Bridled and Bucked

Bridled 3

Bridled and Bucked Lynlee Lewis McCain is a targeted woman. Unable to understand why she’s another madman’s bull’s-eye, Lynlee relies on the McCain brothers to save her. But after one lunatic is put to rest, there’s another one awaiting his turn—and he shows his face when he’s least expected. Blaine McCain wanted to love and protect his wife. In order to do that, he had to share her with those who were most capable of guarding her. Entrusting Lynlee’s life in the arms of his brothers and best friend, Blaine works with his family to help defend the woman he loves. Will the McCain brothers and Rhett Mitchell save Lynlee from a serial killer’s protégé? And what risks will they take to safeguard the only woman they’ll ever truly trust and love? Note: This book contains double vaginal penetration. Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys Length: 40,485 words

BRIDLED AND BUCKED Bridled 3

Natalie Acres

LOVEXTREME

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: LoveXtreme

BRIDLED AND BUCKED Copyright © 2011 by Natalie Acres E-book ISBN: 1-61034-713-7 First E-book Publication: August 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Bridled and Bucked by Natalie Acres from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Natalie Acres’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Acres’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

BRIDLED AND BUCKED Bridled 3 NATALIE ACRES Copyright © 2011

Chapter One Lynlee McCain sat with her knees tightly drawn against her chest. She tilted her head upward and inhaled the warm North Carolina mountain breeze rich with a variety of refreshing fragrances including a blend of lilac, honeysuckle, freshly cut grass, and a hint of hyacinth. The morning was the start of a glorious May day. Lynlee plucked a buttercup from the soft soil, counting her blessings—and she had several to consider. The year in review brought a smile to her face, but just as quickly as she thought of the men in her life, she also recalled the threat that almost destroyed them all. Twirling the flower stem between forefinger and thumb, her mind’s eye refused to leave the past where bad memories should’ve remained. Dead and buried. A few yards beyond a wooded nest of tall oaks and mature maples, birds scattered, rising high above the massive green bouquet of natural beauty. The flock didn’t depart with a soft song or silent glide toward the sky. Instead, they flew away as if someone disrupted them, like an intruder invaded their country, their fields. Flapping wings and high-pitched squealing resounded, reminding Lynlee of a bad scene from a horror movie. “Is someone there?” Lynlee called out, pressing her palms to the ground. Lynlee’s pulse raced. Her heart pounded harder and harder.

8

Natalie Acres

Someone was watching. Danger lurked. She sensed trouble. And rarely, if ever, was her sixth sense wrong. “Hello?” she yelled, her eyes searching the meadows, the pasture beyond the rushing brook and spring-fed fishing pond. Leaves whispered the only reply, ruffling with a rising wind. Lynlee hurried to her feet, alert and anxious. She scoured the lay of the property before her. This was McCain territory, her land and home. Two large forms emerged from the full forest. At first glance, she released a sigh, relieved to see men she initially thought were two of her own. Dressed in denim jeans and fitted T-shirts, their approach was slow and easy. One cowboy, the tallest fellow, took the lead. Coming forward, he kept a predator’s gait, cautious and deliberate with his head down, the brim of his hat settled low on his brow. That’s when she spotted a noticeable limp. None of her guys walked with a break in their stride. Lynlee recognized the danger, the old promise of a dated threat humming in her ears, beating softly like death’s march. Lynlee didn’t waste another moment by second-guessing her fear. She’d learned valuable lessons from the past and if she wanted to survive, there was only one thing left to do—run. **** “Anyone seen Lynlee in the last hour?” Carlisle asked, tossing a court document on the dining room table. “Well, if it isn’t our well-respected family attorney. Where ya been, lil’ brother?” Dallas asked, grabbing an apple from the table centerpiece filled to overflowing with oranges, ripe bananas, and other fresh fruits. “Some McCains work for a living,” Carlisle replied, watching as Dallas tucked a napkin in his shirt, rolled up his sleeves, and sat down to a full country breakfast.

Bridled and Bucked

9

“The ambitious rise with the chickens,” Blaine remarked, entering the formal area with manure-covered boots. “And Lynlee went for a walk.” “Which probably means she made it as far as the barn,” Dallas said, looking down at the mess Blaine made as he tracked up the hardwood floors. “Her mare should drop that foal sometime today. For your sake and mine, I hope she does. Otherwise, we’re in for a long night ahead.” “You’re telling me,” Blaine grumbled. “I’ve already had a week of sleepless nights no thanks to running back and forth to check on that stubborn horse. Lynlee wants a report whenever she rolls over.” “I’d fix that if I were you,” Dallas said, jabbing his fork in midair as if to make a point. “Grab a brother and stick him on the other side of Lynlee. Hell, if you’re gonna share your wife, the duties that go along with being a husband should be divvied up, too.” Carlisle stood at the bay window. Shutting out the conversation around him, he eyed the open fields beyond the front yard, his gaze following the sharp white fence. Since five o’clock, he’d been dealing with an uneasy feeling. He wasn’t the only one. Lantry joined him for coffee right before dawn insisting something wasn’t quite right. His brother wasn’t the paranoid type. He seldom worried about much. The family renegade, Lantry kind of went with the idea that anyone dumb enough to piss him off deserved what he or she had coming. A cowboy with more attitude and brains than he’d ever have fear, Lantry went as far as checking with the local authorities to make sure some of the criminals he’d helped put away were still safe and sound in the penitentiary. Carlisle still wasn’t satisfied after Lantry reported back that the crooks he knew would enjoy yet another breakfast consisting of powdered eggs, dry toast, and water. Something still didn’t feel right. There was a dark cloud hanging over them somewhere. “What’s wrong with Heidi?” Blaine asked, staring at the family pet after she plopped down at Carlisle’s feet.

10

Natalie Acres

“She and I had a disagreement. She chewed up a pair of my socks and I scolded her. Leave her be. She’ll bounce back as soon as she sees her momma,” Dallas said, taking a swig of freshly squeezed orange juice. “She acts like she’s too tired to move,” Blaine said, meeting Heidi’s gaze. “She’s been with me all morning. She’s probably stressed out since Lynlee left without her or maybe I hurt her feelings. Who knows. I’m not a dog whisperer.” Carlisle knelt next to the large chestnut-colored dog. He rubbed her body, massaged her legs and accepted her gratitude—a generous lick across his cheek. “What’s wrong, girl?” The dog released a burdened sigh. “She doesn’t think you’ll understand,” Dallas said, translating. Carlisle chuckled. “I probably wouldn’t.” Lynlee was the only one who really related to Heidi. The runt of a large litter, Heidi was only eight weeks old when they rescued her from a neighboring farm. A ball of fur with big brown eyes, she was a jittery little thing. When the McCains first found her, she was barely alert and would jerk when her eyes opened, acting as if she awaited another predator, another abuser attempting to finish her off. Carlisle smiled as he thought of how much Lynlee loved this blasted dog. Heidi was a far cry from what she’d once been with paws chewed down to the bone and a matted coat full of burs. “You’re so spoiled,” Carlisle said, returning to an upright position. “Yes, well, you can thank Lynlee for that,” Dallas said, shoveling a heap of scrambled eggs between his lips. “If she didn’t give her daily therapeutic massages, we wouldn’t have to work our schedules around Heidi’s routine.” Carlisle smiled, remembering their first Heidi encounter. Lynlee had been so distraught when Blaine brought the puppy home. The dog’s raw hide was exposed, battered and bruised. From the moment

Bridled and Bucked

11

Lynlee saw her, she vowed to massage her legs and paws daily without fail, fearing Blaine would take her to the vet and have her euthanized. She’d owned that promise, occasionally leaving bed in the middle of the night when she forgot to give the mutt attention. Heidi’s ears flickered all at once. Her head jerked toward the door and she barked. “I know,” Carlisle said. “I’m a little irritated at her, too. She’ll be back soon.” Heidi ran to the door and scratched at the wood. Then, she pranced back to Carlisle and barked again. Carlisle sighed. “I’m telling Lynlee if she insists on having a spoiled mutt, she needs to fix up one of the spare bedrooms so we can send Heidi to her room when she misbehaves.” “That’ll go over well,” Dallas said, reaching for a bowl of grits. “Make sure I’m around when you call Heidi a mutt in Lynlee’s presence.” “Me, too,” Blaine added, grinning. “I’m willing to bet you’re cut off for a month if you slander that dog.” Carlisle sniffed. “I’ll take my chances.” Heidi ran across the room again, pawed the back door, and darted to the foyer where she whined and growled. When she returned this time, she nipped at Blaine’s boots. “Heidi, what do you want, girl?” he asked, rubbing between her ears. “Do you need to go out and do your business?” Heidi dashed to the foyer again. This time, she growled and barked continually. She turned to look at them and with an earpiercing howl, gained the attention and respect she apparently desired. Dallas leapt to his feet. “I just took her out fifteen minutes ago. Something is wrong and her behavior doesn’t have anything to do with Lynlee leaving her behind. Hurry up. Let her out.” Carlisle scooted past the long dining room table. Heidi was Lynlee’s guardian, her loyal protector. If Lynlee found herself in trouble, Heidi would most likely sense the danger first.

12

Natalie Acres

Dallas opened the front door, and Heidi took off toward the lower fields, running like a thoroughbred rather than an Australian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees mix. Dallas followed her. “Blaine, hurry up! Carlisle! Get the truck! Something is definitely wrong!” Carlisle hopped in their old red Ford a few seconds later. He cranked the engine, punched the pedal, and took off like a bat out of hell, slowing down long enough to pick up Blaine and Dallas. Both men jumped on the back of the truck. “She crossed the creek off to the left,” Blaine hollered, his fist tapping the top of the pickup. Carlisle fumbled in his pocket, fished out his cell, and called Lantry as he drove. “We may have some trouble down near the pond. Heidi alerted us to a problem. I’m afraid it’s Lynlee.” “Shit!” Lantry shouted. “Is anyone with her?” “I don’t know,” Carlisle replied. “No one is certain where she is. For all I know, Heidi is chasing a rabbit.” “I’m on my way.” Carlisle hit end and called Austin. “Get down here. We’re at the pond.” “I’m with Lantry. We’re on our way.” Rhett and Houston were in town, so calling them was pointless until they determined the situation. Carlisle sped through the pasture, dodging potholes when he saw them, listening to warranted cursing and bitching when he didn’t. That’s when he spotted what appeared to be a white streak of light, zipping across a fence and tumbling to the other side. “There she is!” Blaine shouted. Sheer terror marked her face as she hurried toward them. The two characters following her apparently decided to take a detour and change their course when the trucks barreled over the hill. A horn sounded out behind him. Carlisle checked his rearview mirror. Lantry and Austin sped past him. Austin was standing in the

Bridled and Bucked

13

bed of the truck. He motioned toward a dilapidated hay barn they hadn’t used since they’d purchased the property. Carlisle narrowed his gaze on the two men who’d been following Lynlee, observing them as they ran for the only place they could find cover. Lantry slowed down. Austin wasted no time leaping from the back, grabbing Lynlee, and securing her, sheltering her small form with his larger one. Heidi paused at the tailgate, looked toward the barn, barked a few times, barred her teeth, and then reluctantly joined Lynlee instead of leading the fight. Carlisle’s phone rang. “I see ’em, Lantry. We’ve got this.” “I hope so. Royce is downtown with Houston and Rhett. They’re on their way back but they’ll never make it in time to help us. I’ve gotta stay with Lynlee.” Carlisle wouldn’t expect anything less. “Take care of our girl. I’ll deal with the idiots who tried to harass her.” “We’ll be at the house. See who paid us a visit. Drag ’em back by the hair of their heads if you have to but make damned sure they don’t get away. I have a few questions I wanna ask them if you don’t kill ’em first.” **** Heidi sat on Lynlee’s lap. She placed her paws on her shoulders and licked her face. Still out of breath from the long run, Lynlee didn’t have the strength to resist her. “I know, Heidi. I’m glad to see you, too.” “You’d better be,” Lantry said, standing guard at the bay window overlooking the corral and stables. “Damn dog may have saved your life.” “I know,” she said, babbling in the baby talk she reserved for Heidi only. “You take care of your momma, don’t ya?” “Lynlee, please,” Austin said, pacing. One of the triplets, Austin liked Heidi, but he lacked patience at times like these.

14

Natalie Acres

“Did you get a good look at them?” Lantry asked, studying his phone, undoubtedly awaiting a call from Carlisle. “They kept their heads down.” “Where were you when you first spotted them?” “Down by the pond.” A beat later she added, “At first I thought it may have been you and Royce.” “Fabulous,” Lantry said. “You know how to make the man in your bed feel special, don’t ’cha, sugar?” “I always knew the two of you were forgettable,” Austin said, taking a jab. “Might have something to do with your age. Royce is the oldest and he’s lacked that staying power for a while, but you? Damn man, that’s gotta hurt.” Lantry snarled. “I’m gonna forget I heard that.” He gave Lynlee a hard stare. “They didn’t say anything to you?” “No.” “They didn’t hurt you did they?” Austin asked, stepping closer. Lynlee’s heart rate kicked up a couple of paces. Sometimes she ached for Austin’s touch. The longing often existed in his eyes but he never offered her anything more than a kind word, a note of concern, or a subtle hint of compassion. Then again, she should’ve felt extra special by that alone. Austin wasn’t exactly noted for his gentle nature. He was the kind of cowboy men would love to send to an early grave and women would mourn for the rest of their natural lives. He was a player through and through, a real heartbreaker, or at least he was prior to his interest in her. “No, Austin,” she assured him. “They didn’t get close enough.” “I would’ve killed them,” he stated flatly, looking away. Lantry shot him a sideways glance and then cut his gaze toward Lynlee. “So what happened?” “There’s really nothing to tell,” she replied, hoping to escape Lantry’s interrogation. “I was down by the pond, daydreaming. I heard something in the trees. A bunch of birds flew away as if they’d

Bridled and Bucked

15

been disturbed and I looked up. That’s when I saw two men walking toward me. Like I said—” “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got the part where you thought Royce and I were walking toward you.” A second later he added, “So they were good-lookin’ devils and that’s all you can remember about them?” She laughed. “I wouldn’t go as far as saying all that. As I mentioned, I didn’t get a good look at them.” He smirked. “Well then, now you know there couldn’t have been a resemblance. Hell, if there were marked similarities you and I both know what would’ve happened.” “What’s that?” she asked, hardly following him and not really in the mood for his typical teasing. “You would’ve jumped their bones instead of running straight for home.” **** Lantry’s phone rang. “Tell me you’ve got ’em.” “They got away,” Carlisle replied, regret thick in his voice. Lantry cringed. “Explain to me how that happens, please.” A second later, he added, “How in the hell did they get away when the three of you should’ve had them surrounded from the outside?” “They must’ve already known about the safe room. They’ve been here before, Lantry. They definitely had every intention of taking Lynlee and getting away with it. “There was a tunnel that provided an easy way out of that shed. We followed it all the way to the river where we found fresh tire tracks. Apparently, they’ve watched the house and our daily routines. With all the work they’ve done on that place, they must’ve been coming out here for days and making preparations.” Lantry studied Lynlee, watching as she snuggled with Heidi. His heart swelled with love. Lynlee was the epitome of a pure angel, even though he, Rhett, and his brothers had stripped her of any innocence.

16

Natalie Acres

He wondered then what kind of new threat they faced now, vowing he’d do what was necessary to keep her safe once more. “They overlooked one thing, though, didn’t they?” “What’s that?” Carlisle asked. “They weren’t counting on Lynlee being as quick as a firecracker,” Lantry replied, shooting her a quick wink when she looked up. “If she hadn’t sprinted—” “They would’ve gotten her out of here without a problem. I’m telling ya. Someone took the time to plan the perfect abduction. If they’d nabbed her, they would’ve escaped without a trace.” Lantry took a deep breath. Running his fingers through his hair, he stared outside, deliberately turning his back to Lynlee so she wouldn’t see the look of concern washing over his face, settling in his eyes. “Who are we up against this time, Lantry?” Carlisle asked. “I don’t know,” Lantry replied thoughtfully. “But I’ll find out. When I do, I’ll be sure to make them understand. No one—and I do mean no one—messes with McCains or their woman.”

Bridled and Bucked

17

Chapter Two Royce hurried up the red brick walkway, darted under one of the large weeping willows, jumped across the small rose garden, and leapt to the front porch. Swinging open the front door, he cried out, “Lynlee! Are you here?” Rhett matched him step for step, his fury apparent by the tightly drawn cords bulging in his thick neck, right along with his set, firm jaw. Lynlee walked through the double doors, her eyes wide. “I’m right here. Where’s the fire?” After he pushed by Royce, Rhett—the greedy son of a bitch— lifted Lynlee in his arms, twirled her around, and held on for dear life. “Good God, I was terrified!” Rhett exclaimed. “You scared us to death!” “I’m fine,” she assured them, reaching for Royce and drawing him into an embrace. “I promise. No one hurt me. No harm done.” Houston, obviously reluctant about showing his emotions in front of the others, took a step forward. She smiled, tilted her head, and said, “You weren’t worried?” “Of course I was,” he snapped. “I’m always concerned about you.” “Then why don’t you get over here and prove it?” she dared him, standing between Rhett and Royce, never offering to advance toward him. Houston grunted, grabbed her wrist and pulled her against him, placing his hand on the back of her head and cradling her in his arms. He tilted her chin toward his and stared into her misty-blue eyes.

18

Natalie Acres

Royce held his breath. Was this it? Was this the moment where one of the triplets finally made a claim to Lynlee, too? Houston’s lips traveled across hers. Lynlee jerked as if she couldn’t believe her mouth met his. Houston’s cheeks flushed. “Was it that bad?” Lynlee placed her tiny hand over her mouth, hiding a smile like a giddy schoolgirl might. When she dropped her arm, she said, “I kind of liked it.” A confession that took him by surprise, apparently, Houston locked his arms around her waist, preventing her from a swift getaway. “Me, too,” he admitted, smiling down on her. Royce wasn’t sure he could stand this. Not right now. Not when he wanted to wrap his arms around his woman and never let her go. “All right, you two, break it up. I need some Lynlee time.” He patted her bottom, took her by the hand, and pulled her to the nearby living room sofa. Taking a seat, Royce yanked her down to his lap. Allowing her time to get comfortable, he caressed her back and shoulders. “Tell me what happened.” “I really don’t want to go over this again. I survived Lantry’s form of questioning. Isn’t that enough?” Royce felt that familiar lump in his throat. He knew Lynlee loved him but sometimes he wished she would lean on him, depend on him, like she did Lantry. Rhett stood in front of her. “Lynlee, don’t be flip about this. What happened?” “Let Lantry go over the details with you,” she pleaded. “I gave the kitchen staff the night off and Blaine is helping me make homemade pizzas. I really don’t want to talk about the bad guys right now. Besides, Blaine will eat all the pepperonis if I leave him in there by himself long enough.” Houston grinned. “You’d better get back to your husband then.” Royce studied his younger brother. Was that jealousy he detected in Houston’s voice?

Bridled and Bucked

19

Apparently realizing how his statement came across, Houston quickly added, “Blaine doesn’t know how to make a sandwich by himself and you’ve left him alone with dough and pizza toppings?” Lynlee laughed. “You have a point. He’s chopping vegetables. I didn’t think about it but I don’t think he’s ever used a paring knife.” “I heard that!” Blaine called out from the kitchen. Lynlee left Royce’s lap, and he watched her parade away, working that walk like only Lynlee knew how to do. When the double doors closed behind her, he shot Houston a direct question. “So we almost lose her and now what? You’re ready to jump in bed with her and make yourself comfortable?” “Did I say that?” “You didn’t have to,” Rhett chimed in. “Now is not a good time,” Royce declared, wondering if he’d ever be able to stand by and watch three more claim the woman he loved. It was bad enough sharing with Rhett, Blaine, Carlisle, and Lantry. Houston strolled across the room, pursuing the wet bar. Once there, he poured himself a whiskey. He turned up the glass, shot the liquor down his throat, and releasing an “ah” he said, “I care about Lynlee. That’s a given. When I decide to show her how much is still out for debate. I’m not in any hurry.” “Won’t hurt my feelings if you take your own sweet time,” Rhett said. Houston took a deep breath, poured another drink, and consumed the second one faster than the first. “I never want Lynlee to think that I took her to bed because that’s what I was expected to do or worse, told to do. If we end up together at some point, I want her to know it’s because I love her.” “Oh, you mean, you don’t want her to think it’s because Daddy Cattlebucks told us to do her?” Dallas asked, entering the room. “Shh,” Houston said, waving his hand toward the kitchen. “Lynlee might hear you.”

20

Natalie Acres

Dallas shrugged. “We don’t have secrets in this house. Besides. Lynlee knows we’re all trying to figure out where we fit in her life.” A beat later he said, “If you want my honest opinion, I think if Dad had stayed out of this, we would’ve worked out our own feelings with Lynlee long before now. Since he didn’t, we’ve all resisted her. How we’ve done it is God’s secret, not mine. I’m attracted to Lynlee. We all are. We all love her, too, but for some reason—” “We’ve avoided the commitment,” Houston finished for him. “At least, I know I have. It isn’t easy giving up complete freedom.” “I ain’t worried about a commitment necessarily,” Dallas said. “I’m more concerned about walking around here like the rest of these fellas. They can’t sleep without Lynlee. They can’t eat without knowing where she is. They can’t start their day unless they’ve kissed her good morning. It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” “You’re jealous, too, huh?” Rhett asked. Dallas shook his head. “Hell no. My day is coming. I’m just taking my time, too.” Rhett narrowed his gaze. “Have you been seeing someone?” “Of course not,” Dallas replied. “That would go over extremely well with Daddy Cattlebucks.” Rhett laughed. “Victoria is the one who hopes this all works out, you know.” “My mother doesn’t care who ends up with Lynlee in the end. All she cares about is our happiness. She lives in Victoria’s bubble. In her world, everything is champagne, roses, good sex, and lots of loving.” “I’m sure Mom would appreciate the way you describe her and her ‘bubble,’” Royce said. “I’m sure you’ll be happy to relay what I said verbatim,” Dallas said, scratching his head. Royce wondered when, if ever, his brothers would quit ribbing him about being the hotline between his parents’ place in Anderson and their farm in Asheville. Sure he talked to their mom and dad more

Bridled and Bucked

21

than the others, but they were getting older. He called them daily to make sure things were okay. He didn’t call in daily reports. At least, not anymore. “I’d like to be inside Lynlee’s bubble,” Houston confessed, redirecting the conversation to the hottest topic they could discuss. “I’m sure you would,” Dallas teased. “And once you pop that first layer, what then?” Houston sighed. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll do precisely what the rest of these guys did. I’ll let her know that I plan to spend the rest of my life loving her.” “Well, keep up that turtle’s pace,” Royce said, joining him at the bar. “He’s right,” Rhett said, slapping Houston on the back. “You take all the time you need, buddy. I’m not itching to make room for you and the other two. In fact, it’s such an adjustment when we add more to the mattress, that I’m hoping the three of you don’t decide to jump in and surprise us all at the same time.” “That’s the way it’ll probably go down,” Royce muttered, staring over the brim of his glass. Houston faced him. “Royce, you don’t have any reason to act pissed over this. Blaine married Lynlee. Rhett and Carlisle were in her bed before they recited vows. They don’t seem to have a problem with any of this, but you, on the other hand, take daily assessments. You seem bound and determined to keep a record of what Dallas, Austin, and I are thinking, feeling, and planning, expecting a day-byday accounting of what our goals are, apparently trying to note the changes as they occur.” “That’s not so,” Royce fired back, thinking Houston may have just spoken the God’s honest truth since that was the most he’d said in a few hours. Houston had the reputation for speaking very little and saying more than enough when he finally chose to open his mouth. Rhett took a shot of whiskey. “Yes, Royce, he’s right. I’ve noticed, too.”

22

Natalie Acres

“Butt out, Rhett,” Royce said, irritated. He couldn’t have a conversation with his brother without outside interference. “Not a problem,” Rhett mumbled, tilting his head toward Lantry, Carlisle, and Austin as they approached the house. “Where have they been?” Houston and Royce exchanged a knowing glance. They would table their conversation about Lynlee and save the banter for later. There were more important matters to discuss, and while Royce was the oldest McCain brother, he rarely took the spotlight when the next one in line wanted the floor. Three additional McCains entered the house. Lantry slammed the heavy front door, traipsed across the foyer, and headed for the bar. Without a doubt, he had something on his mind, something he wanted them to hear straight from him. Small talk was made as the other two entered the family room. Drinks were poured. Then, Lantry strolled to the center of the room. “We’ve got a major problem.” Carlisle nodded in agreement. “How bad?” Dallas asked. Royce quickly recalled how Lee Marks, the Beaches and Lakes Serial Killer, made their lives a living hell the year before. “We’ve got another copycat, don’t we?” Lantry pursed his lips. “I don’t think so.” “So it’s not another lunatic swearing to be the protégé of Lee Marks?” Houston asked. “No,” Lantry replied. “At least we don’t think so.” “That doesn’t make any sense,” Royce said. “Who else would want to kidnap Lynlee?” Lantry rubbed his jaw. “We have a few leads, but we haven’t come up with anything to suggest a possible link to Lee Marks.” Carlisle cleared his throat. “Lantry is following up on some names I gave him. There may be a possible connection between one of my clients and the two men who were here.”

Bridled and Bucked

23

“Do you have anything substantial yet?” Royce asked. “We found a few prints in the safe house,” Lantry informed them. “I’ve sent them to Asheville PD. A friend of mine was the lead detective on a few high-profile cases. I trust him to move fast. We should know something a little later this evening.” “Why do you think this is related to you?” Royce asked, focusing on Carlisle. Lantry chuckled. “Everything is always about Carlisle, isn’t it?” “You’re such a smart-ass,” Carlisle said. “This isn’t the best hour for joking around, Lantry,” Royce said, thinking at times like these, Lantry could be quite annoying. He realized Lantry was used to working cold cases and made light of every case he ever worked, but for crying out loud—this particular incident revolved around Lynlee. “Carlisle’s secretary is missing,” Lantry announced. “If there’s a connection between her disappearance and Lynlee’s possible abduction, then Carlisle may be a potential target, too.” “What?” Royce asked, standing. It was bad enough someone wanted his woman, but to think Carlisle might be a target—one that was constantly on the move and in areas where none of them could protect him—well, that was more than Royce could process. “I thought that might interest you,” Dallas said, waggling his brows. “What the hell are you babbling about?” Royce asked, still reeling because someone might want to harm his brother. “Did you hear what Lantry said?” Dallas asked. “Carlisle’s secretary, Tara Lang, is missing.” “Why would that get me all bent out of shape? I fucked her ten years ago. I don’t have feelings for her now.” Royce immediately felt ashamed of himself. Tara was a nice person. He didn’t want anything bad to happen to her. Dallas shrugged. “You never know.”

24

Natalie Acres

“I seem to recall someone else in Tara’s bed,” Royce said, swinging his gaze back and forth between Houston and Austin. “We didn’t date her,” Austin reminded him. “She was a piece of ass and that’s all.” A beat or two later, he added, “But I really like her. Wherever she is, I hope she’s okay.” Royce grunted. “The two of you have been with her recently so I’m sure you’ll be persons of interest in the event the police start questioning old boyfriends.” Austin shook his head. “We may not be in Lynlee’s bed yet but we haven’t been with anyone—period—since we moved in here.” “He’s telling the truth,” Carlisle said. “Tara tried several times.” “I don’t know why you had to hire her, by the way. Looks to me like you’d show some loyalty and wouldn’t hire the ex-lovers of your brothers. That’s taboo…or it should be,” Austin pointed out. Carlisle shrugged. “You slept with her when she was my personal assistant. I warned you then if things went south, I wasn’t cutting her loose. Now, she’s the best paralegal in the business. She isn’t just a secretary. She could take over in a courtroom if I needed her. She’s that efficient.” “I’ll say,” Austin said, throwing in a crude grunt for effect. Royce sulked. He couldn’t help himself. If the triplets had been without a woman for this long, he could only imagine what kind of night they had planned for Lynlee when they all decided to get together. He swung his gaze toward Dallas, who snickered immediately. “I haven’t touched another woman in three months either. Go ahead. Give me hell. I know it’s a blasted shame.” “You must be saving yourself for some kind of gal,” Royce muttered. “That’s what I hear,” Dallas taunted him, settling his back against the sofa, crossing one leg over another. “You have no idea what it’s like to be on the outside looking in.” “I have some,” Royce advised him, remembering how he felt when they moved to Asheville. When he’d first discovered Blaine had

Bridled and Bucked

25

been sharing Lynlee with Carlisle and Rhett, he felt like the scrawny kid everyone left on the playground hanging upside down on the monkey bars. “Something else eating at you?” Carlisle asked. “No,” Royce replied, realizing what it was that irked him in the first place. He’d driven over eighty miles per hour coming back from Anderson, dying to see Lynlee for himself, just to assure himself she was safe and left unharmed. Then, he rushed inside as soon as they arrived, only to have Rhett dart around him and win Lynlee’s affections first. Houston said, “I am sorry to hear about Tara.” “I know you are,” Carlisle said. “None of us would want something like this to happen to her. I just hope whoever has her will let us know what they want so we can try to negotiate her return.” “You’re moving a little fast there, Carlisle,” Dallas pointed out. “With that woman’s reputation, she could be anywhere.” Carlisle narrowed his gaze. “She loves her job. She wouldn’t risk losing her career for a night out with some guy she doesn’t want to kiss good-bye at breakfast. That’s not Tara. She’s more man than woman.” “He’s got that right,” Austin agreed. “She fucks a guy crazy, glances at her bedside clock, acts like she’s distressed, and tells him her husband will be home any minute.” Houston laughed. “That’s a fact. I witnessed Austin tripping into his pants one night because of that little stunt.” Austin slowly turned to face him. “That reminds me. I know that’s been a good bit ago but how come you didn’t race me to the door that night?” The room fell silent, and all eyes were on Houston. Grinning, Houston said, “Let’s just say I’d visited there once or twice. I was used to the routine.” Austin rubbed his jaw. “So the night you introduced me to Tara, you already knew she wasn’t opposed to double stuffing?”

26

Natalie Acres

Royce laughed. “Hell, he knew she liked a chain reaction!” “Really?” Austin asked, dumbfounded. “I never would’ve guessed that.” “Right,” Houston said, shaking his head. “Of course that never occurred to you.” “Come on guys, give the gal a break. For all we know Tara is in some real trouble, and you’re sitting here talking about her sexual preferences,” Carlisle said. “I’m worried about Lynlee,” Royce said. “If Tara is missing and this is somehow related, we have no idea who we’re up against here.” “You’re right,” Lantry agreed. A second later he added, “All right then, so here’s what we’re going to do. Lynlee must be with one of us at all times. She’s not allowed to leave this house without an escort, if at all.” “That’ll go well,” Royce said, realizing part of the reason Lynlee had begun to smile again was because she’d regained her freedom. After the threat ended with the death of Lee Marks, and his loyal followers were halted in their pursuits, too, Lynlee’s life had returned to some level of normalcy. Now, here they were, preparing to strip away the very things that made her happy—lunching with friends, riding through the meadows, taking Heidi for long walks, and reading by the river. “We’ll assure her this is for the best. She’ll understand. Believe me.” “Believe me, he says,” Royce whispered. “Is something else eatin’ at you?” Lantry asked, stamping his foot. It was a nervous habit he acquired as a kid but the tic still irked the hell out of Royce. The gesture made his thirty-four-year-old brother look as if he were throwing a girlish tantrum. “Look,” Royce began, “no one is happy about this situation. We’ve all been here with Lynlee before. I don’t like that she’s in danger. And I damn sure don’t like it when she feels threatened. We’ve worked hard to make sure she feels safe. Now we’re facing an

Bridled and Bucked

27

enemy and we don’t know who or what we’re up against. It’s unsettling.” “Then I guess we’ll have to do our best to make sure Lynlee stays preoccupied.” A second later, Lantry added, “I have every confidence the sexy vixen will find ways to keep us entertained right here at the farm.” “I wouldn’t be so sure about that if I were you,” Lynlee said, joining them. “In fact, if I were you, I wouldn’t count my bullets before I fired them.”

28

Natalie Acres

Chapter Three Lantry’s cocksure attitude wilted when he saw the saucy siren standing in the doorway. She struck a pose guaranteed to turn heads and moisten lips. With her hand placed in the small of her waist, she asked him, “Are you talking behind my back again, Lantry?” He winked. “You caught me again.” “Did I hear someone mention Tara’s name?” she asked, searching the faces of each man present. Houston felt some measure of guilt, and he wasn’t sure why. He cared about Tara about as much as he carried concern for his fellow man, but beyond that, there was nothing there. Still, he hoped Lynlee didn’t think he carried a torch for an old flame. He wasn’t the kind of man who got off on catfights or enjoyed one woman making another feel inferior. Sure, he’d spent a lot of time with Carlisle’s employee and, against Carlisle’s warning, taken her to bed more times than he could count on one hand. Still, he’d never betrayed anyone, least of all Lynlee. Besides, he had his sights set on the white-haired blonde with light blue eyes. He’d never held Lynlee in his arms for longer than a few seconds, but he was planning to change that. Starting tonight. “Well?” Lynlee pressed. “Which one of you is banging the help again?” “Lynlee,” Carlisle warned. “Tara likes you and we’ve discussed this before. There’s no reason for you to feel threatened.” “No reason, huh?” she asked, her gaze shifting from Austin to Houston, and finally to Royce.

Bridled and Bucked

29

“You know I haven’t touched another woman since we started sleeping together,” Royce assured her. “I believe that,” she said, eyeing Houston and Austin. “But there’s a reason I’m not sleeping with them and I blame one feisty redhead who happens to be on your payroll, Carlisle!” “Why on God’s earth would you blame Tara for our slow approach?” Austin asked, his gaze flicking over her. “Because,” she said. “Because… you know why.” “I’d like to hear this,” Dallas said, crossing his arms. Carlisle set his jaw. “I’m not firing her.” “You couldn’t if you wanted to right now,” Lantry reminded him. “She’s missing.” A beat later he added, “And there’s no reason for you to be jealous of another woman in the first place. Besides, it’s unattractive.” Houston disagreed. Lynlee had never appealed to him more. “What do you mean, she’s missing?” Lynlee asked, her voice raising an octave. Blaine entered the room, took a seat on the armrest of the sofa and watched Lynlee. The couple shared a knowing glance, one Houston envied. They seemed to understand what the other one was thinking, and Houston wondered if he and Lynlee would ever share a similar connection. Carlisle ran his fingers through that mess of short, black hair. “Tara didn’t show up for work today. She didn’t return home last night either. Her mother called the firm and spoke to one of my partners. Evidently, she’d been receiving threats, daily phone calls, and text messages from private or blocked numbers.” “Maybe she spent the night with someone,” Lynlee suggested. “I mean if I were out whoring around, I wouldn’t tell my family where they could find me.” “Lynlee, that’s enough,” Austin warned. “Tara could be in a lot of danger. You would be in the same boat if we hadn’t—”

30

Natalie Acres

“We, nothing,” she interrupted. “Heidi is the reason I’m standing here today.” “Like hell,” Austin said, stalking her. “Heidi may have led us to the filly but it wasn’t Heidi who threw your sweet ass over a shoulder and carried you off into the sunset.” “Austin,” Houston warned. “Let this go.” “No way,” Austin said, moistening his lips. “I’ve put up with all the sass I’m gonna from this one. Maybe it’s time we showed little Miss Lynlee what she’s been missing. I’m willing to bet afterwards, she won’t be jealous of anyone.” “I’m not,” Lynlee said, backing away. “You are,” Austin said, stepping forward. Blaine started to get up. Dallas propelled his arm back, stopping him from interfering. “This is between them.” “She’s still my wife.” “A wife you agreed to share,” Dallas reminded him, swinging his gaze at a very uncomfortable Lantry. Lynlee gaped at Lantry as well. He should’ve been coming to her defense. Instead, he looked like he was waiting for the next play, anxious to see who might win the game. Houston knew better. There was a reason, a very good one all things considered, that the triplets had been the last to join Lynlee in the bedroom. They weren’t easy on a woman’s body and they had certain expectations, a lifestyle they wanted implemented, when they took a woman to bed. They realized some of what they enjoyed in the past would be strictly forbidden in Lynlee’s bed. They’d discussed, at various times, the lifestyle and what they were willing to give up for Lynlee. Still, they had certain desires they wouldn’t forfeit for Lynlee or anyone else. “You lured the devil out of hell,” Austin said, stalking her. “I’m not scared.” “You should be,” Dallas told her.

Bridled and Bucked

31

Houston wondered why Dallas wasn’t leaping to his feet. He’d had a hard-on for Lynlee for a long time and he’d yet to act on pursuing her. Instead, he looked relaxed where he sat, like he wasn’t in any rush to take Lynlee upstairs and have his way with her. “What do you say we let them keep an eye on dinner?” Austin asked, a guttural edge in his voice. Carlisle arched a brow. “Lynlee, don’t let him persuade you into doing something you’re not ready to do.” Lynlee copped a smile. “I was born ready. Besides, in case you failed to notice, I have a weakness for McCain men.” “Uh-huh,” Dallas grumbled. “If that were true, you would have been all over me first.” She swung her gaze at Dallas. “Some men are better in bed after they’ve stood in line and waited their turn.” “Is that an invitation?” Dallas asked. “Because if it is, I’ll show you why I was worth the wait.” Lynlee pulled away from Austin and sashayed across the room, heading for the foyer and front steps. “I guess you’ll have to follow me if you want to find out what you’ve been missing.” Dallas grinned. Austin shrugged. And Houston stood, hoping Lynlee was ready for a triple treat. “I need someone to cover me in the kitchen.” Lantry stomped across the foyer. “It ain’t gonna be me, sugar.” Austin sneered. “We got this, Lantry.” “Over my dead body,” Lantry said. “I’m not Blaine. Lynlee belongs to me as much as she belongs to him. You aren’t going anywhere with Lynlee unless I’m with you. Period.” “Why is that, Lantry?” Dallas asked, sticking out his chest as if he thought he could intimidate the family badass. Carlisle trailed behind them, too. “You have to ask? There’s only one way Lantry is assured of Lynlee’s safety.” Austin smirked. “Let me guess. You’ve gotta be fucking her before you’re convinced she’s not in any immediate danger?”

32

Natalie Acres

“I can’t believe you just said that,” Lantry remarked, covering his chest with his palm. A beat later, his smile widened and he added, “But yeah. That’s about the gist of it.” “You’re a sick man,” Austin said. “Lovesick, maybe,” he informed them, looking up at Lynlee, now standing at the banister overlooking the circular staircase. “And you, sugar, are spanked.” “I hope so,” she said, inviting trouble. “See there!” Lantry exclaimed. “A woman in love wouldn’t dream of going to bed without the man she loves.” Houston turned around and gawked at Blaine, watching to see if he detected a hint of jealousy or an expression marked with regret. Instead of finding the youngest McCain with a set jaw and sorrowful eyes, he noticed something else. He looked proud, happy, and downright eager for them to bed his wife. And Houston wasn’t one to let a brother down. **** Lynlee was nervous as she changed clothes and prepared to join them. She had every reason to be a little apprehensive. After all, the trips—as everyone often referred to Dallas, Houston, and Austin— hadn’t been in her bed due to opposition from the others. Rhett, Blaine, Carlisle, Royce, and Lantry feared what would become of her if Dallas, Austin, and Houston insisted on bringing their lifestyle into their home, her bed. Lantry and Carlisle had been against her forming a relationship with the trips from the beginning. Only in recent days had they come to accept the fact that Lynlee belonged to all McCains and not just a select few. Active in the BDSM lifestyle, Dallas once lived with a slave, a woman who wasn’t at all interested in being submissive, but rather more in tune with a dominant partner who made all choices for her.

Bridled and Bucked

33

Austin and Houston chose to share a submissive woman a few years back and as far as she knew, that was the only relationship either of them had for any length of time. She shuddered as she slipped her arms through a simple silk robe, open down the front. She tied the sash around her waist, affixing the material so her breasts were displayed the way she thought her men would appreciate. She brushed her hair, reveling in a mix of sensations unlike anything she’d experienced in recent days. She would be spanked, cuffed, and stuffed with toys, devices, and cocks. She moistened her lips as she considered the last one. Lynlee barely handled the men in her bed now. She must’ve been three cards short of a full deck for considering a relationship with the triplets as well. Her instant recall immediately forced her to revisit the last conversation she had with Casey McCain, the patriarch of the family. In short, he apparently wanted her to love all of his sons or none at all. Since her last conversation with Casey, she’d discovered there was more to his odd request than she initially thought. In some ways, Casey McCain used reverse psychology to get what he wanted. Casey was involved with very dangerous men and women. He funded Lantry’s company, and together they reopened cold cases from coast to coast and fought to bring down some of the most notorious and dangerous criminals. Casey didn’t trust outsiders. He didn’t want a pack of strangers— daughters-in-law—infiltrating his family. He’d known Lynlee since she was a little girl and always had her in mind for one of his sons. When he discovered she was in bed with Rhett and Carlisle, too, he first bought them out of her life, paying them to leave her by purchasing a farm in North Carolina and signing over the deed. His scheme backfired. She soon formed an unbreakable bond with Lantry and Royce. After Casey discovered Lynlee had feelings for several of his boys, he

34

Natalie Acres

devised a plan that apparently worked to her benefit more than anyone else’s private or professional agenda. Lynlee would become his sons’ lover and friend. Lynlee would, in many ways, become McCain property—and what Lantry once described as an irreplaceable asset—the woman who would be pampered, adored, cherished, and loved.

Bridled and Bucked

35

Chapter Four “Stop right there,” Dallas ordered as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom. “Good God, she’s a beauty,” Austin rasped, moving toward her. Lynlee’s pulse raced as she stared at the men in her room, a spacious area designed to host events such as this. Only Lynlee noticed a few changes. For starters, there were toys she’d never seen before scattered across the bed. A lot of lubes, creams, and unopened containers were strewn across the mattress. Her nipples throbbed as her gaze traveled over the eight men seated around the open space. They’d planned this first moment together. There wasn’t a question in her mind as she paid close attention to attire—all eight men wore white towels around their waists. Lantry and Blaine sat on the bed. They supported their poses with their hands behind their backs, their palms flat against the mattress and legs casually splayed. What she’d give for a good look under those towels. “Hot damn, you look sexy as hell,” Carlisle said, rising to his feet. “Sit down, little brother,” Austin bit out, waving his finger toward the window seat he’d just vacated. Carlisle was the next to the youngest, but given the fact he held power and position in his career, he typically didn’t take kindly to one of the older McCains telling him what to do. Still, he took a seat, grumbling something under his breath. “Are you okay?” Lantry asked, arching a brow. “I’m perfect.”

36

Natalie Acres

“You won’t hear an argument about that from me,” Dallas rasped, inching closer to where she stood. Austin and Houston moved toward her as well. Taking her hands in theirs, they led her to the cushioned bench in front of the antique dressing table. “Sit down, Lynlee,” Austin directed her. “Here?” she asked, patting the plush cushion. “No,” he retorted, his brown eyes turning a shade darker. “Sit on the table. Open your robe.” Taking a deep breath, she allowed them to help her to the elevated flat surface. Once she was seated, Houston stood in front of her, spreading her legs so he could stand between her parted knees. His breath caught as he started to loosen the sash. His knuckles skimmed across the interior lining as he opened the front. Pushing the material over her shoulders, he stepped back and looked down at her breasts. “There,” he said, satisfied. “That’s much better.” Exposed, the cool, air-conditioned room made her shiver as her bare flesh became visible for all to see. Her nipples hardened as if his fingers had raked over them. Rubbing his lips together, he touched her, pinching her nipples, rolling them between forefingers and thumbs. She moaned as the exquisite sensations washed over her. Between her legs, desire pooled at her pussy lips as her cunt clenched, the need building faster, rapidly sensitizing every nerve ending as she awaited the next touch, another caress. “I’ve never seen a woman respond any quicker,” Houston whispered, staring down at his handiwork. If he wanted a more intense reaction, he should’ve dipped his fingers between her folds. She was damp, hot, and quite anxious to show them how willing she was to please them. She cupped her breasts, hoping Houston would lower those delectable lips to her chest. Instead, his upper lip curled. “Are you looking for punishment?” “She likes spankings,” Royce informed him, standing nearby.

Bridled and Bucked

37

“Is that what you want, Lynlee?” Houston asked, the blue in his eyes overshadowing the green. Lynlee’s mouth went dry. Quite intimidating in his own right, Houston’s solemn expression often set her back. She never knew what he was thinking. Back in the early days when the McCains frequented the Carolina equestrian circuit, they were referred to as a pack of pretty boys. Houston, however, was dubbed the ultimate prize. Grown women wanted to fuck him. Their husbands wanted to slug him. And the teenage girls followed him around begging him to take their virginity, whether they still had it or not. Lynlee smiled at that, remembering the way he used to handle the attention. “Something funny?” Houston asked, moistening his full mouth once again. With a heart shape to his upper lip, Houston looked like he wore a permanent grin, but Lynlee had witnessed his darker days, the past Houston desperately tried to hide. With fiery tempers, he and Casey, his father, rarely saw eye to eye. When they fought, Houston’s rage was unmanageable and understandably so. From the time he was a little tike, his father had made fun of him, often referring to him as a momma’s boy. “I think you’re cute,” she said. “That’s all.” “Cute, huh?” he asked, his jaw twitching. He cupped her pussy and she jerked as his hand slid under her. “By the time we’re through with you, Lynlee, ‘cute’ won’t be the first word that comes to mind.” Aware of the heat he stirred inside her, she scooted her hips forward, trying to coax him, eager for a finger, or something much, much sweeter. Instead, he patted her bare pussy and walked away, joining Lantry and Blaine on the bed. Left to sit there alone, Lynlee became uncomfortable when no one approached her. No one told her what to do or what to expect. Not one to sit around and wait, Lynlee spread her legs and dipped her fingers lower, testing the waters before she plunged straight ahead and played alone.

38

Natalie Acres

Swirling three digits around her opening, Lynlee watched a spark of interest shine in their eyes. She pushed her middle finger between her folds and jerked. “Mmm,” she hummed, adding another one. “I’m so wet.” She teased them as she spread her legs wider, more interested in taunting them than actually pleasuring herself. Then again, she was lust-ridden, ready for anything, even if it meant fucking herself for her small audience. “That’s not a very good idea,” Austin warned her, rolling his tongue over his bottom lip. “If you want to finger yourself, Lynlee, you’ll ask for permission.” “I’ll ask for what?” she screeched, snapping her legs closed. Lantry snickered. “Don’t any of you say I didn’t warn you.” “Blaine?” He stood. “Yes, doll?” Oh she planned to make him pay for this later. He was taunting her. There was a hint of mockery in his tone. His expression was full of mischief. This was the Blaine that always appealed to her and also the man who was quite capable of driving her wild. “We talked about this. I’m not calling anyone Master.” Rhett sniffed, fighting off a smile. “Blaine, did you tell Lynlee she’d have to call you Master?” “Hell no,” he retorted, glancing at Dallas. “She thought Dallas might require it.” “If I do, then that’s something I’ll discuss with my sub.” She released a sigh of relief. She wasn’t anxious to be called anyone’s sub either, but she’d heard the stories about Dallas and his preferences. He’d been a true dominant, a force to be reckoned with when he was in the lifestyle, and he called his woman, girlfriend, or whatever she had been—a slave. Detecting a hint of mockery in his voice, Dallas must’ve realized that crap wouldn’t work with her. Clearing her throat, Lynlee said,

Bridled and Bucked

39

“Let’s get one thing straight. I don’t mind to role-play a bit but I don’t want anyone to call me their slave or sub.” Dallas looked at Austin. “Did you hear something?” “Nope,” Austin replied. “Not a word.” Lynlee slid away from the counter. “Okay, look, I will not play this game if I’m ignored.” Dallas grabbed her by the wrist and tugged her forward. She landed against his rock-hard chest and looked up to find dark, hooded eyes. “Tell you what. We’ll work out the details of our relationship as we go along. How about we take this day by day?” Hot vibrations shot through her channel. The rasp in his voice lured her lust. “I can deal with that.” “Good,” Dallas said, a tight grin claiming his lips. “On your knees, sub. If you don’t want to be called a submissive or a slave tonight, then you’ll earn that right.” He dropped his towel and she found herself eye-level to his thick cock. She should’ve been scared. Instead, she discovered, she was famished. And she knew precisely where—and how—she’d get her first fill. **** Dallas motioned for Austin and Houston. They surrounded Lynlee the moment she dropped to her knees. He was the only one without his towel, but the others wouldn’t tarry long. Austin clutched a tube of lube in his right hand. Houston tossed a purple and pink container to the floor along with a paddle. Lynlee’s eyes widened when she saw the long, wooden object. “Lantry? Are you really going to sit there and act like this is okay?” “Lynlee,” Dallas began in a slow, even tone, “if there’s something you don’t want or something you feel uncomfortable about, you can tell me.” “I don’t have a safe word.”

40

Natalie Acres

“You don’t need one here,” Dallas said, wishing she did. “We’ve all discussed this. We’re role-playing, nothing else. Everything we do will be for your ultimate pleasure.” “Then why do you want me to give you head before you decide whether or not I should be called a sub or slave?” Dallas grinned. She was such a precious little thing. Unlike the women he’d taken to bed before, Lynlee possessed a true innocent quality, something a woman couldn’t fake, particularly when she found herself in bed with multiple partners. “Like I said, everything we do is for your pleasure.” A beat or two later, he added, “Fact is, Lynlee, you like the idea of being called a sub or a slave.” “No I don’t.” His cock twitched as she eyed his length. He’d already heard what she could do with that mouth of hers. His balls burned as he anticipated the blow job she’d give him. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been hard enough to come before the first suck, blow, or swallow. But he was pretty darn close right then. Austin chuckled. “I think she enjoys the titles, too.” “Definitely,” Dallas said, hoping more than anything else. “Her nipples get as hard as little diamonds whenever I mention a lifestyle word or phrase. The mere suggestion of a safe word and she squeezed her legs together. What’s wrong, Lynlee, are you wet?” “Yes.” “Hot?” “Yes.” “Can’t wait to be fucked?” “Yes!” she screamed out. His tongue held in the corner of his mouth as he watched Lynlee inch a little closer to his cock. “Go ahead, darlin’. Take me in your mouth and make me believe you don’t want to submit to me.” Her mouth encircled his cock and he moaned as soon as she took him to her throat. “That’s it. That’s exactly what I thought. See, I

Bridled and Bucked

41

know what you want, little lady. And I’m fully prepared to give it to you, inch by inch.” **** Lynlee wouldn’t have described the start of this exploit as romantic. Even though candles were lit around her room, and rose petals were on the bed, something was missing. Perhaps it was unrealistic to think everything would be perfect for their first universal joining. Then again, as she searched the faces of the men staring back at her she had to wonder—what more could a woman ask for? She wrapped her hand around Dallas’s shaft, pumping him up and down. Her mouth dropped to the crest, and she suckled the top, taking the first salty lick of his excitement. Flattening her tongue against the slit, she took her time seducing him, dragging her tongue across his opening until she forced him to use her shoulders for balance. “That’s it,” he crooned. “Good God, woman, where’d you learn to use your tongue?” Lynlee opened her mouth wider, taking him to her throat and closing tightly around him. She sucked his dick as deliberately as she’d teased him to start, looping her tongue around his shape, mumbling her appreciation as she worked for a stout taste of his release. Behind her, Austin and Houston shifted. Dallas knelt in front of her and she took a crawler’s position. Her knees mashed to the rug and her palms flattened against the floor. Dallas guided her, helping her keep a good angle as she sucked him. Austin showed her the paddle. Before she protested or even had a chance to ask questions, he gave her a true erotic whipping, spanking her until tears streamed down her cheeks. The burn was exquisite, a degree hotter than a palm-to-ass strike. This type of foreplay would undoubtedly lead to the best of times.

42

Natalie Acres

Again, Austin struck. The sudden pop left her with a jolt of satisfaction as desire zipped through her body. Her bottom was an inferno, her pussy an oven. She knew desire on a personal level and the intimacy she needed turned into an outright craving. “It’s all right, sweetheart,” Dallas reassured her, cupping her cheek. “That’s it, baby girl. Keep your mouth on me. Hmmm…those vibrations feel so good, Lynlee.” She could only imagine. Austin swatted her again and she stifled a cry, but a throaty growl spilled from her lips as she kissed Dallas’s dick, licking his length. This time, Dallas’s legs jerked. His hips gave way and he changed positions. Again, the wood met her flesh. Lynlee threw her head back but Dallas caught her by the nape, forcing her over his cock once more, guiding her as she consumed his length. “Don’t stop now, sugar. I’m almost there.” He was almost there and she was ready to finger her wet cunt until she came, too, recognizing no one would penetrate her until they’d satisfied their need for a show. The spankings continued. Her ass burned. Her pussy sizzled. She longed for something to soothe the chapped skin, but more than salve or cream, she also desired something far more fulfilling. Lynlee needed someone to love her. She needed all of them to caress and stroke her. Oh sweet hell, she couldn’t wait for them to fuck her.

Bridled and Bucked

43

Chapter Five Austin watched the way Lynlee sucked Dallas’s cock. His prick strained against the soft cotton towel as he spread Lynlee’s hips, exposing her ass completely for their viewing. Houston lubricated a small butt plug attached to an adjustable ring and slid it over his middle finger. Kneeling behind her, he toyed with her opening, rubbing the small end around her hole as he gripped her hip. Lynlee didn’t jerk when he slid the tip inside. Austin cleared his throat. “What do ya know? Looks like Lynlee is used to something a little larger.” “Ya think?” Royce asked, coming closer for a better view. He held a bottle of salve, a soothing cream he immediately rubbed on her cheeks. “Thank you,” she said, trembling as Royce pampered her. “Don’t I take care of you?” Royce asked. She batted her eyelashes, returning to the task of drawing Dallas’s cock between her lips. She went at him like she was born to please, destined to serve a man from bended knees. “Suck harder,” Dallas instructed her. “Swallow me, sweet Lynlee.” Good God, Austin was hard just watching her. He shoved his hand under the parted towel, tugging his length as he observed. Lynlee’s mouth opened wider, and she took a firm grip on Dallas’s dick, drawing him in and out of her hot little trap. She whipped her tongue around his size, luring him to the back of her

44

Natalie Acres

throat as she lapped the end before pulling him between her cheeks once again. Houston pinched her bottom. Rubbernecking a bit, he eyed the opening where the toy disappeared. His finger clearly twitched as he wiggled the pleasure piece higher, pushed the device deeper. At the same time, Dallas’s stance changed. He grabbed hold of her ears and fucked the little vixen’s mouth, hard at work for the release he was overdue, the one he probably well deserved after taking a vow of celibacy, an oath he promised he’d never break until Lynlee welcomed him into her bed. Houston took a ragged breath. He withdrew the finger plug and studied something larger. Austin nodded. “You read my mind.” Handing over a gadget Lynlee would definitely appreciate, Austin turned to the others, spectators by choice, at least for the moment. He waved the vibrator in the air, noticing when Lynlee turned her cheek, nuzzling Dallas’s cock as Austin showed off what she could expect next. Dallas grabbed her by the hair, averting her attention away from the vibrating shaft she’d soon enjoy. “You’re not done here, baby girl.” The slurping sounds began again. This time, there was no doubt in Austin’s mind. Lynlee planned to finish him. She wanted Dallas sated, and she most definitely knew what to do in order to see him all the way through to the end. Rolling her hips toward them, she shifted quickly, positioning her ass higher than before. Houston smacked her rosy cheeks. Dallas’s pace quickened. He held onto her shoulders and fucked her moist lips, that pretty mouth so well trained and eager to please. Houston flashed Lantry a devilish grin as Austin relinquished the sleek, pink anal vibrator. The well-lubricated toy was only about four inches long and an inch or so in diameter, but the device would do the trick.

Bridled and Bucked

45

Houston probed her hole with the tip, slipping the end just inside the tight outer ring. She grunted as he pushed the power button, but her body accepted the impalement. “Oh my God!” she exclaimed, losing Dallas when she cried out. Taking her time now, she slipped her tongue over his slit, putting on a show guaranteed to make Austin and the rest of them green with envy. Dallas patted her head, deserted her quickly, and moved to her rear where Houston stepped out of his way. Seizing the opportunity to take his brother’s place, Houston lost his towel and pressed his cock to Lynlee’s mouth, dragging his tip straight across the swell of her bottom lip. “I’ve been waiting for this since we started living together.” Lynlee curled her tongue around his mushroom head and said, “Naughty things come to those who wait.” “I hope so,” Lantry said from the bed. “I’ve never thought of sex as a spectator’s sport and I’ve got something over here that needs a little attention, too.” A group chuckle followed but Lynlee remained committed to her cause. Her enticing tongue slid down to Houston’s balls. She laved his sac, suckling one engorged marble and then the other, fingering whichever ball she didn’t hold in her mouth. The ass-probing continued as they prepared and stretched her. Finally, Lynlee had enough. She dropped her head back over her shoulders and groveled. “Please! I can’t take this…it’s too…” She couldn’t finish or apparently find the words to describe the exquisite way the toy prepared her. Every nerve ending should’ve exploded as she rode out and endured the added vibrations. The button was pressed again and what started out as a slow caress zipped right into a new speed guaranteed to bring about some kind of reaction. Her hips gyrated. Her body trembled. She threw herself into the act of undulating under the pressure.

46

Natalie Acres

Dallas smacked her bottom. “Wait, vixen. It’s only fair play when everyone finishes together.” She bucked against him and Dallas shoved the toy higher inside her channel, only he didn’t leave anything to chance. He withdrew the quivering bullet, pulling the plug completely away from her ass before inserting the tapered shaft inside her hole once more. Austin watched the small circle pucker as Dallas tucked the vibrator out of sight. “Please,” Lynlee begged. “I’m going crazy here. You have no idea what this is doing to me.” “Tell them,” Blaine coaxed her, losing his towel and standing next to Lynlee and Houston. “Tell them what you need, sugar.” Blaine pampered her as she gave Houston head. In that moment Austin saw for himself the kind of love and admiration Blaine and Lynlee mutually shared. With Houston’s cock in her cheek, she locked gazes with Blaine. She mumbled as she consumed Houston’s dick, speaking a language no one would understand unless they translated the unspoken requests between dedicated lovers, obvious sweethearts, and committed partners to the bittersweet finish, a satisfying end none of them would ever forget. **** Blaine was going crazy, and he wasn’t the only one looking for a little more than an eight-second ride. Lantry started pacing. Royce found a different seat, a new vantage point every few minutes, and the other two—Carlisle and Rhett— removed their towels, stepping up to the plate and waiting their turn like they thought everybody had been invited to the party. Houston backed away from Lynlee about the time Dallas doused her ass with lubricant. She shivered as the substance was poured

Bridled and Bucked

47

down her backside. Dallas spread her cheeks and pressed his groin to her bottom. Lynlee arched, awaiting the penetration. She stared into Blaine’s eyes. “I love you.” “You’re loved,” he assured her. Dallas, instead of impaling her, rubbed his oiled cock over her backside, massaging her back as he moved against her, teasing her. “Come here, sweet Lynlee,” he said, bracketing his arms around her waist. Dallas pressed his chest against her back and drew her to him. He brushed her long, blonde hair away from her nape, planting soft kisses over her flesh as he fondled her breasts, pinching a nipple until soft pleas fell from her lips. “Please, Dallas, more.” “More what?” he asked, nipping at her lobe. “You have to be direct with me, Lynlee. Tell me what you want or else you’ll be treated like a sub, or possibly even a slave. Is that what you want?” “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I want to feel you inside me.” He chuckled. “Here, sweetheart, let me give you what you want.” He reared back, allowing a little distance between their bodies. Then, his hand disappeared under her. “Oh God,” she whispered, her head falling forward, her hair forming a curtain over her face. “Is this what you want?” She shook her head. “No,” she rasped. “I need something better, stiffer.” “Vixen,” Dallas grunted, his arm jerking as he added another finger or two. “Hell and damnation!” she screamed, leaving Blaine to assume three fingers locked inside her. “There, baby girl,” Dallas crooned. “Let’s see if we can stretch that tight space for a few good men, okay, baby?” Lynlee’s fingernails dug into the carpet. She twisted and bucked, rolling her hips back and forth until she was literally coming undone,

48

Natalie Acres

rocking to the left, swaying to the right, pushing up on her palms, and then forming an arc by standing on her tiptoes. Finally, she returned to her knees. “I still need more!” Dallas withdrew completely. He swatted her ass a couple of times, using his bare hand. Lynlee yelped and then released a tortured sigh, her eyes proving she awaited the next erotic surprise. “I think our girl needs a little more lovin’ tonight. What do ya think, Blaine?” Blaine sank to the floor and brought Lynlee’s damp body over his. He swiped the hair out of her eyes and kissed her forehead. “Are you okay?” She shook her head. “I’ll never be the same again if you don’t make love to me.” “Now?” “Now, Blaine,” she whispered, her lips skimming across his. “Sounds like a good idea, doll,” he agreed, gathering her in his arms and standing. He carried her to the bed and placed her between Lantry and Carlisle. Lantry squeezed her arm and Carlisle kissed her, thrusting his tongue through the seam of her parched lips. “I think you’ll be happier if you always have the right to choose, Lynlee,” Dallas said from the other side of the room. They could’ve heard a pin drop as Dallas cleared his throat and struggled with whatever it was he intended to say. “Tonight, this is about you. If I’m ever gonna learn to live with a woman who belongs to more than one man, I have to see what pleases you. Show me how to love you, Lynlee. Show me what you like, what you truly enjoy.”

Bridled and Bucked

49

Chapter Six Rhett couldn’t believe the sudden transformation. It was as if Dallas entered the bedroom one way, with great plans and expectations, and then changed right before their very eyes. If he hadn’t heard Dallas with his own ears, he just wouldn’t have believed it. Dallas McCain wasn’t a big teddy bear of a man. He certainly wasn’t the romantic type. At least Rhett didn’t think so. He couldn’t say from personal experience. Thank God. Rhett moved to the bed. He couldn’t remember a time when Lynlee looked prettier. Her hair fanned around her like a halo, the soft shine glistening in the candlelight. He always felt this way when he was with Lynlee. He felt like the devil, like a true sinner, approaching an angel with one goal—to see how quickly he could corrupt her for his pleasure. Lowering himself to the bed, Rhett was so focused on Lynlee, on being one of the first to love her tonight that the shots fired in the distance barely registered. “What the hell was that?” Austin yelled, going to the window. “Sounded like a car backfired,” Dallas said, cradling Lynlee’s head in his lap. Another round of repetitively fired shots resounded. This time, there was no mistaking what they heard. Lantry jumped up, ran for the closet, grabbed a pair of pants—that were obviously too big for him—and retrieved a gun hidden under the nightstand.

50

Natalie Acres

“Fuck!” Lantry screamed, glancing out the window and then looking over his shoulder. “We’ve got company. Some crazy-ass lunatic is down there firing at the house!” Everyone scattered. Blaine grabbed Lynlee. He hurried into the bathroom with her small form tucked under his arm. Seconds later, he slammed the door. Lantry pointed toward the closet. “Austin, grab some clothes for Blaine and Lynlee.” A beat later he said, “Hurry up! The rest of you get dressed. Look under the nightstands in all the bedrooms and collect a few weapons. Let’s see what this fella wants and make sure he understands whatever it is, he won’t find it here!” **** A shot was fired into the bedroom, and the bullet whizzed by Lantry’s ear as shards of glass crashed to the floor. Pissed, Lantry used the butt of his pistol and knocked out the rest of the glass panes. “Hey! You down there! How’s it going, friend?” He ducked to the side as a spray of bullets filled the area. With his back to the wall and his head pressed against the windowsill, he motioned for the others as they ran by the door. “Pick a room. Start shooting. This guy has a death wish.” Lantry rose to his feet, shot off a few rounds from his automatic and fell to the floor again. “Blaine! Whatever you do, don’t come out here. You and Lynlee take cover in the garden tub!” “We’re there!” Blaine called out. At least one McCain thought with the right head in times like these. He balked at that. No, that wasn’t true. Given their current predicament and how they left themselves wide open to an attack like this, none of them had a lick of sense. “McCain!” someone bellowed. “I ain’t leavin’ here without Blaine McCain’s wife. You hear me?”

Bridled and Bucked

51

“I hear a lot of babbling from a lunatic. That’s what I hear!” Lantry cried out, standing up to take advantage of his elevated position. About the time fire was returned, a holster was tossed his way. Rhett darted by the room, sprinting down the hallway. “Thank me later!” “You bet,” Lantry said, hoping they could pat one another on the back sooner than later. Lantry dug in his front pocket for a cell phone only to realize they’d been so eager to fuck their willing little vixen that he didn’t have his phone on him. He looked down at the denim jeans he wore only to realize they weren’t his. Shit! Now what was he supposed to do? “Blaine?” “Yeah?” “You got a phone in there by chance?” “Sure,” Blaine drawled. “I stored my pocket model up my ass before I joined the party in progress.” A beat later he said, “Hell no! We’re sitting ducks in here!” Shit. “Lantry, you okay?” Carlisle asked, poking his head inside the large room. “Yep. You?” “Sure enough.” “Get the trips and head downstairs. Somebody has to cover the entrances. We left this damn place unlocked.” “Fuck!” Carlisle yelled. “Yeah, buddy. That’s what got us in this predicament in the first place.” Carlisle peered around the bedroom door. “Do you think, for once, you could hold off on the joking around? We have a slight problem on our hands in case you haven’t noticed.” A bullet flew by Carlisle’s shoulder and he ducked out of sight.

52

Natalie Acres

“Are you hit?” Lantry called out. “Hell no,” Carlisle responded. “But I am pissed. See you downstairs in a minute.” “I hope so,” Lantry grumbled, gripping his piece and preparing to look outside again so he could fire upon the enemy. “McCain? Lantry McCain, is that you in there?” “Yes, sir.” Lantry gripped his gun, ready to take a shot if he had one. “Do I know you? Did I piss you off somewhere down the road? Did I fuck your wife? Your momma or maybe an older sister?” “Very comical, McCain!” the voice shouted back. “I told you why I’m here. Send your brother’s wife out here and me and my buddy will call it a day.” “You might as well kick up your feet and stay awhile then, asshole. We’ve got all night to sort this out and I can promise you— Lynlee McCain will not be coming out there to negotiate the terms.” “You may change your mind, McCain!” “I ain’t the wishy-washy type, man. I wouldn’t count on that happening. The best thing you can do at this point is grab your friend and get out of here. And you’d better do that before you piss me off!” They exchanged fire. Bullets pelted the bedroom wall. Lantry stared at the holes. He took a deep breath, shot off another round, and slumped against the wall again. Damn it to hell! He was mad! He was damn furious, sure enough. He was returning fire with a complete idiot with rotten timing who chose to sneak through their gates and fire into a house full of men who apparently couldn’t hit the broad side of a blasted barn if they tried! “McCain! I’m only gonna tell ya one more time. Send the girl out! Now!” “Or you’ll what?” “I’ll send this man here straight to hell where he belongs!” Lantry’s heart stopped. He gripped his gun and eased away from the wall. His gut told him not to look. His head also reminded him why.

Bridled and Bucked

53

He knew. God help him he realized before he peered around those draperies who he would find standing below him. He pursed his lips and said a prayer. “Are you still with me up there?” the voice cried out. “Hold your fire!” Lantry shouted over his shoulder. Blaine opened the bathroom door. “Do you have everything under control?” “Get back,” Lantry snapped. “What is it?” “Get the fuck back!” he screamed, shaking his forefinger firmly in his youngest brother’s direction. Lantry stood in the window, realizing what he would inevitably find. Good God, after years of fighting worthy opponents, had it all really come down to this? “There you are, McCain!” the assailant taunted, holding a megaphone to his lips. “Now then, about the girl, what’d ya say we make an even trade?” **** Carlisle’s heart was in his throat. “The bastard has a gun to Dad’s head.” “What?” Austin screeched, clutching a pistol at his side. Dallas went pale. “When did Daddy Cattlebucks get here? I didn’t even know we were expecting him today. Hell! I didn’t even know they were back in town.” Carlisle shook his head. “Mom isn’t. Dad flew home to take care of some business. Lantry had been trying to reach him all afternoon because Mom called and said she hadn’t heard from him.” The exchange of gunfire had long since stopped. Carlisle hurried upstairs with Royce, Rhett, and the triplets on his heels. Lantry placed his finger over his lips when he saw them. He pointed toward the door and shook his head.

54

Natalie Acres

Like they would even consider handing Lynlee over to a lunatic. Lantry held up his palm and tried to deter them. Carlisle understood why but he went to the window anyway, standing to the side so he wouldn’t give anyone with a trigger-happy finger a clean shot. Lantry acted as if he expected to watch their father die in front of them. Carlisle wasn’t about to let Lantry stand there without backup, without an extra gun if he needed one. “Dad? You doin’ okay down there?” Lantry called out. “Fine, son. You?” “Doin’ great,” Lantry said, upbeat as always. “Trying to figure out how you got yourself in this mess though. It’s a slight inconvenience.” “You don’t say!” “Well, ya know, we were sort of having a quiet evening at home, trying to enjoy some alone time with the little missus. And then here you are, doing your dead-level best to mess this up for us.” “Sorry about that, son. I was tied up with a physician earlier today discussing a recently solved cold case.” Lantry shot Carlisle a sideways glance. “Did you hear him?” “Of course I heard him.” Lantry grunted. “This guy is a copycat. He’s one of the Beaches and Lakes Serial Killer’s protégés.” “How’d you get that?” Carlisle asked. Lantry shook his head. “I don’t have time to explain.” A beat later, he pointed toward the triplets. “Hurry up. Get downstairs. Go room to room and don’t split up. These guys who wanted to be like Lee Marks don’t travel alone. This creep already told us he had a friend with him. He may have two. Find them.” Lantry returned to the window. “Lynlee is in the shower. She has that blasted radio up so loud, we’re gonna have to give her a minute. Any chance you wanna come in for a bite to eat?” The evil sound of wicked laughter filled the megaphone.

Bridled and Bucked

55

“I didn’t think so,” Lantry muttered, eyeing Rhett. “Get another gun. You and Blaine cover Lynlee and don’t come out until I come in there to get you.” Rhett hurried out of the room, returned faster than he left, and disappeared behind the bathroom door. “What are you thinking, Lantry?” Carlisle asked. “There’s only one way to do this,” Lantry said. “This guy has something to prove. He came here with death on his mind. He realized when he drove through our gates, somebody was going to die tonight. Naturally, since he’s a killer’s protégé, he’d prefer to kill Lynlee, the one victim to escape Lee Marks. “Lynlee is the ultimate prize. She was untouchable after she escaped Lee Marks. She survived the world’s most notorious serial killer so these guys who’ve taken up Lee’s objectives, his killing game, want Lynlee. They took Dad in hopes of making a swap but we have a slight problem there, too.” “Dad was responsible for bringing down Marks?” Carlisle asked. “Exactly,” Lantry said. “And if we don’t get out there and stop this guy, he will kill Dad.” “Then we have to kill him first,” Royce said. “And I’m the only one who can make the shot.”

56

Natalie Acres

Chapter Seven Lantry had some training in negotiating hostage situations, and he sucked at coaxing criminals. He’d almost gotten a few hostages killed because he didn’t talk things through. He didn’t like to wait things out, at least not in his professional life. He was the kind of guy who expected to get his way, and when he saw that wasn’t going to happen, he became a real hothead. At least he knew where his strengths and weaknesses were and where they merged, which, at times could be an asset. Consolidating his strong points with those less desirable attributes might save his father. Royce had become quite the marksman since they’d moved to North Carolina. He’d made nice with a couple of good ole boys who were ex-snipers for the military. He was right about one thing. He was the only one who could make the shot. Lantry might be able to take one, but Lantry wasn’t about to try, for two reasons. First, if he missed, he could shoot his father instead of the asshole who deserved one between the eyes. Secondly, while Royce had a scope on the guy, Lantry intended to walk right up to the sorry son of a bitch, introduce himself properly, and then take him out himself…with his bare hands. After buying them a few minutes, Lantry slipped inside the bathroom. That was his first mistake. Blaine and Rhett were having a fine and dandy time with Lynlee, who was pitching one of her notorious fits.

Bridled and Bucked

57

“You have to let me try and help save your father,” Lynlee pleaded, gripping his arm. “He’s like my father, too, damn you! I can’t just sit here and do nothing.” “Like hell you can’t,” Lantry said, prying her fingers away from his sleeve. Facing Blaine and Rhett, he said, “There is nothing in the relationship handbook that says you are supposed to tell the woman in your bed every blasted thing that goes on behind her back.” “McCains don’t have secrets,” Lynlee told him, straightening her shoulders. “And McCains stick together. How do you think you’ll save your father if you walk out there without me?” “We didn’t have to tell her anything, by the way,” Rhett said. “It’s amazing what a person can hear when someone is in the next room, screaming at the top of their lungs.” Lantry snarled. “Lynlee, this isn’t open for discussion.” “Have it your way,” she said, crossing her arms and settling her hips against the counter. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Lantry asked, lifting a brow. “You’ll see,” she said, smirking. Lantry liked Lynlee’s smile. He loved to hear her laughter. What he didn’t like was her smug smirk. That always meant trouble, and typically when Lynlee and sarcasm collided, things became quite complicated. Trouble wasn’t far behind. Lantry took a deep breath and exhaled, his cheeks filling with hot air. He turned to Blaine and said, “If that guy wasn’t bluffing, someone else is here with him. The others are trying to find his backup. The two of you will stay here with Lynlee until I come back for you. Got it?” “They won’t need to!” Lynlee screamed, already halfway across the master bedroom before Lantry or anyone else realized she’d slipped away. “What the fuck?” Lantry screamed, trailing her. “Lynlee! You get back here! Dallas! Austin! Somebody stop her!” Lantry flew down

58

Natalie Acres

the hallway, jumped over the banister, tumbled down the top portion of steps, and leapt to the floor about the time she shot toward the back of the house. No man alive was a match for Lynlee’s speed, and Lantry knew it. Doubling over, he had to take a moment he didn’t have in order to catch his breath. Carlisle rushed by him. “She’s outside,” Lantry said, breathless, propelling his arm in the direction she’d taken. “Lynlee!” Carlisle shouted. “Damn it to hell! He’s gonna kill you! He’s already killed Tara!” “What?” Blaine asked, following behind Carlisle and Lantry. “How the fuck do you know that?” Carlisle never answered. Lantry didn’t ask again. There wasn’t time. There were other pressing concerns. If Carlisle said Tara was dead, then he knew without a doubt, she was gone. How he came by that information wasn’t important. The only thing that mattered now was saving those who mattered most. **** Lynlee stopped three or four steps shy of reaching the man holding a gun to Casey McCain’s head. “I’m here,” she announced. “You can let him go now.” “Ah, Lynlee,” Casey McCain said, his voice full of regrets. His eyes watered, and she saw the compassion burning in his eyes, as well as the heartache. Apparently, he realized her fate was sealed. That was okay, Lynlee decided on a spared second. She’d lived a good life. She’d been loved well. “Casey,” she whispered, tilting her head, watching as the man behind the gun lit up, his expression one of complete satisfaction. In matters of winning and losing, there was no doubt. This man felt like a champion.

Bridled and Bucked

59

“I’m here, I said,” she whispered, thinking she’d used poor judgment. Wasn’t he supposed to let Casey go if she showed her face? “You can release him now.” The man took a deep breath. He narrowed his gaze and provided a wicked grin, probably the most evil she’d ever seen in her life. He was missing a few teeth, his skin was aged beyond his possible years, and he looked like a heavy drug user or just plain crazy. With glassy eyes, his empty gaze held proof. The man had no conscience, no soul. His eyes were as cold as the winter river, but a pretty blue that reminded Lynlee of a South Pacific sky. She didn’t want to go to her grave with that last comparison. She didn’t want to die at all. “Let him go,” she stated firmly, trying to find her inner strength. “I’ll go with you and you can leave Casey here with his sons.” “Yes, you will go with me for sure. You are so much like the other one, by the way.” Lynlee recalled how she handled maniacs in the past. She kept them talking. “What other one?” she asked, assuming he meant Tara. He snarled. “Don’t act as if you don’t know.” “I don’t,” she assured him. “Do you think these men around here tell me things to scare me?” Her eyes met Casey’s. He lifted his gaze toward the second story of the house, apparently watching for one of his sons. A diabolical laugh fell from the man’s lips. “You’re just like her!” he screamed, acting as if she’d angered him in some way. “You’re nothing more than a glorified whore hiding behind the McCain name and money. That’s what you are! They made Tara work for her money, dressed her up in heels and a suit, but she was a slut all the same. “Tara was McCain property just as you are and she had to be laid to rest. As Lee Marks once said, they all have to be put out of their misery so they can’t taint the lives of those they later encounter.”

60

Natalie Acres

Lynlee swallowed hard. In that moment, she noticed a red dot shining on the man’s forehead. Casey narrowed his eyes. Lynlee moved three paces to the right, allowing whoever was behind her to take their shot. “Do you know how long I’ve waited to meet you?” he asked, loosening his grip around Casey’s neck as he spoke to Lynlee. “No,” she said quietly. “Tell me.” “It’s been a long time, Lynlee. I lived with Lee for a few months, watched as he planned how he would abduct you. I learned from him.” He paused, released a growl that sounded animalistic and would likely haunt her all the days of her life. “And then you escaped him.” “I wanted to live,” Lynlee explained. “You wanted to embarrass him!” he screamed, the rage pulsing in his heavily veined neck. “You wanted him to be the hunted rather than the hunter! You set out to destroy him and now you must be eliminated!” The enraged lunatic raised his arm, aimed, and shots were fired all around them. Lynlee gulped, stood there staring straight ahead as a man she didn’t know lay listlessly in a pool of blood. Casey ran to her, cradled her in his arms and sheltered her. “Hurry up, Lynlee. Get in the car.” Lynlee looked up at Casey. “You’re okay?” “It’ll take more than somebody like that fella to bring this old man down.” A second later, he ran his fingertip across the tip of her nose. “Apparently it’s gonna take a lot to keep you down, too.” “I couldn’t let you die.” “Yes, but it wasn’t your place to make sure I stayed alive. That’s why you have several men around here. They’re supposed to protect you.” He hugged her. “Now come on, let’s get you out of here until the boys secure this place.” He escorted her to the car and opened the door. About that time, Carlisle rushed them. “Looks as if everyone survived here. Are you okay?”

Bridled and Bucked

61

“Yes,” Casey snapped, obviously irritated about something. Lynlee didn’t have to guess what put Casey’s undies in a bundle. “The other guy got away. He stole one of the four-wheelers. Dallas and Austin tracked him to the barn in the lower fields. He’s definitely one of the guys who showed up here earlier today. He went straight for the shed again. He got away.” Casey snarled. “Mind to tell me why that tunnel wasn’t closed off this afternoon?” Carlisle looked at Lynlee. Casey shook his head. “Don’t answer that. And if you do, don’t you dare point your finger at Lynlee. You’re a big boy now, Carlisle. You know what’s important.” “Yes, sir,” he replied, winking at Lynlee. “And I always try my best to prioritize.”

62

Natalie Acres

Chapter Eight Casey McCain sat at the head of the table. It was after two o’clock in the morning, but he didn’t care. When Casey had something on his mind, he cleared it so he could sleep better. Besides, he was pretty put out about right then. The Lynlee situation had gotten out of hand. He wanted these boys to feel his fury, see his rage. After Lantry returned with Jose, their longtime trusted friend and farm manager, Casey had sent him upstairs to guard Lynlee. Until he had a little powwow with his boys and Rhett, who was as much a son to him as his own flesh and blood, Jose could sit by her bedside. He might be there all evening. “All right,” Casey began. “Someone want to tell me what happened here? How in the hell did Lynlee slip past you? Do you have any idea what that idiot planned to do to her?” Lantry, always the one to go up against him without reservations, glared at him. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and said, “I take full responsibility. She got by me. I was talking and didn’t notice her when she slipped out of the bathroom.” Casey narrowed his gaze on his son. “Full responsibility, huh? Who were you talking to?” Blaine cleared his throat. “He was talking to me.” “I was there, too, Casey,” Rhett admitted. “We’re all to blame here. We should’ve kept a better eye on her.” Casey stared at Houston. “Where were you? Standing in front of the mirror primping?” “No, sir,” Houston bit out, never looking him in the eye. “Look at me when I talk to you, son,” Casey ordered.

Bridled and Bucked

63

“In our defense, we never thought about Lynlee running,” Blaine said, making somewhat of an excuse and an obvious attempt to steer him away from badgering Houston, even though he probably deserved it. Houston never had the drive the others had. He should’ve been with Lynlee, too, but if Casey cared to guess, Houston was probably hiding somewhere. “Maybe Blaine didn’t think she’d run, but I knew she had it in her,” Lantry said, overriding whatever further explanation his brother wanted to supply. He smiled, unable to conceal the obvious pride he held for Lynlee. “She’s loyal, Pops. She isn’t one to stand around and let us take care of her. She’s the kind of gal who never says die. You ought to know that about her.” “I do,” he said, unable to mask his proud moment. The threat was lifted, at least for the time being, so he might as well take pleasure in a little family pride. Lynlee was family. Her mother would sure be proud of her. “Dad, what happened to Tara?” Austin asked. Casey bowed his head. He’d known Tara on a personal level. She’d eaten meals in his home, shopped with his wife, and in fact, Victoria once thought she would eventually be one of their daughtersin-law. That was, of course, prior to their discovery. The only daughter-in-law they were destined to have was a girl they’d known and loved since she was a child. “Dad?” Royce pressed. Casey took a deep breath. “Tara picked him up.” “What?” Carlisle asked, arching a brow. “Did you get a good look at that guy?” “Yes,” Casey replied, regrettably. “He had a few disguises. They were pretty good, which if you’ll remember is something the original Beaches and Lake Serial Killer was noted for as well. Anyway, she went out the night she was abducted. I talked to her before...” He cleared his throat and it was an effort to continue. “I talked to Tara

64

Natalie Acres

before he killed her. We were both held in a basement for a few hours.” “And she told you she picked him up?” Carlisle asked, his eyes watering. “Yes, son,” Casey said. “Tara wasn’t the woman you thought she was, Carlisle. She had certain fetishes, admitted them to me in fact. She was frequenting some of the underground clubs around the country. Whenever she wasn’t working, she was flying to New York or driving to Atlanta. She said she met David Fink—which was the guy’s name, by the way—in Atlanta. “Turns out, he’s been planning this attack on our family for months. He planned to kill Carlisle, me, Lynlee, and Tara.” A few seconds later, he added, “Lantry, from what Tara said, he admired you. He planned to let you live, but wanted to see you suffer.” Lantry chuckled. “I’d be honored if I didn’t think there was another crazy fuck out there just like him.” Casey nodded. “That’s why we’re meeting now. The guy you’re looking for is Fink’s accomplice. His name is Paul Gentry. He’ll follow Fink’s plans right down to the letter, just like David Fink followed Lee Marks.” “Is this ever gonna end?” Dallas asked. “Maybe,” Casey replied. “Keep in mind, the less publicity, the better off we are. These guys want the spotlight. They want the media’s attention. We need to set him up and wait for him to come to us. By the way, can someone tell me why that damned tunnel wasn’t closed off after you discovered it was there in the first place?” Houston shrugged. “We had other things to do.” “Like?” Casey asked. “Lynlee,” Lantry said, snickering. Casey started to say something, but thought better of it. He’d been there before himself. He remembered being lovesick at least once in his life, too.

Bridled and Bucked

65

In fact, he’d once adored Lynlee’s mother. She was the light in his life. In some ways, he felt like he had a second chance when his boys took up with Lynlee. He couldn’t love her mother because she belonged to another, but he could cherish her daughter and make sure his sons gave Lynlee the kind of life she deserved. A deep sadness washed over him then. He thought of Lynlee’s mother often. She haunted him. Before she died, she was the kind of woman who could’ve gotten him to do anything. He’d avoided a lot of work himself back in those days. Besides, who would’ve thought Fink and Gentry would’ve returned so soon? Casey stood. “Your mother is alone. I left her at a resort in West Palm Beach. I want to get back to her. She doesn’t need to be by herself. That said, I’m leaving Lynlee in your hands. I want her safe. There are eight of you and one of her. Surely to God, you fellows can keep up with her.” Blaine shrugged. “I never could.” “That’s why you have your brothers around to help you now,” Casey said, shooting Rhett a grin. “And him.” Rhett chuckled. “Casey, we won’t let you down again.” “See that you don’t,” Casey retorted. “I’m afraid if Gentry ever comes back here, he’ll shoot first, boast later. Fink was a blowhard. Thank goodness. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be standing here now. Fortunately for me and Lynlee, he wanted to talk about what he planned to do beforehand. “Gentry is a different breed. He’s quiet. He’s like a damn panther. He’ll sneak up on you before you see him and strike before you have time to draw your weapon. Mark it down. He’s the toughest opponent you’ve ever had. If he gets anywhere near Lynlee, he’ll kill her, and make no mistake, before he does, he’ll take out every one of you. “This guy is after the big score. He’s looking to make a name for himself. Let’s make sure the name he uses to get his ten seconds of fame isn’t McCain.”

66

Natalie Acres

**** Casey was picked up by a helicopter an hour later, and Rhett stared out the window watching as the older McCain hunched under the spinning blades, making his way toward the transportation he’d arranged. Rhett rubbed his temples as the helicopter disappeared a few minutes later, and he wondered then if anyone else was out there watching, lurking close enough to see Casey McCain’s departure. He wondered, too, if Paul Gentry knew his partner had died there. Turning to Lantry, he said, “Did you call the local police?” “Not yet.” “Mind if I ask why?” Rhett asked. “Strategy,” Lantry replied, opening his laptop. There, on the dining room table, Lantry went to work. Houston said, “The idea is to keep this under wraps until Gentry resurfaces.” “So you’re certain he’ll try again soon?” Rhett asked, arching his brow and studying Jose as he descended from the second floor. “And just where do you think you’re going?” Dallas asked, deliberately teasing the older man. “We sleep,” he announced, rubbing his eyes. “Mrs. McCain is resting. We rest, too. Tomorrow is a new day to kill people.” Lantry chuckled. Without looking up, he said, “Jose, maybe later today is a good day to kill people. I’d like to think tomorrow we’ll have all this behind us.” Jose nodded. “Where you put the dead one?” Jose’s English was still a little rusty. Rhett sometimes wondered how Jose had made a life for himself among the McCains. They were a difficult bunch, but they liked their farm manager and thanks to them, Jose and his family—those living in the States and in Mexico— enjoyed the benefits of a nice living. Still, it must’ve been confusing for him when he first gained employment with the McCain family. He’d dodged a lot of bullets in his lifetime and occasionally, he

Bridled and Bucked

67

picked up a gun and defended the family he’d come to think of as his own. Carlisle studied Lantry. “He asked you a question.” Lantry shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, Jose. Have a good night, okay?” “Yes. You, too, Mr. McCain. I see all of you in the morning.” Lantry glanced up once he left. He locked gazes with Austin and then shook his head. Rhett cleared his throat. “Where, by chance, did you put the body?” Royce leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes. “I let Lantry handle that. He and Austin can dispose of the dead easier than I can.” “Oh right,” Lantry said, typing. “You kill ’em, and we hide the evidence.” “Don’t ask me to apologize for taking him out,” Royce said. “That’s what you told me to do.” “I would’ve preferred it if you’d left him alive. Maybe then we’d know how many more of these guys are out there,” Lantry said, his fingers swiftly moving over the keyboard. Royce snarled. “Look, I didn’t get up yesterday morning, peer in the mirror and say to myself, ‘it’s a fine day to kill someone.’ Now I’m sorry I didn’t do things the way you thought I should have but you know what, I’m not the one who runs around here acting like a rebel without a cause. I hate that I couldn’t keep your witness alive, but quite frankly, I’m not sorry he’s dead. “I protected my home and my woman. I did what anyone would’ve done when danger knocks on their door. I took up arms and defended my own. For the record, I didn’t need the great Lantry McCain to tell me to do it. And I damn sure don’t feel guilty.” Lantry pushed away from the table and crossed his arms. “Good. I’m glad to hear it because you may have to pull the trigger again. This is just beginning.” He nodded toward the computer. “Dad was

68

Natalie Acres

wrong. Paul Gentry is a braggart. He’s posted all over the social networking sites that he’ll pay half a million for Lynlee’s head.” “What?” Blaine screeched. “Take a look for yourself.” Lantry pushed the computer toward the end of the table. “Apparently, this Gentry character is the true protégé of Lee Marks. He wants to recruit others just like him so he’s doing precisely what Marks did before he died. He’s recruiting other murderers so in the event of the death he expects, there will be more madmen coming right behind him.” “Shit,” Royce said. “So I’m glad you don’t have any guilt, big brother,” Lantry said. “And I’m damn thankful you’re a good shot.” Royce waggled his brows and pointed upstairs. “I think Jose was right. We need some rest.” “I agree,” Dallas said, slapping Rhett with the back of his hand. “I guess since you’re the one drinking the coffee, you’ll be alert enough to take the first shift guarding the stairs.” “I refueled for another reason,” Rhett admitted, thinking he’d never survive the night if he didn’t have the opportunity to hold Lynlee in his arms. “Put on another pot and keep sipping, friend,” Dallas said. “The first shift is yours.” “Who put you in charge?” Rhett asked. “Lantry is occupied so I just appointed myself event organizer.” “That’s the breaks,” Austin teased, slapping Rhett’s back as he passed him, following Dallas upstairs. “I’d say,” he muttered, directing his attention toward Lantry as the others—Blaine, Carlisle, Houston, and Royce—left the room. “Tell me something, will ya?” “What?” Lantry asked, walking to the windows to double check the locks. “I’m curious. What did you do with Fink’s body?” Lantry grinned. “He’s in Jose’s car. I threw him in the trunk.”

Bridled and Bucked

69

“What?” Rhett screeched. “You put a corpse in another man’s vehicle, a man who doesn’t have a green card, mind you?” “Don’t worry about it,” Lantry remarked casually. “Fink won’t be there long enough to stink.” Rhett closed his eyes and swallowed back the bile rising in his throat. “Thanks for the image.” “Don’t mention it.” “Will you be up for a while?” Rhett asked, realizing he was pressing his luck. “Hell no,” Lantry retorted. “I owe a little vixen a spanking before that bunch gets a hold of her. I wanna burn her ass about like she scorched mine.” Rhett laughed. “It always pissed you off when she beat you.” “Fuck yeah,” Lantry remarked. “I knew when she made it to the bedroom door, there was no way to stop her unless one of you happened to be waiting at the bottom of the steps.” “She’d do it again, Lantry,” Rhett pointed out, pausing to think about the way Lynlee would put herself in the line of fire to save any of them. “We have to expect that, and keep her on lockdown.” “I know,” Lantry agreed. “She won’t like it. Damn it to hell, I don’t even like it, but if we want to keep her safe, we’ll have to find a better way to do that than we have in the past.” “That’s for sure.” Lantry rubbed his jaw. “So what do you have in mind?” Rhett shrugged. “We’ll come up with something. We always do.”

70

Natalie Acres

Chapter Nine Lynlee looked up at a fleet of sexy men. Blaine kissed the inside of her palm. He nuzzled her wrist before dragging his tongue along the veins pulsing faster as the anticipation grew. She sighed, appreciating the way they chose to wake her. “Hey you,” Blaine said. “Are you sleeping all right in this room?” “Yes. I like Lantry’s bed, but I miss mine. If it hadn’t been covered in debris, I’d be there now.” “Don’t get too comfortable here. I’ll have our room cleaned up before you know it.” “I hope so,” she whispered, giving him a light peck. “I’ve missed you, by the way.” “Backatcha,” Blaine told her, cradling her neck. She studied the men surrounding her, admiring the hard bodies prepared to love her. There were no pants to work over hips or shirts to unbutton. There weren’t any soft, white towels to discard, although she had to admit, her men sure looked appealing earlier. Now, they came to her better prepared. Sporting naked, hard bodies, her strong cowboys were ready to love her straight through the morning. Blaine winked, his sparkling green eyes making unspoken promises he’d never speak. His approval shone in his expression. His acceptance and permission existed there. This was the night Lynlee had anticipated. These were the men she completely adored. They’d been interrupted before, but surely there wouldn’t be anything to stop them now, nothing to stand in their way. No one to halt the impending acts destined to forever change them all.

Bridled and Bucked

71

Dallas stepped closer to the bed. She reached for him and he dipped down to steal away with a heated kiss. Cupping the side of her face, Dallas thrust his tongue deeper, taking his time as he explored her mouth. His kiss reassured her. His lips consoled her. “That’s so nice, Lynlee,” Dallas crooned. “You’re such a sweet and sexy lady.” “Sweet, hell,” Lantry objected, kneeling to the bed. “She’s a lot of things, but that’s one adjective that rarely comes to mind.” Lynlee moistened her lips, eyed the engorged head of Lantry’s cock, and clasped her hand around his width, whispering against the crest, “Someone should’ve taught you a few lessons early in life.” “Like what, doll?” “You should never insult the woman responsible for your pleasure,” she informed him, tracing the strained veins along his shaft, dragging her finger over the mushroom shape and topping his cock with added pressure to the slit. He moaned, and his eyes were hooded then, weighted down with immeasurable lust quite comparable to what she felt whenever they were together. Lantry belonged to her as much as Blaine, Rhett, Royce, and Carlisle. And as much as they professed their love, showed her how much they cared, sometimes she wondered if Lantry loved her more. Lantry would die for her. He’d proven again and again that he would exchange his life for hers on a moment’s notice. As she thought about the way Lantry protected her, Lynlee pampered him, licking the small opening at the top of his cock until she tasted his excitement. “Mmm,” she muttered, tucking his head under her tongue. Lantry’s masculine scent drove her. His taste inspired her. The way he looked at her as she sucked him to her throat made her pussy wet, her breasts firm and full.

72

Natalie Acres

“You can do better than that, can’t ya?” he asked, encouraging her to take him as he gripped the bedpost and drove inside her mouth. “I know you can, sugar.” “I’m not in any hurry,” she whispered, licking her way down to his sac. Sucking each fragile ball, she lapped at the soft flesh, inhaling his masculine scent as she pampered him, her tongue caressing the tender skin. “Remember, Lantry, I’m not sweet.” “You’re right,” he said, tucking his hands under her arms and hoisting her away from the mattress. “You’re a little vixen bound and determined to drive me crazy, aren’t ’cha?” Houston stepped behind them, finding opportunity after Lantry pulled her against him. He lifted her hair and placed his lips at her nape, licking the tiny hairs there. “You smell incredible, honey.” Lantry’s lips skimmed past hers. “And she tastes even better.” Lynlee pushed her hands through Lantry’s thick black hair, massaging his scalp as she held him. She melted in those hot chocolate eyes as she had many times before. “You’re not getting by with a peck and a pat.” “I’m not?” “No sir,” she replied, keeping her lips at bay, taunting him with a whisper against his chin before pulling completely away. “I’m beginning to think you don’t like kissing me.” “Why on earth would you think something like that?” he asked, lowering his mouth to hers. The answer he may have wanted should’ve been discovered in the passionate way they kissed one another then. She wanted a kiss like this, a million-dollar moment where he’d steal away with her mind, heart, and soul. Lantry’s kisses were like magic. He thrust his tongue between her lips and framed her face, his knuckles brushing across her cheeks. They lost time, found their moment, and took advantage of the minutes spinning away as his tongue swirled around hers. His mouth took hers hostage.

Bridled and Bucked

73

Lynlee kissed him like he was her only way to heaven, and in some aspects, he may have been. Lantry was a true alpha, the leader of the pack, and if anyone had the power to stop what she’d put in motion, Lantry owned the right. Even Blaine wouldn’t have been able to halt this. Then again, he wasn’t the one with tortured eyes. And right then, no one needed her more than Lantry. “I’ll share you because I have to,” he told her. She tilted her head. “Lantry.” “Shh,” he said. “It’s okay, Lynlee. I love you. They love you. This is who we are. We’re a family. You’re at the center of our family.” “I know.” And she understood well. The passion brewing between herself and the triplets had been postponed for far too long. Still, she’d known this day would come. There had always been a frenzy of commotion, something to stop them from uniting, but the inevitable had always been understood. Carlisle, Blaine, Lantry, Royce, and Rhett had kept the fires burning, nurtured their romance, but something had been missing. Lynlee and the others had known all along there were three pieces of the puzzle left to lock in place. Lantry kissed the tip of her nose and she realized then, that was her green light. He was ready to let her go, prepared to share her with his brothers waiting nearby. Lynlee’s immediate future was set in platinum, ground in stone. As she looked at the men watching her, there wasn’t a hint of apprehension. This day was hers to have and theirs to own. At some point, Houston’s hands moved to her shoulders. He caressed her tired muscles, giving her a gentle massage, taking it easy and doing it right. By the time he turned her to face him, she was more aroused than she’d been in a dozen days. Discovering Houston was like entering the twilight zone, a forbidden territory of untouchable terrain, yet one she was dying to explore. His tortured blue-green eyes met hers and he lowered his mouth to hers, whispering the sweetest sounds against her lips.

74

Natalie Acres

Dazed and confused, Lynlee pressed her mouth to his ear, breathing in his alluring scent. “Don’t rush this,” she whispered. Her request wasn’t meant to offend, or entice him. She only wanted to let him know she wasn’t in any particular hurry, and certainly didn’t expect him to sprint for a finish. The others could wait. In matters of the heart, no one earned more favor than the other, but Houston was special in his own right, too. A beautiful man, Houston was a cowboy without the first visible flaw. He possessed quiet confidence and wore it like a badge. Lynlee understood him. She also realized that as hard as she tried, as much as she cared about him or loved him, Houston McCain would never let her too close. He kept his distance, guarded his heart. But he’d have to protect himself, put up a fight, because Lynlee had every intention of winning out by the end of the night. Houston was a different breed. He and Lantry shared a lot of similarities but their differences troubled her. Houston didn’t trust many people, and perhaps his father was to blame. Their lips came together in a kiss that made time stand still. Cupping her neck, he slid his mouth over hers and fed from her lips, behaving as if he found whatever it was he lacked from the mere act of kissing her. His fingertips caressed the skin around her mouth, her chin, and cheeks as he worked his tongue deeper inside her mouth. Resting the tip of his tongue against hers, he smiled when he paused. “I like kissing you, Lynlee.” Her heart stopped like a clock, and she brushed curls away from his brow. Staring into his eyes, she saw her future with yet another McCain. She longed to confide in him, tell him her secrets, her fantasies, and how he played an important role in all of them. Instead, he closed the distance between them again, kissing her hard, pulling her over him as he swept her off her feet and landed on the bed behind them.

Bridled and Bucked

75

His kiss was sweet, but soon turned ravenous. With working man’s hands he put to task, he propelled down her sides, resting his palms on her hips. He stirred an exquisite heat between her legs and as soon as he towered over her, she recognized a growing addiction. Houston McCain was a new habit she’d never be able to break, a newfound love she’d come to appreciate. **** Carlisle watched their bodies move. Houston spread her legs with his knees but never offered to lower himself atop her. She arched her back, pulled him to her as he teased her, but the space between them prevented a full intimate connection. Her nails scraped down his arms. Her wrists locked around his neck and she kissed him like his lips were made of chocolate, his kiss was a special treat. In the heat of their passion, she turned her cheek. Houston’s mouth traveled down her neck and she moaned, her eyes closing and then reopening again. “Ah this is heaven,” she hummed, her gaze burning bright with a new light, a lover’s fever, rather than the trepidation he feared he might see existing there. Kneeling beside them, Carlisle brushed white locks away from Lynlee’s brow. Admiring the look of satisfaction washing across her face, Carlisle cupped her breast. His thumb raked over the point and she sighed, acting as if his touch was the only added incentive she needed to grovel for more. Her mouth turned up in an easy smile and she said, “If somebody doesn’t do a little more than tease me, I’ll have to take care of myself.” “You’ll be taken care of,” Austin assured her, inching closer, his cock hanging low between his parted thighs.

76

Natalie Acres

Lynlee pumped him. He gripped the bedpost, plunged inside her mouth and moaned as she stroked him with a nice, easy rhythm. Houston was seated at her side now. Royce found his position between her legs. Dropping his head, he swiped at her pussy, taking leisurely licks as he saturated her folds, sipped at those glistening swollen lips, and fingered her forbidden hole. “Somebody, please.” She groveled, breaking the connection she’d established with Austin. “Somebody is trying to please,” Royce told her, returning to the task of devouring her. This time, greedy lovers set about performing various duties. Royce slurped as he ate her pussy. Lynlee moaned as Austin’s cock disappeared down her throat. And the others stood in line awaiting a turn they were all destined to enjoy.

Bridled and Bucked

77

Chapter Ten Positioning changed, and Lynlee was bent over Lantry’s knee. He ran his hand across her bottom, pinched her cheeks, and then swatted her ass with a few hard slaps. “Ouch!” she cried, wiggling her butt. “More.” “Vixen,” he grated out, smacking again. Lantry rarely spanked her, but when he did, he had this way of making her feel like she deserved one. She bucked against him as he struck her again, his hand coming down with rapid beats. Each strike made a popping sound and left her yearning for another swat. “Carlisle?” Carlisle’s black eyes met hers. “Take your punishment, Lynlee.” “Why?” she whimpered. “What did I do this time?” Lantry pinched her hip. “You know why you’re in trouble. You’re lucky Dallas and the others decided they found more satisfaction in the pleasure you wanted to pursue. Otherwise, Dallas, Austin, and Houston would have your nose in a corner about right now.” Lynlee shivered. “I think she might like that,” Austin said. “No,” she told them. “Not unless…” “Not unless what?” Dallas interrupted, apparently too excited to let her finish. Lynlee sighed. Lantry popped her ass again. He massaged her bottom with his bare hand, soothing the burn, pampering her skin. “Lynlee, answer me,” Dallas demanded. “I’d stand in the corner if you’d fuck me first.”

78

Natalie Acres

Lantry rolled her to her side. “You’ll stand in the corner with a dildo in your pussy if you ever run away from me again. Are we clear?” “That sounds like a lot of fun,” she replied, defiance thick in her voice. “You’ll think twice,” Austin jumped in, adding his two cents. “If I put you there, I’ll leave you with a vibrator in your ass, a thick toy in your pussy, your nipples clamped, and your hands behind your back.” Houston grimaced. “Whether you want the lifestyle or not, Lynlee, I don’t think I’d run away again if I were you.” “What if we go ahead and give corporal punishment a try?” Austin asked, bending next to her. “Do you think you could make it for a few minutes? How about a few hours?” “No,” she replied sweetly. As much as she might enjoy teasing them, taunting the triplets probably wasn’t in her best interest. “That’s what I thought,” Austin said, kissing the top of her head. “Are you finished spanking her over there?” Blaine asked, sitting on the bed. “What do you think, Lynlee? Have you learned your lesson?” Lantry asked. “Yes,” she replied, thinking she’d paid her dues. “Is there any way I could convince one of you to fuck me, now?” “Yes!” The reply resounded from several in the room. Lantry helped her to her feet and she hurried to the bed, situating herself on palms and knees. “Damn,” Houston growled. “I know where I’m heading first.” “Pun intended?” Austin asked, chuckling. Dallas snickered, too, lying down and pulling Lynlee atop him. “What do you say, Lynlee? Are you ready for a triple crown?” “Yes,” she replied. “Say who and where,” Dallas told her, stroking his thick, wide cock.

Bridled and Bucked

79

Her body was well prepared. Her mind was on a mission. At this point, she didn’t care who took what position. “Just make a decision,” she pleaded, helping them reach one when she took Austin in her mouth, mumbling against his shaft, pulling him down her throat. “Ah good Lord, Lynlee,” he said, stroking her cheek. “I think I know where I’ll find a perfect fit,” Dallas told her, sucking his fingers and inserting them inside her. His finger-fuck inspired a hearty sigh. She braced herself with one palm next to her body, the other hand wrapped around Austin. Dallas soon replaced his fingers with his meaty cock. Houston doused her in lube. Austin rubbed the texture of his penis against her lips as the others found their place. Dallas gave a hard push inside her. Houston claimed her ass. In a matter of minutes, their bodies rocked in tandem, slapping out an undeniable and quite erotic song. Dallas slammed into her, hammering past her folds with incredible force. He stroked her pussy with a deliberate tempo as Houston pressed inside her, patting her backside with the palm of his hand as he took his time and found a specific way to tap her ass. Lynlee gripped Austin’s shaft, twirling her tongue around his shape. His head bowed and he fucked her mouth. Shifting his weight, he lowered himself a little more, taking a fistful of her hair in order to keep her face tilted toward his groin. “Damn, you give good head,” Austin said, encouraging her. Her body writhed under the penetration as she slurped the end of Austin’s cock. His cock swelled between her cheeks, and she longed to have a good taste of him. His pace changed, and he thrust between her cheeks, biting down hard on his lip. “Oh, Lynlee, I’m close.” “Sweet God,” Dallas crooned, stroking her. “Such a tight little thing, aren’t ’cha?”

80

Natalie Acres

Austin pounded her throat, moaned, and grunted. Houston made a claim on her ass and Dallas took a slow grind, burying his cock to the hilt. This was too hot, too fucking good to stop, but the end was drawing near. Lynlee rose to the crest of Austin’s pulsing dick and choked out, “I’m coming.” Then, she bucked against Houston, arched her back and gave Dallas plenty of room to play with her nipples. His head dropped to her chest and he devoured her breasts, tweaking her hard points until she was nothing more than a vessel of pleasure. Austin grunted and soon found his release. As a jet of hot cum shot down her throat, Lynlee found satisfaction. The taste of Austin inspired her, and she undulated like a violent wind, rocking one way and then another, swaying to and fro until she was dizzy, inebriated, and completely swept away by three men who obviously felt compelled to love her. “That’s it, sugar,” Dallas crooned. “Milk it, honey. Oh yeah, ride my cock, doll.” Her hips pumped forward and back. Austin slipped away from her mouth. Houston spanked her, his hand striking her ass with a beat that heated her pussy as much as her bottom. They stretched her as they entered her, and her walls tingled, collapsing with the forceful penetration. And then the wave came, the final tide that pushed her over to the other side. “Come!” Dallas screamed, gritting his teeth, staring at her breasts. “Fuck!” Houston cried out, pumping harder and faster. “Don’t stop,” she whispered, feeling the warmth of their release washing over her, the hot semen traveling inside her from front to back. “It’s hot….too good…so good. Don’t you dare quit!” And even after they came, Houston and Dallas didn’t stop until a few patient men made them move aside so they, too, could take the first ride of the night.

Bridled and Bucked

81

Chapter Eleven There was something to be said for making new friends, treasuring the old. The triplets had only just moved aside when Royce, Blaine, Carlisle, and Lantry joined her. They’d cleaned her with warm rags and then doused her in lube all over again. Blaine rubbed the lubricants over her pussy and ass, watching her carefully as he pampered her. Rhett entered the room. She realized then how much she’d been enjoying Blaine’s careful attention. Once his hands roamed over her she hadn’t acknowledged Dallas, Austin, and Houston. She immediately felt a strange sense of loss. A sudden fear took hold when she realized they were gone and Rhett appeared. “We’re not safe,” Lynlee whispered, as Lantry brought her back against his chest. “You’re always safe with me,” Lantry promised. “You know this, Lynlee.” “Yes, but—” “There’s no but,” he argued. “Just relax.” Lynlee tried to follow his lead, spreading her legs over his large limbs when he pressed the tip of his dick to her ass. “Lynlee?” “Yes?” “You’re tense,” Lantry told her, kissing her nape. “Relax, hon.” Lynlee looked up at Blaine, and he winked. “Everything is just fine.” She earned a quick nod and wink from Rhett who placed a hand on Carlisle’s shoulder. “Are you sure you’re up for this?” Carlisle asked, concern washing over his face.

82

Natalie Acres

“I’m always ready for you,” she promised, staring down the length of her body as Carlisle and Rhett entered her pussy together, stretching her. “Oh my God!” she cried out. “Maybe take things a little slower than usual.” Their entry made her realize the kind of loving she’d endured. The triplets had satisfied her in a way that left her tired, but in many ways prepared her for more. Carlisle tilted his head. Lantry entered her. Blaine stood at the side of the bed, reaching between bodies in order to tweak her nipples. Her mouth was dry. She needed a kiss. But not just any kiss. She needed one man’s kiss. Carlisle and Rhett fucked her, locking arms to steady themselves as they entered, retreated, and entered again. Lantry held her torso and took her ass, sliding inside the outer ring, puckered and ready. “Damn, sugar, you feel nice. Work that body for me, hon.” Lynlee’s hips shot forward. Carlisle and Rhett pounded inside her, taking strong strokes simultaneously. Blaine took her hand in his and leaned over to drop a tender, sweet kiss upon her lips. Next, Royce was there, kissing her like he might not have the chance later today, or even tomorrow. His tongue thrust between her firmly set lips, and she released a satisfied sigh, indulging in the careful way his mouth entertained hers. She was already there, ready to come, and she didn’t need much coaxing. Royce pushed down on her wrist, and with a helping hand, he guided her, allowing her to pump him with even, short strokes. Blaine put his dick in her mouth, feeding her his size as he watched the others enjoy her. Lantry growled, spread her cheeks, and gave another four thrusts, just enough to find his pleasure. “Oh yes, sugar!” he screamed. “Squeeze that pretty ass, baby. Ah yeah, right there.”

Bridled and Bucked

83

“Fuck my life!” Carlisle screamed out, a phrase he frequently used, particularly when something didn’t suit him, and a short ride to finish didn’t sit well with a man like Carlisle. “Harder,” Lynlee encouraged them. “Faster.” Carlisle’s hooded eyes told a spicy tale. He’d definitely reached that place. His short hair was damp as perspiration dotted his brow. Rhett’s jaw twitched and he discovered little delay in following the others. His mouth fell open as he fucked to the end. Cocks pounded inside her. Bodies slapped against her. Lynlee wanted to orgasm. She wanted the cliffhanger, something to push her over the edge rather than take her right up to the brink. She whipped her tongue around Blaine’s dick and with a tighter suction, swallowed him, rising to the tip, tapping her tongue at the slit and waiting for a hot and saucy fill. Blaine grabbed her hair, finding an angle so she could bob over his cock. He showed her how to move as she worked for his release, aware of her own climax rolling forward. She tugged Royce once or twice, taking long pauses between each, understanding he would soon find his place inside her, too. “Don’t move,” Lantry told her. Her ass clenched around him and he pulled out. “I told you not to move, wench,” he whispered, nipping her ear. Carlisle mouthed the words, “I love you.” Rhett winked and said, “I think she knows.” “Shit!” Blaine screamed, tapping out a steady beat as his cock strummed against her throat. His pulsing head knocked at her tonsils, and she swallowed his release, consumed his masculine flavor until his rich taste fully empowered her. She was eager to find her fill. One man was there to carry her home. ****

84

Natalie Acres

Royce locked his cock inside her as soon as the others moved out of his way. He was as hard as steel as Lynlee rode him, tightening her legs against his thighs. She flattened her palms against his belly, using his stomach for balance. She squeezed him tighter still, rubbing her clit against his groin and crying out his name. Royce was about to explode! Playing with his balls, she clenched around him, seating herself atop him. Refusing to move more than her intimate muscles, she watched his expression and he was mesmerized by the love he saw shining in her eyes. “You are so beautiful, Lynlee,” he said, thinking she was prettier still after being loved by all of them. Lynlee winked then and her body undulated, her hands clasping behind her head, her breasts full and tempting. Bracketing his arm around her waist, Royce lapped at those perfect gems, thrusting higher, going deeper. “Ah, Royce,” she whispered. “Hang on, princess,” he crooned. “Let me make you hotter, wetter.” “Royce….” “Not yet, baby,” he said, grinding against her, stroking her sweet pussy just a few seconds more. Lodging his heavy wedge of flesh deeper inside her, he ambushed her with harder taps, sinking as far as he could go and releasing a throaty growl. “Please!” she exclaimed. “Give it to me! Hard! Fast! Now!” His woman wanted more. He was ready to blow. His balls were on fire as his cock thrummed inside her. He banked his self-control and fucked her like there was no point in living for the day unless the night ended with Lynlee rocking him into a new morning. And when their releases came, he found a grand finale, one complete with fireworks and one hell of an unexpected show.

Bridled and Bucked

85

Chapter Twelve “What the fuck!” Lantry screamed, hurrying toward the door. A blast of gunfire exploded in the hallway, and he barely saved himself, darting back in the bedroom and slamming the door. Thank God they’d all been dressing—with the exception of Lynlee and Royce—when Lantry saw the streak of red in the hallway. He’d almost ignored the flash, but a strong scent followed the color. None of his brothers wore a mix of English leather and cheap whiskey. “Royce! Where’s your sniper rifle?” He’d left the bed with Lynlee in his arms, pushing her in the nearby bathroom. He pressed his head to the door and closed his eyes. This wasn’t good. “Damn it! Where the hell were the trips when we needed them?” Lantry asked, turning to Blaine, Carlisle, and Rhett. “All three of you stay with Lynlee.” He tossed the gun he held in his hand and added, “If she leaves that bathroom, she’s as good as dead.” “She won’t,” Carlisle assured him. “Royce?” Lantry pressed. “Did you catch your second wind and remember where you put the rifle?” “I put it back in my room,” Royce finally admitted. “It’s in the closet.” “Damn it!” Royce’s room was on the other end of the house. The intruder could be in any number of rooms between here and there. Lantry peered in the bathroom and pointed at Lynlee. “We’re in a bad place here, Lynlee. They have the only weapon I had in this

86

Natalie Acres

room. They have the gun so they can protect you.” He saw no fear in her eyes, and realized he was wasting his breath. “Please, for God’s sake, please, don’t pull any stunts.” Her expression remained solemn. “I promise.” He winked. “I’ll spank that ass raw if you break your word.” “You shouldn’t have threatened that if you wanted her to stay put,” Royce told him as they hurried away. “You’re telling me,” Lantry said, speeding past him. “Stay behind me.” “What?” Royce said, shooting him a blank stare like he was out of his mind. “Did you fail to notice you don’t have a blasted gun in your hand?” “No, but there’s no sense in both of us going…” He paused, noticing a tiny red dot on his shirt. Then he screamed, “Get down!” Bullets were sprayed down the hallway. “Damn it to hell!” Lantry screamed, diving for the floor of an open bedroom to his right while Royce dashed left, hiding in an alcove leading to the guest bath. “Are you okay?” Lantry called out. “Fucktastic, you?” “Never felt better to be alive,” Lantry returned. “Need a weapon?” Austin said, shoving a gun in his hand as he stepped out of the closet. “Fine time for you to show up,” Lantry grumbled. “Where have you been?” “I was in the shower,” Austin hurriedly answered him. “Where are Houston and Dallas?” “Your guess is as good as mine,” Austin shoved a clip in the butt of a gun. “Give this to Royce. I’m assuming he’s unarmed, too.” “What about you?” Austin grinned, retrieved a pistol from his pocket and a semiautomatic from his boot. “I’m in good shape.”

Bridled and Bucked

87

“How many loons do we have wandering around here tonight?” Austin asked. “I’ve only spotted one, but after Gentry posted a call for protégés, for all I know we’re surrounded and the whole damn place has been infiltrated by nut jobs with a hankering to get their hands on our woman.” “They’ll have a hard time doing that today,” Dallas assured him, rushing the room. “I gave Royce a gun. Houston is covering him. They’re heading down the hall to locate that sniper rifle in case we need it.” “What the hell were you doing when this guy got in here, twiddling your thumbs and reminiscing about the time you spent with Lynlee?” “Not a bad way to pass the time,” Dallas replied. “But no. I was actually sitting in the corner jacking off.” They started easing their way down the hallway again and that’s when Lantry laughed aloud. “For real?” Dallas slapped him on the back of the head. “Get moving. We can cut up later, Lantry. Right now, we need to catch a serial killer.” “He isn’t a serial killer. He’s a copycat,” Lantry corrected, stating that fact as loudly as he could. “Nice,” Austin said. “Why don’t we piss off the madman and make ourselves moving targets. You might as well put a bull’s-eye on our butts.” “We’re trying to lure out a guy with a gun, not a gay guy who thinks your ass looks cute in those Wranglers.” “Remind me to kick his ass after this is over,” Austin said, looking at Dallas. Lantry hit the light switch in passing. “Thank God he didn’t kill the power.” “He’s only interested in one thing. He’s focused on finding Lynlee.”

88

Natalie Acres

Lantry stopped. He searched the foyer below them and continued walking. “You’ve got a point. This guy is so obsessed with taking a shot and making it count that he’s not looking at how he can get the upper hand or gain the best advantage. He’s only interested in finding Lynlee and killing her.” “Where is she?” Dallas asked. “Safe,” Lantry replied. “What? Did ya expect me to tell you and leave a roadmap for this guy?” “The name is Paul Gentry!” someone screamed. Dallas turned in time to see the fellow approach. “Behind us!” Lantry leapt over the banister. Austin hit the floor, firing straight ahead. One shot missed and so did all the others. Dallas hopped over him and landed face-forward. “Nice job, Dallas,” Lantry called out. “I bet somebody in Hollywood would pay big bucks and hire you for their stunts.” “I hope I live to find out.” “You won’t!” Gentry yelled, firing another round of ammunition into the hallway. Standing right under the second level on a landing leading to the first floor, Lantry cried out, “Is there any chance you would throw down that damn machine gun and talk to us sensibly? I mean who knows, we might become the best of friends.” “Lantry McCain?” “That’d be me,” he called out. “This is for you!” he screamed. Seconds later, Lantry stared at another collection of bullet holes which were left to cover the walls below him. “Nice job, Lantry,” Royce called out from above. “Way to piss off the resident lunatic!” “I try to keep things interesting,” Lantry said. “About time you joined the party again. What took you so long?” “I had to call the cops.” Like hell.

Bridled and Bucked

89

“Glad you got right on that.” A beat later, he asked, “What’d they say?” “They said to kill him and keep him on ice with his buddy Fink. That’s what they said,” Austin taunted the killer. “Damn, Austin, I wasn’t asking you.” Royce chuckled. “They’ll be here in ten.” “Fabulous,” Lantry said. “Gentry should be dead by then. After he shot up the family portrait down here, I’ve decided the friend option is off the table. I wanna make an enemy out of him.” “Shut up, McCain!” Gentry shouted. “We are enemies, you foolish prick!” “Ain’t a doubt in my mind,” Lantry said, tiptoeing toward the steps, stretching his neck as he walked in an effort to see around the wall where he assumed the assailant might be hiding. “I came here for Lynlee,” he said. “Liar,” Lantry replied. “You came here for more than Lynlee, or you wouldn’t have walked in here with a damn weapon only used in combat!” “I want the girl!” “You can’t have her,” Lantry told him. “Now what?” The place went quiet. Lantry rushed the stairs. He was two steps shy of hitting the hallway when Gentry tried to cut a deal. “What’d ya say I pay you for her?” Lantry spotted Houston and Austin. They had their guns cocked and their fingers on the trigger. Royce was in his peripheral. He caught a glimpse of the rifle scope. Excellent. Everyone was prepared. “You mean like, you want me to give you Lynlee and you’ll cut me a check?” “No,” Gentry replied. “I have cash. Name your price.” “How much ya got?” Lantry asked. “Half a million.” “Ain’t enough,” Lantry drawled. “I can get more,” the man said excitedly.

90

Natalie Acres

“How much more?” Lantry asked, engaging him in conversation. “I’ll give you a million.” “Got it on you, do ya?” Dallas asked, motioning for Lantry to move on down the hall. “Great,” Lantry whispered in passing. “Way to toss a brother to the front lines.” “Good luck out there,” Austin said, cheering him on. “I hope this doesn’t end like Legends of the Fall, where one brother is taken out in front of the other.” “If it does, make sure you go out in a blaze of glory, too. You know, screaming my name, rushing the perpetrator, and all that.” “You watch for me.” “With eyes in the back of my head,” Lantry teased, moving forward, keeping his back against the wall. “I can get it,” Gentry finally said. “Tomorrow.” “Nah,” Lantry said, finally pinpointing the dude’s location. “I don’t like credit and carry. Cash is the only way to go.” Gentry stepped out all at once and Royce screamed, “Move! Lantry! Move!” Gentry raised his weapon, but Royce took him out, firing twice when once would’ve been enough. The first shot caught the man right between the eyes. A loud thud announced the fall of a wicked soldier with deranged motives. “You got him,” Lantry said, releasing a huge sigh of relief. “Way to go, big brother. I’m starting to believe you’re cut out for this kind of thing.” Royce stomped down the hall. Dallas and Austin followed him. Lantry kicked the guy in the gut, using the toe of his boot to roll him over. “Yep, looks like he’s dead all right,” Austin announced. “Nice shot, Royce,” Dallas said. “I’m impressed,” Lantry added. “Remind me to never interrupt Royce when he’s in the middle of a good fuck.”

Bridled and Bucked

91

They shared a group laugh. Then, Dallas said, “Hell, the other guy was in worse shape. One slug barely missed his pecker.” “Ouch,” Lantry said. Royce shrugged. “I figured we’d call it even, in the event I didn’t get to take him out altogether.” Lantry stared down at Paul Gentry’s lifeless form. “Wonder what drove this guy to do something stupid like come in here alone.” “Assuming he was alone?” Dallas asked. “He was alone,” Austin said, holding up a letter. Lantry stilled at the sight. He’d never seen a letter left behind by a killer that he’d wanted to read. “What’s it say?” Austin narrowed his gaze, mumbled a few words and then said, “Holy shit.” “What?” Lantry asked, peering over his shoulder. “It says he never wanted to hurt Lynlee, he only wanted to die himself.” “Bull hell,” Dallas said, grabbing the letter so he could read the man’s confession for himself. Then, all eyes averted. Royce looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “He was mentally ill.” “Of course he was,” Lantry said. “And don’t you dare feel guilty about shooting him. When a man comes into another man’s home, threatens those who live there and the safety they find behind their four walls, then that man deserves to be shot. So he wanted to die. He could’ve jumped off a bridge. He could’ve taken a handful of pills. He didn’t have to go this way and he didn’t have to destroy what Lynlee needs.” “Which is?” Austin asked softly. Lantry said, “She needs to feel loved and she longs to feel safe. She wants what every woman desires.” Dallas rolled his eyes. “I think they want a little more than love and protection.”

92

Natalie Acres

“I don’t know,” Lantry said philosophically. “I believe once a woman has those two key elements, everything else falls in place.” “You may be right,” Royce said. “But I still wish I hadn’t killed a man who needed help.” Dallas shrugged. “Who knows. You may have helped him more than you realize. A lot of crazy people acknowledge they’re crazy but they can’t do anything about it. They have a hell of a time living in their own skin.” “That’s right,” Austin said. “Look at Lantry. I don’t know how the poor guy makes it from one day to the next.”

Bridled and Bucked

93

Chapter Thirteen Lynlee bit on her thumbnail, awaiting the news. The shots resounding around them had taken their toll, and Lynlee was scared to death. What if one of her guys had been wounded? What if someone lost their life? She paced the bathroom floor. “Lynlee, sweetheart, why don’t you sit down?” Lynlee jerked. “How can you be so calm about this? Haven’t you heard all that commotion out there?” “Yes,” Carlisle replied softly, “but you have to look at who this guy is up against.” “He has a point, Lynlee. Whoever he is, he isn’t a match for Lantry or Royce for that matter,” Blaine promised her. “Royce?” Lynlee asked, halting all at once. “Why Royce?” “In case you haven’t noticed, Royce is the new McCain renegade,” Rhett said. Lynlee shook her head. At times like these, she felt like the McCains and Rhett stood in line and measured their assets. Royce a renegade? Hardly. He was kind and loving, not at all reckless and wild like Lantry. “What? You don’t believe Royce has it in him?” Carlisle asked. Blaine laughed. “You’d be surprised what a man will do when he’s hell-bent on protecting a woman.” “You have to admit, Royce was the last person anyone would suspect of picking up a gun and acting like the Terminator. He’s spent most of his life under your father’s foot, hiding behind your momma’s skirts,” Rhett reminded them.

94

Natalie Acres

Lynlee felt a smile tug at her lips. They were right. Royce was a big momma’s boy. That was actually one of the things that appealed to Lynlee most. Part of the reason Royce was so loving and thoughtful of her was because he’d always been the same way with his mother. Royce provided a slight diversion. Lynlee started walking again and stopped suddenly. “Do you hear that?” “What?” Blaine asked. “I don’t hear anything now,” Rhett replied. “Exactly,” Lynlee said, rushing the door. “It’s over. It’s bound to be over.” Carlisle stepped in front of her. “Where do you think you’re going?” “I need to check on them,” she said, her heart in her throat. “Something is wrong. It’s quiet out there, and if something wasn’t wrong, they’d already be here, right?” Carlisle studied her face. “Carlisle, please?” she asked without saying anything else. “No, Lynlee. Lantry will come for us when it’s safe out there.” Lynlee shot Blaine a sideways glance. His jaw was set firmly and Rhett looked just as stubborn. “This is not okay with me. The whole house is quiet.” “Which is all the more reason why we should stay right here,” Carlisle explained, gripping the one gun they had to protect them. “And you need to step away from the door, honey.” “Don’t ‘honey’ me, Carlisle McCain. You’re worried, too. I see it in your eyes. Now, we can all stick together and go out there and see what’s wrong, or sit here like scared chickens and quacking ducks.” “What?” Carlisle arched a brow. Her hands went to her hips. “They may need us.” “Lynlee—” “Blaine, don’t,” she said firmly. “I guess she told you,” Rhett said.

Bridled and Bucked

95

Blaine grunted. “Well, I have a few things to tell her, too.” Blaine paused, walked over to Lynlee, and said, “You never do what you’re supposed to do. You never sit still when you’re supposed to wait, and sometimes, just sometimes, you could cost someone their life by jumping the gun and surprising the man behind it. Now, Lantry told you to sit still and wait until he returns for you and that’s what you’re gonna do.” “Wanna bet?” **** “Fuck my life!” Carlisle screamed, running behind her. “Lynlee, damn it! Lynlee! Woah!” Carlisle almost ran over Lynlee when she stopped suddenly in the hallway, barely saving herself from tripping over a dead man. Lantry immediately glared at them. “What part of ‘I’ll come and get you when this is all over’ didn’t you understand?” Lynlee threw herself in his arms and kissed his cheek. Lantry’s expression softened at once. “I was so worried about you,” she said quietly, moving on down the line, hugging one McCain after the other. Carlisle snickered. “Blaine pissed her off.” “Blaine always pisses her off,” Lantry said, looking over Carlisle’s shoulder and staring at Blaine. “I try not to,” Blaine said. “You need to try harder.” “And Lynlee should learn this is not acceptable,” Rhett pointed out, watching Lynlee like he thought he might have a way to correct the error of her ways. “What happened to him?” Carlisle asked, looking down at Gentry’s body.

96

Natalie Acres

Lantry shook his head. “He didn’t want to sit down for a cold beer, so we shot him.” “Royce shot him,” Austin said, apparently unwilling to let Lantry take the credit. “Told ya,” Blaine said. “We have another family badass on our hands.” “Perfect,” Lynlee said, focusing on the dead guy. “Another killer lives among us, and you think that’s just swell.” Royce took a shot through the heart with that. He acted as if he wanted to say something, but instead he shoved his hands in his pockets and looked away. Lantry, as Carlisle expected, wasn’t about to let that one go. He walked toward her and said, “What do you mean, there’s another killer living here?” “That’s all that goes on here, anymore,” Lynlee whined. “Look at this place.” Her arm rose and fell in an outward show of exasperation. “It looks like we live in a compound under siege in a third world country.” Lantry softened again. If anyone could stroke his gentler side, Lynlee could. Carlisle hadn’t noticed that before. There was something extra special about the way he studied Lynlee, and how he spoke to her. Undoubtedly, Lantry was as hooked on Lynlee as the rest of them and for some reason, Carlisle failed to notice until now. His hard ass was nothing more than a marshmallow when Lynlee was around. “Honey, we’ve had a few trying times,” Lantry explained, bracketing his arms around her and holding her. “Trying times, he says.” Royce cleared his throat. “I hate to see what this place will look like when we have a really bad day.” Austin laughed. “Don’t ya know it.” Lantry frowned as he stroked Lynlee’s hair. “I tell ya what, why don’t you let the triplets take you somewhere. The rest of us will stay

Bridled and Bucked

97

here and clean this place up. When you get back, it will look as good as new. What’d you say?” “Sounds like a fine plan to me,” Dallas said. “I won’t complain,” Austin remarked. “I’ll even pack us up tonight,” Houston added. Carlisle wondered what happened to the tough guy who swore he’d never let the triplets take Lynlee to bed without him there to oversee the activities. “Lynlee?” Lantry held her away from his body. “What about it?” “I don’t want to leave you behind. I can’t leave any of you.” Lantry drew her against him again. “Well, the house is demolished. Someone has to clean this place up. We can’t leave it for Jose.” A beat later, he jerked. “Oh no.” “What is it?” Carlisle asked. Lantry took off at a flat-out run. “Jose called right after Royce shot Gentry. He’d heard a lot of racket and wanted to check to see if he needed to call the police.” Royce finished explaining after Lantry disappeared out the front door. “He must’ve asked Lantry if he could take the day off, too. His wife and daughter wanted to go shopping in Columbia today.” “Oh shit,” Carlisle said. “Has he had time to leave?” “Probably not,” Royce replied, smirking. “But wouldn’t you like to see Lantry trying to explain to Jose why he put a corpse in his trunk?” Dallas walked toward the door. “We’ve already checked the house. It’s secure. Come on. Let’s go watch the show. Jose is bound to ream Lantry a new one.”

98

Natalie Acres

Chapter Fourteen Jose’s trunk was opened. Lantry could see him standing there in the distance as he drove up the long driveway to the farm manager’s private spread. The sun was out and the birds were singing. It would’ve been a splendid day if Lantry didn’t realize what he faced at the top of that hill. Jose would take this personally. As Lantry wheeled into the driveway, he fully understood his suspicions were right. Jose stood there with his head bowed. Lantry punched the pedal and came to a screeching stop. “Jose!” He called out to him as he exited the Jeep Wrangler. With the Jeep doors and top off, Jose certainly heard him, but he didn’t turn around. Lantry felt a stabbing sensation in his chest. He’d never be able to explain this. “You set me up,” Jose said, shaking his head. “I give you and your family years of my life, and you set me up.” “No, Jose,” Lantry began, trying to explain. “It’s not like that.” Jose turned to Lantry with tears in his eyes. “I work for your father for twenty years. Those years not easy ones. I see blood and guts spilled. I see lots of things I not agree with, but never in one year did Casey McCain put a body in my car. He had too much respect.” Hurt poured from the kinder man’s eyes. He was truly confused and profoundly upset by the unexplainable turn of events. “Jose, let me explain,” Lantry began, watching as the others drove up the driveway in Austin’s pickup. “No,” Jose said, his eyes searching those joining them. “There’s nothing to say. You younger McCains are all the same. Rhett

Bridled and Bucked

99

Mitchell, you, too. You have no respect. You become cowboy thugs. You don’t care who you hurt.” “That’s not true,” Lantry said, understanding right away there was nothing he could say to correct this in Jose’s eyes. “Jose, I put the body in your car because I had nowhere else to put it. Believe me. I’m going to call the police right now and ask them to come on out here. I’ll file a report and this will all go away in a matter of minutes.” “I’m not even a citizen! You understand?” Lantry pressed his lips together. Jose had been going on for years about becoming an American citizen, and for some reason, his father never helped him acquire what he wanted most in the world. “Jose, please believe me, I didn’t do this to hurt you. I would never try to frame you for murder. You know me better than that.” “Oh no I don’t, Lantry McCain. I don’t know McCains or Rhett Mitchell at all now.” Jose was angrier still. He ran his fingers through his curly black and white hair. “Jose is not happy about this! My wife and daughter will look at me and say, ‘you no good, Jose. This no good.’ Then what? I be without a home. Without a family. And behind bars.” “That’s not going to happen, Jose,” Lantry said, thinking the old man was actually a pretty good actor. Lantry believed this was a grand theatrical performance. Oh sure, Jose was hurt, but he was also letting his imagination get the best of him as well. “This will all disappear in just a few minutes.” He motioned for Dallas and Austin, the brothers with muscle. They reluctantly walked toward the car. A few seconds later, they hoisted dead weight from Jose’s trunk. “You’re a real asshole sometimes, you know that?” Austin asked, grating back a much harsher, and probably well deserved, cursing. “Not now, Austin,” Lantry grumbled. “I’d like to know why Jose is suddenly furious with all of us,” Dallas said. He frowned at Lantry. “I get sick and tired of your dumb fucking ass making decisions that affect us all.”

100

Natalie Acres

“I’m sure,” Lantry said, helping them move the body. “At least somebody in this family is capable of taking charge in times of crisis. So I made a mistake. Jose will get over it. Eventually.” Austin sneered. “Yeah? When?” Dallas shook his head. “Maybe sometime before the year 2050.” They returned to Jose’s car. Lantry said, “See how easy that was? All the evidence is gone now.” “No. Not good enough,” Jose said. “My car is haunted. A dead man slept in the trunk.” “What?” Lantry asked, taken aback by the aging fellow’s statement. Oh sure, he didn’t understand much about Jose’s beliefs or his cultural or religious background, but come on. Did he really believe there were ghosts or bad spirits in the back of his car? Lynlee stepped forward then. “Jose, why don’t you take mine today?” Lantry grunted and stared up at the morning sky. “It’s fine,” Lynlee said, patting Lantry’s arm. “I’ll ride down to the house right now and pick it up. Jose, let Lantry have your car keys. We’ll swap today. What’s mine is yours.” “A gift, sí?” Jose asked, shooting them the widest smile Lantry had ever seen. Lantry pursed his lips. He’d love to see how Lynlee wormed her way out of this. “Why yes!” Lynlee exclaimed. Lantry jerked. He stared at Lynlee, who apparently had no idea what she’d just done. He then studied Jose’s rusty old Buick. He immediately realized just as his brothers and Rhett must’ve, that Lynlee had just traded a Lexus LS Hybrid for a 2004 LeSabre in very poor shape. Once Lynlee saw Jose behind the wheel of her car, she’d never ask for the automobile back, anyway. “What do you say, Jose?” Jose smiled at Lynlee. “Thank you, Mrs. McCain.” He turned his back and walked away, grumbling something about the younger generation.

Bridled and Bucked

101

“Why did you do that?” Lantry asked after Jose disappeared inside his ranch-style home. “You made the costly error,” Lynlee said, walking toward Lantry’s Jeep. Blaine and Rhett hopped in the back. Neither one of them uttered a word. They knew better. Lantry was mad. He’d been played like a fiddle. Sliding behind the wheel, he eyed the busty blonde next to him. Damn, she looked good sitting in that Jeep. Thank God she didn’t offer up his wheels. “He’ll expect you to give it to him.” “You think I don’t know that?” Lynlee asked, studying her fingernails. Lantry cranked the engine, threw the gearshift in reverse and swung his arm over her seat. “Haunted, hell?” “You don’t know, Lantry. We don’t know anything about Jose’s beliefs or what may have happened to him in his childhood. We’ve never taken the opportunity to ask him about his life. For all you know, he was afraid to drive that car.” “Bullshit,” Lantry snapped. “He used my mistake to get a new ride.” “Well, now he has one.” “Yep,” Blaine said, finally adding his two cents. “And he got one with a price tag of over a hundred grand to boot.” “Looks like he just got a nice raise,” Rhett commented. Lantry glared in his rearview mirror. He took a right at the pond and headed home. “The two of you can take Lynlee’s car back up to Jose’s. I’m going to bed, and Lynlee’s coming with me.” “I think Lynlee is like everyone else. She could use some sleep,” Blaine said, playing the husband card Lantry always ignored. “She’s got the rest of her life to sleep,” Lantry said. “What about the mess?” Rhett pointed out, ruining Lantry’s plans. “All the front bedrooms are ransacked now.”

102

Natalie Acres

“Fuck, I forgot about that,” Lantry said, eyeing the guest house as they passed through the gates. “I guess we’ll stay out here. Carlisle will handle the locals when they get here. I need some sleep.” He pulled the Jeep in the small parking space right in front of the guest house, hopped out, and tossed Blaine the keys. “If we’re not up by three, come and get us.” “Who the hell died and left him big brother?” Blaine asked, stalking Lynlee. She giggled. “Hard to say. You know how the McCains are. They get something on their mind, and nothing or no one will change their plans.” Blaine’s lips skimmed across hers. “What if I had the same thing in mind?” “See your brother,” she said, watching Lantry as she leaned over and kissed Rhett, too. Lantry snarled. “Vixen.” “I could say please.” “That might work,” Lantry snipped. “We’ll take Jose the car and be right back,” Rhett promised, jumping over the seat and sliding behind the wheel. “Leave the door unlocked! We’ll be here before Lynlee can miss us!” **** “What happened to the triplets taking me out of town?” Lynlee asked, walking in the cottage. The guest house was her favorite place. The small home looked like a throwback from the fifties with a white picket fence, two tiny bedrooms, a cozy kitchen that included a snack bar and fireplace, and a sitting area big enough to accommodate maybe six people. She often wished the men in her life would let her spend a few days out there alone. She and Heidi would enjoy the privacy.

Bridled and Bucked

103

“You said you didn’t want to go,” Lantry reminded her, stripping off his shirt and tossing it on the bed. “Who am I to force you?” Lynlee entered the tiny bathroom. She looked in the medicine cabinet for a toothbrush. After retrieving a new one still housed in an unopened, slender box she located a small tube of toothpaste and brushed her teeth. By the time she rejoined Lantry, he was undressed and lying in bed with a white sheet draped across his waist. “I didn’t want to leave you,” Lynlee told him. “I got that,” he said, winking. “Take your clothes off.” Lynlee’s heartbeat struck a faster pace. She loved this side of Lantry, and silently hoped Rhett and Blaine, as much as she loved them, wouldn’t rush back right away. Standing in front of him, she stripped a T-shirt over her head and allowed her breasts to bounce free. “Remind me to spank you the next time you go out of that house without your bra.” “I didn’t have time to find one. It wasn’t a priority when bullets were flying everywhere.” He licked his full lips. “Shorts.” There was a tight edge to his voice, and Lynlee shivered as she stepped away from the denim. She kicked off her sandals and crawled up the bed. “Come here, wench,” he growled. “Let me love some that mischief out of ya.” “You’ll have your work cut out for you.” “Really now?” “Yes, sir,” she promised. “We’ll see about that,” he said, his lips crashing against hers, his tongue thrusting inside her mouth. Wrapping his arm around her neck, he switched positions, tucking Lynlee’s body under his. The sheet separating them was quickly pushed to the side, and Lantry traveled down her body, stopping at her breasts to lap at the points.

104

Natalie Acres

He raked his teeth over her nipples, and she arched her back. “Oh God, Lantry, that feels so incredible.” “Mmm,” he said, reaching between her legs and slapping her pussy. She jerked when his hand came down across her mound. The white-hot sensation sent her spinning as she parted her legs and tried to push his arm down once again. He smiled into their kiss. “Not yet, vixen.” “Stop calling me names,” she whispered, her tongue running across his bottom lip. “You might hurt my feelings.” He chuckled, and his deep, guttural laughter made her heart soar. This was the Lantry McCain Lynlee enjoyed most. This Lantry McCain rocked her ever-lovin’ world. **** Lantry planned to eat her alive. He dipped his head lower, ran his fingers over her clit, and enjoyed the way her hips shot forward, rolled back and forth. Tweaking her nipples again, he admired the diamond shapes as he played. Lynlee’s eyes were hooded as he raked his teeth past one nipple and then another, careful not to bite, but deliberate enough to make her ache with a new lust. “Lantry,” she whispered, pushing down on his shoulders. He knew what she wanted, but he needed this. He took his time traveling down her body, lapping at her soft skin, inhaling the ripe smell of vanilla bean lotion as he found his place between her shapely thighs. Tossing her legs over his shoulders, he smiled to himself when he watched the beauty he seduced. She looked so pretty and relaxed, completely prepared to take whatever he had to give. And he was feeling mighty generous today.

Bridled and Bucked

105

He dropped his mouth to her clit and sucked the little bud between his lips, tapping the button over and over again until she writhed beneath him. “Lantry, please!” He snickered to himself. She might as well get ready to enjoy him. He was as hard as a cannon and ready to explode. Once he got inside her, he’d shoot off like a stick of dynamite. He wanted to make sure he had her fuse lit, too, before he sank between those slick folds. Thrusting his tongue inside her pussy, he licked her juices, his tongue wiggling higher inside her channel as she scooted her hips toward him. “Oh Lantry,” she moaned, placing her hand on his shoulders. After he tucked his hands under her shapely bottom, he brought her to him again. This time, with her pussy at an elevated position, he stared down at her open folds and blew a stream of hot air over the tender lips. Her legs trembled. “Nice, baby. Very nice.” He studied her body, and she looked down on him then with pure desire marking its place on her gorgeous face. “You act like you’ve never seen me before.” Lantry glanced up and said, “I haven’t. Not like this, Lynlee.” She shot him an irresistible smile, and he ducked his head and went to work. He had a woman to tease, a lover to please, and a sexy siren to seduce. Studying her glistening lips, he lost his tongue deep inside her folds and lapped up her sweet essence. “Ah, Lynlee, you taste like honey, baby.” With her legs spread like the wings of a butterfly, he fucked her with his tongue. Flicking across her clit, he rolled the little button with his fingers, manipulating her excitement and demolishing her control. “Please Lantry, don’t tease me,” she muttered, rising to her elbows. He slapped her bare mound and she jerked, her knees closing against his ears. He bit down on her clit and thrust his tongue inside

106

Natalie Acres

her channel. Her hand landed against his head and she pumped her hips, rising up in an effort to find that release, that pending orgasm she undoubtedly wanted to take. Lantry wiggled his tongue inside her again, this time withdrawing for a second and admiring the way her body groveled for more pleasure. Her pretty pussy glistened with moisture and he slid his tongue in and out, sipping at her juices, drinking her in like he might indulge in a perfectly aged homemade wine, a sweet liquor perfected only for him. “Lantry, oh God, you have to let me!” she begged, her hips rocking to and fro. He grabbed his cock and pumped. The heat in his sac was too hot to bear, and his dick became painfully hard. In the background, he heard his Jeep racing for the house. Rising over her then, Lantry looked down at a seductress, a woman who’d stolen his soul and ran away with his heart. He framed her face and whispered across her lips. “Love me, Lynlee. Just love me.”

Bridled and Bucked

107

Chapter Fifteen Lantry entered her. His cock thrummed inside her walls as he took his time with one thrust after another. His eyes met and held hers as he kissed her. Lynlee’s heart stood still. This was a side of Lantry that she’d never seen before, a side to a man she’d never known existed. He fucked her nice and slow as their hands entwined and he pushed her arms high above her head, kissing her with soft lips, loving her with that incredible body of his. There wasn’t anything to compare to this kind of moment, nothing to stop her from falling in love with him all over again. His hips pumped faster, and Lynlee jerked in his arms. Her pussy was on fire. An electrifying current charged up her spine as he entered her, deserted her, and then found her again. “Lantry,” she whispered, her head turning to the side. His lips whispered across her neck, and he found that little sensitive spot right above her collarbone, an erogenous zone she never realized she possessed. Her nipples hardened, pressed against the prickly hairs on his chest, and she released a sudden sigh. “You must’ve liked that,” Lantry said softly. “I like everything you do,” she promised, kissing him deeply, inviting his lips to explore hers once more. Lantry bowed his head and kissed her nipples. Caressing the fullness in her right breast, he cupped the side and attended to the hard point, his tongue pampering her in ways certain to destroy her attempt at postponing an orgasm.

108

Natalie Acres

“Now, Lantry!” she screamed, her body arching, her hips shooting forward. “Oh yes, Lynlee, now is perfect,” he crooned. “I’ve got exactly what you need.” His heavily veined flesh wedged inside her walls, and he fucked her harder then, working his pulsing cock deeper inside her pussy. She locked her legs behind his back and thrashed around under him. “Don’t stop!” His lips crashed against hers, and his body jerked as he came. His tongue hammered inside her mouth in the same manner his cock stroked her pussy. She fought to resist him, desperately needing one breath of air, dying to cry out his name as his cum shot through her channel. Her body rocked with his, and still his heavy tongue silenced her as he swept her in his arms and moved over her like a turbulent storm refusing to pass. He screwed her without a pause in strokes. He fucked her as if he had no intention of moving aside for another. And two others had certainly joined them. Lynlee was faintly aware of the door opening and closing behind them as Lantry finished her. Three hard strokes and he cursed aloud. “Damn I never thought…Fuck yeah!” He grabbed hold of her hips and went completely wild then, finding a second release and shocking them both. He latched his teeth under his lip and jerked, filling her with his semen. “Oh damn, Lynlee. Dear God, I’ve never loved like this before.” Lynlee draped her arms around his shoulders as he collapsed. “I’ve never seen you love me like this before.” His arms tightened around her and he whispered against her chest, “For the first time in my life, Lynlee, I was scared. I was frightened I wouldn’t be able to protect you, and I was terrified of losing you.”

Bridled and Bucked

109

“You have me, Lantry,” she said, watching Blaine and Rhett exit the room, allowing them their own special moment. “And I’m not going anywhere.” **** “Lantry.” Rhett’s voice filled the room hours later. “Lantry, get up.” Lynlee jerked. Lantry’s heavy arm was against her hip, and she tried to sit in an upright position. “Tell ’em to come back,” he breathed against her ear. Lynlee stared across the room at the evening sun setting against a picturesque row of mountains. “Hey. What happened to you?” Rhett was covered in mud and straw. He looked like he’d just taken a tumble down a hill, and landed in a briar patch to boot. “Your mare finally decided to drop that foal,” Blaine said, nudging Rhett. “And she didn’t make it easy on us, did she Rhett?” “Not a’ tall,” he said, grinning. “She’s a pretty little filly, Lynlee. You gotta get up and come see her. She’s going to be one for the track. I guarantee it.” Lantry grunted at that and rolled over. “How in the devil’s name can that filly be ready for the track when she’s out of two World Champion five-gaited horses?” Blaine laughed. “Keep in mind who you’re talking to, Lantry. Rhett rides cows and milks horses, remember.” “Funny,” Rhett grumbled. “I’d like to remind you who noticed that mare was in trouble.” “Trouble?” Lynlee said, jumping up then. “Whispers had a rough time?” “She didn’t want to become a momma,” Rhett explained. Lantry rolled back over then. “Rhett, please shut the hell up. You sound dumber and dumber by the minute.” He slapped Lynlee’s bare ass as she left the bed and she yelped.

110

Natalie Acres

“Did Jose make it back in time to help?” “Nope,” Blaine replied. “Why do you think Rhett here had to offer up his assistance?” “Good point,” Lantry said, leaving the bed. Lynlee strutted around the bedroom gathering her shirt, shorts, and shoes. She’d knelt over to retrieve her belt when Lantry’s bare ass caught her attention. She couldn’t resist and she walloped him on the backside, the leather belt striking his butt cheeks and hip. “What the fuck?” Lantry squealed, his expression proving he didn’t appreciate a playful swat. Rhett and Blaine laughed and Lantry sneered. “Do that again, and so help me I’ll tan your hide before you ever make it to the barn.” “That’s gotta wait,” Rhett said. “A fellow stopped by about the time Whispers gave us a fit, and he’s waiting in the barn. I wanted to see if you could run a background check on him. I think he’d make a good farm hand if we need one. Fella says he can’t afford to feed his family, and he just lost his job down at one of the area restaurants.” “Restaurants?” Lantry asked. “People don’t eat anymore?” “Evidently he worked for one of the chains, and they’re scaling back on hours or something. Anyway, he’s a nice fella. He’s got a way about him with animals, too. I figured if you weren’t busy, you might talk to him,” Rhett said. “You should,” Lynlee encouraged. “Jose has his hands full, and you know it. Maybe he wouldn’t be stressed out all the time if he had some help around here.” Lantry yawned and stretched. “I’ll talk to him.” Lynlee kissed his cheek. “Good.” “But let me tell you one thing right now,” Lantry began, an authoritative edge in his voice. “This shit of the help driving around in better cars than I do isn’t gonna fly.” “Oh, Lantry,” Lynlee said, sighing. “It’s a car. It’s not like it’s a horse destined to win the Derby. Come on, grumpy. Hurry up and get dressed. Otherwise, I may have to spank you again.”

Bridled and Bucked

111

He pursed his lips and held up his forefinger. “You’re pressing your luck.” “I’ll take my chances,” she said, grabbing Blaine’s hand and walking toward the porch. “Lantry, if you don’t wanna walk to the barn, you’d better shake a leg.”

112

Natalie Acres

Chapter Sixteen An unsteady leg was the first thing Lynlee noticed when Blaine dropped them off and she entered the stables. She stilled beside Rhett, and he clutched her hand. “Something wrong?” Lynlee eyed the man limping down the breezeway. Her mind’s eye returned to that day in the field when her morning had been interrupted by two intruders. After she’d seen Paul Gentry’s body, she was convinced he was one of the men she’d encountered there, but she’d never been quite convinced that David Fink was the other one. She shook her head when the man shot her a kind smile. He wore a plaid button-down shirt with the sleeves ripped out, and he was tall and lanky. “Ma’am,” he said, removing his hat like a Southern gentleman might. “Hi,” she said, pushing aside her fears. She forced herself to offer her hand. “I’m Lynlee McCain.” “Nice to meet you,” he said, tilting his head toward the foaling stall. “That’s a hell of a horse you got there. A hell of a horse.” “Thank you,” she responded proudly, moving to the bars to peer inside and immediately aware of the fact that their guest didn’t provide a name. “Hey, baby girl.” Whispers snorted and nudged her filly as if she wanted to introduce her little one to Lynlee. “Yes, ma’am,” the stranger continued. “That’s a hell of a horse.” Something continued to gnaw at Lynlee as the man spoke in a low, even tone. Whispers worked her way over to the ledge and nuzzled Lynlee’s arm. Lynlee stroked her. “You’re so proud, aren’t you?” She continued to stroke Whispers while she admired the new

Bridled and Bucked

113

addition to their expanding stock. With over four hundred head of cattle and somewhere in the neighborhood of fifty horses, the McCains always had plenty of work to do. “You got any children?” the stranger asked, immediately getting too personal for Lynlee’s comfort. “We can’t keep her still long enough to get her pregnant,” Lantry said, entering the barn from the other end and implying a lot with the “we” factor. “I’m Lantry McCain. Rhett tells me you’re looking for a job.” The men shook hands, and Lynlee kept a keen eye on them. Under normal circumstances, Lynlee would be engrossed in the arrival of a new filly. Today, however, there was a dark cloud over the celebration. “Like I was telling your buddy,” the man said, “there’s no work around these parts, and all I’ve ever done is work around a kitchen.” “Then how is it that you think you’re cut out for the farm?” Lynlee asked, not one to interrupt a meeting between men, particularly in matters of firing and hiring the staff. Lantry shot her quick glance. “Sorry,” she said, “I’m not trying to interrupt, but I’m curious. Do you know anything about horses?” “Plenty,” he promised. “I grew up on an Arabian farm down in Middle Tennessee.” “Really,” Lynlee said, taking a step toward them then. She couldn’t recall an Arabian stables close to her hometown. That much she was positive about. “Whereabouts?” “Crossville.” She cleared her throat. Lantry and Rhett studied her. They were ready to let her have at this guy now. Lynlee grew up on the largest farm in Crossville. “Say you’re from Crossville, huh,” she said, thinking if this guy didn’t reside in Crossville at some point in his life, he had shit for luck.

114

Natalie Acres

“Yup.” “What farm?” Lynlee inquired. “If you don’t mind my asking.” The fellow narrowed his gaze. Then, he shot her a toothy grin. “Doubt you’ve heard of the place.” “Try me,” she said firmly, unwilling to give the guy an out. Lantry tilted his head, rubbed the outline of his five o’clock shadow and waited, acting as if he fully expected a little bit of trouble. Rhett stood with his hands behind his back, and Lynlee wondered then if either of them were armed, or if they needed to have a weapon at all. “Like I said, doubt you’d know the place I’m referring to. It was off a dirt road kinda back in the sticks.” “What road?” His eyes turned cold as ice then. “I don’t rightly remember.” “Oh, come on now,” Lynlee drawled, refusing to say die. “Everyone remembers what street they lived on as a kid.” She noticed Lantry had retrieved his cell phone and was now sending a message, without a doubt to one of the others since they were likely sitting ducks if this guy represented a new danger. She was beginning to believe he might. “I don’t know, ma’am,” he said, brushing her off and turning to Lantry who stuffed the phone in his pocket. “So are you hiring around here or not?” “You know I didn’t catch your name,” Lynlee said, stalking him now. “You shook my hand but you didn’t tell me.” He bowed his head low then. The rim of his hat slipping over his brow. It was that stance, that precise image that sent Lynlee reeling. She quickly backed away as if she’d seen a ghost. “Lantry,” she said, gulping. Lantry slowly shook his head. Oh, God. She’d pressed too hard. She’d fought for answers and Lantry wasn’t fully prepared to hear the replies. Without a doubt he was unarmed.

Bridled and Bucked

115

Rhett grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him. “You’ll have to excuse Lynlee today.” “I reckon,” he said, keeping his head down. “Yes, she’s a little testy. Blaine and I should’ve called her when the mare was down, but you showed up and seemed to know what you were doing so we just let her rest. I guess she’s still a little sore that we didn’t give her a ring.” “I reckon the gal stays a little sore all the way around, huh?” he asked, implying a lot as he looked directly at her crotch. “I beg your pardon?” Lantry asked, stalking him. “You got something on your mind, cowboy?” “Yeah, Lantry McCain. I got a lot of stuff inside this head of mine. Both of ’em, if ya wanna know the truth. I have a feeling your little woman can help me ease a whole lot of tension.” Before Lantry could respond to the obvious threat, the man retrieved a pistol and aimed the piece at Lantry’s head. “Now, you got two choices here. You can die for that one, if you think she’s worth it, or you can back the fuck off. Let me walk out of here with her like I plan to do one way or the other.” Rhett tightened his grip around her waist, digging his fingers into her side. Lynlee’s mouth dried. “I’ll go with you,” she choked out all at once. Lantry shook his head, and it was the last gesture he’d give. The evil intruder raised his arm and walloped him, knocking Lantry out cold. “Lantry!” she screamed, trying to break Rhett’s grip. “Let me go!” “Lynlee, shh,” Rhett said, staring down at Lantry’s lifeless form. “What do you want from us?” “Well, I came here for your girl, Mr. Mitchell. Fact is, I ain’t leavin’ without her. Now, if you don’t want a headache, too, I suggest you back the fuck up. Give me any problems, and I’ll drop you where you stand.”

116

Natalie Acres

“What did I do to you?” Lynlee asked, realizing she sounded like a desperate woman. She was, in fact, a woman in dire straits, but she’d never been a whiny broad. She stared at Lantry. Then again, she’d never known such pain and suffering. “Lantry! Please! Get up!” Rhett kept her trembling body from going to Lantry. He fought to keep her in his arms as she struggled to break free. “Damn you, Rhett! He needs me! He’s bleeding!” “Lynlee, stop!” Rhett screamed, his arms locking around her waist. Their visitor watched them. An ear-piercing whistle fell into the air, and he said, “Man alive, that woman has a rack on her.” He shot them a lopsided grin and added, “I bet she’s a real pleasure in the sack.” Lynlee immediately went limp in Rhett’s arms. His hard body was too much for her to overpower, and the stranger’s comment frightened her. He studied them as if he thought the unfolding drama was too good to miss. “Hand over the girl, Mitchell and I’ll walk outta here.” Rhett stilled beside her. “What do you want with her?” “You know what I want.” “We’ll pay you to walk away,” Rhett said. “You will pay me? Hell, son, you’re as broke as I am. That’s why people like me and you get in bed with the devil, because the devil may be evil but he damn sure pays some mighty fine dividends.” He grunted, stuck his hands in his breeches and situated a hard cock he must’ve wanted Lynlee to notice. Then, he added, “Why, do you think you’d be in bed with that if the McCains weren’t your best friends?” “Lynlee and I love one another.” “Love?” He snorted. “Love, hell. That woman don’t love you fellas. Hell, that woman is nothing more than a two-bit whore that don’t wanna make up her mind who to fuck, so she just screws ’em all.”

Bridled and Bucked

117

“All right, that’s enough,” Houston said, stepping behind the guy with a rifle aimed at his back. “Well, look here, why don’t ’cha,” the guy drawled. “We’ve got another McCain hero.” Lantry moved. His fingers wiggled and his leg jerked. Tears streamed down Lynlee’s face, and she saw the stranger’s next play coming from a mile away. She relaxed in Rhett’s arms and when his grip loosened, she prepared to give herself to a man who would certainly kill her. But at least she would save Lantry. She had one shot, and she had to take hers before this lunatic pulled the trigger and took his.

118

Natalie Acres

Chapter Seventeen Houston kept his gun aimed at the intruder’s back. He looked down at Lantry’s listless body and watched for any movement. Once he saw his leg tremor, he called out to Lynlee and Rhett, “You two all right?” “They’re fine, McCain. We’ve been having a nice little chat. I think I hurt your friend’s feelings, though. Apparently, he’s under the misguided impression that McCain blood flows through his veins, too.” “I’d say it might,” Houston fired back. “This piece of ground you’re standing on is as much his as it is any other McCain’s. What do you want, mister?” “I’d like to first suggest that you lower that piece you have aimed at my head. See, your brother is lying at the wrong end of my gun and I have a problem with my forefinger. The damn thing wiggles around at the most inopportune times.” He made his point, fired the gun right below Lantry’s boot and laughed when Lantry jerked. “Ah, so damn, he really isn’t dead,” the fellow said. Houston pressed his lips together. Above him, a squeaking board announced where the rest of the McCain clan lingered. The perpetrator stared up and, with a singsong quality to his voice, said, “We have company.” “Ya never know,” Rhett said. “Well, it looks like at least one McCain will have to die.” He cocked his gun and before he pulled the trigger, Rhett lost control of Lynlee and she flew straight into the man’s arms. “Wait!”

Bridled and Bucked

119

“Lynlee! What the fuck!” Houston screamed. An alarming sound similar to an evil hiss filled the barn. “This is more than I bargained for, a little one so desperately in love, she’d die for her lovers. This is better than Romeo and Juliet.” “Don’t hurt them and I’ll make it worth your while,” she promised. Houston’s heart jumped out of his chest. He looked up toward the hayloft and spotted the sniper rifle poking through two hay bales. He saw Dallas and Carlisle walking toward the edge, keeping their heads low, so they could hit the planks if the madman decided to fire into the loft. “What’d ya say we work out a deal, man?” Houston called out. “Kind of like what you worked out for Fink and Gentry? No, thank you.” He turned to face Houston and he pointed the gun at Lynlee’s head. “Now then. Your little woman has made this pretty easy for us. I want you to drop your gun, or she’s dead.” “I’m not sleeping with her. I don’t give a damn if you kill her or not,” Houston said, bargaining with the devil. “Is that right?” he asked, pressing the gun to her forehead. Lynlee’s frightened gaze met his, and it was about his undoing. He was about to lower his weapon when Lynlee said, “He’s telling the truth. Please. He doesn’t care about me. You could blow my head off and he wouldn’t give a damn. Let’s just go. Let’s just get out of here. I promise, I’ll be good company to you.” He ground against her backside and sneered. “You heard the lady. She wants to show me, a perfect stranger, a good time. What’d you think about that?” Houston grimaced. “I don’t have an opinion.” The man cocked his head to the side and looked at Rhett. “What about you, Mitchell. Do you give a damn?” Again he brought the gun to Lynlee’s head. “Put down the fucking gun, Houston,” Rhett ordered, probably realizing there wasn’t a chance in hell. Houston was taking a gamble,

120

Natalie Acres

a huge risk, and the best he could hope for is that in the end, his effort would pay off. “Can’t do it,” Houston announced quickly. The man groped Lynlee, and Houston felt a stabbing sensation as he watched another man’s hands rush up and down Lynlee’s sides. Lynlee’s gaze met his and she turned around and shoved her fingers through the man’s hair, clumsily knocking his hat off in the process. “I remember you.” “You do?” he asked, stretching his neck and peering over her shoulder. “Yes, from the meadows.” He held her with one arm around her waist as the gun started to lower. Unbeknownst to him, Lynlee was making a play to put him in a very vulnerable position, one certain to leave him disabled before he knew what hit him. “I watched you limp across the fields and as you were coming for me, I almost turned back,” she said, playing him for all he was worth. “There was something about you that struck me as special.” “How about that. Special, huh?” Houston glanced in the loft. Dallas nodded. Austin made a motion as if he were signaling Lantry. That’s when Houston cut his gaze toward his brother and realized Lantry was fully coherent now. With one eye opened, he seemed to be coming around and the expression on his face was one Houston recognized. He was determined, and he was mad as all hell. Lynlee ran her fingers through the guy’s hair again. “I think you and I would’ve hit it off from the start. Are you married, by the way?” “I was,” he said, somewhat shyly. Good Lord, this guy was a disgrace to all men. He was falling for Lynlee’s game faster than she could deal the cards. “What happened?” she asked, tilting her head as if she cared. “We didn’t get along.” Lynlee frowned. “I bet you could get along with me.”

Bridled and Bucked

121

“Why?” “I feel what ’cha got there in your pocket,” she crooned. Lantry set his jaw, and Houston might have laughed aloud if only this were a laughing matter. Fact was, he was damn pissed she had to work her body in a way to avoid playing this man’s killing game. The man’s face blushed, and he said, “You are a little whore, aren’t ya?” “I try to please men who interest me,” she said, never missing a beat. “And you have my undivided attention.” His gun lowered completely then. “I do?” “Yes,” she said, grinning with what she conceivably saw as an instant win. “And I can’t wait to give you exactly what you deserve.” In an instant, Lynlee darted to the side, Lantry rolled twice, secured her body under his, and Royce—God love him—took the shot Houston missed. When all was said and done, they stood over the man who almost claimed a McCain life. “What was his name?” Houston asked, mildly curious. Lantry shook his head. “I have no idea.” “We wouldn’t have had to go through this if your friends from the force would get their asses out here and clean up this mess.” “I’d say they’ll be on their way now,” Lantry said, digging for his phone. “Dad actually kept them off us. He thought there might be one more, and apparently Pops was right.” Lantry immediately sent a text message. Rhett looked at Lynlee and said, “I never wanted the triplets to discipline you, but by God, you’ve left them no other choice. If they don’t teach you a lesson after your stunt today, so help me, I will.” With that, Rhett stormed off and headed toward the house. “I think you pissed him off,” Houston said. “He’ll get over it,” Lynlee retorted.

122

Natalie Acres

Lantry narrowed his gaze. “Well, damn it to hell, I won’t. Lynlee, what you did here today was the damned-dumbest thing I’ve ever heard tell of in my life.” “He’s right,” Houston said. Lynlee walked toward Houston and said, “What’d you care? You’re the one who said I didn’t matter when he put a gun to my head.” “And you bought that line of bullshit?” he asked, bracketing his arms around her and lowering his mouth to hers. “No, I never believed it for a minute,” she said saucily. “But it sort of hurt my feelings.” “Want me to kiss them and make them better?” Houston offered. She shrugged. “You’ll have to find them first.” “Honey, trust me. That won’t be a problem.”

Bridled and Bucked

123

Chapter Eighteen In the guest house a few hours later, Lynlee was convinced that whatever Houston wanted to find with his mouth, he discovered without a problem. She clutched the sheet beneath her as he spread her legs with his elbows and thrust his tongue inside her, lapping at her core until she was begging for more. The way he ate her made a believer out of her, if nothing else. She had Houston by the balls as much as she held tightly to the others. In many ways, Houston had been the most difficult to read. He’d cared for her, sure, but he was so guarded, careful to keep some distance between them. Now, his defenses were shattered. He ate her pussy like he never planned to leave the table, sipping at her clit and thrusting his tongue inside her until the slurping noises were practically her undoing. Her nerve endings shattered as her stroked her with his tongue. Her body heat rose a degree higher as her pussy pulsed with new vibrations. Her orgasm moved closer, coming forward at a higher rate of speed. Blaine’s hands swept over her. He rubbed the pads of his fingers over her nipples, applying enough pressure and friction to send her spinning. His eyes were hooded and his mouth was sinful as he dropped simple kisses around the shape of her breasts. She stretched her neck and located Lantry. He was at the end of the bed, gripping himself at the base of his cock, pumping his hardness through his tight, closed fist.

124

Natalie Acres

Carlisle inched beside her, his hips next to hers. Naked, he looked at her like he thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Where had the time gone, she wondered then as she watched the men she loved surround her. She felt as if she’d lost hours and minutes, as if she’d been dazed and confused while they’d prepared to join her. They came to her one by one, each man joining her after taking a cowboy’s sweet and easy time. Houston’s mouth assaulted her intimate lips again. He fucked her with his fingers and tongue, his mouth covering her clit and manipulating the little button until she was writhing under him, grinding against him. Her pussy slapped against his chin and she cried out for more, begged for something as intimate as he could give. “Easy, girl,” Lantry said, watching her with those hot chocolate eyes. She’d melted in that warm gaze before. Still, the only thing Lantry did then was inspire her. Houston was the one guiding her, leading the way and promising an adventure without a word exchanged. “Relax, Lynlee,” Austin said, walking over to the bed and immediately caressing her pussy. “We’re not in any hurry here. We have a lot of time to pamper and spoil you.” She chalked that up as an oath. Dallas was on the bed then, too. He sat behind her and pulled her across his lap, blindfolding her almost at once. “No,” she whined. “I want to see you.” Blaine secured one wrist, and Royce took hold of the other. At least she assumed that’s how things played out, particularly since Blaine had been seated at her right, and Royce hovered over her from the left. Houston mumbled against her clit, and it was like accepting a quick stroke from a riding crop as his lips tapped against her pussy. Sensations whipped through her channel, ripping through her body so

Bridled and Bucked

125

rapidly she swore her toes curled, and a fleeting whisper fell against her nape. Austin’s dick was at her lips. “Open, doll. Taste me.” She couldn’t believe he was asking for head right then. She turned her cheek and wrapped her lips around him, drawing him inside her willing mouth as he slid across her tongue like a launched torpedo. She sucked Austin’s cock down her throat and moaned as he slid toward her tonsils. Tapping the end of his cock with the flattened area of her tongue, she tantalized and teased, gaining a sudden sound of vocal appreciation. And a little retaliation. Houston licked straight through her folds, cramming his tongue through her intimate canal. “What do you want, sweet lady?” he asked, pausing a second after he’d made her stir-crazy under his deliberate swipes. What did she want? Hmmm. Was he serious? She mumbled ideas against Austin’s cock, but as she tapped his balls, she had no idea what she might have suggested. Austin’s thick wedge of flesh swelled her cheeks, and his salty taste brought with it a new wave of temptation. He was bittersweet, and Lynlee wanted a mouthful of what promised to be a tempting treat. She sucked harder, pulling Austin’s dick closer and closer to her throat, wrapping her tongue around his thick width and licking him up and down, enjoying the way his pulsing veins tantalized her palate. He fucked her mouth harder now, pulling her hair as he held her head closer to his groin. “That’s it, Lynlee. Let me fuck your pretty little mouth like I’ll later sink inside that tight cunt.” Lynlee sighed. She loved it when they talked dirty, “Slurp, pretty baby. You got me hard, darlin’. Ah yeah. That’s it. Drink me in, sweetie. I’ll let you taste me.” Houston caressed her ankles and thighs. He pushed her knees forward and spread her still wider, keeping his position between her legs, still working harder to bring her pleasure. Lynlee was beginning

126

Natalie Acres

to believe she’d find her release with Houston’s mouth guiding her, Austin’s cock inspiring her. She tried to move then, but her arms remained secured. She would’ve whined about that, but instead she bobbed her head over Austin, devouring the cock in her cheek. “Oh God, Lynlee,” he whispered. “I’m coming, love. Are you ready?” Are you?” He rammed his cock to the roof of her mouth, tapping firmly against the texture there. She hummed against his shaft and tantalized the head, consuming his length straight down her throat once more. She gulped as he released, jerking as a hot shot of his spicy cum pleased her palate. His heated release making her thirsty for still more. Royce’s hands were on her breasts, squeezing and releasing. He dropped his head and tweaked her nipple, biting the hard point until her back bowed. “That’s my girl. I’d do anything for my little woman.” She believed him. She’d seen him in action. He’d proven how much he cared for her. Good Lord, Royce had even killed for her. He nuzzled her breast and said, “I love you, Lynlee. I swear to God, I’ll always love you.” “I know,” she whispered, releasing Austin. “I feel how much you love me.” She wished then they’d release her hands and take away the blindfold, but she was too tired to argue. Besides, she wanted to wait this out, indulge in the forbidden, and see what surprises they held in store. Houston left the bed. Lantry took his place. After the lick he took on the head, she wondered how he was coherent now. Her knees fell apart and Lantry framed her pussy, his fingers encircling her wet folds. His tongue danced between her highly sensitive lips, and that’s where the promises began. “I’m going to eat you alive, woman,” Lantry said.

Bridled and Bucked

127

She had no reason to think otherwise. And he might as well. This was one threat she was certain to survive. “Hey, baby,” Houston said, his cock loitering at her lips. “Come here.” He freed her hand from Blaine, and shoved her arm toward his groin. “See how hard you make me.” She stroked him then, wrapping her hand around his size so she could pump him. Seconds later, she held him in her mouth, giving him a true-to-form textbook blow, her cheeks filling with hot air as she gifted him with the kind of oral pleasure he wouldn’t soon forget. In a matter of seconds, his balls tapped against her chin. His cum filled her mouth, and she licked him clean, satisfied when she felt another McCain get a little wobbly on bended knees. “You could teach that class in school,” Houston told her. She laughed at that. “I don’t think anyone would license this instructor.” “Oh I do,” Austin said somewhere in the distance. “I think we’ll see if we can’t do demonstrations for adult education somewhere.” “Or make a sex video,” Houston suggested. “I’m not an exhibitionist,” Lynlee said, though she wasn’t so sure that was true. She liked performing for her men, and that was part of what turned her on. She enjoyed teasing one or two while pleasing the others. Dallas removed the blindfold and gave her an upside-down kiss, his legs still splayed and her body resting between his parted thighs. He surrounded her with his arms, and his large hands covered her breasts. He toyed with her nipples, pinching them until she cried out in complete satisfaction. Lantry feasted on her pussy, licking and lapping until she didn’t think she could take much more. She sat up, placed a palm behind her, which inevitably left her fingers tapping the end of Dallas’s cock. “Ah, honey,” Dallas crooned. “Stroke me.” Lantry’s eyes met hers and she admired him as he worked with her arousal, fingering her one minute, lapping at her juices the next.

128

Natalie Acres

“I’m going to come,” she warned, pushing down on Lantry’s head, pumping her hips and trying her best to encourage him. She wanted more. He had plenty to give. If only he would. “Lantry,” she purred. “Oh God, right there. Yes, let me come.” “Like hell,” Lantry said, stopping his assault all at once. Her breath caught in her chest and she blurted out, “Really? Are you seriously going to leave me like this?” His devilish smile made her heart skip an extra beat. Of course he would slow things down on a dime. He had better things in mind. “Are you really going to stop now?” Her pussy clenched. Her nipples throbbed, and he didn’t want to finish her? “I don’t know,” he said. “Think you can convince me you’re worth the effort?” “Come on up here and fuck me. Then, maybe we’ll talk about it,” she teased. He groaned. “Maybe later.” Then, he returned to the task of teasing her, thrusting his tongue inside her and spreading her folds with four fingers and a very skilled tongue. A slap came down against her mound, and Lynlee watched as Blaine smacked her again. An incredible sensation zipped through her body. Now, she needed something, anything or anyone, to penetrate her. She’d take a toy or a cock at this point. Given the fact she’d gauged the stamina around the room, she wasn’t about to tell them of that fact. If she groveled, they would make her wait. And Lynlee wasn’t patient today. “I know what you like, Lynlee,” Blaine told her. “I’m your husband, remember. I’ll always know how to turn you on.” Lantry sniffed at that, and when Blaine smacked her pussy again, striking her mound with three firm fingers, she wanted more than she could ever remember needing from them. Her legs tightened against

Bridled and Bucked

129

Lantry’s ears, and she bumped against him, grinding her clit against his swollen lips until his tongue sank deeper inside her. Now, she was nothing more than an inferno of pure, womanly heat waiting to take that intoxicating orgasmic ride. “Give me what I want, Lantry!” she demanded. His tongue skimmed across her clit. “Soon.” His mouth claimed her lips again and he sucked the tender folds harder, with a much rougher, more deliberate suction. Then, he manipulated the little point with his thumb, rolling the bud around and around. “Lantry, oh hell. You’re killing me, here,” she whimpered. Her cries for mercy filled the room as she prepared to ride out the waves of pure pleasure. He gave her one stroke after the next, his tongue pushing her toward complete satisfaction. As the first orgasm rolled forward, she clutched Royce’s wrist and Dallas’s hand. She stared into Dallas’s intense eyes and swallowed tightly, expecting to use the arms of another to brace for what Lantry’s tongue would inevitably offer. Instead, a sense of loss washed over her as Lantry backed away from her. She collapsed against Dallas, tugging Royce close enough to reward him with a heated kiss. Instead, her frustration took hold. “I swear I should kill you myself!” she screamed, allowing the men supporting her to peck away her troubles. Dallas gave her forehead a quick smooch while Royce whispered against her lips. “We have something better in store.” “I doubt that,” she grumbled, prepared to throw one hell of a fit. “You need to learn patience,” Lantry told her. “He’s right,” Carlisle agreed, talking a seat on the bed. “If you don’t learn to wait things out, Lynlee, one of these days, you’ll jump the wrong gun and find another one pointed right at your pretty little head.” “We’re all safe,” she reminded them, her legs trembling, her pussy clenching.

130

Natalie Acres

Before she had the chance to put up an argument, Lantry yanked her from the mattress, looped his arms around her back and stared into her eyes. “If you ever pull a stunt like this one earlier today, so help me I’ll fuck you for a week without stopping. You’ll walk around for a month thereafter swearing off sex as much as that stubborn defiance.” “Sounds like a good plan to me,” Carlisle agreed. “I’ll help you.” “Me, too,” Dallas said, swatting her ass. “There you have it, doll,” Lantry remarked. “You’d be well advised to behave from here forward. Do you understand?” Lynlee started to argue, mainly because the fight just lived within her. Instead of telling them they’d never have the stamina to keep up with her, she turned and noticed something. Lantry was hiding behind a threat and a smile. He was in pain, for starters. He was also frightened, scared of what might have happened if someone—his brothers—hadn’t been there to protect her. “I’m sorry,” she finally managed. “I might forgive you,” he said, stroking his cock with one hand. “I’ll fuck you all night long,” she volunteered, her motives entirely selfish. “With that hot little mouth?” he asked. “Maybe,” she said, gliding down his stomach, kissing a trail straight to the man’s hard cock. “On occasion, I’ve been known to be a quite agreeable woman.” “Show me,” Lantry growled. “Convince me.” Her mouth locked around him and she took him all the way to her throat, her gag reflexes working overtime to please a man who deserved her admiration, not to mention her complete devotion. “That’s it, sweets. Good Lord, you know how to work those sweet lips.” There was something about Lantry that never made much sense to her. He was her protector as a child and maybe that, in itself,

Bridled and Bucked

131

explained why she fought so hard for survival whenever he was around. She wanted to please him in every way that mattered. Her mouth milked him and she tasted the first drop of his release. He pounded out a quick, broken rhythm, and she swallowed twice, certain if he felt her throat against his crest, he’d let her have what she longed for more. She wanted to taste him as he came in her mouth. She wanted him to feed the hunger, sate the lust, dim the longing. And in order to do that, she needed his cum drizzling down her throat, his balls tapping against her chin. Lantry’s legs parted and he fucked her mouth, screwing himself tightly between her swollen cheeks. He bunched a handful of her hair in his hands and held her to his groin. Her mouth and tongue continued to work for his pleasure, seeking the opportunity to destroy his masked control. “That’s it, hon. Take what you need.” He guided her over him, and she sucked his cock until her jaws throbbed. Her palate was numb. When he slowed down to a gait she could manage, she almost begged him to take him in his arms and fuck her. Instead, their eyes met, and a request wasn’t necessary. “Come here, sexy lady,” he said, allowing her to rest her head upon his chest. He breathed her in like she was a new fragrance set to bring top dollar in a department store. His hands propelled across her damp flesh and he pressed his lips to hers. “I love you. I would do anything in the world for you, but I don’t have it in me to stand by and watch you die.” “I know,” she said, touching his cheek. “And you won’t have to. I promise. Besides, from now on, I swear I’ll behave.” “Really?” Lantry asked. “You’ll tell all sorts of fibs when you’re trying to coax a dick into that pretty little tight pussy.” She batted her eyelashes and let his comment slide. “I guess you’d have to love me to tolerate me.”

132

Natalie Acres

“Ain’t that the truth,” Blaine said, finding his place behind her. He massaged her shoulders and his lips met her nape. Lantry propelled his hands up and down her sides, watching his own hands as they worked to make her addicted to his touch. He didn’t kiss her again, but he made her work for that kiss, grovel for a more heated caress. His touch was tender, yet deliberate. His knuckles brushed over her cheekbones. His fingers traced her lips, and his strong hands eventually fondled her breasts where he toyed with her nipples and watched to see how easily he provoked them. Blaine took her hand and led her to the bed, tearing her away from Lantry’s heated gaze and careful hand. Laying her down, Blaine towered over her, finding his place between her legs. Carlisle straddled her left thigh. Rhett, who must’ve pouted as long as he could stand, joined her from the right. Dallas remained at the head of the bed with Royce hanging around nearby. “I wondered where you were,” she said to Rhett. “Missed me, did ya?” “Sort of,” she crooned, ready to forgive and forget. Royce’s cock parted her lips and she released a stifled cry. “I love you.” “Then love me,” he said, brushing long locks away from her eyes. “Watch me while you love me and accept them.” Two dicks nudged her from the front, spreading her pussy, stretching her. They gave her body time to prepare for the invasion while she sucked Royce’s cock, appreciating the distraction. Carlisle and Rhett were gentle for about a minute, inching inside her as they braced against one another for balance. Royce’s dick hung right at her parted lips. “Come on, baby. Relax for them, okay, doll?” A little coaxing and she was good to go. She spread her legs then, and they slammed inside her, the double penetration a mix of slight pain and overwhelming pleasure.

Bridled and Bucked

133

Royce stroked her cheek. “That’s sexy as all hell, lady. You know what you do to us, don’t you, Lynlee?” She had a pretty good idea. Their bodies did bad things to her as well. They each possessed their own unique way of ruining her for other men. Carlisle and Rhett continued to enter her simultaneously, stroking her pussy until they had their timing down to an art, a pretty erotic science. They worked inside her cunt, probing higher, going deeper until her body succumbed to the pleasure and her orgasm was only but a stroke or so away. Royce kept his dick in her cheek, thrusting his penis between her lips until he couldn’t stop the rapid pace, even on a request. Not that she’d want a slow show. She tightened her lips around his width, obtaining a suction guaranteed to blow his mind, and she finished him. “Right there!” Royce exclaimed, fucking her mouth. “Mmm,” she muttered, finding herself “right there,” too. “Keep looking at me,” Royce demanded, his tongue resting against his upper lip. Lantry’s head dropped to her chest and he suckled one nipple while pinching the other. “I’m horny, Lynlee,” he confided. “Hurry them along.” She grinned at the request. One hand remained with Royce and she committed herself to the eroticism of finding their pleasure. Her other palm fell against the top of Lantry’s head and she indulged in one of life’s sweeter moments, encouraging him to lap at her nipples, pay closer attention to her full breasts. “You’re such a sexy vixen,” Lantry said, studying her while she gave Royce plenty to grovel and grunt about. Royce changed his gait and slammed into her mouth like a man without a destination, and nowhere particular he needed to go. Lynlee swirled her tongue around his penis, sucking harder and harder, working for that grand finale.

134

Natalie Acres

Carlisle and Rhett fucked her. Dallas finally slipped inside her, claiming her ass with a quick thrust from behind. He grunted as he entered her, and his lips fell to her nape. “Good Lord, Lynlee. I won’t last long.” At this point, she hoped that was a promise. Carlisle and Rhett gave her another two hard strokes and Rhett hollered out, “Now!” They exploded inside her as she tried to find a pace to match everyone. She bucked and swayed, moving between three bodies while entertaining another, a man who’d certainly found his moment of satisfaction, too. Royce’s hot cum shot down her throat and she licked him clean, her own body falling victim to the eroticism of circumstance and that old undeniable rhythm. Minutes later, Carlisle and Rhett left her. Royce collapsed against the bed. Blaine took her hand and guided her to his cock, helping her pump him as they clasped hands and worked together to bring about his pleasure. “Spread those sweet thighs a little wider for me,” Lantry said, taking his position between her legs. Fondling his cock, he placed the head at her pussy and entered her, growling when she closed around him. Dallas fucked her ass, sliding in and out with a slow and tortured beat. “Come for us, baby,” Blaine instructed her. “Let us see your sweet little body move.” She lost herself in Lantry’s eyes for a moment longer than what might have been theirs to claim, hers to own. She continued to pull for Blaine’s release, jerking him off until his warm cum shot across her breasts and the heat from his ejaculation sent a shiver down her spine. She locked her legs behind Lantry’s back and fucked him, giving him the opportunity to work with Dallas in a way guaranteed to please them all.

Bridled and Bucked

135

One cock thrust and the other gave way. Lantry hammered forward while Dallas inched back. Dallas slid inside her and Lantry slipped out. Regardless of the impalement, her body accepted the penetration and they allowed her the opportunity to just go with the motions. The bed bounced. The mattress shimmied. And her two lovers stamped out their passion, riding her to the initial start of a long evening ahead.

136

Natalie Acres

Chapter Nineteen Lynlee awoke the next morning to an empty cottage. After she tossed one way and then the other, she was convinced. Her men had left her alone, most likely to start cleaning up the messes others left for them. So far, being involved with the McCains had left her to believe their lives together would always be full of excitement, one cliffhanger after the next. Before she could feel too sorry for herself, she thought of Jose and wondered what, if anything, she might be able to do to help him. About the time she started to devise a plan, Carlisle entered the small room. “What are you doing here by yourself?” “I guess the lot of you left me behind this morning.” “Is something eating at you?” Carlisle asked. “As a matter of fact, there is.” She sighed. “I need to talk to you about something, and I think you’re the only one who can help me.” “What’s wrong?” Carlisle asked, immediately concerned. “I want you to work on something very important. I want you to help Jose get a green card.” A long silence made Lynlee uncomfortable. She saw Carlisle’s response before he provided one. “I can’t do that, Lynlee.” “Why not?” Carlisle looked away. “Why not?” she pressed. “Give me one good reason.”

Bridled and Bucked

137

He took a deep breath and said, “One of these days I promise you, I will. Right now, I can’t go against my father. He doesn’t want Jose to have a green card.” “Why?” “I can’t tell you.” She bucked up against that reply. Sticking her lip out, she pouted. When that didn’t work, she said, “Well, I still want him to have my car.” “You’ll have to talk to Blaine and Lantry about that. They paid for it.” “Then they can pay for another one.” “You’re acting spoiled.” “And you’re pissing me off.” “Lynlee, I’m my father’s attorney. There are certain things that I cannot and will not discuss with you or anyone else.” A long silence separated them again. Finally, Lynlee decided she’d just have to understand Carlisle’s position and accept Casey’s wishes. She wasn’t an idiot. Casey liked to control those around him. As long as Jose didn’t have a green card, Casey could keep him under his thumb. “What have you been doing this morning?” she asked, an effort to make amends by changing the subject. “We’re working on a few things.” “I need to get my lazy butt out of bed and get to work, too.” She ran her hands over her body as she rose to her feet. For a few passing seconds, her hand drifted across her belly. She wondered then, and it wasn’t the first time, what it might be like to carry a child. “Lynlee,” Carlisle said in a gentle voice. “Are you all right?” “Yes,” she assured him. “Honey, is something else on your mind?” Lynlee pursed her lips. When she and Blaine married, she told him, convinced him actually, that she didn’t want children. Blaine couldn’t father a child, and she told him she would never want to be a mother.

138

Natalie Acres

Now, for some unexplainable reason, she was curious about motherhood, convinced she’d become a wonderful parent if only she could have a child. She often found herself thinking about the son or daughter she might bring into this world. “I may want a child,” she said, actually surprised at herself for stating the fact aloud. Carlisle narrowed his gaze on her bare stomach. “Lynlee, are you pregnant?” “No,” she assured him. “But I may want to be…pregnant, that is.” “Lynlee!” Lantry called out, entering the house then. “There you are. Did you just decide to roll over?” Lynlee grabbed her robe and stuffed her arms in the sleeves. “I was tired. For some reason I was just plain tired.” “I can’t imagine why,” Lantry said, giving her a hug. “Somebody was pretty frisky last night.” “Lynlee wants a baby,” Carlisle blurted out. “What?” Lantry asked, holding her arms away from him. “I said, I might,” she corrected, pursing her lips, shooting Carlisle what she hoped was interpreted as a firm stare of disapproval. Lantry studied her then. “Are you?” “Am I what?” “Pregnant,” Lantry said. “No, of course not,” she said. “I take the pill every night without fail.” Heidi rushed inside the house. She flopped down at Lynlee’s feet, and Lynlee sighed. “I guess Heidi is enough for me right now. Just skip it. I don’t know why I mentioned something like that right now anyway. I mean how does one go about dodging bullets and pushing a stroller, right?” “Right,” Lantry said, kissing her cheek. “When you get dressed, get Carlisle to drive you down to the barn. You have a filly to play with this morning.”

Bridled and Bucked

139

“I know,” she said, feeling sorry for herself all over again. She immediately gave herself an internal pep talk. She had a lot of animals. She’d even come to think of some of them as her children. “I don’t know what’s wrong with you,” Lantry said. “Don’t you have enough to do with eight men around begging for your attention?” She forced a smile. “You’re right. I have enough to keep me busy.” “I always am,” he said, grabbing a bottle of water out of the small refrigerator on his way out. When he started his Jeep, Carlisle said, “Lynlee, this is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly. Are you sure you’ve been taking your birth control?” Lynlee would’ve been offended except for the fact that skipping her pills, at one time, would’ve been a typical stunt. “Yes, of course.” Carlisle frowned. “Is this something you’ve thought about a lot or is it just after this last threat? I mean, you know, a lot of things go through a person’s mind after they have a close call with death.” Lynlee studied Carlisle and admired him for a moment longer than she typically might. He was dressed in khakis and a white shirt and with his short, dark hair, trimmed neatly above the ears, she wondered what life might have been like for them if she’d chosen to marry him instead of Blaine. Would Carlisle have chosen to share her? Probably not. Would they have started a family together? “Do you want children, Carlisle?” “I don’t know,” he said, shaking his head. “I’d like to think someday, perhaps, when things calm down, but I just don’t know. Dad wouldn’t—” “Your dad?” Lynlee asked. “What does Casey have to do with this?” Carlisle gulped. “Nothing, it’s just that he worries over protecting his family, and a baby, well a baby is…helpless. You know that.”

140

Natalie Acres

She paced, trying like crazy to hold her tears at bay, wondering why she was so distraught, completely emotional, right then. “This has nothing to do with your father or your mother, for that matter.” “I know, but you have to understand something, there may always be a threat to our family. Do you want to endanger a child?” “No, but I may want one, and if I do, I should be able to choose to pursue a pregnancy without asking your father, if it’s all right. Good God, Carlisle. Do you not see how unusual this situation is?” Carlisle’s brows arched. “I don’t mean with us. What I’m talking about is between you and your father. Hell, the only one who doesn’t consult him is Lantry.” She paused. “I take that back, whenever there’s something wrong, he’s the first one on the hotwire with daddy dearest.” “I thought you liked Dad.” “I do!” she replied. “But I never consulted my parents over every little thing. Even as a teenager, I learned to make my own decisions. I did my best to stand on my own two feet. You need to learn to do that, too.” “Lynlee, trust me, I do. There’s more to this than meets the eye.” “What, damn it! What?” Carlisle swallowed hard. “I think since you’re married to Blaine, you need to talk to him about this.” She pursed her lips. “You did not just throw down that card.” “Yes, I did, Lynlee,” Carlisle assured her. “There are some confidences I won’t break for you or anyone else. I can’t. I’m bound by law to keep my mouth shut. Blaine, on the other hand, can say whatever he wants. If you have questions, you ask him. He’ll tell you what you need to know.” “And what about having a baby?” Lynlee asked. “What about it?” he asked. “You’re gonna have a hard time finding a father for your child. Hell, most of us had vasectomies! I thought you knew that.” He took a deep breath. “Even if I wanted a child, we’d have to adopt.”

Bridled and Bucked

141

Lynlee felt all the blood drain from her face. “Why are you just now telling me that?” He shrugged. “It was never discussed before now. If you’d asked, I would’ve told you the truth. I’m sorry, Lynlee. No one wants a kid around here, least of all me. If things were different—” “Don’t,” she snapped. “Don’t you dare patronize me.” “I’m not, honey,” he assured her. “I just don’t believe in candycoating this pregnancy thing.” Lynlee marched over to the dresser, retrieved her purse and dug inside an interior pocket. She found the little dial-a-day container and immediately chucked it, tossing the pills in the garbage can. “Well then, if no one has any seeds left to plant, there’s no reason for me to take precautions, is there?”

142

Natalie Acres

Chapter Twenty “You’d better go see a doctor,” Carlisle said out of the blue. “Why? Do I look sick to you?” Lantry asked. “Nope, but Lynlee tossed her birth control, and there are only two McCains who can get her pregnant—you and Houston.” “I’ll talk to her,” Lantry said. “It won’t do any good,” Blaine informed them, tossing a bale of hay across the barn. “If she mentioned having a baby, it’ll be hard to change her mind. The two of you know that. She’s stubborn as hell. Plus, I think Lynlee would make a good mother.” About that time, Lynlee appeared at the other end of the barn. Flipping through a magazine, she acted like she walked aimlessly with no intention of looking up to see where she was going. Out of nowhere, she started singing, “Hush little baby, don’t you cry…” Lantry dropped the pitchfork. “Oh this is going a little too far.” Blaine snickered. “Like I said, you’re wasting your breath.” “I’ll say it for you,” Carlisle said. “Fuck your life. I’d hate to be in your shoes.” “Or Houston’s?” he asked. “You know what Houston will do. He’ll wrap it three or four times and tell her to deal with it,” Carlisle said, keeping his voice low. Lantry stared down the breezeway as Lynlee approached the foaling stall. “I’ll talk to her. End of story. We’ll discuss this later.” “I think we could talk about it now,” Lynlee said, apparently overhearing them. “I mean, we’re all friends here, right?” Blaine strolled by her, pecked her cheek and said, “Whatever the two of you decide, I’ll support.”

Bridled and Bucked

143

Carlisle made his way to the far end of the barn. Calling back over his shoulder, he said, “Just because Blaine said he would support what you decide does not mean Dad will. You’d better remember that.” Lantry would indeed. And he still would do whatever the hell he wanted to do. Correction, he would do whatever it took to make Lynlee happy. Alone with Lynlee, Lantry took a deep breath. “Say you’ve got motherhood on your mind?” “Sort of,” she replied. “Yes.” “Well, funny thing,” Lantry said, stalking her. “I’ve been thinking about that a lot here lately.” Actually, the idea of being a father appealed to him, but he hadn’t considered it much until he learned Lynlee wanted a baby, too. “You have?” she asked, her bottom lip quivering. He felt that warm sensation in his gut. Grabbing a bale of hay from the stack piled high in a nearby corner, he took a seat and patted his knee. Lynlee walked over and plopped down, rolling the magazine inward, something Lantry noticed. “What do you have there?” “It’s nothing,” she said, tucking the magazine tighter under her arm. “I thought we didn’t have secrets,” he reminded her, grabbing the periodical. When the magazine unraveled, his heart stopped. Staring down at the cover, he saw a beautiful, bright-eyed baby with coal black eyes smiling up at a glowing young woman. Lantry felt a lump in his throat. “Parenting Today in the South, huh?” “Lantry, I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I can’t get it off my mind. I want to be a mother. I think I’d be a good parent. Anyway, I don’t think about much else these days.” “I guess so,” he said, pointing at the mailing label. “It looks like we’re on the mailing list.”

144

Natalie Acres

She shrugged. Heidi ran in the barn and sat at her feet. Breathless, she acted like she was totally exasperated, as if she had been searching the property high and low looking for Lynlee. Lantry studied the mutt for a minute, and then thought of something important for her to consider. “Lynlee, do you remember when Blaine brought Heidi home?” “Of course.” “Well, remember how you used to panic whenever you couldn’t find her?” “I didn’t panic.” “Yes you did,” he insisted. “And that damn dog is a nervous blasted wreck whenever she can’t find you.” Lynlee giggled. “I’m her momma.” “Well, I guess,” Lantry said, trying to escape that image as quickly as possible. “Anyway, with kids, that’s a legitimate fear.” “Lantry, I know we live in a glass house.” He took a ragged breath. “That’s an understatement.” She tilted her head. “There seems to be a lot you aren’t telling me about your family, a lot I didn’t know when I married Blaine.” He nodded. That was the least he could do. He could give her a truthful answer. She was his life, his lover, and his best friend. He owed her that much. “I would have a baby with you tomorrow if I didn’t have to worry about whether or not I could keep my child safe.” “You always protect those you love, Lantry.” “I didn’t yesterday,” he retorted. “I made a mistake, an error in judgment. I walked out of my house without a weapon and someone came here with the intention of bringing harm to you.” “And look at us now,” she reminded him. “We survived, Lantry. Do you know why?” He could only imagine what kind of losing battle he’d just begun to fight.

Bridled and Bucked

145

“Because the McCains stick together. We fight our enemies as a team.” “Lynlee, I don’t want my woman fighting. And if I had a child, I wouldn’t him ducking his head and hiding from bad guys. Don’t you see?” Lynlee sat there for a minute of silence, and then she said, “Him?” “Is that the only thing you got from that whole statement?” She smiled. “I want a girl first.” He shrugged. “A girl would be all right, too, I guess.” “Does that mean you’ll think about it?” “Have I ever told you ‘no’ and meant it?” Lynlee stared into his loving eyes and framed his face with both hands. “No, Mr. McCain, I can’t say that you have.” Lantry held her head against him, and he kissed her brow. “I’ve been holding you in my lap like this for a great number of years. Yesterday, we were talking about ice cream cones and how you wanted to marry Blaine. Today, we’re talking about babies of our own. Funny how time gets away from you, isn’t it?” She sighed. “All I know is thanks to you, my life just keeps getting better and better all the time.”

146

Natalie Acres

Epilogue Two Years Later “Where is Lantry?” she screamed, a nurse trying desperately to get an IV started in her arm. Blaine patted her other arm. “Honey, he’ll be here in a minute. I called him. He should be on his way by now.” “Good!” she screamed with an obvious contraction grabbing her so violently that she doubled over in true pain. “I plan to kill him when he gets here!” “What?” Dallas screeched, entering the room. The nurse shook her head. “Apparently, this Lantry person said she could have a C-section. Her doctor and his team see no reason for her to have a cesarean. Surgery wasn’t planned and by the tests conducted, Lynlee should have a perfectly healthy baby boy.” “Boy?” she hollered. Oh God, she was mad now. Lynlee had wanted a surprise after delivery. She did not want to know the sex of her baby until she held him or her in her arms. Blaine, catching on to the apparent slip, took the nurse by the shoulders and started walking her toward the door. “Lynlee didn’t want to know if we were expecting a boy or a girl. I think maybe you might want to go talk to her doctor again. See if we can’t pay someone a little extra under the table and get Lynlee what she needs.” The nurse, a short older woman, put her hands on her hefty hips and said, “Look, I know who you are, Mr. McCain, and I understand you’re quite accustomed to buying your way and throwing that

Bridled and Bucked

147

McCain weight around. However, Dr. Finley is not easily bought. He has plenty of money, and he’s one of this hospital’s finest. “If he says your wife is having the baby by means of natural childbirth, she might as well spread her legs and push. God knows if the rumors around here are true, she’s had plenty of practice!” Dallas rushed forward, stopping Blaine from giving her an earful. He pushed Blaine aside and said, “Why don’t you see if someone else can be Lynlee’s nurse? Oh and while you’re at it, you might want to see if you can find another job”—he leaned forward and checked out her badge—“Nurse Davis.” She stamped her foot and left the room. Lynlee’s head rolled from side to side. Her brow was damp with perspiration, and Austin and Houston tried to comfort her, both of them placing wet rags on her forehead. “Lantry!” she cried out again. “I can’t stand this,” Blaine said, stepping out into the hallway. About that time, Royce and Lantry rushed down the hall. “Where is she?” Lantry asked, looking like he might be the one having the baby instead. “Uh, I wouldn’t go in there yet, if I were you,” Blaine said. “I think she’s blaming you with her current condition.” “So help me God! Somebody better call Lantry right now! He told me it wouldn’t hurt because they’d put me to fucking sleep!” Lantry went pale. “Let me guess, they don’t have any sleeping pills around here?” “You might know how this works if you’d gone to some of those recommended childbirth education classes.” Lantry shook his head. “Ah hell, what can I say? A man just makes the most out of what he knows.” “It’s not what you know that got you in this mess,” Blaine reminded him, following him into Lynlee’s birthing room. “There you are!”

148

Natalie Acres

“Hey, honey,” he said enthusiastically as he forced a broad smile. “I wanted to stop by and pick up a bunch of roses but uh, I didn’t have time. You look beautiful, by the way.” “Get over here,” she demanded. Carlisle laughed. “Bet you wished you’d wrapped it now.” “Shut up,” Lantry said under his breath. Lantry studied the little woman glaring back at him. He’d fought hardened criminals, put away murderers, worked cold cases from gruesome crimes, but never in his life had he ever been as scared as he was now. Houston grinned. “She’s dilated, whatever that means.” “How many centimeters?” Lantry asked. Blaine shrugged. “I didn’t pay attention.” “Don’t worry about it,” Austin said. “He wouldn’t know how many mattered.” Lantry ignored them and sat next to her, caressing her hand. All of a sudden she flew out of the bed, and Lantry’s expression was priceless. Blaine would’ve paid a pretty penny to have captured and framed that moment. “Here now!” Lantry called out, thinking apparently she was coming after him. Austin grabbed her hand and directed Lantry, “She’s having contractions, you moron.” “Is that normal?” he asked, clutching her wrist and flinching when she about ripped his arm out of socket, something Blaine had watched her nearly do to Houston and Austin. “The baby is coming,” she said, breathing harder. “I think the baby has dropped.” Lantry lifted the sheet and peered underneath. “Oh God. I think she’s right. Somebody get the doctor.” “I am so glad I didn’t take a look under there,” Carlisle said, making his way to the door.

Bridled and Bucked

149

Blaine followed him. “Me, too. For once in my life, I’m glad I couldn’t have kids. I’d hate to think I was the cause of all this whooping and hollering.” “What’s wrong, little brother?” Houston asked. “Feeling kind of squeamish?” “I’m not, but Carlisle is.” Blaine studied Houston. “You look a little pale, too, come to think of it.” “I don’t like to see Lynlee in pain.” “If I were you, Houston, I’d get snipped and tied,” Rhett advised. “There’s just something wrong here when a man has to watch a woman have a baby come out the very place he likes to visit every now and again.” A team of doctors rushed by them, and a few nurses followed suit. Everyone was asked to leave the room except Lantry, the biological father. When Austin joined them in the hallway, Blaine became aware of the fact that all eyes were on him. Trying to make small talk, he said, “Did Lynlee ever slug him?” “No,” Austin replied, grinning. “But by damn she wanted to.” He released a phony laugh, and that’s when all heads turned his way. “Why don’t you see if they’ll let one more sit with Lynlee?” Rhett asked. Blaine shook his head. “Lantry needs to be in there. He’s the child’s father. If I were having a baby with Lynlee then I’d be there.” “You’re her husband,” Carlisle pointed out. “And she’s my wife,” he said, certain of that fact always. “But she’s as much his as she is mine. Lynlee belongs to all of us. It doesn’t matter who is with her, so long as she has someone beside her, someone who loves her as much as I do.” He took a deep breath and leaned his head against the door. A few minutes later, he heard a loud boom. An assistant physician rushed

150

Natalie Acres

through the doors. “I need a stretcher in here. We’ve gotta daddy down!” **** Hours later, Lynlee cradled her baby boy in her arms. “I think he looks like the McCains,” she said, carefully choosing her words. “I think he might,” Carlisle agreed. “If he does,” Dallas spoke up, “I would tend to think he resembles me.” “Then that means he looks an awful lot like me, too,” Houston said. “I’m thinking I’d agree with that assessment,” Austin piped in. The room fell silent when the door slammed behind them. Casey and Victoria McCain walked in the room. Victoria immediately rushed the bed. “Oh, Lynlee,” she cried out, kissing her cheek and moving the blanket away from the child’s face. Casey hadn’t spoken to Lantry since he’d discovered that Lantry had deliberately gotten Lynlee pregnant, news that probably traveled through Royce since he and Carlisle were the most concerned about the arrival of a newborn. Casey shook hands with Rhett and then all of his sons, working his way to Lynlee’s bedside. “He’s healthy, Dad,” Lantry said, extending the hand his father missed. Casey McCain stared down at Lantry’s outstretched hand. “You always were a rebel without a cause.” Lantry grinned. Casey shook his hand and drew him into a hearty hug. “And by damn I hope that boy of yours gives you a run for your money every day you draw air.” Lantry winked at Lynlee and said, “I hope so, too, Pops. I hope I raise that one there exactly like you brought me up. If I do my job and do it right, he’ll be a lot like me in the end.”

Bridled and Bucked

151

“How do you figure?” Casey asked, accepting the bundle Lynlee passed his way. “Because I’m a lot like you.” “You’re nothing like me,” Casey said, regrettably, his expression softening when he looked into his grandson’s turquoise-blue eyes and then shifted his gaze to the son he’d shortchanged. He smiled at Houston and with great sadness in his voice, he said, “You’re a better man than I’ll ever be. And you’ll be ten-to-one a better father.”

THE END WWW.BOOKSTRAND.COM/NATALIE-ACRES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Natalie Acres is one pseudonym for a bestselling Tennessee author multi-published in several genres. Natalie writes exclusively for Siren Publishing.

Also by Natalie Acres Ménage Everlasting: Country Roads 1: Sex Drive Ménage and More: Bridled 1: Bridled and Branded Siren LoveXtreme: Bridled 2: Sequel to Bridled and Branded: Bridled and Saddled Ménage Amour: Cowboy Sex 1: Sex Party Ménage and More: Cowboy Sex 2: Sex Games Ménage Amour: Cowboy Sex 3: Sex Camp PolyAmour: Cowboy Sex 4: Sex Holiday Ménage Amour: Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts Ménage Amour: Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business Ménage Amour: Wanted by Outlaws

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com