Page 83 of When the Smoke Clears

“I never tease.” My eyes close as I dial into the feel of his cock filling me up over and over. He’s become more vocal during sex, and it’s something I never knew I needed but enjoy immensely.

He slaps my ass hard, and I’m positive my pussy floods him further in response, squeezing tightly around him. “Oh really? Calling me ‘Sir’ isn’t a tease?”

“Uh-uh.” Getting the response out takes entirely too much concentration as I begin to succumb to his treatment of me.

One of his hands slides up the column of my throat and he uses his thumb to press against my jaw, causing me to turn and meet his eyes. He only needs to use tiny, subtle gestures for me to do as he pleases.

His thumb rests against my throat again. Our eyes bore into each other as he continues to pump into me in a slow rhythm. I lean my head back slightly, causing my throat to push farther into his grip. His eyes gleam. “You like my hand around your throat, Firecracker?”

Letting him grip me in a way that’s inherently dangerous and trusting him implicitly with my life force is another vulnerability that I never foresaw handing over to someone. How many times has he asked me if I trust him, and how many times have I told him yes? If this isn’t the ultimate trust exercise, I don’t know what is. But it doesn’t feel like work. It feels erotic and even safe.

He studies me with a quirked eyebrow, waiting.

“Yes.”

“Good girl.” His grip tightens the tiniest bit and I moan again. In a flash, he leans forward, never letting go of my neck, and kisses me deeply. His thrusts pick up pace and intensity.

The completeness of being at Sutton’s mercy, coupled with the exquisite way he’s thrusting into me causes my orgasm to crash through me in no time, with him spilling into me soon after.

His mouth falls next to my ear and he grunts beautifully. “Fuck.” His heavy breaths fill my ear. “Now I need another shower. This time, you’re coming with me.”

Chapter 30

Maci

Forthenextfewdays, I lay low at the ranch. Editing and sending proof packages for my holiday mini-sessions only takes me about a day and a half. I spend quite a bit of time with Andi in the kitchen, learning different recipes and even making Nana’s chicken noodle soup one night, with molasses cookies for dessert. I’m thankful for these things that tie me to my former self, grounding me.

I also spend a ton of time with Sutton and the horses, learning about the ranch. Veda seems to enjoy our rides and Sutton grumbles every time Johnny Walker nibbles at my hair. Even Daisy makes longer and more frequent appearances around the house.

“It’s just because you spoil them with apples and carrots,” Sutton says one afternoon as we ride the west side of the property. This is the side that will expand, and Sutton and I are checking an area where he wants to add another herd.

“You know what they say: an apple a day.” I grin over at him from atop Veda.

He feigns annoyance and huffs.

“Oh, please. What would you do if your animals hated your girlfriend?”

He purses his lips. “I’m hardly going to make a judgement based on a cow.”

“So if Daisy hated me, you wouldn’t care.” I guide Veda closer to him. Over the additional riding time, I’ve gotten better at maneuvering and she’s gotten used to me so that we’re more in sync.

Johnny Walker bobs his head at Veda and shifts closer.

Sutton pins me with a look. “For one, no. I don’t care who Daisy likes. And for two, stop controlling both of the horses.”

I laugh loudly. “I’m not! All I did was move closer to you. I can’t help it if Johnny Walker wants to sow his wild oats with Veda.”

“Jesus, Firecracker. He isn’t interested in a romp in the hay. He’s just used to her.”

I grunt in dismissal. “Whatever you say. She’s gorgeous, and we all know it.”

He rubs a hand across his face.

We ease the horses through a dry creek bed and up onto the other side. The landscape opens up more than any other place I’ve seen on the ranch.

“Whoa.” The land goes far enough to blend into the horizon.

Sutton grins at me. “This is it.”

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