Page 7 of Chance (Wild River Ranch #3)
That didn’t sound good. She had lived among Daddies long enough to know talk didn’t usually mean words.
But that couldn’t be what he meant. They didn’t know each other.
She wasn’t even sure if he was a Daddy. And he certainly couldn’t know she was a Little.
She was very good at keeping that part of herself hidden.
She stared up at him as he ran his hands along her ribs, abdomen, and legs. Even though he didn’t touch any of her princess parts, her nipples peaked, and her pussy pulsed as if he had.
What was it about this man? Sure, he looked like an angel, even if he was a fallen one with dark hair and sunset-blue eyes. Physically, he was stunning. But that wasn’t it.
She’d been around attractive men all her life. It was the sense of control and calm that surrounded him. Even when he was upset, as he clearly was right now, she wasn’t afraid he’d lose control. Of course, she was feeling a little woozy and off balance at the moment.
“Why are you here?” she whispered.
His eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong with your voice?”
Oops. She really needed to learn to keep her mouth shut. She pointed to the roof and then made a gesture that looked more like she was playing an invisible piano than anything else. Ariel made it look so easy in The Little Mermaid . Maybe she needed a fork.
Deciding that wouldn’t help, she settled for whispering. “Nothing. I just, um, don’t want to make any loud noises that might make the rest of the snow fall off the roof.”
A vein pulsed at his temple. “You do not want to add to the trouble you’re in by lyin’ to me, babygirl. Your bottom is going to be hurtin’ soon enough. I’ll make sure of it.”
She shook her head, leaving her dizzy. What was wrong with her? Given the way Chance glared down at her, she didn’t think it would be wise to ask him. He didn’t seem too pleased to find her in this cabin.
She sniffled. Story of her life. No one worth having wanted her.
Why should he care if she stayed in this cabin? She wasn’t hurting it. She wasn’t bothering anyone. She should give him a piece of her mind. “You’re just a greedy meanie.”
Ha! Take that!
If only she were brave enough to say that out loud. And had one of those long, pointy swords to poke him with. She giggled at the thought, but the pain quickly put an end to that.
He smirked at her. “You wound me, gypsy. Are you sure you didn’t bump your head on somethin’ in the snow?”
Oh, it was too late for him to play nice now. She’d gotten up at the crack of dawn, left the shelter, and driven what must have been a hundred miles. It felt like forever. Come to think of it, he shouldn’t even be here. Why was he so far from his ranch ?
“Why are you out here in the frontier wilderness? It’s a long, long way from your ranch.”
“There is no frontier anymore, gypsy. You only drove about ten miles. I’m here because this is my land. You’re in my cabin. So, the one who shouldn’t be here is you.”
Rats! She hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
Wait. Had she said that out loud? And if he thought she’d only driven ten miles, his sense of direction was as bad as hers.
Poor cowboy. There was no way that old dirt road she’d taken wasn’t as long as it seemed.
Was she talking too much? “You’re rambling. Stop it.”
She squeaked when he scooped her up and stood. He seemed even taller from up here next to his head. He must really be strong. She hoped he hadn’t brought any rope with him this time. Was it just her, or was it hot out here?
He shook his head. “You're the one runnin’ off at the mouth, darlin’. I’m saving my words for when I get you back to the lodge. Once I make sure you’re all right, trust me, we’re gonna talk. Long and hard.”
She chose to ignore the way his warning made her tummy and her bottom clench. “That’s okay. I was talking to me.”
“What?”
“Me.” She pointed to her chest. “I was talking to me, but I didn’t mean to do it out loud. Sorry.”
He carried her up the back steps. What was up with her face? “When did you get this rash? Are you sure you’re feelin’ all right, babygirl?” He pressed his cheek against her forehead. She was so hot it damn near fried his skin. “Shit. You’re burning up, gypsy. Why in the hell aren’t you in bed?”
“Geez! At least buy me a drink first.” She snorted out a laugh at her joke and paid for it with a sharp pain. He didn’t crack a smile. Time for a change of subject. “Why do you call me a gypsy?”
“I’ll tell you when you aren’t drunk. ”
She gasped and immediately wished she hadn’t. Was there truly nothing she could do without hurting her throat? Sheesh!
He opened the back door and carried her in a bridal style over the threshold. “I do,” she said and giggled again with a hard wince at the end.
“You do what?” Chance asked. “Never mind, stop talkin’.”
Like that was the first time anyone had told her that.
She felt awful. It must be from landing backward in the snow. She must be shivering because the melting snow soaked her clothes. “Am I wet? I don’t think I’m wet, am I?” Another sharp pain in her throat made her wish she had listened to him. Truth be told, she was too giddy to care.
He groaned. “Please, for the love of all that’s holy, stop talking.”
The world spun, and her heart thumped like a bongo drum in her chest.
She needed to lie down, but in her current state, she decided a firm, muscular body would work just as well. Resting her head against Chance’s chest, she tried to breathe as the world faded to black.