Naked Shorts, page 16
Now it was time to work her magic.
“What are you reading, James?”
He looked up. “I don”t think it”ll interest you.”
“I asked, didn”t I?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “It”s just some poetry.” James put his head down again and continued reading.
“Who is it by?”
“Some English poet.”
“Which one?”
“Lord Byron.”
Ellen pulled herself up. This cowboy read Lord Byron? Maybe she had underestimated him just a little.
“I like his poems. Why don”t you read one aloud?” she asked.
“I don”t know.” He didn”t seem comfortable with reading to her.
“Come on. I”m bored. Or do you want me to come up with any more ideas of how to
escape?” She pouted.
He shot her a chiding look. A few seconds later he started reading aloud. His melodic voice projected easily, and her ears felt as if she was being kissed by beautiful sounds of music. She closed her eyes and let the words roll over her. When he suddenly stopped, her eyes flew open.
“More,” she demanded.
He smiled at her and continued. Poem after poem came in the deep baritone of his voice, filling her with contentment. She looked out toward the river and the rugged country behind.
There was beauty all around her, even in this wild and unforgiving country.
“Your voice is beautiful,” she hummed. “Do you often read to somebody?”
James shook his head. “I only read for myself.”
“No sweetheart back in town?” She could estimate her chances at seducing him better if she knew whether he had a girl.
“Now, why would you be wanting to know personal things like that?”
“Just making conversation,” she defended herself.
“Well, Mr. Riley isn”t going to like that kind of conversation. He likes his woman to be all prim and proper. That”s what he”s requested. A real lady. Not someone who is getting ideas in her head of how to tempt a simple cowboy.”
That Mr. Riley sounded worse and worse. She”d give him a lady! Maybe if he found out that she wasn”t quite as much of a lady as he thought, he”d let her go. There was an idea.
“James, do you think you could give me more of that salve? It”s starting to burn again,” she complained. Her skin felt perfectly fine now, but if she couldn”t sweet talk him, she”d better use her body.
“It”s only been a few hours. That salve should keep working a lot longer.” He seemed suspicious of her claim.
“Well, it”s itching and burning.” To prove her point she started to scratch at her shoulder.
James put his book aside and jumped up. “Stop scratching. You”re going to make it worse.”
He came to where she lay on the bedroll, salve in hand. He handed it to her. “Here.”
“I can”t do it myself, I can”t reach there.” She handed him the salve back. “Please.”
He exhaled sharply and kneeled down next to her. “Fine.”
His hands worked the salve into her upper back. His movements felt rushed, as if he didn”t want to touch her.
“Are you angry at me?”
“No. Why would I be angry?”
“Because I tried to run away.”
“You”ve got your punishment for that, so there”s no need for me to be angry.” His hands slowed down and massaged her much softer now.
She let out a deliberate moan. His hands suddenly stilled.
“Could you please do the rest too?” Ellen asked waving her arm toward her ass. She wouldn”t let him get away this easily.
***
James shifted next to her and took a deep breath. He”d wondered how long she”d work at trying to seduce him into helping her. Did she really think he didn”t know what she was trying to do? Earlier, she”d offered herself to him. Quite deliberately, he”d touched her beautiful body before he”d withdrawn making her want more. And now she was back.
He lifted her chemise and looked at her round cheeks. The red marks the cactus spines had left looked a lot better. Instead of rubbing the salve over her, he”d much rather slide his tongue over her and kiss every inch of her flesh.
He took a small amount of salve and rubbed it over the affected area in a slow circular motion. It felt as if she arched toward him, and he knew he wasn”t imagining it. His gaze drifted to the few stray curls at the apex of her thighs, dark brown and glistening with moisture. She was wet. James could not only see it but he could also scent her arousal.
As he slid his hand toward her center, he felt the draw of her body.
“Lower.”
His hand moved of its on volition. It only travelled two inches until it reached its destination.
His finger dipped toward her center, attracted by the wet heat that had pooled there. The moment he touched her moist folds and slid his finger forward, she spread her legs wider.
“You”re beautiful,” he whispered and drove his finger into her sheath. Her muscles gripped him. “And so tight. You”re made for love.” Slowly but rhythmically he slid his finger back and forth. Ellen panted. She might have started this to seduce him, but he could sense that her body was taking over, and her control was slipping. He was in charge now - the little darling had no idea what she was in for. What would she do if he started pleasuring her in earnest?
“Roll on your back, my sweet,” he instructed and was surprised that she followed his demand without complaint.
Her chemise was bunched above her thighs revealing her triangle of red curls. “Let me show you just how much pleasure this uneducated cowboy can give you. Men do have their uses, even if you don”t want to admit that.”
“James, you wouldn”t possibly touch what”s meant only for Mr. Riley,” she hedged. The wicked darling was playing with him.
“What Mr. Riley doesn”t know …”
Then he sank his head between her spread thighs and put his mouth to her wet pussy. He soaked in her scent before his tongue darted out and licked at her warm flesh. Her cream spread in his mouth, and he swallowed.
“You are one delicious morsel, Ellen. I don”t think Mr. Riley deserves you.”
When he returned to licking and sucking her willing female flesh, she moaned and arched toward him. He was feasting on her and loving every second. Once she was his wife, he”d make sure she allowed him to suck her whenever he felt the need - which he knew would be often. He felt her melt into him and turn all soft. There was no resistance.
Her hands were in his hair, ruffling it, and her thighs opened wider so he could reach wherever he wanted to. When he licked over her clit, she almost lifted off the bedroll.
“You”re staying right here, my darlin”, I”m nowhere near done.”
James fucked his tongue in and out of her beautiful pussy and stroked her clit with his thumb until she was writhing beneath him and panting heavily. Her release was imminent. “Yes, darlin”, let me feel you come apart.”
Then he sucked her engorged nub into his mouth and drew on it. She released a low moan.
An instant later, he could feel her muscles contract and her body shake. As she came, her body released more cream, and he licked it up and swallowed it.
Only when she stilled did he release her pussy and work his way up her body, drawing her into a tight embrace. He captured her lips and kissed her, letting her taste herself on his tongue.
She didn”t draw back, but pressed herself closer to him and returned his kiss. Timid she was not, and neither was she inexperienced. This woman had kissed before, and plenty. Fine, he didn”t care who she”d kissed before, as long as from now on he”d be the only one who got to taste what she had to offer.
“Make love to me,” Ellen whispered.
“I just have, darlin”,” he answered.
“With your cock,” she demanded and trailed her hand down to where his erection pressed against his denims. He”d gotten rock hard while he”d sucked her pussy, and he wanted nothing more than to claim her with his cock. God help him, her body was perfect. For the next sixty or so years, he”d be lucky if he ever made it out of bed in the mornings, what with her sleeping in his arms every night.
But first things first. He”d have to make sure she”d really want him. And what better way to make her yearn for him than to deny her what she was after.
James released her sweet lips only reluctantly. As he looked into her desire-filled eyes, he regretted his next step already. “I”d better go collect some firewood for tonight.”
Rolling off her gently, he got up. She looked at him as if he”d just dowsed her with ice cold water and jumped up.
“You jerk!” she exclaimed and stalked toward the river, looking like a water nymph, barefoot and practically naked. The sunlight behind her made her thin gown virtually transparent. He doubted that she was aware of it and soaked in the gorgeous view.
James adjusted his cock in his pants, lest it break in two from being squeezed into an ever tightening position. Maybe he should have all his pants widened by any inch or two around the crotch just to accommodate for the inevitable expansion he”d have to deal with from now on. He figured that not even closer familiarity with her would reduce the effect she had on him. No woman had ever gotten him this hot and bothered.
CHAPTER SIX
Angrily, Ellen stomped down to the riverbank and waded into the cool water.
Bastard!
How could he refuse her like that when she”d offered him a roll in the hay? She”d felt his erection straining against her. There was no doubt he wanted her. So what game was he playing?
How a cowboy like he could get her this aroused was unfathomable to her. Even the Eastern boys she”d let kiss her and touch her had never gotten her this excited. They had gotten her expelled alright, but not aroused the way James had.
Technically she was still a virgin, unless using her mouth on a man”s cock was considered losing her virginity, and she didn”t think it was. Not that she had even enjoyed sucking her roommate”s older brother”s dick, but as curious as she had been, she had at least given it a try.
Even though she had regretted the incident that had gotten her expelled from her sixth school at the time, she was now glad for the experience she”d gained. Maybe she could use it on James.
Ellen knew that she didn”t leave him cold. His kisses, his hands on her and his hard-on were all the evidence she needed. Why he still resisted her threw her for a loop. The way he”d feasted on her pussy and brought her to a most amazing climax told her that he wanted her. So why did he refuse to make love to her? Was his loyalty to Mr. Riley too strong for James to turn against his wishes and help her instead? Did he figure if he didn”t take her virginity, then it was just her word against his, and Mr. Riley might believe him more than her?
She just had to try harder. If she could make him forget himself and fuck her, his own job at the Riley Ranch would be in jeopardy, and he might be more inclined to help her knowing he couldn”t really bring her to Riley once he”d taken her virginity. Sooner or later he”d fold and give into her.
Determined to seduce him no matter what, Ellen waded to the bank. She started walking toward the camp when she heard a noise behind her and turned.
Nathanial Branson stood only several feet from her.
“Miss Irving, I”ve been looking for you,” he drawled and let his eyes roam over her figure.
James seeing her half dressed like this hadn”t bothered her, but having Branson look at her like that bothered her. Tremendously.
“Mr. Branson.” She met his predatory look and knew she wouldn”t like the reason why he was trying to find her.
“I see you are in need of protection,” he remarked pointedly. “It appears that the gentleman who kidnapped you has been mistreating you.”
She wished.
“I”ve come to rescue you.”
She didn”t want to be rescued, not by him anyway. “Mr. Branson. I”m quite alright, I have to assure you. So why don”t you go back to where you came from.” She looked behind him but couldn”t see a horse. It appeared that he had hidden it in order to approach her without being detected.
She looked toward the camp, but couldn”t see where James was. If he”d really gone to get firewood, he could be well outside of earshot.
Branson showed no intention of leaving.
“Good day, sir,” Ellen said and turned to leave toward the camp, suddenly realizing that she knew she would be safer with James. Infinitely safer.
A strong hand on her arm jerked her back. “I decide when I”m done with you, and I”m not done with you yet. First, you little hussy, you”re coming with me, and then you”re going to marry me, just like you promised. I won”t have anybody dump me as unceremoniously as you did.”
Ellen pulled away, trying to get free of his grip, but he was stronger. “Leave me alone.”
He didn”t budge.
“James!” she screamed.
Branson”s hand slapped across her cheek, burning her flesh in an instant. “We”re leaving now.”
He dragged her as she tried to resist, digging her heels into the sand. It was to no avail.
“James, help me!” she yelled.
Branson dragged her behind him, ignoring her kicking.
“Let go of her!” James” commanding voice boomed from several yards away. Ellen jerked her head into his direction. He stood at the top of the riverbank, his rifle aimed at Branson.
Branson looked at him.
“I said let her go,” James repeated and cocked the trigger.
Ellen pulled her arm out of Branson”s grip.
“Ellen, come up here.”
She followed James” command without question and ran to his side.
“Did he hurt you?”
She shook her head. “I”m fine.”
“Good. Get dressed and start saddling the horses. We”re leaving.”
She took a few steps before he addressed her again. “And Ellen, please stay with me this time. I can protect you, but if you run, you”ll be in danger. Trust me.”
“Yes, James.”
***
James” lips curled to a little smile. It was the first time that she”d accepted his authority. If he didn”t have to deal with the scumbag in front of him, he”d celebrate. As soon as she was out of earshot, he stepped closer to Branson, keeping his rifle trained on him. “As you can see, the lady isn”t interested in your company,” James said.
“You”re just as much after the money as I am, so don”t pretend to be any better and give me this righteous crap you”re doling out. Maybe it works on her, but it sure ain”t working on me,”
Branson let loose.
“I really don”t give a rat”s ass about your opinion.” He pointed toward Branson”s gun belt.
“Drop the belt down and push it over here.”
“You”re going to regret this, I promise you,” Branson uttered but unbuckled the gun belt and dropped it to the ground.
“Now take off your boots.”
“My boots?”
“You heard me,” James insisted. “Take ,,em off.”
James watched as Branson reluctantly complied with his order.
“Now throw them in the river.”
“These are good boots,” Branson protested.
“Do it unless you want me to shoot you in the leg instead,” James threatened.
A few minutes later, Branson”s boots were swimming downriver, followed by his pants, jacket, and shirt. James was aware that he had a horse hidden somewhere not far from here and could eventually follow them, but without shoes it would take him longer to get to his horse. And without his gun, he would be much less of a theat.
James and Ellen would be far enough away soon. He knew enough hiding places in these parts to keep them safe until they would reach the ranch.
He continued holding Branson at bay until he heard Ellen call for him.
“James, we”re ready.”
Good girl.
“Now, walk into the river,” James ordered.
“You”ll pay for this,” Branson threatened, but waded into the river until it reached his waist.
James rushed back to the camp. Ellen was already in the saddle of her mare.
“Thank you, Ellen.”
He swung himself up onto his mustang. His pack horse in tow, they broke into a gallop. He didn”t look back. They had to put some distance between them and the misguided gambler who thought he had rights on Ellen just because she”d accepted his offer at first.
When James had seen her in Branson”s clutches, his heart had briefly stopped. If anything would ever scare him, it was the thought of Ellen getting hurt. He couldn”t let that happen. Fun and games were over. No matter how much he”d wanted to spend some more time alone with her before they arrived at the ranch, he couldn”t risk it. He would have to deal with the consequences later. Ellen was by no means his yet, but he”d have to bring her back to the ranch nevertheless.
He hoped that once she knew who she was supposed to marry, she would take the news with grace.
For several hours they rode in silence. The day turned to night, and they kept riding. He glanced at Ellen again and again, realizing that she was tiring, and so were the horses. They needed to rest, all of them.
He found a suitable place to hole up for the night.
“We”ll stay here and rest,” he told her. She gave him a grateful look.
As he helped her off the horse, she fell against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her.
“I”m sorry this is so hard on you. Go, sit by the tree, I”ll take care of the horses.”
She shook her head. “I”ll help you.”
Together they unsaddled the horses and secured their reins to the branches of the tree. James rolled out the bedrolls at the base of the tree, then sat down leaning against the trunk.
