CHAPTER THIRTEEN

 

 

 

“Almost there, baby,” he promised her as they made their way back to her house. His desire to keep her safe had ensured Benjen kept his eyes on the road, but his mind was centered squarely on what they would be doing as soon as they were behind closed doors. “Excited?”

“Yes.”

Her tone didn’t fit her answer. “You don’t sound it.” A sliver of dread stabbed through him. “You’re not changing your mind, are you?”

“No.”

“You don’t sound sure. Talk to me.” Every muscle in his body was tight with tension.

Apple chewed on her lower lip. “I just don’t want you to be disappointed.” Even she knew men preferred a woman with confidence.

“Impossible. You’ve already made me happier than any man has the right to be.” His heart ached at how much she doubted herself. “You’re my treasure. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”

His sweet words made her cry. She laid her head against his arm. “I never knew men like you existed in the world.”

“Well, that’s a shame, because I’m just a regular, normal Texas good old boy – with a little Indian blood mixed in for good measure.”

“You aren’t regular or normal – you’re extra everything.”

“I plan on proving that to you in just a few minutes,” he said as they parked in front of her house. “Are you protected?”

For a moment, she went blank, then she realized he was asking about birth control.

“No need for a condom. I’m safe.” This wasn’t the time for sad confessions.

He chuckled. “Well, me too. Obviously.”

His question and her chain of thought dampened her mood slightly, but not for long. Sensing Benjen’s excitement and joy at what they were about to do pushed most of the regret and worry from Apple’s mind. “Let’s go in.”

After helping her unlock the door, he grabbed her for a kiss. “You go get comfortable, or whatever ladies do, and I’ll let Rose in and make sure she’s fed and watered.”

His consideration just cemented the knowledge in her mind that this step she was about to take was worth the risk. “Don’t be long.”

“Oh, I won’t,” he vouched with assurance. “I’m chomping at the bit, sweetheart.”

His dimpled grin and cowboy reference swept away the last of her reservations. With a smile, she hurried to her room to freshen up and put on something she’d been saving for just such an occasion.

Benjen did as he said he would, fetching the Shepherd, and seeing to her needs. “Don’t tell anyone, Rose, but I’m a little nervous. I don’t want to disappoint the lady.”

Rose whined in sympathy, butting her head against Benjen’s knee.

“Yea, I agree. They say practice makes perfect and this is my first time. I know what to do, I’ve done a hell of a lot of thinking and imagining about it.” He took off his hat and slapped his thigh. “Fuck! I don’t want to touch her once, then just explode. Please don’t let me be a one pump chump.” Stepping to the window, he looked up into the starlit sky. “Breathe.” Benjen willed his heart not to beat so fast. He closed his eyes and opened his heart. “Love her. All you have to do is love her. Everything else will come naturally.”

“Benjen!”

Hearing her voice, made him smile. “On my way!”

Apple winced at her overanxious behavior. “Calm down, Apollonia. You’ll scare the man away.” She turned in a circle, trying to decide where to be when he walked into her bedroom. “At the door? On the bed? Under the covers?” Yea, that was probably the safest place. She took one last nervous glance at herself in the freestanding mirror. “Thunder thighs.” Why had she ever thought this lingerie was flattering? “Oh, God!” Hearing his footsteps, she made a dive for the bed and attempted to arrange herself in a seductive pose. “Why are you so nervous? It’s not like you haven’t done things with him before?” Right – but this was different. After switching her position three times, she just sat up, pulled the covers to her chin, and squeezed her eyes shut.

As he came down the hall, Benjen undid his clothes. Unbuttoning his shirt, unzipping his jeans. He didn’t take anything completely off, he didn’t want to come waltzing into her room with his cock at full staff. “Hey,” he said as he came through the door. When he spied her in the bed, nothing visible but her beautiful face, looking at him with her heart in those big doe eyes, he forgot what he was going to say. “God, you’re gorgeous.”

She patted the bed. “Come be with me.”

“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.” He began stripping. “Is it okay for me to get naked?”

Tender feelings filled her at his apparent nervousness. “Absolutely.” He was such a contrast. Undoubtedly, Benjen Blackhawk was the most masculine, sexy man she’d ever laid eyes on. Yet, now he was being endearingly careful and sweet. “I can’t wait to feel your skin against mine.”

His smile was dazzling. “You’re killing me, darling.” Drawing back the covers, he let his eyes feast on Apple. “You’re breathtaking. You look like a centerfold princess.” He lifted his hand and touched the lace over her breast almost reverently. “As lovely as this is, I’d give almost anything to take it off of you.”

Even though she was nervous, Apple looked into his eyes and could deny him nothing. Taking the hem of the filmy top she wore, she pulled it over her head. For a moment, it caught in her hair and she felt so vulnerable, hands over her head, her breasts fully exposed – until she heard him groan and his hands cupped her – molding, kneading, pushing her breasts together. Apple froze, letting him do as he willed, while she marveled at his touch.

“I’ve never seen or even imagined anyone as perfect as you.”

He helped her off with her top, then quickly stripped off his own clothing. Apple held her breath, the sight of him unclothed was a treat. “You’re pure eye-candy, Benjen. You realize that, don’t you?” There was so much to admire about him, she didn’t know where to look first – or longest. His wide shoulders, sculpted chest, or that amazing cock between his legs. Apple felt herself grow wet, knowing she was about to make love with him.

As he joined her in the bed, coming to lie next to her, he helped her with the bikini panties, taking a moment to indulge in the complete picture of her unclothed and within touching distance. “You’re all the Christmas mornings of my life, all rolled up into one.”

“Come close. I want to hold you.” She opened her arms and he went into them. They were touching from head to toe.

Benjen clasped her to him and sighed, reveling in the feeling of their bodies pressed together. “Fuck, this is amazing.” He began to kiss her, her face, her neck, her shoulders. His hands roved over her skin, relishing the soft, silky satin. “I just want to do it all with you. I want to touch you forever. Inhale you. Absorb you. “Oh, God, baby.” He buried his head in her neck. “I’m so excited I can’t stand it.”

Apple held him as he trembled. “I want you, Benjen. Please don’t make me wait.” Her plea wasn’t a lie. She knew he needed her beyond imagination. She knew his trying to wait was pure torture.

But he wasn’t alone.

She wanted him too.

Now.

“Take me, cowboy. Make me yours.”

Benjen was shaking. “Are you sure? I haven’t done anything for you yet.”

Apple kissed his face. “This is our first time, not our last. We’ll do it again and again.” Sliding her hand down his body, she found him. Hard. Thick. Throbbing.

“Are you ready for me?”

“Oh, yea. I’m aching for you.” She took his hand and placed it between her legs.

He smiled, his face full of wonder. “You’re wet for me.”

“I am.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “Come over me. I want to feel you on top of me.”

Benjen held himself up and moved over her, the enormity of what he was doing swamped over him. To him, this wasn’t just sex. This was momentous. A milestone. Not only his first time, but his first time with the woman he’d set his heart on. “Put me inside you.”

As Apple closed her hand around the velvet covered steel of his erection, she prayed this would be perfect for them both. “I can’t wait.” She gave him a kiss as she fit the broad head of his cock to her tender opening. Excited and turned on beyond belief, her pussy began parting for his penetration, clenching around him hungrily. Stretching to accommodate his girth, she gasped at the sensation of being filled – at last.

Benjen groaned in ecstasy. As he pushed inside of her, he felt he was breaching the very gates of heaven. Nothing – nothing had prepared him for this. Her fingers dug into his back as he moved over her with whispered chants of praise, his hips pressing spread thighs, his dick burrowing deep. Even though he’d never done this before, his body knew how. In. Out. God, the pleasure was almost too much! Each thrust and pump took him deeper inside her precious body, causing her to stretch even tighter around him. “Sweet angel. Take me. God, love me. Please.”

Little did he know, but his wish was already granted. She loved him. She loved him with all her heart. As he moved, she was entranced – enchanted – by his face. The rapture she saw on his features revealed the ecstasy he was feeling. Seeing his pleasure fed her own. Each stroke of his hard cock into her sensitive channel intensified the excitement building within her. “I love this,” she cried, her hips jerking, pulling him even deeper still.

“Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck,” he moaned as he powered inside of her, paradise enveloping him. Every drive of his aching cock seemed to bring a wail of pleasure from her lips. The knowledge that he was pleasing her slew him.

“Benjen…” As she took him, Apple writhed, her pussy rippling and fluttering around him, willingly accommodating his invasion. Greedy for his touch, his possession, she wrapped her legs around him, bucking her hips up to capture every moment, every touch.

“Sweet baby…” His voice was raspy and hoarse as he strained, wanting to squeeze every moment from this, but knowing his control was nonexistent. Each muscle in his body tightened as his cock seemed to swell even larger within her softness.

Apple’s eyes widened. Something was happening. Something different. Winding tighter. Building. She knew what it was like to cum but being with Benjen was like nothing she’d ever experienced before. Her pussy spasmed, her womb contracting, clasping his flesh in an age-old move that caused him to bellow and drove the breath from her lungs.

“Christ Almighty!” He jerked within her, his hips still pumping, driving forward – pushing deep.

Feeling like her world was spinning out of control, she gripped his shoulders, whimpering her pleasure. Desperate for more, she bent her knees, and arched her back, pushing her hips up in a silent supplication for more.

More. More! “You’re so good. So big. Fuck me, Benjen. Fuck me!”

Her words ignited him, setting him on fire. He growled with primal lust and fucked her with deep, long, rhythmic thrusts. Pushing. Filling. Impaling her again and again until the flames enveloped them both and she screamed his name.

“Benjen!” As the euphoric explosion ripped through her, she urged him on, wanting this same ecstasy for him. “Come on, baby. Cum for me.” To her satisfaction, she felt his thrusts become more powerful – harder, stronger, faster – until with one mighty thrust, he froze, his face transformed with pleasure. Her name was on his lips as his cock pulsed, filling her with his essence.

“Apple, my Apple.” He collapsed on top of her, his lips seeking hers, his whole body ablaze with the sweetest pleasure he’d ever known. “You are amazing. Perfect. Thank you.” He kissed her again. “I loved it. I love you.”

He loved her? Did he mean it…or was this the exhilaration of his first time talking? Apple didn’t know. She wanted to respond in kind but was afraid to do so. All she could do was hold him tight and accept his kisses, her pussy still massaging his shaft in sweet contractions, the aftershocks of coming harder than she’d ever come in her life. “This was more than anything I’ve ever felt.” She caressed his back, loving how he felt in his arms. Safe. Secure. Cherished.

“I’m too heavy,” Benjen bit back a moan as he raised up enough to slip his still pulsing cock from the sweet, velvet of her body.

“No. Wait.” She urged him closer. “Just one more second.” She wanted to bask in the wonderful haze of contentment. He’d said he loved her! She bit her lip to keep from asking him to repeat the amazing words.

He held himself up a fraction, letting her feel his weight, but not crushing her. “I’m blown away. You are so precious.” He looked into her face, so glad they’d left the light on. He wouldn’t have missed seeing her sweet expression for anything. “I’m so glad I pleased you. I was afraid I couldn’t hold out long enough for you to come.”

She caressed his face. “I was so excited to be with you. Everything was just perfect, but nothing we could ever do together would be wrong. This is us.”

Benjen rolled over, bringing her on top of them, and keeping them connected. “I’m so happy.” He tugged her down for his kiss, his hands coming up to caress her breasts.

Apple could feel him get hard again. “Oh, yea. My turn this time.”

To his joy, she rode him, entwining their fingers – rising up and down, throwing her head back – carrying him to the heights of ecstasy. Staring at her, he felt his chest clench with emotion. Now that he’d tasted heaven, there was no way he could go back. He wanted her again and again. “I feel like I’ve come home,” he whispered as he buried himself over and over in the sweet heat between her thighs.

Every move of her body on his big cock stretched her so good, sending bolts of exquisite pleasure zinging through her veins. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she rode him in earnest, knowing neither of them could hold out for long. “Look at me, Benjen. See me.” His hands were never still, gliding over body, paying homage to her breasts. She could see him focusing his eyes, pushing aside the hypnotic ecstasy to connect with her.

“I am very aware of who I’m with, the only woman I want to be with.”

This was what she wanted to hear. As his hips flexed, forcing his cock deep enough to set off a series of erotic explosions. Her breath hitched as he filled her, driving deeper, harder, stroking the sensitive inner tissue until she quaked with pleasure, her voice rising to a fever pitch, “Benjen! God, yes!”

Hearing her climax, feeling her body surrender to his, he couldn’t hold back. He buried himself fully inside her one last time as a harsh groan broke from his lips. “That’s right, give me your sweet cries.” He raised up and pulled her down so their lips met. Still, even after jetting his cum deep inside her, his hips continued to buck upward, his cock still stroking gently within her. “This is what I was created for.” He kissed her deeply. “You. Just you.” Whether Apple realized it or not, she’d just been claimed.

 

* * *

 

For hours afterward, they lay together and held one another. Whispered words were shared between them. Twice in the night, he reached for her, desperate to be joined with her again. Even though he didn’t repeat his declaration of love, Apple had never felt so complete. So wanted. As dawn drew near, they fell asleep, waking only when the rays of the midmorning sun filtered through the blinds to caress their faces.

As they lay there, his hand stroking her shoulder, she felt the need to be honest about something she’d kept from him. “Benjen?”

“Yea, baby?” He was so content. So happy. He couldn’t imagine anything better than this moment.

“I need to tell you something.”

Oh? “What is it?”

Apple took a deep breath, dreading this. “You know when you asked me if I was safe?” She waited for him to stiffen and move away from her – but he didn’t.

“Yea, I remember.”

“I didn’t tell you the whole story. I can’t get pregnant.” While she looked into his face, she saw a shocked look come over his features. “No, I’m telling you the truth. I’m not trying to trick you. I have scar tissue build-up after some surgery to remove fibroid tumors.”

“So…you can’t…”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve explained before.” Feeling suddenly uneasy, she turned to get up. Shame washed over her. “Don’t think I was trying to pull a fast one or anything. I don’t like to talk about it. I’ve lost so much.”

Benjen stopped her movements. “Wait. Stop.” When she wiggled in his arms, he held her tighter. “Be still, my love. Listen to me.” Yes, he was surprised. Shocked. Disappointed. His hope of having a family with Apple was taking a bit of a setback. Yet, the most important thing was for her to understand his priorities. “It’s okay, Apple. Look at me.” When she reluctantly raised her eyes, he framed her face. “You are what’s important to me. Got it? Whoever you are – is just right. Understand?”

“Okay.” Apple kept having to remind herself this wasn’t a forever thing. Her head understood the concept, but her heart kept denying the truth. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m not saying you should’ve told me. This is a very private thing, I know. What I’m saying is that you could have, you don’t ever have to be afraid to tell me anything.”

She nodded, still unsure what to say. “Okay.” 

“Stay in bed. I’ll fix breakfast and tend to Rose.” He got up to go to the kitchen.

“No, I don’t need to.” Apple rose and grabbed her robe. “I’d rather be with you.” She felt odd after making her confession. “So, what do you want to do today?”

He picked her up and swung Apple up in his arms. “What do you think?”

“I can go along with that plan.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Remember, we have lots of food fixed, so we don’t have to spend time in the kitchen other than to warm things up.”

“Good, because I think we’ll be preoccupied.” He set her on her feet next to the dining table, before heading to the back door to let the dog out to go to the bathroom.

While he was busy, she slipped the cinnamon rolls she’d made the day before into the oven to bake, setting the timer to come on after it was preheated. Seeing he was still preoccupied with the dog, she ran to the bedroom to dress. Throwing off the robe, she quickly freshened up, grabbing underwear and a simple purple sundress and pulling it over her head.

“Applesauce! Where are you?”

Apple shook her head, grinning at his creativity with her name. “I’ll be right there!” she called as she put on a tad of mascara and some lip gloss.

As she was hurrying into the kitchen, she could hear Benjen talking. At first, she thought he was talking to the dog, but the she realized it was something else entirely.

“That’s wonderful news, Governor. I don’t know how to thank you.”

Benjen looked up as she entered the room. His smile told her the full story. To Apple’s surprise, he beckoned her closer. “Yes, here she is. Hold on a moment.”

Apple’s eyes bugged at the prospect of speaking to the important man. When Benjen urged her to take the phone, she did so with a shaking hand. “Hello?”

“Miss Wright? This is Kyle Chancellor. I just heard from my contacts at the Pentagon and they’ve met with the Veteran’s Administration. You’ll be keeping the military benefits that you were entitled to receive before learning of your husband’s desertion.”

“Oh, thank you, Governor.”

“Call me, Kyle.”

“Okay, Kyle.” She made a funny face at Benjen, who chuckled at her discomfiture.

“That’s better. I just want to tell you how sorry I am that you were treated this way.”

“I guess I can understand it. Alan betrayed his country.” As she spoke on the phone, her eyes stayed locked with Benjen’s. She could barely contain the emotions washing over her. He’d made all of this possible.

“Yes, but you didn’t. A military wife serves and sacrifices for her country. I spoke to Alan’s commanding officer and he upheld what I believed. You did your part in good faith. You shouldn’t be punished for your role in this travesty. Miss Wright, you were a victim, not a criminal.”

Tears began to flow from her eyes. “I’m just grateful for your efforts.”

Kyle laughed jovially. “That’s why I’m here. To serve the people of Texas.”

“I appreciate you so much. Thank you, again.”

“You’re very welcome, Miss Wright. I wish you all the luck in the world.”

As soon as the call was ended. She launched herself into Benjen’s arms. “I thanked him, but you’re the real reason this happened.” Apple hugged him as tightly as she could. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

“You’re welcome, baby.” He rubbed her back and kissed her neck.   

“I knew you had high hopes for this outcome, but I didn’t know what to think.” She exhaled and relaxed in his arms. A heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. “This way, I can stay here. I bet you’re relieved not to have an unwanted houseguest, huh?”

“Unwanted?”

His harsh tone took her by surprise. “I was teasing.” Mostly.

Walking her back to the cabinet, he lifted her to sit on the counter. “Have I been unclear about my intentions?”

Suddenly, he seemed…bigger. From the moment they met, he’d been so lighthearted and easy going. Now, she could see a whole different side of him. Intense. Laser-focused – on her. “I…” What should she say? “I know you like me.”

“Like you?” A low, growling laugh burst from his lips. “Didn’t you hear what I said while I was buried deep inside of you?” When she didn’t respond, he continued. “I love you, Apple. Completely. Irrevocably.” Before she knew it, he gripped her hair, holding her still as he jerked her to him. Holding her head tilted back, he captured her lips with a kiss meant to rock her world. This was no seducing kiss, no playful kiss. This was a marking. A claiming. He used his lips, his tongue, his teeth – his hunger – to show Apple in a way that was impossible to deny how much he wanted her.

Apple was so overwhelmed by his onslaught that she barely noticed he was undressing her – pulling her dress over her head and releasing the clasp of her bra. Big, broad hands cupped her breasts, fondling them as his insistent, callused thumbs rubbed at the swollen peaks.

“Benjen…” she whispered when his mouth moved from hers, not sure if she was wanting him to stop and talk or keep going.

“Do you love me, Apple?” he asked as he kissed and nipped at her neck, then bent to suckle at her breasts.

“Oh, Benjen, I…” she murmured as he tasted and teasing, kissing one tender tip and then the other. After drawing one puffy areola into his mouth, he suckled even harder, making her move against him, her sex clenching in need. When his hand came down to cup her mound through the thin, silky panties she wore she gasped, but still gave him no coherent answer.

“Do you love me?” he asked again. Giving her little chance to respond, he returned to crash his lips to hers for a series of long, drugging kisses as his hands moved from her breasts to her bottom, cupping her ass and tugging her forward until she wrapped her legs around his hips. He continued to drink from her lips, nipping, then moving down to lick and suck at her neck and shoulder. “Tell me, goddammit!”

As the burning caresses moved over her sensitive skin, she whimpered, unable to deny him any longer, “Yes. Yes, I love you. Very much!”

“Good answer,” he murmured, then lowered his voice. “Thank God, love. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you didn’t.” As his lips moved over the swells of her breast in a heated caress, he spread her thighs even farther. Clasping the crotch of the panties she wore, he ripped them off with one forceful twist of his wrist. After tossing them aside, his fingers finding the slick folds, caressing the narrow slit and rubbing the pearl of her clit with his thumb. “Am I welcome?”

“Always.” Her head fell back as his caresses sent riptides of intoxicating sensations crashing through her. “Forever.” She reached between them and fumbled with the fastenings of his jeans, freeing his cock, then almost lost consciousness as he took control and impaled her, working himself inside – pulling back, thrusting in – burying himself to the hilt as she keened his name. “You’re so big. So good.” Her inner walls clasped him, rippled as they adjusted to accommodate his size.

“Hell, yeah, it’s good. You were made for me. Just for me.” Benjen kissed her neck as he began pumping inside of her, pulling almost all the way out before pounding back inside of her in a relentless rhythm that set her head to swimming. “You’re mine. I waited for you.” The more insistent he became in his declarations, the harder he drove inside of her. Holding her to him, he covered her with his body, his hips bucking and pistoning between her thighs.

Apple felt herself coming unwound, flying apart. Pure bliss rose inside of her as inevitable as the incoming tide. “Oh, God, I do love you. I do!” she cried, losing herself in a whirlpool of pleasure so strong, she knew she’d never break away from its pull.

Benjen shook with the force of his eruption. He’d reacted out of a need so desperate, so pure, that he’d lost all control. Bowing his head, he rested it against her shoulder as his breathing came in harsh pants. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”

Stroking his back, she held him as he trembled. “What? Take me in the kitchen?”

He laughed weakly. “No, standing up.” Rubbing his face on her hair, he kissed her cheek. “So, you love me? Right? It wasn’t just the passion talking.”

“No, it wasn’t just the passion talking. I do love you. With all my heart.” She placed her hand on the side of his face. “When you first said those words to me, I thought the same thing, that they were said in the heat of the moment.”

“Oh, hell, no. I fell for you so hard and fast, Miss Apple. You stole my heart from the moment we first met.”

This made her giggle. “You certainly didn’t take no for an answer, showing up here with flowers for the dog.”

He gently pulled free of her and adjusted his pants, taking the time to straighten her clothes. When he’d finished with his tender ministrations, he did something that almost made her heart stop beating.

Right in front of her, Benjen Blackhawk dropped to one knee. “That’s right. I won’t take no for an answer, but this time the question is simple. I love you, Apple. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”