Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
MONROE
I’m free.
With the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, and the rolling mountains of Montana surrounding us, every weight I’ve ever carried is gone. Dissipating like water drying in a creek.
I was tense at first when Shaw sat me in the saddle in front of him. The new feelings he evoked while plundering my mouth in his office, then holding me against the door, and now, with his arms wrapped around me to handle the reins, have me frazzled.
From the moment we cleared the pasture’s gates, Shaw has allowed his horse Ripper complete control. He dictates where we go, and for once, I’m not stressed about what happens next.
As the animal under us slows to a trot, I open my eyes and stare in awe of our surroundings.
Lush trees cover the mountain valley we’re passing through, and the gurgle of meandering water is heard in the distance.
As we move past a small clearing, deer graze the land.
They stop to stare when they sense us, but otherwise, we’re not perceived as a threat, and they continue feasting.
The warmth of Shaw’s fingers skimming under my shirt and across my flesh causes goosebumps, and my breathing grows harsher. He must take this route frequently because Ripper seems to know exactly where we’re going as his master kisses along my exposed shoulder.
I try to restrain my reaction to his ministrations but fail miserably, melting into his protective frame. There’s something about this man that makes me inherently trust him. I want to explore these feelings he brings out in me and push my boundaries to see how far they go.
“Well…” Hot breath brushes my throat. “What do you think?” A palm flattens across my quivering belly, and all I can think about is needing relief. But I know that’s not what he means.
My vision clears as I gaze around, sucking in a sharp breath at the majestic landscape before us. I’m in awe of the rippling creek, bright wildflowers, and lush field.
“It’s stunning,” I whisper, crestfallen when he releases me to dismount Ripper.
After helping me down and getting settled on my feet, Shaw opens the saddlebags, retrieving items for our picnic that Rita was kind enough to whip up for us while he showed me how to saddle his horse, not that I did anything except watch him work.
My legs are sore and shaky from being unused to riding, so I stay still for a few moments. Everything within view is green, plush, and colorful—Spring’s in full swing in the Crazy Mountains.
After a couple of hesitant steps, my legs steady themselves, and I’m free to wander around. Dipping down to smell the flowers, I spot a fuzzy bumblebee floating from one blossom to another, like he’s skipping along, and a gentle smile tilts my lips.
Sitting in the tall grass, I don’t hesitate to lie flat on my back, allowing the unfiltered sun to beat across my body.
I close my eyes and breathe deeply, inhaling the world around me and imprinting it in my memories.
This is a moment to take with me always.
Pull out on those cross-country trips and remember a time when I simply enjoyed myself.
A shadow blocks the sun, and I peek up to see Shaw standing a few feet away, his eyes perusing my body from toe to tip before joining me in the grass. He rolls over to cover my body, then pulls one of my legs up to rest against his hip, leaning on one arm while the other caresses my hair.
“I can feel the change in you here.” Our eyes meet, and I nod. “I knew you’d like it.” Bending forward, I meet him for the kiss this time and don’t hesitate to allow him to take control of the movements.
Grasping his shoulders, I knead the muscles beneath my fingertips as he slips his tongue past my lips, dueling with mine. So lost in the sensations, I don’t register how much time has passed before he draws back with a groan.
“There are a lot of wicked things I’d like to do to you right now.” He bites his lip as his eyes flick down to our entangled legs. “And I’m going to, one day very soon.”
“Like what?” I don’t know how or where the courage came from to ask, but the question has popped out now, and I can’t take it back. Nor do I want to.
A sexy smirk lifts the corner of his lips, and his eyes darken. Sitting back on his heels, Shaw grasps my ankle in his palm, lifting my leg to rest across his chest.
I’m spellbound when he speaks. “I’d start with kissing along the sensitive skin here.
” His lips move along my ankle. “Then I’d slowly make my way up your calf.
” Finger gliding along the covered flesh.
“I’d leave little bites here”—he pinches the inside of each thigh—“and here,” before moving closer to the apex.
His hands transfix me. “What else?” I ask.
Meeting my stare, he holds it as his hand completely covers my sex. “I’d lick, suck, and bite across this delicate pussy until you screamed my name. Then I’d continue on until you lost your voice and begged me to take you or stop, whichever came first.”
My entire core throbs with desire for everything he promises, yet I’m still terrified. Afraid of what will happen afterwards.
“I’d cover your body from head to toe with mine, show you what it’s like to be taken by a real man, and make sure you crave me every minute of every day from then on.”
I have no words. Not because I don’t want it to happen, but because if I say anything now, I might beg Shaw for everything he just promised me.