Circle Eight: Vaughn (14 page)

Before her brain could catch up with her foolish heart, she nodded. He leaned over and she closed her eyes. The first touch of his lips sent cascades of want down her body. Nipples hardened to accompany the throb low in her belly. The second kiss was deeper, his tongue invading her mouth, sweeping her own into a dance she remembered, ached for.

They lay back in the grass, the sweet smell of the morning around them. He lifted his head and gazed down at her. “You are a hell of a woman, Elizabeth Graha—Montgomery.” His finger traced the outline of her lips “Ellie.”

Her name was like an intonation, full of reverence and need. She understood it, craved it.

“I won’t love you. I can’t.” The words tumbled from her mouth. She watched his eyes, noting the disappointment that flashed before being replaced by resignation.

“You shouldn’t. I’m not a good man.” He knew who he was but she wondered if he knew he was not beyond saving. A man who thought himself unworthy might not ever forgive himself for past sins.

“Shut up and kiss me.” She took his face in hand, the whiskers rasping against her fingers. He followed her orders and covered her mouth with his. Sweet heat blossomed inside her, spiraling tight.

He touched her shoulder, moving down her arm to her waist. She craved more and took his hand, placing it on her aching breast. A small sound of surprise emanated from his throat. Then he cupped her breast, kneading the mound with practiced ease. She reveled in the sensations, eager for more. They were supposed to be married and familiarity with each other’s bodies was important.

But the truth was, she wanted this, wanted Vaughn. He might not have been a good man, but he was the only one to move her, to make her wish there was more than what she had with him. She shoved aside those thoughts and focused on what he was doing instead.

His lips trailed down her jaw as his hand unbuttoned her dress, reaching in to finally touch the aching peak. He pinched it between thumb and forefinger. A moan worked its way up her throat even as he kissed his way toward her chest. She wanted to touch him, too, but could only reach his shoulders.

For a man who wore a suit and made his way in life by tricking others, he had done hard work, and recently. His muscles attested to that fact. Smooth, defined lines down his arms and back guided her questing fingers. She squeezed and touched, even as her body trembled with pleasure from his ministrations.

When his mouth closed around her nipple, she arched into his touch. His talented tongue and teeth lapped and nibbled, making her pussy wet with need. She had only been with him once, but her body remembered all too well, like an instrument that ached to be played.

His hand drifted down and she spread her legs like a wanton. Without a woman to guide her on what to do, Elizabeth had followed her instincts and they led her to Vaughn. What he did to her felt right and she might not trust him, but she trusted herself.

He found his way to the slit in her drawers. Nimble fingers slipped through the dewy skin to her core. Sparks flew through her as he pleasured her, dipping into her body, then up, again and again. His mouth sucked at her breast in rhythm with his hand. This was new but oh so welcome. She would do this every day if possible. It was sweeter than the richest dessert and more pleasurable than anything she’d experienced.

She wanted, needed, ached for more though.

“You’re so wet,” he mumbled against her breast. “God, Ellie, I might embarrass myself if I don’t get in there.”

Yes.

“What are you waiting for?” She tugged at his shirt, unable to reach the buttons for his drawers. She had seen the man naked more times than she could count, knew his body’s dips and curves. The hardened cock against her hip jumped at her words.

He released her nipple and met her gaze. She saw need, longing and another softer emotion. Now wasn’t the time to talk. It was time for action. Elizabeth was able to pull his shirt free and found his belly, taut and warm. His skin jumped beneath her touch.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m willing and waiting. I can’t be plainer.” She turned her hand and slid it down his trousers, finding his staff hot and hard in her hands. She squeezed and his eyes fluttered shut even as his hand continued to pleasure her. “Now would be a good time to shuck those britches.”

His eyes flew open and he grinned. “A man could love you so easily.”

Her heart jumped and emotion threatened to spill out. She had to stop him from going down a path she wasn’t willing to follow. She ran her nails down his cock and was rewarded with a moan.

He kissed her hard and jumped to his feet, divesting himself of clothing in mere seconds. Then he knelt beside her and slipped off her riding skirt and pantaloons, followed by her shirt. The cool morning breeze hit her overheated skin and she shivered, her nipples aching for more attention.

His gaze swept her body up and down. She resisted the urge to cover herself or even close her legs. Elizabeth had never been one to be shy or unable to speak her mind. Her body knew what it wanted.

“You’re incredible.”

His own arousal was evident, standing tall and straight in a nest of dark curls. She wanted to take the time to explore him but not now. Sweet heavens, not now.

“You’re wasting time.” She took hold of his cock and pulled him toward her. He twitched beneath her touch.

He covered her with his body, hard and hot. Skin to skin. She loved it. The first time they’d done this, she had been the one on top, riding him. Now the roles were reversed. It was a heady experience to be beneath him, with no barriers and no inhibitions.

His cock nudged her entrance and she tightened in eager anticipation. He slid in only an inch before retreating, then he did it again. Teasing and taunting both of them. While she wanted to feel him deep inside her, this play was exciting. She wanted more of everything he could teach her.

Inch by inch, he toyed with her. She clutched at his shoulders, wishing she could touch more than just his upper body. He bent down and sucked at the other nipple. Sensations buffeted her from every part of her body. Silly, high-pitched noises emanated from her throat. She didn’t hold back a thing. She had no inhibitions here. Elizabeth wanted to feel every bit of every moment.

When he was seated deep within her, he stopped and pressed his forehead to hers. His breath gusted into her mouth as they shared their bodies, the very air around them. It was the closest she’d ever been with another human being. The sensations frightened her. Yet, the moment was perfect.

He kissed her, his tongue thrusting into her mouth at the same time his cock thrust into her pussy. Sweet heat licked at her skin as the pleasure within her coiled tighter and tighter. His speed increased as his body tightened beneath her hands. The walls of her core welcomed him, held him as tight as she could, the delicious friction sending tingles through her.

“God, you’re perfect.” His voice held reverence, wonder.

She closed her eyes and let the sensations rush through her like a thunderstorm. Powerful. Faster. Harder. More. More. More.

The pleasure exploded within her, a lightning bolt of pure ecstasy enveloped her. Her breath caught in her lungs while her blood slammed through her. Time stopped and every thought except one left her.

Vaughn.

It was him and only him. Her eyes pricked with tears and she wondered how she would ever be the same. The answer was simple. She wouldn’t.

After losing control of himself with Elizabeth, Vaughn cleaned himself up and dressed. She did the same, her expression unreadable. When she found her release, she’d called his name. His. It was humbling and not a little bit frightening.

What had he done? She didn’t have to work hard to seduce him. As soon as their lips had touched, he’d been lost. He was so far out of his normal situation, he didn’t even know what to say to her. That was a first, not to mention embarrassing. Vaughn always knew what to say. Except now.

It wasn’t as though he could run or disappear. Well, he could but he wouldn’t. The promise he’d made to the Gibsons and to Elizabeth precluded escape. No, he was well and truly stuck. And he’d just made love to her for the second time. It had been the most powerful, knee-shaking experience of his life.

His damn hands trembled as he buttoned his trousers. He glanced at her. She twisted her hair into a braid, although a few shiny strands escaped. He wanted to touch her again, to bury his hands in that beautiful mane of hair and hang on as he plunged into her.

Vaughn sucked in a breath. What in the fucking hell was wrong with him?

“The others will be looking for us.” Her logical statement infuriated him. Why wasn’t she as off-kilter as he was? “We should gather the water and get on back.”

Vaughn stalked toward her. Elizabeth stood her ground but her eyes widened.

“You can’t be unaffected by what just happened.”

Her brows drew together. “I didn’t say I was.”

He threw up his hands. “You act like we just had tea in the salon.”

“I don’t know what you want from me.” A hitch in her voice gave him hope.

“I want you to act like a female.” Well, that was a dumb thing to say.

Her shoulders went back and her jaw tightened. “I act like an adult. You should try it sometime.”

Elizabeth walked away with the canteens clanging together in her hands. He stood there and watched her for a few moments, wondering if he could kick his own ass, before he followed her.

“Wait.”

She didn’t slow her pace. In fact, he swore she sped up.

“Please, Ellie.”

At that, she stopped. “What?”

He caught up to her. “I’m sorry. I don’t, well, hell, I don’t seem to be able to talk to you.”

“That’s not my fault.”

“I know that. It’s mine. I meant it when I said I’ve never met anyone like you. What we just did. I-I, it was…” His words failed him yet again.

A small smile played around the corner of her mouth. “It was lovely.”

An inadequate term but accurate. “I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

“I did.” She shrugged. “If I’m to be your ‘wife’ in Houston, we should know how to kiss.”

“Oh, I think we’ve got the kissing right.” His lungs felt too full, but he couldn’t quite catch his breath. “And a few other things.”

Her almost smile grew. “I agree.”

He touched her cheek. “You are a unique woman, Ellie.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Now it’s time to get back.” The sound of footsteps came from the direction of camp. “Tobias will no doubt be scowling at both of us.”

She walked past him, leaving him at a loss. He wanted to be near her, with her, around her. Vaughn felt like a fool—the biggest kind, a man in love.

They made their way back to camp, meeting Tobias along the way. The now clean-shaven Gibson still appeared angry with Vaughn. Why wouldn’t he be? It seemed to be his favorite pastime.

“What took you so damn long?” Tobias growled.

“We had a private conversation, not that it’s your concern. We have to work on our interactions before we get to Houston. Boyd has to believe we are married.” Vaughn almost choked on the word interactions. He had a feeling Tobias knew what they’d been doing, not that it mattered.

“She don’t need you messin’ with her.” So Gibson did know, but why did he care?

“She’s not your concern. Hell, the woman hates you.” Vaughn didn’t like the surge of jealousy at the other man’s interference.

Tobias grunted and stalked ahead of him. Vaughn didn’t want all these uncomfortable feelings. They were annoying. By the time he made it back to camp, coffee was brewing and the boys were chewing on breakfast. Ellie sat primly on her horse’s saddle, her gaze steady.

Tobias snatched some jerky from Jeb. “Check the coffee. I’m thirsty.”

Elizabeth flicked a disapproving glare at the oldest Gibson. “You know, showing people common courtesy works better than treating them like a dog.”

“Ain’t your business how I treat these boys. They do what I tell ’em.” Tobias watched while Jeb poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him. “That’s how things get done.”

Elizabeth hmphed and then poured herself coffee. An awkward silence fell over the camp as they consumed their meager breakfast. The words that should have passed between them remained unsaid. Vaughn’s gut was twisted up and he resisted the urge to run like hell.

By the time they threw dirt on the fire and saddled up, he thought he might puke up what he’d eaten. They would arrive in Houston that night if they rode hard. He’d stick to the plan to wait a day before contacting Boyd. It would give time for the swelling to go down and to make sure everyone in town saw the heiress and her new husband.

Now he just had to find his balls again. They appeared to be in Elizabeth’s pocket.

The next several hours were spent in silence. The atmosphere was tense, sucking away any conversation before it could start. Vaughn wasn’t used to such staid behavior. He spent his time amongst people who liked to talk and be social. This group of Texans would rather glare at the empty air than have a chat.

When the sun rose high in the sky, the heat became oppressive. Sweat trickled down his back and under his arms. There would for sure be a need for baths for everyone. No doubt they’d all stink by the time the day was over.

In his boredom, he started counting the sweat droplets as they meandered down his skin. It was not a good use of his time.

“Your hands are callused.” The comment from Elizabeth startled him.

He glanced down at his hands, clammy and chafed from holding the leather reins in the summer heat. “I suppose they are.”

“I only see calluses like that with men who work with their hands. Hard work, not charlatans who spend their time wearing suits in parlors.” Her mouth twisted into a frown. “Why are your hands callused? For that matter, your shoulders and arms are very muscled too.”

“You assume a great deal about me, Ellie.” He managed not to grimace at her description of him. “I do not spend my time wearing suits in parlors.”

“That’s apparent, based on your hands and muscles.” She waited, looking at him from beneath the brim of her borrowed brown hat.

How much did he tell her? She was supposed to be his wife, but he was also supposed to have tricked her into marrying him. They had already shared memories and experiences with each other. The Gibsons were too far ahead to hear them. Vaughn decided to confide in her. As to why, he wasn’t ready to examine.

“I work hard most times. I can be dressed nice in a parlor just as easily as being in a mine or out in the field putting up a fence.” He stared out at the landscape, the endless rolling hills of green and trees. It was beautiful here and in any other life, he might have wanted to stay here with Ellie. He could sit on a front porch every night, raise babies with eyes the color of the sea, maybe even overcome his aversion to farming.

“How does that garner you ill-gotten gains?” She was free with her compliments.

“They’re not all ill-gotten.” He sounded peevish at her continued slams into his methods. “I do honest work too.”

She raised both brows. “All right. That’s a whopper.”

That one smacked him right between his eyes. “Has anyone ever told you to use your manners? You’re not very polite.”

It was her turn to rear back. “I wasn’t aware I needed to be on my best behavior with you.”

“I’m talking about common courtesy, Ellie, not Sunday best.” He turned away from her, kneeing his horse into a faster pace.

She followed.

“What did I say that offended you?”

He frowned. “I have done honest work in my life regardless of what you think. I haven’t made the best choices, that’s true. However, you accused me of lying, stealing, laziness. Why would I be offended?”

“You do all those things, don’t you?” Her expression told him she was genuinely confused.

He told himself she was innocent, a rancher’s daughter and sister who spent her life isolated. She didn’t know people like him, or what they did. The information she had was hearsay.

“Someday I might tell you what I do and how I do it. For now believe me when I tell you that I work for the money I have. Life isn’t easy for me either.” He would never tell her everything, of course. That would be inadvisable considering her low opinion of him. It shouldn’t bother him if she considered him to be so low, but it did. Damn well stung and made him unaccountably angry. The truth shouldn’t do that but it did.

“I’m sorry if I misjudged you. You might be my lover but I don’t know you.” Her voice had softened. “I want to, though.”

It was something. A glimmer of hope flickered to life in his chest, somewhere near his absent heart.

“Thank you. I think you mean that.”

She raised one shoulder. “I told you I don’t know how to disseminate.”

A woman who didn’t lie and a man who made his living by lying. God sure had a sense of humor to throw them together, light the fuse and run.

“I’m going to have to teach you because if you can’t lie, we’re dead before we even start, darling.” He had to make her understand how important it was.

“And the Gibsons will get back what you took if I do? Then they will rebuild what they took from me.”

“That’s the plan.” It was more complicated than that but the simple explanation would do.

“Okay, then teach me how to lie.”

It was the first, and probably last, time any woman would say that to him.

“First thing is, you need to avert your gaze now and then. Looking at someone full in the eyes all the time makes them nervous.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. I like to look at people when I talk to them.” Ellie glanced down at her saddle. “Like this?”

He smiled, pleased by her earnest attempt. “That’s a good start. Also, take a few moments before answering a question. You tend to speak before your brain even finishes the sentence.”

At that, her cheeks colored. “I do speak plain.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. But if you want to learn to lie, you have to learn how not to speak so plainly.” He resisted the urge to take her hand and kiss the back of it. She was unique in a world of liars and he was asking her to be something different. It scraped at his conscience but for now he would have to ignore it.

“What else?”

“Remember the story of how we met on the dock and our whirlwind courtship?”

She chuckled. “I remember.”

“Good. Now we need to work on your life before we met. The less detail the better. Perhaps if Boyd asks, tell him your life began that day on the dock when we met.” He enjoyed the small smile that she bestowed on him far too much.

“I’m an only child, the apple of my Papa’s eye. His fortune will be mine alone, or rather yours since you’re my husband. Oh, how clever.” She shook her head. “You truly know how to spin a yarn.”

Vaughn didn’t know whether to be flattered or disappointed in her praise. He wanted to know if she considered him more than a good storyteller or her lover. Although that particular one filled him with pride and a small amount of panic. He’d never had a lover before, not one person he wanted to stay with, be with, become a part of their life. Most women were seduced only once, perhaps twice, then he moved on.

With Elizabeth, he wanted to stay, to learn every inch of her, every dream, every thought in that amazing brain of hers. She made him want to change. Hell, she’d already changed him.

“Where did you grow up?” He wanted to see just how much she remembered.

“Galveston.”

“Good. And where did we meet?”

“On the docks when I was waiting for my father. My hat blew off and you found it.” She smiled. “It was love at first sight.”

His heart thumped so hard, he made his jaw ache. Sweet heavens, was that what happened? Had he fallen in love with this woman? Holy shit.

Holy fucking shit.

If he hadn’t been sitting on the saddle, he might have dropped to his knees. He had no idea how to love someone and, sure as hell, he would do something to ruin it.

What would happen after this was over? She would return home, the Gibsons would rebuild what they destroyed and Vaughn would be forgotten. No woman in her right mind, no respectable one, would consider him as husband material.

Husband. His gut clenched tight enough for him to taste bile. Was he really thinking of marrying her? Hell, he had taken her virginity and he was in love with her. Those two generally added up to matrimony. Yet he had a feeling Elizabeth Graham would be a difficult bride to convince.