Unbridled: Lone Star Lovers, Book 1 (8 page)

In her dream, both men were naked. Rowe was still on his knees and suctioning hard enough to make Justin’s toes curl into the plank floor. When Justin challenged her with his hard gaze, she didn’t bolt.

Instead, she’d imagined herself walking nude toward both of them then sinking to the floor beside Rowe.

Together they’d pleasured Justin until his whole body quivered and shook. When he came, she and Rowe took turns lapping the sticky white stripes from each other’s faces.

The image was burned in her mind. Kept her body tense, her sex and breasts aching. She was half afraid that anyone looking at her now would know exactly what she was thinking because she couldn’t stop sweating.

Frustrated, she decided to get out of the house and ride. Maybe the wind rushing through her hair would cool her down.

But even her horse seemed to know what she wanted, because without so much as a single nudge or pull of the reins, the mare headed straight for the cabin.

Someone else had read her mind. Dani flashed Rowe a grin and slid off her horse.

Rowe sat on the porch, his lean face breaking into a smile.

“Waiting for Justin?” she drawled.

“Nope, I was waiting for you.”

Dani tilted her head in a silent question. “You have a spy at the house?”

“Nah, just knew you’d never hold out until Friday.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I hate being predictable. But I’m glad you’re here.”

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Unbridled

“Want to talk?”

“Can we talk and get busy at the same time?”

His soft chuckle was all she needed to hear. He stood and gripped her hand, tugging her up the steps and through the door.

They undressed each other, kissing every inch of skin they laid bare until they were naked and lying on fresh sheets in the bed that still sat in the center of the floor. Rowe cloaked himself in latex, and then they faced each other, heads supported on one hand, while their free hands roamed.

Rowe pinched a tightly beaded nipple. “You know, it’s not because I don’t love you.”

Dani knew exactly what he was talking about, and was relieved they still seemed so in tune. “I know.”

Her fingertips scraped down his belly, heading toward his cock, which jerked as though excited about the attention coming its way.

“It’s always been good between us.”

Dani wrapped her hand around his shaft, enjoying his steely hardness and the heat radiating through the condom. “But not fantastic, right?” She darted a glance his way, intending only a peek, but his soft, regretful smile held her.

“I didn’t know I wanted more. Not until it happened.”

Dani kept her expression set. If she got too emotional now, he’d feel like hell. “I would have tried.”

“I know that.” His hand cupped her breast and squeezed, then he tucked his fingers between her legs and traced the edges of her folds.

“Justin…he gives you everything you need?” she asked, afraid of the answer, and hoping she wouldn’t betray her sadness by tearing up now. Rowe needed to tell her this. Needed her understanding.

Rowe rolled over her and settled his cock between her legs. The tip pushed against her pussy then slid rapidly inside, not stopping until every inch of him filled her. “He doesn’t give me everything I need. He can’t. He isn’t you.”

The tears she’d wanted to hide leaked down the side of her face. “I was afraid you were done with me.

I think that’s why I was so shocked yesterday.”

Rowe kissed her. Settling his weight on his elbows, he combed his fingers through her hair. “I will always love you.”

Dani stared into his pale blue eyes. “But…?”

“You give me warmth and laughter. Justin…”

“Overwhelms you?” she whispered.

“Yeah, he completely blows away every inhibition I ever had. He’s like a goddamn drug.” He sighed.

“I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you.”

Dani swallowed the tears down her throat, hating the regret in his gaze and feeling guilty because he thought he’d betrayed her. “I have something I should have told you a long time ago.”

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Delilah Devlin

Rowe pressed a finger against her lips. “You’ve been with him too. I picked up on that. It’s okay. I’m kinda relieved actually. It means we both have the same taste.”

A gust of laughter caught her by surprise. “It was only the one time. Right after high school. And I hated myself for being weak.”

His wry grin said he knew exactly how she’d felt. “Even if I hadn’t become his lover, I would have forgiven you. We have too much history, and we were so damn young. It’s a wonder we’ve come this far.”

“I’m sorry I never told you. Maybe it was meant to be this way.” She blushed, feeling foolish saying that, but Rowe’s crooked smile said he felt the exact same way.

But in true Rowe fashion, his expression slipped from tender to wicked in a heartbeat. He lifted a brow, Justin-like, and growled, “Want to make me spank you first?”

Dani laughed. “I think I just wanted a hug, and this is the sexiest kind imaginable.”

“’Nough talk then.” Rowe’s sweet breath entered her mouth a moment before he kissed her hard. His tongue stroked deep, sweeping along the edges of her teeth, and then dueled with hers.

Dani raised her legs and hooked them behind his back, tilting her pussy to take him deeper and squeezing her inner muscles around his shaft.

As he began to thrust, the slow, steady throb of her heart picked up the pace; her breaths quickened.

The slick, wet sounds they made as they came together were just nasty enough to thrill her, and the familiar musky scent and feel of the man working above her smoothed away the edges from her earlier unrest.

Sex with Rowe had always been comfortable and comforting. He worked hard to please her.

Convinced he still loved her and that she still had a place in his life, she gave herself over to his loving, gliding her hands over his chest then clutching the tops of his shoulders when his thrusts quickened.

The climb ended quicker than she’d thought it would. Tiny, pleasurable convulsions began to pulse all along her channel. She arched her back and slammed her hips upward, meeting his strokes, gasping as the sudden wash of her orgasm took her breath and swept her away.

When she came down, Rowe wore a one-sided smile. “I think I got it.”

“You did. Just what I needed,” she groaned and tightened her legs and arms around him to hold him closer.

Rowe kissed her forehead and waited while she unwound herself from around him. He padded to the small sink and poured water from a bottle onto a clean cloth. On his way back, he glanced at the window and hesitated.

“What is it?”

Rowe shook his head. “Thought I saw something.”

When they’d both cleaned up and dressed, he helped her onto her horse. “Ready for tomorrow?”

She slid her boots into the stirrups. “Just what’s supposed to happen?”

He winked and gently slapped her horse. “Wear something sexy.”

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Unbridled

Dani made a face at him and tugged the reins to turn the horse. When she pulled away from the trees, she glanced to the far hilltop.

A lone cowboy sat atop his horse. Even from the distance, she knew it was Justin. She started to lift her hand to wave, but something about the way he held himself—his posture straight, his aura so vigilant—

stopped her.

She didn’t know if he was angry or jealous, or if he cared at all. But she did like the fact he didn’t move, following her with the turn of his head as she headed back to her brother’s ranch.

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Chapter Five

Dani’s body hummed. Rowe had told her to cool her heels until Friday. Even if he hadn’t set the date, she’d have known something was going to happen tonight. The stillness of the air outside, the sharp edge of summer heat, the energy buzzing inside her own body kept her anxious and excited. If only her brother wouldn’t put a damper on her emotions. Not now.

Cutter sat across the table from her, toying with the food on his plate. His glance had raked her once before he took his seat, but he hadn’t commented on the fact she’d showered and changed. But his gaze lingered on the thin straps of her silky green top.

She hated the tension between them. Hated that he was disappointed in her. But she wasn’t fifteen anymore. Setting down her fork, she took a deep breath. “We should talk.”

Cutter gave a sharp shake of his head and kept his gaze glued to his plate.

Tears filled her eyes, and then she grew angry. She’d only feel guilt over what happened if she let him lay it on her. “You’ve gotta know I’m not a virgin.”

His face screwed up in disgust. “
Jesus
, Dani. I don’t want to talk about this.”

“You don’t want to talk about anything,” she said, feeling miserable. “And I can’t stay here with you, feeling like this.”

Cutter’s expression became impossibly darker. “What are you saying? You wanna go? Wanna shack up with Cruz? Think he’d even have you? You might cramp his style.”

Dani tossed her napkin on the table. “Would you stop it?” What he said was true, and she knew it. But it still wasn’t any of his damn business.

Cutter’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “When I thought it might be Rowe—that was bad enough. You two were always thick as thieves, and don’t think for a moment that I don’t know you’ve been getting it on for years with him.”

Dani lifted an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with Rowe?”

“He strung you along. Never stepped up to make an honest woman of you.”

Dani snorted. “What the hell? Do you think this is the Old West? I don’t need anyone making me
honest
! Did you ever think that maybe I was the one dragging my feet?”

Cutter’s expression, a mixture of anger and confusion, frustrated her. He didn’t know a thing about what was inside her. She blinked to dry the tears quickly filling her eyes.

Unbridled

Cutter shoved his half-finished plate forward. “Why would you drag your feet? You sleep around with him. You’re obviously compatible. Why not marry the man?”

Heat flooded Dani’s cheeks. “
I fuck him
, Cutter. Can’t you call it what it is?”

“Don’t push me,” he said, raising his voice. “You want me to go ballistic on his ass? You’re my little sister. My responsibility.”

“I’m twenty-freaking-five. All grown up. I don’t need you babysitting me. And I don’t need you choosing my boyfriends.”

“Gonna have more than one? Does Rowe even know you’re seeing Justin?”

Dani crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes. “As a matter of fact he does. And yeah, maybe I like having more than one.”

His mouth opened then his eyelids fell halfway. He clamped his jaws shut.

“Yeah, think about it,” she said softly, rising.

The doorbell rang, and Cutter shot out of his chair.

Dani hurried to the door, her brother right behind her. When she swung it open, her stomach dropped.

If it had been Rowe this would have been so much simpler.

Justin stood on the stoop, his hat crushed in one hand, his dark, hooded gaze landing on her, giving her a once-over that left her trembling before his gaze lifted beyond her shoulder. “Cutter.” He gave her brother a nod.

Dani risked a glance over her shoulder at her brother, who was equal in height and breadth to Justin, and wondered if a fight was about to break out. Both men bristled with animosity.

And what was up with that? Sure, Cutter had his reasons, but what was with Justin? “You here for a reason?” she asked breathlessly, clinging to the doorknob behind her.

“Came to see if you’d like to grab a bite to eat,” Justin said, his voice a low rumble.

“She already ate,” Cutter bit out.

Justin cleared his throat, his glare softening when it landed on her again. “How about we head to Lafferty’s? Maybe you’d like to dance.”

He wasn’t really asking; he’d inserted the “maybe” for Cutter’s sake. Dani felt herself easing away from the door under the influence of his rough persuasion.

“Cruz, you and I need to have a little talk,” her brother said, his expression looking as though he’d swallowed something bitter.

“Cutter—” Dani broke in.

“He’s right, Dani,” Justin said, closing his hands around her shoulders and gently pushing her aside.

“Your brother’s got a problem with me. Shouldn’t take more than a minute. Get your purse.”

Dani’s nervous glance went to Cutter. He’d stiffened when Justin issued his order. God, what would he think?

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Delilah Devlin

“I won’t be a minute,” she said, aiming a warning at Cutter.

Cutter held out his arm, indicating Justin should precede him.

The corners of Justin’s mouth curled, but his eyes remained narrowed. Dani stared as the two men headed to the downstairs office. Once the door clicked closed behind them, she raced for the staircase.

Soon as she grabbed her purse, she’d be hammering on the door.

Justin walked into the office and heard the door close behind him. The hair on the back of his neck lifted, but only in the way a male scenting another might. He had no illusions Cutter would kill him where he stood if he thought he could get away with it.

“She doesn’t know we’ve had our run-ins,” Justin said quietly in case Dani had her ear pressed to the door.

Cutter fisted his hands on his hips. “Maybe we should tell her. Might give her insight into your character.”

Justin kept his posture casual, not responding to the unspoken threat rippling through Cutter’s rigid frame. “She knows I haven’t been a choirboy.”

“Probably what attracts her too, dammit.”

Justin gave him a quick, tight-lipped grin. “Maybe.”

“Does she have any idea what a man-whore you really are?”

“Like I said. Dani has no illusions about me.”

“You seein’ anyone else?”

Justin wondered whether Cutter knew, but Cutter’s shuttered expression spoke of personal interest. “I haven’t seen Katie in over a year—if that’s what’s bothering you.”