Chapter Twenty-Three

April stepped out of the bathroom wearing only Dusty’s shirt. The tails reached her upper thighs, but each step fluttered the hem just enough to glimpse white panties underneath. Still damp, her long locks hung straight down her back, swaying with each step and drawing attention to her slender neck, pretty face and perky breasts. Daylight from the evening sun streaming through the bedroom window silhouetted April in a golden aura, like an angel.

Dusty licked his lips and couldn’t tear his eyes off the blonde beauty walking toward him. His dick hardened instantly and he knew he couldn’t wait any longer to touch her, savor her—to make her his.

The scare earlier today had reminded him life could be short. Sure, he’d always known the simple fact, but he hadn’t pondered the vulnerable side of life since retiring from the military. Now he recalled how every moment became important when you saw yourself and others as mere mortals. The thought of what could have happened to April solidified his resolve. She was his. Now and forever.

“You take my breath away.”

Blue eyes lifted to meet his. “I don’t know what to say.” Curiosity and a modicum of nervousness flashed across her face, only to be replaced by a healthy dose of longing.

He opened his arms. “Say you want me. Say you’ll stay with me. Say you’ll spend the night with me.”

A pregnant pause followed before April slowly smiled. “Yes, I want you, more than you can know. Yes, I’ll spend the night with you, stay with you, for however long you want me.” She stopped right in front of him, coyly looking up through her lashes, a mischievous smile on her face.

He enveloped her like a rare treasure, pulling her snug against his body while leaning down and sealing his lips over hers. When she didn’t immediately open her lips, he licked the seam then nibbled on the bottom one, earning a gasp. Taking advantage, he slipped his tongue inside, found hers and tapped.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, angled her head and met his exploration with a welcoming passion that surprised him in its intensity. His heart buoyed even as his cock tightened to a near painful level. Deepening the kiss, he tasted her, searching for her unique blend of sugar and spice, an intoxicating elixir he’d craved since their first toe-curling kiss. Drinking from her lips, he poured emotion into the caress, showing her how he felt in the absence of words.

April broke away, her breathing ragged, her blue gaze locked on his. Taking advantage of the space, he started unbuttoning his own shirt off her body. He grinned wickedly.

“What is it?” she asked in a whisper.

“I’ve never removed my own shirt from a bedmate before.” He finished in quick fashion and pushed the edges apart, revealing April’s modest yet perky breasts. Unable to resist, he cupped one in his hand, then leaned forward to suck the other.

April gasped and shivered.

He lifted just enough to peer down at her face. “Do you like that?”

Her wide eyes found his. “Yes. Definitely, yes.”

He chuckled and resumed his attentions, licking until the raspberry nipple drew taut. Only then did he switch to the other side, serving up delicious sensations intended to get her fire burning until he could get down to more serious business.

When the nipple popped out of his mouth, he took a moment to savor the results of his work. Both breasts were damp, topped with tight peaks. Sensual heat covered April’s face as her eyes sparked with need. A need he was fully prepared to fulfill.

Pushing his shirt off her, he let the garment fall to the floor, leaving her bare except for her cotton bikini panties.

She grasped his shirt and started tugging, finally releasing it from the waistband of his jeans enough to slip her hands underneath. Lightly, she traced the contours of his abdomen, then higher to his chest. He unbuttoned the material with practiced ease, just in time for her hands to brush over his pecs, discover his nipples and tweak them. He bit back a groan as he tossed the unwanted clothing aside. April nuzzled the area then flicked her tongue over it, mirroring his actions from moments before.

His erection throbbed.

She slid her hands down his body, latched onto his waistband, then slipped the button from the hole. Languidly, she lowered the zipper and nipped his chest as his jeans sagged.

“You’re going commando.”

Her softly spoken words were filled with awe. Boldly, she wrapped her fingers around his shaft, testing his hardness while learning his overheated flesh.

A spear of fire hit him square, causing him to swell impossibly more.

She moved her thumb over his tip, found a bead of moisture then rubbed the proof of his arousal all around. Her breath hitched as she glanced up to meet his gaze.

He grappled for control. Between the look of avid appreciation and her hand lightly exploring his cock, Dusty ground his teeth, determined not to rush. Yet he couldn’t help his body’s response.

April made him feel special, like he carried the power of the sun. At the same time, her almost tentative caresses nearly brought him to his knees.

Swooping down, he covered her mouth once more, aggressively treating her to a precursor of what was to come. His tongue wrapped around hers as he ran his hands down her torso, not stopping until he cupped the junction between her legs.

She froze on a quick intake of air.

Feeling the dampness beneath his fingers, he didn’t lift his hand. Instead he poured everything he could into the kiss, luring her back under his spell, ramping up her arousal to, hopefully, match his. After only a moment she leaned into him, widened her stance a smidgen and allowed him ample room to investigate.

He didn’t waste a single second, first rubbing her through the soft material then dipping under, to touch the softest skin he’d ever encountered.

April mewled and pressed into his caress, blatantly asking for more. Frustrated with the limited space, he grabbed the crotch of the material and tugged downward until her panties puddled at her feet. As she stepped out of the garment, he replaced his hand, slid a finger between her folds, felt the abundant moisture. Still kissing her senseless, he levered one finger against her entrance, then slowly pressed inward a hair in a teasing manner.

Heat and tightness met him, along with unmistakable dampness.

His patience at an end, Dusty pulled away, smiling when April whimpered in disappointment.

“Don’t worry, honey. There’s plenty more to come. After I put you in bed.” He nuzzled her ear and teased one earlobe before scooping her up. Turning, he placed her in the center of the mattress. She lay flat on her back, her hair spread out like a halo. Her blue eyes raked his body, easily seen in the still-bright light of early evening. He paused for a second, letting her look her fill, then turned to the bedside table. He opened the drawer, found a condom and palmed the foil wrapper. With quick movements he opened the package before rolling the condom into place.

“Did anyone ever tell you, you have the best rear in the county?”

Spinning around, he found April on her side. She’d propped her head on her hand and boldly stared at him. He didn’t mind in the least.

“Just my ass? Nothing else?” He grinned and waited, the unabashed prompt for compliments helping him regain his control before the erotic dance began.

She smiled teasingly as her gaze traveled his body once more then locked on his erection. Her baby blues darkened to midnight as she ran her tongue over her lips.

He groaned softly, thoroughly enjoying her appraisal. In her eyes, he felt like an immortal god.

“Well, since you already have a big head…” Her words faded as a blush flashed across her face.

He laughed, climbing on the bed, not stopping until he covered her. Settling over her, he kissed her nose then lightly met her lips. “You go straight to my head.”

She snorted. “I’d say a place a bit lower.”

The grin remained as he sat back on his heels. Reaching out with one hand, he traced a path up the inside of her leg, all the way to the junction of her thighs. Watching her face, he caressed her with one digit, gradually sliding between her labia.

April arched, her mouth opened and more natural moisture released. She squirmed. He moved his thumb into play, brushing across her small bundle of nerves.

April whimpered. “Please. Please don’t stop.”

He set his back teeth and strummed her again. Her hips bucked, shoving his fingers into her opening and against a silky barrier.

Dusty stilled immediately as he felt the membrane barrier blocking him from her depths. Surely not. Very gently he prodded, reinforcing his first thought. Virgin. Though he’d expected her to have limited sexual experience due to her rough dating history, he’d never considered she might be an innocent.

“You’re a virgin.” He didn’t realize he’d spoken out loud until she answered.

“Yes.”

He stared down at her. Never before had she let a man touch her like this, enter her. Yet she lay nude before him, stretched on a rack of pleasure, asking for him to take her.

He would be the first to touch her, to teach her, to show her how wonderful sex could be.

A mighty wave of possessiveness hit him. Mine.

“Dusty?”

He focused on her face, his digits still locked inside her core.

“I need you. I want you. Please.”

In all honesty, he should get up and walk away, wait until they were both level-headed and cool in order to make such an important decision. But nothing short of Armageddon could tear him away and probably not even that. He’d never wanted anything more in his life than to join his body with hers, push her to the crest and discover the depths of passion they possessed for each other.

For a fleeting second he considered breaching her with his fingers, then immediately discarded the idea. This situation called for sensitivity and intimacy. Besides, he wanted to watch her face as he took her for the first time.

To reach that moment, she needed as much pleasure as possible before his entry.

“You’ve remained a virgin this long. Are you sure you want to do this now?” He offered up one more chance to change her mind. His body protested the idea, but his only concern lay with April. The last thing he wanted was her to regret a spontaneous decision that would change her life forever.

“Yes.”

He stared down at her, studying her expressions.

“I never found the right man to be with. Until you. Now, I finally understand. All that time I was simply biding my time until we met.” She ran her fingers up and down his forearms, the only part of his body she could presently reach. “I couldn’t ask for a better man than you.” Truth and sincerity carried in her words. The corner of her mouth hitched up. “Besides, I think I love you.”

The words formed in his mind, but he couldn’t verbalize them. Refusing to analyze his feelings at the moment, he simply smiled and brushed his lips over hers. A promise of things to come.

Unable to turn away from such an admission, he sat back up and focused his attention on the woman spread out before him. Come hell or high water, he’d ensure she reached the moon in his arms.

Steeling his resolve, he bumped her clit once more, earning a loud moan and reflexive jerk. He played her skillfully, nudging her higher and higher, not stopping until she fisted the sheets with a desperate strength, her body taut with need. Only then did he move to cover her once more. “Bend your legs, April. Give me room.”

She immediately complied. He lowered his weight to his forearms, lined up their bodies by feel, and nibbled on her lips. ”Slowly now,” he reminded himself and her at the same time.

With steady pressure, he entered her channel, finding initial resistance and a snugness he could quickly learn to crave.

“Hang on.” He pressed forward, trying to push through.

April flinched, her hands flying to his sides. Her eyes closed as she braced herself.

“Look at me.” Remaining absolutely still, he waited for her to comply. “Stay with me, honey. Don’t look away. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”

She nodded and locked her gaze with his.

He saw the discomfort written clearly on her face and couldn’t bear to put her through more pain than was inevitable. While proud he would be her first and only lover, he hated knowing he would also bring her pain this first time. With a muttered curse, he steeled himself for the inevitable. He pulled back slightly and surged forward with power, breaking through.

She hissed, her body jerked and tightened in an instinctive effort to withdraw from the pain. Her eyebrows furrowed as a tiny yelp escaped her lips. Every muscle in her body tensed.

Her inner walls gripped him so tightly he couldn’t have moved if he wanted to. Instead he focused on her face, peppering kisses over her cheeks, her lips, nuzzling as he whispered sweet nothings. Arching his back, he focused on her breasts, sucking until she wiggled with renewed hunger, her breath coming out in short pants. Gradually, by increments, her body began to relax and respond to his caring caresses again. Only when her pretty eyes were no longer clouded in pain and her core eased did he retreat marginally and ever so slowly return. Watching her face the entire time, he found no signs of discomfort, only the return of pleasure. Still, he needed to be sure. “Hurt?” He repeated the motion.

She shook her head, her hands hot lashes across his back and flanks. Each touch threw yet another cherry bomb on his already raging inferno.

For the longest time he did nothing more than test the waters with short, tender jabs, stoking her fire to match his. Each sigh, each sexy cry from her lips, ramped up his own pleasure tenfold as he showered her with burning pleasure, pouring his emotions out through actions.

When she lifted to meet his thrusts, he boldly drew back farther, lengthening his strokes yet keeping the pace languid and gentle. Hard and fast had no place in this first loving. Instead he drew on every skill he possessed to march her steadily toward the pinnacle, needing her to reach the top and crash over. He needed her to experience a bright, earth-shattering climax under his tender care as much as he needed air to fill his lungs.

He changed his angle slightly and found a raspberry nipple, drawing the treat into his mouth and laving the tip. She whimpered and squirmed. Lifting up, he looked down at her body, saw her head thrown back on the pillows, her blonde hair spilled all around her. April’s mouth fell open as she closed her eyes. Sensual pleasure covered her face.

Adjusting his position slightly, he shifted his weight to his right arm, freeing up his left. Searching between their bodies, he once more found her bundle of nerves, now taut and begging for attention. With exquisite care, he caressed the nub, felt her jerk under him, and repeated the motion.

April’s body began to tense. He easily read the heightened level of arousal and blatantly pushed her for more, intent upon drawing out every morsel of passion from her body then rewarding her with hot rapture. “That’s it, sweetheart. You’re almost there. Wrap your legs around my hips.” When she complied, he sank even deeper. “Yeah, just like that. Fuck that’s good.”

A grunt emerged from her throat, followed by a sharp cry of frustration. She tossed her head. “I…” Licking her lips, she tried again. “I can’t…”

“Shhh. Look at me, April.”

Her eyes fluttered open and her gaze locked on his. He surged in and out of her moist center, short, exceptionally deep penetrations that rocked them together as one. “Don’t look away. Stay with me.” He arched his back in order to lean down for a quick kiss to a juicy nipple. “Take what you need from me.”

He plumped her clit with the gentlest of touches. She lurched and cried out, the motion squeezing his already granite-hard member in a velvet glove, sending sharp shards of ecstasy straight to his groin. “Come on, baby. Just. Let. Go.” He pressed the bundle once more then began to strum quickly.

April curled her back, sucked in a breath and yelped out as rapid-fire contractions squeezed his cock so tight he saw stars. Her clipped nails dug into his back, the slight sting only adding another element to his overflowing arousal. Determinedly, he rode out her first orgasm, intent upon seeing every flicker of pleasure wash across her face, feeling her body’s every reaction and savoring every second.

The base of his spine began to tingle as her continued milking action pushed all his buttons, driving him to the very edge, and finally shoving him over with gusto. A hoarse shout tore from his throat as he shoved deep inside her depths and stilled, locking them together as one.

* * * *

“Tired?” Dusty pulled her into his embrace.

April leaned into him, soaking up his warmth and solid strength as she rested her head against his upper chest. After her first taste of passion, she’d excused herself to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Dusty’s eyes had followed her every step of the way. Only after she’d tossed the used washcloth into the hamper and collected her wits had she returned to bed. One glance told her he’d done the same as she, since he’d laid stretched out, condom-free and cleansed. Unable to resist and craving comfort, she’d slipped into his arms. “Yeah. Today was crazy enough without going on lockdown.”

He rubbed her back with long, light strokes. “If you had been taken hostage, I would’ve lost my mind.”

Surprised, she leaned back in order to look up into Dusty’s face. She found concern and something more. Something deeper. Her heart sang. “You would have done the same thing you did today. Shared your skills with the rest of us and saved the day.”

While he’d never indicated one way or another, April knew Dusty had most likely not only participated in the manhunt, but been the one to track the man. Why else would he have had Ben with him, a Kevlar vest and a long rifle she’d never seen before in his truck? Dusty had gone hunting just like he’d done countless times before.

“I’m so proud of you.” She whispered the words against his throat, then lifted high enough to seal her lips over his.

He responded immediately, seized control of the kiss and quickly showered her with a healthy dose of passion. She gasped as his tongue entered her mouth, searching out every nook and cranny, tasting her as if she possessed ambrosia and he’d been thirsty for a long time. Wrapping her arms around his neck, April threw herself into the affection, giving back with everything inside, showing him what she couldn’t say out loud, at least not yet. She’d hinted before, but now knew without a doubt she loved the former Navy SEAL turned stable owner. He hadn’t spoken the words back to her earlier, leaving a small sting in her heart, so she hesitated to say them again. Not yet. But soon. No sense denying the truth.

Before she could get carried away, Dusty pulled back. Disappointed, she whimpered with a sigh before meeting his knowing gaze.

He grinned down at her with a new softness. “You’re going to be sore if we continue.”

“I want you too much to care.”

“Then why don’t you climb on top? Ride me. You can control the pace.”

The offer made April’s stomach flip-flop with slow, delicious motions. Ride him. Just like the stud he is. She giggled at the naughty thought, so unlike her.

“What’s so funny?”

Sitting up, April straddled his hips. “Oh, I was just thinking how appropriate it is for me to climb aboard and ride you. Like a big, beautiful stallion.” Her face heated but seeing the reaction on Dusty’s face next made the small admission worth it.

His expression grew taut and filled with sexual longing. He cupped the back of her head and brought her down for a kiss of the ages, a deep plundering that left her breathless while promising a passionate discovery to rival no other.

The pole light outside allowed enough of a glow from the window for her to see him in fairly decent clarity. As she sat up, she once more appreciated his physique, running her hands over his chest, stomach, then lower. Scars riddled his otherwise perfect body, adding to the handsomeness rather than detracting. A warrior to his marrow. She saw the old marks as badges of courage and sexy as hell. Tracing each one, she marveled over his ability to take such punishment and return for more. Courage and bravery in spades, to be sure. “You’re gorgeous.”

“Too beat up for that, but thanks.” He lifted one hand to cup her breast, gently brushing his thumb over the tip.

She sighed and pressed closer. “To me, you’re the sexiest man alive. Forget movie stars, you bypass every one of them hands down.” With a knowing grin, she wrapped her fingers lightly around his erection. “I’d rather have a horse that’s been through hell and fought back than a paddock-raised one any day. The same goes for a man.”

He smiled up at her, the act softening the lines of his face, adding to his already captivating appearance.

Lightly, she stroked his impressive cock, learning both the feel and texture, experimenting with different grips and motions to discover which he liked best. Her finger found a bead of moisture resting on the slit. Boldly, she spread the moisture all around the mushroom head.

He groaned and jerked under her.

“Like that?” The whisper carried easily across the silent room.

“Way too much.” A foil package appeared in his hand. He ripped it open with his teeth then rolled it on. “I can’t wait for you to take me, baby. Slide down on me. Show me how a cowgirl rides her man.”

The words ratcheted up her arousal and motivated her to lift up and move a few inches, enough to align their bodies.

Dusty, his cock in hand, rubbed the tip against her hungry core. “You’re wet. So wet.” He ran a finger between her folds before centering the head of his erection once more. “Open for me, April. Take me deep.”

Gradually, she pressed downward, aided by Dusty’s grip on her hip. Her body protested at first, then finally relented, allowing him to enter marginally. She sucked in a breath, gyrated her hips and came down farther. Overused muscles complained, but she ignored them, choosing instead to focus on Dusty’s face, watching as she joined their bodies.

Finally she rested on his body, his shaft snugly lodged deep inside her. Not quite comfortable, she rocked slowly back and forth, feeling him rub against secret nerve endings, all of which fired hotly. She gasped.

“You okay?” His voice carried concern.

Peering down at him, she smiled. “Yeah. It’s just—”

“Tender?”

She nodded her head. “A little, but nothing to fret about. It’s just amazing. I feel full. Complete. Like I’d been made just for you.” Her body eased, allowing her to move with more enthusiasm. Dusty guided her motions, keeping her close and at a leisurely speed. Over and over she moved, savoring his presence deep inside her. Unhurriedly, she tried different angles, alternated motions and put them both through their paces in a gentle loving which seemed to go on forever, yet not last nearly long enough as bright rapture flickered in temptation just ahead.

He bit his lip and bucked to meet her next downward stroke, sending a shockwave of sensual pleasure cascading over her.

“That’s it, baby. Take what you need from me. Anything. Everything.” He used his free hand to tunnel through her folds where they joined. A second later, bright stars burst in front of her eyes as she ground her hips against his. His touch, his skill on that particular body part, made her crazy. Suddenly she couldn’t get enough. Enough of him, his glorious cock, enough of his fingers working her sensitive button. A whimper escaped her as she latched onto the greedy hunger and shot higher.

Again he feverishly yet lightly worked her nub. Every muscle in her body tightened as she braced herself.

“Let go, sweetheart. I want to watch you come.”

His words, complete with another exquisite lash of her clit, shoved her right up to the peak then toppled her over. With a ragged cry, she wiggled and squirmed, keeping his pleasure-producing cock as deep as possible.

He shouted out, both hands bracketing her pelvis as he held her in place so tightly she couldn’t have moved if she’d tried. Dusty’s face scrunched up as he drew in great gulps of air. His shaft twitched deep inside her as strong peaks crested through her before slowing as the brilliant orgasm abated.

April crumpled on his chest, panting and worn out. Though the ride hadn’t lasted as long as she would have liked, she’d poured every ounce of energy into the experience. All more than worth the effort, but now she wasn’t sure she could move another inch.

“Damn,” Dusty whispered in her ear as he nuzzled her cheek. “You can ride me anytime.”

Adjusting her position, she rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes in total relaxation. “That sounds like fun.” She blew out a breath and started to drift off.

Dusty chuckled, wrapped his arms around her, then rolled them over. The comfortable mattress now at her back, she relaxed into the cushiony pliability. While she might have liked to fall asleep on him, this new position made more sense for his ability to breathe and move for the rest of the night.

He pulled back, his now semi-erect cock slipping from her body with one final caress to the previously untried and now slightly raw tissues. She flinched on a gasp.

“Sorry.” Dusty brushed his lips over hers, then exited the bed.

Half asleep, April didn’t realize he’d returned until she felt moist warmth and terry cloth between her legs. Embarrassed, she clamped her legs together and met Dusty’s gaze.

He rested his hand on her upper thigh. “Let me wash you. You’ll sleep better without all the stickiness.”

Giving in to the realities of sex, she let Dusty cleanse her, appreciative of his kindness. She doubted any of her previous boyfriends would have bothered to even consider her comfort, let alone bathe her. “Thank you.”

The cloth pressed against her core twice more before he slid off the bed and headed to the bathroom, only to return a second later. The bed dipped as he slid under the covers and pulled her up against his body.

Content, she snuggled in.

He kissed her nape. “I take care of my own.”

With those words ringing in her ears, she fell asleep.