The rest of the drive passed uneventfully. Something the hands, guides and guests were collectively grateful for. Sam became more comfortable in Beauty’s saddle with every passing hour, even feeling less stiff each time they dismounted.

The band of travelers were a couple miles from the end of their journey when Alex rode up next to Sam.

"Looks like you're getting cozy up there." Alex commented with a smile.

"Yes,” Sam agreed. "Beauty makes it easy, I think. She's so well trained and good natured. It seems like I just think about what I want and she does it."

"You know.” Alex remarked thoughtfully. "Stone doesn’t let anyone even touch Beauty. To everyone else, she's his and his alone. Same with Jasper." Alex turned in her saddle to look at Sam. “Seems like he thinks the world of you, but I need to tell you," Looking deadly serious, Alex lowered her voice. "Stone's been hurt, nearly broken, by a woman that he fell hard for. Despite what you think, and what I know Carla's told you, he's not so much for the casual relationships. I’m telling you this because he's rescued you, he's let you ride his horse the entire time you’ve been here, and he hasn't made a fuss about his dog befriending you like he has." A fiercely protective look blazed in Alex’s eyes.

"I love my brother-in-law and I don't want to see him get hurt. You've gotten under his skin. You don't seem like a purposeful heartbreaker, Sam, and I like you, so I’m just asking you to treat him with care. Don't let him think there's something there if there isn’t."

"I appreciate your concern, Alex." Sam said a bit irritably. "I don't think you have the right picture here. Stone is the one who’s been flirting with me, not the other way around. Besides, our worlds are so different. We could never have the kind of relationship he wants. Don't worry, I’m not trying to get anything from your brother-in-law."

Alex reached out to touch Sam's knee.

"Sam, I’m sorry. I didn’t say that right. Stone wants something with you. I know he does, but if you don't want any kind of relationship, you need to tell him sooner rather than later.” Alex paused, then added soberly. “Your worlds aren't as far apart as you think."

Sam couldn't help the bark of laughter that escaped her mouth.

"Alex, Stone lives here. I live in New York. I run a company. Trust me, our worlds are galaxies apart."

"Sam, we know who you are."

At her shocked expression, Alex continued. "Of course we do. We know all our guests. We have to at a place like this. Plus, Carla and Cameron have been coming to Hartstone for years, so much so that we consider them friends, family by now." Alex grinned at Sam. “There was no way you were coming and we didn't know who you were."

Sam gave a big sigh and slumped in her saddle.

"Wow. OK.” She needed to process this information, but she was getting a different view of things now. "So everyone who works here knows who I am?"

Alex shook her head. "Just the family. The hands know identities on a need-to-know basis. Most of our big-name clients come here because they want the anonymity, the seclusion. The family knows who's on the roster, but that's it. We make it a point to let people have their peace, but I needed to say this to you because it's Stone's feelings at stake, his heart on the line, and that's too important to be quiet about."

"Thank you, Alex. I appreciate your straightforwardness." Sam told her honestly. “I give you my word that I will not play any games with Stone's heart."

Alex nodded. “I know you won't. I like you a lot. I wouldn't have any problem with the two of you getting together.” She smiled a genuinely friendly smile. “I think you two could be good."

Sam didn't know exactly what to make of this new information. One thing was certain though, she had some questions that needed answering before anything else transpired between herself and Stone Montgomery.

* * *

"You doin’ alright?" Stone asked cautiously as Sam furiously curried Beauty, who was loving every minute of it. Jasper lay nearby, watching the interaction with interest.

Sam ignored him for a moment, gathering her thoughts. The cattle had been penned, the guests were busy getting their mounts bedded down for the evening, and Sam was here, trying to talk herself down. After her chat with Alex, she'd let her mind go too far, let her emotions get too high. By the time they'd arrived back at the barn, she was practically fuming.

"You knew.” She hissed, whirling to face him, shaking the curry brush in his face. "You knew who I was all along. What else do you know, Stone? What's your angle here? What were you hoping for?” She forced her hands to her sides, stood toe to toe with him. Because he'd stepped right into her space, but she continued on her rant, sending daggers through her eyes while she did it. "Were you thinking that you'd get me into bed, get some juicy story for the tabloids of New York? Oh boy.” She laughed a little hysterically.

"Sam." He said quietly.

"I bet you thought you'd hit the jackpot when you found me in the woods!"

"Sam." He said more firmly.

"What did you think?" Her voice was rising and she couldn't seem to stop it. Why was she losing her cool like this? Samantha Covington did not lose her cool. It just didn't happen, but it was happening now. "Did you think you'd get me to be your rich girlfriend? Your meal ticket out of this place?"

"That's it." He growled. Before she had time to react, his right hand was at the back of her head, his left wrapped around her torso and she'd been pulled into him. His mouth over hers smothered her squeak of surprised protest. It was a hot, hungry kiss and she was melting into him despite the protests screaming through her mind.

When Stone felt her lean into him, start to give back what she was getting, he pulled away, pleased to see the dazed look in her eyes. He swept a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Sam, I know who you are. That doesn't change a thing for me. Truthfully, you aren't at all what I expected." A warm, slow smile broke across his lips. “I want you in my bed, make no mistake about that. I won't be taking the story to anyone. It’s true, I'd love to call you my girlfriend, but not because I need help getting out of this place. This is my home.” He continued more soberly. “I understand the girlfriend thing is a stretch for you. I get it. The only thing I ask, is for you to give me a chance. Just give me one chance to show you how good it can be."

How do I argue with that? Why would I want to? Sam thought. The man made her toes curl just by kissing her. She couldn't imagine what he might do with a bit more freedom.

"OK.” She challenged.

"Okay?" He questioned.

"Ok.” She nodded. “Hit me with your best shot, cowboy.”

Sam watched Stones eyes blaze to life. The low timber of his voice sent a shot of electricity straight to her core when he said, “Put Beauty away. Now."

Oh, dear lord. What had she just gotten herself into?

* * *

The ride to his cabin was quick in the gator, but Stone was in no hurry. Well, maybe he was in a hurry, but Samantha was squirming and he was going to keep her there a little longer. If Stone knew one thing, it was that anticipation would make the journey that much sweeter. So he let her squirm. When they reached his cabin he told her, "Stay."

Stay she did.

Who knew the big, bad Samantha would follow orders so well? Coming around to her side, he lifted her into his arms and carried her up the steps. He kicked the door open, told Jasper “Stay on the porch.” Then let Samantha down inside. He spun her to face him, kicked the door closed and turned them, pushing her up against the solid surface as he threaded his fingers through her hair. He pressed his body to hers, taking her mouth with a slow kiss. He took her hands in his, stretched them above her head, held her there firmly. While he held her wrists in one hand, he slid the other over her hip, smiling against her lips when she gasped at the way he pulled her into himself, pressing his knee between her thighs.

When Samantha moaned and ground down against his leg, his self-control almost disintegrated. Focus, buddy. Stone meant to show her a thing or two and that wouldn’t happen if he was the one losing control.

In the back of his mind, Stone knew Samantha would never say a thing about it, but he had a point to prove. He was going to show her the sex she paid for would never, ever be as good as it would be with him. She was driving him mad with the little sounds she was making, the heat of her on his leg, her body melting against his. Oh yeah, he thought, this is going to be so good. He broke their kiss to move to that sensitive spot just below her ear and smirked when she squirmed against him.

"Stone.” She gasped.

"Tell me something, Samantha." He ordered, letting his voice take on a gravely tone. "Tell me. When was the last time someone took care of you?"

She stilled.

He waited, pressed against her, his lips millimeters from her skin.

"Tell me." He demanded softly.

"Never." Came her anguished reply. He pulled back to look into her eyes.

"Never? In your whole life, never?"

"My...” She took a shaky breath. "One person. When I was young."

"Oh, Sweetness.” He murmured, taking her face in his hands, loving the feel of her skin against his. "I'm going to take such good care of you. I’m going to show you exactly how you deserve to be taken care of."

Then Sam learned that when Stone Montgomery made a promise, he kept it.

He bent to kiss her again. Softly, this time. Agonizingly gentle. His lips brushed hers, then moved to her cheek, her eyes, her nose, back to her lips and she sighed into him. He pulled back, ran his hands down her arms, his touch leaving goosebumps across her burning flesh. Smiling down at her, Stone grabbed the hem of her shirt, his fingers lightly brushing her skin, making her shiver, and pulled it up.

Sam raised her arms above her head so he could pull her shirt all the way off, then waited nervously for the questions she was sure were coming. It was one reason she’d hired someone. There were never questions.

Stone didn’t ask questions either. He just looked at her with all that fire still burning in his eyes. He traced one petal of the lotus flower tattoo peeking from the side of her bra with his finger, followed the flames emerging from it, going up her shoulder, covering the scars there.

“So beautiful.” He murmured.

Then he pushed her arm back, kissing the petals, and following the flames with his lips. His hands reached around to unclasp her bra. He pulled the garment of satin and lace down her arms, and tossed it aside.

Sam trembled, standing there uncovered and terrified. Trying to tell herself it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter what Stone thought. She was Samantha Covington, one of the most powerful women in a world ruled by men. No matter what Stone Montgomery said now, she would still be Samantha Covington.

It did matter, though.

It mattered so much. She would be devastated if he turned away now.

Stone looked at Sam, standing there in front of him, working so hard to tell herself it didn’t matter what he thought. He knew that what he said now, what he did now, would be a defining moment for her, for them. So he did what he’d wanted to do from the moment he’d first seen her. He ran his hands slowly up her sides, reveling in the shiver that went through her when he closed his fingers around her breasts, pressed his lips to her collarbone, and nibbled his way up her neck, then kissed his way back down. Down between that beautiful valley and up over the swell, feeling her arch into him with a groan.

“Stone, please…”

“Please what, Sweetness?”

“Please…more. I need more…” She gasped as his mouth closed over one delicate pink nipple. He used his teeth, tongue, lips, to drive her absolutely insane. She realized with some detachment, minutes or hours later, when he picked her up, carried her to his bathroom, that somehow she’d become fully unclothed and he’d lost only his boots. She couldn’t recall him removing her pants, but her mind was flooded with lust. She couldn’t bring herself to care about anything at that moment except her aching need for him.

Stone took her to the shower and cleaned her more thoroughly than she could have imagined possible. His hands found every curve, every crevice, had her panting against him while he lathered her breasts as she leaned back against his solid chest. She felt the hardness of him pressed against her when one of those big hands slid down her belly, down the front of her, finding exactly what she needed. Deft fingers found her body’s perfect rhythm and she came undone. Stone held her tightly as she shattered in his arms. She knew she should reciprocate, she wanted to, but her body felt like a wet noodle. Stone chuckled warmly and set her down on the shower bench.

“I can see I'll have to work on your endurance, Sweetness. No worries.” He let a smirk play on his lips. “I'm more than up to the task. You just stay right there while I wash up.” He grinned at her as he lathered the sponge, then soaped that incredible body of his. She was positive he was putting on a show for her.

It did the trick.

Her mouth watered, watching him under the spray. She couldn’t help herself, he was looking too good, too inviting, and she’d gotten a little strength back.

When he closed his eyes, tipped his head back to rinse his hair, she reached for him. She ran her hand the length of him, barely able to close her fingers around the thickness of him. Stone groaned, putting a hand on the wall to steady himself when she stroked up and back down again.

“Oh, Sweetness.” He ground out. “I’ve got to stop you there, or I’m not going to be able to do all the other things I’m planning to do tonight.”

Her eyes widened and he laughed when she asked, “More?”

“Oh yes. You didn’t think I was done with you, did you?”

He shut off the water, wrapped them both in fluffy towels, and carried her to his very large, very plush bed. Stone lay her down and showed her just how much more there was. Showed her exactly how much care he could give. Giving her his mouth, hot and moist against her skin. He used his tongue and teeth to tease her flesh until she was writhing beneath him, begging him for more, begging him for all of it, panting and moaning and pleading with him. When she thought she’d die from the need of it, he gave it all to her. He buried himself inside her and she nearly wept with ecstasy. Her eyes rolled back in her head as he thrust into her, slowly at first, then building until it was he who lost control and was riding her hard and fast. Pounding into her flesh until she tightened around him, her muscles contracting, grabbing him as she cried out her release. He followed her over the edge, her name falling from his lips as buried his face in her neck, both of them gasping with his final thrusts.

Then he rolled to the side, pulled off the condom she hadn’t even seen him put on, threw it in a bedside wastebasket, and pulled her on top of himself. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders, stroked her hair with the other. Sam couldn't remember a time she'd felt so blissfully spent. It was no struggle at all to let the dark curtain of exhausted sleep fall over her.