Chapter 10 #2
He’d finally had enough, pushing my head with enough force I struggled to accept the thick invasion.
The muscles in my mouth ached, goosebumps appearing along almost every inch of my skin.
This was dangerous and scandalous, yet everything about it felt so right.
As the tip hit the back of my throat, I did everything I could to relax, fighting to keep from suffocating.
Montgomery held me in position for what seemed like an eternity. When he released his hold, I eased back until just the tip was in my mouth, taking several seconds to breathe and relax. Then I took him down in earnest, moving up and down rapidly.
His continued guttural sounds were like sweet music playing in the night. I kept my eyes closed, imagining a beautiful fantasy of the two of us together. It was ridiculous, but the images were beautiful and almost perfect.
Almost.
Except I knew in my heart that his demons would always be there.
I would never be able to break him of the sadness or the drain on his system.
He’d fallen into a dark abyss that likely had no way for him to return.
I could only imagine what he’d gone through in losing his wife.
The story was detailed and brutal, the reporter obviously having some kind of grudge against both of them.
I tried to shut off my mind, enjoying the moment, the sounds from my intense sucking mixing with his husky growls.
I realized that while I remained elated, I was also sad, fearful that the bubble would burst again and that he’d send me away.
I wasn’t certain I would be able to take that for a second time.
At least he didn’t seem to have that on his mind as he continued stroking my head, the touch gentle and caring.
I almost felt like his pet, longing to curl up around his legs.
The thought should be revolting but it was provocative as hell, fueling my actions.
I continued sucking, swirling my tongue as his cock throbbed in my mouth.
I was still quivering, my nipples hard as diamonds.
His breathing skipped several beats and he finally pushed me away as he gazed down at me, a sly smile crossing his face. “You are one very naughty little kitten.”
“Why, yes, sir.” I expected him to punish me for some unknown reason, but he pulled me onto my feet, sliding my strands of hair from my shoulders.
“Do you trust me, Aspen?”
He managed to surprise me once again, the question not one I would have expected.
The answer wasn’t necessarily easy. I didn’t know him, other than what little I’d read and the limited and usually terse conversations we’d had.
What struck me as odd was that I actually did trust him.
I’d refused to trust any man in years. Why him and why now?
“I… do.”
A slight smile crossed his face. He leaned down, pressing his lips against mine.
While the kiss was light, I pressed my hands against his chest, leaning into him.
Maybe I simply longed for the closeness that had been missing in my life for so long.
He’d barely slipped his tongue inside my mouth when he pulled away, kissing my forehead as he gripped and squeezed my arms. Then he took me by the hand.
“Then come with me.”
Saying no wasn’t an option. I accepted his hand, shuddering to my core, curious as to what he had in mind. When he pulled me toward the set of French doors leading out onto his private balcony, I started to pull away. His grip became firmer and he gave me a stern look.
“Trust. Remember?”
All I could do was nod as he unlocked the doors, opening only one and leading us outside.
The night air was crisp enough I shivered for an entirely different reason, darting my eyes back and forth in hopes that no one could see us.
I was struck almost immediately by the stars in the sky.
They were glistening, twinkling in a way I’d never seen or paid attention to before.
Even the moon seemed more incredible, the beautiful glowing orb almost full.
I’d taken little time in my life to enjoy the beauty of the darkness, even afraid of the shadows that nighttime presented.
On this night, I was impervious to that kind of fear. This was his world, the larger than life Cheyenne who’d fought his heritage along with his rage. I loved every second of being allowed to experience it.
He pushed me against the railing, immediately crowding my space behind.
The feel of his heated body was exactly what I’d been craving.
Sighing, I gripped the iron rails, trying to alleviate the embarrassment, although there didn’t appear to be anyone else around.
Even if there was, with the limited light from the desk lamp, there was very little chance anyone would be able to make out anything but shadows.
This was just a test, a moment of proving myself to the man. I wasn’t certain how I felt about that.
Montgomery placed his hands just outside of mine, taking several deep breaths as we stood together in silence.
“I haven’t been on this balcony in almost two years.” His admittance seemed to come out of the blue, but the tidbit of information seemed significant.
“Why?”
“Because it was too painful.”
I wanted so much to ask why, but I knew that if I did, I’d push him further into his shell.
“From here, I can see so much of the estate, including several of the vineyards,” he continued. “I can also see one of the barns.”
The barn where Star was located. There was no doubt in my mind. I held my breath, my heart skipping.
“I never wanted to see it again.” He brushed the tips of his fingers up and down my arm in a lazy fashion, only adding to the dancing sensations.
“What happened?” The words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them. I expected him to explode, to send me away. Nothing could have shocked me more when he shifted his hips back and forth, continuing to caress my arm.
“There was a massive fire that came out of nowhere. Granted, it was the second one in less than two weeks.”
“How did it happen?” I was already cringing inside.
“The reports came back that it was an accident, set off by a careless worker with a cigarette.”
“But you’ve never believed that.”
He laughed bitterly, the sound reeking of angst. “No. I knew better. I smelled the gasoline, but the authorities wouldn’t believe me since we stored gasoline close by for the various vehicles.
I knew the winery was being targeted at that point.
I’d even attempted to report some of the other incidents, but it was always the same. Just an accident.”
“My God. I am so sorry.” I could feel him tensing. After biting my lower lip, I pulled his arm around me, snuggling against him. He tensed even more at first, then exhaled.
“The night was something I can never forget, nor will I forgive the person responsible.”
“Do you know who that is?”
He nuzzled against my head, squeezing his arm across my breasts protectively. “I have my suspicions; however, there wasn’t enough proof. The building burned to the ground, the other fires we’d had minor in nature. But I assure you that one day he will face my wrath.”
His words were cold, full of the need for revenge. I shivered at the thought of what he could do. “Killing the person won’t bring her back.” I closed my eyes, bracing for whatever punishment he chose for my interference.
“No, it won’t bring Carmine back. Nothing will, including my sadness. I know that, although I can’t allow the man to get away with destroying my life.”
I wanted nothing more than to turn around and throw my arms around his neck, but this was the only way he could share with me his horror.
He wasn’t able to look me in the eyes. Maybe that would make her death seem that much more real.
“You have so much to live for, Montgomery. You have an incredible winery, a beautiful home.”
“I have a house I built for someone who is no longer alive. I have a winery I’ve neglected since her death.
I lost the respect of the people who work with me.
I have a board of directors who I had to convince not to try and force a sale.
I’m not certain what I care about any longer.
What I do know is that I’m on borrowed time. ”
“I think you do know and that includes Star. Maybe it’s time to let go of the past, even to a point. I will try and help you. If you’ll allow me to. Show this board how amazing the winery can be, how incredible a leader you are.”
He bristled at first then laughed. “An incredible leader. Maybe once. Now, I’m a ruthless tyrant. However, you are something very special, Aspen. If you stay, I will likely destroy you just like I did to Carmine.”
“You had nothing to do with her death. You aren’t responsible.” When I tried to pull away, he held me even tighter, shoving his throbbing cock against my bottom.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” There was such a change in his tone of voice that I knew the conversation was over. At least he’d allowed me into another portion of his jaded, troubled world.
“No, you’re right, I don’t. I keep sticking my nose in, prying when I shouldn’t.”
He inhaled as he cupped my breast, squeezing with enough pressure I shivered. “I assure you that I’d let you know if I thought you were prying.”
“Okay. Good. Then who were you arguing with before?”
I knew I was pressing my luck by the way he exhaled.
“My brother.” He laughed after saying the words.
“I read you had a brother. Are you close?” What little information I’d found on the man had been limited.
“Hell, no. We’ve been estranged for years. But when he needs money, he stops by. He knows how much that pisses me off.”
I could tell his brother was just another thorn in his side. “Family can be difficult. I don’t talk to my brother very much either.”