Maggie

Maxwell pulled up to the house and dropped me off, only driving away after I entered the main house, and thankfully, my dad wasn’t there. “Sweetheart, you’re home,” my mother said, coming from the kitchen with the smell of bacon frying behind her. That meant she was making some bacon burgers on the grill in a little while. She wrapped her arms around me in a hug.

“Yes, I am.”

“What’s going on? You seem…different.” She arched her brow at me, waiting for details. My dad must have talked to her already because she thought I was going to a friend’s house earlier when my brother dropped me off in town before going to the local vet’s office to discuss another opportunity after his internship.

I was in for it. I’d never done anything out of character. Since I met him two days ago, I feel like I’m not myself. I wanted him to love me; I craved it.

I lifted my hand up and let her see the ring on my finger. She let out a gasp. “When your father told me he knew you were in his hotel room, I thought it was just because he’s handsome.”

“Mother, I know it’s crazy fast, but the way I feel is insane. After I told him to give me time all I could think about was how much I missed him and how stupid I was wasting what little time we had together. So I rushed over there this morning.”

“Sweetheart, as long as you’re happy.”

“Why aren’t you scolding me and telling me that I’m being stupid?”

“One, because you’re old enough to make those decisions on your own, and two, he has a good heart. I already learned a lot about him when he was here and when he called to schedule a meeting with your father.”

My alarm went off on my cell, which meant I had to get ready to head over next door to start supper. “I’m sorry, Mom, but I’ve got to start dinner over at Sanchez’s.”

“Take it easy, okay?” I gave her a hug then ran up to my room to change. Panties were needed since someone thought they belonged to him and refused to return them to me. Getting dressed faster than ever before, I was back downstairs in a pair of shorts and a Spurs tee shirt on. “I love you,” she called out from the kitchen.

“I love you, too,” I answered, rushing right back out the door. I hadn’t realized how late it was, so I needed to get a move on. I hopped on my bike and pedaled off to the ranch. Immediately, I regretted that. My hoo-ha had been through a thorough beating and I could barely sit. I road standing up, coasting most of the ride because I didn’t want the friction on my pussy.

I finally got to the Sanchez ranch, just as the owner was on his way out. "Hey there, Maggie."

"Hello, Mr. Sanchez,” I greeted him.

"Haven't I asked you to call me, Alex?" he asked, arching his brow at me. I liked him; he treated me with respect and never tried to flirt with me. Especially now that he had his woman. It was strange how she was here overnight and in his arms before the end of the day, but then again who was I to say anything about moving fast. I had a beautiful diamond ring on from a man I’d just met.

"Like every time I’m here," I replied.

"Well, try to call me by name next time. I have a meeting to go to. The men want your famous meatloaf tonight."

"Sure thing," I said, and that's when he caught my hand sparkling. He stopped in his tracks and came back up the porch.

"Do I know the lucky man?" he asked. I know he was thinking it could be one of his men. They were all a really good looking bunch, but I never liked any of them like that.

"Um...no."

"Well, he better treat you right or he'll get to know me really quick." He squeezed my hand gently, then tipped his hat and walked to his vehicle. I smiled and waved goodbye before going inside. The house was empty downstairs. I wondered where Diana was. If Alex was anything like Maxwell, she was probably still in bed. She and I would have a lot to talk about because today would be my last day. Maxwell wouldn’t give me two days. Hell, he never really agreed to letting me work today.

I’d been working for about an hour when there was a knock on the kitchen door. The person didn’t wait for me to call out before walking in, so I thought it was Diana, but it wasn’t. “It’s wonderful to see you again,” Rico said, sending a chill up my spine.

“What do you want?” My tone was stronger than I felt.

“You,” he stated, his eyes dark and scary. There was something different about them; they seemed soulless.

“Too bad. I thought I’ve made that clear already on several occasions.”

“Yes, and your father made that clear, too. So I took what was his,” he said with a dubious smile. I backed up slowly. I was too far away from the knife block, which I turned my eyes to. “Oh no, don’t try anything stupid my Maggie.”

“You’re crazy,” I stated, keeping my voice hard.

“That’s possible, but I don’t like being told no. And I will have you. Whether you enjoy it or not will be up to you.” He stalked toward me; fearing I wouldn’t make it far before he corned me completely, I started to run toward the drawer with the steak knives. And that’s when I heard the gun shot and I was on the ground.