Page 76 of The Oath We Take

He barks out three breaths, then collapses into the ground. I feel his cock throb as he stays deep within me, barely moving more than an inch in and out. I fall down on top of him as he rides out his own orgasm. The pulse at the side of his neck beats rapidly as he throws his head back and groans my name.

I struggle to calm my breath.

I should move.

My knees are likely ruined.

But I’ll carry that mark with pride for the days that follow.

His chest rises and falls quickly as he catches his breath. His heartbeat races beneath my ear.

And I wholly believe that this was the most miraculous moment of my life. It was everything I imagined being with Atom would be, and more.

His hands draw circles on my back.

And when the energy of what we’ve just done finally leaves, I slowly climb off him and fall down at his side.

“I need a nap,” I say, closing my eyes.

“Not without a dip in the river and sunscreen,” he says. I can hear the laughter in his tone.

“Spoilsport.”

“Stay there,” he says, pressing a kiss to the back of my shoulder.

I turn my head and open one eye so I can see him. “You say that a lot.”

“Maybe I like when you do what I say. But I mean it. Stay there.”

“Fine.” My eyelids become heavy, and I close them again. I know I’m avoiding the obvious. The bar. The fire. Reality needs to creep back in. Before I came out, I checked in on responses to the message I had sent the staff, telling them what had happened, how they weren’t expected in this week, and that I would continue paying their salaries for the foreseeable future.

There was shock and concern and gratitude that I wouldn’t just leave them without salary. I can carry that, for a week or two at least, until I know more.

When Atom returns, he has two towels, some bathing supplies, and my sneakers. He is naked, apart from a pair of slides.

“You were serious?” I ask.

Atom grins. “As a heart attack. Let’s go, sweetheart.”

I slip my sneakers on. “I feel ridiculous wearing these and nothing else. What if someone comes through here?”

He offers me his hand to help me to my feet when I’m done. “No one is coming through here. It’s so central in the ranch that they’d have to make a conscious decision to ride hours through our lands. Not gonna happen. Let’s go.”

“Naked?”

Atom winks.

“At least give me the towel.”

He starts walking, tugging me with him. “When I’m here, I’ll often walk down to the river buck naked. Sun on the balls is good for a man.”

I laugh at that. “There is no way that’s true.”

He shrugs. “Some think it helps with testosterone.”

I look up at him. “Not sure you need help in that department.”

Atom laughs. “Maybe that’s because I sun the boys occasionally. Plus, I like being able to look down at your ass.”

---