Page 20 of Owned By the Mountain Man

I’m marrying the world’s sweetest mountain man. He might pretend to be gruff and growly. But he’s standing at the altar with his Frenchies by his feet, and they’re wearing little suits with bow ties that match his outfit exactly. All three of my boys look sharp today.

I let go of the door and pause to adjust the crown on my head. Cadence made me feel like a fairytale princess with the way she swooped in and helped me get ready.

She’s invited me to hang out with her and some of the women in Courage County for the weekly coffee and cookies meeting. I don’t know that I’m ready for that just yet, but it’s nice to know her community will welcome and accept me.

“You could do better,” Trace insists as he offers his arm. He’s walking me down the aisle of the chapel and giving me away today. He’s been cracking jokes since I met him, offering funny quips under his breath. I think he’s excited to see his friend so happy.

“He’s perfect for me,” I answer with total conviction.

“There’s still time to duck out with me,” he whispers just as the organ music begins to play and the doors swing open.

“Not a chance,” I tell him as he leads me down the aisle.

Brennon and Blade are standing on Nash’s side and waiting on my side are Roman and Cadence. He gives me a thumbs-up when he sees me, revealing his swollen hands. Cadence dabs at her eyes and mouths “congrats” to me.

I can barely focus on the people around us. There’s only one person that matters to me today. His blue eyes are filled with warmth as he smiles down at me. His words are quiet, whispered only for my ears, “You look beautiful today.”

I smile, my cheeks growing warm. “You and the boys look handsome too.”

The minister leads us through our vows, but I’m barely able to concentrate on anything he’s saying. I feel like I’m floating above my body because I’m so happy. I never imagined when I started following Nash that I would find the love of my life or that he would become so obsessed with me.

When the minister finally says we can kiss, Nash reaches for me. He whispers in my ear that he loves me then his lips are against mine. His kiss is soft and tender and perfect, filling me with happiness.

I’ve spent my life running, searching desperately for something I couldn’t define. But with Nash, I’ve found exactly what I need. I have a home. I have roots, a man that’s strong and solid and anchors me. Together, we’re going to build a beautiful life.

EPILOGUE

LAURA

“What doyou think you’re doing?” My husband’s voice is a quiet rumble in my ear that instantly makes my nipples pebble. We’ve been married for a year, and it still turns me on whenever he gets that deep, growly note in his tone.

The lights are all off and my heart pounds in the darkened watch shop. I have no easy explanation for why I’m doing this. In fact, I stopped doing it after we got married. I gave away all the goods I’d stolen and did my best to make restitution. I did it anonymously and when I couldn’t right my wrongs, I did my best to donate to charity instead.

Nash reassured me I didn’t have to do anything for his sake. He said he loved me no matter what I did or didn’t do. But it made me feel good to start over. Besides, once I had Nash, I didn’t feel compelled to steal anymore. I finally have the security I’ve craved all my life.

Now without my thieving ways to distract me, I spend more time painting. Nash has a beautiful room behind his shop where I spend my days, immersed in my art. Frankie and Beans have been the subject of some of my works. The public loves them, and I love the chance to raise awareness about intervertebral disc disease in small breeds.

My throat is dry, but I manage to croak out, “I’m…looking for something.”

“And what are you looking for inmysafe, little girl?” He demands.

“I thought I lost a…” My voice trails off when I take aim at him. There’s no real intent behind the elbow I try to throw. Not that it matters.

Nash catches it easily, his big fingers locking around my arm. “Seems you need to be taught a lesson about stealing.”

“Please.” The word comes out wrong. Less like a plea and more like a moan. Of course, it does. My panties are soaked because this is my favorite game we play.

We have a lot of them, but the one where I’m the thief who gets punished is my favorite. Nash seems a pretty big fan of it too. Last time, he gave me a spanking.

The time before that, he tied me up and gave me orgasms until I couldn’t take another one. He’s always finding a delicious way to torment me, and I have no doubt this will be more of the same.

“I don’t make deals with naughty thieves,” Nash warns as he grabs my chin in a firm hold. “You’ll have to be punished.”

“I understand.” There’s a quiver in my voice that I can’t control. I’m not afraid. He’d never do anything to hurt me. No, that’s all excitement and anticipation in my tone.

“Take off all your clothes, even your panties.”

“Here?” I squeak out the word. When we do this, it’s normally in the back of his shop, not out here where there are giant windows.

---