Chapter Ten
Avery, now on the couch instead of over the back of it, lazed languidly with her hands untied, watching Mike scramble eggs. He was naked, as was she, and watching his every muscle move beneath his tanned skin made her heart beat faster. How she could feel the building of fresh arousal so soon after his thorough loving, she didn’t know, but there was no denying the moist heat that pulsed between her legs.
“I thought you didn’t eat lunch, and how’d you get the eggs, Mountain Man Daddy?”
“It’s two in the afternoon, so I’m not sure we can call this lunch, but I think we need some sustenance after that, don’t you?”
“Agreed.” Her smile grew slowly at the thought of their morning and afternoon together. “And the eggs?”
“Annie. I share my game and help her out with repairs, and she gives me eggs, milk, butter, and fruit. She’s a good trading partner.” He shot her a tight frown over his shoulder. “Mountain Man Daddy?”
Avery smirked. “My mountain man daddy.” Her eyes narrowed. “And I saw you with her. She’s more than a trading partner. I think with all your blustering about not liking people and being a recluse, you have a soft spot for Annie.” His brow quirked, but he said nothing about the name or his friendship with Annie.
“She’s old as dirt but sweet, funny, and she makes a hell of a pie. Has apple, plum, and cherry trees, a bunch of chickens, sheep, and three cows.” He dumped the eggs on two plates and grabbed forks from the drawer. “You didn’t wonder where the milk and butter came from?”
She shrugged and took the plate as he brought it to her. He scooped up her legs and sat, setting them on his lap.
“You could have gone to the store. And nice avoidance.”
“The store is pretty far on an ATV in the cold.” He speared a chunk of egg and popped it in his mouth. “I watch out for her. We’ll be going to see her later.” He looked at her, and her fork stalled just in front of her mouth.
“Nuh-uh.” She dropped the fork and shook her head. “Mike, I can’t risk it.”
“First, you’ll do as you’re told, little girl,” he stated tersely. “And second, you need those stitches out.” He pointed at her leg. “They aren’t the dissolving kind.”
Avery’s shoulders slumped and she set her plate on the coffee table so she could hug herself.
“She’s trustworthy. She won’t tell anyone about you.”
“I’m scared.” It was a quiet statement, and his eyes immediately softened.
“She’s a hermit just like me. She hasn’t left that farm or the surrounding area in years. Her daughter does all her shopping and she hasn’t seen a doctor since her husband died. We’re all out here hiding from something, Avery. Not just you.” He leaned forward and grabbed her plate, setting his own down.
“Come on, you need food. I worked you pretty hard.” He assessed her. “Maybe too hard.” He forked some eggs and brought them to her mouth. She pressed her lips tightly. “Avery,” he warned through his teeth. She sighed and opened her mouth, but rolled her eyes.
“I enjoy taking care of you, but you try my patience.” He squeezed her thigh. “You’re learning though.” He smiled, and it was the first time the crinkles around his eyes tightened completely. “I’d like it if you got to know Annie and she got to know you, too.”
“Mike.” She growled at his narrowed eyes and firm mouth. “Daddy,” she ground out, before looking away and back with a more respectful expression. “Daddy, I know you want this, but I don’t want to put her in danger, too.”
“Do you know why she calls me Yukon Jack?”
“I assumed it was your name at first until you corrected me. But maybe because you look like you stepped out of the Yukon after years and years and years of searching for gold.”
“No, smartass.” He smoothed his beard appreciatively. “And watch it, little girl. A man and his beard have a special bond.” He chuckled when she rolled her eyes again.
“When Annie and I met for the first time, I had a bottle of Yukon Jack in my fist and was seeing double.” He took a moment to stab several more pieces of egg onto her fork before looking up.
“It was my first night in the mountains.” He swallowed hard and put the fork in her mouth.
“There was nothing here but a tent, a fire, and a broken man. She came up to investigate. Annie’s bossier than I am.”
She snorted in disbelief and his brow lifted as he reached over and tugged one of her curls. He twirled it around his finger and pulled her close. “Behave, little girl.”
“Bossier than you, right,” she said, encouraging him to continue. He brushed his lips softly across hers before releasing her and continuing.
“Yes, bossy ol’ bat.” He shook his head, but the light in his eyes said he adored the old woman. “She took me back to her place, fed me and sobered me up, and hasn’t let me slip away like that again.”
“Why were you broken?” He shoved more food in her mouth. “A story for another day, little girl. After this plate is empty, it’s to bed with you. I bet once the sexual glow is gone, you’re going to be feeling rough. Maybe it was too much.”
“That was the best sex I’ve ever had and if I feel rough…” she grinned, “it was worth it.”
He smiled like a schoolboy and nodded. “Me too.” With the last forkful of eggs gone, he took her plate to the sink. “Now off to bed.” He looked out the window. “We’ll take the ATV to Annie’s when you get up.” He looked sternly at her. “No joke, little girl, if you argue I will spank your thighs until they match your bottom.”
She swallowed hard and rose.
“Yes, Daddy.”
* * *
Annie’s house was beautiful, with a wraparound porch, periwinkle clapboard siding, and freshly painted white trim. Avery could appreciate it this time. A picket fence in need of painting surrounded the front of the property, but despite that and the melting slushy snow, the whole place looked picturesque. Even the blue-roofed barn at the back and muddy paddocks. As they parked the loud ATV in the driveway, several white geese waddled toward them.
“Did I mention Gerdy and the girls?” Mike asked, climbing off. She shook her head as the geese surrounded him. Their little white tails wagged as Mike reached down and let Gerdy bump her head under his palm. Avery got off the machine, and Gerdy hissed at her, lunging. Avery jumped back up onto the seat, tucking her feet up and Mike laughed.
“Are you Doctor Doolittle? She’s a beast!” The goose was eying her with malice, flapping her wings and pushing her chest out in an impressive display of ownership of Mike.
She pulled off her helmet, still on the seat, and he took it from her. “First the bear and now this? The geese where I grew up were vicious. I don’t know many times they hissed and chased me back to the house.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Now I understand. They used to bite me in the ass, too. You guys have a lot in common.”
“Watch it, little girl, or I’ll make good use of Annie’s porch.”
The door to the farmhouse opened with a whack and Annie came out.
“I got a good wooden spoon if ya need it, Yukon.” Her braided gray hair hung in two long ropes and she wore faded jean overalls that were too short and didn’t hide her bright red, weathered cowboy boots. Her fists landed on her slim overall-clad hips, but there was a stoop to her shoulders, and Avery noticed the slight wince in her eyes as she stepped down out of the house.
“Well, if it isn’t the nameless girl,” she said in a grainy, age-graveled voice, swinging her gaze curiously over Avery a moment before it fell back on Mike. “You flirtin’ with the ladies again?” Avery was taken back for a moment before Annie waved at the geese. “Get on back to the barn, girls.” Her eyes landed on Avery again. “He may be a catch, but I think he’s on the end of someone else’s line already.”
“Go swimming in the pond with them once—” Mike said, with a shake of his head. He smirked and Annie snorted, but her eyes glinted in pleasure.
“Come on in, it’s nice out here but I’ve got pies in the oven.” She didn’t wait for them to follow.
Mike was helping Avery out of his coat in the foyer when Annie hollered from another part of the house. “That hayloft ladder is loose, Yukon. I’m hoping you need some pie.”
They followed the voice into the kitchen, which had buttery cream-colored walls with a cow-patterned wallpaper border. The kitchen table was primary colors, yellow with blue and red chairs. There were cow mugs and a goose teapot, a black and white spotted crockpot, pig tea towels, and old-fashioned tin milking cans as canisters for flour, brown and white sugar. Three pies lined the counter, wafting the most delicious smell and Avery’s belly growled.
“I’ll go fix the ladder, but we need those stitches out.”
The taller woman looked at Avery as she stepped forward, taking her chin to tilt her head up and look at her forehead.
“I never got the chance to thank you for saving my life.” Avery took a breath. “I may not have wanted it at the time, but I appreciate it now. Thank you.” She looked over her shoulder at Mike. “I just didn’t know life was worth fighting for then.”
“Annie, this is Yukon Jill.” Mike stepped forward and put his arm protectively over Avery’s shoulders.
“She better be worth it, Yukon,” Annie said gruffly, glowering at Avery.
“I am, even if only to teach Mike how to bake bread,” Avery said. A guffaw burst from Annie, and she doubled over for a moment.
“I was just testing you for gumption, Yukon Jill, and you got a crap-ton!” She slapped her leg. “That stuff he makes is harder than granite!” They both turned to look at Mike, who had folded his arms across his chest and was looking between the two of them stonily. Avery bit her lip and closed her eyes a moment before turning back to Annie.
“My name’s Avery.” She stuck a hand out, and Annie looked at it, grabbed and shook with gusto.
“Yukon Jill, you got guts, and I like you!” She shooed her hand at Mike. “Go on now, fix that ladder. Jill and I got some stuff to attend to and I used up the rest of my rhubarb from the freezer to make this pie. You can have it warm if you hurry.”
When Mike left, Annie brought Avery back to the clinic room. It seemed as if months had passed since she’d run from here. Everything looked different now without fear and pain clouding her mind.
“Drop those pants and hop on up.” Annie patted the exam table, and Avery swallowed hard. She wondered if her bottom was marked. “What are you waiting for?”
“Uh, nothing,” she said and unbuttoned her jeans.
“He’s spanked you?” she questioned as she washed her hands. “That what you’re worried about?” Annie looked at Avery with her clear gray eyes, and Avery nodded.
“Yeah, I guess. It’s not really normal and I…”
“Don’t worry about me. I thought you needed it too.” She chuckled and started sterilizing her tools. Avery took her pants off and climbed on the leather table. “It wasn’t uncommon in my day. Can’t say I haven’t been on the prickly end of some spankings myself. The good Doc blistered me good when I needed it.” Annie cleaned Avery’s thigh around the stitches. “This looks good. No redness or seeping.”
“He did?” Annie looked up placidly.
“Of course. Us girls with gumption can get a little too spunky at times.” She winked. “Think we’re invincible, eh? But to tell you the truth, they weren’t always unpleasant.” She gave Avery a half grin. “How’s Yukon in the sack?”
“Annie!” Avery covered a laugh and Annie shrugged and began removing the stitches.
“What? My Allan’s been gone a long time.” She paused and looked up to wiggle her brows before getting back to work. “Besides, that Yukon’s a hottie!”
This time Avery couldn’t contain her laughter.
“You’ve been using the condoms I sent over?”
“Mm. Another reason to thank you.”
“Can’t have baby Yukons running around just yet.” Annie shrugged. “You two still have trouble.”
“We do?”
“Have you told him why you’re runnin’?”
“Mostly.”
“Is it solved?”
“No.”
“Has he told you about his wife?”
“Only that he had one and she died.” Annie scrutinized Avery and then cleaned her head wound. “See, not ready for little Yukons yet.” She started plucking at the sutures on her head.
“Mike’s happy being a recluse. I’m sure he can’t wait to be rid of me. Besides, I was married, and it wasn’t a positive experience.” She hissed as Annie pulled at a stubborn stitch.
“Yukon’s not a typical man.”
“I know.” Avery closed her eyes, not wanting to see Annie’s wise gray ones. “Mike’s been so good to me. Treated me better than anyone has, even my own blood, and I don’t think I even deserve it.”
“If you didn’t, he wouldn’t bother with you.” Her words were clipped as if Avery were talking nonsense.
“I don’t know why he is.”
Annie stopped and slammed her fists on her hips. “Maybe you should stop being so damn self-absorbed for a second and look at what you are to him.” Her lips pinched. “I’ll send you out with him to the barn with a wooden spoon if you keep that up, girlie.”
“What do you mean?” Annie grunted and started plucking at her forehead again. “I see the way he is with you. You think he saved your life, Yukon Jill? You don’t know the half of it. I’ve been watching that man run for years—he may have been running on the spot, but he was still running. And do you know what I see now?” Avery shook her head.
“A man that’s found a reason to stop.” There was a pause, and Annie patted her leg. “All done. It’ll be itchy but don’t scratch.”
“Done? Oh.” She felt her head as Annie started cleaning up. “Um, Annie?” Avery waited for her to look back. “What if he should be running faster away from me?”
Annie snorted and rolled her eyes. “He hasn’t spanked you enough.” She gathered a breath. “Now let’s go see about that pie.”
* * *
Annie fed them pie and coffee and found more work for Mike while she convinced Avery to help her cook dinner and do some odd jobs around the house. They ate chicken pot pie and drank homemade wine. They laughed a lot, and by dusk, Avery’s lids were heavy.
“Thanks for dinner, Annie, but I think it’s time I take this little one home before she falls asleep on the ATV.” Avery’s heart somersaulted at the word home. There was no other place she felt more at home than on his mountain.
“Thanks, Annie. I enjoyed your company so much.” She yawned and leaned into Mike as he put his arms over her shoulders.
“You come back any time he gets too grumpy unless he’s fixing to tan your backside, then stay away. If you come here I’ll only offer to help.” Annie narrowed her eyes at Mike. “And you better be sweet to her too, Yukon. I adore this girl.”
Avery didn’t fall asleep on the way back, but she could have. Rocky met them at the bottom of the mountain and ran back with them half the way before he became distracted by something and bolted off after it.
“Come on, little girl, let’s get you tucked in. Tomorrow’s a big day.” He wrapped his big arms around her and helped her off the ATV. The ground was mucky and slippery. The snow had melted faster than she’d expected.
“A big day?” she asked, looking up at him. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“We’re going to figure out what’s going on and straighten it out.” He helped her out of her coat and hung it on the peg and did the same with his own. He bent to his knee and helped her get her muddy boots off. He looked up at her as he untied his boot.
“Off you go now. Get ready for bed.”
“Will you stay with me again, Daddy?”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
* * *
The next morning, she woke to an empty bed. She could hear Mike outside, chopping and piling logs. She stretched, testing her body, listening to the sound of him working. It felt good. Although she still ached in places she hadn’t before, most of the pain from the accident was gone. The places where Annie removed her stitches itched, as she said they would, but that was easily ignored too.
Her mind was on what the day would bring. How did Mike plan to get her out of the mess? Nervousness slithered in her belly. He was retired RCMP and probably had friends, but could it all go wrong? Could she end up in jail? Or worse, in the hands of her husband’s killers? Panic started to build, so she rose from the bed. She had to trust Mike. That was all she could do. Running for the rest of her life wasn’t an option.
Avery showered, dressed, and made the bed. Feeling antsy still, she dusted, swept the cabin, and cleaned the bathroom. When she finished, and saw nothing left to do, she pulled down the oats to start breakfast. As soon as her hands were still, she started gnawing on her nails.
Oatmeal bubbled in the pot on the stove, and she found some apples and sunflower seeds for the top. She watched Mike and Rocky outside in the sunshine through the kitchen window. A calm seeped in that hadn’t been abated by the busywork, and she set down the knife to watch.
They were quite the pair. Each doing their own thing but always checking on the other. The steady chop-crack and Mike’s form also soothed her anxiousness. He was a man who did what had to be done without question, or resistance, even if that meant protecting her.
Mike wore only a t-shirt. His sweatshirt and coat lay across a log, and when he stopped to push his dirty blond waves behind his ears, the hair at his temple was damp. She made a pot of coffee, fighting the heat that blossomed inside her. What if this was their last day together? What if he straightened everything out and said she could leave? Melancholy mingled with her desire for the man she called Daddy—her mountain man daddy.
The storm was gone and her body pretty much healed, so what would happen if there was no one to run from? Would he make her leave after everything they’d been through, or did he want more? She was falling for him and the thought of things ending made her anxious. After everything she’d been through, her uncertain future with Daddy terrified her. She wanted to let go, be entirely his, and she wanted to feel his hands on her again—to make love. The coffee was done, and she stopped her obsessing to make him a cup. Hot and black. No fuss like the rest of his life. And here she was nothing but a fuss.
The air was sweet and moist, and the sun shone down and heated her skin. The birds sang, and Rocky chased something off in the distance again—this time with less purpose. Tears sat just below the surface as she watched Daddy swinging his ax. He banged it into the block when he saw her coming with the mug, a smile hiding in his beard.
She could see his smile in the twinkle and spray of laugh lines around his eyes. He took the steaming cup from her hands and kissed her cheek. It was a simple gesture that both warmed and chilled her. The future was opaque, and yet her feelings for him had never been clearer.
“Mm, I could get used to this treatment, you know.” He winked at her, making her tummy both flutter and sink. It hit on her exact insecurities. Would he want her to leave after everything was over? Wasn’t that what she’d wanted—to leave, head further east, and see the places she’d always wanted to?
“I guess you could.” She looked around. “I still think it’s lonely out here. I like a little solitude, but this is a bit more than I’m used to. I don’t know how you stand it.” She grimaced. “And that shower…” Looking up at the mountains around her, she breathed in deep. “It’s is beautiful though. Nothing compares to the stunning beauty.”
“I know something that compares.” While her tone had been forlorn, his was lighthearted. She probably shouldn’t have read into it, but she did. Was he happy their time together was coming to an end? If only she had the guts to come out and ask.
She smiled but looked away before he read her mood. She looked up at a rocky outcropping near the top of Mike’s mountain. “You see that rocky part up there?” She pointed, and he lowered himself to her height and looked over her shoulder.
“Yeah, I see it. It looks like an old man with a big nose.” He chuckled.
“With tufts of hair sticking out on the sides,” she added quietly, turning to look at him. “I swear it looks just like this guy that used to visit my grandparents. He wasn’t related, but I called him Uncle Bernie anyway. He used to watch cartoons with me sometimes. My grandparents didn’t let me watch TV, but when Uncle Bernie was there, I was allowed.” She smiled. “I don’t have a lot of good childhood memories, but Uncle Bernie was one of them.” She turned to him completely. “I don’t have a lot of good memories period, but I want you to know, you and my time here are at the top of that list.”
“You deserved better than the occasional Uncle Bernie, baby.” He set his mug down and cupped her face. “You deserved to be treated like the precious little girl you were.” His hands went down her body until they found her bottom where he pulled her against him tightly. “You’re still a precious little girl to me.” He dipped down to kiss her mouth gently and then whispered against her lips. “I like the solitude of this place as much as its beauty. There are many fantastic things about living in a place where you never see anyone. I think it’s time I show you.” She narrowed her eyes at him playfully, and he pulled back to assess her.
“Like going commando in the summer?” she asked, remembering his comments about not wearing the boxers in his nightstand drawer.
“Mhmm, but not just that, honey.” She giggled as he unzipped the top part of the jacket she wore and he pulled it down, so it locked her arms to her sides. “It’s too warm for a coat today, don’tcha think? It’s fifteen degrees.” He caught her retort with his mouth and kissed it away. She moaned into his mouth instead, feeling her knees weaken.
“Well, I’m not cold anymore, but what’s fifteen in Fahrenheit?” she whispered when he released her mouth.
“Where are you from?” His brows drew together.
“Here in Canada initially, but I’ve lived in Iowa since I was almost five.”
His brow raised in surprise, and then he looked up. “Fifty-nine Fahrenheit. Things change fast around here. I think that storm was the last of winter though.”
“Well then, I’m not entirely warm either. Maybe there’s a bit of winter left.” Her brows rose and dipped suggestively, and his lips spread into a half smile that made her heart somersault.
“Let me fix that then, little girl.” She was wearing one of his button-down shirts underneath his coat, and he began undoing those buttons until he had proper access to her neck and cleavage.
She wiggled as he dipped to taste her collarbone and squirmed in an unsuccessful attempt to get his coat to slide down and free her arms.
“Nuh-uh, honey.” He looked up, heavy-lidded.
“No fair! I’m trapped!”
“Yes, you are. And that, young lady, is exactly how I want you.” He went back for her neck, and she let him, without a struggle this time. Her eyes flitted closed, and she melted against his hot mouth. Suddenly the sensations were gone, and he bent, putting his shoulder against her abdomen, and flipped her upside down across his back. She squealed in shock and the fear of being lifted while her arms were trapped.
“Hey! Where are you taking me, you big caveman?” She screeched when he swatted her bottom but then relaxed, trusting he wouldn’t let her fall.
He carried her into the woodshed where he kept all his tools, and she instantly noticed a long piece of thick leather hanging over his sawhorse.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, little girl?”
“Are you fixing a belt, or did we just walk by a strap hanging over your sawhorse?”
“Why yes, we did. It’s a nice long thick piece, isn’t it? You’re quite the observant young lady. It’ll be hanging on the wall soon. Along with some other stuff I’m working on.” Her stomach dipped, but not with worry or fear. She felt more excited and comforted than afraid. If he was making things to spank her with, maybe he didn’t intend to be rid of her just yet. He rubbed her bottom, massaging her cheeks. “But don’t worry, that’s not why we’re in here right now. I’m looking for some rope.”
“Rope?” She swallowed hard. “Why do we need rope?”
“Never you mind, nosy girl.” He gave her seat a playful swat.
“Ow! Daddy, I’m still sore from yesterday!” she lied.
“As you should be! Now leave the man’s work to me. Keep poking into my business and we’ll be over there with you leaning across that sawhorse, got me?”
“Daddy, no!” She giggled at his playfulness.
“Oh, it is not a giggling matter, honey. Never giggle about that strap. It’ll burn your pretty little behind way more than that belt I used yesterday. It’s much thicker and meaner.” They stopped moving as he grunted in satisfaction. “There it is!” He reached forward, and she squealed, fearful of falling.
“I gotcha, honey.” He held her tighter, and she relaxed as he straightened. He carried her out of the shed but paused on the way so she could get a close-up look at the crudely formed paddle on the table saw. He chuckled at her gasp and carried her out.
He took her around the side of the cabin to a deciduous tree, where he set her on her feet and steadied her, pushing her back to lean against it. He dropped the rope on the ground and grabbed her by the shoulders, kissing her quick.
“I thought we had stuff to do today.”
“Seems it’s Sunday. Library’s not open, and that’s where I’d planned on starting.” He put a finger to her lips before she could speak.
“Now I’m going to take some of this cumbersome clothing off you, but don’t you dare run, got me? I don’t want to have to chase you down and spank your fanny.” His finger left her mouth, and his hands went to her shirt collar.
“My fanny?” Her brows rose. “What are you, ninety?” He shook his head, looking sympathetic before he pulled her forward, hooked her beneath his arm and swatted her bottom with zest before releasing her and placing her back against the tree.
“Do not vex your captor, little girl, or there’ll be consequences.”
“My captor, huh?” Her eyes became slits. “As your captive, I must obey you?” He smirked, and the facial hair around his mouth twitched. “I can’t tell if you’re being patronizing or not, little girl, so I won’t whip you, but I suggest you don’t test me further. Now be a good girl and do as you’re told.” He licked his finger and held it up. “No wind. Perfect.” Her head cocked to the side, and his eyes widened. “What? I don’t want you to be cold.”
“Cold?” His signature slow smile grew, and her gut swirled in pleasure. He hooked the finger he’d licked into her jeans and yanked her forward a step.
“Don’t you worry, honey. I plan on keeping you good and steamed up.” His low, husky voice was so sexy it caused her skin to erupt in goosebumps. He peeled the coat down her arms until it lay in a heap at their feet.
“Ah, that’s better,” she said, stretching her arms out. “Now I can get in on the fun.” She reached for him, but he gave her an ominous look and shook his head.
“I don’t think so.” He took her wrists and guided her back until she was pressed against the tree. He raised her arms and put them above her head against the bark. “Now you keep ‘em there until I tell you otherwise, understand?” There was a deep rumble in his words and she shivered.
Her eyes narrowed on him, but she kept her hands against the scratchy bark.
“Now don’t be giving me those dirty looks, honey. I promise you’ll be enjoying yourself soon enough. I told you I was going to show you the best part of being up here in the secluded Canadian mountains and I will, but you’ll have to be a good girl and do as I say. Can you do that?” He smiled widely when she nodded.
He released her wrists and went straight for her shirt buttons again, taking his time with each one, grumbling about how inconvenient and cumbersome clothing was.
“If I knew you could sew, I’d tear this open.”
“Oh, I can sew, cook, bake, grow vegetables, and tend to farm animals. I grew up on a farm and had nothing but hand-me-downs until I was eighteen.”
He tore the last few buttons apart with a little growl. With them open, Mike spread her shirt wide so that only her bra covered her front, and he whistled in satisfaction.
“I had no idea you were such an earthy girl. The designer boots and jeans had me thinking otherwise.” He reached inside her shirt to wrap his hands around her waist.
“Now we’re getting somewhere.” He ran a finger down her flat belly, stopping at her jeans button to circle it before heading back up. “You know what I’m extra happy about right now?” he asked, placing his finger between her breasts.
“That the snow’s gone?” She shivered, but it had zero to do with the temperature.
“No, little one. Bras that unfasten at the front.” He paused, tapping his finger to his chin. “And that you can garden. I could use the help. And I’m thinking of getting some chickens too.” He flicked swiftly, and the bra popped open, spilling her breasts out. Instantly, her nipples tightened from both the air and the excitement of being exposed to the world—even if there was no one around for miles. They pebbled tighter when his eyes ignited at the sight of them.
“Look at those sweet buds! They look cold, baby. Are they cold?” His wicked laugh echoed a moment before he lunged for her. Her intake of breath was swift as he sucked her right nipple deep into his mouth. His hand found her left bud, and his thumb and forefinger tweaked it. The delicious, but slightly painful tug of both made her hands clutch the tree trunk. He increased the pressure, plucking and flicking, and her back arched. He released her right nipple long enough to half smile at her and then switched it up. He played until her squirming body was pulsing heat and moisture, and then he lowered completely to his knees. The sight of it made her whimper, and shivers scattered across her skin.
His fingers traced the top of her jeans, and then his tongue did the same. Her nipples were wet and stayed tight from the chill in the air, but she didn’t feel anything but heat and need. He unbuttoned her pants and lowered the zipper so slowly that her hands lowered to help.
“What’s this?” He rose from his knees, giving her a dark look. “Did I give you permission to move your hands, my little captive?” He placed both his hands on her shoulders and pulled her away from the tree. “I’m afraid you just earned yourself some consequences.” He took the front of her shirt and pulled it down, so it hung from her arms. His eyes lingered a moment at her exposed flesh, goosebumps rising. Avery saw heat pulse in them and then he yanked the shirt completely off. She felt exposed, and the nippy air only increased her excitement. Next, he pulled her bra off, leaving her completely naked from the waist up.
“Exposing me to the elements is my punishment?” she asked, biting her lip, thinking she was glad it wasn’t denial like last time. Mike only smiled. Putting her hands together at her front, he scooped up the rope. She nibbled her lip harder as he began wrapping it around her wrists and then over the long thick branch that jetted out the side. It was a perfect branch for a tire swing, but she was no tire.
The rope wasn’t so tight that it was uncomfortable, but she certainly couldn’t get out of it unless he let her. She was strung up by her wrists, and it made her flush with need. When he was finished securing the rope, he took a few agonizing minutes to kiss her neck, mouth, and breasts again.
“Now, my sweet girl, I suggest you behave yourself for the remainder of our time outside.” He winked. “I think you can see where things are headed, and if you’re naughty…” He paused, with a leer. “Well, I’ll leave that to your imagination. In this position, the options are endless.”
Her head bobbed, but he slid behind her, his hand reaching around to her front and into her opened jeans. He cupped her panty-clad mound, making her incapable of speech. She had no thoughts, and the only thing she heard was the thump of her own heart.
“Oh, it’s hot down here.” She melted against him as his fingers circled and roamed. She squeaked when he removed his hand completely as the absence was torture and reminded her of his denial the day before. She licked her dry lips and closed her eyes, willing his hand back. “Daddy, please.”
He lowered to the ground in front of her again and pressed his mouth against the jeans at the apex of her thighs. He blew heat against her, and she yanked at her binds.
He tugged then, pulling the jeans lower on her hips, so torturously slow that she growled loudly, and pinched her wrists from jerking against her restraints.
“A loud and unruly captive?” he asked, pausing in his removal. “Hmm, whatever can I do? A gag maybe?” She shook her head, keeping her mouth closed until he continued lowering. When he finally got them to her ankles, he gently lifted each foot to remove them until she stood in just her panties, tied to a tree, exposed to the elements, both the hot sun and his touch keeping the chill at bay.
He stood and tossed her jeans over the tree branch.
“See how amazing it is to live where no other human wanders?”
“Yes, I’m definitely starting to see what you like about this place.”
He gave her a little wink and went down again.
“Not nearly as fun without you, honey.” He used his finger to trace around the band of the panties and smiled widely as she squirmed when he got close to her liquid center.
“Dammit, Daddy, please just fuck me already!” His brows shot up before he shook his head, stood and tsked her. He walked behind her, and when she twisted with her rope to see him, his hands found her hips firmly and set her back in place.
“I think these have to come off now, too. Sooner than I intended, but I simply must teach my little girl what happens when she says such nasty things even when we’re playing captive.” He yanked them down quickly, leaving them at her knees and slapped her ass hard enough to make her screech and thrust forward to escape. The sting on her right cheek hadn’t even begun to fade when he grasped her hip and gave her other cheek a branding just as hard.
“Ohmygosh, Daddy! Sorry!” she gasped. He chuckled then and spun her. Dropping to one knee, he removed her panties.
“Grab the rope,” he ordered gruffly, and when she obeyed, he put her legs over his shoulders and stood, cradling her ass in his big palms. Her bottom still tingled where he’d spanked her, but now it was joined by tingles all over. She flipped back and hung onto the rope.
“Oh now, aren’t you the compliant little girl.” He pressed his mouth against her again as he had over her jeans, and blew heat but this time his tongue flicked out and parted her for one quick swipe. She moaned, bobbing her head.
“Oh, Daddy.” She let the words tumble from her mouth.
“Let’s just see if I can’t really test you now.” He slid his tongue very lightly along her lips.
“I’ll be good, Daddy. Please!” She shuddered and then moaned as he began to suck rather than tease. A quick few thrusts against her clit and he stopped to speak again.
“Okay, I’m trusting you on this.” His breathy words brushed across the wet skin. “Now honey, you’re not going to come until I give you permission, okay?”
“Yes. Fine. Whatever you say. Just please.” Avery’s answer tumbled out. She’d agree to anything Mike asked if only he’d hurry up and give her release. Her lids fell closed as his mouth was back on her and his tongue darted into the slit and flicked again, twice this time before he pulled away.
“If you disobey me now, honey, there’s nothing to remove as punishment and my hand is still stinging from those swats.” Another few flicks of his tongue made her cry out. “Oh, baby, you’re so ready.”
She howled, and he chuckled.
“God, yes! I want you so badly. I’ll obey! Just stop talking already!” He slid a finger inside her, then two, and teased a moment by pumping inside her. She cried out in pleasure.
“If you come without permission, what will I do to you?” he hummed, lowering his mouth to her again.
“I-I…” she panted. “I don’t know.”
“I’ll take you to the sawhorse, baby.” His mouth went over her, and this time his tongue didn’t stop. Oh. My. God.
She didn’t come, but when he began using his fingers to pump inside her again, and this time using his tongue counterpoint, she shrieked in frustration. She was nearing her limit, but by the look of him so was he. He stopped long enough to look up and nod before he dove back to her center and let her pleasure pulse its sweet spasms around his fingers and tongue.
“How are your arms?” he asked as she went slack against him. He wasted no time, setting her down and undoing her ropes. With her hands freed, she grabbed hold of him, wrapped her leg around his and knocked him back onto the grass. She followed, going down to straddle him so she could take control. He let her, but only for a few minutes and then rolled and was on top, pinning her hands above her head again.
“Are you going to take your clothes off, Mountain Man, or are you shy out here in the wilderness?” She gave him a sassy ‘I dare you’ smile.
“Just making sure I have you under control first, little girl,” he said and then kissed her. She smelled the heady scent of herself in his beard. He went for her neck, and she arched her back, loving the feel of it against her sensitive skin.
“Please, I need you inside me.” Her words were desperate, causing him to give a low rumble against the hollow of her throat.
“All in good time, little girl. Demand if you want, but I’m in charge.” He lifted above her with one hand still holding her wrists and pinned her with a dark look. “Don’t move.” She nodded, wide-eyed and enamored by the man of her dreams hovering above her.
She watched him, saliva pooling in her mouth as he got to his knees and removed his shirt. His tawny hair and thick muscles turned her insides molten. He was beautiful, and she would do whatever he asked. Next came his belt and he shoved his jeans down his hips. His iliac muscles were thick and defined. He eased back from her to remove the jeans completely and smirked at the desirous look on her face.
When they were finally skin to skin, she closed her eyes. It was as if she were home. It felt so right to be beneath him, pressed to the earth by his weight—one with both him and nature.
She licked her lips and whimpered as he entered her. The feel of his girth sliding inside her was intoxicating, and it brought her up higher than she’d ever been. He was gentle, slowly thrusting deeper inside her, allowing her to feel every intense sensation. She clung to his shoulders and rocked with him. His lips brushed her brow.
“I don’t understand it, little one, but I love you. And now that I know what love feels like, I know I’ve never loved anyone before.”
She felt his whispered words against her skin and deeply inside her heart. Tears leaked from her closed eyes, running down her face toward her ears. She’d never been told that for real before, not from her grandparents, and not from Alex sincerely.
“And I love you. So much.” She said it back slowly, knowing she’d never said the words and truly understood them as she did then. “I was yours from the moment you saved my life. I will always be yours, Daddy—always.” And like falling off a cliff, they went over together, clinging to each other.