The Cowboy’s Claim (Men of Copper Mountain #7)

Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

I ndie

The barn is quiet, the hum of crickets outside filling the night with a low, steady rhythm. The warm glow of the single lantern hanging from a beam above us casts shadows across King’s broad frame. He stands by the stall door, a brush in hand, stroking it along his mare’s side with slow, deliberate movements.

I’m leaning against the opposite wall, my feet aching from the walk from town, fingers running along the leather of a worn bridle, but my eyes keep drifting to him. There’s something about the way he moves—steady, confident, sure. Like the whole world could fall apart around him and he’d just keep going, one step at a time.

“You gonna hand me that horse blanket, or just stare at me all night?” he rumbles, his deep voice breaking through the quiet.

My cheeks burn. I snap my gaze back to the leather straps, fumbling to adjust the buckles. “I’m not staring. Just... thinking.”

“Thinking, huh?” He snorts, glancing at me over his shoulder. “What about?”

“About how you need better lighting in here,” I quip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of knowing just how much space he’s taking up in my thoughts.

“Lighting’s fine. You just need better focus.” He smirks, the corner of his mouth tugging upward in a way that makes my stomach flip.

“Focus isn’t the problem,” I shoot back, trying to ignore the heat pooling low in my belly. “Your ego, though? That might need some work.”

He chuckles, low and rough, the sound rolling over me like a wave. “Says the woman who keeps coming around my mountain.”

I don’t have a good retort for that, so I keep my mouth shut and finish adjusting the bridle. When I finally glance up, he’s watching me, his dark eyes glinting in the lantern light. The intensity of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine, and I can’t tell if it’s from the cool night air or something else entirely.

“Come here,” he says, his tone softer now, but no less commanding.

I hesitate for half a second before stepping toward him. There’s no point in pretending I don’t want to. The pull between us is magnetic, impossible to resist. I stop just short of where he stands, the air between us crackling with unspoken tension.

“Brush her,” he says, holding out the grooming brush. His fingers graze mine as I take it, and the brief contact sends a spark racing up my arm.

I step closer to the mare, running the brush along her side in long, even strokes. The rhythmic motion is soothing, but it does little to calm the thrum of energy coursing through me with King so close. I can feel him behind me, his presence a solid, inescapable weight.

“You’re good at this,” he says after a moment, his voice low and rough.

“You know, I’m not some city girl who’s never seen a horse before.”

“You keep saying that,” he murmurs, stepping closer, “but I’m not convinced.”

I pause, the brush stilling in my hand. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re different,” he says simply, his fingers trailing lightly along the edge of my jaw. The touch is so unexpected, so gentle, that I freeze, my breath catching in my throat. “You don’t belong in my world.”

The words hit harder than they should. I turn to face him, the brush forgotten in my hand. “What if your world is the only one I want?”

He studies me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. The silence stretches between us, heavy and charged, until he finally speaks.

“Careful, Indie,” he says, his voice a warning and a promise all at once. “You don’t know what you’re getting into with a guy like me.”

“Maybe I do,” I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.

His hand slides from my jaw to the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair. He pulls me closer, his lips hovering just inches from mine. “Is that right?”

“Yeah,” I breathe, the word barely audible.

And then he kisses me.

It’s not soft or hesitant. It’s demanding, consuming, like he’s been holding back and can’t anymore. His lips crush against mine, his other hand gripping my waist and pulling me against him. I gasp, and he takes advantage, deepening the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine with a heat that sets my whole body on fire.

I drop the brush, my hands finding their way to his chest, the hard planes of muscle beneath my fingertips making my head spin. He growls low in his throat, the sound vibrating against my lips as he presses me back against the stall door.

His hands are everywhere—on my waist, my hips, sliding under the hem of my shirt to skim the bare skin of my stomach. Each touch sends a jolt of electricity through me, leaving me breathless and wanting more.

“King,” I murmur against his mouth, my fingers clutching at his shirt.

He pulls back just enough to look at me, his eyes dark and filled with an intensity that makes my knees weak. “Say the word, Indie. Tell me to stop, and I will.”

I shake my head, my voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t stop.”

That’s all the permission he needs. His lips crash against mine again, his hands roaming over my body like he can’t get enough. I arch against him, my head falling back as his mouth moves to my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there and sending a shiver down my spine.

“God, you drive me crazy,” he mutters against my skin, his voice rough and full of heat.

“You’re not so easy to handle yourself,” I manage to reply, my own voice breathless and shaky.

He chuckles, the sound low and full of promise. “Good.”

His hands slide lower, gripping my thighs and lifting me effortlessly. I wrap my legs around his waist, my arms looping around his neck as he presses me harder against the stall door. The feel of him against me, solid and unyielding, sends a rush of heat through me that leaves me dizzy.

“Tell me what you want, Indie,” he says, his voice a low growl that makes my stomach flip. “I need to hear you say it.”

I meet his gaze, my own filled with the same fire that’s burning in his. “You. I want you.”

He groans, his lips finding mine again in a kiss that’s equal parts passion and desperation. It’s like he’s trying to claim me, to mark me as his, and I’m more than willing to let him.

The world fades away, the only thing that matters is him—his touch, his taste, the way he makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world. And in this moment, I’m his completely.

The fire between us blazes hot and unrelenting, and I know there’s no going back. Not now, not ever.

“What are you doing to me?” I moan, my fingers tangling in his dark hair as his lips cover mine. His tongue invades my mouth and I surrender completely, my body responding eagerly to his touch. My hands roam over his muscular arms, desperate for more contact. He pulls me tighter against him, my legs wrapping around his waist as our bodies press together. The heat between us is intoxicating.

"King," I sigh when he puts me on my feet, arching into him when he pushes my pants down with one hand. Our lips remain locked as he removes my clothes, leaving me exposed and vulnerable to his every desire. I can feel his thick cock pressed against my hip. I’m aching to have him inside me. The anticipation is almost unbearable.

“King–I–I want you so much, but I’ve never done this before.”

His hands freeze, eyes narrowing on mine. “Really?”

I gulp, thinking I’ve just ruined this moment. “Yes.”I clamp down on my lip. “Did I…do you…not want me anymore?”

“Fuck, baby,” he growls, resting his forehead against mine and sucking in a breath of air. “I could never not want you. You’re the only thing I’ve thought about since I found you in that snowbank.” His hands tighten at my waist, the press of his rough fingers against my soft skin sends a thrill through me. “I love every part of you, Indie. I’ve only been with one other woman…in high school. Once. I haven’t…let anyone in since. Until you.” His lips capture mine, his kiss slow and reverent as his hands slide up my torso. His touch is loving, like he’s honoring every inch of me and never wants to let me go.

“I’ll go slow, Indie, that is…if you still want me.”

I gulp, nodding eagerly before pressing up on my tiptoes and touching our lips. “Yes, please. I could never not want you. You–you’ve been driving me crazy since we met and after everything I’ve been through–” I halt mid-sentence, afraid to reveal much more.

Warmth pools in his eyes as he watches me, waiting for my next words. When I don’t offer any, his hands push into my hair and he pulls me closer to him. He deepens our kiss, his thumbs trailing along my temples before he drags his teeth along my bottom lip. My breath catches in my throat as he leaves a trail of electric sensations on my skin while he explores every inch of me. Each touch only fuels my desire for him.

My hands clutch onto his solid frame, my nails digging into the hard slab of his abs under his soft flannel shirt as I pull him in closer and let out a low moan. He is like a god, evoking a frenzy of longing within me with each movement. I can see the hunger mirrored in his gaze as our eyes finally meet. His words of adoration and admiration only add to my already intense desire for him. I love every part of you, his words echo in my head.

But reality creeps in and I know we have to stop. I know it’s too soon. It's not the right time or place for us to give into our desires. But oh how badly I want to surrender myself completely to this man who makes me feel so alive with just one look. My voice shakes as I try to come up with an excuse, but my mind is consumed by thoughts of giving into this temptation. All I want is for him to ravish me right then and there.

“King–I–there’s more I should tell you–there’s so much you don’t know about where I came from.” I hold back tears thinking about everything I’ve been through to get me to this moment, right here in front of this man. I never could have predicted any of it, from nearly dodging the bullet of my arranged marriage to Chad, to leaving town the morning of my wedding in LA, to coming to live with Aunt Betty in Copper Mountain. I nearly choke on my next words. “I–I’m afraid I don’t deserve you. You deserve someone better–”

“Don't do that,” King's deep voice sends shivers down my spine as he catches my wrist, stopping my words in their tracks. “Don't be ashamed of anything with me. I want every part of you. The gorgeous parts, the messy parts, the dangerously seductive parts, the emotional parts. I want it all.” His words are like fire, igniting something deep inside of me. I can't help but look up into his intense gaze. “Do you understand?” He asks firmly, gripping my chin between his thumb and finger. “If you’re not ready to tell me where you came from, that’s okay. I’m a patient man–but whatever it is won’t make me want you any less, you can count on that.”

“Okay.” I nod silently, unable to form words as desire pulses through my veins. “Thank you.” I press my forehead to the broad plane of his chest.

“Do you still want this–we can just go inside and cuddle and watch a movie if that makes you more comfortable.”

“No–no, I like what we’re doing now.”

A soft growl rumbles from his chest. “Say it,” King demands, his eyes never leaving mine. “Say you still want to do this,” he mumbles against my lips. “I need to hear it.”

“Yes,” I whisper, my eyes dropping to my palms splayed across his chest. “I want you inside me, King.” I swallow, heart in my throat. “Now. Here.”

Another deep groan rumbles out of him.

“That's my girl,” he murmurs, placing a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose before claiming my lips in a more passionate one. My heart races and slows at the same time as we get lost in our own little world–a world where only our desires matter. The sound of the night around us fades, my thoughts tunneling to just this man and the pleasure he’s filling me with.

He runs his hand down my shoulders and pulls my hair to one side, exposing my neck to him. I look up at him through a haze of lust and see the spark in his eyes grow brighter as a smile curves his lips.

“I can’t believe you’re here–in my barn, in my life.” He kisses me again. “I could spend every day with you, Indie.”

My body ignites with sparks at his words and I can't help but tangle my fingers in his hair. As his hands roam over my body, they find their way to the lace panties I'm wearing. When he finally removes them, I feel a rush of anticipation.

"Please," I gasp as his fingers find their way to my slick, aching center. He wastes no time in satisfying my plea, bringing me nearer and nearer to the brink of ecstasy with each touch.

But my desire for him is too strong and I can't take this slow pace any longer. With shaky hands, I quickly unbutton his soft red flannel shirt and push down the zipper on his jeans.

"Can I taste you?" I beg.

He grunts when my hand touches his throbbing, enormous dick. “I’m here to please you–”

“This would please me.” I affirm. “Hearing you growl like a grizzly bear when I touch you turns me on.” I smile and drop to my knees and take him into my mouth. The sounds of his pleasure only fuel my own arousal.

He grabs onto my hair and pulls me closer, lost in the heat of the moment. All rational thoughts disappear as I take him to the back of my throat. My head spins with lust as I look up at him, knowing that all control has been abandoned. And in that moment, nothing else matters but the raw passion between us. My pussy throbs as I taste the salty essence of his pre-cum on my tongue. I moan around his dick, dragging my tongue along the thick, throbbing vein that runs up the underside of his shaft.

“Touch yourself for me, I want to see you please yourself while your mouth is on my dick,” he orders.

I do as I’m told, sliding my fingertips through my soaked folds as I try to contain my hunger for him, the need to feel him everywhere unravels me moment by moment. He has a way of undoing me with just one touch.

"Indie," he moans, pulling back slightly. I need a moment to catch my breath, but I can't help but admire his perfect body and imagine how it would feel against mine, every inch of him consumed by my passion while he pumps inside of me. "I need you–I can’t stand the thought of anything between us.”

“I want to feel all of you–no barriers,” I plead.

“Are you sure you’re comfortable with that? Without protection?"

“I’m sure.” His desire for me consumes all hesitation.

“You need to know–if I put my baby in you, I’ll take care of you. I’ll take care of both of you forever. Hell, I’d move you into my life right now if you’d let me.” His lips travel down my body, tracing a path of fire as he confesses love. "I've been waiting for you, Indie, I’ve been waiting forever for you."

The tension between us builds even more. He urgently pulls me up from my knees, his palms pushing under my shirt and revealing my heaving breasts straining against the lace of my bra. He pushes the cups down and lavishes attention on my nipples, igniting a fire within me. I can't resist him any longer, arching against him and asking for more. His skilled fingers trail down my waist to my aching core, he swirls with his thumb and fingers, bringing me to an intense climax. My first at the hands of a man. Before I can even come down from the high, he's already pulling off my panties and drops to his knees, positioning himself between my legs, using his mouth to bring me to new heights of pleasure.

The desperation in his actions only fuels my own desire as he licks and laps at my soaked folds. I moan into the night as he expertly uses his tongue and fingers to loosen my muscles and causing a slow quiver to build inside me again. With one swift movement, he enters me with his thick fingers, building the anticipation and making me crave him even more. In this moment, we’re completely consumed by each other. I know then that I am truly his.

I struggle to catch my breath as his fingers delve deeper inside me, igniting a fire that spreads throughout my body. Each lick of his tongue on my sensitive clit sends waves of desire crashing through me. As he whispers my name, I feel the intensity between us reach new heights. I can't hold back any longer.

"King," I gasp, my voice trembling with longing. "Take me, please."

His lips trail up my skin, leaving aftershocks of heat in their wake. My heart races with anticipation as he teases and taunts me with the tip of his cock at the entrance to my core. With a mix of fear and desperate desire, I beg for him to continue.

"I can't resist you," he groans, his eyes burning with desire. He hitches my legs around his waist, my ankles locking behind his back. And then he's pushing himself inside me, slowly, with deft precision, his hands crawling over my skin while his lips are pressed to mine. He growls softly and the vibrations land straight between my thighs.

“Is this okay? I want it to feel good for you.”

“Yes–please, I want more.”

He pushes deeper, filling every part of me, making me feel alive and finally complete.

I surrender to the overwhelming pleasure he brings me, trusting him completely to bring me nothing but pure satisfaction. With each thrust of his hips, I feel myself getting closer to reaching the peak of ecstasy.

"I want all of you," I whisper, gazing deeply into his intense eyes.

He kisses me fiercely, pouring all of his passion into it. Our bodies move together seamlessly, creating a perfect rhythm.

"Look at me," he growls, pinning me against the stall wall. “I need your eyes when we’re connected. This is just the beginning for us, Indie.” And I feel the truth in his words deep in my core. He is my forever.

I run my fingers through his hair, trying to ground myself in this moment. Our connection pulsates between us, igniting a fire I’ll never put out. Every inch of our skin ignites with pleasure as he thrusts slowly, savoring me, slow and deliberate. My senses are overloaded with the feeling of him inside me, and time seems to stand still as we explore each other's bodies. With King, I finally feel like I belong, like we were made for each other.

His moans of pleasure only fuel my own desire until we both reach a quick and explosive climax together. We are perfect together, two bodies perfectly matched in passion and lust. And in this moment, all worries and doubts melt away as we become one. And as he releases inside of me, I can't help but moan in pleasure, feeling completely alive and consumed by our passion. I know I never want to let go of him, chasing forever with him by my side is all I’ll ever need.