Page 28 of Trussed In Hope
“Easy, big guy,” I murmured, guiding Diesel into the stall and undoing the halter. He nickered softly and nudged my shoulder as if in approval. I rubbed along his neck, feeling the heat of his muscles settle under my hands, and stepped back to let Emberlynn inspect.
“You know,” she said, voice light but deliberate, “I think Diesel likes me more than you.”
I arched a brow, letting a slow smirk curl my lips. “Careful. That’s how it starts. Animals choosing their favorites. Next thing you know, they think they’re in charge.”
She laughed softly, stepping closer. “Maybe Iwantto be in charge, at least a little.”
The words hit low, and I let my gaze sweep over her, steady, measured. “Some things,” I said quietly, letting the weight of it settle between us, “you can’t just take. You earn them.”
Her eyes flicked to mine, sharp and teasing. “Earn them, huh? Sounds like a challenge.”
“Depends on how willing you are to follow the rules,” I murmured, and she shivered just slightly at the edge in my tone. Not fear—anticipation.
She followed me out of the barn, hands brushing along the rail as we walked back toward the house. The sun had shifted, warming the gravel under our boots, and every step carried thememory of Diesel under my control, of the subtle power we’d both felt in the barn.
“I have to admit,” she said, glancing up at me, “I didn’t expect… this. The lessons. The rules.”
“Rules?” I repeated slowly, letting the word linger. “It’s not punishment. It’s learning. Trust me—you feel it when it’s done right.”
Her lips curved into a small, wicked smile. “Oh, Ifeltit.” She let the words hang between us—teasing, promising, daring me to respond.
I caught her glance and didn’t look away. “Good,” I said. “Because some lessons aren’t over just because the barn door closes.”
She laughed again, soft and airy, walking closer to match my stride. “And which lessons are those?”
“That depends on how willing you are to keep up,” I said, letting a slow grin tug at my jaw.
By the time we reached the house, the tension hadn’t eased—it had just shifted, carried in our proximity, in the way she looked at me with that half-smile that promised trouble. Emberlynn’s teasing had started light, playful, but it had weight. It left the air between us thick, expectant, and far from over.
HARDISON
The old barn had been strung with white lights and garlands, glowing like a beacon against the chilly night sky. Music spilled out the open doors, a fiddle carrying the melody of a song I knew by heart. The sound of boots on wood mixed with laughter and the rhythmic calls of the bandleader.
Emberlynn tightened her hand in mine as we walked up the steps to a local favorite tavern. I could feel her nerves radiating. She didn’t grow up with this—hay bales pushed against the walls, red-checked tablecloths, the smell of spiced cider and barbecue. This was my world, and she was stepping straight into it.
“You’re smiling like you’ve got a secret,” she murmured, looking up at me with that half-daring, half-shy glint that always made me want to bend her over the nearest flat surface.
I squeezed her hand. “No secret. Just proud. Bringing you here felt… right.”
Inside, couples were already moving in neat rows, stomping and clapping along to the beat. Line dancing. Hell, I hadn’t done it in years, but it was like riding a bike. Once you got on, you knew the right amount of shuffling and kicking required to complete the dance. As long as you had on boots, were with a pretty lady, and knew how to tip your hat, you were good to go most of the time. I had something extra to go with it. I knew how to keep rhythm and wasn’t afraid to yip when the music touched my soul.
“You’re not really expecting me to do that, are you?” she whispered, wide-eyed as she took it all in. Complete with jeans that hugged her ass just right, boots I’d bought her, and a frilly shirt that gave me a marvellous view of her breasts… damn right she was about to get on that floor with me. No way she was getting out of me seeing her move that glorious body of hers.
“Oh, sweetheart,” I said, tugging her closer, bending so my lips brushed her ear. “You’re dancing with me tonight. Whether or not you like it.”
Her sharp inhale told me she heard the promise beneath the words. My dominance wasn’t confined to the bedroom—it followed us everywhere, simmering in every look and every command.
I led her out onto the dance floor, ignoring the curious looks from the locals. She stumbled the first few steps, laughing under her breath. I steadied her with a firm hand at her waist, correcting her posture, guiding her boots with the pressure of my own.
“Left foot,” I said quietly, my tone edged with steel. “Trust me. Just follow.”
She obeyed. One step, then another, until the rhythm caught her, and she moved with me like she’d been born to it. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright as she glanced up at me.Ooooh darlin’.
“See, kitten?” I teased. “Told you I wouldn’t let you fall.”
We danced through one song, then another. She loosened, laughing when she missed a beat, groaning when I spun her a little too fast. Every misstep only made her cling to me tighter. I wasn’t complaining. If I could make her fuck up the entire song just so she would touch me, I would.
I let her rest after the third dance, leading her to the edge of the floor. I got her a drink, and when I returned, that’s when I noticed two women watching me from across the barn. They were locals—I recognized them from around town. Pretty enough, both wearing their best jeans and boots, but the way their eyes tracked me made my jaw tighten. Gutsy, they came over to where we sat at a high-top table. I moved to stand behind Emberlynn, wondering what they were up to. At first they stood nearby, but then the situation escalated.
