Beyond the Valley

BEYOND THE VALLEY

BY

DESTINY BLAINE

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. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Beyond the Valley Copyright © 2008 Destiny Blaine ISBN: 978-1-55487-038-7 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

To women everywhere, especially those who sleep next to a cowboy…

BEYOND THE VALLEY

“Ithere would be on many a canvas.”

f sexy could be captured and painted, that gal

Jack directed his conversation to Jonathan, but he barely heard him as the young woman with golden hair galloped by him once more. Dirt stirred and hooves pounded. The rider held tight, circling the bullpen with full intent to tame, to ride. The black horse she rode sported a coal-black tail and flowing mane. But the image of the woman on the animal would be etched in the man’s mind for later recall to inspire and guide late night fantasies. Blonde locks were far more beautiful than words ever described. Not to mention the bounce that the mount automatically helped her provide. “It’s a sin for a woman to ride like that in front of a man.” He seemed to follow her every move, but Jonathan Woodwine saw through him. He wanted to be sure, beyond reasonable doubt, the man next to him paid close attention. “There’s no sin in it 1

Destiny Blaine that I can see.” Jonathan had already noticed her. The skill with which she rode the contrary stallion they owned had to be admired even by the best of cowboys. He couldn’t stop himself from thinking about every which way a woman like that could soothe an aching man’s body. When her full lips moved with a cluck or a whistle, he watched her mouth form the sound before her vocal box issued the command. It teased him, and Jonathan wasn’t a man easily toyed with, even by the best looking of women. If the horse moved a little too fast or slowed to an abrupt halt, he allowed his gaze to creep over the thigh muscles that clung to the unsaddled animal for dear life. It was absurd to think about while the young female fought to gain control of the wild creature she was paid to break. “I told you. If that stud could be overpowered, she was the one to do it.” The older man pointed and nodded his head. “I told you. She’s the best.” Jonathan agreed. “Yeah, Jack, you did. Several times.” His gaze continued to follow the cowgirl. She seemed to take pleasure in the minutes she spent riding the savage creature. “Are you going to just stand there all day and daydream it away or are you going to get some work done before this heat sets in?” He looked up at the sun and his upper lip twitched while his brow tried to cover and shade his vision from the 2

Beyond the Valley glare. “It’s going to be a hellish day. An inferno.” “Might be, but work can wait. I’ll get to it at some point. Just not yet.” Jack moved the toe of his boot back and forth in the dust. “For now, I’ll stand here and watch over Ms.Victoria, if you don’t mind, sure wouldn’t want anything to happen to her. That damn horse isn’t ready to surrender yet. You can see it in his eyes.” The beast’s nostrils flared as if to further confirm the observation. The beautiful mount reared high, with his strong front legs kicking out the vilest of tempers. “Whoa now, easy boy.” The woman’s voice soothed as she attempted to work it out with him. The horse only gained more strength as he bucked hard just a few more times for good measure, before he resigned himself to a temporary defeat. Jonathan had to agree—if the lady wanted to ride herself silly, a man needed to be around once she hit the ground. After all, her little ass seemed destined for an introduction to the solid earth beneath them. “Suit yourself. Don’t forget, we have a hell of a day ahead of us tomorrow. We have a lot to do around here if we’re going to leave at first light.” Jack nodded and ran a calloused hand through his thick grey hair. “A man can at least have a beautiful woman to look after before he hits that 3

Destiny Blaine open range.” “I suppose he can. No harm in it.” Jonathan had already seen enough to burn her image in his mind for a while, and it happened to be the very reason he forced himself to turn away. The female riding his prized horse did so with legs gripping the muscle and flesh beneath her. His imagination had already weighed in, heavy as it was, on his mind. If he didn’t walk away, the stares he’d send her way would be saturated with intent, full of meaning and hell would flame higher if he had the opportunity to act on it. Sometimes a man just had to practice a little self control and his time arrived without a second to spare. Since it had, it seemed pointless to ignore it. A woman like that would recognize a man in heat. Hell, she could probably sniff them out. Any man should have been ashamed to stand by the fence with nothing but authentic lust in his eyes and his sex reminding him he had upright interest waiting for her in his jeans. Yeah, he had to turn away. That is, if he planned to keep it in his pants. He had a feeling the woman he’d only just met would appreciate a gentleman. Her display of wild abilities didn’t go unnoticed. The facts, as she presented them, told an uncivilized tale. She rode bareback with the strength and determination of a man. Jonathan found himself wondering if she had the ability to 4

Beyond the Valley do the same thing for the man she took to her bed. He hoped like hell he’d find out, assuming she didn’t already have one waiting for her there. After seeing the woman ride with breasts bouncing and legs squeezing, the thoughts consumed him with want. It was lust at first sight and just enough to force his hand. He had to move away, and even that act alone, challenged his will. Jack shifted. “You know, Jonathan, I’m an old fellow. I’ve had my share of beautiful women, but I have to say, that one there, she’s different.” He pointed and indicated who he spoke of, as if there would be any doubt. “If I still had youth’s favor, she wouldn’t leave this ranch today. No siree. I’d make her stay if I had to beg her or bed her to do it.” The old man’s chuckle told Jonathan he felt pleased with his choice of words. The hammering of hooves began again. The wild eyes of the mean spirit that stayed buried within the stallion came alive just when the young woman started to dismount. The horse went one way and she went flying the other direction. “Help!” A screech followed. “Oh shit!” Then a thud. Even though she had a small ass, it made quite a sound hitting dry mud and horse manure. Her face turned red on impact. It all happened fast. Jack unlatched the gate while Jonathan ran to her moving her from harm’s 5

Destiny Blaine way. Just in the nick of time. The stallion kicked out his anger making sure the humans around him knew he gained the upper hand. A loud neigh sounded out, the adamant call to the others of his kind, gave way to a further signal from a wild beast. The damn creature thought he’d won the day’s battle, if not a war for his freedom. She swiped the dust from her ass before she cursed like an angry man.“Damn that horse! Hell’s fury when I get on him again. I’ll ride him till dawn and kick his sorry ass every chance I get.” She stomped her boots and swatted at her backside again trying to free the dust and mud clinging to her denim. Jack smiled. “Well, little lady, if that’s the case, you’re not getting back on him till we run some of his energy off of him. You never want to break a good horse’s will, but you’ve challenged his spirit and he’s not affable enough for me and Jonathan here to throw you back up on his back.” Victoria watched Jack walk the horse out of the corral and turn him out into the pasture. On his heels, she complained. “Just because I found my ass on the ground doesn’t mean I can’t break that damn colt. I want back on him. He’s just a stubborn mule.” Her skin blushed with the anger that shook her, leaving cause to wonder if woman or horse possessed the hardest of thick heads. 6

Beyond the Valley With his back to her, Jonathan snickered, taking in every bit of the female rant. “Jack, if she wants to ride him again, let her ride. We need that horse broke in as soon as possible. I wish we’d had Victoria here try last week because he’s the one I’d like to have on the cattle drive.” Jack shook his head. “It’s not going to happen.” He met Jonathan’s gaze first, then honed in on the young woman in front of him covered in dust. “Listen here little lady, you did a good thing here today, but you can’t break this one in one day. He’s more horse than you are a rider…even though you’re one of the best I’ve seen. There’s only so much you can do after a few hours of riding one for the first time. You aren’t going to break him after just a few hours. It can’t be done.” “Yes it can. That horse just doesn’t know it yet. He’s a stubborn—” “You said that already, and that he is, but I’ve got at least forty years on you, ma’am. I’m here to tell you, with this heat coming in fast and that horse’s desire to be free, you’ve got two things working against you, not to mention your own pride. Now, after this drive, we’ll work with him again. I don’t have time to see a woman die today.” Jack nodded and tipped his hat before leaving her to stand at the fence. Jonathan liked the fire he saw in her eyes as she leaned into the railing. They 7

Destiny Blaine stood quietly as they watched the spirited horse gallop further away from them into the field full of other wild horses. A look of faraway sadness came over her face. “You love the feel of an animal underneath you, I take it.” Jonathan always said the wrong thing to beautiful women. “Yes, Mr. Woodwine, you could say that, but what you really want to know is if that is all that I love underneath me and I can assure you, it isn’t.” Her eyes glared through an unaccepted look of defeat. She stormed by him and back over to the corral to grab her hat off the ground. Jonathan felt his face heat. Fearlessness had to be admired, but a sassy mouth on a woman wasn’t something he took kindly to, especially when the words that tumbled from it were aimed in his direction. He rubbed his chin for a second. He had to hand it to Victoria—she had a body that molded to a horse and looked even better when it stomped around with anger. A round little ass couldn’t possibly have provided cushion for much and firm legs and solid arms told him she wasn’t one to sit on her tail all day and do absolutely nothing. The fall probably hurt, he decided, but what appeared to bruise more was her pride and the woman had plenty of it. He watched her storm around the corral a minute, kicking at the dust before she 8

Beyond the Valley approached him once more. “I won’t be taking your money today, Mr. Woodwine, and tomorrow, when you leave on that cattle drive, you won’t be riding that horse.” She chopped out the words, then turned away from him. She stormed by Jack and went to the hitching post to mount the Palomino she’d rode in on earlier in the day. “Gentleman, good luck on your drive.” She didn’t offer a smile. Jonathan noted the dance of anger in her eyes. Her cheeks and neck were stained with it just as much. He moved by Jack, his knowing look just disgusting the hell out of him. He approached her with caution while calling back over his shoulder. “Jack, bring him back in.” He locked his stare with Victoria’s and reached out for her horse’s bridle. “If that horse is the death of you…” He stopped himself from saying the first thought that came to mind. It’ll be the death of me. The truth punched him in the gut right along with all of the unexplainable reasons why he even cared. He’d only just met her, but the strange air of familiarity washed over him and suddenly, he wanted to protect her. Throwing her hot little ass back up on an animal twelve times her size didn’t make a lot of sense. Then again, the urges surging through his body just looking at her didn’t amount to a whole lot either. Victoria leaped down from her own horse and 9

Destiny Blaine rushed by him leaving her reins with him in the process. “Jack, let’s break this damn thing.” She beamed with unleashed excitement. The old man had a look of disapproval written on his face. “Well somebody needs to break you both.” Maybe he had a point. Jonathan had to agree. Two wild souls often enjoyed company. Once she had her seat on the stallion’s back, he had little cause to wonder which one possessed the wildest spirit—or which of the two proved more dangerous. **** “Is she still out there?” Jonathan walked over to the window and peered into the darkness. He took a slow sip of his bourbon before pushing the curtains back. Jack nodded. “Just about finished from what I can tell. Saddle on him now and everything.” “She’ll be too tired to ride home.” “Are you wishful thinking?” Jack fired back. “No, but I’m not sending a woman out into the night by herself. Doesn’t she have a family or a husband who’ll worry about where she’s been for the better part of the day?” “It took you all damn day to ask me?” Jack’s words held a hint of humor. “Who could say, but I 10

Beyond the Valley seriously doubt it.” The slamming of the massive wooden door caught them both off-guard. They looked up as Victoria walked in. Her jeans were covered in layers of dust, and heaven only knew what else. She had her shirt tucked in and hair in a makeshift ponytail. The smile she wore was just downright criminal. Confident and cocky, but feminine and sexy—the woman looked damn-right edible. Jonathan was instantly mesmerized, and worse, maybe even addicted. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her–all of her. He had undressed her, bathed her and bedded her in one visual sweep. “Mr. Woodwine, you have a horse suitable for the drive tomorrow.” She announced proudly. He noticed how pleased she seemed with her accomplishment, but decided to have a little fun and ruin the moment. “Don’t you believe in knocking?” His sour mood couldn’t ruin hers, and the only reason he had one to begin with, was because of the way she looked and the definite way he responded to her. “Not when the sun sets.” Victoria focused on the well prepared buffet. She didn’t attempt to conceal the hunger and curiosity in her eyes. Jack stood up from the table and went to her. “Young lady, you’ve made a believer out of me. If anyone ever tells me again that a woman can’t break a horse as well as a man, I’ll be the first to 11

Destiny Blaine mention your name.” Victoria stared beyond Jack only to offer Jonathan a somewhat obvious scowl. “Be sure to tell them I can break a man’s will just as quick as I can a horse.” She eyed the buffet once more. Jonathan ached from the verbal punch. It hit him in the gut with a force that tempted him more than doubled him over. She had his full attention, but the question was, now that she had it, could she handle the consequences. “Would you join us for dinner?” Jack pointed to the table before breaking out into a stifled chuckle. “I’m too filthy for dinner. I do appreciate it, but if you don’t mind, I’ll collect my pay and be riding on home.” “You can’t ride home tonight. You’ve waited too late.” Jonathan rose from his seat. “Jack, show the lady to Melanie’s old room.” He stopped his thoughts from getting the best of him. “Then, you’ll freshen up and join us for dinner.” Jack didn’t have to be told twice. He led her away by the arm before she could protest, taking his time to lead her up to Jonathan’s little sister’s old room. It had been closed up for years. Jonathan didn’t go in there because in the back of his mind, he had always hoped she’d return one day, but she’d taken up with a horse thief and became a common bandit, too, or so it seemed. The thoughts of her 12

Beyond the Valley return had long since diminished. His thoughts of his sister were interrupted with the noise from above. He went to the bottom of the grand staircase to listen. “You have to be out of your ever loving mind! I am not staying here and I am not putting on a damn dress for dinner!” He heard her heavy footsteps and halfway expected to see her appear at the top of the steps ready to barrel down them on a moment’s notice. Jack’s whispers bordered on muted. Jonathan barely heard mumbles, but never the words spoken. A slammed door followed the older man when he finally appeared at the top foyer. Looking over the banister, he offered a grin and a shrug. “She’s rather likeable.” “I bet.” Jonathan would need to be convinced and he could think of only one way that seemed rather inviting and every bit appealing.

13

Destiny Blaine

CHAPTER TWO

Vwoman’s things. She couldn’t find anything ictoria

had

rummaged

through

another

that looked halfway presentable to join Jonathan Woodwine at his fancy dinner table. She didn’t know why she even bothered. She should have collected her day’s pay and ridden away, but the truth was, she didn’t have anywhere to go. Still, she felt guilty going through another woman’s clothing. It just didn’t seem right. After cleaning up just a bit, she’d decided to go for plain rather than fancy and the gal who owned the clothes didn’t have a lot of dull clothing. Opting for a long black skirt and white blouse, Victoria pulled her hair back and tied it with a ribbon that she found on the dressing table. She dared to look in the mirror for a split second and then she left the room. Walking down the short hallway, she topped the stairs and looked down at her dusty boots. She should’ve taken the time to see if there were shoes 14

Beyond the Valley to be had. She took the first step down, then another and, with each weighted step, decided she had lost her mind. Since when do I care how I look? She analyzed the way she felt and decided there happened to be an answer. Since I spotted Jonathan Woodwine. **** Both men stood when she entered the room. “Ms. Victoria, I must say, you clean up nice. Doesn’t she, Jonathan?” Jack’s smile was wide as he pulled out a chair for her. She accepted the seat with a forced smile before settling against the high back of the cherry wood frame. The men had already fixed her plate complete with vegetables and meats. She stared down on the food and her mouth watered. “Thank you, Jack.” Jonathan picked up his fork choosing to ignore Jack’s question. He played helplessly with his food. The woman knew she looked nice enough. Good enough to have for dessert, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to tell her. The arrogance of the female staring back at him had already burned him once. He didn’t plan on making it easy for her to do it again. “So you two are going on a cattle drive tomorrow?” Victoria put her napkin in her lap and 15

Destiny Blaine batted her eyelashes with sudden interest. “It would seem so.” Jonathan answered out of the corner of his mouth just before he shoved in a helping of potatoes. Damn you Jack. It’s hard to eat meat and potatoes with the alluring smell of a woman nearby. He recognized his sister’s expensive perfume on Victoria, but she wore the fragrance so well that he had his nose tilted up before he thought better of it. “Something wrong?” Victoria smirked. “Nothing.” He chewed his food. Everything. Victoria raised her wrist to her nose, then waved it around over her head. “What’s wrong with you men? Don’t you have women friends in from time to time?” “No ma’am.” Jack answered fast. Jonathan wanted to slug him. Victoria immediately locked gazes with her host. “Oh, oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.” She toyed with her vegetables before she opened up to place the fork in her mouth. “It’s nothing like that, little lady.” Jack assured her. “Jonathan here has more cows and land than he has a need for a woman.” The cowboy took a bite of a roll, then added more. “Isn’t that right, Jonathan? You don’t have the first need for a woman, do ya?” His mouth turned up at the corners before he took another bite of bread. Jonathan should’ve thrown him out right then 16

Beyond the Valley and there, but Jack’s bedtime happened at the same time every night. The man was getting older and required more and more rest. He seemed to sprint to bed after the evening meal and, even with company there, it wouldn’t change old age or the habits it brought. Within seconds of his last gulp of water, he informed them of his departure. “Well, you two young ones will have to excuse me. That cattle drive will start without us tomorrow if I don’t get some sleep.” Jack nodded and winked at Jonathan before he turned back to Victoria. “Now listen here, young lady. In the morning, Ellie will be here and she fixes up a grand breakfast so you make sure you take full advantage of it.” Victoria nodded. “I will, sir. Thank you for the hospitality.” She beamed with sudden appreciation. Not that anyone, especially the opposite sex, would notice, Jonathan decided he really didn’t observe her specifically, just the million dollar smile. It must be that damned mouth of hers. That was it. Her presence continued to play a fine tempo on his heartstrings. Jack’s dimples showed. “You don’t have to thank me, ma’am. That would be all Jonathan. He does what I tell him to, except when it comes to women, then he decides on his own. Isn’t that right, my friend?” 17

Destiny Blaine “Jack, you’re losing seconds standing here talking. That’s going to be at least ten minutes of sleep you’ll lose if you don’t get on to bed.” “Miss Victoria,” he tilted his hat to her and disappeared. Not a moment too soon. Jonathan hadn’t been alone with a woman in a very long time, let alone confined within four walls of his home with the member of the opposite sex. He suddenly became aware of the fact as soon as Jack left the room and the physical beauty of Victoria had a lot to do with his apparent decision to notice. Victoria shifted in her chair, then leaned her head back over the wooden back supporting her. “That was so incredible!” There was a more orgasmic tone in her voice than just pure satisfaction. He raised an eyebrow just as she popped her head up. “I didn’t mean to be quite so enthusiastic, but that’s the best meal I’ve had in ages. Send my compliments to—” “You’re welcome.” Jonathan stood up and began clearing the table. “This meal is the same one we have every time we set out on a cattle drive. It’s one of those home cooked meals that you don’t get on the range and you can only think about if you dare.” Victoria rose and grabbed her own dishes. “I don’t need a man to wait on me. You did the 18

Beyond the Valley cooking and the least I can do is clean up the mess.” Jonathan refused to allow it. She reached for the plates and he turned away from her. The sound of her footsteps assured him she followed him into the kitchen. She propped her hip against the wooden chopping block and leaned into it, placing her palm down on the top surface. “You know, Mr. Woodwine, I won’t bite and, while I might ride a mean-spirited animal to death, I’m not looking for a man so you don’t have to worry about giving me the wrong idea.” “Maybe I don’t mind if you give me one or two to ponder.” He couldn’t help but study her up and down. She had the cool confidence of a very strong-willed woman, but there was something else there, too. She had her secrets. Maybe even a stable full of them and he didn’t have time for a woman with baggage. He didn’t have time for a woman, but if the one in front of him had some way of seducing him, he hoped like hell she’d just get on with it. “Thank you for sharing that information with me, Victoria.” He had to say something after being so forward. Tan skin and deep blue eyes hadn’t gone unnoticed. Blonde hair drifted over slender shoulders, high cheekbones and full lips provided sex appeal and offered solicitation of something 19

Destiny Blaine far more inviting than anything he’d had the opportunity to sample in his lifetime. Jonathan Woodwine had a live one. He’d bet money on it. She had to be a hellcat and, if she didn’t watch her moves, he’d prove to her that a man could be mild mannered and even polite, but still do sinful things to a woman behind closed doors. His gaze drifted over her once more, which seemed appropriate given the uncomfortable silence. He stalled at the boots and snickered. “What? You don’t like your women in boots?” Jonathan caught the direct question and how it was asked. He chose not to answer. Instead, he found one of his own. “Victoria, how old are you?” He hadn’t thought to ask before, but after closer inspection, it seemed the appropriate thing to do. “Old enough to know the look of lust in a man’s eye and young enough to know that I don’t quite know what to do about it yet.” She seemed pleased with the way she handled her response. She gave him a dose of straight-up honesty. He had to hand it to her for knocking him on his ass with a good taste of it. “Then Victoria, I must walk you to your room for the evening.” Jonathan was quite disappointed with the answer he received. She looked confused. “I don’t have to go to bed yet. I’d love to stay up and talk about that cattle drive tomorrow. Maybe I could even help with it.” 20

Beyond the Valley The true revelation. The innocence of youth. Her mother had probably never told her that young ladies didn’t go on cattle drives, if she had a mother. “No. We don’t take women on the drives.” “That’s bull shit and you know it.” Her hand settled on her hip ready for a confrontation. Taken back by surprise, Jonathan decided to call her out on it. “Nasty mouth on a woman and I noticed that about you earlier. How old did you say you are?” “I didn’t say. I basically just told you that I could see that lust in your eyes, but I wasn’t going to be one to act on it since I’ve never been touched by a man. Well, you know, in that more personal way and all.” Her skin heated with the confession and she sought to escape the revelation by quickly adding more, “Not that I haven’t had the opportunity or the first inclination.” Jonathan was stunned. He also thought his patience left him momentarily. “You didn’t give your age, that’s correct and you didn’t tell me you had misinterpreted some sort of look I must’ve given you. If I’ve made you uncomfortable, then I apologize. There wasn’t any purpose in you exposing yourself like you just did. That’s something you’d be better served to keep to yourself.” His breath caught in his chest. A damn virgin. If she saw lust at first, she sees raw need now. 21

Destiny Blaine “I like you, Jonathan Woodwine.” She flashed a most irresistible grin and patted his arm. Fire existed in the woman’s touch. She’s not a woman, but an angel. He couldn’t move under it, a deep carnal burn held him captive. She’s a child. Damn it! She sure as hell didn’t look like one and she didn’t offer her precise age. “Why don’t you just go to bed and leave this mess to me. I can clean and straighten it up in no time flat.” Jonathan shook his head. “Ellie will tend to it in the morning. She’s planning on it and besides, you need to get some rest after all that riding you did today. You have to be worn out.” He moved by her to the open door that led back into the main part of the house and held his arm out for her to walk past. She slipped by him and his senses came alive. He’d give anything to reach out with a lingering touch, but even though she had the body of a woman, she’d already let him know that she was still in her youth. Damn it! What kind of a man lusted after a young woman not even old enough to know the difference in subjects she should and shouldn’t talk about with a grown man. Jonathan looked down at his own hardening erection and immediately took his hat off. If he couldn’t get a good grip on something, he might just have to ride into Sacramento and visit one of 22

Beyond the Valley the whores before the drive began. All because a woman too young to bed had decided to plant herself under his roof for the night, or at least, allowed Jack to help her do it. To be so young, she seemed to have an appreciation for the home’s furnishings. She walked through the dining area and into the foyer, slowly taking the time to look at pictures and the small ornaments in place for decoration. He couldn’t help but walk with her and watch her every move, savoring every gesture. “This is a beautiful home.” Victoria smiled sweetly before her eyes darkened. When the grey circles took form under her eyes, she spoke with sorrow. “I used to live in a similar place. Don’t look so surprised, Mr. Woodwine, I even met you once, but it was years ago. You probably don’t remember me.” Endless possibilities danced in her eyes. “Victoria, I believe if I’d met you before, I’d remember it.” He shifted his weight still moving with his hat in front of his most manly of personal possessions, not to mention pride. “I’m certain of it.” “I don’t think so. Not unless you’d recognize my ass because from what I understand you saw it once when you had to change me as a baby.” Laughter shook her and tears welled in her eyes. Maybe from the joy, perhaps from some kind 23

Destiny Blaine of pain swimming underneath, hidden deep in a soul determined to hide from everyone, everything. Jonathan felt his face heat. He’d changed one baby’s soiled clothes in his entire life. It happened nineteen years ago when he was just sixteen years old. He’d been staying with his father’s best friends when his mother came down with a fever. He had tried to earn his keep and help the McCoy family out since they’d been so kind to him. One night, Mr. McCoy didn’t come home and, fearing the worst, Mrs. McCoy went looking for him. Jonathan stayed behind with Victoria and a cloth change became necessary. His nose wrinkled with the memory of it. Skeptical, Jonathan had too many questions. They all came out at one time and the emotion she stirred in him couldn’t be explained. “What are you doing in California? How are your mother and your father? Do they know you’re out here? I’d love to see them…” He moved closer to her, excited by the new information the young woman revealed. Then a truth hit him like an oak tree on the move. He had been sixteen and Victoria had been a baby when they were first introduced. Jonathan Woodwine had just turned thirty-five so the beauty in front of him was anything but a child. He cursed himself again for thinking about that 24

Beyond the Valley fact alone, much less the enthusiasm and motivation his rising cock seemed to find in it. Victoria turned her head. Her tone softened, “You do remember.” “Yes, I have to admit the cloth change stuck with me. I had a hard time forgetting that incident.” His senses were alive. Seemingly, she’d been able to do that effectively since she was just a babe. “I imagine so.” Victoria turned around and patted her behind. “My ass look about the same?” “It’s a little larger.” He paused after the screw up and tried again, “It’s perfect.” Wrong answer again. “Hell, it’s better than I remember.” A total fuck-up. He noted the expressions on her face each time he tried to explain. He felt he would be better served to change the subject. Jonathan pulled her in an embrace and wrapped her in a welcoming hug. One that let her know he couldn’t be happier that she’d told him about their strong, deep-rooted connection. “Come, sit with me for a minute and let’s catch up.” He led her to the parlor where the magnificent fireplace would make anyone envious, not that anyone would use it in this heat. She sat down on the settee and he immediately took the seat beside of her. The uncomfortable tension he once had diminished. “Now then, tell me everything.” His face lit up. 25

Destiny Blaine “Does your father still hide candy in your doll?” He laughed with the memory. “I loved it when I stayed with you. Your mother never wanted your father to give us candy. She swore it made us all mean as snakes and too antsy to control so she forbid it altogether.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Can’t say that I blame her.” A solemn expression covered her face. It wasn’t the show of emotion he expected. Instead, pain lingered there. Deep-rooted anger and the anxiety of recalling memories presented a heavy burden. He could see it, but the observation came too late. “Mother and Father died this year.” She seemed to draw on some sort of unspoken strength. Jonathan was in shock. “What? When? How?” He felt the sadness and then thought of her cousin. “Well how about Morgan, how is he?” “Him, too.” Her eyes swelled with tears in the lower lids threatening to spill the heartache and pain in one flood. “Oh Victoria, I am so sorry.” His hand reached for her, but she didn’t allow contact. She stood up and turned around with a strength that reminded him of his own mother. “Now don’t you go and pity me, Jonathan Woodwine. I’ve managed to do quite well on my own and, in case you haven’t noticed, I have quite a good name around here and other parts for breaking a horse. I have a reputation earning me 26

Beyond the Valley an income and a lot to be thankful for.” A damn proud woman and stubborn as hell. He didn’t doubt it. “Care to tell me about your parents and Morgan?” He chose his words carefully as his heart splintered in two. He loved her family and the news came as a sudden surprise. He almost lost his ability to speak when he thought about the cousin that had been raised with her. Morgan would’ve been about a year older than Victoria. “All you need to know is they’re dead.” She took a few steps away from him. Her body held a strong posture while her eyes scanned the room looking for an escape, no doubt. Running from the truth, especially if it had something to do with the past, drove people to look for other options. Jonathan knew all about that. He walked over to her and tried once more to offer a gentle touch. She wouldn’t allow it and inched away from him again. This time, her haunted eyes warned off so much as a simple touch. He cleared his throat and tried to think fast on his feet as he wanted to say something that would offer his condolences. He said the first thing that came to mind.. “Well then, all you need to know is that this place is now your home for as long as you want.” Naturally, it would benefit them both if she took him up on the offer. 27

Destiny Blaine “I didn’t come here for a handout.” A set jaw showed determination and of course, he knew she spoke the truth. “And I never said you did.” With it would come certain expectations. He wasn’t sure precisely what he planned to ask for in return, but as his gaze drifted over her again, he felt confident he’d think of something. “Thank you, Jonathan, but no, I’ll be on my way at first light.” Her chin tilted up a bit and he had little reason to doubt that she believed her own words. “Like hell you will.” He paused as a protective force ran through his body and, after seeing that Victoria didn’t respond to his first statement, tried another one. “I’d like to think that you’d join us on the cattle drive.” “Didn’t think women were welcome?” Her brow arched with the question. “Well, it wouldn’t hurt me any if you decided to go. The truth is, we are short three men and already worried about driving those cattle into the mountains. We could probably use another rider like you. No, it won’t hurt me any to have you come along, but it’s only because you ride as good as the men.” Hell, if he told the truth, he wanted her there because she looked better than the men, too. “Then I might just go.” 28

Beyond the Valley And I might just love it if you did. He knew better than to open his mouth. He’d wait and let Jack work on her and find out what he could. He was willing to bet that Victoria McCoy didn’t have a place to stay and probably had been on her own just long enough to believe that she’d be able to make it on her own, too. What Victoria didn’t know could potentially hurt her. Things were changing in California and the gold rush brought in some less than desirable men. He’d be damned if any would go looking for their treasures in Victoria McCoy, at least not if he could help it and, as long as he kept his eye on her, he highly doubted anyone would ever try.

29

Destiny Blaine

CHAPTER THREE

Tstart out that way, but no one else could stay on

he stallion had been hers alone to ride. It didn’t

his back so the powerful beast became her responsibility. Both horse and woman proved useful on the drive and she didn’t waste any time making sure the men there knew that whatever they could do, she could do better. The only exception, she found, happened to be in her ability to throw together a campfire meal. The drought and heat that it brought made riding midday miserable. The men would take off their shirts, but because of her bountiful gifts, she had to suffer through it. By the third day, she realized where a woman found herself at a huge disadvantage. Nightfall was on the way and she couldn’t figure out a way to cool off. Since no one in the camp wanted her to attempt dinner, she walked down to what should’ve been a creek to find some water, but came up empty handed. Still, she found a cool rock and decided it 30

Beyond the Valley provided a perfect place to strip down to nothing and at least let the night air kiss her. “Put your clothes on.” She heard him in the distance. “It isn’t proper for a woman to be out here showing herself to those who might consider the exposure an invitation.” His words were tortured and she knew by the sound of them that they might even be the hungry syllables revealing the cravings of a weakened man. “Jonathan, I assure you, I didn’t have a man’s company on my mind when I stripped off to bathe and found only enough water for a splash here or there. The day has been hell-hot and I need to breathe. Hell, every inch of me needs some air.” She raised her legs in the air and spread them wide in the other direction. If he’d been standing at a different vantage point, he would’ve enjoyed quite a show. He cleared his throat. “It has been a scorcher. I’ll give you that.” His gaze wasn’t going to behave on its own. She knew that much, and it scared the hell out of her one minute and excited her beyond reason the next. He released a long sigh. “I want to talk to you and I can’t do it, woman, if you’re stark naked.” “Then whatever happens to be on your mind will have to wait because I haven’t the first 31

Destiny Blaine inclination to put any clothes on.” “You’re asking for trouble, woman.” Hunger continued to fill his voice with a growing appetite probably hidden somewhere below the surface. “Then come on over here and answer me with some of it, or else please shut the fuck up.” She fired back, a hint of laughter in her voice, but the truth wasn’t quite so inviting. She was tired and just wasn’t motivated to move. “If your mother were alive today, I can promise you she wouldn’t take kindly to your free use of words meant only for the discussion among men. She damn sure wouldn’t want you parading around without clothes, not to mention throwing your legs wide for anyone around to see your…” “It’s called a vagina.” With a matter of fact tone, she hoped to educate him. “I know damn well what it’s called, woman, but I didn’t know if you did.” “Liar. You just wanted to call it something else.” Victoria felt his gaze drift over her. She hadn’t heard him move since his approach, but refused to let him rattle her. Instead, she concentrated on the cold, smooth feel of the flat surface under her. Her brow tightened as she refrained from opening her eyes at the slightest movement. A few moments of silence passed. She heard him clear his throat. A few more seconds ticked by 32

Beyond the Valley and she sensed him even closer. Still, she didn’t budge. When she opened her eyes, she looked left, then right. She let out an exasperated sigh and moved to retrieve her clothes. “Behind you.” His voice revealed a touch of humor. Flipping over, she spotted him in the moonlight. “I didn’t need you to draw me a map in the dirt. I knew you were still here.” She ended up with her nipples flat against the cold surface. Her bare ass probably shone like a white light in the night. She knew he saw it after she realized where he perched himself. “I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone quite like you.” His words were quiet, almost thoughtful. “I doubt you ever will.” She snapped. “Woman, you are going to get one of us in trouble.” He was slow to speak. She wondered if the acknowledgement pained him to admit. “No, I don’t imagine so.” “You don’t?” A hint of sarcasm teamed with a growl in his voice, then delivered the precise tone needed to drive home a point. “No, I really don’t. If you wonder why I’m comfortable in my own skin, you shouldn’t have to ask. There are several reasons. First, you’re old enough to almost be my father…” “Hardly.” He didn’t seem to like her chosen words. 33

Destiny Blaine “Second, you’ve seen this ass before,” she moved her right arm back and slapped her own butt. “And finally, you have no interest in a woman, do you, Jonathan?” She could’ve left well enough alone and chalked up enough congratulations for well-said words, but she didn’t. Victoria’s declaration delivered a trial seduction, but the real inducement couldn’t be denied when she sprung to her feet and retrieved her pants, boots, blouse and feminine belongings. She passed by him, visibly noting the way he squatted on the ground, his knees spread wide enough for her to have a direct shot at the hard-on he held for her. He didn’t offer to move. He just held the position with a blade of dry grass in the corner of his mouth. **** Jonathan’s dick had his attention. Hell, if he didn’t know better, he’d say that it had captured hers, too. What the hell had he been thinking, bringing her on a cattle drive? Had he lost his ever-lovin mind? Apparently, he had and, not only had he lost it, it appeared that in Victoria’s presence, there wasn’t a good chance he’d find it again in the near future. 34

Beyond the Valley His stare simply refused to leave her. Watching every movement, he couldn’t believe he had the audacity to look on as she dressed and he couldn’t imagine what she must’ve been thinking to allow it. She didn’t blush and she never looked away. She just put her clothes on right then and there. And she did it slowly as if to bring him excruciating anguish. After she had her pants on, she turned to face him. Her breasts were full. The contour of nipples protruded proudly, shamefully tempting him of something, but what could be and would be kept them both at bay. They exchanged glances before he held her in a defiant trance. He wanted her to experience with the alive senses of a woman. “You don’t believe in giving a lady a little privacy?” She bit the words. “Any lady or you specifically? And no, I don’t.” He stood and walked over to her, hell bent on having her. At least, he thought that might be his initial goal. “If you’re going to strut around here like you don’t have anything to hide, then I’ll be nearby to make certain that I’m the only one who sees what you should be covering up.” “That’s only because you feel some sense of responsibility for me, I’m sure.” Victoria quickly pulled her blouse together and nervous fingers began to button up the shirt, closing off the exposed skin, placing barriers 35

Destiny Blaine around the beauty that he not only wanted to see, but decidedly wanted to feel. She managed to close only one button around the slit that housed it. He didn’t bother to tell her the truth. Yes, he felt responsible for her, but the reason he would watch over her went beyond a simple explanation. He didn’t want anyone to see what he had every intention of taking for his own. Once the cattle drive was over, Victoria would be fair game, and he intended to pursue her. Jonathan’s voice proved husky, unrecognizable. “Let me.” He stared into a wave of lust. The evidence existed everywhere. In the blush of skin, in her wanton-filled eyes and even in the way she caught her breath as soon as he touched her. He never doubted his translation of it, but when he saw it, he caught himself. He felt her tremors under his fingertips and couldn’t bring himself to take her or advance toward the possibility of doing it later. Slowly, his hands worked the little round pearllooking buttons into the small separation of material meant to secure each of them. Right below her breast, the first of the final three buttons caught him with an alluring call of an incredible pursuit. He wanted to touch her, stroke the skin beneath. Feel the nipple that had hardened to perfection under the light of only the moon. 36

Beyond the Valley Her breathing labored with the stalling of time. She moved a slow hand to cover his. “I can do this.” “You can, I’m sure of it.” With a flick of both wrists, he removed the helpful offer. “But I prefer to do it if it’s all the same to you.” Her damn hungry gaze settled on him. “I see and I guess this is where I tell you that I like you doing it.” Oh, but what the fight in her voice did to inspire him further. Jonathan smiled down over her and wanted more than anything to take her in his arms. His heart told him to wait and his loins told him he’d be damned if something stopped him. His head won out. He would wait and, when he finally acted, there wouldn’t be anyone or anything to stand in his way. Bedding a woman while other men were around, on the solid ground in the middle of a cattle drive, wasn’t where he’d taste the woman he wanted to possess. No, she had rapidly become his obsession and he’d show some measure of respect if it killed him. And it damn well might. He finally offered her a confident response. “Woman, I know you like it. Almost as much as you liked walking around here without a stitch of clothing on, but what I’m trying to figure out is whether or not I do.” Victoria stifled a laugh. “Why, Jonathan 37

Destiny Blaine Woodwine, I believe you’re lying to me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and moved her lower body against his crotch. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.” She ran one hand through his hair. “I think you like it just a little too damn much and that’s why we may eventually have a problem.” Her breath on his ear undid him and what he would’ve done to return the favor wouldn’t be something he could think much about. She wouldn’t give him the opportunity. Before he could pull her closer, or hell, even push her away, she had done it for them both in one motion. She first moved her hips against him with a grinding sweep, then, with palms on his chest, moved him away from her rapidly. “I’m here for the cattle drive, Jonathan. Nothing else.” Her firm voice slapped him with a twinge of reality. “The hell you say.” He grabbed at her waist and almost caught her, but almost didn’t count when you were counting cattle, and it sure didn’t matter when you wanted to feel the skin of a woman in your arms. His limbs hung down to his sides and it made him very aware of something else left to weigh heavy on his mind.

38

Beyond the Valley

CHAPTER FOUR watched Victoria stretch so far and wide Jonathan that for a moment he thought her chest would surely pop all those lovely buttons he’d had the pleasure of touching the day before. “Morning Ms. Victoria.” Jack’s smile reached from the canyon to the valley. “Sleep well enough last night?” “Jack, it was a cold, hard ground and I slept beautifully.” Jonathan observed her as she talked to his friend. He was perceptive and if he was a betting man, he was willing to place a wager that the young woman probably spent several nights with the ground as her bed and the sky as a blanket. If she slept well, then it may have been because there were several strong men in camp just ready to protect her if needed and that’s why sleep came gently. Victoria walked by Jonathan and he immediately flashed a half-hearted smile. “Don’t 39

Destiny Blaine eat a lot of breakfast now. I don’t need you belly aching about eating too much after a few hours in the saddle.” He tried his best attempt at humor, but failed miserably. “I’m a coffee-only woman in the morning. I don’t like to eat first thing, but I have quite an appetite worked up by dinner.” She winked at Jack. “Did ya hear that, Jonathan. Woman’s got an appetite worked up by suppertime.” Jack couldn’t help but rib him. He’d always been that way. A true thorn in Jonathan’s ass. Jonathan stood up from his stooped position and poured the remaining coffee pots over the open fire. “She might work one up, but she damn sure doesn’t plan on feeding the right one.” He mumbled as he passed by Jack, but he made sure he spoke loud enough for the older cowboy to hear him. Jack turned to Victoria with a chuckle. “Ma’am, it’s gonna be some hard riding today as we cross over those hills.” Jonathan shot Jack a look of concern, but shook his head. “You’re going to lead the way, she’ll be in between a few of us and I’ll bring up the rear.” A few cowboys grumbled until one even offered a few choice words. “Sure, you’re going to bring up the rear. You don’t want that one’s pretty little tail out of your sight.” 40

Beyond the Valley Victoria squinted before making a face at Jonathan. Hell, she could make all the silly little gestures she wanted, it happened to be his truth. “Boys, let’s get on the trail. It’s going to be blazing flames until we get halfway up that mountain.” They all quickly gathered their saddlebags and rolled up their blankets. In no time at all, they were all ready to ride and, before long, they were separated in pairs rounding up the cattle for the drive into the mountains. Jonathan and Victoria rode hard. She would cluck to the stallion and chase a calf while Jonathan hung tight to a cluster of cows already headed in the right direction. Then, they’d switch off, one bull or steer would hold them up and move off the beaten path and the rest of the herd would need someone to hold them together. They made quite the team with their quick reactions and fast responses on their mounts. By the time the animals were headed into the hills, Jonathan had developed a new appreciation for the woman at his side. Breathless, he watched her drink from her canteen and tie up her shirt right under her breasts. Her lust-ridden stare seemed to challenge him. ”I know it’s not appropriate, but we all do what we have to do. Your shirt’s been off for over an hour and look at you covered in sweat.” She took 41

Destiny Blaine the time to linger at his abs. And he noticed. He just hoped like hell she admired what she saw. He wiped the moisture from his brow. “I guess I can’t say that I blame you. Just don’t scold me if I look at you with a little too much appreciation.” Victoria looked down at herself before she held her shoulders a bit straighter. Maybe she thought she was showing too much skin or maybe she just admired her own flesh. Who could know? Certainly not Jonathan. The only experience he had with women were the whores he bought and paid for by the hour and he never asked them what they felt or thought. He didn’t care. Now, he suddenly did. He wanted to know what the woman thought when she looked down over her body. Better still, he wanted to know what she thought when she looked over at him. “No, I guess you couldn’t blame me. After all, it’s not blame you’re interested in, is it?” She kicked her horse and rode on ahead before she called out behind her. “Taming me is what you have in mind.” Laughter filled the air as he watched her ride forward. He didn’t know what to say, and even if he did, he wasn’t real sure he wanted to say it. “I know one thing,” he continued the teasing once he caught up with her, “you’ve grown up in ways I never imagined. When I changed your dirty cloth 42

Beyond the Valley all those years ago, this isn’t at all where I thought we’d end up.” He stared right at her breasts. Damnation, his mouth even watered as he did it. Her face blushed, just like he wanted. “Somehow, I think my ass had your attention when you were sixteen and for some reason, I believe it’s still on your mind.” “You’d like to think so.” He grinned as mischievous thoughts crossed his mind. Hell, he’d like to think the feeling was mutual. “Jonathan, I know so.” Her voice dropped an octave as she tempted him with a bit of seduction, then she simply galloped off ahead of him. It was the prettiest sight he’d ever seen. The strong animal below her had grown used to having her on his back. Suddenly, he envied that damn horse. What he’d give to have her pussy posting against his back. Hell, he’d get up on all fours just to feel it. Her long legs gripped the stallion’s sides while her body moved with his gait up and down and up and down. All the while, her hair flew behind her in a wild cascade so beautiful a man could never doubt the spirit who owned it or the soul one hoped to capture when they grabbed hold of it. A fist of it would tangle up a man’s wits. He didn’t doubt it for a minute. Jonathan had thoughts. Manly man does womanly woman thoughts, but that would have 43

Destiny Blaine to wait. She needed some convincing and he intended to have her full permission by the time the drive was over. And it would be a hell of a lot of fun trying to earn it. A smile spread wide across his face, but when he heard the undeniable scream up ahead and around the bend, it quickly diminished. By the time he reached the others, fear replaced it. “Hello cowboy.” A man held Victoria tightly around the waist as she squirmed beneath his pulls and tugs. Several gunmen had their guns aimed at the heads of Jack and the others. One of the bandits walked up and held Jonathan’s horse tight around the bridle, close to the bit. Jonathan nodded. “How you boys doing today?” He quickly assessed their situation. Grim. Hopeless as hell. He locked in on Victoria with a firm stare, but he already saw the fear. He also found something else there. The woman wasn’t just mad, but she held the stare of a killer. Precise and calculating, already plotting a first move. That frightened the hell out of him. “You may need to slide off that horse, cowboy.” The gangster that definitely had the reins to the operation approached him cautiously. “Is it cowboy or is it Jonathan Woodwine?” Jonathan noticed Jack as he moved to the side a little. The men exchanged glances with Victoria. Jack rolled his eyes in the direction he must’ve 44

Beyond the Valley needed or wanted her to move in, but damn it all, she shook her head adamantly with defiance. Jonathan saw the mad fury sweep across the cheeks of his friend. He squinted his eyes and brow at her and again, she shook her head to indicate refusal. She wasn’t cooperating with Jack or Jonathan. Jonathan tried to engage the outlaw in conversation. “I’ll take cowboy any day of the week. It’s a bit better than people you meet on a trail knowing your name and presuming to know that with that name carries some level of privilege. I can assure you, after the drought we’ve had, it does not.” “So you’re trying to tell me that the weather has killed off your cattle, crops and profit. That’s interesting.” He turned to look at the man groping Victoria. Jonathan didn’t try to stop him, to do so would’ve meant a gun battle and he knew it would be one that he and his men would likely lose. But he fully intended to kill the man who placed his hands on Victoria. He’d even enjoy doing it. “Little brother, I told you to keep your hands off the women if we found any. You can take her with us and have first crack at her, but for now, keep your hands still. Mr. Woodwine here, wants us to believe that he doesn’t have coin or cattle left 45

Destiny Blaine to his name. Kind of like those folks we met up with about a year ago. Seems Woodwine would know them. They appear to have been cut from the same cloth.” One of the rustlers jeered. “Yeah, I betcha he knows them. McCoys. Did you ever know any McCoys from back east?” He let out a bellowing laugh. “We got ‘em all.” Jonathan immediately felt a sharp pain in his gut. He took a deep breath and knew at that moment that Victoria was as volatile as a man wracked with physical need. It was why, he determined, her eyes were killer calm with an eerie purpose. **** Victoria closed her eyes. Dread filled her senses. It seemed to be traveling through the air without the potential to slow down. She’d had the same feeling when her parents and Morgan were killed. By the same hands that held them now. She’d be damned if she’d let them think they got them all. She spat the words in the face of her captors. “The hell you say! You missed one, you bloody mother fuckers!” She blinked her eyes trying to hide the pain and fight back the tears, but once she regained her composure, she leveled on the ringleader’s face. 46

Beyond the Valley His face turned white as a sheet. “Wait a minute,” he started to approach her cautiously. She turned her face to meet with a nod to Jack, and then one to Jonathan. With fingers faster than a runaway stagecoach, Victoria had a gun to the one who’d first held her. She aimed it directly to the little brother’s temple. For a split second, chaos rumbled. “Come any closer and he’s dead.” By the looks exchanged between outlaws, no one seemed to doubt her passionate threats. She gritted her teeth and blood dripped from her lip. The taste of it seemed to drive her forward with killer instincts. Pure raw-ass anger hung heavy in the wind. It stirred around threatening her with the act of murder, tempting her with their blood on her hands. “Holy fucking shit.” The one with the gun to his head didn’t appreciate how quickly the tables turned. The leader of the pack smirked and Victoria thought he might just be foolish enough to take her on. “You think I give a damn about him.” He spat the lies, but his eyes told a different tale. “Oh I think you do.” She met his stare. “Now drop your gun!” She yelled over her shoulder. “All of you! Drop ‘em!” He approached her slowly. “Baby, you don’t want to fuck with me. I want you to hand over 47

Destiny Blaine your gun, and if you play nice, I won’t let my brother here have his way with you.” His voice oozed that creepy promise he’d told her mother the night he killed her family. “I’ve heard that somewhere before.” Tears streamed down her face. “But you know that already. You had just recognized me when I turned the cards over and showed you a new full house. Now, Mister, you better listen to me. I remember what I saw when you took my family from me. I see it every single night I go to sleep. Now, I kind of figure an eye for an eye and I promise you that I’ll send him to hell if you step one foot closer.” She pressed the gun tighter against little brother’s head and cocked the gun. It was without a doubt, ready to fire. Jonathan moved slowly forward. “I think you men need to drop your weapons.” “Fucking hell you say.” He turned back to Victoria. “If you don’t let my brother go, I’ll rape you of any sense of beauty, then my men will see to it that they send you out of this world in grand style leaving you in the prairie when they’re done with you.” Victoria’s finger trembled on the trigger. “You or your men can shoot me now. I won’t watch another mass murder here or anywhere else. I’ll promise you, the first shot fired will be followed with the second shot that will claim little brother’s 48

Beyond the Valley life and I’ll leave this world knowing you’ll be crying after us both. Him, because he’s your kin, and me because I brought down on you the very hell you love to bring.” Her air seemed to be choked out of her with each passing word. “Now,” her voice rose to a level of rage that made her sound like a lunatic. “I said lay down those fucking ass weapons!” They all exchanged glances. Jack and Jonathan as well as their clan of cowboys were ready to move, but they had to wait on her. She held all their cards. “I’m not asking your sorry asses again.” She pressed the gun harder into the younger brother’s scalp. “Five, four, three, two…” The men seemed to drop the guns all the way around. Seven guns were counted. Jack, Jonathan and the others collected them while Victoria kept her gun on the two brothers, the obvious leaders of the outlaws. The meanest of men. An eagle flew overhead. Seemingly symbolic, or so she thought. She shook off the urge to follow it with her gaze. The sound of it seemed to provide a magnificent draw and a conclusion seemed determined just by its presence there. Jonathan took over. “Give me the gun, Victoria.” His voice, while gentle, didn’t earn him the hand off. “Give me the gun please.” He repeated the request with a firmer tone. She ignored him. All of the ruthless men were 49

Destiny Blaine face down on the ground. Victoria walked over to the man who first held his gun to Jonathan. She kicked him right between the legs as hard as she could and took pleasure when he moaned. She even felt the smile inch across her lips. “Ouch! You, mother bitch! Oh, Shit! Damn you, woman! You’ll pay for that!” He threatened, ranted and truly screamed out with agony. “You think so?” She stepped to the side and bent down over him, the sun at her back with all of the other men apparently too afraid to move. She placed a foot on his back when she rose over him and cocked the gun, hoping like hell he didn’t fail to hear it. “This is how you stood on my father’s back. And Morgan,” her voice caught in her throat. “You kicked him and beat him and still, he begged.” The tears came with the memory, but she forced herself to go on. “He just wanted to live his life—to have the chance to breathe the same air you now sip like a fine whiskey.” Jack pleaded. “Victoria, it takes more strength to walk away. Killing these men won’t help heal your heart. It’ll only open new wounds. Come on, little lady, hand me the gun.” He reached for it. She ignored him. She felt sorry for him, sorry that he would have to watch her become who the man under her foot inspired her to be. “Don’t do this Victoria. You don’t want this man’s blood on your hands. It’s not worth it.” 50

Beyond the Valley Jonathan didn’t want murder on her hands and she knew it, even felt his pain through careful coaxing. Through tear-filled eyes, she saw him, but she couldn’t understand why he would think the man lying under her boot would deserve better treatment than her parents. “Get away from me, Jonathan.” Her voice held an unrecognizable contempt. “What is your name?” She redirected conversation again and pressed her boot down on the leader’s back. “Lady, you’ll know my name when I come calling.” He sneered. She walked around in the dirt for a moment, and then lined herself with him again. She stood in just the right spot, aimed and kicked with a leg meant to deliver a powerful force to a man’s most treasured goods. She bent over him and asked again. “We’ve got these cattle to drive up to those mountains. I’m not going to waste all day wondering whether or not you are going to answer me. I want your mother-fucking name!” She stood again and kicked him the ribs. “Holy hell, woman!” The man’s body writhed under the pain. “It’s Troy!” His brother shouted across the dust. The wind met his answer and seemed to carry it straight to her. The open range seemed to quietly anticipate what came next. “And what is your 51

Destiny Blaine name?” She shouted at him. “Davey. I’m Davey.” He had his arms crossed at his head and his fingers clasped tightly against his neck. He spoke his words into the dirt beneath him, the same dirt he surely recognized as being part of what would soon bury him. His rotten teeth were hard to miss, but the name would never be forgotten or the fact that he’d been the one groping her hard in front of other men. In front of Jonathan. Jonathan moved toward her again. “Just give me the gun, Victoria. Jack will handle this.” Victoria looked over at the older cowboy. “I’m sure you would do the right thing, Jack. But you see boys…” She kicked Troy again in the side, “I don’t want to do the right thing.” “Holy fucking shit! Woman, if I ever get my hands on you, I’ll cut off those feet so you’ll never disrespect a man again.” “Troy,” Her voice remained surprisingly calm, “I have to say, I believe you.” She tried to stifle a cry, but couldn’t do it. The tears ran freely. “That’s why this… is all on you.” She gently squeezed the trigger.

52

Beyond the Valley

CHAPTER FIVE

Awith Troy and Davey McAlister, Victoria didn’t

fter she shot and killed the entire gang riding

say much about it. She didn’t say much about anything at all. She maintained enough wits about her to stay with the drive, but overall, she just seemed to die inside. By the time they returned to Jonathan’s ranch, she seemed destined for rest and Jonathan hoped she’d find it there. He also hoped to help her heal, but that was something he noticed time seemed to take care of. Her color had returned and so did the smile he loved to see painted on her lips. Jack had tried several times to mention the shooting to her, but she always warned him off. Jonathan decided it would be better to never mention it again. Not that he had tried. He couldn’t stand the thought of upsetting her and, as for those boys she outright murdered, well he just believed they got what they deserved. Every one of them had a wanted poster out on them for 53

Destiny Blaine murder. She could’ve even collected a handsome reward for them, but told them once that she didn’t want it. The sun had just started to set when they all rode in two weeks after they’d departed. Jack took the horses immediately. “Now Victoria, I don’t want any lip from you tonight. You’re staying here with us.” Jonathan agreed. “We’ve already discussed this. Victoria will be staying with us for some time.” Jack smiled. “Glad to hear it.” Victoria wheeled around quickly. “We never did anything of the sort!” She marched over to him fast. “Just because you knew my family doesn’t give you the right to—” Jonathan cut her off. “Jack, if you’ll excuse us. We’ll be in the main house when you finish here.” Jack beamed. “I hope it’ll still be standing by the time I get up there.” Jonathan quickly led Victoria up the hill to his home. He pulled her by the wrist as she protested. “Jonathan! Jonathan! Listen to me! A man cannot just drag a woman off to his house and demand that she stay. It isn’t right! It isn’t proper!” She screamed at him until they reached the porch. “I said let me go!” Jonathan smiled down on her. “Fine. I’ll let you go long enough to do this.” His grin widened and he swooped down fast to pick her up. His left arm 54

Beyond the Valley slid under her arms and his right cupped her legs. “What are you doing? Put me down, dammit!” Her voice indicated outrage and her body seemed to defy it. She writhed under his touch and it happened on contact. Her lips pursed to indicate a fit of pouting would soon follow. Jonathan kicked open the door and crossed over the threshold. He marched in the house and up the stairs. He made no mistake, it was a damn march. “I said put me down!” She wiggled and fought against his hold. “I plan to just as soon as I find the appropriate place.” He smiled at her. “And if you aren’t careful, I may do something more than put you down. I may just taste a bit of that anger for myself. It quite becomes you, love.” “What did you call me? Argh! Last chance to set me down!” She continued her rant. He walked past his sister’s room and straight into his own. Once there, he plopped her on the bed. Her eyes were wild. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She smacked at the mattress. Seething anger spilled from her eyes and her lips. “Isn’t it obvious?” He watched her with adamant curiosity, a grin forming across his lips. “You want to fuck me?” She crossed her arms over her chest. 55

Destiny Blaine “Watch your mouth, Victoria, and I won’t tell you again. Ladies don’t talk like tramps.” “Well, do you?” She further challenged. “Answer me! Damn you!” She pointed a slender finger at him. He wanted nothing more than to take her little index finger and just suck it in between his lips. Nip and nibble it, just to ensure she knew what he held in store. He wanted her to work out the full equation and solve any inner problems in her devious head. Then, she would know beyond any reasonable doubt that he wanted her and he fully intended to have her. Her eyes were fiery and her yelling became quite distraught. Jonathan remained calm. “What you’ve kept under lock and key only belongs to one man. I can promise you one thing, I’m not going to take it unless it’s mine to have.” Her gaze followed him across the room. He sat down on a chair and began to tug at his boots, never making the effort to provide light for them and never bothering to watch her inner wars begin under hooded eyes, but he knew the battle brewed because he knew her type. Hell, he knew her mother and he witnessed enough nonsense between her parents when he lived with them. He fully expected more of the same. Like mother, like daughter. He mused at the obvious similarities. 56

Beyond the Valley The full moon seemed to light up the room and provide more than enough light for them both. Victoria wasn’t sure what to do. That much was obvious. It could be felt in the air. The animosity and anxiety. The wanton need and the apprehension. It dominated and empowered the atmosphere. She slowly stood and walked over to stand in front of him. “I’ll have to think about your proposal.” She turned to walk away. Jonathan grabbed her by the waist and quickly pulled her to him. With a grunt escaping her lungs, she looked up at him. “I assure you, Jonathan Woodwine, that you have a strong hand that can take care of the apparent need your body seems to have, you aren’t going to use me for that purpose until I’ve had time to think about things.” “Darling,” his voice oozed sweetness, mischief and, above all else, total sex appeal and confidence, “I appreciate your eloquent way of giving me permission to jack-off, but the truth is, it just wouldn’t be right.” “What the hell are you babbling about?” Her lips formed a tight line. “If I used this hand—” He held up the one in front of her while the other continued to grip her around the waist, “To please myself,” he softly growled with an apparent hunger for her that 57

Destiny Blaine shocked him as much as it likely scared her, “then it would be like committing adultery. No love, I have better options for it and better ways to please the one who I believe already belongs to me.” Before she knew what hit her, he wrapped his hand around her neck gently and pulled her into a simple, sweet kiss. It wasn’t famished; it wasn’t inspired by tongue and deep throat kissing, but instead just delicious, soft and sensual. Then, he released her, but barely. “Go to my sister’s room and make yourself at home. Clean up and dress for dinner, but tonight, I want you in my bed or else I’ll go into town and find someone to take your place until you come to your senses.” Jealousy raged through the room. It could be cut with a knife, just like the sexual tension. He spoke with authority and he knew his words would warn off a challenge from her. He demanded her attention and her affection. She had little time to decide if she would meet his expectations—and she needed to understand he fully expected her to comply. “Go ahead,” she began, “And I can promise you, I’ll have a man in mine, too, by morning. I may even bring him here to bed him.” She strolled across the room with rapid speed and slipped behind the door before he could say another word. He heard the door to his sister’s room slam and laughed outright. He then spoke to the empty 58

Beyond the Valley room. “Ah, love, jealousy and spunk will take us everywhere.” He eyed the bed and let his imagination run wild.

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Destiny Blaine

CHAPTER SIX

Dsupper down like he’d never eaten a real meal inner proved uneventful. Jack gobbled his

before. Jonathan and Victoria swapped warless glances, but they weren’t ready to give up the fight for control. That much seemed understood. Jack didn’t stay around long. He ate, yawned, rubbed his belly, patted Victoria’s shoulder, commented on the heat and retired to his room. He probably knew the tension between a man and woman determined to fight the chemistry between them would be better tended if there wasn’t a third party. Jonathan stood when he’d finished and gathered up the dishes. He walked into the kitchen area and then back out. “Can I get you anything?” He couldn’t help but play host. Victoria was a guest in his house. He hoped to change that much in a few hours, but for the moment, she remained a guest. “No.” She dared him as she walked out of the 60

Beyond the Valley dining room into the parlor. “I know my way around this house better than you think.” She giggled uncomfortably. “Your parents and my mother must’ve had similar tastes. The floor plan is—” “Exactly the same.” Jonathan finished for her. “After mother died, father decided to go ahead and build the house the way your mother and my mother had talked about for years. Naturally, the original plan had been for the homes to be built on land close enough for a stone’s throw.” He added with a tease. “See, if that had been the case, Victoria, then you would’ve known from the time you were a teenager that you belonged to me.” “Aren’t you the funny one this evening?” She smiled. He saw the nervousness move across her face with the light blush of skin and her inability to look at him. “No, I’m the serious one. You, on the other hand may be. That is, if you think for a second that I’m going up those stairs without you in my arms.” Her gaze moved to the floor, then back up again. When she looked up, he stood closer, inches away even. “Jonathan, I didn’t come here for a hand out and I certainly didn’t take the job breaking your horse in hopes of finding my way into your bed.” “I believe that, but you’re going to end up there if it’s all the same to you.” His jaw set and his gaze 61

Destiny Blaine followed her neckline down to a beautiful yet barely exposed chest. He watched the rise and fall of it as he curiously watched her contemplate an immediate future. Her apprehension more than a little obvious, only inspired him to reach for her. She moved away, then turned her back to him. “You know, my mother never had one of those talks with me. I put on a tough front because,” she giggled then continued, “It’s helped me keep men like you out of my pants.” Her innocence warmed his heart and her defense mechanisms were to be commended, not that he didn’t plan to tear them down, but he immediately understood her better. She confided worries to him, as if she thought maybe he didn’t believe in her purity or perhaps she wanted to defend her more provocative actions. He was instantly in love, more so than before because in that moment, he understood everything she seemingly tried to explain. She planned to submit to him. It was all but carved in wood, slated in stone. Jonathan moved closer and she walked to the window looking out over the grand front porch. He saw her in the reflection. The look of worry spreading over her face. He wanted to stop in her tracks, take the anxiety away with a kiss or sensual touch, but he didn’t. He considered her age and her lack of experience. 62

Beyond the Valley “Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been kissed before, but the problem is, I can talk that trash about knowing how to ride a man as good as a horse, but a man has never so much as touched my breasts. Not that there haven’t been a few that wanted to and obviously that creep back on the drive groped a little further down, but you know what I mean. A real touch.” She paused, then sighed. “I’ve never had one of those.” She would. Heaven have mercy, she would know the feel of a man’s touch—because he knew she already craved his. Jonathan thought she had to be the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen his life. He felt instantly guilty for wanting her innocence, but he also thought he would die if he didn’t have the opportunity to take it. Victoria faced him. “So, Jonathan, I guess what I’m trying to say is that you will not be well entertained in the bedroom. My suggestion is that you ride off into town and pick one of the saloon’s finest because I’m going to bed tonight and I’m going alone.” She moved by him rapidly as if plotting her escape. He caught her by the waist and stopped her. He slowly turned her with his fingertips until he could stare into her eyes. Then, before he thought, he dropped down on one knee. The shock element could’ve been perceived as priceless if he wasn’t so damn nervous. His throat went dry when he 63

Destiny Blaine saw her wide and moist eyes. He cleared his throat before he began with his promises. “I carried you in here today with every intentions of making you my wife. I don’t think I explained that well enough to you, but you’ll have to look over me. I’m about as schooled in love and romance as I am in breaking horses.” Her face softened a bit and she waited quietly without protest. He couldn’t have been more relieved. “Victoria, I don’t know what I can offer you. Maybe riches, maybe poverty, with this damn drought, no one knows what tomorrow holds. But either way, I’d like to share my home with you and hope like hell you’ll accept because I’m only going to ask you once to become my wife. If you’ll say yes, I’ll forever be grateful, even indebted, and I promise you to love and honor you. I will, if you’ll just say yes.” She swallowed hard. He remained on one knee. She swallowed again. “You want to marry me?” She certainly appeared stunned by his proposal. “I do.” He nodded. He didn’t know why the hell he wanted to marry her, but apparently it was something he just had to do. “In a church and all?” “Well, since there’s not one around these parts, that might be tough, but we could find one I 64

Beyond the Valley suppose, if that’s important to you.” “Did you have another idea?” “I did. I planned on giving you my mother’s ring, bedding you properly, then giving you every single thing your little fluttering heart desires for as long as I live.” The blush of her skin brightened to a blood-red shade, fiery hot with the embarrassment of hearing his intentions. “I imagine the bedding is most important.” She nodded. Maybe she thought so too. He could hope. “No.” In that moment, Jonathan believed his words. “What’s important is that you don’t deny me and that, while I’m down here groveling, you decide to tell me you’ll be honored to become my wife. That is, if you will.” Her eyes narrowed. “I like to see men beg— especially handsome, sexy, strong men.” She sighed. “I think—” “Hell, Victoria. Just say yes.” His lips formed a tight line. He was beginning to wonder what her answer would be. “Yes!” She beamed before releasing her response with adamant excitement. The lone word shocked them both. Jonathan Woodwine had never been so fast on his feet. Victoria’s arms went around his neck and he wasted little time in sweeping her into his arms. Carrying her up the stairs, he quickly took them 65

Destiny Blaine two or three at a time. He inhaled her fresh scent as he buried his face in her hair. “I knew I had to have you from the moment I saw you.” Victoria laughed. “You mean you knew from the moment you changed me as an infant that one day, you’d want to marry me?” “Umm…no. I can promise you I didn’t have marrying on my mind then. In fact, you were the reason I first swore it off.” He chuckled. “Now, I’m the reason you’re all for it?” She must’ve really liked the idea if her sexy tone provided enough proof. “You’d better believe it.” He turned the knob to the master bedroom and paused only for a minute. He saw the confusion and inner war begin. Her body trembled when they stood there ready to cross over milestones, just outside what would become the matrimonial bedroom. “I don’t have the first idea of what to do.” She whispered before laying her head over on his shoulder. “And I’m afraid.” “You have no reason to worry, Victoria. I’m going to spend my life making your life easy and that includes this part, too. I want it to be second nature. I want you to love me without reservations and know that, however you choose to do it, we’ll be perfect together.” He kissed her forehead and pushed the door open. 66

Beyond the Valley

CHAPTER SEVEN

Vthe room. He let her undress and slide under

ictoria watched him light candles throughout

the sheets before he began lighting the room up. His chest was bare and, with each candle lit, she mused over his well defined features. His hair was short, his jaw line defined and set, and his broad frame captured his raw masculinity. By the time the tiny flames were burning around the room in strategic locations, the flame within had started to burn out of control. Just watching him move slowly around the room, setting the stage for romance, seemed to be more than she deserved to witness. By the time he moved to sit beside her, she wanted him. She didn’t know how to respond yet, but she knew she needed him. Something too deep to describe gnawed at her, tugging her heart one way or the other, with blistering lust, desire and something else. She cared for Jonathan and maybe even loved him. 67

Destiny Blaine He caressed her face gently, slowly. First with an open palm, then with calloused knuckles. “I’m going to lie down with you.” He told her the obvious. She knew that much. Maybe he just wanted to warn her that she would see him when he undressed. She decided that was it and turned her head, closing her eyes when she did. Within seconds, he was under the sheets beside of her. He stared at the ceiling. “Damn.” He swallowed hard. “Now, I’m the one afraid.” Victoria propped herself up on an elbow and looked down at him. “I find that hard to believe.” He rolled over and faced her. “It’s true. I don’t want to hurt you, but I’m hungry. I’m damn starving.” His lips immediately abandoned further words and met the skin below her earlobe. He devoured her neck in what she knew was nothing more than the first indication of affection, lust, and an eager march toward a long, sexual quest. She giggled nervously. “You can’t keep your lips still.” “Or my hands to myself.” He kept them moving all right. Up and down her leg, across her chest, over her belly. She moaned as his lips worked at staying above the collarbone, but his fingers drifted down the side of her body trailing the contour of breast, waist, hip, buttocks, and knee. Then, he moved inside carefully stroking every inch he traveled. 68

Beyond the Valley Softly, his hand massaged her knee. He rolled over and finally kissed her open lips. It was heavenly and long overdue. It was a locked fit, she decided and she loved the feel of his tongue wagering a war of love, lust, and a lifetime of fulfillment. She gained it all in one kiss and knew that she did. It was a new understanding of promises. It was today, tomorrow and the next and all the pledges he’d fulfill by bringing her the best of them. “I’m going to spend my life making you happy.” He brushed her hair back with his palm before his other hand abandoned her leg. Their palms met before he released her hands to cup and caress her face. Passionately, he kissed all of her. She felt like he had to be making love to her because every emotion that could be felt, possessed, and had, was on fire with desire. She knew their bodies would meet, but how and why, that couldn’t be explained. This, this in itself, was more than enough. She kissed him back with fervor until her breath faded. “I can’t breathe in.” Her heart thumped with a confession of breathless words. Jonathan stopped kissing her long enough to let her catch her breath. “Then relax, breathe out, baby. Just let go.” He tenderly touched her hair and seemed to study her expressions 69

Destiny Blaine His mouth left her to steal away a journey in a very different direction. She tensed. “Jonathan, don’t. Not yet.” “No, baby. Not yet.” He promised one thing, but as he moved lower, she quickly realized his motives were driving him in an entirely different direction. “I know what I’m doing. I promise you.” He took one breast and moved it between swollen lips while his gaze locked with hers. She looked on watching as his tongue dipped on the hard nub one second and totally devoured her whole the next. First, he dined on one, then he totally lavished the other with intimate kisses no other man would ever steal. “Oh, Jonathan, oh…” She didn’t know how to describe it. Was it an outer body experience? Had she died and gone to heaven? What was he doing to her? She could feel it empower him as his cock rubbed against her thigh. He moved down between her legs. She closed them, not sure of what he wanted to do and why he was between them. “What are you doing?” She bit her lip when his hand slid between her legs. “I’m going to show you. Trust me, Victoria.” His hooded eyes seemed driven by an uncontrollable fire. His voice assured her that she should be comfortable having him there with his face 70

Beyond the Valley positioned right above her intimate space, but it took her a minute to adjust. She heard his lips smack. The sound echoed throughout the large suite. Then, she felt nothing but true pleasure. It seemed like a divine delivery of tongue and mouth warm with promises of guaranteed satisfaction. The lapping and sucking was one thing, but when he inserted his tongue deep into her core, that was something else altogether. More than any woman deserved to understand or experience. She lay still for the first few minutes of the new sophisticated knowledge he seemed to be hell bent on giving her, then her body reacted with something more, much more than she’d ever imagined. A quiver took her. Maybe the earth rattled or perhaps even rolled. Hot fiery heat spilled from her body. It gushed out and called for her to let go. She wanted. Damn did she want. She needed. More than anything she’d needed in her life. So she took. And when she did, her hips moved higher and higher. She soared with newly found freedom, as her body took her to a level she never knew she could reach. Jonathan’s talent seemed incredible. He stayed right with her even when she tried to escape his lips. He sucked more, lapped with an obvious focus and seemed to thoroughly enjoy every drop he tasted. She knew there had to be plenty there 71

Destiny Blaine because she was wet with heat. “Oh Jonathan! Help me! Help me! Oh hell! I don’t know what’s happening to me! Pleasure! So much pleasure!” When her orgasm took her, she knew she startled him because he stopped only long enough to look up at her, but then he continued with fierce, rapid and intense motivation. He rode out her climax with a mouth hell bent on pleasing, serving and satisfying. When the ripples stopped, he moved up over her. “Now, I’ll help you.” He smiled as his thumb stroked her bottom lip. Her hand shook as she moved it to wipe the glistening come from his chin. “Holy shit. What was that?” “That was just a sign of things to come.” His cock pleaded for apparent attention as he rubbed it up against her leg. He slowly took her hand curving it around the width. With a wicked grin, he reminded her of his need. “Time to give the devil its dues?” “After that, I can hardly wait.” She let his hand guide her grip, something she’d heard a prostitute talk about once when explaining how to give a man a hard hand-job. ”Is it better?” She stroked with him allowing him to help her do it how he seemed to appreciate it most. His eyes moved down her and back up again. A growl escaped him while she tugged a few times on a dick ready 72

Beyond the Valley for an intimate dance. “Sweet mercy hell woman, it only gets better.” He focused on her breasts and occasionally nipped at a swollen nub. Victoria swallowed before she asked for it. “Then, finish me.” Her whisper was quiet, the request bold. She released his cock knowing it belonged inside of her, but not sure how it would fit. She knew he could work out the specifics. And he did. His knee spread her legs wide as he knelt over her, in between her hips, the love spread across his face with an element of adoration she’d never witnessed before. Appreciation and lust existed there, too, but love swept across his eyes. “This will hurt for a second and then the pain will be minimal.” Kind, thoughtful, caring words guided a first experience. She nodded. “I don’t care. I swear I don’t care. Just fuck me.” “Holy hell, what a mouth.” His jaw flew open. Maybe the thought of a forced invasion inspired a dropped mouth. “What you want to say is that it’s music to your ears.” She started to laugh, but he quickly silenced her with a kiss. His lips met hers and when they did, he moved into her world with a slow penetration of cock. 73

Destiny Blaine **** One slight push forward, and he claimed and marked her. He would soon fill her with his seed. Then, only then would she fully belong to him with a body that only he would own by the strength of a man who she would forever possess. “Oh Victoria, sweet mercy.” His eyes filled with lust, pleasure and the realization of the pain he knew crossing over her threshold brought. He stared down on her and immediately, she gave him everything that undid the strongest of men. “Jonathan?” A cry escaped her lips as tears streamed from her eyes. “Yes, baby, you’re mine, love. All mine.” He didn’t move right at first allowing her to adjust to his weight and his intrusion. But when he did, he wanted her to know that she fully belonged to him. He felt every inch as he moved along her walls and claimed her as his own. His grinding was hot, bothersome, delicious. His kisses delivered need, lust and sensual gratification. His dick moved into her with a beat. He thought it had a tempo, maybe even a sound, but soon realized it was the beating of the headboard behind them. Raising her knees, he lay between them, then pushed up to peer down. His hands moved her up higher, until he had one of her legs high on his 74

Beyond the Valley shoulder. “I have to get closer to you. I can’t apologize. I can’t stop.” And he didn’t. The thumping continued. The delightful sound of it rang throughout the room. The mattress below them hummed with the robust rhythm of passion and the continual beat of the drum prodded them forward. “Oh Victoria, you’re so tight. So very, very tight.” He pumped harder holding her by the calf while moving into her. Then the earth shattered. His earth, maybe even hers, or so he thought. He dropped her leg and grabbed her hips moving, no slamming, into her with a wicked force behind him. She probably never knew sex could be so rough, hot and totally bothersome. If she had, help them both, she would’ve offered herself to Jonathan long before now because he knew her, she liked a wild ride. He meant to make slow, passionate love to her and introduce her to making love in the romantic sense, but this…this was something else. It should have been against the law to deliver this kind of sexual beating and to a woman who truly needed a loving first stroke. “Oh baby, my Victoria, come to me. Come with me. Don’t hold back from me baby. Never hold back from me. So sweet. So fucking sweet.” **** 75

Destiny Blaine

His words encouraged her, but she didn’t know exactly what he meant until a flood of his warmth filled her center and ran rampant throughout her body. Moisture consumed her and, with each stride he gave her, she rose to accept returning it with grinds, grips, and pleasure-ridden moans. “Oh Jonathan, more. Give me more!” She pleaded for release, and when it came, she knew he’d given her everything she was meant to have in his bed. Jonathan proved to be a man capable of racking her body with need, feeding her with more desire than she ever thought possible, then refusing to let her starve. He delivered her to the other side and quenched her with satisfaction only his body could offer. Only his body would ever receive. **** She lay in his arms fast asleep. He looked over her moving back the sheet to see every inch of what now belonged to him. “I love you.” He whispered into her skin. Her arms curled around his neck and she shivered. “But not enough to cover you back up yet.” He smiled and traced her body with a steady forefinger. She continued to sleep, exhausted by 76

Beyond the Valley the passionate night he’d given her. “I’ll spend my life making you happy. It’ll be my sole purpose.” He couldn’t keep his lips to himself. He had to taste her once more. Leaving a trail of kisses from her ankle to her breasts, he wanted her to wake up, but knew she needed rest. Then, he felt her hand in his hair. “Come here.” She mumbled. “Ah, did I wake you?” “I’m surprised you did. Didn’t that cattle drive wear you out?” He heard it as her voice oozed out the tired words. Her arm bent casually above her head in a way that held his undivided attention. “It did. You didn’t.” He moved her hand down between his legs so she had little reason to doubt that he told the truth. “So I didn’t satisfy you?” She held him captive by eyes alone never mind the cock she began to stroke with a ready palm gripping the shaft. He moved her on top of him and kissed her gently. “Oh, baby, you satisfied me in every way.” “Maybe not if you’re still eager to have me.” She stroked steady with a pace of pure leisure. He kissed her shoulder, then moved to her lips so his words brushed their lips together. “Victoria, I have just one request before I let you slip off to sleep.” A smirk turned up the corners of his 77

Destiny Blaine mouth. “Okay?” “I’m dying here.” He kissed her softly, then continued. “I have to know if you can ride a man like you can an animal. You promised you could.” “And I promise you, you’ll be the only man to ever know.” She moved over him to demonstrate. “Besides, I need the practice.” A moan fell from her lips as she leaned closer. He couldn’t wait for her to mount him and had little difficulty in providing the perfect seat just built for an untamed woman.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Destiny Blaine is an erotic romance author who writes in various genres. Visit her website at www.destinyblaine.com for more information.