Chapter Ten - Westin

CHAPTER TEN

WESTIN

I've gotten a taste of that little blonde Carter girl, and now, I'm hungry.

God, no. I'm starving.

It's agony pretending nothing has changed. Sovereign Mountain turns with the rest of the world. I get up and head to the barn to saddle up Rocky and rotate the southernmost pasture to the east. Sovereign is already in the driveway, astride his bay gelding, Shadow. Jensen Childress sits beside him on a dappled gray mare.

"What are you doing up on Sovereign Mountain?" I ask, leading Rocky out.

"Came to help for the day," he says.

He gives me a look. Sovereign stares out over the eastern field, his eyes narrowed. He's a quiet man, but I've known him long enough to let him ruminate in his own world. He'll be back when he chooses.

I swing onto Rocky and stretch out in my stirrups to get adjusted. "What's the face for, Childress?"

"How's it going with the Carter girl?" he asks.

Wishing he hadn't brought it up here and now, I shrug. "Nothing to report."

"Nothing at all?" His brow arches .

"Nothing. Shut up, motherfucker," I say, shaking my head. "Next time, I'll make sure to read you the gossip column over breakfast before we're out trying to get work done."

Jensen laughs. "So I take it she's got you down bad," he says with relish.

He digs his heels into his mare, and they start moving. Sovereign swings Shadow around, and I'm right on their heels, heading out of the yard and down the valley to the southern field.

"Are you talking about David Carter's sister?" Sovereign asks.

"Yeah," Jensen says.

Sovereign glances at me. "Is she the one you used to go out with?"

"No," I say firmly. "She's a good bit younger than me, about the same age as your girl."

Sovereign's jaw twitches, and I know he's not hearing a word I'm saying. Luckily for me, Jensen didn't overhear. Sovereign has had it bad for Clint Garrison's widow, Keira, ever since he met her a few months back. He's waiting for her legal problems with her late husband's ranch to get sorted out. At least, that's what he says.

The truth is, when Sovereign met Keira, he fell hard. He has a habit of doing that in his relationships—falling hard and loving blindly. The next day, we invited Clint up to the ranch and ran him over with a herd of cattle. In my opinion, it would have been easier to fuck her and take her away, but Sovereign has a deep disgust for infidelity. He'd rather kill a Garrison and risk the legal consequences than commit adultery.

So, we killed Clint and spun it as an accident.

With Sovereign and I being responsible for Clint's death, he's not in an ideal situation to pursue his widow. Everyone in South Platte is still stirred up; I don't envy him having to clean up that mess to get the woman he wants.

At least my situation is a little more cut and dry.

Sovereign shrugs. "I've got no stones to throw. You fuck whoever you want."

"I'm not fucking her," I say quickly .

Jensen pulls up right beside us. "I heard her brother's got plans to hitch her up to a Garrison."

Sovereign gives him a sharp look, shifting his weight to swing Shadow around. I can tell the conversation is over, and thank fuck for that.

My blood bubbles at the idea of Thomas Garrison putting his hands on Diane. There's no way I'll let her marry him.

Over my dead body.

My mind wanders as we ride out and start moving the cattle. It's a small portion of the herd, maybe a hundred and fifty head. They're tired from the heat, and they move easily. The dust is a bitch, though. I have to stop and pull my bandana over my face to keep from gagging on it.

We get the last one secure, and Sovereign heads back to the barn—he has business in town with the bank. Jensen rides with me as I check the eastern fence. We're both quiet until we get back to the barn and wash up in the gatehouse.

"Where you headed?" I ask.

"Carter's Farm," he says. "Care to join?"

I shake my head. "I've got no business there today."

Jensen leans on the kitchen counter, drying his hands on a towel as he studies me.

"You like that girl," he says.

I shrug. "So what if I do?"

I'm avoiding his eyes, but he's shrewd. He always has been. Somehow, Jensen Childress knows everything about everyone's business. The corner of his mouth jerks up, and he shakes his head, grabbing his hat.

"You already fucked her," he says. "Goddamn."

I keep my head down. "You judging me for that?"

He shrugs. "She's a pretty little thing and I meant what I said before. But if her brother wants her with Thomas Garrison…well, you'll get her into trouble."

"She's not in trouble."

"Not yet, she's not. "

Guilt creeps in, along with protectiveness. Jensen sees my scowl and relents.

"Listen, I'm going down to West Lancaster with David. You head down and see your girl, and I'll text you when we're leaving to come back."

"Really?"

"Go on," he says. "Let me get down there first."

Jensen might push a few buttons now and then, but he's a solid friend. I clap him on the shoulder before he leaves, his truck disappearing down the drive. It feels like it takes forever to get that all clear text from him. The cell service is poor at Sovereign Mountain, so I wait in my truck at the end of the driveway, in a clean shirt and everything.

Finally, it comes, and I'm on the road in a heartbeat.

My head spins when I think about pulling up her driveway and seeing her on the porch in one of those little sundresses, her boots dusty, her blonde waves falling down her back.

My heart pounds as I turn off the road a little way before the drive. I pull off but head up to the far western side of the field. On my way out last time, I looked up and swore I saw some of those yellow lilies.

Sure enough, they're on the fence line where the air is cool in the shade. I take a handful and head back down the fence, turning left to go up the drive.

Carter Farms is quiet, all the ranch hands are out in the fields for the day. The front door hangs open, and a barn cat lays on the porch, sunning itself.

I consider just walking in, picking her up, carrying her to her bedroom. Putting her through that mattress until we're both satisfied.

The screen door bursts open, and she steps out, all bright and beautiful—blonde curls and tanned skin. Our eyes lock as the breeze hits her skirt, tugging it around her thighs.

"Westin," she whispers. "You can't keep coming around here."

I take my hat off. "Seems I can. "

Her cheeks flush, harsh edges softening. She digs the toe of her boot into the porch.

"Why are you here?" she whispers.

"Came to see my girl."

Her blush deepens. "I'm not your girl."

I climb the steps and put my hat on her head. "Yeah, you are."

Her breasts heave under her flowered sundress, short enough that it leaves those gorgeous legs bare.

"How'd you know I was alone?"

"Got a tip-off."

Her eyes drop to my hand. "Are those…lilies?" She bites her lip, her cheeks blushing pink. I snap one of the blossoms off and tuck it behind her ear.

We're both quiet, and I swear I hear our hearts beat in tandem.

"Are you trying to romance me?" she whispers.

"I'm just trying to make you feel special," I say. "To make up for fucking you like a whore in a little while."

Her jaw drops. I take her by the throat and pull her close, her pulse thrumming under my fingers. She's so much shorter than me, she needs the stability of my hand as I lean her back and kiss her mouth.

I melt. God, she tastes sweet like iced tea. There's a hint of lemon when her lips part, on the tip of her tongue.

My body roars to life, and I'm rock hard under my pants. I came here to talk, not to fuck her like an animal, but the intelligent part of my brain is shutting down. Her hand comes up and grabs me by the collar, yanking me even closer. A moan works its way up her throat, and the flowers hit the porch floorboards with a thump.

We break apart, panting, her brown eyes blazing.

"What are you doing to me, Westin Quinn?" she breathes.

"I could ask you the same, Diane Carter." I kiss her mouth again. "Do you need me, darling? Did it get you wet, thinking about being fucked?"

"Yes," she pants, pupils blown. "Please, take me upstairs."

I shake my head. "No. Get in my truck. "

I take her hand and lead her down the driveway to where I parked. She tries to scramble into the truck, but I have to lift her. Her long legs flash as she settles herself in the passenger side and I slide in the driver's side.

She's still wearing my hat, my flower tucked behind her ear.

God, there's nothing prettier than the sight of her in my passenger seat, except maybe if I can get her back to the gatehouse and into my bed. That would be the prettiest thing I've ever seen.

I spread my knees, adjusting my seat back. Her eyes drop, and she bites her lip.

"Get in my lap," I say quietly.

Her skin blushes, and it lingers right between her breasts. On her hands and knees, she crawls across the seat and straddles my lap, pressing her soft body against mine, her hands flat on my chest.

"When I fucked you and you bled…did you like that?" I ask.

She gasps softly. I take her chin and force her to look me in the eyes.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of," I say.

She clears her throat. "Yes, I did."

My cock is so goddamn hard, fighting for release. Keeping my hands steady, I unfasten the delicate, heart-shaped buttons on the bodice of her dress one by one until the fabric falls away to reveal her breasts.

She's braless, and for a second, I'm speechless, totally entranced.

Her nipples tighten as I ease one shoulder of the dress down and fully bare her left breast. She moans when I cup its softness in my hand. Her eyes drop, watching my hard, calloused hand hold her soft breast.

My thumb drags over the pink of her nipple before I pinch it— hard .

She whimpers, pupils blowing.

"You liked that," I say.

My finger and thumb tighten, and she lets out a moan. I take her throat and compress the sides, gently but firmly so she feels it all the way to that perfect pussy between her thighs .

I know she feels it because her spine arches. Her hips rise, and she unashamedly tries to grind her cunt against the ridge of my cock.

I've always kept my sexual preferences under wraps. I know other men, like Sovereign, who share my interests and are more open about it, but I prefer to keep the streak of sadism I've always had locked away until the bedroom door is firmly shut.

It's a complicated thing to introduce women to. There has to be a foundation of trust first.

I don't know Diane well enough for rougher things, but I can test her here and there to see what her body enjoys. So far, she loves the little flashes of pain, and I saw how she responded when I pinned her to the bed.

"Again," she whispers.

I can't hold back my smile. She tenses as I lean in and take her nipple in my mouth. My teeth rake over it, just hard enough to sting. She moans and her hand goes between our bodies, boldly searching for my zipper.

I should say no, but I'm not a good enough man to do that. Everyone, even the ones closest to me, think I'm better than I am. Sovereign teeters so close to the edge of darkness, it's up to me to hold him back.

But who holds me back?

Who tells me when I've stepped over the line?

My hand fists, gripping her hair so my hat tumbles off and lands on the dashboard behind her. I fist her hair and drag her head back so she has to look me in the eyes.

"You want this," I say, my voice low.

She nods, swallowing hard.

There's no going back, not now that I've already had her. And now I've got this foolish idea I could be more to her than just sex.

One-handed, I hold her still by her blonde waves. With the other, I push between our bodies and unbuckle my belt, pulling it free. She gasps as I release her so I can put her hands behind her back and loop the leather around her slender wrists, and she gasps again when I pull it tight and secure her to the wheel .

I draw my zipper down and unleash my cock, shoving down the front of my pants. Fingers rough, I tug her panties aside and stroke over her soaked sex. Her breasts heave as she stares, in awe, when I lick my fingers to get her taste all over my tongue.

She whimpers. "Please, be gentle."

"You can take it, darling," I say. "I won't hurt you."

Her eyes widen as my cock pushes against her pussy. The head slips in, and I grit my teeth. Her full mouth parts, and her eyes roll back as I ease her down onto my length. Slowly; there's hardly any room.

"Please," she begs.

"Please…what?" I pant.

"Not all the way."

My hands grip her hips, working myself deeper. Her lashes glitter, her eyes glassy. Taking pity on her, I find her clit and stroke that swollen nub beneath my thumb, making her twitch and squirm.

"So fucking good," I breathe. "That's my girl."

This time, she doesn't tell me she's not my girl.

We both know better.

"I know you can take it all the way for me, darling," I say.

She groans, and her hips work, back and forth, as my cock slips deep inside her soft body. It's like tumbling into paradise. The heavy, roaring desire I've felt since I saw her slender legs, her short fucking skirt, and her big eyes is quiet for a second, placated by her cunt.

Then she flutters around me, and it roars back to life.

Fingers tight on her hips, I lift her an inch and slam her down. She cries out, but I don't relent. Distantly, I catch the sweet scent of her pussy as I rut my hips up against hers.

Our breath is loud. She's so wet, I can hear it as I thrust. It's stained on my work pants.

Hips moving, I bend until my mouth grazes her right nipple. She moans and pulls against the belt, keeping her to the wheel. Binding her with her arms back, her breasts exposed, just the way I like her.

I curl my tongue around her nipple, drawing a circle over the tight, pink flesh. Her moans are soft and breathy. I'm groaning in my chest .

How can I want someone so much, even when I'm buried in them?

She moans and her belly quivers, the muscles of her cunt working. I let her nipple go and lick up the soft curve of her other breast, nipping and biting it until I get to her other nipple. There, I do the same thing, sucking, grazing with my teeth.

"Westin," she pants.

I lift my head, hips still fucking up into her. "Do you want to come, darling?"

"Yes," she breathes.

"Beg and be nice about it," I order.

She falters, and I can't keep back a smile.

"I know you can be sweet," I say. "You're not all sass. I know there's a good girl in there who can be sweet and beg for it."

She gives me an impudent glare. I fuck hard, bouncing her on my cock. Her hair falls around her shaking breasts, her nipples still wet from my mouth, pink from my teeth.

I push her skirt up, baring her ass, and bring my hand down on it hard enough that she yelps.

"You're setting yourself up to get your pretty ass spanked, darling," I tell her.

"Please," she bursts out, face flushed. "Please, let me come. I'll do anything."

I grip her neck. "I bet you will."

Her eyes are glassy with desire. I push my hand between her legs and find her clit, rubbing it in earnest this time. Her thighs tighten, her pupils blown. My hips keep going, making sure my cock touches her G-spot as I fuck her soaked pussy. I see it coming in the deepening flush on her cheeks, the breathless whimpers spilling from her lips.

Her spine locks.

Her head falls back.

"Oh, God," she cries out.

I watch her, savoring every second. The pleasure hits, and her mouth shakes. It falls open, and I see a flash of pink tongue and white teeth. Her body spasms. Her breath hitches and holds .

"Let it out, darling," I soothe. "Keep on breathing."

She gasps, writhing. Her chest heaves.

"That's right, you just breathe through it. Keep those pretty hips going; ride every inch. Get it all out."

She's obedient in the throes of pleasure. Her body obeys my voice and hands as she does as she's told, down to the letter, hands still tied with my worn leather belt to the steering wheel of my truck.

The only thought I have in my head is a dangerous one.

Mine.

Mine.

Mine.

Sweet, little Diane Carter is mine, come hell or high water.