Pole Position

Country Roads 2

Pole Position As a child, Princess imagined a fairy tale ending. As an adult, she envisions a satisfying conclusion to a storybook romance years in the making. Abandoned as a little girl, Princess Sterling met Brant Levy and Colt Manning in the mountains of Kentucky. Thanks to Colt and Brant, Princess is adopted. She becomes the pampered child of racing royalty and enjoys a life of luxury. As Princess matures, she realizes something is missing. With a successful racing career of her own, Princess longs for love and dreams of one day reuniting with the cowboys who saved her from homelessness. Years later, Brant and Colt drive to Bristol with every intention of locating Princess while she’s in town for a race. As soon as they see her, they know they’re in trouble. They aren’t just hooking up with an old friend. They’re about to seduce the woman they plan to love. Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys Length: 29,176 words

POLE POSITION Country Roads 2

Natalie Acres

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

POLE POSITION Copyright © 2011 by Natalie Acres E-book ISBN: 1-61034-715-3 First E-book Publication: August 2011 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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

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

“You won’t see me running in the back…” —Kevin Harvick

POLE POSITION Country Roads 2 NATALIE ACRES Copyright © 2011

Prologue Southeastern Kentucky was always known as a poverty-stricken area of the state. Some people, particularly the older folks, often described Harlan County as Bloody Harlan. Back in the thirties and forties, Harlan residents earned quite the reputation for being quick to anger, and even quicker to draw a gun and shoot. If a person paid attention to small-town babble, a dark cloud loomed high above Harlan. Natives continued to pay for the crimes of the past. Unfortunately, in Harlan, the innocent caught the brunt of bygone times. The sins of the fathers were bestowed upon the children. Locals believed Harlan’s ghosts damned the once-corrupt area. There was nowhere to hide or run from the ancestors who tainted those mountains with their former unscrupulous behavior. Colt Manning thought the county was surrounded by too much natural beauty for outright condemnation. He decided to visit the region right after Thanksgiving. He wanted to ride in an ATV parade called The Jingle Bell Ride. With the promise of great fishing on Martins Fork Lake, Kentucky called to him in a way he couldn’t ignore.

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Colt invited his buddy, Brant Levy, to join him on a road trip. They anticipated a restful weekend and a good time enjoying one of the best ATV adventures a man would ever find. In the early morning hours, they packed up Brant’s Ford truck with camping supplies, loaded up two brand-new four-wheelers, and off they went. They were Kentucky-bound before daybreak, and left behind plenty of farm work certain to be there when they returned. The men made the drive from Morristown, Tennessee. Somewhere along the way, Colt began to think something substantial awaited them in the Bluegrass State, maybe even something lifechanging. By the time he spotted the remarkable ridges of the Pine and Black Mountains, with their peaks painted white from a recent light snow, Colt had a true uneasy feeling. This vacation wasn’t just another road trip. Five minutes after he arrived at his destination, Colt met a little girl who would soon change their lives. His future was left forever changed from the moment they were first introduced.

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PART I Chapter One “What’s your name?” she asked in a small voice. Dirt dotted her forehead and cheeks, neither of which seemed to bother her. “My name is Princess.” “Is that right?” Colt asked, squatting next to her. She looked more like a mud-soaked orphan than a child destined for a jewel-encrusted crown. He’d easily spotted her in the large crowd. Apparently, the folks around there either shunned her because she was a filthy child of meager means or they left her in the clearing on purpose, perhaps to showcase the hopelessness experienced by the locals. Carnival-style tents and vendors cluttered a designated area rich with tall trees and plenty of dead shrubs. The grounds buzzed with endless commotion. Princess seemed lost, only she didn’t appear bothered by the fact. “Yes, just like Cinderella,” the little girl replied, giggling. “Will you be my prince?” Brant reached inside the front pocket of his denim jeans and pulled out a few one dollar bills. “Here, kid. Scram.” The bright light in the little girl’s blue eyes dimmed. She stared at several crisp ones crumpled in Brant’s hand. Addressing Colt once more, she said, “You’ll need to drink tea in the queen’s court before I can accept your friend’s money.” Brant grumbled. “We have a lot to do, Colt. Participants are required to register for the ride.” Colt ignored him and focused on the child. “And where might we find the queen’s court?”

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“Over there.” She pointed. “I have a table set up with the best silver in the land,” she said, waving her arm extravagantly toward what looked like an empty box. “It’s right under the big oak tree. Don’t you see it?” “All I see is a big piece of cardboard and a couple of crates,” Brant replied. “Be a sport,” Colt told Brant, straightening his back and reaching for the child’s tiny hand. “Tell you what, if you’ll let us join you for tea and tell us a little bit about Harlan, we’ll pay you for the information you provide. You can be our travel consultant.” Her eyes twinkled from under the dirty blonde locks. Her hair resembled loose strands of yellowish-brown straw rather than wellmaintained bangs. “I don’t know what that word means, but okay. I sure could use the money, sir.” The little one skipped ahead of them and Brant said, “You can’t go making friends with these kids, Colt. Times are tough and out here, folks face desperate days. Adults in these parts have been known to use their children in order to find ways to put food on the table.” A lump moved down Colt’s throat. He and Brant had been friends for a long time. They’d gone to the same schools, lived on neighboring farms. He’d always thought of Brant as a good guy. Typically lighthearted, Brant wasn’t the kind of man to give a child a cold shoulder. What had gotten into him? After they followed the little girl through the growing crowd, Colt located the tea party. Old newspaper had been used for cut-out placemats and dinnerware. In the middle of a large box, an arrangement of weeds, wild flowers, and hay provided the illusion of a centerpiece. “Have a seat,” she instructed, turning to Brant and adding, “You’ll find a better view of the party from over here.” Another grumble followed a grunt. “Colt, we don’t have all day.” The child was unaffected. “Colt is your name?” “Yes.”

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“I like that name. I asked you for it when we first met,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. “You didn’t answer me. Is it because you don’t like your name?” “No, I was too interested in finding out more about you. Princess is an interesting name, too, ya know.” She laughed aloud and then slapped her knee, cackling all the more. “You silly cowboy you, that’s not my real name.” Brant twitched his nose, sat down, and quietly observed. He suddenly looked more intrigued. “Why do you think I’m a cowboy?” She pointed at his hat and then the one atop Brant’s head. “You’re an observant little woman, aren’t ’cha?” Brant asked. “Of course, a good princess always pays attention to folks around her.” “I thought we were having tea with the queen,” Colt said, quite impressed by the child’s imagination and her quick wit. She would certainly go far in life with her personality. “I am the queen.” “You told us you’re a princess,” Colt reminded her. She sighed dramatically. “Would you be disappointed if I told you something?” Brant arched his brow. “I can’t wait to hear this.” She flipped her hair over her shoulders. “All of this is makebelieve, silly. Don’t you know how to pretend?” “In other words,” Brant explained, “the fairy tale can change at any point.” A beat later, he added a smile and said, “See if you can’t try and pay attention.” Colt studied the large, round circles adorning the cardboard box, noticing they didn’t have plastic cups or anything to suggest drinks— imagined or real—would soon be served. “Tell you what, since you were kind enough to offer us a little hospitality, I have an idea. I’ll be right back.”

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Colt started to walk off and Brant jumped to his feet. “Where do you think you’re going?” “She’s a child, Brant. She’s not a loan officer at the local bank. She won’t bite. Wait here.” Brant had warned Colt on the way to Kentucky. Harlan County was rich with natural character and offered plenty for the outdoorsman, but where the area’s county leaders and officials failed, they failed their community miserably. Many citizens in the area struggled. Families couldn’t feed their children. Schools weren’t provided with enough funding to offer adequate education. Jobs were scarce, some said practically nonexistent. And homelessness was the norm. Was Princess Exhibit A? If so, where were her parents? Did they understand how dangerous it was to leave a child unattended in this day and age? Colt wandered through the park area until he found a vendor selling hot chocolate. He ordered three cups and headed back to the large oak tree. He stood at a distance for a few minutes, observing the way the child tried to manipulate Brant. She apparently longed for his acceptance. She was telling what appeared to be a grand story, complete with arm movements, dancing, and a solo march around the table fit for an imaginary king. When she didn’t gain the reaction she evidently desired, she swooned at Brant’s feet. Colt rushed to the table and quickly set the Styrofoam cups on the flat surface. Brant dropped to the ground and obviously bought the child’s theatrics. “What the blasted hell?” He shook the girl by the shoulders. “Hey! Are you okay?” She opened one eye. A slow smile claimed her full rosy lips and she said, “So you do care if I live to rule this land as the greatest queen this court has ever seen!” It wasn’t a question, but rather a triumphant proclamation. Colt laughed. “You’re a little actress, aren’t you?”

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“Colt,” Brant complained, standing at once. “Don’t encourage the child.” “She doesn’t appear to need much of that, does she?” he said, amused. “It’s about time to get those toys out of the truck,” Brant mentioned under his breath. Apparently, he’d forgotten why this event was so important to the Kentucky community in the first place. They were there to give back and help the needy—the little girl in front of them certainly qualified as a recipient. The Jingle Bell Ride required only one admittance fee—the donation of one unwrapped toy. In many cases, the children receiving the toys wouldn’t have a Christmas gift at all if they couldn’t rely upon the generosity of those who participated in the two-day ATV event. Princess quickly jumped to her feet. “You brought toys?” “For the ride,” Brant stated flatly. Colt winked. “Tell you what. If you’ll help us unload the truck, we’ll pay you a little extra.” “Shit, Colt,” Brant grumbled. “Keep it up, and you’ll be paying that kid what Lehman Brothers used to pay its CEO.” “At least the money would go to someone deserving.” They shared a laugh. Brant lost a fortune in stocks and bonds over the last few years. Recently, he’d confided in Colt, he didn’t think he’d survive the financial catastrophe. Colt couldn’t care less about Wall Street. He’d made his money in beef cattle and real estate, and somehow held onto the profits. Returning his focus to the child, Colt said, “Aren’t you going to drink your hot chocolate?” “Does it have marshmallows?” “Would it be hot cocoa if it didn’t?” “Nooooo,” she drawled, pushing the tab forward and watching wide-eyed when the steam rose from the plastic lid. She inhaled the fumes from the liquid, acting as if the greatest aroma in the world

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came from that small cup. When she finally took a quick sip, it was obvious how much she savored the taste. “This is so good, sir. Thank you very much.” “You’re welcome.” Brant started to act uncomfortable, shifting from one foot to the next. “How about we go unload?” “Let her finish drinking her hot chocolate.” Brant took his cup from the box and discarded the lid. “Hey! You can’t litter around here. I have to keep my yard clean.” Immediately, Brant looked left and then right. Colt did the same. Their gazes met and held. Thinking it might be another make-believe situation, Colt made the inquiry, “Where exactly is your castle, little princess?” She pointed at the shipping container that still had labels attached to the front. “Have you ever heard the story about Barney’s Barrel?” Brant shook his head. Colt nodded. “Do you live in a barrel?” “No, silly,” she replied. “If there was a barrel ’round these parts, one of the local drunks would probably get to it first. I live right here.” She knelt beside the box and pulled the thick side flaps open. Surprisingly, the cardboard was studier and thicker than first appearances suggested. Brant and Colt eyed the substitute door. “Oh my God,” Brant mumbled. “This can’t be.” He voiced what Colt was thinking. “You live here?” A suffocating sensation threatened to collapse Colt’s lungs. He kept Princess in his peripheral vision as she gave them a glimpse of the place she called home. The area consisted of ratty blankets piled one on top of the other, though neatly layered, and a round sofa pillow. An old teddy bear occupied the far left corner, driving home one pertinent fact. Princess was a homeless child living alone. “That’s Ralph,” she said, pointing.

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“Ralph,” Brant muttered in a broken voice, immediately turning away. “Would you like to hold him?” “No,” Brant replied. “Thanks.” Colt continued to take in the girl’s inadequate housing. Her décor included a silk green curtain draped over two sides of the box with ribbons tied at all ends. A few small items were scattered about. A bottle of water claimed the space next to a soda can containing a bright red toothbrush with worn and quite disfigured bristles. “You have a lovely home,” he somehow managed, backing away from the heartbreaking image. “It’s not much,” she said, shrugging. “But I’m sure thankful for what I’ve got. This old box doesn’t look like a lot, but with the big branches from the tree to shield us, Ralph and I rarely get cold unless we have high winds or a real heavy snow.” Kentucky had been slammed with a lot of snow in recent weeks. He wondered how Princess survived freezing conditions and inclement weather when her home was a cardboard box. “How long have you lived here?” Colt asked. “About two years. Not in this box, of course, but when this one gets ratty, I go dumpster diving and find another one, good as new.” “You go what?” Brant asked, dumbfounded. “You know, prowl through the garbage cans.” Colt didn’t think he could stomach much more. Determined to fight back the tears threatening to slip down his cheeks, he finally managed to ask, “Honey, what is your name?” She bowed her head. Her arms dropped to her sides and she took a few minutes to answer. When she finally looked at them again, a bit of sadness flashed in her aqua-colored eyes, but it was instantly replaced with a new sparkle of blue. “I don’t have a name. I borrowed the name Princess because one of these days, I’ll live a fairy-tale life. I just know it.”

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Chapter Two Colt and Brant checked in at the Black Mountain Cabins right before the first ATV run. Brant hadn’t said a handful of words since their chance encounter with the little girl who finally admitted she wasn’t sure if she even had a name. After they unloaded their belongings and took a quick peek at their rustic accommodations, they rolled their four-wheelers off the trailer. “We have about fifteen minutes,” Brant said, checking out their expensive wheels. “Yeah,” Colt said. The lone word was about all he could manage. His mind was somewhere else. “I’ll make some sandwiches,” Brant offered, walking toward their cabin. “Okay.” Brant disappeared inside their temporary quarters, and Colt sat on the steps leading to the tiny front porch. Black Mountain in November looked like a chilly forest with bare trees capped in white, and winding trails sparsely covered in ice. The wildlife, somewhat scarce around their campsite, gave the outdoorsmen plenty of hunting opportunities, just like the fishing found in the various streams and nearby lakes. But even with all its beauty, there was a sense of despair hanging over the place. There was practically no way of escaping the desperate history the place was known for. It was if the ghosts of yesteryear stood at the county line and made sure those who entered Harlan felt their presence.

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The desperation lingered in the eyes of the locals, too. Colt noticed it when they’d greeted a few of the others joining the ride. He certainly detected it in many of the blank expressions of the men he saw there. Children, some of them anyway, weren’t dressed appropriately for the cool November day. Several of the younger kids didn’t wear shoes to speak of, since they typically lacked soles or were opened-toe and torn to pieces. There was no excuse for that, not in the South, certainly not in the United States of America. What the hell was Harlan County anyway? A third-world country? Pushing away from the plank boards beneath him, Colt went inside. Brant’s back was to him. “When we first decided to come here, what was your main reason for accepting the invitation?” “It sure wasn’t the promise of great company,” Brant teased. A few seconds later, he spoke in a more serious tone, “I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to see this place again. My grandparents lived here. When I was a kid, I used to visit them. The only thing I remember about the area is what you see now in the faces of the people who live here. The poverty…that’s what I recall whenever I think of Harlan County,” Brant said, dropping the already-made sandwiches into a brown paper bag. There were three of them, and that fact didn’t go unnoticed. Colt closed his eyes for a second, which only made things worse. All he could picture was the little girl who lived in a box. The precious child who thought she was blessed because the current cardboard flaps held up in the worst of weather. Clearing his throat, he hurried for the door. “Guess we need to get down the hill if we’re going to make this Jingle Bell Ride.” “We need to find that kid first. I don’t want her going hungry while we’re here.” “And I think you owe her a few dollars for tea time, too.” “Oh no,” Brant said. “She’s supposed to provide us with some travel consulting while we’re here. She needs to earn her keep.”

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“How’s she supposed to do that if we’re riding all day?” Brant shrugged. “I figured we’d have her over for supper and see what she tells us. You know, after the ride.” “That sounds like a good idea.” “Come on. We don’t have time to mess around.” Colt grinned, tossed a banana in the top of each lunch sack, and said, “We may not have time now, but later, we need to take a moment to scout around. We might find a pretty Kentucky woman who doesn’t mind being sandwiched between two guys in the dead of winter.” “You won’t find one around here. The women in these parts have principles.” “Me too,” Colt said, slapping his buddy on the back. “I have plenty of those. I just misbehave every now and again.” **** Brant and Colt were late joining the crowd, and they almost missed the start of the first ATV ride. Fortunately, Brant had the pleasure of bringing up the rear, which meant he could check out the sexy chick riding in front of him. She had long red hair, a tiny waist, and an ass she could shake in his face any weekday, and several times on Saturday. Colt looked over his shoulder and caught him staring at the woman who’d caught and held his eye. Brant winked, gave him a meaningful stare, and returned to his own fantasies, quite vivid after the woman with bright shiny locks turned and shot him a quick, wicked smile. Brant had been without a woman for so long, he wondered if he and Colt would be missed if they convinced the saucy woman riding nearby to steer her vehicle off the beaten path. Finding a more secluded trail would certainly lead him to do what he’d longed to do

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for some time—bend a worthy woman over the seat of his ATV and claim her shapely ass. Reaching between his legs, he adjusted things so his hard-on wasn’t obvious. This trip might shape into something more than he ever expected. “Hey! Watch it!” Brant’s eyes met the menacing gaze of one hot-blooded hillbilly. He had greasy hair down to his waist, and a condescending snarl. Brant deserved the grimacing look. He almost plowed over him while he was thinking about the pretty woman in front of him—who happened to be riding alongside Mr. Hillbilly. Immediately, he swung his gaze toward Colt again. He drove past him and headed up the narrow path, moving ahead of a few other riders. He focused on one goal. He wanted to see if the redheaded siren wore a ring on the third finger of her left hand. He was practically at the front of the pack by the time he realized he’d left Colt way behind. He’d been so caught up in fantasies, contemplating how many ways he could lay down a stranger, he left a friend in his tracks. Maybe he needed to shelve the crazy ideas for the time being. Surely he could think about something else. The cool air kicked up a few notches as they followed the trails into the hills. His thoughts slowly returned to Princess, the little girl who’d somehow warmed his heart. Right before they left on their ride, she’d been there in the crowd, searching for them. Brant could tell since she was standing on her tiptoes and waving her arms wildly. He’d handed her the bagged lunch, and Colt gave her the banana. She’d acted so gracious, like she’d just been given a couple of gourmet meals at a fine dining establishment instead of one bologna sandwich on rye bread.

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While they’d waited with the other riders, he’d watched her. She’d taken out part of the sandwich and stood there eating it piece by piece, a nibble here and an itsy-bitsy bite there. After the organizer of The Jingle Bell Ride made a few announcements, thanked the participants for their generous toy donations, and then gave a few friendly reminders—like the gentle suggestion that riders should not pass one another on the narrow trails—they headed for the mountains. Colt and Brant anticipated the exciting adventure ahead. Princess assured them she’d wait right there until their ride was over. Brant had a feeling she would keep her promise. Unfortunately, he wasn’t quite sure how he felt about that.

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Chapter Three By the end of the day, Colt had serious doubt whether or not his ass would ever feel the same. Outside of an icepack on his rump, he could only think of one way to take his mind off the throbbing sensation. Since there wasn’t a willing woman nearby to distract him, he didn’t have to worry about whether or not he’d be able to muster up the stamina to entertain a lady. He tried to tell himself again and again that the ride was worth the pain. The cool mountain air was refreshing, and the natural beauty discovered along the way opened his mind to a world of possibilities. Steering through the rock garden and later managing to survive what the locals called the soup bowl—nothing more than sloppy mud stew—Colt had time to think. He put his life in review and decided, even though he was only twenty-two, he still had a lot of living to do. A cattle rancher, Colt stayed busy with day-to-day operations. He hadn’t taken the time to consider what kind of meaningful relationship he wanted, and he seldom went out. With attending the local community college at Walters State and working the farm, rest and relaxation was an unattainable luxury. He wondered if he hadn’t thought about pursuing a woman because he hated to admit he wanted something more than just a casual relationship. So far, the occasional fling was about all he had to his credit. He could thank Brant for that. When Brant first moved onto the neighboring property, Colt knew they’d spend a lot of time together. On occasion, they barhopped together. Brant never had a problem picking up women. He was pretty enough, or so the women said, with ash-blond hair that fell in

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curlicues over his shoulders. He was always tan, which women seemed to like, and he had perfect features—high cheeks, a long nose, full lips, and chocolate-colored eyes. He looked like a fucking rock star, and Colt, well he was ordinary. Colt had never been one for having sex with strangers, but soon after Brant moved in next door, he started joining Brant when he entertained women who were interested in threesomes. Colt had become so accustomed to sharing women, he wasn’t sure if he ever wanted to date alone. There was a long list of advantages to riding double. “Hey daydreamer, are you gonna sit there in the cold and sulk because I left your ass sittin’ on that trail, or are ya gonna follow me back to the cabin?” “Follow you?” Colt balked. “How about I race you?” The challenge was met appropriately. Brant sped by him at a high rate of speed and Colt caught up fast, swerving in front of him when the path widened. Dirt and gravel swirled around the large wheels. They cut their own path into the woods separating the area where the crowd waited and the road forked toward the campground. When they arrived in front of their camping unit, they were covered in mud. As they removed their helmets, Colt asked, “Wanna flip for the first shower?” He’d just started to dig for a quarter when he noticed Princess sitting on their stoop, watching them with curious, hopeful eyes. And maybe that’s when he saw his future flash in front of him.

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Chapter Four “You found me! Where’s Colt?” The child’s eyes filled with happiness a few hours later when they started a game of hide and seek. “I thought he was going to come and get me.” “He is,” Brant said. “You have to go hide again.” “No, it’s your turn now.” “It is?” Brant gave it a fair shot at sounding excited. What an effort. He straightened his shoulders and decided he really needed to loosen up. She was a kid, for crying out loud. Not the enemy. “Yep,” she said, nodding her head up and down. “And you’d better hurry, because I’ll bet he’s hiding behind the shower curtain right now. He wanted to take a bath and get that mud off his face.” Brant laughed. “Perceptive little thing, aren’t you?” “Yes, sireee!” she squealed, clapping her hands together. He was pretty sure she didn’t have a clue what he was talking about. “How old are you, kid?” “Nine.” Brant took a deep breath. Nine years old and living all alone. What in the bloody hell had happened to her parents? He’d have Colt ask her. He wasn’t sure he wanted to pry, and he was one hundred percent certain he didn’t want to hear her answer. “How come you call me kid?” “What do you want me to call you?” She shrugged and acted like she really didn’t care. “I guess Princess will work for now.” “Okay, Princess,” he said, trying to brush her off. “Go hide. Your king will find you shortly.”

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“No,” she said. “Colt is a prince. You’re the king.” “Why? Do I look like a king?” She shook her head. “Nope, but you act like one.” “How does a king act?” “Like a man who doesn’t know how to act,” she said all at once, trotting off like she was riding a make-believe stick horse, with leather reins to boot. Colt entered the small kitchen area with a wide grin claiming his cheeks. “That’s a child’s nice way of saying you look like a fellow with a corncob up his ass.” Brant grunted. Yep, he needed to loosen up some. “What’s eating at you?” “This kid is getting to me.” “She’s something else.” “Yeah, but Colt, we have to be careful. Attachments are formed in a short period of time.” “What’s your point?” “Right now, I don’t have one.” “Good,” Colt said. “Let me know when you do.”

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Chapter Five They were about to send the little girl “home,” and to what? A soggy box? By morning that’s about all she’d have left if Kentucky caught another few inches of snow. Halfway through dinner, that’s about when Princess’s reality hit him. It was around the time Brant asked their young guest if she wanted to walk down to the campfire and roast marshmallows, which sort of took him by surprise. That’s pretty much when the world as Colt had known it changed forever. Princess stood up all at once and cleared the dishes, carrying them gracefully to the small area where there was a wet bar with an aluminum sink, refrigerator, and microwave. “I need to get back. I like to be in bed before the weather sets in for the night.” And her words iced the cake. Colt studied the child with porcelain skin and dirty hair. She had washed her face when she’d asked to use their bathroom right before dinner. Even though her hair was still matted and quite dirty, she’d tied it back away from her face using her own hair to secure and tuck the ends in the center. Brant took a deep breath, leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms and Colt saw his future again. Yes indeed. He understood what tomorrow held in store. “I had an idea,” Brant began. His jaw twitched, and he seemed to have a problem choosing the right words. A time or two, he ran his hand over the length of his face, and finally he said, “Would you like to spend the night with us here tonight?”

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She dropped one of the dishes in the sink. It was one of those heavy plastic plates, so it didn’t break, but she jumped anyway. “Don’t worry. It’s not broken.” For a split second, Colt thought she might cry. She acted frightened, like she expected to be scolded. “Even if the darn thing had shattered, it wouldn’t have been a big deal,” Colt assured her. “Brant thought you might want to stay here tonight. What do you say? It might be nice to sleep in a comfortable warm bed for once, huh?” Her eyes watered and she immediately turned around. “I don’t know. I’d have to think about it. I have a very hectic schedule. Besides, I couldn’t leave Ralph all alone. He might get scared of the dark.” Colt wondered how many times Princess had been frightened and all alone. “Tell you what, why don’t you leave the dishes. We’ll walk over to your place and grab Ralph, and whatever else you need. Then, we’ll come back and check out that campfire. See if it’s a good spot for roasting those marshmallows. What do you say?” She thinned her lips. “We’d be honored to have your company,” Brant told her. “I don’t know,” she admitted skeptically. “My grandmother used to tell me I shouldn’t hang out with strange men.” “And where is your grandmother now?” Brant asked in an accusatory tone. Princess shrugged. “Some say she went to heaven. Others, especially the women around these parts, swear she went to hell.” “Here,” Brant snapped. “You shouldn’t be talking about your dead kin that way.” “No, but I reckon it’s true. She was a mean somebody,” Princess said, laughing affectionately rather than looking like she caught the brunt of whatever cruelty the woman exhibited. “When did she die?” Brant asked, obviously skeptical again.

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“Oh, I don’t know. It’s hard to say but maybe in the last year or two.” Princess tapped her chin with her fingers as if she were contemplating either her grandmother’s death or the invitation they extended. “You’ve been on your own since then?” Colt asked. “Not the whole time.” Brant frowned. “What do you mean by that?” “There was this man that took care of me once. He was old and dying, too, but he made sure I ate, and we had plenty of food and clean water. He always said that was mighty important. Sometimes I think he might still be alive if he hadn’t struggled so much looking after me. He was pretty sick, but we did the best we could by each other, and I like to think I made him smile. That’s what he used to tell me when I would sing for him. He said I made him happy.” “I’m sure you did,” Colt assured her. “He called me kid, too,” she said softly. “I thought you might have known George.” “Who is George?” Brant asked. “Please try to pay attention,” she said, using the very words Brant recited earlier in the day. “George was the old man I told you about.” “When did he pass away?” “I think it was about a year or two ago.” She slapped her knee. “Time just flies when you start getting on in years.” “Yeah, tell me about it. Um, kid, can you give us just a minute to talk over something?” “There you go again, calling me kid. I think ‘kid’ suits you and me. What do you think?” “I think you’re right, kid.” They walked outside. “I hope you don’t mind,” Brant began. “I can’t bear to think of her out there by herself cold and—” “You know as well as I do we can’t leave her here when the Jingle Bell Ride ends. That little girl needs a loving home. We have to help her.”

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“How?” “When our weekend is over, she’ll be riding in that truck with us. She has nowhere else to go. We can’t leave her here and that’s all I know. What we do with her is the question. I’ll make some phone calls and see if we can’t find a family for her. Somebody out there wants a child. Someone will love her as their own.” “We can’t just kidnap her!” “It’s not kidnapping, Brant. Apparently, no one even knows she exists.” **** They retrieved Ralph then headed back to their cabin. By the time they returned, it was bitter cold. The chill of the night set in, and the little one had chattering teeth and blue lips. Brant wondered what kind of mom or dad let their child fend for themselves at the tender age of nine? After Colt loaned Princess his heavy coat and insisted she wear gloves regardless of whether or not her fingers would “get lost” in what she called “finger sleeves,” they made their way to the campfire. Bales of hay were scattered about and Princess made herself right at home, smiling at another little girl straight across the fire. “What’s your name?” she called out. “Beca,” the girl replied. “How about yours?” She shot Brant a grin and replied, “Everyone calls me kid. Just kid.” Beca wrinkled her nose. Apparently, she didn’t know how to respond. She whispered something to the woman sitting beside her. A few minutes later, they disappeared, but Princess didn’t seem to mind one way or the other. Colt poked the end of a stick with one marshmallow after he secured the first. He loaded the stem with another few more and motioned for Princess. “Here you go,” he said, taking his time to

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show her the best way to roast marshmallows without getting them extra-crispy. After the first round was charred, Colt removed one from the switch and crammed it in his mouth. “Not bad,” he said, “or at least it isn’t too bad for a scorched marshmallow.” She giggled. “Ah, you think that’s funny do you?” “Yes,” she said, cackling. “Well let’s see what our little campfire chef thinks about her own cooking,” Colt said, stuffing the sweet treat between her cheeks. Her eyes practically danced with her smile. “That’s super good, huh?” Brant watched her. “If you say so, kid. I like ’em better with s’mores.” “What are s’mores?” “You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten a s’more,” Brant told her, grabbing another nearby twig and loading the pointed tip with white fluff. Handing Princess the stake, he stepped back and watched her eyes sparkle from the fire’s reflection. He wondered what kind of life such a darling child had endured, how much she’d suffered when no one was around to care or know. He took a deep breath and defied the tears one second away from filling his eyes. At that moment, he thought of Colt’s words. He’d said when their weekend ended, she’d be in the truck with them, but what did he mean exactly? He looked up and caught Colt’s gaze. Undoubtedly, they were thinking the same thoughts, concerned over similar issues. If they took that little girl home, they were making a commitment to raise her if no one else would. And what did he think about that? “I’m having the best time of my life!” the kid exclaimed. Well, at the moment, Brant couldn’t think of anything he wanted more. He wanted to be part of Princess’s life. He needed to make sure she had the best opportunities a child needed in order to thrive.

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Chapter Six “You get your choice,” Brant told her when they entered their cozy accommodations later that evening. “Where would you like to sleep? The couch pulls out into a bed, and there’s a private bedroom in the back if you’d like to have your own room. What do you think?” She plucked Ralph from the sofa and whispered something in the stuffed bear’s ear. Then she held her head close to Ralph’s torn mouth. “Ralph wants to know where you’ll sleep.” Brant’s nose twitched and he shrugged out of his coat. “Depends on you, kid. Where do you plan on laying your head down tonight?” She whispered something else to the stuffed toy and then said, “I’ll take the couch. That’s what polite company should do.” “Whatever you want,” Colt said, “it’s entirely up to you…and Ralph.” She giggled, consulted the stuffed animal one final time and announced, “We think it’s warmer in here.” Brant left the room and returned a few seconds later with a couple of blankets and a pillow. While he made up the bed, Colt took the plate of roasted marshmallows to the kitchenette and prepared the s’mores. He set a place setting for four, feeling like he should probably include Ralph so Princess would have an excuse to eat a second s’more. “When you get done over there, bring Ralph to the table. He may want a bedtime snack.” She danced across the room and tossed Ralph into the chair beside her. “You’re so funny, Colt. Ralph isn’t real enough to eat.” “But he’s real enough to give you advice,” Brant pointed out.

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“Oh yes, I have to talk everything over with Ralph. That’s what families do.” “How does that work if he’s not human?” “I tell him what to say,” she admitted, breaking her graham cracker in half and studying the chocolate layers around the white melted filling. Colt and Brant took a hearty bite of their s’mores and she followed suit. “Mmm…this is the best treat in the world. How’d you make it?” “It’s easy,” Colt explained, wishing he’d let her make her own. “You take two graham crackers, place a chocolate bar on one side, and the marshmallows on the other. Put the two sides together and you have a s’more.” “I think I’ll like this forever,” she said gleefully. She ate half her bedtime snack and helped Ralph with his before returning to finish hers off. When she was done, she started to clear the table, but Colt stopped her. “Brant ran a bubble bath for you when he was gathering up blankets. How does that sound?” Her eyes filled with tears. “A real bubble bath with big bubbles?” “Yep,” Brant confirmed. “I don’t know how big the bubbles are, but I happened to find a huge bottle of them under the sink. You can pour as much as you like in that tub.” “And I get to take a long bath like a princess takes?” “I guess so,” Brant said, unable to conceal that wider grin. The kid was definitely worming her way into his heart. Still, Brant looked as clueless as he probably felt. As Princess darted off to the bathroom, Colt cleaned up the mess he’d made. A few minutes later, he walked over to the sofa and tucked the bear under the blanket, making sure Princess would find Ralph just as she might have left him if she’d spent the night in her dilapidated box. Fluffing the pillows, he felt quite foolish when Brant strolled in and caught him. “You’re spoiling her,” Colt pointed out.

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“Maybe,” Brant said. “I believe she needs a little pampering. Don’t you?” Colt nodded. After a brief silence, he asked, “Think we have enough blankets? I don’t want her to get cold in here tonight.” “There’s something we need to talk about,” Brant said, stepping around him. Colt read his expression before he said anything and saw how apprehensive he was. He understood perfectly. They were two single men without a woman in their lives. At twenty-two, what did they have to offer a child in the event they couldn’t find a family who wanted to adopt a nine-year-old girl? “Don’t say anything,” Colt warned. “I don’t know what you expect me to say.” Brant’s gaze shot toward the sofa bed. “I could get used to that kid, you know?” “You could?” Colt asked. “Yeah, but I don’t know anything about raising a child. Neither do you, and I can promise you one thing.” “What’s that?” “I sure don’t wanna live with your ass,” Brant teased. “Same here.” “And a child needs two parents.” “Who said anything about being parents?” Brant folded his arms over his chest. “We don’t have any guarantees we can find her a suitable home in Morristown.” “I’ll make some calls when we get back. We’ll find someone. We’ll search high and low until we find a family for that little girl. In the meantime, we can be the friends that kid deserves to have. You know, kind of like the big brothers she never had.” **** The next morning, Colt fixed pancakes while Brant packed their sack lunches.

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While their backs were to Princess, she slipped into a chair, taking a seat at the small kitchen table. “Good morning,” she said, yawning. “Well good morning to you, too,” Colt said. Brant set the first stack of shortcakes in front of her. “Hope you’re hungry. Colt claims his pancakes are the best breakfast money can buy.” “Do I have to pay for them?” she asked innocently. “No,” Colt replied, grinning. “These are on the house.” “Good,” she said, yawning again. “I’m kind of hungry.” “There are more where those came from, so dig in,” Brant told her. “What time is the ride this morning?” she asked. “There’s a big snow coming in,” Brant said. “One of the other riders said they’re leaving the park in an hour.” “Oh,” she said, shoving a big bite between her small lips. “Uh, Princess.” Brant began to carefully choose his words and then his attempt went all to hell. “Colt has something he wants to ask you. Don’t you, Colt?” Colt shoveled a few pancakes on two more plates. They sat down at the table together, leaving their own meals untouched. “How would you feel about moving to Tennessee?” Colt asked gently. “I’ll have to talk to Ralph about it,” she replied in a hurry. “We don’t know anyone who lives in Tennessee.” “You do now,” Brant pointed out. The child’s lips formed a tight line. “That’s true. I sure don’t know anyone around here anymore.” “We’d like to help you find a mother and father, someone anxious to adopt a little girl like you,” Colt explained. “Do you live together?” she asked. “Can you adopt me?” “No, Princess. I’m afraid we can’t,” Colt replied. “But that’s not important. We’re your friends. We want to take you back to

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Tennessee and help you. We’ll find a family for you. What do you think about that?” “Why can’t you be my family?” Colt gulped. Brant looked away. After a moment of silence, Colt finally said, “Tell you what, Brant and I will work out suitable living arrangements for you and Ralph. How does that sound?” “I think I’d like to be adopted by someone like you. Then I’d feel right at home.”

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Part II Chapter Seven Twelve years later Colt pushed away from the breakfast table. He strolled across the ceramic tile flooring and stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Brant! Hurry up! We’re gonna miss the race if you don’t get your ass in gear!” Brant skipped down the steps with a noticeable spring in his gait. “Do I have to remind you that we’re driving less than a hundred miles to attend a race that will take place tomorrow?” “If we arrive early enough today, we might enjoy some of the race festivities. Folks in racing tell me the Bristol event is the one to see if you’re new to racing, and we are.” “We aren’t new to anything,” Brant corrected him, smiling like a man who fucked his way through the morning. “We have a friend in racing and we’ll catch up and say hello. I don’t think we’ll become die-hard fans.” “Speak for yourself.” A beat later, Colt noted the obvious, “You look like a happy man this morning.” “I’m a sated man,” he replied with an ounce or two of pride. “Did Kelly spend the night again?” “She sure did. I’m starting to believe this thing with Kelly may become a regular thing before long.” Colt knew better. Kelly wasn’t interested in being shared, and whether Brant realized it or not, he lost interest in women who only wanted one man. He’d seen it happen a time or two since they’d lived together.

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“Best of luck to you,” Colt said, meaning every word. “And Kelly, too, of course.” “You don’t like her?” “I don’t have a problem with Kelly. I just don’t think it will work out.” “Thanks. I’ll remember you said that when I’m saying my vows a year from now.” “So you plan to marry her, do ya?” “Well how the hell would I know? We’ve only been together for two weeks.” Colt snickered. For the last twelve years, he and Brant had been roommates. They moved in together while they were trying to help Princess find a suitable home. After a judge awarded a California couple legal custody of Princess, Colt asked Brant to stay. He needed help on the farm and Brant was in financial dire straits. Brant never bounced back from the financial catastrophe he faced after losing a small fortune in the stock market. “Do you think she knows we’re coming?” “I doubt it,” Brant replied. “You don’t think anyone on her racing team would’ve told her we were trying to get a hold of her?” “Think about that, Colt. Her family owns the racing team. Whoever works in that blasted office probably only relays the messages her parents approve, regardless of how old she is now. Remember, her parents never wanted her to have any contact with us. Her father probably even feared this day would one day come. For whatever reason, they didn’t want us around Princess, and we’ve respected that until now. I don’t think they’ll be jumping for joy if they see us walk back into her life.” “I just want to know she’s all right. You know, happy. I’ll never understand what that man—her dad—hoped to gain by shutting us out of her life. He adopted her. We were for, not against, the adoption. As

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far as I know he gave her a good home and yet he wouldn’t allow us to befriend her. I’ll never forgive him for that.” “The judge thought we were gay,” Brant reminded him. “And if we had been? Who cares! We wanted the best for a homeless little girl!” “He thought we were perverts, too, apparently,” Brant said, checking out his hair as he passed by the gold-leafed mirror in the foyer. “Too bad he never stopped to consider where those rumors were generated. If attorneys and paralegals frequented some of the same underground clubs we visited in Atlanta and Knoxville, one would think they wouldn’t have been so open to casting the first stone!” “That’s over…” Brant allowed his voice to trail. “We weren’t in the lifestyle then like we are now.” “Psht! The hell we weren’t!” “You know what I mean. It wasn’t like we were stepping out with collars on our subs.” “True,” Brant said, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl. “You about ready to go?” “Ready when you are,” Colt said, grabbing his luggage. “Oh, hang on. I forgot something.” He disappeared upstairs and returned with a teddy bear. “Cute,” Brant said. “Think she still sleeps with one of those at twenty-one?” Colt looked at the stuffed toy and shrugged. “I just want her to have it. I need her to know we always thought of her, always cared about her.” A beat later, he said, “I wonder if she still has those sparkling blue eyes and big dimples.” “I’m sure she’s still as pretty as a little doll,” Brant said. “It’s still so hard to believe how many years have passed. Princess just had her twenty-first birthday. How many years has it been since we’ve seen her?”

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Colt felt that old familiar stabbing sensation in his chest. He swallowed once. “Let’s see, we met her when she was nine. She stayed in foster care a couple of years after the courts removed her from here. The Sterlings adopted her three days before her thirteenth birthday. I haven’t seen her since that day in court.” Brant looked down at the floor. “I stopped by her high school when I visited my cousin in San Diego. I wanted to make sure she looked okay, like she was happy.” “And you never told me?” Brant kept his head bowed. “I know it was wrong. If anyone would’ve spotted me there someone would’ve freaked, but I couldn’t help it. I needed to see her smile. I wanted to be absolutely certain she was happy.” “I just can’t believe you never mentioned it,” Colt said, feeling betrayed. “Did she?” “What’s that?” “Did she look happy?” “Yeah, Colt. She did. I think the Sterlings gave her a really good life.” Colt took a deep breath. “Wonder if she’ll be glad to see us?” “I guess there’s only one way to find out,” Brant said, stalking the front door. “You got that right!” Colt exclaimed. “Load up the truck. Let’s go see our Princess.” **** Downtown Bristol was hopping all afternoon. Race fans gathered in every bar, on every corner, and in many of the eating establishments. The restaurants were packed, so Colt and Brant made their way to a little bar on State Street after they’d walked around visiting various vendors.

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After they stood in line, they were finally permitted entry, and it didn’t take them long to figure out why there was such a full house at this particular pub. Wall-to-wall people were whooping and hollering something fierce. Colt stretched his neck and said, “Something’s going on up at the front.” Nudging through the layers of people, Brant led the way toward the commotion. “Look at that!” Several blondes were dancing on the bar. One, in particular, caught Colt’s attention right off the bat. “Good God. What do they feed these girls in this part of Tennessee?” With cut-off denim shorts and plaid halter tops tied in the front, the four gals dancing for the crowd were obviously putting on a show for free, but Colt wondered why they didn’t charge. With bodies like theirs, they could’ve easily danced their way into a whole bunch of money. His gaze worked over the bodies flaunted and held on one in particular. She was shorter than the rest and possessed a body that wouldn’t quit. Her slender neck pushed up small breasts high enough for show and her tiny waist made a man’s hand itch to place his burning fingers there. The woman shook her apple-shaped bottom. Her shorts were high enough to reveal the contour of what was scantly covered by the Vshaped front. For some reason, Colt couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. “We came to the right place!” Brant exclaimed, slapping his money on the bar. One of the gals pranced over his arm, shot him a smile and kept her hips working, which earned her all sorts of praise. “What’ll it be?” the bartender hollered over the music and chatter. “Whatever you got on tap,” Colt replied. Brant was too mesmerized to speak. “We’ve got twenty beers on the hose,” the guy informed them, thinking he was cute. “Surprise me,” Colt said, turning his back.

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When the bartender set two dark beers in front of them, Colt said, “So what is this place? Something like Coyotes?” The bartender laughed and shook his head. “No. Don’t you read the signs, boy? These girls are drivers.” “Ah,” Colt said, immediately choking on his first sip of beer. “You know, stock car drivers.” Colt gulped with the additional clarification. Brant went pale. Immediately, their eyes scanned the women dancing above them. It didn’t take them but a minute to find which one almost belonged to them. **** “You can’t just walk up there and yank her off the bar,” Brant told him as soon as they sat down. “Wanna bet?” Colt said, nursing his beer. He was brewing, and Brant was wasting his breath. “You’ll scare her to death. Besides, I guarantee you she has her people here.” “What do you mean?” Colt questioned him. “She’s probably got an entourage of publicists, managers, and a slew of folks following her around day and night. She’s the hottest rookie driver they’ve ever had in stock car racing. She ain’t here alone, Colt.” “I’m sure that’s true,” Colt grumbled, wondering why he was dealing with such a distorted bunch of emotions. They watched the girls parade up and down the bar, and the longer Colt stared at the woman he now knew must be Princess, the madder he became. “I’m sure she’s got a boyfriend somewhere in this crowd.” And that fact enraged him a little bit more. “No, what I mean is that she’s supposed to be one of the best on the track today. She’s worth a whole lot of money to someone. If we

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go up there and yank her off her pedestal, someone will be around to break our jaws.” “I don’t care,” Colt said, his eyes following her when the girls jumped off the bar to take what he assumed was probably just a short break. “If she gets back up there, you’ll see how quickly an angel falls from grace.” Brant shook his head. “You’re acting like her boyfriend instead of the man who saved her from the clutches of homelessness.” Colt grunted. “That’s the most ridiculous damn thing I’ve ever heard of in my life.” “Then quit pouting. I, for one, will enjoy the show if those female drivers decide to do a little number again.” Colt watched the crowd. He wondered if her father knew she was up there marching around like a hooker. He shifted in his seat. “And as a friendly reminder, we did what anyone else would’ve done in our shoes. We discussed this all those years ago. Now, you’re sitting there acting like I’m some kind of pervert.” “What’s really eating at you?” “You wanna know the truth?” “I asked, didn’t I?” “I walked in this place, spotted a bunch of hot chicks, picked one out, and was already lusting after her in my blasted head.” “Uh-oh,” Brant said. “That is a problem.” “Yep. You get four guesses which one caught my eye, and the first three don’t count.” Brant finished off his first beer and stood. “You’re being too hard on yourself. Just sit there and chill. I’ll be back in a minute.” A minute passed and Brant didn’t return. A few minutes more, and Colt was ready to hit the door and get some fresh air. There was something wrong with him. That’s all there was to it. He couldn’t have looked at Princess as anything more than that little girl who won his heart when she invited him to a tea party. Could he?

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Chapter Eight Princess tried to steady her shattering nerves. She looked in the bathroom mirror and attempted to fix her hair. Her hands were shaking so violently that she immediately turned on the faucet and washed them in hopes no one would notice how uneasy she’d become. “Hey, girl.” Catherine Belton, another rookie driver, came in the restroom about the time she reached for a hand towel. “You okay, honey? You don’t look so good.” “I’m fine,” Princess assured her, checking out her makeup again. “Did you see those two cowboys who came in during that last song?” “I saw them,” Princess replied. Catherine arched her brows. “I say we get a little frisky on those fellas. What’d you say?” “No,” Princess replied abruptly. “I know them.” “Are you serious? How about you do a friend a favor and introduce me to the one who looks like a rocker. Good God, I could do maddening things with that man’s hair.” Princess noticed how red her cheeks became when Catherine implied she’d take Brant to bed. Princess had thought about that a lot since she’d became a woman, and if anyone tangled their fingers through Brant’s hair, it would be her! “I haven’t seen them in a long time. They’re in their thirties, and if I had to guess, they’re both married.” “Didn’t see a ring on either one of their hands,” Catherine reported. “And I gotta tell you, the way that tall cowboy looked at

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you, I don’t think he’s the marrying type, sweetie. His eyes were glued to your ass when you turned around and shook it for the crowd.” Princess blushed again. This time anger wasn’t the reason she saw the pink in her cheeks when she studied her reflection. She was blushing for a better cause. “You think he was looking at me?” Catherine fluffed her hair. “Think, hell. That man was lusting after your cute butt.” “He probably doesn’t remember me, then.” If he did, he surely wouldn’t have been staring at her bottom. She immediately thought of the kind men who’d pulled her away from those cold Kentucky mountains, and her heart swelled with the love she’d always felt for them. “How long has it been since you last saw him?” She shrugged and fought to restrain the tears threatening to dampen her face. She knew the day, time, and place when she last saw Colt and Brant. “I was a kid.” “Well you aren’t a kid now. Get out there and rope in a cowboy, lady. If you leave one of them on the bar tonight, I swear I’ll take them both home with me.” Princess balked at that. Catherine always picked up guys in strange towns. She had one of the nicest and most frequented RVs on the lot. She’d also earned herself quite the reputation. Princess was not about to let Colt or Brant end up paying a visit to Catherine’s mattress. Oh no, if a headboard was going to bang tonight in that Bristol infield, she fully planned to be the inspiration behind the wood. **** The music started again and the DJ said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we promised you a rocking night here at Bristol Streets. We believe in keeping our promises! Let’s introduce the ladies who will be behind

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the wheel tomorrow. What’d you say we put our hands together and welcome Bethany Brooks!” The crowd clapped, a few men hollered, and Miss Brooks sashayed across the bar after a few men hoisted her up and helped her to her feet. Dressed in the same provocative attire, Bethany shot Colt a quick glance. His stomach rolled as he watched the woman shake hands and sign autographs. The men looked as if they couldn’t wait to grope her. The DJ told a little bit about her and Bethany smiled as cameras flashed around her. Brant returned with a frosted beer mug. “Looks like Princess will be properly introduced in a minute. Maybe after you see her again, you won’t sit there like a sour toad on a log.” “I doubt that,” he grumbled, unsure if he could sit still while Princess proudly displayed her assets for any man to see. Two more drivers were introduced. Naturally, they’d saved the best for last. Finally, the DJ said, “And ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together and welcome the sweetheart of racing—Princesssssss Sterlingggggg!” The crowd went wild. Unlike the three girls who’d gone before her, Princess was practically thrown into midair by a team of guys who lifted her to the bar with their hands pretty much everywhere. “This kind of thing should be outlawed. Stock car drivers shouldn’t be allowed to run around flashing their cheeks. They ought to have on their uniforms or whatever the hell it is that they wear.” “Race suits,” Brant said, his gaze working over the girls. Colt snarled. “My point is they shouldn’t be in a man’s sport acting like sex symbols.” “And I think they’re fireproof,” Brant added. Colt shook his head. “Do you not have a problem with this?” “Truth is, no. I think she looks damn fine. I’m sorry you can’t relax and enjoy yourself. You’d be having a good time if anyone else was up there dancing.” “Of course I would. But ‘anyone’ isn’t up there. Princess is!”

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Princess took a saucy stroll down that long wooden slab. She worked her walk about as well as any woman, acting as if she were born to wear spike heels and really nothing more. Considering the fact the clothes she wore did little to deter a man’s imagination, let alone his fantasies, maybe that was her purpose now. Colt settled in his chair, and he might have stayed there if she hadn’t stalled in front of this long, thick, metallic-looking pole. And that’s when his heart stopped in the middle of its next beat. Shooting the crowd a cocksure smile, she hopped on the shiny shaft and those short, slender legs took a pole position guaranteed to make a few men stand up in their breeches and pay attention. “Holy hell,” Brant said. “Wow. Who would’ve thought the Princess we once knew would end up and be able to move around like that!” “Put your dang tongue back in your mouth,” Colt said, watching as she leaned all the way back. She took a butterfly’s position, opened and closed her legs, and rode that pole like she hoped to get something out of it. “Good Lord, if she can do that to a piece of furniture, what can she do to a man who bucks back?” “I don’t want to think about it,” Colt said, tipping his cowboy hat and hiding under the brim. “That ain’t gonna solve your problem,” Brant told him. “I can already see where this is heading and trust me, that’s not a good idea either.” When Colt looked up, Princess lost her shoes. She planted her bare feet on the pole and twirled around the width of the long shaft, sliding up and down until Colt was hot. He was fired up in a way he’d never been, and he was also primed and ready to shoot off something substantial if the right girl allowed him. Princess struck a chord in him that had never been ignited. He’d never seen a woman who’d had such an effect on him, and he didn’t think he ever would again.

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Before he realized he’d stood, he strolled toward the bar. His hand propelled forward and without thinking, because he seldom thought in situations such as this, he grabbed Princess by the hand and gave her a gentle tug. A startled expression washed over her face, but before she protested aloud, he gave her a true yank and caught her in his arms.

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Chapter Nine “I wondered how long it would take for you to come up and say hello,” she said gleefully, wrapping her slender arm around his neck. “Aren’t you ever going to age, cowboy?” He smiled at that. “You’re still as charming as the day I met you.” “I’m a lot of things now that I wasn’t then,” she teased. His cock immediately twitched and he wondered if she already suspected he was in awe of her. Her aqua-blue eyes pierced through his as he sheltered her from the crowd. “You saw me and didn’t come over to say hello?” he asked, stalking the table where he’d left Brant. “Of course I saw you,” she replied, kissing him on the cheek. “How ya been, Colt? I’ve missed you.” She dragged out the word “missed,” and the way she looked at him was truly a good man’s undoing. If he’d had decent intentions—and he didn’t—they would’ve been shot to hell in a sweet Southern minute. “I’m good,” he snapped, still pissed over her behavior regardless of the many ways she softened him. “You?” She grinned and his heart melted much the same way it used to when she was a little girl. “I’ve been doing all right, I guess. After Dad died, I had a hard time…adjusting, I guess you would say. But things are slowly coming around. I get by.” A woman who looked like Princess did a little more than just survive. “Your father died?” “My adoptive father.” “Yes, I remember,” he said, realizing he sounded a bit harsh.

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“He was killed in a stock car. Imagine that, huh? Don’t you follow racing?” “He does now,” Brant said, rushing them. “Look at you, kid. You’re all grown up.” Somehow, Brant kept his eyes from going on tour. Unfortunately, Colt hadn’t stopped staring. Lucky for him, he was able to keep reminding himself of the little girl she’d once been. Otherwise, he might have taken more than her body in his arms. He might have stolen away with her lips soon thereafter. Thank God he remembered. Still, the memories were rapidly fading. Colt released her and she immediately gave Brant a hug. Her thin limbs wrapped around his neck and she pressed her chest to his, squeezing him. Then, she turned around with open arms ready for Colt again. “Let me get a hold of you!” She whipped her little body around him and held him to her. “I swear if I’d known how good-looking you two would be when you grew up, I would’ve fought that judge myself.” “You wouldn’t have won,” Brant told her, a total look of disgust washing over him. “Well, yeah, I know all about that now,” Princess said. “Back then, I had a problem with it. I used to cry myself to sleep until one day my mother came in and sat down and explained everything.” A beat later she added, “It must’ve been really difficult for the two of you.” “It was,” Brant replied. “We made plans, of course. We moved in together in hopes of projecting the right kind of image for the judge and those in child services, in the event the judge didn’t find appropriate parents for you. We wanted to keep you, but we were young. We weren’t appropriate parents for a little girl. You know that, right?” Her head tilted to the side and she said, “I always knew that. You two were the only people I’d ever known who tried to give me a

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chance. I wasn’t much to look at back then, a scrawny kid with a dirty face, and somehow, you saw potential and well, look at me now.” “Yeah,” Brant said. “You still get a little grease on your face. I read the sports page on the Internet, and you’ve been known to get your hands dirty.” “Yesterday it was mud and filth and today, oil and smoke.” She sighed and her mouth twisted around like she further pondered what might have happened all those years ago. “So are the two of you still together?” “Still live right there in Morristown,” Brant replied. “That’s great!” she exclaimed. “I know it must’ve been so difficult on you coming out like you did in order to get a judge to award you custody.” Brant nodded in agreement. “It was…wait a minute. What do you mean by coming out?” “You know,” Princess teased. “Out of the closet?” Brant and Colt stared at one another. Colt swallowed the bile in the back of his throat and said, “You mean your momma told you we were gay?” “Aren’t you?” she asked. “Hell no!” they exclaimed together. “Why on earth would you think something like that?” Princess smiled. “Relax. I don’t think you’re gay but you know that’s why the judge wouldn’t let me stay with you while they found an appropriate home for me, don’t you? That’s what my mom always said. She told me that it was difficult for gay men to raise a little girl, particularly in the South.” “We aren’t gay, kid,” Brant said, still calling her by the nickname he gave her all those years ago. “I never believed that for a minute,” she assured them. Colt cleared his throat. He didn’t want to go back and rehash all those memories. They were too painful. Besides, looking at her now he was certain things worked out as they should. He didn’t need to

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revisit the past. Not now. Not when tomorrow looked a hell of a lot brighter than yesterday or the day before. “Mr. and Mrs. Sterling wanted you, Princess. You’ve had a good life, haven’t you?” Colt asked, his heart threatening to collapse if she told him otherwise. She shrugged. “I can’t complain. They were strict, but they loved me.” Colt tilted his head toward the other girls flaunting their assets. “I don’t think they were firm enough.” “Believe me, my father ruled with an iron fist.” Brant’s nostrils flared and his jaw set. “What do you mean he ruled with an iron fist? Did he abuse you?” “Oh no, nothing like that.” She paused and waved at a race fan. “The truth is, I’m standing here today doing what I love because my father had a dream.” “He wanted you pole dancing?” Colt asked. “No, silly,” she replied, blushing. “But he did want me on the pole.” “What?” Colt asked, trying to follow her. “Wrong pole,” Brant snipped. “Do you know anything about stock car racing or not?” Princess asked. “Not much,” Colt admitted. She cut her gaze at Brant. “Don’t look at me.” “I have a lot to teach you two. The pole position is one of the most desirable positions on the track at the start of the race.” A fan rushed her before she continued. “May I have your autograph, Miss Sterling?” “Sure,” she said, elated as she signed the piece of paper stuck in front of her face. “What’s your name?” “Laura,” the young lady said.

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She hurriedly scribbled across the notepad. “Who do you have picked to win tomorrow?” Laura grinned. “You, of course.” Princess winked after the fan walked away. “See there? My father’s dreams are coming true.” “What about you?” Colt asked, studying her face, searching for the little girl they refused to leave behind in Kentucky. She shrugged. “You might be surprised at how simple my dreams are.” She jumped up like she had somewhere to go in a hurry. “And you might be surprised to know that after all these years I still dream about you, and I’m still awaiting that fairy-tale ending.” **** Later that evening, Princess was in her bed all alone. She tossed and turned one way or the other, trying to hold on to the parting words she’d had with Brant and Colt. After she’d signed autographs, she’d returned to the pub to thank the owners, and then they’d walked her to her car. Once there, she’d asked them if they planned to stay for the race. After they promised they’d be around, she’d given each of them a peck on their cheeks and said goodnight. Why hadn’t she thought to invite them back to her camper for a drink? Why had she been so timid when she reached over to plant a kiss on each of their cheeks? Why hadn’t she given them each a saucy peck on their lips? “Why? Why? Why?” she whined aloud. Tossing another pillow under her neck, she stretched her arms overhead and stared at the ceiling. In the distance, she could hear the partygoers having a good time. Sometimes she wondered what it might be like to go from town to town, bed to bed. She never considered that possibility long. Princess had grown up with nothing. She’d been dirt poor, and even after Colt and Brant pulled her out of her horrible conditions, she

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still wasn’t exactly pampered or cherished until the Sterling family saved her from foster care. Life was easier then, but she’d been alone a lot. Her parents traveled with their racing team and they were big partiers when they weren’t racing. Her mother liked to swing and her father did whatever her mother told him to do. Princess didn’t want a relationship like her parents had. She wanted an everlasting love to call her own. And she’d always known precisely where she’d find what she desired most. Naturally, her little-girl dreams were quite distorted, not to mention purely innocent. In the back of her mind, she’d thought Brant and Colt would wait for her to track them down. If they were gay as her mother had suggested, then she would love them straight. Then, they would be a family. As she matured, she realized she’d never have to worry about their sexual orientation. She recalled bits and pieces of conversation, flirtatious remarks they each made to women, and once she became a woman, her dreams turned into delicious fantasies. Princess smiled at that. She still wanted children…someday. She wondered, sometimes, why her parents never wanted more children of their own, not that she was ungrateful for the opportunities for which she’d been given. She heard a noise outside and moved the small curtain to the side so she could watch as a happily drunk couple toddled between the parked campers and buses. With their arms around one another for support, they stopped where they were and immediately began kissing one another. Princess pursed her lips and studied them as their bodies began to grind. Heavy petting turned into full-fledged groping, and within a matter of seconds, the woman’s head was pressed against the shell of the camper and the man was unzipped, the outline of his cock barely visible under the streetlight. The woman placed her hand at the man’s nape. He hoisted her into his arms, locked her legs around his back, and then jerked. He

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apparently penetrated her then, because their bodies began to move in tandem and the soft cries of exquisite pleasure rang out in the campground. They finished a few seconds later. She ran her fingers through his hair, drew him to her and gave him what appeared to be a truly passionate kiss. He released her, zipped up, and backed away while she readjusted her short skirt and top. Then, they went their separate ways. Princess fell against the bed. That was precisely why she didn’t go from town to town, hopping in bed with one man after the other.

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Chapter Ten Princess stood next to her car the next day, thinking men instead of racing. The years had softened Brant. He wasn’t the hard-ass he’d been when she’d first met him, and she wondered if he had a woman in his life. She gulped at the thought and refused to go there. She’d always wanted Brant and Colt to be happy. Right? Sure she had, but back then, when she thought of them, she’d thought of them fucking each other rather than a woman. She could’ve dealt with that. She wiped the sweat off her brow as the anthem played. The damn suit was so freaking hot, she’d never make it to the finish line without grumbling about the heat. Five hundred laps rarely passed in a blink of an eye. The singer hit the high notes and the fighter jets flew overhead. Thousands of fans oohed and ahhed. Princess shielded her eyes and looked into the stands. She wondered where they were. Could they see her now? Why hadn’t she invited them to the infield? A prayer was said and drivers entered their cars, kissing their loved ones good-bye on the chance this was the final time they saw them. Princess stood there. Her mind was someplace else. It definitely wasn’t on the fastest half mile in racing. Colt still had that outgoing personality, but something had changed him. He had tortured eyes. His dark gaze had seen hard times. But age had been kind, with the exception of his salt-and-

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pepper hair, which she thought made him look sexier anyway. He was still as handsome as he’d been the last day she’d spent with him. In spite of refusing to revisit the past, her mind’s eye took her there. The social workers had pulled up in a black car and told her to get her things. They’d literally yanked her arms away from Colt’s neck as she’d clung to him. Once in the car, she’d hopped out, afraid she’d never have the opportunity to hug them again. She’d hurried into Brant’s arms and noticed a tear in his eye. That tear was her undoing. “Princess, are you with us?” Marty, her crew chief, snapped in her ear. “Princess! Is everything okay?” She stared down pit road and realized then she was the only driver standing beside their car. She strapped on her helmet and slid inside the cage, taking the time to fasten her belt and prepare for the start. “Princess! Come in! You doin’ all right out there, doll?” Marty asked. Her crew chief had high hopes. He wanted her to bring home the win, but if Princess didn’t get her head screwed on straight, she’d end up in the wall. Her teammate Larry Burkenton was in her ear, too, “Princess, I need some help out there. You’re a lightweight, but I don’t wanna carry your little ass to the finish.” She blinked at that and shook off the fantasies. “The day you carry me across the finish line will be the day you bury me!” “Don’t tempt fate, sugar,” Larry shot back. “We’re not exactly getting ready for a game of golf here today.” “Damn,” she said. “And here I thought I’d get to play with some balls.” “Shit!” Marty screamed. “Princess! Watch it out there today. You never know who is listening, and I really don’t want to spend the next forty-eight hours listening to playbacks of your foul language on every sports show in America.” “Me either,” she said. “In fact, I’ve gotta a few men to impress. I don’t want them hearing me talk like a tramp.”

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“You gotta be one to earn the title,” Larry said. “I’ll let you know when my legs are open for visitors, Larry,” she said, smiling as she gripped the wheel. “I know you’ll be first in line.” She gunned her engine then, and deliberately shut out the verbal retaliation. She liked Larry, but at times, their banter got out of hand. They’d wheeled into pit road several times, mad as the daylights at one another. Her mind began to travel again. She thought of all the things she’d forgotten to ask Brant and Colt. She really wished she’d asked if they were seeing anyone. She really wished she’d kissed them. Or better still, invited them back for a drink. “I wonder if it’s okay for a woman to invite a man back to her camper for a nightcap at eight o’clock in the evening?” she asked, thinking aloud. Snickers came at her from all the way around. “Shit.” “Damn,” one driver said, transmitting through the airwaves loud and clear. “Whenever you want it that early, you come see me.” She recognized that voice and she’d also put a face with the body she’d seen the night before. She wasn’t sure why she thought of it now, but she fired back with, “David Lambert, is that you?” “I’m touched. She acknowledges the little guy,” David said, apparently starting to take stock in what others around him believed. He hadn’t won a race, and he wasn’t going to win one. All he cared about was the party. “About that,” she said, realizing hundreds, if not thousands were listening in. “I wanted to let you know I saw your little punch-and-go last night outside my window.” “Huh?” David was dumbfounded. As usual. “My trailer is set up near one of the spotlights, hon. I saw the outline of that thing clear as day. ‘Little guy’ sums it up.” Laughter and outright cackling filled the lines then. “Damn it, Princess!” Marty screamed out. “Get your head out of the gutter.”

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David grunted. “One of these days, you’re gonna be on here teasing about what you’d do with a guy if you had one and somebody out there—somebody who doesn’t know you as well as we do—is gonna look you up.” “I’ll still be watching for you, David,” she teased. “At least if I’m with you, I know you ain’t gonna hurt me with that thing.” The outrageous laughter continued. Princess looked over in the pits and saw Marty throw his headset. Well, it wouldn’t be racing if he didn’t throw it at least once. And her name wouldn’t be Princess Sterling if she didn’t start or end a race with a fine. “You’ll see me today, baby,” David promised. “And you’ll catch the hell you deserve. Paybacks are a whore. They bring it when everyone is watching.” “Then bring it, babe. Bring it hard.” Marty said, “Princess, what the hell is wrong with you?” Time to acknowledge Marty. “Hey, Marty! There’s my man!” she called out, forever the flirt. “Where the hell were you when I was trying to get through to you privately a minute ago? I was afraid you’d stroked out in this heat or something.” Evidently, Marty would rather hear her bitching about being hot instead of on the radio giving the other drivers a difficult time. “I’m right here. Where else would I be?” “There for a minute, I was beginning to think we’d lost you. Are you sure you’re all right?” “I’m a winner,” she reminded him. “I seem to remember someone telling me to always remember that. Are you doubting me now, Marty?” “Not at all, doll,” he said, clearing his throat. “You got this, little woman.” “You’re damn straight,” she said, thinking of Brant and Colt. “I’m ready to bring it home for the team.”

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A few seconds later, the Master of Ceremonies said those coveted words, “Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines.” The track came alive with the roaring sound of massive horsepower, and a few minutes later, Princess was fighting to keep her pole position. She got up in turn four and was so worried about who was on her ass, she didn’t see old Neil “Cocky” Cochran until he sped by her. She spent the next few minutes running in second place, chasing his sorry ass around the track. “Wreck up ahead! Wreck up ahead! Stay low! Stay low!” Marty screamed. A caution flag came out and she pulled into the pits, heeding Marty’s advice and coming in for new tires. “You’re doing great out there today, baby girl. Hang with us. Hang with us.” “How many were in that wreckage back there?” she asked, wondering which contenders were knocked out. “Don’t worry about that. Think forward,” Marty said. “And stay alert.” “Marty, if I were any more alert—” “Keep it clean,” Marty reminded her. “You’ve already been fined out the ass for your profanity on here.” She sighed. “I’ll keep it clean,” she promised. “But thinking dirty thoughts about two sexy fellows I know…is that permitted?” “Damn it, Princess!” Marcy screamed. “You just enjoy giving the tabloids something to talk about.” She smiled. “I love you, Marty. Now, get your head in the right place and help me win this thing.” **** During the next caution, she discovered she was likely to get slapped with two more fines. She was back on the track following the pace car around when she told Marty, “I’m going to play the sexist

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card. They’re picking on me because I’m a woman. Men can say whatever the hell they want, but let a woman say ‘fuck’ or ‘screw’ and she’s slapped with a fine.” “If that’s true, you just caught two more,” Marty told her. “We’ll see,” she said, punching the pedal as soon as the pace car moved his sexy little bumper out of her way. “Here we go, Marty. Think big and beautiful things.” A beat later she added, “Larry, I’m glad you’re my partner today. Cause I know you’re gonna get a hardon outta this.” She sped down the track, hit turn one as fast as she could go and looked in her rearview mirror to find David coming up quickly behind her. He was pissed and she reminded herself of this as she moved down low and tapped her brakes by accident. David spun, a car Tboned him, and three more piled on top. “What the fuck was that?” Larry yelled. “Are you trying to get everyone killed?” “My foot slipped!” she called out. “The hell it did!” Larry yelled back. “Fuck!” Under caution again, which was typical for Bristol, David filled the airwaves with all sorts of profanity for which Princess assumed he’d never be fined. However, there was a lingering threat left behind when he said, “I’ll kill that bitch if she ever does that again.” “That’s racing, David,” she reminded him, quite accustomed to the threats thrown out in the heat of anger. “And I’m racing today. You, on the other hand, are done for the night.”

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Chapter Eleven Colt and Brant were waiting for her at her trailer. “Are you sure this is the one?” Colt asked, studying Brant. “I’m not certain. I just went with what that kid at the gate told us.” He paced in front of the door and knocked for the tenth or eleventh time. “What’d you tell Kelly?” “I told her I’d be home tomorrow or the next day, and she asked me if this had anything to do with Princess. I told her yes, and she didn’t like it.” “So you told her goodbye.” “Something like that,” Brant admitted. “So you’re done?” “Just like that,” Brant said. “They’re easy when they come and difficult when they go.” Colt shrugged. “You think she’s all right?” “Who, Kelly? Psht! She’ll be in somebody else’s bed in a few weeks. She likes committed Doms, but she never has a hard time finding a replacement for one that doesn’t suit her. I swear, I don’t think that woman is a submissive. She plays the part well but overall, I think she’s the one who wants to hold the flogger and spank some tails.” “I meant Princess.” “Oh,” Brant said. “I overheard a few sports commentators mention fines for her profanity on some kind of radio, so maybe she’s in a meeting or something.”

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“Looks to me like they’d excuse her fines considering how the end of that race played out.” Brant snickered. “That was unbelievable, huh? She led most of the race and then some bastard puts her in the wall and she still comes across and collects a second place, sliding over the finish line on three wheels.” “My heart stopped,” Colt said, looking down at his boots. Brant frowned. “Colt, we need to have a talk, and you know what I’m going to say before I say it, but it still bears mention.” “I guess I’ve got it coming to me, so go ahead.” “If she’s not interested in you—or us for that matter—you have to let this go. You can’t push this. People back home will say we had this in mind from the very beginning.” “I don’t give a damn what they say. I want her. I can’t explain it, and it doesn’t make a lick of sense to me, but from the moment I saw her yesterday, I made up my mind. I plan to pursue her. That is, if she’ll have me.” “I will,” a small voice said, stepping out from behind the trailer. Colt stared at the small form making her way toward them. Brant’s jaw dropped. Colt didn’t know what to say, so he waited on Brant to speak, who for the first time in a long time, didn’t seem to have anything to add to the conversation now at a standstill. Princess shook her head. “I’m sorry. I overheard a conversation that had nothing to do with me. You must think I’m—” “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life?” Colt stopped her from backing out of the door he’d opened. “Me?” she asked, her cheeks burning a bright shade of red. Brant looked at her and then cut his gaze toward Colt again. “Yes, you,” Brant said, smiling. “I happen to agree with smart men who have a knack for saying the right thing at the right time.” Colt held out his arms and she rushed him. “I’ve waited my whole life for you to come back to me!”

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“I’m right here,” Colt said, stroking her hair. “And I’m not going anywhere either,” Brant said, kissing the top of her head. She stifled an outright cry and turned to face him. “Does this mean you’re both interested in me?” Having been put on the spot, Brant shrugged. “I guess I have a few things to work out with someone back home, but yeah, I am, Princess. No matter what happens, I’ll always be interested in you.” **** Colt gripped that steering wheel as tight as possible all the way back to Morristown. Brant had pissed him off with the “I-told-youso’s” and “Princess-tried-to-tell-you’s” until he was as angry as a man had a right to be. And as hard. Princess hadn’t said much since they’d left Bristol. She’d slept in the backseat as they’d tried to stay awake themselves, fighting the race traffic all the way up Interstate 81. It took them about an hour to drive from Morristown to Bristol but the return trip home would take them at least three or four. When he finally saw Exit 8 in the distance, he turned to Brant and said, “Home at last.” “Five miles and then we’re home,” Brant grumbled, still pissed. “Are you going to see her?” “Who?” “Kelly.” “Yup,” Brant said. “I reckon I owe her that much. I think I may have been wrong before. She left me a series of messages on my voicemail and sent some texts that have me a little worried. I think she may be a little unstable.” Colt thought so too. He’d seen the messages. The one that caught his eye and made him scratch his head was the one that said something about waiting for him to remove the dildo in her pussy like

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he’d sworn to do. “Did you, by chance, leave Kelly with a toy of some sort?” Brant stared out the window. “You don’t want to know about that.” “Try me.” “It was a stupid idea, and I regret it now for a lot of reasons.” “Like?” “Well for starters, I don’t want to touch Kelly anymore until I explore whatever feelings I have for Princess.” “But…” “We made a deal when we first started seeing one another. If we ever went out of town, the first thing we’d do within an hour of returning home was go see the other one. That way, if we met someone while we were out of town and maybe had a fling or something, we could test whether or not the feelings between us still existed.” “And she’s gonna be waiting for you with a dildo in her pussy?” “I reckon,” he said, peering over the backseat to make sure Princess was still asleep. “She’s as kinky as I am. Truth is, Colt, based on what we like and what we’ve always said we wanted in a woman, Kelly was about as close to that as anything else that I’ve ever seen. She kept up with me. Thing is, she didn’t want to keep up with you.” “I know and believe me”—he thumbed the air behind his shoulder—“I’m glad she didn’t want me, now.” A few minutes later, Brant said, “Did you ever think she was attractive?” “Uh, no.” “Really?” “No, sir,” Colt assured him. “Are you just saying that because of…” He paused and thumbed the air behind his back this time. “Nope. I thought she was a phony.” “Really?”

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“Yep, I thought she played the whole Dom-sub thing to the hilt because you and I already have the reputation out in town for wanting willing submissives. I think she pumped up the part, hoping you’d fall for her, and well, you might have except another opportunity came along.” “Speaking of which,” Brant said. “Do you think she’s a virgin?” “Where did that come from?” Colt asked. Brant shook his head. “I don’t know. There was something she said back at the race that made me think about it. That’s all.” Colt shrugged. “I don’t care either way.” Brant arched a brow. “Well, I do, and you’ve got to swear something for me, will you?” “Depends on what it is.” “If she is, you don’t touch her unless I’m there, too.” “I don’t know if I can swear that or not.” “Try.” “That’s all I can promise.”

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Chapter Twelve They entered the dark house and Colt turned on the lights. Brant carried Princess upstairs and bypassed the room they’d prepared for her as a child. Colt would wring his neck if he put her in bed there, especially since they were both having a hard time getting beyond the fact that she had been the child they’d once saved. He stomped down the hallway and entered Colt’s room. Using his elbows to move back the comforter, he positioned Princess in the middle of the bed. He kissed her forehead and started to leave the room when she asked, “So this Kelly person…is she someone special?” Brant sat down beside her. “I haven’t been seeing her long.” Princess frowned. “Are you in love with her?” “No,” he stated flatly. “We’ve enjoyed a few good times together, but that’s about it.” “Do you think you could fall in love with her?” He searched her beautiful face and in that moment, he lost himself to the woman staring back at him. He experienced what he imagined Colt must’ve felt when he first saw her dancing in the club. And he saw his destiny then. “I’m not in love with her, Princess, and I don’t think I could love anyone except maybe the woman I’m looking at now, the beautiful lady you’ve become.” Her lips twitched and she acted as if she were trying to resist a smile. “You’re just saying that because you think that’s what I want to hear.” “I’m saying it because it’s true.” He rose from the bed and added, “Hang on a second. I want to show you something.”

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He left the room and returned with a large box. He opened the top and said, “Go on, take a look.” Slowly, she sat up and peered inside. She picked up several news clippings from newspapers and magazines. She flipped through the various materials and said, “You’ve been following my career?” “I have.” There were pictures, too, numerous photographs. That struck her funny. She said, “You acted like you didn’t know what I looked like when you came into the bar the other night.” He sighed. “I hate to admit it, but I didn’t look at the faces of the girls on the bar.” She snickered. “I guess you had other things on your mind, huh?” “I’m a man,” he said unashamedly. “I can’t help it.” “So when did you realize I was there?” “When the bartender said the women dancing there were stock car drivers. That’s when I knew.” She patted his cheek and said, “Why did you keep all this stuff?” “I don’t know. I guess somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought—no, I hoped—you’d come home to us.” “Yes, but did you want the little girl to return here, or the woman you see now?” “The little girl still lives within you, Princess. I know that same optimistic, sweet spirit still lingers inside of you, and that’s rare. That’s special. You’re special.” “You’re not so bad yourself.” He winked, kissed her on the cheek, and set the box aside. “You and Colt have a good time tonight, okay?” He just about made a clean escape when she piped up and said, “Will you sleep with her tonight?” Brant shook his head. “No, Princess. I won’t. My heart is already somewhere else.” ****

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Brant left and Colt went upstairs, entering the bedroom with a slow stride, cautious and deliberate. “I’m not asleep,” she said, peering up at him. Her hair was wet and her face was flushed. “Did you take a shower?’ “Yes,” she replied, yawning. “I just made myself at home.” “This has always been your home,” he told her, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Did you find everything you need?” She grinned. “Yes. I found everything just fine.” “Good,” he said, somewhat nervous and unsure why she scared him to death. She rose to her knees and knelt behind him. Her arms draped over his shoulders and she said, “Colt, tell me something. Why didn’t you come to another race? You could’ve tried to find me at any given time and you didn’t. Why?” He thought about the question carefully before he answered. “Years ago, we dealt with losing you. Not having you in our lives was a hard thing to get over. There was something about you that took hold of my heart, and I couldn’t come to terms with it when you weren’t around anymore. “I used to think I saw you everywhere after they took you away from us, and it was just too hard to think about seeing you again. Brant and I discussed it every now and again. We thought of you a lot and often wondered if you thought of us, too.” She lowered her lips to his ear and said, “I thought of you every day and every night.” Her hot breath licked at his skin and his lobe was numb where her lips had been. He held his breath and wondered what kind of man could look at a woman years earlier as a child in need and see her now as a woman who was the only woman capable of satisfying his insatiable desires.

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Reaching across his body, he brought her around to his lap and brushed the golden locks away from her brow. “It’s now or never, I suppose.” “Now seems like a fine time, if you ask me,” she said, a slow smile claiming her lips. His lips met hers and he kissed her gently, his tongue wedging inside her mouth as he made an initial claiming and did his best to make the kiss their own. She moaned as he pampered the full texture of her lips, dragging his mouth back and forth. When they parted ways, he said, “Now I know what I’ve been waiting for.” “What’s that?” she asked, searching his eyes. “This,” he said, kissing her again. He was going to love her for the rest of his life. There wasn’t a question in his mind. But he wasn’t ready to tell her about that, at least not yet.

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Chapter Thirteen Colt planned to love her until the day after tomorrow. Princess wouldn’t say no, because she wasn’t about to stop a good thing. She had become the kind of woman who knew what she wanted and had the brass behind her to go for it, just push and push until she ended up with precisely what she desired. He’d seen that for himself as he watched her on the track. She never said die, and she was competitive enough to take and take until everyone out there on the track just moved out of her way. It was as if they feared and respected her. And why not? She was a force to be reckoned with, precisely the kind of woman Colt enjoyed. Princess raked her fingers through his hair, drawing him closer. Her lips crashed against his. They didn’t meet in the middle somewhere, hesitate, and then come together as if they realized they were about to make a mistake. Oh no, Princess was hungry. She was starving. She’d waited for them to find her again, and she had every intention of loving them to the finish. There wasn’t a doubt in Colt’s mind or he wouldn’t have held her in his arms and promised to make her his woman. Bracketing his arms around her waist, he lifted her to him. He cupped her bottom, slid his hands down to grip her hips, and held her locked legs behind his waist. They had all night, and he planned to take his time and do this thing right. His hard dick pressed against his jeans. As much as he wanted inside the little vixen, he was determined to take thing slow. Patience might kill him but damn it to hell, Princess deserved a man with a

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gentle hand, one who wasn’t only interested in one thing—getting in between those sexy, soft thighs. He grunted at that, and she looked up at him. Her blue eyes filled to the brim with pure desire. His heart raced and he kissed the tip of her nose. “I swear, once I get my dick inside you, I may stay forever.” She laughed, that precious little giggle warming him from his head down to his toes. “Colt, I love you, but I’d probably prefer it if you just visit every now and again rather than plant firm roots and just swell and grow when it’s the right season.” Laughter filled the room again—his and hers. Once more, she ignited a fire within his soul that he never knew existed except when she was in his arms. Under normal circumstances, Colt would’ve felt like he was in trouble. He would’ve been running for the hills. With Princess, he knew what he wanted. He longed for her. He wanted to love and cherish her. She owned a part of him and that would never change. The lights were turned down low in the bedroom. Romance lingered in the air. He looked into her eyes and found a lover’s gaze. She was softer now, more feminine than she’d been when she’d first slid out from behind the wheel of that stock car. While he’d found her incredibly sexy and quite irresistible then, there was something different about her now. “Are you nervous?” he asked, pushing her back to the bed. “Are you kidding?” she fired right back. “You are.” “Scared to death,” she admitted. He smiled. “I promise, Princess. I’ll never hurt you.” “I know. That’s why I never ran off with a wild race car driver.” “I’m glad,” he said. “Because now I get to run off with a wild race car driver.” She touched his cheek. “And I get to love the cowboy of my dreams.”

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He wedged his tongue between her sealed lips and kissed her, taking his own sweet time seducing her, not that a seduction was necessary. Princess belonged to him. She belonged to him as much as she belonged to Brant, but sharing her with Brant would never bother him. This moment was theirs to have, theirs to remember, but eventually, there would be others, some of them more erotic, and others tender sweet. “I’ll be gentle,” he promised, slowly lowering her body to the bed. She grabbed his arm and yanked him over her, immediately towering over him seconds later. “Or maybe not,” she whispered across his lips. “I won’t break, Colt. I waited for you to find me. I waited for you the whole time I was driving five hundred laps around that hot track. Do you honestly think I want to wait and see if you’re going to get around to loving me?” Princess took his hands and used them to cover her breasts. His next breath caught in his chest. Her strong heartbeat, right under his palm, alerted him to what he’d been thinking about over and over again. This night wouldn’t last forever, but their love would carry them through for the rest of their lives. Straddling him, she tugged her tight T-shirt over her head. Her full mounds were obviously enhanced by the help of a push-up bra, and even that brought a smile to his face. She was perfect. Everything about her was precisely what he needed and wanted in a woman. “You’re sensational,” he said then, thankful he didn’t see any resemblance between the child he’d once known and the woman he wanted in his bed. Cupping her jaw, he held her firmly against his mouth as he reached behind her back and freed her breasts, losing the only barrier that kept him from seeing her. Working with the clasp, he smiled into their kiss. “This is a little stubborn.”

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She reached behind her back and hurriedly helped him, and as soon as he saw her tightly drawn, and quite perfect, nipples, he was ready for an intimate feast. He dipped his head lower and laved the points, dragging his tongue back and forth over the hard beads. She moaned as he cupped the right one, drawing the point between his teeth and suckling her until her hips moved over him, her legs squeezed him. Her body pressed against his, her pussy bumped lightly against his cock. And then she was gone. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, watching her as she left the bed. “I have a surprise for you,” she said, standing before him topless. He placed his arms behind his head and stared at her. “You’re the only treat I need.” Her sweet smile touched him in places a loving hand would never reach. “I know things about you, Colt. I know what you like.” “I like what I see,” he assured her. “You impress me.” “Yes, but are you in love with me?” Their eyes met. The silence then separated them rather than brought them together. “I love you, Princess.” “I want you to be in love with me,” she told him. “And I know what you like. I understand what kind of woman you need in order to fall in love.” He swallowed once. He would’ve reached for her then but he had to admit, if only to himself, he was curious. He remained on the bed, lying perfectly still as she wiggled her shorts over her hips. Standing before him, she turned around and shook her ass, showing off a lavender thong with a rhinestone-studded clasp ring covering the crack. “Nice,” he said. She winked. “I’d hoped you’d like it.” “I take it you had big plans all day, huh?” Princess lowered her eyes and looked down at her body. “I had big plans for you, Colt. I still have a lot of things I want to show you.”

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She knelt in the center of the room, a few feet away from the bed. She lowered her eyes and bowed her head submissively. “I’m here for you.” “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he asked, immediately leaving the bed. “I know what you need from me, Colt. It’s okay. I’m prepared. I’m a quick study.” “What on earth are you talking about?” “Domination and submission,” she said quietly, keeping her head bowed. “My mother once told me you were into Domination and submission. Morristown was so small and apparently some local attorneys spotted the two of you at some underground lifestyle club. Your unusual fetishes added to the list of reasons why the judge wouldn’t let me live with you and Brant. Mom said they were afraid you would make me into a sex slave.” Colt took a deep breath. “Look at me, Princess.” She kept her head down. “The judge also believed, apparently, Brant and I were gay. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Still, her head remained bowed, her eyes lowered. “Damn it, sub! Look at me!” Immediately her gaze averted and she smiled from ear to ear. “Oh. My. God.” She looked quite satisfied. “Now do you believe me? You’re going to fall head over heels in love with me. I promise to be the only woman you’ll ever need. And the reason I know this is because I’m willing to do what other women may not. I’m willing to submit to you.” **** Princess knew what she was getting into and she didn’t take her decision lightly. She remembered talking to her mother about the

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lifestyle, about certain submissive practices. Her adoptive parents were in the lifestyle, which always struck her as funny. Brant and Colt weren’t permitted to raise her. They were supposedly into kink. Yet her mother and father frequented night clubs. They stayed out all night going to parties and clubs where they could couple swap and “live out loud” which is how her father described their activities. “Train me, Colt,” she urged him, remaining on her knees with her palms forward and her head still slightly bowed. “Make me understand what pleases you.” “What brings you pleasure, Princess?” She jerked. “I don’t know yet.” He narrowed his gaze on her nipples. “What do you mean, you don’t know?” “I have no way of knowing for sure.” “Why?” he asked, studying her face. She didn’t want to see the look of disappointment washing over those high cheeks, so she thinned her lips and looked away. She hadn’t meant for them to have this conversation right then, right there. “I asked you a question, sub,” he said firmly. “Why don’t you know what pleases you?” The tone in his voice made her shiver. There was something so incredibly fascinating about a Dom. Princess remembered meeting several dominant men through her parents. While she was never attracted to them per se, she’d always found herself drawn to the Doms. They were interesting. Most of them were cultured, welltraveled, and absolutely adored the women on their arms. When Princess didn’t answer him, he took a step forward. His toes were at her knees. “You’re a virgin, aren’t you?” He made the word sound like profanity. “Princess?” She didn’t respond. “Damn it, Princess, look at me…sub.”

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Her eyes met his. “Let’s get one thing straight right now,” he said, pausing and obviously searching for the right words. “Assuming I’m a Dom, and assuming I enjoy activities with submissive women, you’ll answer me when I ask you a question. Besides, it’s a matter of respect. When anyone asks you a question, you should answer them.” She laughed. “In this case, the question you’re asking me is none of your business.” He yanked her forward and she landed against his chest. He roughly looped one arm around her waist and held her against him. “That’s where you’re wrong. If you’re going to bed with me, you’ll answer the question.” “Why does it matter?” “You know why,” he said, his eyes searching hers. When she didn’t give him a response at all, his mouth slammed against hers. His tongue parted her lips and he kissed her like he would die if he didn’t find new life in their kiss. He drove into her mouth with a searching tongue, his apparent need fueled as the kiss deepened. “Spread your legs for me,” he whispered against her lips. She did as he requested, aware of the fact that as he was working his belt free, his kiss was becoming more ravenous. He cleared his throat. “You’re such a pretty woman, Princess.” “I’m your woman, Colt. I’ve always wanted to be your woman.” His hands went to her hair and he shoved his fingers through the layers, gripping her head with both hands as his lips continued to assault hers, his mouth traveling down her neck, across her chest, and nipping at her nipple. He was driving her crazy. The heat between her legs pooled at her pussy lips and she tossed her head back as he returned to her mouth again. This time, he was like a savage hunter as he explored her mouth. His tongue thrust through her lips and darted in and out. “Oh baby, you have no idea the things I will do to you.”

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He pushed her down on the bed and stood perfectly still, watching until she displayed herself appropriately, and there was no question that’s why he waited. She’d first tried striking a pose as she laid on her right side. When she didn’t get the reaction she wanted, she stretched out on her back and hoped he’d tower over her, unable to keep his distance. When that didn’t work, she thought of the images she’d seen on the computer. She’d studied a lot of BDSM sites when she’d searched for material on submissive practices. Some of the things she’d read were quite useful, but the fact was, the pictures—the black and white or color images—were what stayed in her mind. She spread her legs as wide as they would go, stretched her arms overhead, and watched as the lust darkened her lover’s eyes. There was no question, she’d found the position her dominant partner would appreciate, the way she appealed to him most.

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Chapter Fourteen Colt couldn’t take his eyes off her. Good God, he’d never expected Princess to offer him something like this. He’d certainly hoped that one day, sometime in the future, he could confide in her and tell her who and what he was, but this was far more than he’d anticipated. He would’ve never thought she was so perceptive that she already knew what he enjoyed, understood what he needed. He strolled across the room on a search for the things he’d carefully hidden. He wondered then why he’d tucked away his playthings, the toys he realized a submissive woman would enjoy. He froze as soon as he knelt down to the hidden cabinet located behind his television. A submissive woman had certain expectations, but what about a virgin? Assuming Princess was, in fact, a virgin. He didn’t doubt that. She’d all but told him the truth when she refused to give him an answer. Why was that? Didn’t she know what a prize she’d be? Didn’t she understand how special she was to him already? Naturally, being a virgin, pure and untouched, would sweeten their moment, make for an endearing evening. At least for him. Hell. That was the problem. He’d enjoy himself, but what about her? He couldn’t do the things to Princess that he would consider doing with another submissive. He’d scare her to death! Wouldn’t he? He cleared his throat and looked in the dark cubby housing his toys. He retrieved a basket of lubes, condoms, nipple clamps, and a paddle he felt sure she’d appreciate. He strolled back to the bed and placed the container of goodies right next to her.

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“I need to know what kind of experiences you’ve had, Princess.” She gave him a shy smile and he cleared his throat. “Has a man ever touched you, sub?” Observant, he couldn’t help but notice how her body jerked when he spoke to her in a more authoritative tone. He watched her hooded eyes, the way her lips moistened as she swiped her tongue over the fullness of her mouth. When she didn’t respond, he knelt to the bed. He fingered her nipples and said, “Has anyone ever touched you here?” She writhed under his hand and she placed her palm over his forearm, encouraging him to play. “I’ve been touched.” “Where, sub?” he demanded. Now he was beginning to get a little irritated. If she wanted to be his submissive, he would insist upon her compliance. He wasn’t able to switch back and forth in a Dominantsubmissive relationship. “Can I show you?” she asked. “Yes,” he replied, thinking he would enjoy this more. Her hand covered his and she guided his fingertips over her lips, tracing the fullness of her mouth. She then shoved his arm downward, passing by her breasts and heading for her thighs. She squeezed his hand as she dragged him back and forth, taking him right to the crevice between her legs, but never encouraging penetration. Before his fingers slipped inside her, she yanked his arm, and this time, she shot him a devilish smile and cupped her breast with his hand. “I’ve never been penetrated,” she finally admitted. “I’ve never been fingered by anyone’s hand except my own.” He gulped. “You like that, don’t you?” she asked, smiling. “Very much. Sometime I’ll get you to show me how you used your own hand and fingers to bring about your pleasure.” “Oh, I haven’t had an orgasm,” she admitted freely. “What?”

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“You heard me. I’ve played, aroused myself, but I’ve never been able to you know…come.” He felt like someone laid a crop to his balls then. Here was this beautiful woman spread out before him, and she was admitting to the fact that she was a virgin. She was also telling him that while she’d fingered herself, tried to find some measure of pleasure in self-love, she was unsuccessful. Good God. He was right from the very beginning. Princess would be nothing but pure pleasure. He was certain of something else, too. They were destined to fall in love. Aroused, he took hold of her legs and pulled her to him. “You’ve never been with a man,” he whispered across her lips, reaching for his gadgets. “And yet you’re willing to submit to me. Why?” “Because I’ve always loved you and Brant. You were mine from the moment we first met,” she said in the most sincere voice he’d ever heard. “You were a little girl.” “Little girls grow up to become women with needs,” she said, touching his cheek. “And I’ve always known one day I would find you and become the woman you needed me to be.” “But you thought Brant and I were gay,” he teased. She smiled. “I thought one day we would live happily ever after because remember, my dreams began as a little girl. Even as a young woman, I had fantasies. I imagined if you were gay, you would see me, and I would love you straight.” He laughed. “You must’ve been counting on being mighty persuasive.” “I was,” she said, coming to her knees. Her hand brushed by his cheek and she picked at his hair, acting as if she enjoyed the mere act of playing with one strand and then another. While she spoke to him in a quiet voice, he pulled a pair of nipple clamps away from the long gold case housing them. She pretended

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not to notice as he unhooked the chain attached to the jewel-encrusted clamp and never even shivered when he started to arouse her, pinching the left nipple as he prepared her. Her gaze met his and then she looked down. “What is that?” “Nipple clamps,” he explained, tweaking her nipple and then dropping his lips over the tight, little point. Her hand fell against his nape and she twirled her fingers through his hair. For a moment, he was lost again, submitting even to her touch. Training was postponed. He simply enjoyed the way she caressed and pampered him. He moved to the other nipple and sucked the tightly-drawn gem until both points were visibly hard, easy to clamp. Then, he secured the claw-like contraption over both breasts, ran the chain down the length of her belly, and found his place between her legs. “I’m going to make you a very happy woman,” he told her. “I’m already happy, Colt.” He smiled to himself. She may have been happy, but she’d never been satisfied. Maybe he should’ve described precisely what he meant. Then again, he’d rather just show her. Colt inhaled her scent. She smelled better than sweet honeysuckle from the vine. He ran his tongue across her folds, aware of the fact that he’d just taken the first lick of what she most likely considered the forbidden. Her legs trembled and he studied her face. “Are you okay?” “Yes,” she promised. If she was okay with one lick, he might as well give her two. He licked through her folds and tapped the end of the chain attached to the clamps. When her back arched and her soft whimpers began, he was a lost soul and a rejuvenated man. His cock throbbed. His balls tingled and burned. The more he enjoyed her taste, the harder he became. There was only one way to ease the pain in his groin. He wanted inside her. He needed to come.

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One or two swipes across a virgin’s pussy would never be enough. He was a foolish man to think he had that much control. He sank between her folds and lapped at her then, devouring her in a way to either scare her away or make her completely crazy. He yanked on the chain and felt the slight tug of resistance around the gold loop attached to his finger. This time, he didn’t look up. This time, he had a better distraction. He latched onto her clit and rolled the tender bud underneath his tongue until she was writhing under him, bucking against his chin, and begging for him to finish her, groveling for the release that never came. **** “Oh fuck, that feels so nice, Colt!” she screamed, her legs closing against his head. His tongue was buried inside her, along with several fingers. Heat pooled at her entrance. She had never known anything so erotic and she never would again. She couldn’t. Only two men owned the power to control her this way. Brant and Colt were the only men she’d ever really imagined fucking. She placed her hand behind her back and rode out the feeling. With her feet flat against the mattress, she used her flattened palm for support, pumping her hips, throwing herself into the moment and then collapsing against the mattress as soon as he jerked that chain and made her submit to him again. “Oh dear God. You have to let me come. I’m on fire!” Her pussy was an inferno. Her breasts were heavy, full. “You won’t come without permission, doll,” he promised, kissing her mound. She stared down at him then and saw the mischievous grin. “You realize I’m twenty-one years old and I’ve never had an orgasm! I’ve never even been this close before and…”

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He ducked his head between her thighs again. This time he tossed her legs over his shoulders and said, “Good things come to naughty girls who mind.” His hand came down across her pussy and Princess fell against the mattress immediately, her arms swinging out to the side. “Oh my God!” she exclaimed, her legs jerking when he smacked her mound again. “I love a bare woman,” he rasped. “Wax,” she whispered, realizing how dumb that must’ve sounded. But of course she was waxed. She was completely smooth. Her ragged breaths continued to catch in her throat as she anticipated what came next. His fingers danced inside her pussy. He pulled the little gold chain again and his tongue dipped between her folds, stroking her, pleasing her, completely devouring her. Good hell, she was dying. If a woman could die from pleasure, she was minutes away from losing a heartbeat. Colt held her open, his fingers stretching her as he licked. “I need something more than this,” she whined. “Don’t speak, sub,” he said, grinning against her, nuzzling her. He committed himself to her pleasure and began to take longer and more indulgent strokes, his tongue completely buried inside her cunt. Without thinking, her palm fell against her mound and he smacked her hand away. “This is mine,” he told her. “Until you decide you want to give it to another, you don’t play here without permission.” Another strong shot of heat travelled through her body. Colt rose over her then and kissed her, his strong legs moving beside her, his knees parting her knees as he lowered himself to her and stroked her tongue with his. “Listen to me, sub,” he said, a guttural edge in his voice. “Listen to the sound of my voice and learn from me.” “Yes, Sir,” she said, realizing the best of what she’d needed was on the way.

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He caressed her inner thigh and positioned the head of his cock at her entrance. “Do you want me to take you here?” he asked, allowing her only the opportunity to feel the tip of his head. Her hips zipped off the bed and she tried to shift her weight in order to convince him, encourage him to take her. The burn became hotter, the need became intolerable, and the desire to fuck was greater than she’d ever experienced before in the past. “Yes, there,” she said, breathless. His fingers moved where his cock had been. He thrust two fingers inside her pussy and gently massaged her, his thumb raking over her clit. A second later, he withdrew his fingers and licked them clean. “Good Lord, you taste so good, Princess.” He sucked his fingers down to the center and his eyes darkened then. There was something different about his expression. His entire persona changed, and he became nothing more than an instrument of pure sex. His hand bumped against her pussy and he slid his hand down, jerking when he found the spot he apparently planned to penetrate. Wiggling his finger around her back hole, his moist digit slid right inside the puckered ring. “I plan to take you here, Princess.” She jerked. Her knees fell apart and he smiled against her lips. “I plan to do very bad things to you.” She shivered in his arms and he said, “And you’ll like every last one of them.” “I will,” she promised. “So help me God, I will.” **** Princess’s nipples throbbed. She longed to have Colt’s tongue lapping at the elongated points, igniting her arousal while teasing her, preparing her for the most memorable fuck she’d ever have—her first.

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Instead, Colt came to his knees and positioned his cock at her lips. “I want you to give me a blow job. Have you ever had a man in your mouth? Have you ever had a dick in your cheek?” She nodded once, only because she didn’t want to lie to him. He actually seemed pleased that she’d had the experience. “Then you know what to do.” “Yes, Sir,” she said quietly. “I know what will please you.” And she hoped she was right. She lapped at the end and drew him into her mouth. He held onto her ears and looked down at her with a wicked smile drawn across his face. “That’s it, subbie. Take my cock. Right there, sweet Princess. I want you to suck my cock until I come.” Princess’s cheeks swelled with Colt’s size. His penis slid across her tongue and he changed his stance. The closer he came to his release the more he talked, the harder he pumped, and the more aggressively he thrust. “Oh yeah, sugar. That’s sweet. God, yeah!” As he met his release, Colt’s lips thinned. His jaw set and his pace became broken. He hammered inside her mouth once more. His release jetted to the back of her throat and Princess swallowed, drinking in the taste of him and savoring his salty, masculine flavor. When he finished, he moaned as he withdrew a good portion of his dick. “Get me hard again, subbie. Then, I’m going to fuck the daylights out of you. You’d like that wouldn’t you?” Princess nodded, unable to shift her gaze away from Colt’s hooded eyes. He looked so sated, like a satisfied lover ready to reward the woman most capable of pleasing him. Princess whipped her tongue over and under his cock, sucking him, drawing him closer and closer to her throat. When Colt’s flaccid form stiffened, he tugged Princess forward and fell against the bed with her head in the bend of his arm. “Now,” Colt said, whispering against her mouth. “I’m going to fuck you, and I plan to do that several times tonight.”

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Colt hadn’t lied. God no, he told the truth from the word go. After Colt suited up to play in the storm, he bound Princess to the bed, tying her arms overhead and kissing her from head to toe, taking a lover’s sweet time as he covered her with his sweet kisses, caressed the special places he’d visited. Princess never imagined anything like this. Colt worked his mouth over her hard nipples, dropped his head to her stomach and stroked her skin with his lips and tongue. Every time Princess braced for Colt’s hot mouth to travel to her pussy once more, he towered over her again, offering her a kiss, but never giving her what he desired most. “On your knees,” Colt growled in Princess’s ear, helping her turn and securing the binds in another fashion so she remained bound to the bed. Princess came up on all fours and Colt leaned over her. She braced for the first penetration. He cursed, pointed the tip of the lube between her cheeks, and squirted the substance inside her. “Ooh, that’s warm,” Princess whispered, arching for something far more captivating, pressing against Colt’s cock in an attempt to rush him. Colt grabbed the paddle. “You’re in a hurry, sub. Don’t push me.” He spanked her ass then until her bottom burned. Then, he began the healing process, the sensual massage that made her pussy sizzle. He rubbed a salve over her hips and buttocks as he whispered in her ear. “I will take you here,” he promised, inserting a digit between her folds. “And here,” he said, sliding his finger to the outer rim of her forbidden hole. Before Princess could prepare herself for what would soon be a surprise penetration, Colt released the ties on her wrists and said, “I want you to stick your fingers inside your pretty pussy for me.” She shivered at his guttural request. “Sub, mind me,” he said, his dick pressing against her ass.

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Princess’s fingers moved to her folds. She felt the warm pool of excitement between her legs and thrust two fingers inside. A multitude of sensations zipped through her body, and she bit down on her bottom lip. At the same time, Colt growled at her ear, slipping between her globes with one sudden thrust. “Damn o’fuckin’ damn, you’re so tight. Oh God, Princess, don’t move. Don’t move, sugar. Just wait.” Hearing the pure pleasure in Colt’s voice, Princess pressed against him. She felt as if she had been ripped in two for a split second, but then the heat from her excitement licked at her crevices and the lust began to build again. Her fingers danced inside her pussy as Colt ground his cock inside her. “Oh honey, oh my sweet Princess, will you ever forgive me?” Forgive him? Why? Colt grunted once. Princess bucked against him. She buried another finger inside her heat and Colt screamed out as her body tightened around his cock and her fingers. “Come,” he ordered and she worked harder and harder for her pleasure, feeling as if she wouldn’t be able to get there in time before he exploded deep inside her ass. “Now!” he screamed. The searing heat was incredible. The way he stretched her as he fucked her was sensational. She felt every ripple as his cock slid in and out of her body. Then, he slapped her ass, spanking her as he jerked inside her, and that was just what she needed to push her over the edge. And they came together like the rain and wind behind a violent storm. They swayed together. Without a set tempo and without a predetermined beat, they found a lover’s sweet melody of grunts and groans, growls and guttural demands, loving the night away like only two lovers will and collapsing against one another. Locked in each other’s arms, Princess enjoyed the sweetest embrace she had ever known.

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**** The next morning, Colt felt like the devil. He watched Princess sleep. Holding her in the crook of his arm, he felt a tear threatening to break free. He rubbed his eyes with his forefinger and thumb, cursing under his breath. He leaned his head back against the bed and thought of the previous night. He must’ve been a sick and twisted son-of-a-bitch. He’d fucked her ass instead of her pussy because he’d wanted to enjoy a virgin, keep her pure and sweet, innocent and untouched. But then he’d lost his control and had been desperate to take her. So what had he done? The forbidden! He impaled her ass and stroked her like he wasn’t taking a virgin but rather claiming a more experienced woman. He’d taken what wasn’t his to have, or at least, it shouldn’t have been. Not yet. Brant entered the room then and glared at him with empty eyes. He’d just started to turn away when Colt said, “I didn’t.” “Like hell you didn’t,” Brant said, staring at the display of condoms and lubes. “So what? She wasn’t a virgin like you thought?” Princess rolled over and smiled. “Hey, kid,” he mumbled, turning to go. She cleared her throat and said, “You know, if you’re ever going to crawl in bed with us, you’ll have to quit calling me kid.” He smiled, though the grin was weak. He really thought Colt hadn’t kept his promise. And true, he realized things looked pretty bleak for the home team. “As far as I know, I’m still a virgin,” she announced. Brant looked at Colt and Colt said, “I still fucked her, just not where you feared I might.” Brant frowned. “That’s great, Colt. Super, really.” Princess yawned and sat straight up in bed. “Well at least the two of you answered a few questions I had.”

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“Which were?” Brant asked, stepping inside the bedroom. “I wondered if you ever thought of me, you know, like this. I was curious to know, too, if you’d ever discussed the possibility of the three of us going to bed together.” “You were curious, were you?” Brant asked, stalking her. “Yes,” she said, shooting him a big smile. “And now I know.” Brant arched a brow. “What is it that you think you know?” She rolled over and pulled the sheet above her head. “Now I know why Colt didn’t take my virginity and claim first prize. He told you if I was a virgin—and I am—that he’d wait for you.” A beat later, she added, “But thanks to the experience I had last night, I can tell you this—I’ll probably sit on this virginity for another few days. I’ll be lucky if I can sit in that car later on today after what he did to me last night.” Colt kissed her head even though she had it buried under the sheets. He winked at Brant and said, “I never break my word to a friend.” Brant’s eyes widened and he said, “Considering what you did to her instead? Maybe you should’ve considered it.” Princess popped out from under the covers. “Don’t say that. Yes, it was rough on a body that wasn’t used to that sort of thing, but I’m still a virgin. And how many women can go to bed with a man, learn all sorts of neat new tricks, and wake up the next morning—after having their very first orgasm, mind you—and say she’s still a virgin?” “Not many,” Brant admitted. “Exactly,” she said, covering her head again. “Now, I have a race tonight. The two of you need to let me get some sleep. We’ll play again soon. In fact, Brant?” “Yes?” “I can’t wait to play with you.”

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Chapter Fifteen Princess awoke a few hours later, boarded a large chopper, and waved from the air. “I guess it wouldn’t have done me any good to tell her I didn’t want her to go, huh?” Colt asked. “Probably not,” Brant replied. “You have to remember, even though Princess was finally adopted late in life, she was on her own for a number of years. She’s only twenty-one, and yet over half of that time she’s been unable to rely on anyone other than herself. This stock car racing is her career. It provides a good income for her, from what I’ve read, and she seems to enjoy what she’s doing.” “She could die,” Colt reminded him. “She’s the hottest new rookie on the track because she doesn’t have a lick of sense. And fear? Hell, nothing scares her. She isn’t afraid of anything out there.” “Are we going to the race or not?” Colt shook his head. “After the last one, I can’t do it. When I saw her car hit the wall, I just knew she wouldn’t walk away from that.” “She did,” Brant reminded him. “And she somehow managed to finish second. That’s gotta tell you something about the way she handles herself when she’s in one of those machines.” A beat later, he said, “I’ll pick up the beer while I’m out in town. We’ll sit right here and watch the race on that new TV of yours. Besides, I guess we’ll have a little better view here, anyhow.” Colt’s nose twitched. “I can’t just pack up and go whenever she’s on the track.” “I understand that,” Brant said.

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“But you can,” Colt remarked, studying the gooseneck trailer backing in the loading chute a good distance from them. “You don’t want to go?” Colt tilted his head toward the barn. “I’m shipping cattle all day. Hell, even if I wanted to, I’d still miss part of the race running in and out whenever another load comes in. You go. If you text her right now, they’ll turn that chopper around and come back and pick you up. I know she’d be tickled to death to have your company.” “And you wouldn’t mind?” he asked, already sending a text message. “Since when do you care what I think?” Colt asked. “You’ve got a point.” “I know.” “I can’t promise you I’ll be the better man. If Princess and I spend the night together, I’m taking the opportunity like it’s mine to have.” “It would be,” Colt said, grinning. “Believe me. I thought about it.” “Why didn’t you?” “I don’t know. I sort of like riding from behind.” “You always did,” Brant said. “Still, if I’d had a virgin in my bed, she would’ve been fucked.” “Then I imagine she will be by the time the night is over,” Colt said, trying to mask the regret in his voice. Brant looked up over the ridge of mountains. He tilted his chin toward the sky and excitedly said, “That didn’t take long, did it?” “She loves us, Brant. Know that before you take her to bed. Don’t hurt her.” “Do you feel like you hurt her?” “No, but don’t get in bed with her unless you’re sure that’s exactly what you want. If you crawl under the covers with her, she’s going to expect you to stay. I will, too.” “You love her,” Brant said, studying his face. “I’ve always loved her.”

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“No, I mean, you’re in love with her.” Colt shifted his weight from one foot to the next. He looked down at the dust covering his boots and finally said, “You know what? I think you’re right. I do love her. I imagine you’ll fall in love with her, too.” “I’m free to do that.” “How’d it go with Kelly?” Colt asked. “She understood.” Colt chuckled. “Sure she did.” Brant sighed. “She says she always knew.” “Hmm,” Colt muttered. “You know what? Maybe I did, too. From the moment I arrived in Harlan, Kentucky all those years ago, I had a feeling that trip would change my life.” “Well you’d better hang on tight,” Brant said, pointing at the air. “It’s liable to be a bumpy ride from here on out. With Princess at the wheel, we’re in for a lot of surprises.” **** Hours later, Colt stared at the radio instead of the feed bills scattered across his desk. One of the farm hands came in and said, “Do you need anything else before I leave today?” “Shh,” he whispered, bending an ear and trying to hang on every word. The announcer said, “This is bad, man. This is one of the worst we’ve seen in stock car racing this year. Looks like we’ve got at least twelve cars in this wreck.” Colt swallowed hard as he strained to hear car numbers and drivers’ names. The announcer said, “Let’s recap what happened out there. It looks like Larry Burkenton took a hit for his teammate, Princess Sterling. She got out of that mess somehow, and I don’t think she would’ve walked away if Larry hadn’t seen that crash coming and somehow—dear God look at this clip here now—oh yeah, without a

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doubt, Larry Burkenton just saved Princess Sterling. That’s what years of driving experience will do for a driver. “Larry saw her coming out of turn four, and there was no way to keep her from hitting that wall. Larry must’ve seen her in his rearview mirror. He took a bump on the wall, caused her to spin and left her in the back there as you can tell by the replays. If he hadn’t done that, she would’ve gotten right in the middle of that major pile-up. Oh yeah, that would’ve been bad especially since her car is undoubtedly the fastest on the track. Princess has been in pole position for the last five races, and that car would’ve been demolished if she’d hit that wreckage.” Another guy said, “You know what, Mark, Princess Sterling needs to hop out of that car tonight and hug Larry Burkenton’s neck. I believe if she’d been in the middle of that, she would’ve been in some real trouble there….” The announcers continued discussing the race and the recent wreck, and Colt lost his lunch. He was so sick by the time he picked up the phone, he feared he wouldn’t be able to carry on a sensible conversation. Brant answered immediately. “She’s fine. She’s mad as all hell because Burkenton wrecked her, but I swear if he hadn’t taken a crash himself, she’d be dead. This is a mess here on the track. I’m telling you, Colt. It’s a damn bloodbath.” “Is she all right? Have you talked to her?” “No,” Brant replied. “Are you kidding me? She’s on pit road blasting this Burkenton fellow. I sort of feel sorry for the guy. Maybe she doesn’t know he just saved her life.” “Where are you?” “A few feet away from her.” “Put her on the phone.” “Now?” “Yes, now,” Colt said calmly.

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A few seconds later, her small voice filled the line. She was pretty shaken up and he could hear that for himself, but he quickly remembered that prior to his phone call, she’d been standing in the middle of pit road blasting the guy who saved her. “You okay?” “Colt! I’m racing, for God’s sake. You can’t just call me up and talk to me when I’m in the middle of a race.” “Yes, I can. I wanted to tell you a few things. First, I love you. I’m in love with you. I’d like for you to later give me children. You need to live so we can enjoy life together. Secondly, if you ever raise your voice to that Larry Burkenton again, I swear I’ll spank your ass raw. Finally, and this is important, I want you to hand Brant the phone and go apologize to Burkenton. It’s all over the radio. The man saved your life. I’m sure he doesn’t wreck his own car for kicks. Are we clear?” “Yes,” she said quietly. “Yes, what?” “Yes, Sir!” she screamed, agitation thick in her voice. Brant came back on the line. “I don’t know what you said to her but she just marched off and she’s headed toward Burkenton again.” Colt smiled. “I suggested that she apologize to him.” “She must have listened to you. They’re shaking hands now.” “How’s she doing otherwise?” “She’s pissed. She says there’s no way she can win the race, but I overheard her crew chief say once this mess is cleaned up, they may be surprised how many cars are out. She’s still got a chance.” “All right. Keep me posted.” “I’ll do it.” “And make sure you tell her I think she’s cute when she’s mad.” “I’ll let you tell her when you see her.” Colt hung up the phone and settled back in his chair again. He propped up his feet and watched as they wobbled back and forth on his desk. Then, he folded his arms and felt quite satisfied. Yep, he was

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in love all right. And if Princess extended her apology to Larry Burkenton, he was pretty certain she might just love him right back. **** Brant put his arm around her neck and they hurried to the RV to celebrate. She didn’t stand at the door and wait to see what was going to happen because she already knew where they were headed. There had been verbal bantering back and forth in the helicopter earlier that afternoon, but after she’d watched him at the track, seen how stiff and erect he’d gotten when she’d argued with other men on her team, she knew. They were destined for this. His lips brushed past hers. “Get a shower. Make it quick.” She sashayed to the bathroom and looked over her shoulder, “Wanna join me?” “No,” he said, grabbing a beer from the refrigerator. “Are you mad at me for some reason?” “I don’t know. Should I be?” “You are. I’m a flirt, Brant. I can’t help myself.” “You may be able to control that wink and grin a little better after I have a word or two with you.” She shivered. “I’m so scared.” “You should be,” he teased. “By the way, congratulations. I didn’t get a chance to tell you earlier.” “First place!” she exclaimed, jumping up and down. “Nothing beats the winner’s circle, does it baby?” She rolled her tongue over her lips and said, “I don’t know. You’ll have to tell me after you visit there.” He chuckled. “Oh, is that what you call an untouched woman’s pussy nowadays?” She shrugged. “Guess it depends on the man who visits there…and how well he uses his hands when he has all the right parts in front of him. A friend of mine hops in bed with a different guy in

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every city, and she swears having sex is better than crossing the finish line.” “Well in that case, you’d better hurry up because I for one can’t wait to see you enter victory lane!”

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Chapter Sixteen Brant was a hardened man, but Princess had seen his gentler side when she was a child. His cold eyes once scared her. Now they only enticed her. He watched her body move, and his gaze alone inspired her. Stepping toward the bed, she awaited the Dom, the man she knew would emerge before the night was through, and she craved him. She’d spoken to Colt on the phone and was able to push aside the initial guilt. They were sharing her. He’d reassured her. And now, she was confident that the night ahead would be a monumental occurrence. Colt was miles away. Brant was right here. And he was looking at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world, as if he understood her desires and her needs. What woman turned away a man like this? “Come here,” he crooned, reaching for her. Twirling around the bedpost, she landed on the mattress beside him, her knees pressing against his thigh. “On the floor, sub,” he said sternly, as if he’d suddenly changed his mind. Princess’s nipples hardened when she heard the order, the strength and power in his tone. She knelt on the carpet, parting her thighs naturally before placing her palms face up. She bowed her head but lifted her gaze, awaiting other instructions. Brant stood. His cock was magnificently hard, and Princess’s mouth watered when a small bead of pre-cum slivered across the crest.

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Using his own hand, Brant pumped his cock, working his dick in and out of his fist with a painstakingly slow maneuver. “I want you to bring me pleasure, sub.” Princess’s gaze met his. She watched as he inched toward her, the umbrella shape of his cock taunting her, tantalizing her with the purplish shade as he strained to remain in control. She’d seen this kind of harnessed control in other Doms—the ones she’d watched in videos—but she couldn’t recall a time when she’d needed to please a man more than right then. Princess’s tongue flicked over the head and Brant moaned, inching between her lips. She drew the head under her tongue and sucked, bobbing over him as she savored the taste of a new lover. Whipping her tongue around his shape, she sucked him to her throat. Brant’s hand fell to the back of her head. “That’s it, sub. Suck my cock, lover.” Oh God, she thought, squeezing her knees together. He was a talker, and Princess quickly discovered she liked her men chanting while she pleased them. Princess licked all around his penis before tightening her lips around his pulsing flesh, deliberately doing her best to make him slippery and juicy. She slurped his dick, drawing his hard length between her cheeks. Brant moaned as she consumed him, changing his stance whenever she sucked faster. Using both hands, she massaged his cock as he slid across her tongue. In a matter of minutes, he was thumping against her throat. Dying to taste his pleasure, Princess pressed her tongue against the small opening at the top, tantalizing him as much as possible while cupping his sac. She rose over him then, licking her way up and down before she released his dick and sucked his balls between her wet lips. “Oh dear God!” he screamed, grabbing a handful of her hair and knotting the locks at her nape.

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Princess studied his expression as she gently suckled his firm scrotum. He looked like a man ready to claim a woman. His eyes grew heavy and he yanked her forward, bracketing his arms around her waist. With her body spread naturally over his, his cock was positioned at her folds, not even an inch away from penetration. “Are you on the pill?” And that was the question that changed their destiny. **** Brant wanted to take those words back the second he said them, but it was too late. He saw the hurt, the inflicted pain and it was too late to do anything about it. “Princess, I’m…” “You’re what?” she asked, apparently stunned. She rolled away from him and covered her breasts with overlapping arms. “Am I on the pill? Did you seriously just ask me that question?” “Princess, a lot of women take birth control for various reasons. I didn’t think. I wasn’t thinking.” He reached for her and she waved his hand away. “You need to go.” “I’m not going anywhere,” he said firmly, sitting beside her. “You need to come back over here and relax.” “Don’t you mean fuck? Isn’t that what you mean?” “It sure sounds better than sitting here arguing, don’t you think?” “No, I don’t think, Brant. I think you’re a self-serving bastard, like most guys. I think you’re used to getting what you want, and you take what isn’t yours to have because you can. Because no one tells the great Brant Levy no. Well guess what? I’m saying no!” Like hell. Brant grabbed her around the waist and yanked her forward, assaulting her lips with his as he forced his tongue inside her mouth and kissed her. “You’re not upset about the fact that I asked

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you if you were on the pill. You’re upset because you don’t want me to use protection when I fuck you.” “That’s insane.” “Is it? You didn’t mention protection. I was the one who mentioned it. And by the way, I’ve never had sex with a woman when I didn’t use protection, not that we should be talking about this now because the fact is, I could fuck you without it. I could make love to you without it because I’d like to get you pregnant. Do you want to know why?” She shivered as he spoke to her in that raw voice. “Why?’ “Because I knew, before I saw you in that bar, I knew I was destined to love you and I do. I want you, Princess and I want you for keeps. If you get pregnant with my child, I’ll be the happiest man alive.” His lips attacked hers again and his eyes closed as he worked his tongue deep inside her mouth. “I want you, Princess. I’ll want you forever.” Her small hands pressed against his shoulders as she tried to push him away, but the effort wasn’t successful. If Brant had thought for just a moment that she wanted him to quit, he would’ve stopped. Princess didn’t want him to leave. He was sure of that. Now, all he needed to do was show her all the reasons why he had every reason to stay. “Brant,” she whispered against his lips. “Sir,” he muttered. She met his gaze and he grinned. “I’m for real here, Princess. You’ll address me properly when we’re in bed together. I’ll expect it in our daily lives, too. You follow me?” She swallowed hard. “I need you. I’ve had my eyes set on you for a while now and if you send me away, then that’s a loss greater than you can bear. I believe that. Do you?”

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Princess nodded. Brant’s grip on her nape changed and he kissed her again. This time, when their lips met, Brant lifted her to him. He locked her legs around his waist and carried her to bed, indulging in the feel of her hard nipples flattening against his chest. When he released her, he knelt beside the bed, retrieved his wallet, and pulled three foil packets from the side compartment. Tossing them to the bed, he watched the awareness light in her eyes. “If you want me, you’ll take me tonight. Otherwise, I’ll walk away from here, and I’ll never come back. And yes, I’ll use protection now, but in the future, we won’t have protection because I will have you pregnant with my child. One day.” God, he hoped he’d read her expression correctly. Desire lit a fire in her eyes, but the glistening lust marking its place on her swollen pussy lips convinced him he could take charge and Princess would let him control her. Princess’s legs parted then. She sucked on her forefinger and then to his surprise, she dipped her fingers between her legs. “You’re being a very naughty girl, Princess.” “I’m always bad, Sir,” she teased, rolling her hips forward and back. Brant was as hard as a boulder. He was ready to fucking blow! Grabbing her arm, he drew her away from the mattress, using one arm to brace her. With his free hand, he grabbed a condom, ripped the seal with his teeth, and sheathed himself. Without preamble, he dropped to the bed once more, bringing her over him when he did. With Princess atop him, he pressed the weight of his cock against her pussy and growling at her ear, he said, “Put me inside you, sub.” Princess was obedient, quite submissive, but she took her own sweet time doing as he’d instructed. Then again, after all the teasing and foreplay, he wasn’t about to complain. He’d punish her later. He had a feeling she’d quite enjoy it. ****

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Princess cried out as he entered her. Good God, she was no longer a virgin. Brant thrust inside her, placing his hands on either side of her waist as he maneuvered her body one way and then another. “That’s it, sub. Ride me. Flex that pussy for me. Pulse against me, baby.” Princess tried to follow his instructions, watching his handsome face for signs, hoping to read his expressions, gauge his lust, and figure out what made him happy, what brought him pleasure. She reached behind her back and stroked his balls as she fucked him, using her fingertips to trace the swell of his sac. He cried out as she enhanced his pleasure. There was no question about it, Brant found satisfaction in her body. His lips encircled one of her nipples and he sucked the hard point between his teeth, flicking her nipple with a reverent tongue, one committed to bringing her pleasure, true joy. “Let me come, Sir,” she whispered, realizing her words would sound out like a Dom’s favorite song. “Not yet,” he said, doting more and more attention on her breasts, licking his way from one nipple to the next. “Yes, Sir, please. I need to come!” she cried out, that new wave of hot and saucy pleasure moving closer, coming forward. And she refused to lose it! Her hands flattened against his chest and she used his body for leverage, riding him, enjoying everything about him as they fucked. “No,” he growled, flipping over and tucking her body under his. “Not until I give you permission!” His cock thrummed inside her walls and he pounded inside her, fucking her wild, riding her like she had eagerly rode him. He looped his arm under her leg and held her to him, screwing himself inside her as he pushed the weight of his cock higher inside her channel. “That’s it, baby. Work that pretty little pussy for me,” he said, slowing down his gait and staring at their connection like it was the

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sexiest thing he’d ever seen in his life. “Fuck yeah, Princess. Work it, honey. Ah yes, darlin’, that’s good and tight. You know what a man likes.” Princess was so hot and wet. Brant stroked her in a way she’d never forget, thrusting inside her with painstakingly slow motions. He hit the right spot over and over again until she was cursing under her breath. He would take her right to that point, get her right there, and then leave her destroyed, unattended, and devastated. “Let me come, Sir.” She groveled, tightening her legs around his back. “Not…yet!” he exclaimed, shoving her arms above her head. “Yes!” she cried out. “Damn it to hell! Now!” Her body closed around his shaft and a wave of pleasure washed over her. Shit! This was better than anything she’d realized in the past. The initial resistance brought more and more pleasure as she rode out the first orgasm only to find the second one right there awaiting her. Brant bit his bottom lip and fucked her, forcing her legs apart as he impaled her. “Right there. Fuck! Yeah. Don’t move. Hold still.” He ground his body against hers, spreading her pussy lips as he screwed her. His mouth was moist as he watched his cock enter and retreat. “Oh yeah, Princess. Ah God, you feel so tight, so fucking good.” Princess closed her eyes. She listened to the rhythmic slapping of their bodies. Brant was right. This was good, too good. This was fucking perfect. **** When the sun came up, its rays beamed across their bed. Brant groaned, rolled over and stuffed his hand under the pillow. He felt the cold metal clasp of the neckband he’d intended on placing around Princess’s neck the night before.

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The evening had been so full of lust-filled loving. Brant had fallen asleep before he had the chance to ask Princess if she’d do him the honor of wearing the collar. He looked down on Princess and wondered what kind of dreams she’d enjoyed after what they’d shared, after the night they’d experienced together. She slept with a smile tilting her lips, looking like a completely sated lover, a woman hopelessly ready to fulfill her obligation as a committed partner, a sub ready to please her Dom. Brant took a deep breath. Quietly, he aroused himself, working his cock in and out of his palm. He slid a rubber over his shaft and bathed his dick in lube, anxious to awaken his lover with the sweetest of surprises. Retrieving the collar, Brant unhooked the catch. He straddled Princess’s middle, placed the collar in his left hand and knelt over her, kissing her lips until Princess awoke, framed his face, and kissed him back. “Hmm,” Princess moaned. “Good morning to you, too.” “I have a little something for you.” “You do?” she asked, drawing her knees forward and spreading her legs with understanding. “Yes,” Brant replied, lifting his head off the pillow and working the leather collar around her neck. Brant straddled her chest. “I want you to wear this. Do you think you can do that for me?” he asked, hooking the collar and assuming she wouldn’t tell him no. Princess grinned. “If you didn’t already have that condom on, I’d show you how happy you’ve made me.” Brant growled. “Show me, anyway.” Princess gripped Brant’s cock and gave him a few hearty pulls. Brant slid down her belly, licked her taut nipples, and then plunged in between her folds, pushing her legs apart as he entered her. “That’s right, sub. You belong to me now. Fuck me. Show me how much you want to be mine.”

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Princess’s head turned to the side and she bit down on his forefinger. “I don’t know how long I can do this without coming this morning.” Brant dipped his finger in her rear passage, toying with the outer ring as he entered her. “You’ll come when I come.” Princess stared at Brant’s mouth. “You just think you’re in control, here.” “No,” he said. “I’m a little sharper than that, Princess. I know who holds the true power.” Princess grunted when Brant buried himself deeper, fucking her with longer, more deliberate strokes. He hammered inside her sweet pussy and pursed his lips, unable to scream out the most pleasurable moment of his life. He had a lover ready to deliver everything he’d longed for including a family, a commitment, and a shared life. He may have placed a collar around his sub’s neck, but in that moment, he realized something else, too. From the moment he met Princess, there had been a lasso around his heart. Thank God he held out long enough. Thank God he waited until she was old enough to rope him in and teach him how to love again. **** Brant listened to the sound of running water. Princess was in the shower. He wondered if she was playing with herself, and the thought of her fingering herself made him harder than steel. A few minutes later, Princess walked in the room wearing nothing but a white towel. Brant moistened his lips. “Drop the towel.” She smiled and her grin lit up the room. “You’re in a hurry, huh?” “Oh no, hon. I can wait. Question is, can you?” Princess took a step toward the bed. Another step and the towel fell to the floor.

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“Stop right there,” Brant ordered. “Turn around.” She followed his instructions. “Are you going to punish me for something?” “Depends,” Brant said, reaching for the paddle. “Did you play with yourself while you were in the shower?” “Yes,” she said, quite proud of the fact. “Did you come?” Good grief, had he ever seen a better looking ass? “Did you bring yourself pleasure?” “Yes,” Princess replied. “I came while I was thinking about giving you head.” Brant’s prick processed the information first. His dick throbbed and his balls burned. “Do you enjoy being spanked?” “When it’s needed,” Princess told him. “Do I deserve punishment, Sir?” Oh God. She’d said the magic word. “Bend over, sub. Let’s see if I can’t teach you a lesson.” Princess grabbed her knees and presented her ass. Brant grabbed the paddle. He didn’t want to make too much noise, so he toyed with his sub, understanding he wouldn’t give her the kind of whipping he might if they were somewhere with complete privacy. With other campers close in proximity, he wouldn’t have the opportunity to strike her ass as he should but in turn, he’d have a lot to think about. The next time he’d spank her, he’d take her to Colt’s barn and whip her bottom until she realized the advantages found in an erotic spanking. Turning the paddle sideways, he ran the edge down the crack of her ass until she flinched. “Hold still, lover.” She arched her back and Brant struck, paddling her bottom a few times, watching her pretty, firm ass turn bright red from the spanking. Each time Brant delivered a swat, Princess moaned, grunting out her building pleasure a few times. She pressed her fingers to her clit and Brant growled. “Let go of what is mine. You don’t touch yourself unless I give you permission.”

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“But you make me wet,” she whined. “I’ll do more than make you wet if you play with yourself without permission.” “Can I service you, Sir?” “Service me?” he asked, chuckling. I thought you’d never ask. Princess faced him. Brant nipped at her lips. “On your knees, sub.” Princess dropped to her knees, kissing Brant’s shaft while sliding to the floor. “Did I tell you to kiss my dick?” “No, Sir.” “What kind of punishment should I give you?” he asked, gripping his cock and wondering if he could carry on like this for much longer. “Another spanking?” Brant grunted. “You sound hopeful.” “I like whippings.” “You like being a naughty girl, don’t you, sub?” “Yes, Sir,” she said, running her fingers over Brant’s cock. “But there’s something I’d enjoy much more.” Brant smacked her hand away. “No touching. Just sucking. Can you do that, sub?” “You know I can,” she said, following Brant’s cock with her mouth. “Hands behind your back,” Brant said, plunging into Princess’s hot mouth. “Oh damn,” he muttered. “You have such slick lips, don’t you, sub?” Princess only mumbled and then she started the blow job of a lifetime. Brant showed his appreciation a lot sooner than he’d anticipated.

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Chapter Seventeen Later that afternoon, they returned home to find Colt in the barn watering the horses. “You two look like you just returned from your honeymoon.” “I feel like I just returned from my honeymoon,” Princess said, slipping her arms around his neck. “I don’t have to ask what you two found to keep you busy. It’s written all over her face.” Princess studied Colt. He looked sad, as if he wasn’t sure what to make of the time she’d enjoyed alone with Brant. His gaze held on the collar. “What the hell is that?” Princess gulped. She stared at Brant and he looked smug, as if he’d done something he knew would upset Colt. Princess ran her finger over the leather and said, “I thought this would please you, too, Sir.” Colt winked at Brant and said, “Actually, it does.” Princess breathed a heavy sigh of relief and looked at them then. “I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life.” “You are?” Colt asked, taking a step toward her. “Well maybe I should go ahead and show you why I’m not disappointed to find that collar around your neck.” He dug in his pocket and retrieved a black velvet box. “Brant collared you because that signifies to others in the lifestyle that you belong to a Dom.” “I belong to two Doms,” she corrected him, her heart soaring. “Yes, but you’ll wear his collar, and I’m hoping you’ll become my wife,” Colt said, taking her hand in his and sliding down to one knee. “Princess Sterling, I would be honored if you would marry me.”

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She stared at the white diamond ring winking back at her, and she threw her arms around his neck. “You boys don’t waste any time, do you?” “Depends on how you look at it, really,” Brant said, staring at the ring. “Damn, boy. Did you mortgage the farm and the house for that?” Colt stared at Princess. “She’s worth twice that amount.” “Maybe even more,” Brant said, his arms looping around her. Colt tugged her forward, secured the ring on her third finger, and sealed their deal with a heated kiss, immediately dropping his hands to her waist. Brant stripped off his shirt and helped her do the same. Strolling in the office, Colt crooked his finger back and forth. “My farm manager quit, so no one will bother us in here.” Princess followed him to the door and peered inside. “There isn’t a lot of furniture,” she said shyly, noticing the only appointments to speak of were a large desk in the center of the room and a leather sofa located in the corner. Colt moved stacks of paperwork to the side. She grinned as she watched him. “What’s so funny?” “Outside of the fact that we’re running around a barn without our clothes?” she asked. “Yes, besides that,” Colt said. “Well, to be honest with you, I just had a filthy image.” “You did?” Colt asked. “Yes,” she told him, stretching over the width of the desk. “What are you doing, sub?” Brant asked. “I’m taking control of this one situation, if that’s all right with you, Sir.” Colt smirked. “See what happens when I leave you alone with her for a couple of days? The little thing gets as bossy as she was back when she was having tea parties and looking for her happy endings.” “I’ve got a happy ending for all of us if you’ll let me handle the entertainment today.”

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Brant grunted. “Guess you’re the man up front.” “Not a chance,” Colt said, standing behind her and slapping her ass. Brant moved toward her, stalking her open mouth like a man on one hell of a mission. He held his cock and pressed the tip to her mouth, dragging his penis back and forth. She stared into his knowing eyes and rubbed her lips over the swell of his head, flipping the crest with her tongue as she tantalized and teased. “Were you a good girl while you were gone?” Colt asked, running his hand over her hips and ass. “No, Sir,” she replied, pressing her chest against the cold metal furniture while mumbling against the tip of Brant’s slick shaft. The cool desktop was soothing, and she was quite relaxed there. Colt positioned his cock at her back hole, pressing his lips to her nape as he dragged his tongue back and forth over the thin hairs scattered at her neck. Brant thrust inside her mouth with the tip of his cock tapping against her throat. Colt slapped her bottom. “I’m glad you were a bad girl,” he whispered at her ear. “I don’t know what to do with good little girls anymore.” “Me either,” Brant said, tossing his head back over his shoulders and grinding inside her mouth. She sucked and bucked, slurped and moaned, and within seconds, her bottom was well prepared, her puckered hole flexing as she fought to encourage impalement. Instead of fucking her ass, Colt continued to tease, watching as she taunted Brant. She whipped her tongue around Brant’s size and then rose to the tip, whispering sweet nothings against his length. “What do you want, Brant?” A dry chuckle left his lips and he yanked her forward, pulling her away from Colt in the process. He carried her to a nearby sofa where he stretched out across the cushions, careful to ensure her body flattened against his.

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Once there, he penetrated her right away, stuffing his penis inside her so rapidly she gasped with the sudden invasion. “There, baby,” he crooned. “Now we’re both happy.” “Oh yes,” she whispered, clenching around his dick as his cock stroked her pussy. Brant slid in and out of her cunt with a slow speed, working his thick dick inside her walls deliberately as he nipped at the fullness of her breast, tweaking a nipple with his reverent tongue. Seconds later, Colt joined them. Sucking his middle finger, he grabbed hold of her hip and separated her ass cheeks, rolling the digit right outside her anus. “Oh God,” she breathed, thrusting her hips back as she searched for something far more satisfying. Brant fucked her pussy with hard thrusts, pounding inside her while Colt continued to play, working the pad of his finger right inside her back entrance. “Hurry, Colt,” she encouraged him. “Hurry, you say?” he asked, leaning over her back and pressing his lips to her ear. “Yes, please, Sir.” “I know how to please you,” he promised. Then, he slid inside her ass and penetrated her with long, deep strokes. She stilled at first, trying to allow her body time to accommodate them. Then, she rocked between them, wiggling her bottom against Colt’s cock as he hammered forward. Brant eased in and out of her pussy, and the slower his pace, the more Princess tried to inspire him. She looked down, trying to view the point of penetration, flattening her palms against Brant’s hips as she rolled with the punches, going front to back and accepting what each man gave. Colt found a gait guaranteed to set a woman right while Brant continued to struggle, fighting for his rightful place.

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“Are you all right?” Brant asked tenderly, brushing long bangs away from her face. “I’ve never been better,” she said, reveling in the union. “This is what I’ve waited my whole adult life to do!” As her confession resounded in the room, they exploded inside her, using her body for something more than passion, far more than lust. They pampered her as they screwed her, caressed her as they fucked her. Together, they made her believe in the power of love, the gift of compassion, and the true magnitude of desire by showing her how much they adored her, how much they cherished her. How willing they were to give her the fairy-tale ending she’d always hoped to find.

THE END WWW.BOOKSTRAND.COM/NATALIE-ACRES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR International bestselling author Natalie Acres is a Tennessee author writing exclusively for Siren Publishing. Prone to write western ménage romance, Natalie Acres enjoys sports, reading, and living life to the fullest. Watch for her next new release coming soon from Siren Publishing.

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

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com