Guilt. Fear. Self-loathing. Camden couldn’t rid himself of the ugliness yet as he held her hand, he felt a sense of freedom that he hadn’t experienced in a hell of a long time. She hadn’t judged him, hadn’t run away. She was right here, allowing him to share his desires with her, the needs burning into his very soul. And damn it. He refused to give into the terror clawing at the surface. Whatever would happen in the upcoming days, he would face with her.

If only she’d allow it.

He took long strides into the bedroom, turning on the only light in the room. The worn shade muted the amber glow, creating shadows crisscrossing the walls. He pulled her inside, cupping both hands before sliding his fingers up the length of her arms.

She shivered from his touch, her lower lip quivering, her eyelids fluttering. “What do you have in mind, cowboy?”

“Now, I’m a cowboy.” He lowered his head, blowing a swath of hot air across her neck while he continued touching, brushing the tips of his fingers over her shoulders.

“My cowboy.”

“Better,” he whispered and licked her earlobe then pressing kisses against her heated skin.

Moaning, she placed her hands over his and tilted back her head, exposing her long neck. “The way you touch me.”

Without uttering a word, he kissed then sucked on her neck, dragging his mouth up to her jawline, her chin and lips, capturing her mouth. Cupping both sides of her face, he allowed the kiss to become more passionate, almost rough, thrusting his tongue inside.

She remained trembling, her nails digging into his hands.

As the passion increased, he slid his hands down the length of her back, crawling her dress up the back of her legs. He was on fire, wanting nothing more than to drive his cock deep inside every sweet hole, claiming her as belonging to him. Would she respond? Would she accept a man she barely knew as her protector, her lover?

And her Master?

She pressed her hands against his chest, kneading his shirt as she arched her back, responding to every touch, her moans becoming whimpers.

Placing his hands on her ass, he squeezed and dragged her onto her toes, grinding his groin across her stomach. He was aching, longing to taste every inch of this incredible woman.

Smack!

His hand hit her backside and she dug her fingers into his shirt, gripping the fabric, undulating her body.

Taking a single finger, he brushed down from her lower spine to the crack of her ass, moving up and down.

She parted her legs and rubbed her fingers down his side to the front of his leg.

Camden wiggled his finger between her ass cheeks, finding her dark hole. Very gently he pushed inside, holding her against his chest as she wobbled, her body swaying. He broke the kiss, pulling back and licking around her lips then across the seam of her mouth. “I’m going to whip your ass.”

“You are?” She was breathless, her voice husky from desire.

“Yes.”

Biting her lower lip, she slipped her hand between them, fingering his belt. “With this?”

“Do you deserve it?”

Her eyes darted back and forth, a slight smile curling on her face. “Yes, sir.”

“Mmm…” He kissed her lips again then pulled away. “Take it off.”

She gave him a sly smile before moving her fingers to the buckle, taking her time to pull the leather strap away, releasing the tight hold. When she began to pull the strap through his belt loops, she whimpered just once, as if anticipating what she was going to receive.

“Do you trust me?”

“With all I have.”

Her answer was so honest, so easily said and he closed his eyes for a few seconds, his mind moving ahead in time, relishing the thought of a future together. Clamping back his idealistic dreams, he watched her every move as she pulled the last few inches, her fingers running up and down the weathered leather.

“I love the smell of leather,” she whispered as she held the strap under her nose. “There’s nothing more enticing.”

“A man’s belt is very personal.”

“True. A perfect selection for a hard spanking.”

Camden was shaking, and he wasn’t certain why. This was exactly what they both wanted, had craved for a long time. Why did he have a foreboding sense, as if this would never happen again? Sighing, he took the belt from her hands. “Take off your dress.” He enjoyed the way she suddenly seemed shy around him, turning away as she slipped the dress up and over her shoulders. He pressed his hand against his cock, shifting as the ache continued, building anguish as well as heat.

She dropped her things onto the small chair in the corner and exhaled before turning to face him. “How many?”

The question was unexpected, almost riveting. “Twenty.”

Another smile crossed her face, a twinkle in her eyes. “Yes, sir. I will tell you, I’m very hardheaded.”

“That’s why you need a spanking every day.”

“Yes, sir. I do. The bed?”

“No. I want you to watch as I spank you.” Nodding toward the dresser, he folded the belt as he watched the conflict build on her face.

“Really?”

“Really.” This was much more personal, intimate in a different manner. His heart raced, thudding against his chest and he had to control his breathing, counting to five as he tapped the strap against his hand.

Amber nibbled on her index finger as she walked over, standing in front, peering at the woman staring back at her.

“Place your hands on the edge. Spread your legs for me.”

“Yes, sir.” She could see his reflection and watched him as she obeyed, gripping the dresser, opening her legs wide.

Camden moved closer, sliding the belt down from her neck along her spine. He continued, traveling down the crack of her ass to her right leg. Very slowly he eased the strap down then back up her left leg, the move sensuous, tender. His eyes never left her, drinking in the way she responded.

Panting, she arched her back and breathed out, her eyelids opening and closing. Her nipples were hard, the color of rose blossoms given the sultry light.

He couldn’t believe the beauty standing in front of him, waiting for his firm hand, the stroke of his belt. Walking closer, he touched her back with his hand, brushing the backs of his fingers across the base of her neck. Her skin was like soft velvet, holding a warmth that could only be found in the arms of a woman. “What do you see?”

She gave a sideways glance, a simple smile. “A perfect man.”

Fisting her hair, he tugged. “The woman standing in front of me. What do you see in her?”

Swallowing, she hesitated before answering. “A woman in need.”

“Of?” Even the way the warm glow highlighted the streaks of blonde in her hair, allowing them to sparkle was alluring, seductive.

“A spanking.” The two words whispered, she blushed, the slight redness creeping up from her neck, adding a romantic sheen to her lovely features.

“Dig deeper,” he instructed, wrapping her long hair around his hand. Silky, he shuddered as he realized what he was about to do.

“I…” Stopping short, she moved her face closer to the mirror, her eyes darting back and forth. “I see a woman afraid to be herself, terrified of what might happen.”

“Can this woman trust what is in front of her?”

“I don’t know.”

The answer was painfully honest, a telling of the hidden girl inside. “Can she learn to trust her instincts?” The question brought another smile.

“That remains to be seen.”

“Fair enough.” He eased back, letting go of her hair, the long strands running through his open fingers. “Twenty.”

“Yes, sir.”

Crack!

She yelped and bit back the moan, her grip getting tighter.

Smack! Whack!

He fingered the belt, waiting as she caught her breath. He was drawn into her moment of pain, his own skin prickling.

Pop! Slap!

“Oh!” The sharp cry was followed by a drop of her head as she panted. “Jesus.”

“You crave discipline,” he whispered and rubbed her ass cheeks, rolling his fingertips around in circles.

“Very much so.”

“Good.”

Crack! Pop!

She wiggled, kicking out her leg then resuming her required position, another moan pushing from her full lips. “I see a woman who wants to be free.”

The words were spit out, as if terrified she would reel them back in. Camden took a moment, wiping the beads of sweat from his brow. “Then open the door.”

Slap! Smack!

“Oh, God!” Amber crumpled down, her face nearing the glass panting until steam from her breath formed an arc.

Crack! Slap!

The force pushed her face against the mirror and she sucked in her breath.

“Hold your position, my sweet girl.”

“Yes, sir.” She swayed but eased back, replanting her feet.

Pop! Crack!

The snap of his wrist caught his attention and he blinked several times, trying to focus. This was cathartic, a beautiful moment shared. So intimate. “You’re doing well.”

“Yes, sir.”

Pop! Whack!

She arched her back again, tossing her head, another moan pushing from her throat.

The sound was so strangled, anguished but he knew it had nothing to do with the pain inflicted by the belt.

Whack! Slap!

“Almost done,” he managed and brushed his hand down her spine, rubbing around her ass cheeks, moving back and forth. Up and down. He gathered his breath, trying to understand the feelings rushing through him, dazzling and so uncontrolled. He was afraid of the man clawing at the surface, as if he could turn into a monster.

Smack! Slap!

Dropping the belt, he stepped behind her and gathered her into his arms, holding her close, pulling her against the heat of his chest. “You did so well.”

“Yes, sir. For you.” Her eyes remained wide open, staring at him, drinking in the very essence that they’d shared. “All for you.”

He held her for a few seconds before turning her around, cupping both sides of her face. “You are magnificent.” The words scattered, he picked her up into his arms, marveling at the way she fit against his heated body. As he cradled her, she nuzzled her head against his chest. He was so alive, electrified and longing to spend every waking moment with her. Forever. The single word was exhilarating yet full of consequences. What would happen if they could find a way?

“You looked inside of me.”

“Yes,” he said as he lowered her down onto the bed and leaned over. “I could see through you the minute I met you. Your eyes are more than windows, my sweet girl. They are pools of longing, whispering everything your heart desires. I only hope that I can fulfill every need, every deep yearning.”

She cupped his face, brushing her thumb across his lips. “You already have.”

As he eased back, he began to shake, the same haunting, even guilt settling in. He leaned down and using the tip of his index finger, he brushed the tip down from her chin to the cleft of her breasts, encircling both before swirling the tip around both nipples. “And I hope to do more.” He took a step back, yanking the shirt up and over his shoulders. Kicking off his boots, he gave her a dominating look before removing his jeans.

“You’re so handsome. Rugged.”

“I’m just a man.”

“Well, just a man. Please come here.”

He crawled onto the bed, hovering over her, his hands on either side of her head. Her perfume, an exotic combination of spices and flowers filled his nostrils, igniting the fire burning within. “What do you want?”

“I told you before. Everything.”

“Hmmm… That could mean many things, Miss Amber.”

She purred and eased her arms around his head, running her fingers through his hair, the touch a gentle statement. “I’m complicated. You know that.”

“Yes, you are.” He pressed his lips against her forehead, allowing them to linger before rubbing them down the side of her face. The action was more insistent, laced with hunger. Growling, he crushed his lips over hers, the kiss becoming a wildfire of need. Their tongues entwined, exploring. Devouring. The taste of her was unlike any other woman, sweet and succulent. When he eased back, he whispered, “Place your hands over your head and keep them there.”

Her eyes laced with lust, she did as she was told, lifting her arms and crossing her wrists.

Everything about her was defiant, a need to push his boundaries. Enchanted, he kissed her nose then moved down to her chest, licking between her breasts to her stomach. “You taste sweet.”

“You drive me crazy.” She wiggled her legs and arched her back as if begging for more.

“Remember, you’re not in control. Keep that in mind or you’ll be punished again.” Allowing a dark chuckle, he pressed down on her stomach before taking her nipple into his mouth, sucking, his tongue swirling. The moment she moaned, he bit down, taking the tender flesh between his teeth. He crawled between her legs and slid his mouth to her other hardened bud, sucking as he pinched the other between his thumb and forefinger.

“Oh, God!” She tossed her head to the side, her mouth opening wide.

He exhaled, allowing his hot breath to cascade across her bud. “You enjoy pain.”

“Yes, sir. I do.”

“A powerful connection. Pleasure only after pain.” There was an extreme darkness buried within him, a desire to strip her of all inhibitions, take her to escalated heights of agony, but now was the time to give her a slice of ecstasy. He continued his journey, licking every inch of her skin, her arms and stomach, her hips then moving to her legs. Drawn into the moment, he relished in the way her body quivered, her mouth pursing. He nipped the skin of her inner thigh, delighting in the way she shifted her head from side to side.

“You’re making me…” When he pushed her legs wide open, she jerked up. “Lick me. Please.”

Smack!

He slapped his hand against her pussy, his fingers driving into her wetness. “My choice. My decision.”

“Yes, sir.” A smile remained on her face and she clenched her eyes shut, moaning, her body undulating.

He noticed the goosebumps popping along her naked flesh, the way she was trembling from his simple touch. His cock stood at full attention, his balls heavy with cum. He refused to allow any pleasure of his own until she was satisfied. Gathering her legs into his arms, he licked across the top of her groin, dragging his tongue back and forth.

“God!” Her upper lip held a sheen of perspiration, glistening in the dim lighting.

Pushing back her legs, he savored the way she was already so wet. Inhaling, the scent of her was a powerful and intense moment of utter intoxication, an addictive drug, and he had to use every ounce of control as he lowered his head. He darted his tongue around her clit then eased back.

She jumped, her arms coming down, her hands reaching for him.

Slap!

Camden smacked her pussy again, using three fingers then dipping them into her soft folds. Swirling his tongue around her clit, he continued the motion in slow and lazy circles, enjoying the way her tissue swelled almost immediately. He replaced his tongue with his finger, brushing around and around. Unable to focus, his desire was cresting, reaching a breaking point.

“Oh, please.”

“Please?”

“Lick me!” She whimpered and shifted on the comforter, her entire body wiggling, her back arching.

Burying his face into her cunt, he lapped at her cream, sliding his tongue up and down, his eyes never leaving her.

“God!”

Slipping two fingers inside her cunt, he thrust them in and out as he licked and sucked on her clit. As her legs began to shake, he added a third finger, flexing them open, pumping harder and faster. Grunting, his face covered in her juice, he closed his eyes and feasted, allowing the orchestration of his fingers and tongue to drive her to the point of coming.

“Yes. Yes!” Bucking up, she yelped, the sound echoing in the room.

He drove his fingers in as deep as possible, twisting his hand then adding his fourth finger, rubbing his thumb around her clit. He breathed out, the whisper more of a hoarse grunt. “You only come when I tell you.”

“Oh, God. Yes, sir. Yes…” Her words trailing off, she sucked in her breath, holding it, her head moving back and forth.

He thrust his tongue in beside his fingers, sucking every drop. When her pants became intense moans, her body shifting, rolling and bucking, he could hold her back no longer. “Come for me. Come in my mouth.” The words were demanding.

“Yes. Yes!” Jerking up from the bed, her eyes flew open as she climaxed, every muscle in her body twitching. “Oh. My. God.”

The single orgasm became another. Then another and he held her down, his licks lighter, his fingers pumping slowly. Only when she was finished trembling did he ease back. The taste of her lingered, the scent filling his nostrils. She was so soft, so inviting and he was overwhelmed with the need to protect as well as dominate.

“Mmm…” Stretching out her legs, she lowered her arms, wrapping one around a pillow, a look of utter contentment on her face. She rolled back and forth, her eyes closed, every inch of her naked skin glistening.

“Did I command you to lower your arms?”

Opening one eye, she groaned, her lower lip pouting. “No, sir.”

“I can see you continue to have difficulty obeying.” Shaking his head, he tsked his finger.

“Then I’ll need more training.”

“That you will.” His voice little more than a guttural growl, he crouched over her listless body. “And trust me, sunshine. You will learn.” Kicking her legs apart, he laid on top, thrusting his cock deep inside her pussy. He wanted this to be special, a sweet deliverance of their budding relationship, but he wasn’t a patient man.

“Oh!” Wrapping one leg around his, she shifted, moving back and forth as she reached for the headboard, digging her fingers into wood before wrapping them around a post.

Shuddering, he allowed the jolts of current to rocket through him as his dick throbbed, swelling, filling her cunt. “Tight. So fucking tight.”

Amber slid her other leg around his thigh, soft moans pushing past her lips.

He pulled out until just the tip was inside and palmed the bedding, using the power of his arm muscles to hold his body aloft. “I want to give you hours of pleasure, to fill every hole with my cum.”

“Yes! Oh, yes. Don’t tease me!”

“This is no tease, sweetheart. This is a man taking what he wants.” Driving inside, the force shoved her against the bed. Creaking and popping sounds floated between them, mixing with his savage grunts. “Every. Chance.” Pumping in and out, he continued to hover, studying her facial expressions, her soft cries of joy.

She pinned her feet together, jutting her hips in an effort to meet every hard thrust with one of her own. “Yes! Oh. Oh!”

Camden slowly lowered his head, pressing kisses across her lips as he thrust harder. Faster. The feel of her pussy muscles clenching around him created a rumbling in his groin, a stiffness in his legs. He wanted this to last for hours, but his desire was bursting at the seams, his longing to fill her an almost haunting moment. This wasn’t about fucking a woman but claiming her.

Owning her.

With every hard thrust, his heart beat faster, racing to the point his breathing was ragged. Blinking, beads of sweat trickled down both sides of his face, slipping ever so slowly onto her chest.

Tossing her head back and forth, she panted. “Oh, so-”

He captured her mouth, keeping her from finishing her sentence. Every dark craving rushed into the forefront of his mind, all the nasty things he longed to do. Unable to stop the beast from breaching the surface, he jerked back then rolled her over, forcing her onto her knees.

Yelping, she was pitched forward, so vulnerable and so open.

“I will take you in every hole whenever I desire.” Fisting her hair, he yanked back her head as he slapped his stiff dick against her ass.

Amber opened her legs, struggling to keep her hands against the comforter.

Smack! Crack!

Issuing two hard smacks, he expelled a ragged breath before driving his dick into her pussy, slamming his groin against her bruised ass.

“Aaahhh…” she breathed and as he began to drive into her cunt in a brutal manner, she pushed back, meeting every hard thrust.

He tossed his head back, roaring as he plunged in a savage manner, his shaft wrapped by the warmth of her cunt muscles. The way they squeezed around him, pulling him in deeper, there was no way to hold back. His entire body began to shake, and he gritted his teeth, pushing away the climax as he thrust harder, his thigh muscles strained.

“Camden…” Her whispered word was lost in his haggard grunts.

But he heard her. He could sense she was giving him her submission, unlocking the tight chains that had taken her into a ruthless darkness. He cupped both breasts, his fingertips digging into her soft skin, squeezing. “Am-ber!”

Amber rocked forward and backward, shoving her hips against his, the sound of skin slapping against skin mixed with their animalistic sounds.

Sweat dripped into his eyes and he swung his head from side to side, trying to hold back the orgasm, grunting as he strained. As cum rushed up his throbbing shaft, he pinched her nipples, twisting and pulling, delighting in her sounds of anguish. The moment he came, shooting hot cum deep inside her cunt, he fell over her, draping his arms over hers, his heart thudding, his blood pumping. And he knew. And he understood. The longing. The waiting. This moment.

He was in love.

Amber sat on the split rail fence, kicking her boot against the wood and watching the various ranch hands showing off. She hadn’t been able to say two words to Camden during the entire barbecue and it seemed as if he’d purposely stayed away, perhaps to keep up appearances. The night they’d shared had been amazing, but she continued to question his integrity.

“Got a dollar for those heavy thoughts of yours.”

She smiled hearing Pepper’s approach. “A whole dollar, huh?”

“Yeah, well business is slow.” Pepper leaned against the fence, placing her hand over her eyes to avoid the sun. “I think the boys were all very happy.”

“You did good. I appreciate you being here.”

“You mean doing all the cooking?” Pepper teased.

“Very funny.” Amber looked away, studying Zeus and his reaction to Camden.

“That man of yours is sure smitten with your horse.”

“He’s not my man and speaking of smitten. Seems like you and Drago were getting cozy.” Amber gave her friend a look, surprised the two had gotten along. This wasn’t about jealousy, but the connection seemed too close.

She snorted. “Just the alcohol. Nothing more.”

“Bullshit. You were hanging all over him.”

“Do I detect a hint of jealousy?” Pepper admonished, smacking Amber on the leg.

“Nope. I’ve never claimed Drago in any fashion. I’m not sure about him anyway.”

“You’re not sure of any man who comes your way. Why?”

Amber wasn’t certain if she had an answer. “Just no time in my life for a man. They require a lot of effort.”

Pepper laughed. “All good things do, honey. Jesus. You sound like you’ve given up. Did something happen last night?”

She felt her face reddening, creating a wave of heat. “Something?”

“You fucked him. Didn’t you?”

“Louder please. I’d like every one of the crew to know.” Rolling her eyes, she noticed Drago moving toward Camden. What in the hell?

“Girl! That’s wonderful. Did you bring him gifts or just tumble over his knee?”

She twisted in Pepper’s direction. “You seem awfully fascinated in my desire for discipline. Very much so. I’m beginning to think you’d like to explore the idea.”

Pepper shrugged. “I might. Sounds fun. I do love rough and tumble men.”

“Then Drago is your man.”

“What’s there not to trust about him?”

She thought about the question. “I think somebody I employ is working with Mr. Randolph.” When there was dead silence, she squinted, studying Pepper’s face. “What?”

“Do you really think so?”

“The man seems to anticipate my every move on the ranch before I do. Not certain what to think.”

“I don’t know. He’s a brooding Russian. That much is certain, but do you think he’d really sell his soul?”

“Money is a big attraction.” She craned her neck, trying to figure out what Drago was doing. Talking with Camden? This was odd. The two men did not get along, even sparring at the barbecue.

“I guess, but he just doesn’t seem intelligent enough I guess.”

Amber laughed. “There’s much more underneath his scowl. Trust me. Besides, I thought you adored dark and dangerous men.”

“I do, honey. I wouldn’t mind a little one on one time with him, but nothing more.” Pepper followed her gaze. “What is going on between those two?”

“I’m not sure, but I think I need to find out.” Jumping off the fence, she walked in the direction of what now appeared to be an argument. After just a few steps, she took off running. When she was able to hear their loud voices, she rushed to get in the middle. She knew Pepper was trailing behind her.

“You just stay away from her!” Drago snapped.

“I think the lady gets to decide who she wants to spend time with,” Camden countered.

Dear God, Drago was drunk. “Hey!” Amber called.

“Yeah? Well, I know you. I know exactly where you come from. You’re a liar!” Throwing a punch, Drago caught Camden just under the chin, the force knocking Camden on his ass.

Camden scrambled to his feet, rushing forward, issuing a solid punch to Drago’s gut.

“Stop!” Amber called, moving to within two feet of them.

As the men scuffled, throwing punches, several of the other ranch hands crowded around.

“This oughta be good,” one of them said, laughing as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Yeah, well, we don’t need them killing each other,” Chowder stated and took several long strides closer. “You boys need to stop this shit.”

“Look at Camden,” Pepper whispered.

“This is ridiculous!” Amber countered, her anger level increasing.

Drago took a wide swing, missing Camden by several inches. Camden shot back with a kick to Drago’s gut, sending him reeling onto the ground.

Amber shoved her way in between several of the cowboys. “Stop. Now!”

Camden gave her a look, panting as he stepped back, his hands on his hips.

Drago was pulled to the ground by another ranch hand and growled, fighting to get back to Camden.

“Enough!” Jorge yelled. “You boys are going to need to play nice with each other or I’ll dock you both a day’s wages.”

Drago hissed and threw Jorge a nasty look. “You need to get this lying sack of shit out of here.”

“Yeah? What’s he lying about?” Jorge got in the man’s face.

Camden moved closer. “Just stay away from me.”

Amber could tell there was more to the fight but at least Camden was ready to walk away. She sauntered closer just as Drago managed to break away and in a split second, he had Camden by the throat, pushing him hard against the barn wall. And she heard the man’s words.

“I know exactly why you’re here and I will kill you.”