn and the club… close to restaurants. Everything I need within walking distance.”

“I love it.”

He grinned, closing the distance between us, and kissing me quickly. “Gonna fuck you now.”

“I’d love a shower first,” I admitted. “Get the plane funk off me.”

“Okay then, we can fuck in the shower.”

I nodded, then his mouth was on mine and I was in his arms, my legs wrapped around his waist, and we were headed to his bedroom. He set me on my feet, tore my clothes off, continuing to kiss me while he turned the water on.

Once he was naked, he walked me under the water and he hissed out, “Shit.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Forgot to grab condoms.”

“Like, from the store?” I asked, my stomach falling.

He smiled. “They’re in the nightstand.”

I sighed. “Oh, thank God.”

He chuckled, and we took the quickest shower on earth, then after toweling off, he carried me back into the bedroom, dropping me onto the bed. He settled his mouth between my legs and sucked my clit, his tongue swirling as he added pressure with each pass he made.

Pushing his fingers inside of me, my body shuddered with need, and when I lost his mouth, I whimpered .

“I’m coming back, baby,” Jase promised, and grabbed a condom, rolling it on before he climbed up my body, linking his fingers with mine and holding them over my head. As he slowly slid his cock into me, I sighed and wrapped my legs around him, arching up. He slammed into me repeatedly. This time sex was rawer and more animalistic than it ever had been, and I didn’t think I could love him more.

“Jase,” I rasped. “I…” I came undone and Jase kissed me, releasing one of my hands to stroke my neck as we climaxed, and anchored me to him as he rolled us to the side.

His hand cupped my bottom and he kissed my temple. “So much wasted time.”

I stroked his beard. “Shh, baby, we’re making up for it.”

“Not fast enough,” he complained.

“Well, that’s on you, bub.”

“You wanna keep bustin’ my balls, Cricket?” he asked, slapping my bottom.

“Yes.” I shifted so I was straddling him and cupped his face. “If it means I get more of that.”

“I love that you like it dirty, baby.” He slid his hand between us and thumbed my clit.

“Hell, yes, I do.” I dropped my head back and rocked against him.

“Grab the headboard, Cricket.”

I did as I was told, and he slid down, so his face was between my legs, lifting his head up so his mouth covered my core. I pressed my body down, but he gripped my hips and anchored me where he wanted me. I tried to move, but he was stronger than me, and he held firm, his tongue sliding in deeper and deeper.

“So fuckin’ wet, baby,” he rasped, and sucked my clit.

“Again, that’s on you, bub,” I retorted.

He chuckled and slid out from under me, shifting me so I was on all fours. “Cheek to the mattress, Cricket.”

I obliged immediately, and he lifted my hips, running his finger around the tight ring. “One day, baby, I’m gonna take this.” He slid his finger over my wetness and moved it to my very forbidden area .

“I bet I can find a toy for that at the warehouse,” I panted out. “Remind me to check when I go back.”

“You’re never goin’ back. Regardless, you won’t need me to remind you,” he said, kissing the rise of my bottom. “You’re never gonna forget this.”

He wasn’t wrong, and I groaned with need.

“Finger your clit, baby,” he ordered, and I reached back.

His cock slid inside me, slowly at first, and I worked my clit while he tortured my pussy. “Minus,” I breathed out.

“No,” he growled. “You use Jase when I’m makin’ love to you.”

“Jase,” I corrected.

“Brace, baby.”

I grabbed the edge of the mattress and he slammed into me, harder and harder. “I’m—”

“Don’t come,” he ordered.

“I have—”

He slapped my bottom, which really didn’t help. “Hold it, Christina.”

I bit my lip and tried to keep my orgasm at bay, but then his finger slid into the tightness of my ass and I exploded, screaming his name into the pillow as I collapsed onto the mattress. Jase rolled us to our sides again, staying connected as he continued to move, his hand sliding between my legs and cupping my pussy as he worked my clit. “More?”

I just nodded. I didn’t have enough breath to speak.

While one hand worked my clit, his other rolled my nipple into a tight bud and he slammed into me, building yet another orgasm. He slapped my pussy, once… then again… and my body shook.

“Come, baby,” he whispered, and I let go.

Jase held me tight as we caught our breath and I closed my eyes unable to focus. “Holy… oh, my… I’m…”

He kissed my shoulder. “Fuckin’ beautiful, baby.”

I rolled to face him and stroked his cheek. “I’m liking your definition of making things up to me.”

Jase laughed, kissing me gently. “Good. There’s plenty more where that came from. ”

“I’m counting on it.”

He climbed off the bed and headed to the bathroom, returning with a warm washcloth and cleaning me up.

Slipping back under the covers, he pulled me onto his chest. “You need to sleep?”

I shook my head. “I’m actually really wired. Want to watch a movie?”

“Yeah, baby, we can do that.”

* * *

The next morning, we drove about forty-five minutes out of town, to the Double H Ranch. This was the home of Duke and Pearl, whom I knew little about, other than they knew my uncle, and that Minus had lived with them for a while. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, becoming more beautiful with every mile closer to the ranch.

“This is gorgeous,” I said as we pulled off the main highway, and onto a long private road.

“Wait ’til you see the property itself,” Minus said. “Not to mention the house. Pearl’s always got the place decked out like she’s getting it ready for the cover of ‘Fancy Ranch Monthly’ or something.”

“Really? That’s not what I’d pictured for a couple of ranchers,” I said.

“Why’s that?” Minus asked.

“I don’t know, I guess I’ve just never spent any time around people that live out in rural areas. I’m a city girl. All I have to base my expectations on is what I’ve seen in movies and on TV. Even Kim and Knight who own property in Portland… it’s still close to the city, so it just doesn’t register with me, I guess.”

He grinned. “I suppose those stereotypes exist for a reason, but most of the ranchers I’ve met are educated, run high-tech operations, and have serious money. These aren’t guys that ride tractors, or sit on rickety porches, holding shotguns with straw hangin’ outta their mouths.”

“What are Duke and Pearl like?”

Minus grinned. “Well, Duke is kinda the guy with the tractor and the shotgun, but he’s also brilliant. They’re the best. The most loving people I know, and they are going to adore you.”

We continued down the road, passing underneath a large HH Ranch sign.

“What does the HH stand for?” I asked.

“I’ve never been able to get Duke to tell me.

“Oooh, a mystery.”

“Probably not. I think Duke just likes fuckin’ with me. Pearl says is stands for, ‘Healing Hugs.’” Minus chuckled. “But I somehow doubt it.”

“She sounds sweet,” I said, as Minus parked.

“You should be prepared before we get out. They’re probably gonna make a big deal out of you being here.”

“I’ll prepare myself,” I said smiling, as we exited the car.

No sooner had I closed my door when I heard a loud crack echo through the forest walls.

“Get down!” Minus yelled, as he dropped.

After what felt like an eternity to process what he was saying, a second shot rang out, whizzing directly over our heads.

“Cricket! Get the fuck down!”

I dropped to the ground, tearing my jeans and skinning my left knee on a rock as I did. I flattened my body and wriggled under the car as best I could.

“Whoever you are, you’d better get the fuck off my property, because the next one will be more than a warnin’ shot!” a voice called out.

This is some warm welcome.

“It’s Minus, you crazy old bastard! Hold your fire!”

The shooting stopped, and after a few moments of silence, a voice called out.

“Minus? Is that really you?”

“That’s what I just said, Duke!” Minus replied. “Now, will you please put the rifle away before you shoot someone. And by someone, I mean me or my guest, Cricket Wallace ?”

“Cricket’s with you? Where? I can’t see anybody,” Duke called back.

“That’s because we’re on the ground, Duke. You know, on account of all the shooting. I’m gonna stand up now and I’d kindly appreciate it if you didn’t put any unnecessary holes in me.” Minus said, before rising and coming over to my side of the car.

“Lemme help you up. Are you okay?” he asked, while looking me over.

“I just hurt my knee a little. I’ll live.”

I heard footsteps crunching rapidly down the gravel driveway and looked up to see a man in a white beard and overalls, trotting towards us, carrying a hunting rifle.

“Sorry, Minus. I didn’t recognize the car, and wasn’t expecting you,” he said, out of breath.

“Jesus, Duke. What’s with the display of firepower?”

“We’ve got guys growing pot on our land. I’ve been finding plants in the heavily wooded areas for a while now.”

“Since when?”

“I guess it’s been around five months. It must be harvest time, because I’ve seen more people around lately. I chase ’em off whenever I do, but it ain’t helpin’. Every time I find a plant, I pull it up, but I can’t keep up with ‘em. Strange cars and trucks have been pullin’ up day and night.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Minus asked.

“Because it’s my goddamned ranch and I’ll chase those punks off myself. Plus, I didn’t want to bother you. I know you’ve got plenty of club business in town to tend to.”

“Bullshit. You, Pearl, and the ranch come first. You call me next time you have a problem. In the meantime, I’m gonna make sure this little unsanctioned grow operation is taken care of, and that you’re compensated for your trouble by these assholes.”

Duke nodded at Minus, then smiled wide at me. “Well, ain’t you the prettiest little thing! Sorry if I gave you a fright.”

“That’s okay,” I said extending my hand. “Hi, I’m Cricket.”

“Oh, we know all about you ’round here,” Duke said grinning at Minus.

“Is that so?” I asked .

“Golden boy here moped all around the ranch for six months when he first got here on account’a you.” He leaned close to me. “There’s only one kinda sick that can make a man act like that. Woman sick ,” he said dramatically.

“Woman sick, huh?” I asked.

Minus grinned sheepishly. “Alright, I think that’s about enough of that,” he said.

“Yes, ma’am, and Minus here had it bad,” he continued, ignoring Minus. “All we heard about was Cricket this and Cricket that, that is when he wasn’t bitching about how much of a prick Cutter is.” He turned to Minus. “How is Cutter, by the way?”

“Yeah, about that,” Minus said sternly.

“My sweet Lord look at your knee,” Duke said, ignoring Minus.

“It’s nothing. Just a scrape. I’ll be okay,” I said, trying my best not to think about the bits of gravel that I’d have to pick out of my stinging flesh.

“We’d better get you inside so we can have Pearl take a look at that. She’ll get you patched up proper. I’ll tell you, Pearly’s gonna read me the riot act for this one.”

“I can keep a secret if you can,” I said, as we walked up the front steps.

“I can, but not from Pearl. The woman’s got a gift for sniffing out my bullshit from a mile away,” he said, smiling.

An elderly woman with rosy cheeks, and perfectly styled hair met us at the front door as soon as we reached it. She wore a beautifully tailored lemon-yellow dress, and her ensemble was complete with high heels and a string of pearls.

“I heard gunshots. Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Everything’s fine, I thought it was those damned squatters come for their wacky tobacky, but it’s worse.”

“Minus! What a surprise, it’s so nice to see you,” she sang out in delight before hugging him. “And who is this stunning young woman you’ve brought with you?”

“Pearl, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Cricket Wallace.”

Before I could react, I found myself in Pearl’s arms. She smelled like a freshly baked apple pie, and her hug was as warm and sweet as one.

“I’m so glad y’all are here,” she said before finally breaking the embrace, taking a step back to face me. “You are even more beautiful than Minus described you.”

Before I could react to that bit of information, Pearl squeaked, “Oh, my! You’re bleeding, dear.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I tripped outside, it’s no big deal. I just need a wet paper towel and a bandage, and I’ll be fine,” I said.

“Nonsense, you come with me to the first-aid room and I’ll take care of everything.”

“First-aid room?” I asked.

“It’s better if you don’t argue with her or put up any kind of fight,” Duke said. “She looks sweet… but she’s a mean woman and she always gets her way.”

“Randal Urias Hill, if I find out you had something to do with this, you’re gonna find out just how mean I can be…”

“Promises, promises,” Duke said.

“Don’t you sass me.”

“Yes ma’am,” Duke replied, sheepishly.

I smiled at their adorable exchange before Pearl gently took me by the elbow and led us out of the room.

“Come on, dear, we’ll stop off in the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee,” she said.

“Can I help with anything?” I asked.

“Well, aren’t you just the sweetest thing? I can’t wait to get to know each other and talk all about these horrible men.”