Chapter 11
11
S un came in through the window, illuminating the bedroom with warm light. Cracking her eyes, Stormy listened to the quietness of the room and knew she was alone. So much for being wrapped up in a pair of strong tattooed arms. The soft rustle of the sheets was the only sound in the room as Stormy turned onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. She let herself linger in the warmth of the memories—letting them play out in her mind, each touch, each smile, each whispered word. Staring up at the tray ceiling, she wondered if she was making a mistake with Reeves. Pulling herself into a sitting position, she adjusted the covers. She would not stay here forever, mired in this quiet sadness.
Throwing off the covers, she got up, heading to the bathroom for a bath. A hot bath always cleared the mind and relaxed the body. Except her body felt loose from the incredible sex she’d had the night before. There was something to say about a man that knew how to make your body hum even after they were gone. Out of all the men she’d been with, no man had taken care of her body the way Reeves had.
Grabbing her phone, she headed into the bathroom. Setting her phone on the counter, she opened up a music app and hit play. Leaning over the tub’s edge, she turned on the water. While the tub filled, she made use of the toilet. The cowhide rug under her feet was an added accent to the very western décor of the spacious room. The double glass door in front of her showed off the large shower.
The stone work matched the accent wall behind the large soaker tub. The ceiling was planked with a steer horned chandelier as its centerpiece. It was both rugged and beautiful.
Two oversized armless chairs flanked a small table. Stormy wondered why a man would need chairs in their bathroom. Probably to watch the multiple women he brought home bathe. Moving to the tub, she shut off the water and stepped in. As she submerged her aching body into the wealth of hot water, she moaned.
The hot water enveloped her, soothing the tension in her muscles as the steam rose around her. Stormy leaned back, her head resting against the smooth ceramic edge of the tub, eyes closed as she let the heat work its magic. The music from her phone played softly in the background, setting a calm, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
She let out a deep sigh as the warmth sank deeper into her bones. Her thoughts drifted, and the extravagant décor of the bathroom caught her attention again. The ruggedness of it all, so distinctly masculine, seemed to fit with the owner’s larger-than-life personality, though the odd mix of luxury and western elements felt strangely comforting in its own way.
She snorted softly to herself at her earlier observation about the chairs. Watching women bathe? Maybe she was overthinking it. Still, the idea of a man, especially a wealthy one, creating a space like this, complete with strategic seating, made her wonder. She’d ask Whiskey about the chairs. Her fingers grazed the edge of the tub as her mind wandered back to the chaos of her own life. This was the kind of place that begged for a story.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of her phone vibrating against the stone counter. She frowned but didn’t move to check it. Instead, her gaze drifted to the intricate stonework on the wall and the massive shower across from her. The type of shower where two people could fit comfortably, perhaps more.
Definitely more.
The thought lingered for a moment, but she dismissed it, taking a deep breath and letting the warmth of the bath flood her senses again. Her body sank deeper, washing away any lingering doubts about the choices she’d made recently. She deserved a moment like this to think.
Reeves walked through the house annoyed with the phone call he’d just had with Mario Serrano. Seemed they had their minds made up they wanted to use the Salvadors’ routes to ship their illegal goods through. He’d told Mario emphatically no. If he found out the Serranos moved forward with this, it would be war. Some things never changed, except things had changed. He and his brothers weren’t green anymore. They were older and much wiser now. The years had made them grow up faster. Made them hardened men.
If Mario and the Torres’ boss didn’t stop causing problems, they would be removed from power. He had a couple of aces in his pocket by the names of Franco Marcello and Francis Martinelli.
Bringing his coffee cup up to his lips, he noticed it was empty. Stopping as he walked past the library, he entered the room to look at the pictures on the wall. There on the wall was a duplicate picture of the one from the Mob Museum. Staring at his father, one word came to mind like always. Cowboy.
Movement outside his window had him peering out for a second. He caught sight of the ranch hands moving cattle across the back fields. The ranch hands, steady as ever, guided the cattle with quiet authority. Their figures moved in harmony with the land, just as the pump jacks did in the distance.
The old machines, with their slow, deliberate motion, were a reminder of the days when his father had kept the place alive with grit and perseverance. The iron soldiers, as he thought of them, had been the backbone of the family’s wealth, the constant that kept the legacy in motion. At least that’s what some people saw when they looked out at Devil’s Perch.
He could almost hear his father’s voice, roughened by years of the same hard work. That sound, the slow pull, the creak of old steel… was more than just the extraction of oil; it was the heartbeat of everything that had been built here. For a moment, he let his gaze linger on the pump jacks, watching them work in their unchanging, unhurried way.
There was a quiet comfort in their repetition, but also a certain weight. He was part of something much larger than himself now… whether he liked it or not.
Five minutes later, Reeves walked into his bedroom and noticed the bed was empty. Then he heard music coming from the bathroom. Smiling, he headed in that direction. Reeves continued to smile seeing Stormy laying in the tub with her eyes closed. He thoroughly enjoyed the view. Leaning against the doorjamb, he took a few more minutes to watch her before he spoke.
“I thought you’d packed up and left.” Reeves said from his perch against the doorframe. He laughed when Stormy jumped, causing herself to slip further down into the water. When she hoisted herself back up, he continued laughing.
“Stormy. Do you need help?” he asked with a bite of humor.
She’d been laying in the tub relaxing in the hot water. She told herself several times to get out, but the tub was perfect. The only thing that would have made it better would have been Reeves joining her. Now she looked like a drowned rat. “No! I’m perfectly capable of drowning myself.”
Reeves shook his head. “That would be a damn shame.” Taking a step forward, “Stormy,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “If you stay in there much longer, I might just forget I’m supposed to be working.”
Stormy didn’t immediately respond, her smile the only indication she had heard him. The warm water rippled gently around her, and the steam hung thick in the air, filling the room with a soft, relaxed vibe. “Well,” she said with a playful tilt of her head.
“No,” he replied, stepping closer until he was at the edge of the tub. “Not at all.”
There was a playful pause between them, the kind where words weren’t necessary. But Reeves couldn’t resist pushing just a little.
“You know,” he started with a grin, “if you wanted to get me really distracted, you could always invite me in.”
“Would you like to join me… Reeves?”
Crouching down, he leaned in and kissed her. “I think breakfast is ready.” Reaching around he grabbed a towel so Stormy could get out.
“You think, or you know? If I get out and it’s not done, I’ll be disappointed in you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, because you made me get out.” Shoving up she let the water run down her body before stepping out of the tub. She didn’t miss how his eyes raked over her body as she rose from the water. Reeves remained crouched as she looked down at him.
She watched as his mouth pressed against her mound. Running a damp hand through his hair, Stormy spread her legs, praying he’d give her more than just a gentle touch. The feel of his hand gliding between her legs had Stormy rolling her hips wanting more. His thick fingers penetrated her rough and fast. His lips kissed and nipped along her thighs, making her moan louder as she gripped his head.
Reeves left his fingers inside her as he stood. He wanted more than to play with her; he wanted to claim her again. Feel her body wrapped around his. The night before, he’d given her sweet and romantic. This morning, the other part of him wanted its fair share. He wanted to possess her to own her body, mind, and soul. He wanted to crawl inside of Stormy Knight and show her who he really was. Who she was determined to have by her side.
He picked her up, forcing her legs to wrap around his waist. Moving from the tub, he could have easily taken her to the bed. Instead, he walked a few feet and sat her on the long marble bathroom counter.
Water droplets ran over her in tiny rivulets, and goosebumps pebbled on her flesh. “Open your legs,” Reeves ordered her as he unzipped his jeans. He loved the look of her glistening cunt. Stepping between her legs, he stared into her eyes. He saw her hands gripped the edge of the counter tightly. Waiting, she was waiting on him. “Take my cock out.”
Closing his eyes at the feel of her hand running over his erection, “Stroke me”,” he told her, pumping into her small hand. The need to dominate her rose and had Reeves slamming his mouth against hers roughly. He felt her hand grab his arm. Reaching between them, he gripped his cock and positioned at her pussy.
He didn’t ask if she was ready. He took what he wanted. He only stopped when she moved slightly, then grabbed her hips and shoved in, filling her with more cock than she was ready for. He felt Stormy try to stop the intrusion, but held her in place. Her fingernails dug into his arms.
He forced her legs wider. “Look at me, look at us. You want me, baby, all of me? Tell me you want me. He felt the change in her body, saw it in her eyes and on her beautiful face. She loved the bite of pain that came with pleasure. Loved the rough as much as the tender.
Pushing further into her had her back arching as her hands dug in harder, then she fell apart underneath him. That was when everything changed from wanting to needing. From dangerous to deadly. Hanging on to her hips, Reeves slammed into her cunt, pounding out the last of his release as he watched pleasure spread across her face.
Resting his forehead against hers, he felt the sweat drip from his chest onto hers. He hated the feeling of his cock leaving the warmth of her pussy, but he needed to get them cleaned up. Probably a shower. He just needed a minute to gain his composure.
“I think we should get a shower.”
“Okay, if you’ll carry me, I’ll go anywhere with you.”
As Stormy stepped out of the shower, the warm steam from the bathroom clung to her skin. Walking towards the bedroom, she let Reeves get a good look at her backside before wrapping herself in a soft towel.
With steady steps, she moved toward the bedroom. She glanced toward the bed, where the blankets were still rumpled, a sign of the night they’d laid in each other’s arms and the dreams that came with it. Her thoughts lingered as she walked across the room. What would the rest of the day bring?
Clearing his throat, Reeves grabbed a towel to dry her off thoroughly instead of simply wrapping it around her. It was definitely a nice way to get his hands back on her body again. The fact he’d just been inside her did nothing to slake his desire for her.
Reeves stood at the edge of the room, his gaze lingering on Stormy as she moved across the room. Her scent clung to the cool air of the room. He cleared his throat, though the gesture felt almost unnecessary. His attention was fixed on her.
Without a word, he walked toward her, his steps purposeful. Reaching out, he gently tugged the towel from her, his fingers brushing her damp skin as he began to help dry off the remaining droplets of water.
There was a quiet intimacy in the gesture. He didn’t look up immediately, focusing instead on the motion of drying her off, his hands moving with a strong tenderness. “Better?” he asked softly, his voice rougher than he’d meant it to sound.
“Yes. I missed you this morning, where’d you run off too?” she asked.
Reeves paused for a moment; his expression remained unreadable. He had been absent that morning, and the truth was—he wasn’t sure how to answer. It was a habit of his, pulling away when things felt too close, too complicated. But there was something in Stormy’s question that made it harder to keep his distance.
“Had some things to take care of,” he finally answered, his voice calm, though there was an underlying tension to it.
“I didn’t think you’d miss me that much.” His attempt at lightness seemed to fall short. He looked at her now, not quite meeting her eyes, but not avoiding her either.
The moment Reeves dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder, the warmth of his breath sent a shiver through her, and Stormy’s breath caught. There was something in the gesture. Something unspoken. She didn’t move, but her heart beat a little faster, caught between the comfort of his touch and the weight of his absence earlier. But that was her insecurity, not his.
His lips lingered for a second, and when he pulled away, she felt desperate to have his touch again. But his words followed immediately, soft but firm. “I had some work to take care of.”
Stormy didn’t respond immediately. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the words hang in the air between them. She could feel the truth in them. There was always something more with him. Deeper. Reeves wasn’t the type to explain himself, not fully, not unless it was absolutely necessary. Still, she couldn’t help the quiet stir of frustration. The way when things got intense or bordered complicated, he put distance between himself and whatever the obstacle was. Was she now the obstacle he wanted to distance himself from?
She turned slightly in his arms, enough to meet his gaze. There was something there. Something she couldn’t put her finger on. The way his eyes searched hers, almost as if he were waiting for her to say something, do something.
“Okay,” she murmured, her voice quieter now. She wanted to believe him, wanted to accept his explanation, but there was a flicker of doubt in the back of her mind.
Her fingers grazed the edge of the towel, and for a moment, she thought about stepping back. But she stayed, her pulse still quick from the kiss and his closeness.
Before he could further explain, a knock came at the bedroom door. Letting out an exasperated breath, he grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist. “This better be good,” Reeves called out, approaching the door. He barely had it open when Whiskey swept into the room carrying Effie.
The last person he expected knocking at his door would be his sister-in-law. But there she was, pushing past him to enter his bedroom. “Why don’t you come in, Whiskey?”
“I’m already in, Reeves.” Looking around she didn’t see Stormy. She saw the misstrewn clothes on the floor and the sofa but not the physical person she was looking for. Looking at him, she realized her brother-in-law was wet and wrapped in a towel. Without thinking, her eyes glanced over him and wished she wouldn’t have. The towel wrapped around his waist hid nothing of what the good lord gave him. At that moment Stormy walked out of the bathroom, tucking a towel around herself giving Whiskey the distraction she needed.
Seeing Whiskey, Stormy smiled. “Good morning.” It took her no time to walk across the floor and take the baby from Whiskey.
“How’s my sweet girl doing this morning?” Stormy cooed over the baby as she walked around, giving her a little bounce. Everyone in the room faded away as she held her goddaughter. “I need to take you shopping for some pretty clothes.”
“There won’t be any shopping. No leaving the ranch. Not even to go to the restaurant unless Marco and Dale are with you or one of us.” Reeves watched Stormy, and she was ignoring him. “Stormy, did you hear me?”
“Yeah, I heard you.” Kissing the baby, she danced around the room talking to just Effie. “Your Uncle Reeves is a mean, mean man not letting us go shopping. That’s okay, Auntie Stormy has a credit card and a computer. We can shop online all day long.”
Reeves went from staring at Stormy to glaring at Whiskey. “She’s as pigheaded as you were.”
Holding out her hands Whiskey was appalled that he said she was pig-headed. The one thing she did agree with in his comment was the word ‘were’, “I’m not that way anymore.”
“That’s because you learned your lesson.” Reeves stared at Whiskey shocked at his own comment. His words came out wrong and by the look on his sister- in- law’s face they hurt. “That’s not what I meant, Whiskey.”
Whiskey tried to hide her hurt. It was hard to always feel like everyone still tiptoed around her when anything surrounding the past came up. She wasn’t that shy, scared girl anymore. She had to learn quickly how to be in the Salvador family, how to be the wife of a mafia boss, and how to be the wife of a rancher. All of it still overwhelmed her. Not to mention navigating being a survivor along with postpartum blues and writer’s block. She was a hot mess. “Reeves, I know what you meant and what you didn’t mean. It’s about time all of you stopped worrying about upsetting me.”
“Thanks.”
Stormy stopped playing with Effie long enough to notice the mood in the room had changed. “What did I miss?”
“I burned the toast,” Whiskey said quickly, before signaling for Stormy to hand the baby over. “It’s time for the princess to take her morning nap. I’ll meet you two in the kitchen shortly.”
Reeves watched his sister-in-law trying to not look at him. Chuckling, he tried gaining her attention, which she acknowledged but didn’t look at him. “Whiskey.”
Whiskey forced her eyes to stay on Stormy and the baby even if it was rude to not look at someone talking to her. “Yes.”
“Why did you come barging in here?” Reeves asked, curious if she wanted to talk to Stormy or was there some other reason she was there.
Whiskey rolled her eyes, thinking she should have started with that when she barged in. “Oh, that. Jackson and Monroe need to see you in the kitchen.”
Reeves looked at Whiskey. Why would he need to be seen in the kitchen? “Not the office or the library?”
“No. The kitchen.” Whiskey risked a glance at her brother-in-law. “Something about you being a better cook than both of them.”
Shrugging, he walked across the room, and into his dressing room to find dry clothes. Once dressed, he left the two women and one princess alone in his bedroom. Thinking about how Jackson would react once he found out his blushing bride had seen him basically naked. “Fucking hell.”